bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards a more professionalised municipal real estate management
Authors: van den Beemt-Tjeerdsma Annette , Veuger Jan
Published: May 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to see how a more developed discipline – corporate real estate management (CREM) – can add value to a less developed discipline – municipal real estate management (MREM) – to contribute to their professionalisation.

Design/methodology/approach

Every year since 2008 (except for 2013), municipalities have been asked to complete a questionnaire on how they manage their real estate. With these results, it is possible to perform quantitative analyses on both trends and the current situation. In addition, municipalities’ descriptions of their real estate management have been analysed in a qualitative way.

Findings

Municipalities are concentrating their real estate tasks in the municipal organisation to link their real estate, their policies and the citizens/tenants. Remarkable is the diversity of the functions and the broad definition of “the real estate employee” (organisational structure). Municipalities make strategic and organisational changes that aim to improve both the real estate portfolio and the municipal organisation (operations). The next years, municipalities will focus in particular on vacancy rates, organisation design, collaboration, ownership and the sustainability of the portfolio (direction).

Originality/value

Qualitative and quantitative research are combined to compare theory with practice on CREM and MREM. The results contribute to the professionalisation of Dutch municipalities.
Relationships between work values, communication satisfaction, and employee job performance
Authors: Jalalkamali Mohammad , Ali Anees Janee , Hyun Sunghyup Sean , Nikbin Davoud
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships between work values (cognitive, instrumental, social, and prestige), communication satisfaction (informational and relational), and employee job performance (task and contextual) in the context of international joint ventures (IJVs) in Iran.

Design/methodology/approach

– Validated measurement items for study variables were adopted from previous studies. Data were collected through surveys using a random sample of employees and their direct supervisors from the two largest IJVs in Iran’s automobile industry.

Findings

– According to the results, cognitive, instrumental, and prestige work values had significant effects on informational communication satisfaction. All dimensions of work values (cognitive, instrumental, social, and prestige) were significantly related to relational communication satisfaction. Both dimensions of communication satisfaction (informational and relational) were significantly related to both dimensions of employee job performance (contextual and task).

Research limitations/implications

– Data were collected from two IJVs in Iran, which may limit the generalization of results to non-IJVs in Iran. The results have important implications for IJV managers by providing valuable insights into adopting various effective tools in the workplace.

Originality/value

– Previous studies have generally considered work values as a two-dimensional construct. This study extends the literature by conceptualizing work values based on four dimensions (cognitive, instrumental, social, and prestige). No study has taken into consideration social and prestige values in an Asian context. In addition, few studies have investigated the relationships between work values and communication satisfaction.
Configurations and entrepreneurial orientation of young firms
Authors: Balodi Krishna Chandra
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– Extant literature highlights the inadequacy of using just four domains – leadership, strategy, structure, and environment – for identifying firms’ configurations. The purpose of this paper is to answer the questions – what firm-level and external elements should be used to identify young firms’ configurations? Which among these is the core element?

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper relies on literatures on configuration approach and entrepreneurial orientation (EO) to build the assertions concerning the issue of theoretical specification used for generating young firms’ configurations, and its core element. Crisp-set qualitative comparative analysis (CS-QCA) of the data collected from 70 young firms supports the arguments. Various robustness analyses reaffirm these assertions.

Findings

– Literature review reveals that EO represents a firm’s decision-making proclivity concerning new entry and proactive risk-taking. CS-QCA supports the assertions that: inclusion of EO improves the configurational explanation of young firms’ performance; EO is the core element of young firms’ configurations; and market orientation or social capital cannot substitute EO in configurational studies of young firms’ performance. CS-QCA serves as a tool to support an alternative theoretical stance that questions the adequacy of extant domains used to identify configurations.

Originality/value

– This paper theorizes for inclusion of EO as an additional domain for identifying young firms’ configurations, and exploits novel capability of set theoretic methods of CS-QCA to explore the issues of model specification and conjunctural causation, and ascertain the core element of configurations.
Minimizing the cost of emotional dissonance at work: a multi-sample analysis
Authors: Mishra Sushanta Kumar , Kumar Kunal Kamal
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The present study is based on two samples from two occupational groups (one among medical representatives in pharmaceutical industry and other among frontline employees in hospitality industry). The study found support for the moderation effect of perceived organizational support (POS) on the emotional dissonance-emotional exhaustion as well as the emotional exhaustion-turnover intention relationships. In addition, the purpose of this paper is to examine the mediation of emotional exhaustion on the emotional dissonance-turnover intention relationship. The study concludes with the contributions to the literature and to the practice.

Design/methodology/approach

– Following the survey research method the study collected the data from two occupational groups.

Findings

– The study found support for the moderation effect of POS on the emotional dissonance-emotional exhaustion as well as the emotional exhaustion-turnover intention relationships.

