bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polyphyly of the iconic cactus genus Turbinicarpus (Cactaceae) and its generic circumscription
Authors: Vázquez-sánchez Monserrat , Sánchez Daniel , Terrazas Teresa , De La Rosa-Tilapa Alejandro , Arias Salvador
Published: June 2019

Generic circumscription and species relationships in several lineages in Cactaceae tribe Cacteae remain unresolved. Turbinicarpus s.l. is one of the most species-rich genera in Cacteae, with its centre of distribution in the Chihuahuan Desert, Mexico. We reconstructed a phylogenetic tree of Turbinicarpus s.l. with Bayesian inference, using plastid DNA sequences and morphological characters, and inferred biogeographic history in order to understand their relationships. Our results supported the recognition of three different monophyletic lineages: Kadenicarpus, Rapicactus and Turbinicarpus. Kadenicarpus is endemic to the southernmost part of the Chihuahuan Desert in the states of Hidalgo and Querétaro. Rapicactus and Turbinicarpus are distributed in the main region of the Chihuahuan Desert where they have areas of overlap.
Red blood cell dysfunction: a new player in cardiovascular disease
Authors: Pernow John , Mahdi Ali , Yang Jiangning , Zhou Zhichao
Published: June 2019

The primary role of red blood cells (RBCs) is to transport oxygen to the tissues and carbon dioxide to the lungs. However, emerging evidence suggests an important role of the RBC beyond being just a passive carrier of the respiratory gases. The RBCs are of importance for redox balance and are actively involved in the regulation of vascular tone, especially during hypoxic and ischaemic conditions by the release of nitric oxide (NO) bioactivity and adenosine triphosphate. The role of the RBC has gained further interest after recent discoveries demonstrating a markedly altered function of the cell in several pathological conditions. Such alterations include increased adhesion capability, increased formation of reactive oxygen species as well as altered protein content and enzymatic activities. Beyond signalling increased oxidative stress, the altered function of RBCs is characterized by reduced export of NO bioactivity regulated by increased arginase activity. Of further importance, the altered function of RBCs has important implications for several cardiovascular disease conditions. RBCs have been shown to induce endothelial dysfunction and to increase cardiac injury during ischaemia-reperfusion in diabetes mellitus. Finally, this new knowledge has led to novel therapeutic possibilities to intervene against cardiovascular disease by targeting signalling in the RBC. These novel data open up an entirely new view on the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms behind the cardiovascular disease processes in diabetes mellitus mediated by the RBC. This review highlights the current knowledge regarding the role of RBCs in cardiovascular regulation with focus on their importance for cardiovascular dysfunction in pathological conditions and therapeutic possibilities for targeting RBCs in cardiovascular disease.
A comprehensive analysis of the effects of rivaroxaban on stroke or transient ischaemic attack in patients with heart failure, coronary artery disease, and sinus rhythm: the COMMANDER HF trial
Authors: Mehra Mandeep R , Vaduganathan Muthiah , Fu Min , Ferreira João Pedro , Anker Stefan D , Cleland John G F , Lam Carolyn S P , van Veldhuisen Dirk J , Byra William M , Spiro Theodore E , Deng Hsiaowei , Zannad Faiez , Greenberg Barry
Published: June 2019

Aims

Stroke is often a devastating event among patients with heart failure with reduced ejection (HFrEF). In COMMANDER HF, rivaroxaban 2.5 mg b.i.d. did not reduce the composite of first occurrence of death, stroke, or myocardial infarction compared with placebo in patients with HFrEF, coronary artery disease (CAD), and sinus rhythm. We now examine the incidence, timing, type, severity, and predictors of stroke or a transient ischaemic attack (TIA), and seek to establish the net clinical benefit of treatment with low-dose rivaroxaban.

Methods and results

In this double-blind, randomized trial, 5022 patients who had HFrEF(≤40%), elevated natriuretic peptides, CAD, and who were in sinus rhythm were treated with rivaroxaban 2.5 mg b.i.d. or placebo in addition to antiplatelet therapy, after an episode of worsening HF. The primary neurological outcome for this post hoc analysis was time to first event of any stroke or TIA. Over a median follow-up of 20.5 (25th–75th percentiles 20.0–20.9) months, 150 all-cause stroke (127) or TIA (23) events occurred (ischaemic stroke in 82% and haemorrhagic stroke in 11% of stroke events). Overall, 47.5% of first-time strokes were either disabling (16.5%) or fatal (31%). Prior stroke, low body mass index, geographic region, and the CHA2DS2-VASc score were predictors of stroke/TIA. Rivaroxaban significantly reduced the primary neurological endpoint of all-cause stroke or TIA compared with placebo by 32% (1.29 events vs. 1.90 events per 100 patient-years), adjusted for the time from index HF event to randomization and stratified by geographic region (adjusted hazard ratio 0.68, 95% confidence interval 0.49–0.94), with a number needed to treat of 164 patients per year to prevent one stroke/TIA event. The principal safety endpoint of fatal bleeding or bleeding into a critical space, occurred at a similar rate on rivaroxaban and placebo (0.44 events vs. 0.55 events per 100 patient-years).

