bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influencing College and Higher Education Choices in Disadvantaged Hispanic High School Students Through a School-Based Health Club
Authors: Singh Harsimran , Matza Maria , Latham Christine
Published: March 2017

Introduction:

Statistics representing professional health care providers do not adequately reflect the shift in the nation’s diverse population. Latinos are significantly underrepresented at all levels of appropriate academic programs critical for entry to health profession careers. This project describes the implementation of a student-run, faculty-facilitated Future Nurse and Health Club at a school (with majority Latino students) to emphasize the importance of higher education in health care. Demographic and psychosocial profiles of club members were also developed to understand community needs.

Method:

The Future Nurse and Health Club was established in partnership with faculty and researchers representing a university-based nursing program, school officials, and community leaders. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected from club members and their parents using a variety of techniques including questionnaires and focus groups.

Results:

The findings of the study highlighted a variety of student- and parent-related factors including poor lifestyle habits and perceptions of support that could potentially influence Latino high school students’ interest and progress in health care–related higher education.

Conclusion:

A school-based health career club involving active participation of parents and students with support from health care professionals such as academic nursing faculty has the potential to simultaneously raise student interest in health-related careers and health needs of their community.
Preoperative CT-scan-based sizing and in-stent restenosis in peripheral endovascular revascularizations
Authors: Kaladji Adrien , Giovannetti Maximilien , Pascot Remy , Clochard Elodie , Daoudal Anne , Lucas Antoine , Cardon Alain
Published: March 2017

Objectives

This study evaluates the effect of stent sizing with CT-scan on the incidence of restenosis in peripheral arterial disease.

Methods

This retrospective study included 59 patients with 66 arterial lesions who underwent a endovascular procedure for peripheral arterial disease between April 2013 and October 2013. All patients had de novo iliac or femoral lesions, were candidates for an endovascular procedure alone and underwent CTA preoperatively. The stent actually implanted, whose dimensions were chosen on the basis of the operator’s experience on an intraoperative 2D angiography, was compared to the “ideal” stent chosen retrospectively on the basis of precise lesion sizing by the preoperative CTA. Planning was considered “discordant” if there was a difference in length of more than 20 mm and/or a difference in diameter of more than 1 mm between the ideal stent and the actual stent.

Results

For iliac lesions, discordance essentially concerned stent diameter (36.1%), whereas stent length was the main reason for discordance for femoral lesions (36.7%). The median length of follow-up was 18 months (range 6–24). For iliac lesions, freedom from restenosis at 24 months was higher for patients with concordant planning (90% vs. 62.5%, p = 0.045). Most restenoses occurred in the external iliac artery, where there was a tendency towards oversizing of the implanted stent. For femoral lesions, the restenosis-free rate at 24 months was higher for patients with concordant planning (77.8% vs. 50%, p = 0.057). A multivariate analysis was conducted on the prediction of restenosis. Among factors, only discordant planning was found to be a significant predictor of restenosis with an odds ratio of 0.115 (95% confidence interval, 0.02–0.674; p = 0.016).

Conclusion

The absence of sizing for peripheral lesions engenders a tendency to choose the wrong stent, in particular in terms of diameter in iliac arteries and length in femoral arteries.
Comparison of relapse-free survival in gastric neuroendocrine carcinoma (WHO grade 3) and gastric carcinoma
Authors: Kim Beom Su , Park Young Soo , Yook Jeong Hwan , Kim Byung-Sik
Published: March 2017

Background:

We compared relapse-free survival (RFS) in gastric neuroendocrine carcinoma (WHO grade 3) and gastric carcinoma (GC). This is one of very few studies that compare the prognosis of poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma (WHO grade 3, G3 NEC) with that of GC.

Methods:

Between 1996 and 2014, 63 patients were diagnosed with G3 NEC of the stomach and 56 with gastric neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) with GC at Asan Medical Center in Seoul, Korea. We also randomly selected 762 patients diagnosed with GC between 1999 and 2008.

Results:

Patients with G3 NEC tumors that invaded the muscularis propria or shallower had poorer RFS than those with GC of the same type, while G3 NEC that invaded the subserosa or deeper had similar RFS to GC of that type. Patients diagnosed with G3 NEC with N0 or N2 had poorer RFS than the corresponding patients with GC, while those who had G3 NEC with N1 or N3 had similar RFS to the corresponding patients with GC. G3 NEC patients had poorer RFS than well-differentiated, moderately differentiated and poorly differentiated GC patients, while G3 NEC patients had similar RFS to that of those with signet ring cell carcinoma (SRC). In addition, patients with G3 NEC of stages I or IIa had poorer RFS than those with corresponding GC, while G3 NEC stage IIb or greater had similar RFS to the corresponding GC.