Originality/value

– The study argued the negative effects of dissonance can be minimized if the organization can take actions to ensure employees perceive the organization as supportive.
Examining the association between stakeholder culture, stakeholder salience and stakeholder engagement activities
Authors: Boesso Giacomo , Kumar Kamalesh
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the association between stakeholder culture, stakeholder salience and firm response to stakeholder demands, based on the stakeholder culture framework.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study was conducted in a field setting involving 292 mid-level managers who completed measures of stakeholder culture and stakeholder engagement activities (SEAs) in their organizations.

Findings

– Results show that managers in organizations with different stakeholder cultures differentially ascribe and weigh the three attributes of power, legitimacy, and urgency when determining stakeholder salience. In addition, stakeholder culture is also associated with how managers respond to stakeholder issues in terms of SEAs.

Research limitations/implications

– Findings of the study justify the need to extend the stakeholder salience theory beyond the values of senior managers to include organization-level factors. This study is largely exploratory and the relationships that have been observed are associational in character.

Practical implications

– Results show that both ascription of stakeholder salience and the nature of SEAs are associated with stakeholder culture prevalent in an organization. This implies that managers may face constraints in managing stakeholder relationships, regardless of their personal values and beliefs, and may have to make deliberate efforts to modify the culture.

Originality/value

– Despite the fact that researchers have been urged to examine how organization-level phenomena guide managerial thinking and decision making with respect to stakeholder relationships, empirical research on the topic is lacking. This study contributes to the emerging research on firm-level perspective on stakeholder management.
Stretching the value-satisfaction-loyalty chain by adding value dimensions and cognitive and affective satisfactions
Authors: Gallarza Martina G. , Ruiz-Molina Maria Eugenia , Gil-Saura Irene
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– Consensus on how value dimensions are drivers of overall perceived value is a widespread reality in consumer behaviour literature. But scanty research has been done on which of these value dimensions best predict customer loyalty. The purpose of this paper is to propose a causal model that examines how PERVAL dimensions of value affect customers’ loyalty, through both cognitive and affective satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

– The model is tested on a sample of 820 Spanish retail customers and the findings suggest that product quality and value for money (cognitive) impact customer loyalty through emotional and social value (affective), with significant direct and indirect effects through both cognitive and affective satisfaction.

Findings

– Notably, the results highlight the mediating role of shoppers’ emotional and social value on the linkages between satisfaction and loyalty. Therefore, this study has proved the embedded impact of value dimensions on overall satisfaction and behavioural intentions in a cognitive-affective-behavioural framework.

Practical implications

– Managerially, retailers who intend to build long-term relationships with their customers will benefit by investing in emotional factors along with cognitive factors, on the assumption that cognitive factors lead to emotional factors, and that both affect loyalty to the service provider through cognitive and affective satisfaction.

Originality/value

– This work can be said to have made two substantial contributions to previous literature. First, the old but constantly renewed dichotomy between utilitarian and hedonic attributes in retailing has emerged in the work, in the sense that different value dimensions (two utilitarian, one hedonic and one social) have been proved to be differently related to customer satisfaction (both cognitive and affective), and indirectly to customer loyalty. And second, this work has also proved the existence of a chain of effects between value dimensions: product quality and value for money to emotional value, and this to social value.
The effect of employer brand dimensions on job satisfaction: gender as a moderator
Authors: Tanwar Karnica , Prasad Asha
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to identify key dimensions of employer brand (EB) and empirically examine the impact of different dimensions of EB upon job satisfaction. A six-factor EB model has been tested for reliability and validity through confirmatory factor analysis. The study also addresses the moderating role of gender in the relationship between EB dimensions and job satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

– Structural equation modelling has been adopted to determine the contribution of EB dimensions towards job satisfaction of employees. Key dimensions of EB are identified through literature review. Item generation has been done through literature review and exploratory structured interviews with employees.

Findings

– The results demonstrate that EB acts as a critical predictor of job satisfaction. All the six dimensions of EB (training and development, reputation, organisation culture and ethics and corporate social responsibility, work-life balance and diversity) were found to be critical predictors of job satisfaction. Also, gender is found to have moderating effect on the relationship between EB dimensions and job satisfaction.

Originality/value

– This study avers that EB can prove to be an important antecedent of job satisfaction. The construct EB in this study reflects an understanding of EB from a newer lens from the perspective of existing employees of a developing country and also demonstrates the moderating role of gender.
Funerals and families: locating death as a relational issue
Authors: Woodthorpe Kate , Rumble Hannah
Published: May 2016

Situated at the intersection of the Sociology of Death and Sociology of the Family, this paper argues that the organization and funding of funerals is an overlooked and available lens through which to examine cultural and political norms of familial obligation. Drawing on interviews with claimants to the Department for Work and Pensions’ Social Fund Funeral Payment, the paper shows how both responsibility for the organization and payment of a funeral is assumed within families, and how at times this can be overridden by the state. In highlighting the tension between reflexive choice and political norms of family espoused in this policy context, it supports Gilding's () assertion that understanding family practice through reflexivity alone neglects the institutions and conventions within which ‘doing’ family takes place. In so doing, the paper further makes a case for families and relational negotiations and tensions to be more explicitly included within sociological understanding(s) of death more generally.
Barriers to accessing termination of pregnancy in a remote and rural setting: a qualitative study
Authors: Heller R , Purcell C , Mackay L , Caird L , Cameron ST
Published: May 2016

Objective

To explore the experiences of women from a remote and rural setting who had a termination of pregnancy (TOP), in relation to any barriers they may have experienced trying to access TOP.