Conclusions

Patients with HFrEF and CAD are at risk for stroke or TIA in the period following an episode of worsening heart failure in the absence of atrial fibrillation. Most strokes are of ischaemic origin and nearly half are either disabling or fatal. Rivaroxaban at a dose of 2.5 mg b.i.d. reduced rates of stroke or TIA compared with placebo in this population.

Trial Registration

COMMANDER HF (A Study to Assess the Effectiveness and Safety of Rivaroxaban in Reducing the Risk of Death, Myocardial Infarction, or Stroke in Participants with Heart Failure and Coronary Artery Disease Following an Episode of Decompensated Heart Failure); ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01877915.
Birational Superrigidity and K-Stability of Singular Fano Complete Intersections
Authors: Liu Yuchen , Zhuang Ziquan
Published: June 2019

We introduce an inductive argument for proving birational superrigidity and $K$-stability of singular Fano complete intersections of index one, using the same types of information from lower dimensions. In particular, we prove that a hypersurface in $\mathbb{P}^{n+1}$ of degree $n+1$ with only ordinary singularities of multiplicity at most $n-5$ is birationally superrigid and $K$-stable if $n\gg 0$. As part of the argument, we also establish an adjunction-type result for local volumes of singularities.
Application of the Domestic and EU Antitrust Prohibitions: an analysis of the UK competition authority's enforcement practice
Authors: Rodger Barry J
Published: June 2019

This article makes a significant and original contribution to the literature on the enforcement practices of competition authorities by providing the first comprehensive account of the work of the UK National Competition Authority (The OFT and latterly the CMA) in its primary task of enforcing the EU and domestic antitrust prohibitions. A rigorous empirical study of the full 19 years of enforcement practice provides the only detailed analysis of this central pillar of UK competition law enforcement, based on a new data-set on the prohibition Case Outcomes in that period which provides information on the quantity of cases, competition law provisions applied and types of Case Outcome. The article identifies and explains the apparent focus to date on by-object agreement competition law infringements and reveals data on the fining record of the UK competition authority. The article also provides the first data and narrative on the enforcement of the EU antitrust prohibitions within the UK. Overall, the article reveals a disappointing track record by the UK competition authority in enforcing both the domestic and EU prohibitions, on an absolute and relative basis, in comparison with other leading EU MS NCAs, and provides an empirically-driven account which allows us to reflect on experience to date and inform enforcement practice for the future.
Yudhiṣṭhira and the blending of mokṣa into the puruṣārthas: A way of thinking about the dialogue of the Ṣaḍgītā
Authors: Muñoz Gomez Paloma
Published: June 2019

Yudhiṣṭhira has long been considered a character who is at the crossroads of two different ideologies, i.e., pravṛtti, active social engagement, and nivṛtti, withdrawal from social engagement. Further, by drawing out the thematic convergence around the puruṣārthas between the dialogues of the Pāṇḍavas at the beginning of the Śāntiparvan and the Ṣaḍgītā, Bowles argues that the Ṣaḍgītā signals Yudhiṣhira’s transformation from wanting to renounce to facing up to his duty to rule (2007, 2009). In this article, I explore further the important role these two interconnected sets of passages have in the integration of mokṣa into the scope of the puruṣārthas. I show how in the Ṣaḍgītā Yudhiṣṭhira is represented as synthesising the knowledge about renunciation he is portrayed as displaying in the earlier Śāntiparvan dialogues, and performing a blend of nivṛtti and pravṛtti values that redefines, in the context of the puruṣārthas, the notion of mokṣa.
From Roll-Out to Reverse: Understanding Tanzania’s Withdrawal from the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF)
Authors: Fellesson Måns
Published: June 2019

This article tries to bring some clarity to the dynamics of current Tanzanian politics that led to the sudden withdrawal of the country from the voluntary commitment to be a Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF) roll-out country and, through this, an international forerunner in the application of the new comprehensive and multi-stakeholder approach embedded in the ‘New Way of Working’. Specifically, the article will look into the possible underlying factors behind the decision to retreat from the application of the CRRF and highlight the potential implications of this course of action. Finally, in light of the above, the article will discuss lessons learned that could inform the implementation of the CRRF in other roll-out countries and suggest possible ways forward on how to strategically work with durable solutions in Tanzania beyond the option of voluntary repatriation.
Developing an effective scheme for translation and expansion of Persian user queries
Authors: Esmailpour Razieh , Ebrahimy Saeideh , Fakhrahmad Seyed Mostafa , Mohammadi Mehdi , Abbaspour Javad
Published: June 2019