Conclusions:

Non-advanced G3 NEC showed poorer RFS than GC excluding SRC, while advanced G3 NEC has a similar RFS to that of GC without SRC. Therefore, we recommend that patients with non-advanced G3 NEC of the stomach be given a more aggressive treatment and surveillance than those with non-advanced GC excluding SRC.
Intelligent Internet-based information system optimises diabetes mellitus management in communities
Authors: Wei Xuejuan , Wu Hao , Cui Shuqi , Ge Caiying , Wang Li , Jia Hongyan , Liang Wannian
Published: March 2017

Objective:

To evaluate the effect of an intelligent Internet-based information system upon optimising the management of patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods:

In 2015, a T2DM information system was introduced to optimise the management of T2DM patients for 1 year in Fangzhuang community of Beijing, China. A total of 602 T2DM patients who were registered in the health service centre of Fangzhuang community were enrolled based on an isometric sampling technique. The data from 587 patients were used in the final analysis. The intervention effect was subsequently assessed by statistically comparing multiple parameters, such as the prevalence of glycaemic control, standard health management and annual outpatient consultation visits per person, before and after the implementation of the T2DM information system.

Results:

In 2015, a total of 1668 T2DM patients were newly registered in Fangzhuang community. The glycaemic control rate was calculated as 37.65% in 2014 and significantly elevated up to 62.35% in 2015 ( p < 0.001). After application of the Internet-based information system, the rate of standard health management was increased from 48.04% to 85.01% ( p < 0.001). Among all registered T2DM patients, the annual outpatient consultation visits per person in Fangzhuang community was 24.88% in 2014, considerably decreased to 22.84% in 2015 ( p < 0.001) and declined from 14.59% to 13.66% in general hospitals ( p < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Application of the T2DM information system optimised the management of T2DM patients in Fangzhuang community and decreased the outpatient numbers in both community and general hospitals, which played a positive role in assisting T2DM patients and their healthcare providers to better manage this chronic illness.
Deprescribing: What are the views and factors influencing this concept among patients with chronic diseases in a developed Asian community?
Authors: Ng Wei Ling , Tan Mark Zhong Wei , Koh Eileen Yi Ling , Tan Ngiap Chuan
Published: March 2017

Objective:

Public primary healthcare clinics in Singapore manage a large proportion of elderly patients with chronic diseases. Inappropriate prescribing of medications and polypharmacy in the elderly are associated with adverse outcomes. It is hence important to stop potentially inappropriate medications in this vulnerable group. An approach coined ‘deprescribing’ has been used to describe a patient-centred process of optimising medication regimens. The study aimed to elucidate patients’ attitudes towards the number of medications they were taking and identify factors that might influence acceptance of deprescription.

Method:

A cross-sectional study using the validated Patients’ Attitudes Towards Deprescribing (PATD) questionnaire was performed at two public primary healthcare institutions in Singapore. Participants were on regular follow-up at the clinics for chronic disease management and had at least five regular prescription medications.

Results:

The study found that participants (with a mean age of 68) had an average of four medical conditions and six prescription medications, with the majority (60.3%) expressing that they were taking a large number of medications. Of note, 93.4% of participants were willing to stop one of their medications if advised by the doctor. This was associated with a younger age (<65 years old), not having a discount card for medications and having a higher physician trust score (Wake Forest Physician Trust Score).

Conclusions:

This study showed that majority of the participants were willing to cease a medication that their physician thought was no longer required. Factors were also identified which potentially may be targeted to facilitate deprescription.
Outcome of misoprostol and oxytocin in induction of labour
Authors: Acharya Trishna , Devkota Ramesh , Bhattarai Bimbishar , Acharya Radha
Published: March 2017

Background:

Induction of labour is the process of initiating the labour by artificial means from 24 weeks of gestation. The main aim of this study is to find out the maternal and foetal outcomes after induction of labour with misoprostol and oxytocin beyond 37 weeks of gestation.