Design

Qualitative interview study.

Setting

Scottish Highlands and Western Isles.

Population

Women who had undergone TOP in the Scottish Highlands National Health Service between October 2014 and May 2015.

Methods

Sixteen semi‐structured, audio‐recorded telephone interviews were conducted by a researcher with women who had consented to be interviewed at their initial assessment. Six stages of thematic analysis were followed to explore themes in and across participant accounts.

Main outcome measures

Themes derived from interview transcripts.

Results

Four themes emerged relating to barriers to access and experience: (1) the impact of travel for TOP, (2) temporal factors unique to this population and how they affected women, (3) the attitude of health professionals, notably general practitioners, as a result of local culture, and (4) stigma surrounding TOP and the expectation that abortion will be traumatising.

Conclusion

Women in remote and rural areas experience barriers to accessing TOP. Prompt referrals, more providers of TOP and tackling stigma associated with TOP could make delivery of this service more equitable and improve women's journey through TOP.

Tweetable abstract

Women in remote and rural areas of Scotland face multiple barriers to accessing termination of pregnancy.
Toward a Philosophy and Theory of Volumetric Nonthermal Processing
Authors: Sastry Sudhir K.
Published: May 2016

Nonthermal processes for food preservation have been under intensive investigation for about the past quarter century, with varying degrees of success. We focus this discussion on two volumetrically acting nonthermal processes, high pressure processing (HPP) and pulsed electric fields (PEF), with emphasis on scientific understanding of each, and the research questions that need to be addressed for each to be more successful in the future. We discuss the character or “philosophy” of food preservation, with a question about the nature of the kill step(s), and the sensing challenges that need to be addressed. For HPP, key questions and needs center around whether its nonthermal effectiveness can be increased by increased pressures or pulsing, the theoretical treatment of rates of reaction as influenced by pressure, the assumption of uniform pressure distribution, and the need for (and difficulties involved in) in‐situ measurement. For PEF, the questions include the rationale for pulsing, difficulties involved in continuous flow treatment chambers, the difference between electroporation theory and experimental observations, and the difficulties involved in in‐situ measurement and monitoring of electric field distribution.
Atorvastatin attenuates sympathetic hyperinnervation together with the augmentation of M2 macrophages in rats postmyocardial infarction
Authors: Yang Na , Cheng Wenjuan , Hu Hesheng , Xue Mei , Li Xiaolu , Wang Ye , Xuan Yongli , Li Xinran , Yin Jie , Shi Yugen , Yan Suhua
Published: May 2016

Objectives

Inflammation after myocardial infarction (MI) causes cardiac nerve sprouting and consequent ventricular arrhythmias (VAs). Macrophages, as major immune cells, are involved in the entire inflammation response process and serve as a link between inflammation and sympathetic hyperinnervation by regulating nerve growth factor (NGF) expression. Accumulating evidence shows that statins possess antiarrhythmogenic properties, and the aim of this study was to explore the mechanism by which atorvastatin ameliorates cardiac sympathetic nerve sprouting via regulating macrophage polarization.

Methods

Rat models of MI were created by ligating the left coronary artery. MI‐operated rats received either atorvastatin or phosphate‐buffered saline for 7 days. Immunohistochemical analyses and immunofluorescence staining were used to analyze macrophage infiltration after MI and to detect the distribution and density of growth‐associated protein‐43 (GAP‐43) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in nerve fibers in peri‐infarct zones after MI. The polarity of the macrophages that were obtained from the rat peritoneal cavity was examined via flow cytometry. The protein levels of NGF were detected via Western blot analysis, and the concentrations of NGF in the supernatants were determined via enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The mRNA levels of NGF, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), Arginase‐1 (Arg1), interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) were examined by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The association between VAs and MI was evaluated using programmed electrophysiological stimulation.

Results

Macrophages were successfully induced to the M1 (classically activated) and M2 (alternatively activated) phenotypes by stimulation with lipopolysaccharide and interferon‐γ (LPS + IFN‐γ) and interleukin‐4 (IL‐4), respectively. Atorvastatin markedly downregulated IL‐1β, TNF‐α, iNOS, and NGF and upregulated Arg1, shifting the macrophage phenotype from M1 to M2. Moreover, atorvastatin significantly reduced TH levels and the density of GAP‐43‐positive nerve fibers and decreased inducible VAs.

Conclusion

Atorvastatin effectively ameliorated cardiac sympathetic nerve remodeling and prevented VAs after MI by significantly downregulating the expression of NGF, IL‐1β, and TNF‐α via together with the augmentation of M2 macrophage.
Predictors of survival in patients who underwent video‐assisted thoracic surgery talc pleurodesis for malignant pleural effusion
Authors: Yoon Dong Woog , Cho Jong Ho , Choi Yong Soo , Kim Jhingook , Kim Hong Kwan , Zo Jae Ill , Shim Young Mog
Published: May 2016

Background

Patients with malignant pleural effusion have a limited life expectancy. An increase in pleural and oncological treatment options and more accurate prognostic evaluation may help individualize treatment strategies. The aim of this study was to identify the prognostic indicators of overall survival (OS) after video‐assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) talc pleurodesis for malignant pleural effusion.