This study aims at introducing a new source for translation and expansion of user queries in Persian language in order to develop a bilingual dictionary. For the purpose of this study, required data were extracted and processed from English and Persian bibliographic information of journal articles to develop a dictionary for query translation and expansion, denoted as Query Expansion Assistant Database (QEAD). In this study, psychology and educational sciences journals have been selected as the sample with the potential of extension to other domains. Persian–English authors’ keywords were used for translation part and titles of English references were used to extract phrases using natural language processing techniques for the expansion part. The proposed algorithm is demonstrated. Then we evaluated this approach using human evaluation by using Google translate (GT) and Google scholar. Although the evaluation of translation part indicated 60% match between GT and QEAD, in 40% of unmatched translations, QEAD showed a better performance according to expert evaluators. Expansion part of QEAD was compared with Google scholar suggestions, which indicated that the expanded words of QEAD can equalize with Google scholar suggestions. Persian as a low resource language needs more qualified lexicon translation. In addition, using the English–Persian bibliographic information of scientific journals to mine lexicon translation is conducted for the first time. Since these journals are peer-reviewed, they can be a valuable source for translation of user’s query. Users can be informed of the most prevalent and up-to-date words or phrases among scientists, because journals are published frequently.
Spitzenkandidaten beyond Westminster: Comparing Chancellor Candidates in Germany and Austria
Authors: Helms Ludger
Published: June 2019

Top candidates of political parties are increasingly identified as a preeminent factor in electoral campaigns and with regard to winning governmental office; yet they have always been important to a deeper understanding of party competition. This article looks into German and Austrian post-war chancellor candidates, that is, the parties’ lead candidates reaching out for the top job in the executive branch. The more particular focus is on the political profiles and track records of non-incumbent candidates challenging a sitting chancellor. The study proceeds from a brief discussion of German and Austrian ‘peculiarities’, judged against the established parameters of Westminster-style politics, to a comparative empirical assessment. Of the four hypotheses developed (relating to constitutional features, parties and party families, opportunity structures for female candidates and ‘personalisation’), only one is supported by our empirical findings. However, the notable problems of relating empirical patterns to theoretical propositions may not all be caused by political contingency. To some extent, it seems, they rather reflect the strategic choices of challenging parties specifically designed to generate the impression of ‘freshness’, and to take incumbents by surprise.
Disagreement and Uncertainty Among Experts About how to Respond to Marijuana Use in Patients on Long-term Opioids for Chronic Pain: Results of a Delphi Study
Authors: Starrels Joanna L , Young Sarah R , Azari Soraya S , Becker William C , Jennifer Edelman E , Liebschutz Jane M , Pomeranz Jamie , Roy Payel , Saini Shalini , Merlin Jessica S
Published: June 2019

Background

Marijuana use is common among patients on long-term opioid therapy (LTOT) for chronic pain, but there is a lack of evidence to guide clinicians’ response.

Objective

To generate expert consensus about responding to marijuana use among patients on LTOT.

Design

Analysis from an online Delphi study.

Setting/Subjects

Clinician experts in pain and opioid management across the United States.

Methods

Participants generated management strategies in response to marijuana use without distinction between medical and nonmedical use, then rated the importance of each management strategy from 1 (not at all important) to 9 (extremely important). A priori rules for consensus were established, and disagreement was explored using cases. Thematic analysis of free-text responses examined factors that influenced participants’ decision-making.

Results

Of 42 participants, 64% were internal medicine physicians. There was consensus that it is not important to taper opioids as an initial response to marijuana use. There was disagreement about the importance of tapering opioids if there is a pattern of repeated marijuana use without clinical suspicion for a cannabis use disorder (CUD) and consensus that tapering is of uncertain importance if there is suspicion for CUD. Three themes influenced experts’ perceptions of the importance of tapering: 1) benefits and harms of marijuana for the individual patient, 2) a spectrum of belief about the overall riskiness of marijuana use, and 3) variable state laws or practice policies.

Conclusions

Experts disagree and are uncertain about the importance of opioid tapering for patients with marijuana use. Experts were influenced by patient factors, provider beliefs, and marijuana policy, highlighting the need for further research.
Combination therapy with mandibular advancement and expiratory positive airway pressure valves reduces obstructive sleep apnea severity
Authors: Lai Victor , Tong Benjamin K , Tran Carolin , Ricciardiello Andrea , Donegan Michelle , Murray Nicholas P , Carberry Jayne C , Eckert Danny J
Published: June 2019

Study Objectives

Mandibular advancement splint (MAS) therapy is a well-tolerated alternative to continuous positive airway pressure for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Other therapies, including nasal expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP) valves, can also reduce OSA severity. However, >50% of patients have an incomplete or no therapeutic response with either therapy alone and thus remain at risk of adverse health outcomes. Combining these therapies may yield greater efficacy to provide a therapeutic solution for many incomplete/nonresponders to MAS therapy. Thus, this study evaluated the efficacy of combination therapy with MAS plus EPAP in incomplete/nonresponders to MAS alone.

Methods

Twenty-two people with OSA (apnea–hypopnea index [AHI] = 22 [13, 42] events/hr), who were incomplete/nonresponders (residual AHI > 5 events/hr) on an initial split-night polysomnography with a novel MAS device containing an oral airway, completed an additional split-night polysomnography with MAS + oral EPAP valve and MAS + oral and nasal EPAP valves (order randomized).