Methods

We examined the medical records of all consecutive patients with malignant pleural effusion who underwent VATS talc pleurodesis from 2006 to 2008 at the Samsung Medical Center. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify predictors of OS after VATS talc pleurodesis.

Results

During the study period, 91 patients underwent VATS talc pleurodesis to treat malignant pleural effusion. Early (within 30 days) and late (within 90 days) postoperative mortality rates were 9.9% (9 patients), and 25.3% (23), respectively. Median survival time after VATS talc pleurodesis was 10.5 months. The postoperative respiratory complication rate was 11% (10 patients), and included pneumonia (9) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (4). Multivariate analysis revealed that preoperative chemotherapy (P = 0.012), preoperative radiotherapy (P = 0.003), and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance score 3 or 4 (P = 0.013) were independent risk factors of OS after VATS talc pleurodesis.

Conclusions

We identified previous chemotherapy or radiotherapy and poor performance status (ECOG 3 or 4) as significant predictors of OS after VATS talc pleurodesis. These prognostic factors can help surgeons select candidates for VATS pleurodesis for malignant pleural effusion.
European Union investment and countries’ involvement in mental health research between 2007 and 2013
Authors: Hazo J.‐B. , Gervaix J. , Gandré C. , Brunn M. , Leboyer M. , Chevreul K.
Published: May 2016

Objectives

This study aimed to estimate the commitment to mental health research by the European Union (EU) through the 7th framework (FP7) and the competitiveness and innovation (CIP) programmes during the 2007–2013 period.

Methods

Research projects dedicated or partially related to mental health were identified using keywords in the CORDIS database that inventories all FP7 and CIP research projects. We then contacted projects’ principal investigators to access the budget breakdown by country and performed an imputation of the distribution of funding between countries based on projects’ and participants’ characteristics where information was missing.

Results

Among the 25 783 research projects funded by the FP7 and the CIP, 215 (0.8%) were specifically dedicated to mental health and 170 (0.7%) were partially related to mental health. They received €607.1 million representing 1.4% of FP7 total funding. Within the FP7‐Health subprogramme, the projects represented 5.2% of funding. Important variations appeared across EU countries both for raw funding, which varied between €0 and €77M, and for funding per 100 inhabitants, which varied between €0 and €293.

Conclusion

EU funding of mental health research does not match the burden incurred by mental disorders and must be increased in the next framework programme.
Longitudinal Assessment of Systemic and Genital Tract Inflammatory Markers and Endogenous Genital Tract E. coli Inhibitory Activity in HIV‐Infected and Uninfected Women
Authors: Keller Marla J. , McGinn Aileen P. , Lo Yungtai , Huber Ashley , Espinoza Lilia , Minkoff Howard , Colie Christine , Nowicki Marek J. , D'Souza Gypsyamber , Anastos Kathryn
Published: May 2016

Problem

Stability over time of systemic and mucosal immunity and their associations with bacterial vaginosis (BV) and HIV‐specific parameters were assessed.

Method of Study

Immune mediators and HIV viral load in plasma and cervicovaginal lavage (CVL), E. coli inhibition, and Nugent score were measured at three semiannual visits among 94 participants in the Women's Interagency HIV Study. Mixed models identified the factors associated with immune mediators.

Results

There was higher E. coli inhibition and lower inflammation over time in the genital tract and systemically. BV was consistently associated with higher CVL inflammatory mediators and lower CVL E. coli inhibition. HIV‐infected women with higher CD4 counts had lower systemic and genital inflammatory mediators, and genital HIV shedding was associated with higher CVL inflammatory mediators. Use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) was associated with lower plasma and CVL mediators, but higher E. coli inhibition.

Conclusion

HIV and BV are linked to inflammation, and ART may be associated with improved vaginal health.
Broken Windows Policing and Constructions of Space and Crime: Flatbush, Brooklyn
Authors: Jefferson Brian Jordan
Published: May 2016

While broken windows policing has triggered explosive debates about law enforcement and racism across US cities, it has maintained considerable support by racialized urbanites. Focusing on Flatbush, Brooklyn, this paper seeks to understand the striking resilience of broken windows in inner‐city contexts. It uses Laclau and Mouffe's discourse theory to analyze dialogue at Precinct Community Council meetings and interviews with attendees. The paper makes the case that the New York Police Department normalizes broken windows through discursive constructions of social space and crime that naturalize the precinct scale, produce spatial meanings, and cast social difference in the mold of broken windows theory. The article illustrates beyond the politics of racialized fearmongering, the normalization of broken windows also occurs through this meticulous production of geographic knowledge. It also emphasizes that deconstructing the way the police portray space and crime provides signposts for substantive reform to broken windows.
The Relationship between Weight‐Based Prejudice and Attitudes towards Obesity‐Reducing Public Policies
Authors: Berg Michael B. , Lin Linda , Hollar Sara M. , Walker Samantha N. , Erickson Lauren E.
Published: May 2016