Results

Compared with MAS alone, MAS + oral EPAP significantly reduced the median total AHI, with further reductions with the MAS + oral/nasal EPAP combination (15 [10, 34] vs. 10 [7, 21] vs. 7 [3, 13] events/hr, p < 0.01). Larger reductions occurred in supine nonrapid eye movement AHI with MAS + oral/nasal EPAP combination therapy (ΔAHI = 23 events/hr, p < 0.01). OSA resolved (AHI < 5 events/hr) with MAS + oral/nasal EPAP in nine individuals and 13 had ≥50% reduction in AHI from no MAS. However, sleep efficiency was lower with MAS + oral/nasal EPAP versus MAS alone or MAS + oral EPAP (78 ± 19 vs. 87 ± 10 and 88 ± 10% respectively, p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Combination therapy with a novel MAS device and simple oral or oro-nasal EPAP valves reduces OSA severity to therapeutic levels for a substantial proportion of incomplete/nonresponders to MAS therapy alone.

Clinical Trials

Name: Targeted combination therapy: Physiological mechanistic studies to inform treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)

URL: https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=372279 Registration: ACTRN12617000492358 (Part C)
A tail of evolution: evaluating body length, weight and locomotion as potential drivers of tail length scaling in Australian marsupial mammals
Authors: Weisbecker Vera , Speck Cruise , Baker Andrew M
Published: June 2019

Although mammalian tail length relative to body length is considered indicative of locomotor mode, this association has been difficult to quantify. This could be because the counterweight function of the tail might associate it more with body weight than body length. Alternatively, relative tail length might not be evolutionarily flexible owing to its integration with the remaining skeleton, particularly the spine. Using comparative analyses of morphological means and ranges in Australian marsupials, including the first co-assessment with body weight, our study supports the second hypothesis, i.e. tail length ranges within species, and tail lengths among species are explained better by body length than by body weight. However, all three variables do not differ in phylogenetic signal or rates of evolution. Associations of tail lengths with locomotion are limited, but suggest that scaling slopes, rather than intercepts, are responsible for limited divergence between relative tail lengths at different locomotor modes. This complicates (palaeo-)ecological interpretations of tail length further. We conclude that relative tail length is not a strong predictor of locomotor mode, probably owing to strong integration of tail and body length. The many well-documented bony and soft-tissue adaptations of tails are likely to be better suited to interpretations of locomotor adaptations.
Systematic revision of Sarcosuchus hartti (Crocodyliformes) from the Recôncavo Basin (Early Cretaceous) of Bahia, north-eastern Brazil
Authors: Souza Rafael G , Figueiredo Rodrigo G , Azevedo Sérgio A K , Riff Douglas , Kellner Alexander W A
Published: June 2019

Sarcosuchus hartii was a top predator that inhabited the fluvial and coastal areas of north-eastern Brazil during the Early Cretaceous. Several fossil remains were recovered during the late 19th and early 20th centuries from strata that outcrop in the Recôncavo Basin in the state of Bahia. A re-analysis of this material shows that S. hartii is a valid species. The Brazilian taxon differs from the African Sarcosuchus imperator in the unique pattern of anastomosing ornamentation observed on the enamel surface. The inclusion of S. hartii in a novel phylogenetic analysis recovered it inside Tethysuchia, a large clade comprising South and North American pholidosaurids along Elosuchidae and Dyrosauridae. The evolutionary origin of Sarcosuchus is likely related to a cladogenesis event that resulted from the break-up of Gondwana.
Development of a Standardized, Reproducible Screening Examination for Assessment of Pelvic Floor Myofascial Pain
Authors: Meister Melanie R. , Sutcliffe Siobhan , Ghetti Chiara , Chu Christine M. , Spitznagle Theresa , Warren David K. , Lowder Jerry L.
Published: June 2019

(Abstracted from Am J Obstet Gynecol 2019;220:255.e1–255.e9)

Myofascial pain, a common chronic pain disorder, is characterized by tenderness to palpation of muscles and connective tissue, causing both local and referred pain. The primary pelvic floor muscles affected by myofascial pain in both men and women include levator ani and internal hip (obturator internus).
Analysis of Outcomes and Cost of Inpatient and Ambulatory Anterior Cervical Disk Replacement Using a State-level Database
Authors: Purger David A. , Pendharkar Arjun V. , Ho Allen L. , Sussman Eric S. , Veeravagu Anand , Ratliff John K. , Desai Atman M.
Published: June 2019

Background:

Outpatient cervical artificial disk replacement (ADR) is a promising candidate for cost reduction. Several studies have demonstrated low overall complications and minimal readmission in anterior cervical procedures.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to compare clinical outcomes and cost associated between inpatient and ambulatory setting ADR.

Materials and Methods:

Outcomes and cost were retrospectively analyzed for patients undergoing elective ADR in California, Florida, and New York from 2009 to 2011 in State Inpatient and Ambulatory Databases.

Results:

A total of 1789 index ADR procedures were identified in the inpatient database (State Inpatient Databases) compared with 370 procedures in the ambulatory cohort (State Ambulatory Surgery and Services Databases). Ambulatory patients presented to the emergency department 19 times (5.14%) within 30 days of the index procedure compared with 4.2% of inpatients. Four unique patients underwent readmission within 30 days in the ambulatory ADR cohort (1% total) compared with 2.2% in the inpatient ADR group. No ambulatory ADR patients underwent a reoperation within 30 days. Of the inpatient ADR group, 6 unique patients underwent reoperation within 30 days (0.34%, Charlson Comorbidity Index zero=0.28%, Charlson Comorbidity Index>0=0.6%). There was no significant difference in emergency department visit rate, inpatient readmission rate, or reoperation rates within 30 days of the index procedure between outpatient or inpatient ADR. Outpatient ADR is noninferior to inpatient ADR in all clinical outcomes. The direct cost was significantly lower in the outpatient ADR group ($11,059 vs. 17,033; P<0.001). The 90-day cumulative charges were significantly lower in the outpatient ADR group (mean $46,404.03 vs. $80,055; P<0.0001).

Conclusions:

ADR can be performed in an ambulatory setting with comparable morbidity, readmission rates, and lower costs, to inpatient ADR.
The Oldest Sins in the Book
Authors: Pittroff Gail E. , Hendricks-Ferguson Verna L.
Published: June 2019

The oldest sins in Scripture and resultant fall of humankind relate to temptation, deception, coercion, and disobedience. These same ethical issues are ever-present in conducting research. The purpose of this article is to draw on lessons from Genesis to avoid the common pitfalls of the original sins when engaging in nursing research.
Heart Transplantation for Hepatitis C Virus Non-Viremic Recipients From Hepatitis C Virus Viremic Donors
Authors: Frager Shalom Z. , Dhand Abhay , Gass Alan , Levine Avi , Spielvogel David , Nog Rajat , Wolf David C. , Bodin Roxana I.
Published: June 2019

Multiple strategies have been implemented to increase the donor pool to avoid transplant wait-list mortality. The approval of highly effective direct-acting antiviral regimens for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) has enabled expansion of the donor pool by allowing the transplantation of organs from HCV-viremic donors to HCV-negative recipients. Multiple centers have recently published data on outcomes of heart transplantation from HCV-viremic heart donors to HCV-negative recipients, with acceptable posttransplant outcomes. However, areas of uncertainty remain, particularly in the long-term risks of intentional HCV transmission, as well as the possibility that sustained virologic response may not be achieved. In this article, we review the literature illustrating both the risks and benefits of transplantation of organs from HCV-viremic donors to HCV-negative recipients. We also present the data collected at our institution regarding this special patient population.
Professional Driver’s Job Stress and 8-year Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Wu Wei-Te , Tsai Su-Shan , Wang Chung-Ching , Lin Yu-Jen , Wu Trong-Neng , Shih Tung-Sheng , Liou Saou-Hsing
Published: June 2019

Background:

Two main job stress models—the Demand-Control-Support (DC) model and the Effort-Reward Imbalance (ERI) model have been used to assess the impact of psychosocial work-related factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Limited evidence elaborates the independent and combined effects on CVD events, especially for professional drivers. This study assesses the independent and combined effects of DC and ERI models on an 8-year risk of CVD among professional drivers.

Methods:

The Taiwan Bus Driver Cohort Study recruited 1650 professional drivers from a large bus company in 2005. The subjects were interviewed in person and completed the two job stress questionnaires. Researchers found 94 new cases of CVD (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification [ICD-9-CM]: 390–459) from 2006 to 2012. A Cox proportional hazards model was performed to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) for CVD events.

Results:

Occupational drivers with high overcommitment scores (thresholds of 15) had an elevated risk for CVD (HR = 1.71; 95% CI = 1.04, 2.82). Regarding target disease, overcommitment had an increased risk for CVD (not including hypertensive disease) (HR = 1.27; 95% CI = 1.05, 1.54) and ischemic heart disease (HR = 1.32; 95% CI = 1.05–1.65).

Conclusion:

Overcommitment, which is associated with job stress, appears to be associated with CVD risk in professional drivers.
Acute Flaccid Myelitis
Authors: Cartwright Cathy C. , Wessol Jennifer L.
Published: June 2019