A variety of public policies have been proposed to counteract obesity. Many factors, such as the desire to promote better health, may affect the support for such policies. However, given the pervasiveness of weight‐based prejudice in the United States, it is likely that antifat bias may influence policy attitudes as well. We predicted that higher levels of weight‐based prejudice would be positively associated with attitudes towards obesity‐reducing policies and would be associated specifically with support for policies that are more punitive in nature. In two separate studies, participants were surveyed about their level of support for various public health polices and their explicit antifat prejudice attitudes, along with other relevant attitudinal and demographic information. Study 1 established that weight‐based prejudice was significantly associated with support for more punitive policies even when controlling for other related factors. Study 2 extended this result to show that the link between antifat attitudes and support for punitive policies was foremost about targeting overweight individuals as opposed to targeting unhealthy behavior. These findings highlight the need for thoughtful consideration of how best to separate out the prejudicial motive to punish from the need to promote health when choosing, garnering support for, and implementing obesity‐related policies.
Maternal high‐fat diet promotes onset of diabetes in rat offspring
Authors: Ohta Takeshi , Toriniwa Yasufumi , Ryumon Naruhiko , Inaba Nobuhiro , Hirao Tadaaki , Yamanaka Saori , Maeno Takayuki , Sakakibara Wakako , Sumikawa Morio , Chiba Kaoru , Nakamura Akiko , Miyajima Katsuhiro , Fatchiyah Fatchiyah , Yamada Takahisa
Published: May 2016

The onset and progression of type II diabetes is closely related to environmental factors, in particular dietary habit. Moreover, the environmental exposures very early in life can influence the risk for development of type II diabetes later in life. In this study, we investigated pathophysiological changes in the pups of maternal Spontaneously Diabetic Torii (SDT) rats that were fed a high‐fat diet (HFD) throughout gestation and lactation. Maternal SDT rats were continued on HFD for 5 weeks, from day 8 of gestation to day 21 after birth, and biological analyses of the pups were performed from 2 to 22 weeks of age. Results of serum lipid levels in pups from dams fed HFD were higher than pups from dams fed a standard diet, and the onset of diabetes was significantly accelerated in pups from dams fed HFD. In pathological analyses, pups from dams fed HFD showed increases in liver weight and vacuolation of hepatic cells at 2 weeks of age. In conclusion, the metabolic disorder of lipids and glucose in SDT rats is closely related to the nutritional condition of dams during the periods of gestation and lactation.
Using the SAEM Algorithm for Mechanistic Joint Models Characterizing the Relationship Between Nonlinear PSA Kinetics and Survival in Prostate Cancer Patients
Authors: Desmée Solène , Mentré France , Veyrat-Follet Christine , Sébastien Bernard , Guedj Jérémie
Published: May 2016

Joint modeling is increasingly popular for investigating the relationship between longitudinal and time-to-event data. However, numerical complexity often restricts this approach to linear models for the longitudinal part. Here, we use a novel development of the Stochastic-Approximation Expectation Maximization algorithm that allows joint models defined by nonlinear mixed-effect models. In the context of chemotherapy in metastatic prostate cancer, we show that a variety of patterns for the Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) kinetics can be captured by using a mechanistic model defined by nonlinear ordinary differential equations. The use of a mechanistic model predicts that biological quantities that cannot be observed, such as treatment-sensitive and treatment-resistant cells, may have a larger impact than PSA value on survival. This suggests that mechanistic joint models could constitute a relevant approach to evaluate the efficacy of treatment and to improve the prediction of survival in patients.
Cyclin D type does not influence cell cycle response to DNA damage caused by ionizing radiation in multiple myeloma tumours
Authors: Smith Dean , Mann David , Yong Kwee
Published: May 2016

Multiple myeloma (MM) is characterized by over‐expression of cyclin D1 (CCND1) or D2 (CCND2), which control G1 phase cell‐cycle progression. Proteolytic degradation of CCND1 (but not CCND2), resulting in G1 arrest, is reported in non‐MM cells post‐DNA damage, affecting DNA repair and survival. We examined the effect of ionizing radiation (IR) on D‐cyclin levels and cell‐cycle kinetics of MM cells, exploring differences based on D‐cyclin expression. We showed that CCND1 is downregulated, whereas CCND2 is not, following IR. This did not lead to hypo‐phosphorylation of retinoblastoma protein or G1 arrest. Both CCND1‐ and CCND2‐expressing MM cells arrested in S/G2/M, and did not differ in other cell‐cycle proteins or sensitivity to IR. When treated with a CDK4/6 inhibitor, both CCND1 and CCND2 MM cells arrested in G1 and therefore are subject to physiological regulation at this checkpoint. Immunoprecipitation showed that, despite CCND1 degradation following IR, sufficient protein remains bound to CDK4/6 to prevent G1 arrest. Aberrant expression of CCND1 driven from the IGH promoter in t(11;14) MM cells maintains progression through G1 to arrest in S/G2/M. Differential expression of D‐cyclin does not appear to affect cell‐cycle response to IR, and is unlikely to underlie differential sensitivity to DNA damage.
Co‐production and pilot of a structured interview using Talking Mats® to survey the television viewing habits and preferences of adults and young people with learning disabilities
Authors: Bunning Karen , Alder Ruth , Proudman Lydia , Wyborn Harriet
Published: May 2016

Accessible Summary

We wanted to find out what people with learning disabilities think about watching television.

Some people find it difficult to say what they are thinking.

We worked with ten adults with learning disabilities who helped us find the right words, questions and pictures to use in our Talking Mats® about watching television.

We tried out the questions on five people to see if our Talking Mats® helped them to say what they thought about television. We made some changes so that the Talking Mats® were ready to use with lots of people.

Background: Capturing the views of people with learning disabilities is not straightforward. Talking Mats® has been used successfully to solicit the views of such individuals. The aim was to co‐produce an interview schedule using Talking Mats® on the subject of television‐viewing habits and preferences of adults and young people with learning disabilities. A secondary aim was to assess the feasibility of the tool prior to a larger scale survey.

Materials and Methods: A co‐production process was adopted for the development of the Talking Mats ® interview. Ten adults with learning disabilities were recruited as collaborators. Six people participated in an advisory group that met on six occasions. Four supplementary members reviewed the group's work separately. The collaborators generated vocabulary for the tool, selected the most meaningful graphic symbols and reviewed the categories of television programmes. A script to accompany the Talking Mats® procedure was developed and checked for linguistic complexity. The resulting tool was piloted with five participants. The procedure was video recorded and evaluated for procedural effectiveness.

Findings: Review of the video recordings from the pilot study revealed that no participant scored below the minimum effectiveness rating of 12. Areas of difficulty that were noted included: time duration of interview, tangibility of symbols and currency of vocabulary. These triggered a number of recommendations for address in the larger scale survey.

Conclusions: Working with people with learning disabilities as collaborators helped to develop a tool fit for purpose.
Obese young adults exhibit lower total and lower free serum 25‐hydroxycholecalciferol in a randomized vitamin D intervention
Authors: Holmlund‐Suila Elisa , Pekkinen Minna , Ivaska Kaisa K. , Andersson Sture , Mäkitie Outi , Viljakainen Heli
Published: May 2016

Objective

Although obesity is a risk factor for vitamin D insufficiency, its impact on vitamin D‐binding protein (DBP) concentration, and thereby possibly also on free 25OHD, is less well known. Our aim was to compare total and free serum 25OHD, and DBP concentrations between obese and normal‐weight young adults at baseline and their responses to cholecalciferol supplementation.

Design

A 12‐week randomized, double‐blinded clinical trial.

Patients

Obese subjects N = 18 (BMI = 38, 67% men) with severe childhood‐onset obesity and 24 normal‐weight subjects (BMI = 23, 46% men), age between 15 and 25 years, were randomized into two groups to receive either placebo or cholecalciferol 50 μg (2000 IU) daily.

Measurements

At baseline, 6‐week and 12‐week blood samples and anthropometric measurements were collected; baseline body composition was assessed by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry.

Results

At baseline, obese subjects had, compared with normal‐weight, lower total and free serum 25OHD (49 vs 62 nmol/l, P = 0·041; 2·8 vs 4·7 pg/ml, P = 0·001), without differences in DBP concentrations (309 vs 346 μg/ml, P = 0·212). Cholecalciferol 50 μg per day increased both total and free 25OHD (ancova P < 0·001 and P = 0·021). The response of total 25OHD to supplementation was inferior in the obese compared with normal‐weight subjects (P = 0·027). On the contrary, the change in free 25OHD concentration was similar in groups (P = 0·487).

Conclusions

Obese young adults exhibit lower total and free 25OHD concentration, which is not directly explained by differences in DBP status. The response of free 25OHD to supplementation did not differ between obese and normal‐weight subjects.
Adherence to CPAP therapy: comparing the effect of three educational approaches in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: Delanote Isabelle , Borzée Pascal , Belge Catharina , Buyse Bertien , Testelmans Dries
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)‐therapy is the first‐line treatment for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). A significant limitation of CPAP treatment is the poor therapy adherence, compromising the beneficial effects.

Objective

This study evaluates three different educational approaches and their effect on therapy adherence.

Method

This single‐center, retrospective study compared three groups of 100 consecutive, CPAP‐naive patients with moderate to severe OSA who were started on CPAP therapy. Group 1 and 2 received the same individual structured education on two consecutive days with an extra phone call 7 to 10 days after CPAP start in group 2. Group 3 received individual structured education on the first day and participated in a group education using a slide presentation open for discussion on the second day. Re‐evaluation was performed after 24 weeks.