Acute flaccid myelitis is a poliolike illness affecting mainly children, which seems to occur every 2 years in the late summer and early fall. The 2018 outbreak was alarming to parents and healthcare providers because the etiology is still under investigation and long-term outcomes are unclear. Becoming familiar with what is known about the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of acute flaccid myelitis enables neuroscience nurses to disseminate accurate information and recognize and report suspicious symptoms.
Resolving Clinical Trial Subject Disengagement in Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Subjects
Authors: Rhudy James P. , Lewis Jonathan C. , Alexandrov Andrei V. , Alexandrov Anne W.
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND: Clinical trialists may be reluctant to enroll socioeconomically disadvantaged participants because of concerns for subject disengagement leading to noncompliance with longitudinal measures and high lost to follow-up (LTFU) rates. OBJECTIVES: We describe the LTFU problem associated with disadvantaged participants and propose strategies to reduce clinical trial disengagement. METHODS: Difficulties encountered in recruiting and retaining socioeconomically disadvantaged participants along with antecedents of disengagement are discussed. Data in the public domain were used to derive, symbolize, and map engagement by census tract. Exemplars of engaged and disengaged clinical trial participants are shared, and geospatial distribution of socio-spatial disengagement risk is presented. RESULTS: Subject disengagement can be visualized by geospatial informatics suggesting areas of low and high socio-spatial disengagement risk. By failing to enroll socioeconomically disadvantaged subjects, researchers may deliberately exclude those who may benefit the most because of significant health disparities. DISCUSSION: We propose a study of realistic LTFU rates for disadvantaged participants. Realistic clinical trial end points and methods may reduce disengagement among disadvantaged participants.
Gaining the Patient Perspective on Pelvic Floor Disorders’ Surgical Adverse Events
Authors: Dunivan Gena C. , Sussman Andrew L. , Jelovsek J. Eric , Sung Vivian , Andy Uduak U. , Ballard Alicia , Jakus-Waldman Sharon , Amundsen Cindy L. , Chermansky Christopher J. , Bann Carla M. , Mazloomdoost Donna , Rogers Rebecca G.
Published: June 2019

(Abstracted from Am J Obstet Gynecol 2019;220:185.e1–185.e10)

Surgical adverse events (AEs) following urogynecological surgery are common. The incidence of any AEs in surgical studies ranges from 30% to 76%, and serious AEs range from 3% to 17%.
Interventions to Prevent Perinatal Depression: Evidence Report and Systematic Review for the US Preventive Services Task Force
Authors: O’Connor Elizabeth , Senger Caitlyn A. , Henninger Michelle L. , Coppola Erin , Gaynes Bradley N.
Published: June 2019

(Abstracted from JAMA 2019;321(6):588–601)

Perinatal depression is a common condition that was estimated in 2012 to affect more than 180,000 new mothers (11.5%) annually in the United States and that can have serious impact on mother and infant well-being. Numerous interventions have been proposed to prevent perinatal depression, but there is no commonly agreed-on prevention method, creating a scenario with substantial variation in clinical practice.
Effect of Body Mass Index on Outcomes after Prepectoral Breast Reconstruction
Authors: Gabriel Allen , Sigalove Steven , Sigalove Noemi M. , Storm-Dickerson Toni L. , Pope Nicole , Rice Jami , Maxwell G. Patrick
Published: June 2019

Background:

Body mass index has been shown to be a predictor of outcomes after subpectoral expander/implant reconstruction, with every unit increase in body mass index increasing the risk of complications by approximately 6 percent. The effect of body mass index on complications after prepectoral reconstruction has not yet been evaluated and is the purpose of this study.

Methods:

A total of 366 reconstructed breasts from 197 patients were stratified into five body mass index groups (normal; overweight; and class I, class II, and class III, obese) and postoperative complications were compared across the groups. Additional analyses were performed using broad classifications of body mass index into nonobese and obese in addition to normal, overweight, and obese. Body mass index as an independent predictor of complications was assessed using multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results:

Complication rates did not differ significantly across body mass index groups when using the broad classifications. With five-group stratification, significantly higher rates of return to operating room, expander/implant loss, skin necrosis, wound dehiscence, and overall complications were seen in class II and/or class III obese versus overweight patients. However, on multivariate logistic regression analyses, body mass index, as a continuous variable, did not independently predict any complication. Diabetes and smoking emerged as significant predictors of any complication, indicating that these factors, rather than body mass index, were driving the increased rates of complications seen in the high–body mass index groups.

Conclusion:

Body mass index alone is not a predictor of outcomes after prepectoral expander/implant breast reconstruction and should not be used to estimate risk of postoperative complications or exclude patients for prepectoral reconstruction.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Risk, II.
Fabrication of superoleophobic cotton fabric for multi-purpose applications
Authors: Tudu Balraj K. , Kumar Aditya , Bhushan Bharat
Published: June 2019

Superoleophobicity is of interest for practical applications such as liquid repellency, self-cleaning, stain resistance, anti-bacterial properties and oil–water separation. In this work, the superoleophobic coating on cotton fabric was applied by simple immersion in TiO
2
nanoparticles, perfluorodecyltriethoxysilane and tertraethylorthosilicate solution. Its anti-wetting properties, surface morphology and functionality were characterized. The coated cotton fabric shows superoleophobicity with oil (surface tension more than 27 mN m
−1
) contact angle of 152° and tilt angle of 6°. Furthermore, the superoleophobic cotton fabric was demonstrated to exhibit self-cleaning, stain resistance, mechanical durability, chemical stability, thermal stability, anti-bacterial properties and oil–water separation capabilities.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Bioinspired materials and surfaces for green science and technology (part 2)’.
A computational model for learning from repeated trauma
Authors: Kaye Alfred P. , Kwan Alex C. , Ressler Kerry J. , Krystal John H.
Published: June 2019