Results

Baseline characteristics did not differ significantly between groups. During the 24 weeks follow‐up there was a drop‐out rate of 16% (group 1), 12% (group 2) and 5% (group 3). In the patients still on CPAP after 24 weeks, the mean nightly CPAP usage was, respectively, 4.7 ± 1.8, 5.2 ± 2.3 and 5.7 ± 2.1 h/night. In group 3 both the drop‐out rate and mean CPAP usage were significantly different (P values, respectively, P < 0.05 and P < 0.01) compared with group 1.

Conclusion

Improving CPAP adherence is an ongoing challenge. This study shows that a multi‐modality approach, using a combination of individual and group education using a slide presentation open for discussion resulted in improved therapy adherence.
Prevalence of overlap syndrome in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients without sleep apnea symptoms
Authors: Gunduz Canan , Basoglu Ozen K. , Tasbakan Mehmet Sezai
Published: May 2016

Background

The co‐existence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common phenomenon referred to as overlap syndrome (OS). In this study, we evaluated the prevalence of OS in mild hypoxemic COPD patients without OSA symptoms and compared characteristics of OS and COPD patients.

Methods

Forty‐five COPD patients (mean FEV1 1671.3 ± 532.0 mL) with mild hypoxemia presenting no sleep apnea symptoms (96% men, mean age 67.7 ± 8.5 years) were involved in this study. Clinical characteristics were recorded, biochemical analysis and polygraphy were performed.

Results

Twenty‐six patients with a RDI of ≥15 events/h were defined as OS (58%). When OS (n = 26) and COPD without OSA (n = 19) groups were compared, BMI (29.6 ± 6.6 vs 25.6 ± 4.9 kg/m2; P = 0.03), TNF‐α level (24.8 ± 8.1 vs 3.6 ± 0.8 ng/mL; P = 0.03) and sleep time with SpO2 < 90% (23.9 ± 29.4 vs 9.7 ± 21.9%; P = 0.02) were significantly increased in OS. Univariate analysis showed a correlation between RDI and BMI (P < 0.01), Epworth score (P = 0.050), COPD exacerbation frequency (P = 0.046) and TNF‐α (P = 0.048). However, multivariate linear regression analysis revealed a significant correlation only between RDI and BMI (P < 0.01). BMI as a predictor of OSA was examined through ROC curve analysis and the area under curve was 0.691 (P = 0.03). To identify OS patients, BMI > 27.2 kg/m2 had a sensitivity of 73% and specificity of 68%.

Conclusions

This findings support that high prevalence (58%) of OS in COPD patients without OSA symptoms is related to BMI. Therefore, sleep study should be considered in especially overweight or obese COPD patients, even in those without sleep apnea symptoms.
Correlation of acute tubular injury in reperfusion biopsy with renal transplant outcomes
Authors: Oppong Yaa D. , Farber John L. , Chervoneva Inna , Martinez Cantarin Maria P.
Published: May 2016

Acute tubular injury (ATI) is common at reperfusion, but its relationship to graft outcomes is unclear. Prior studies lack standardization of morphological assessments and included elements of acute and chronic tubular injury. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of ATI on graft outcomes. Reperfusion biopsies from 2004 to 2009 were retrospectively reviewed. ATI was assessed by a new standardized scoring system. We also assessed chronic injury (CI) by the Banff criteria. Outcomes evaluated included glomerular filtration rate (GFR) at 1 and 5 years and delayed graft function (DGF), acute rejection (AR), graft and patient survival. ATI did not correlate with DGF, AR, graft or overall survival. Mild–moderate ATI was not predictive of GFR post‐transplant. Moderate–severe CI was associated with lower GFR at 5 years with a mean difference of −7.14 mL/min/1.73 m2 (P=.04) and overall survival (HR 2.44, P=.01). Other predictors of graft function included donor age, DGF, and AR. Histologic criteria of ATI at implantation in the absence of donor demographics or clinical information do not provide sufficient predictability in outcomes after transplantation. On the other hand, histologic assessment of CI correlates with GFR and overall survival.
Mast cell phenotypes in the allograft after lung transplantation
Authors: Banga Amit , Han Yingchun , Wang Xiaofeng , Hsieh Fred H.
Published: May 2016

Background

The burden of mast cell (MC) infiltration and their phenotypes, MC‐tryptase (MCT) and MC‐tryptase/chymase (MCTC), after lung transplantation (LT) has not been evaluated in human studies.

Methods

We reviewed 20 transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB) specimen from patients with early normal allograft (<6 months post‐LT, n=5), late normal allograft (>6 months, n=5), A2 or worse acute cellular rejection (ACR, n=5), and chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD, n=5). Slides were immunostained for tryptase and chymase. Total MC, MCT, MCTC and MCTCto‐MCT ratio were compared between the four groups using a generalized linear mixed model.

Results

Irrespective of clinicopathologic diagnosis, MC burden tends to increase with time (r2=.56, P=.009). MCTC phenotype was significantly increased in the CLAD group (8.2±4.9 cells per HPF) in comparison with the other three groups (early normal: 1.6±1.7, P=.0026; late normal: 2.5±2.3, P=.048; ACR: 2.7±3.5, P=.021). Further, the ratio of MCTC to MCT was significantly increased in CLAD group as compared to the other three groups (P<.001 for all comparisons).

Conclusions

The burden of MC may increase in the allograft as function of time. Patients with CLAD have an increased relative and absolute burden of MCTC phenotype MC. Future studies are needed to confirm these findings and evaluate the potential pathologic role of MCTC in allograft dysfunction.
Endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration: performance of biomedical scientists on rapid on‐site evaluation and preliminary diagnosis
Authors: Schacht M. J. , Toustrup C. B. , Madsen L. B. , Martiny M. S. , Larsen B. B. , Simonsen J. T.
Published: May 2016

Objectives

Rapid on‐site evaluation (ROSE) of endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS‐TBNA) followed by a subsequent preliminary adequacy assessment and a preliminary diagnosis, was performed at Aarhus University Hospital by biomedical scientists (BMS). The aim of this study was to evaluate theBMSaccuracy ofROSEadequacy assessment, the preliminary adequacy assessment and the preliminary diagnosis as compared with the cytopathologist‐rendered final adequacy assessment and final diagnosis.

Methods

TheBMS‐rendered assessments for 717 sites from 319 consecutive patients over a 4‐month period were compared with the cytopathologist‐rendered assessments.

Comparisons of adequacy and preliminary diagnoses were based on inter‐observer Cohen's Kappa coefficient with a 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

Strong correlations betweenROSEand final adequacy assessments [Kappa coefficient of 0.90 (CI: 0.85–0.96)] and between the preliminary and final adequacy assessments [Kappa coefficient of 0.93 (CI: 0.87–0.99)] were found. As for the correlation between the preliminary and final diagnoses, the Kappa coefficient was 0.99 (CI: 0.98–1).

Conclusion

BothROSEand preliminary adequacy assessments as well as preliminary diagnoses, all performed byBMS, were highly accurate when compared with the final assessment by the cytopathologist.
Substance use pattern, self‐control and social network are associated with crime in a substance‐using population
Authors: Skjærvø Ingeborg , Skurtveit Svetlana , Clausen Thomas , Bukten Anne
Published: May 2016

Abstract

Introduction and Aims

Crime rates are high in substance‐using populations; therefore, investigation of factors associated with crime in these populations is highly relevant. We describe crime prevalence and associations between crime, pattern of substance use and psychosocial factors, such as self‐control and social network.

Design and Methods

This is a cross‐sectional study including substance users (n = 549; mean age 34 years; 27% women) entering treatment at 21 treatment centres across Norway (December 2012 to April 2015). Data on demographics, substance use, psychosocial variables and crime in the 6 months prior to treatment were obtained through interviews. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated through logistic regression.

Results

Sixty‐four percent of participants had committed crime in the 6 months prior to treatment. Of these, 93% committed income‐generating crime. Several factors were associated with increased likelihood of having committed crime: use of stimulants (aOR = 1.82, 95% CI 1.04–3.17), use of a higher number of different substances (aOR = 1.16, 95% CI 1.04–1.31) and spending most of their time with family or friends using addictive substances (aOR = 2.38, 95% CI 1.10–5.16 and aOR = 2.22, 95% CI 1.32–3.73). Protective factors associated with decreased likelihood of committing crime were being older (aOR = 0.95, 95% CI 0.92–0.97) and having higher self‐control (aOR = 0.94, 95% CI 0.91–0.97).

Discussion and Conclusions

Stimulant use, higher number of different substances used, lower self‐control, primarily a substance‐using social network and being younger were associated with crime in this substance‐using population. Treatment clinics should consider these risk factors for crime, and suitable interventions should be implemented and evaluated.

[Skjærvø I, Skurtveit S, Clausen T, Bukten A. Substance use pattern, self‐control and social network are associated with crime in a substance‐using population. Drug Alcohol Rev 2017;36:245–252]
The relationship between spoken language and speech and nonspeech processing in children with autism: a magnetic event‐related field study
Authors: Yau Shu Hui , Brock Jon , McArthur Genevieve
Published: May 2016

It has been proposed that language impairments in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) stem from atypical neural processing of speech and/or nonspeech sounds. However, the strength of this proposal is compromised by the unreliable outcomes of previous studies of speech and nonspeech processing in ASD. The aim of this study was to determine whether there was an association between poor spoken language and atypical event‐related field (ERF) responses to speech and nonspeech sounds in children with ASD (n = 14) and controls (n = 18). Data from this developmental population (ages 6–14) were analysed using a novel combination of methods to maximize the reliability of our findings while taking into consideration the heterogeneity of the ASD population. The results showed that poor spoken language scores were associated with atypical left hemisphere brain responses (200 to 400 ms) to both speech and nonspeech in the ASD group. These data support the idea that some children with ASD may have an immature auditory cortex that affects their ability to process both speech and nonspeech sounds. Their poor speech processing may impair their ability to process the speech of other people, and hence reduce their ability to learn the phonology, syntax, and semantics of their native language.