Abstrac

Traumatic events can lead to lifelong inflexible adaptations in threat perception and behavior which characterize posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This process involves associations between sensory cues and internal states of threat and then generalization of the threat responses to previously neutral cues. However, most formulations neglect adaptations to threat that are not specific to those associations. In order to incorporate non-associative responses to threat, we propose a computational theory of PTSD based on adaptation to the frequency of traumatic events using a reinforcement learning momentum model. Recent threat prediction errors generate momentum that influences subsequent threat perception in novel contexts. This model fits data acquired from a mouse model of PTSD, in which unpredictable footshocks in one context accelerate threat learning in a novel context. The theory is also consistent with epidemiological data showing that PTSD incidence increases with the number of traumatic events, as well as the disproportionate impact of early life trauma. Since the theory proposes that PTSD relates to the average of recent threat prediction errors rather than the strength of a specific association, it makes novel predictions for the treatment of PTSD.
A Single Cell Transcriptomic Atlas Characterizes Aging Tissues in the Mouse
Authors:   The Tabula Muris Consortium, Pisco Angela Oliveira , McGeever Aaron , Schaum Nicholas , Karkanias Jim , Neff Norma F , Darmanis Spyros , Wyss-Coray Tony , Quake Stephen R
Published: June 2019

Aging is characterized by a progressive loss of physiological integrity, leading to impaired function and increased vulnerability to death1. Despite rapid advances over recent years, many of the molecular and cellular processes which underlie progressive loss of healthy physiology are poorly understood2. To gain a better insight into these processes we have created a single cell transcriptomic atlas across the life span of Mus musculus which includes data from 23 tissues and organs. We discovered cell-specific changes occurring across multiple cell types and organs, as well as age related changes in the cellular composition of different organs. Using single-cell transcriptomic data we were able to assess cell type specific manifestations of different hallmarks of aging, such as senescence3, genomic instability4and changes in the organism’s immune system2. This Tabula Muris Senis provides a wealth of new molecular information about how the most significant hallmarks of aging are reflected in a broad range of tissues and cell types.
Manatee: detection and quantification of small non-coding RNAs from next-generation sequencing data
Authors: Handzlik Joanna E , Tastsoglou Spyros , Vlachos Ioannis S , Hatzigeorgiou Artemis G
Published: June 2019

Small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) play important roles in health and disease. Next Generation Sequencing technologies are considered as the most powerful and versatile methodologies to explore small RNA (sRNA) transcriptomes in diverse experimental and clinical studies. Small RNA-Seq data analysis proved to be challenging due to non-unique genomic origin, short length and abundant post-transcriptional modifications of sRNA species. Here we present Manatee, an algorithm for quantification of sRNA classes and detection of uncharacterized expressed non-coding loci. Manatee adopts a novel approach for abundance estimation of genomic reads that combines sRNA annotation with reliable alignment density information and extensive reads salvation. Comparison of Manatee against state-of-the-art implementations using real/simulated data sets demonstrates its superior accuracy in quantification of diverse sRNA classes providing at the same time insights about unannotated expressed loci. It is user-friendly, easily embeddable in pipelines and provides a simplified output suitable for direct usage in downstream analyses and functional studies.
Employment after incarceration: managing a socially stigmatized identity
Authors: Anazodo Kemi Salawu , Ricciardelli Rose , Chan Christopher
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the social stigmatization of the formerly incarcerated identity and how this affects employment post-release. The authors consider the characteristics of this identity and the identity management strategies that individuals draw from as they navigate employment.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted semi-structured interviews with 22 men at various stages of release from federal institutions in Canada. Participants were actively searching for employment, intending to or would consider searching for employment, or had searched for employment in the past post-incarceration. Participant data were simultaneously collected, coded and analyzed using an inductive approach (Gioia et al., 2012).

Findings

Formerly incarcerated individuals have a unique awareness of the social stigmatization associated with their criminal record and incarceration history. They are tasked with an intentional choice to disclose or conceal that identity throughout the employment process. Six identity management strategies emerged from their accounts: conditional disclosure, deflection, identity substitution, defying expectations, withdrawal and avoidance strategies. More specifically, distinct implications of criminal record and incarceration history on disclosure decisions were evident. Based on participants’ accounts of their reintegration experiences, four aspects that may inform disclosure decisions include: opportune timing, interpersonal dynamics, criminal history and work ethic.

Originality/value

The authors explore the formerly incarcerated identity as a socially stigmatized identity and consider how individuals manage this identity within the employment context. The authors identify incarceration history and criminal record as having distinct impacts on experiences of stigma and identity management strategic choice, thus representing the experience of a “double stigma”.
Path optimization for navigation of a humanoid robot using hybridized fuzzy-genetic algorithm
Authors: Rath Asita Kumar , Parhi Dayal R. , Das Harish Chandra , Kumar Priyadarshi Biplab , Muni Manoj Kumar , Salony Kitty
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Humanoids have become the center of attraction for many researchers dealing with robotics investigations by their ability to replace human efforts in critical interventions. As a result, navigation and path planning has emerged as one of the most promising area of research for humanoid models. In this paper, a fuzzy logic controller hybridized with genetic algorithm (GA) has been proposed for path planning of a humanoid robot to avoid obstacles present in a cluttered environment and reach the target location successfully. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Here, sensor outputs for nearest obstacle distances and bearing angle of the humanoid are first fed as inputs to the fuzzy logic controller, and first turning angle (TA) is obtained as an intermediate output. In the second step, the first TA derived from the fuzzy logic controller is again supplied to the GA controller along with other inputs and second TA is obtained as the final output. The developed hybrid controller has been tested in a V-REP simulation platform, and the simulation results are verified in an experimental setup.

Findings

By implementation of the proposed hybrid controller, the humanoid has reached its defined target position successfully by avoiding the obstacles present in the arena both in simulation and experimental platforms. The results obtained from simulation and experimental platforms are compared in terms of path length and time taken with each other, and close agreements have been observed with minimal percentage of errors.

Originality/value

Humanoids are considered more efficient than their wheeled robotic forms by their ability to mimic human behavior. The current research deals with the development of a novel hybrid controller considering fuzzy logic and GA for navigational analysis of a humanoid robot. The developed control scheme has been tested in both simulation and real-time environments and proper agreements have been found between the results obtained from them. The proposed approach can also be applied to other humanoid forms and the technique can serve as a pioneer art in humanoid navigation.
A theoretical and empirical validation of information technology and path-goal leadership on knowledge creation in university
Authors: Saide Saide , Indrajit Richardus Eko , Trialih Rahmat , Ramadhani Siti , Najamuddin Najamuddin
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to assess the importance of maximizing resources in an institution to promote knowledge management (KM) practices, namely, leadership, information technology (IT) and KM. The relationship among them was analyzed. Previous studies’ relating aspects of KM were concerned about the industry; however, the academic institution has not received much attention. Therefore, to address this in an academic setting, the authors developed research model by focusing on an academic institution.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used structural equation modeling to check the research prototype with a sample of 160 respondents. The respondents were heads of departments, lecturers and general employees. In addition, the authors used SPSS to measure demographic, non-response bias and generate descriptive statistics.

Findings

The findings of this research show that the leadership style with path goal theory and IT are elements that support KM program in university setting. The results of hypothesis are displayed in Figure 2, including examining factors that influence of path goal theory, technology and KM program. In other hand, path goal theory had a positive influence on KM program (c = 0.13,p< 0.05), and IT had a positive influence on KM program (c = 0.20,p< 0.05).

Research limitations/implications

Finally, the authors are not to claim that this will be suitable in many academic institutions and organization types. In this study, the authors tested or checked existing leadership style in university, then suggest/explain to University what style of leadership currently they have and suggest to them how this style may support knowledge sharing practice in University. While the strength of this study provides an opportunity to explore the KM program of an academic institution, limitations do exist above. Therefore, this statement needs to be investigated and validated further.

Practical implications

The findings of this research may help companies and workers to initiate sharing knowledge or to encourage knowledge sharing in University. In addition, managerial staffs/officers are supposed to make standardization or regulation to encourage workers’ participation for transferring their knowledge. In this aspect, company needs create such as training or formal/informal meeting to make their workers more confidence to communicate each other.

Originality/value

The authors have combined various aspects, namely, KM, leadership style and social media tools, to solve the obstacle of knowledge sharing practices.
Managing service capacity with boundedly rational consumers under social interactions
Authors: Li Chengzhang , Jiang Minghui , Yuan Xuchuan
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Consumers are inclined to join longer queues due to social interactions in service consumptions. This purchase behavior brings in operational challenges in terms of capacity planning, which affects consumers’ demand, leading to an unstable and fluctuated arrival process. This paper aims to investigate the dynamic characteristics of the arrival process of a service system with boundedly rational consumers whose purchase decisions are influenced by the queue length under social interactions.

Design/methodology/approach

Consumers’ bounded rationality is modeled based on the random utility theory. Due to social interactions, the equilibrium queue length and its interaction with the expected waiting time affect consumers’ value perception. The authors first analyze the optimal service capacity decision with or without considering the influence of social interactions in a static setting. They then focus on the dynamic characteristics of the arrival process by a one-dimensional dynamical model in terms of the arrival rate.

Findings

This paper finds that the service system can behave chaotic in terms of arrival rate dynamics under social interactions. The results highlight the dynamical complexity of a simple service system due to consumers’ behavioral factors and the influence of social interactions, which may be the critical drivers leading to fluctuated and uneven demand.

Originality/value

The findings demonstrate that due to consumers’ limited cognitive ability and the influence of social interactions, the demand to a service system can be stable, periodic or even chaotic in terms of the arrival process. This study provides an alternative explanation to the observed demand fluctuations in various service processes under the influence of social interactions, which is important for service providers to effectively manage service capacity to achieve a stable service process and improve operational efficiency.