Methods:

This was a hospital-based observational study carried out at Paropakar Maternity and Women’s Hospital, Nepal. Misoprostol of 25 µg was inserted in posterior fornix of vagina or oxytocin infusion was started from 2.5 units on whom induction was decided. Maternal and foetal/neonatal outcomes were observed. Collected data were analysed using SPSS and MS Excel.

Results:

General induction rate was found to be 7.2%. In this study, post-term pregnancy was found to be the most common reason for induction of labour. Analysis of onset of labour led to the finding that mean onset of labour was much rapid in oxytocin (6.6 h) than misoprostol (13.6 h). However, there is similarity in induction–delivery interval in both groups. Overall, the rate of normal delivery and caesarean section was found to be 64.9% and 33.2%, respectively. Similarly, normal delivery within 12 h was seen in 18.4% of the patients given with misoprostol and 43.5% in oxytocin group. Foetal distress was found as the most common reason for caesarean section. The overall occurrence of maternal complication was found to be similar in misoprostol and oxytocin groups, nausea/vomiting being the most common (36.7%) complication followed by fever (24.1%). Besides this, the most common neonatal complication found in overall cases was meconium stained liquor (49.2%).

Conclusion:

It was found that misoprostol was used most frequently for induction of labour compared to oxytocin. The onset of labour was found to be rapid in oxytocin than misoprostol. However, the occurrence of side effects was found to be similar in both misoprostol and oxytocin groups.
Primary retroperitoneal mature cystic teratoma (dermoid cyst) in a 51-year-old male:Case report and historical literature review
Authors: Tiu Andrew , Sovani Vinayak , Khan Nasir , Hooda Shveta
Published: March 2017

Objectives:

Primary retroperitoneal mature cystic teratomas are exceedingly uncommon in males aged 50 years and above, and only seven cases have been reported in the literature so far. They usually occur in infants less than 6 months and young females. The aim of this article is to present a rare case of a 51-year-old male with a primary retroperitoneal mature cystic teratoma located in the right infrarenal area adherent to the psoas muscle and to discuss a historical literature review.

Methods:

An incidental hypoechoic, solid appearing 8.2 × 7.6 × 7.8 cm3 mass arising off the inferior pole of the right kidney was found on abdominal ultrasound during evaluation for a history of alcoholism. Computerized tomography (CT) scan revealed small calcifications in the lower part of the cystic mass. Laparotomy with excision of the retroperitoneal mass was performed.

Results:

On gross examination, the specimen consisted of a cyst filled with pale yellow greasy material with entrapped hair. Histopathologic examination revealed a dermoid cyst with focal chronic inflammation, dystrophic calcification, and foreign-body giant cell reaction.

Conclusions:

Retroperitoneal mature cystic teratoma in an older male is extremely rare. Primary gonadal teratoma with retroperitoneal metastasis should be excluded first. Evaluation of age and location of tumor are critical for its prognosis. Complete excision of tumor is necessary to evaluate whether there are immature and solid elements which need long-term follow up due to the increased risk of malignancy.
Learning to BREATHE: A Pilot Study of a Mindfulness-Based Intervention to Support Marginalized Youth
Authors: Eva Amy L. , Thayer Natalie M.
Published: March 2017

Mindfulness-based curricular interventions can support adolescents who are at risk of school failure as they negotiate the transition from high school into young adulthood. Researchers hypothesized that a 6-week mindfulness-based intervention would lower participants’ perceived stress while increasing their reported levels of self-esteem. Participants (N = 23) ranged in age from 17 to 20 years while the majority were male students of color. Pre- and postintervention survey mean responses revealed statistically significant differences on the Single-Item Self-Esteem Scale and 3 items on the Perceived Stress Scale (with small to moderate effect sizes). Postintervention focus group (n = 8) data indicated that the most valued daily practice was the body scan technique. Open coding of the focus group data also revealed several key themes in the form of overarching codes as participants discussed intervention benefits. These included ( a) self-regulation, ( b) attention-awareness, and ( c) positive thinking.
Why Did It End? Breakup Reasons of Youth of Different Gender, Dating Stages, and Ages
Authors: Bravo Valeriya , Connolly Jennifer , McIsaac Caroline
Published: March 2017

Romantic breakups are common among youths. Yet “why” they occur is not well understood. In adolescence and emerging adulthood, unique characteristics of romantic participation call for investigation of breakups from a developmental perspective. Our principal objective was to map out breakup reasons of adolescents and emerging adults, accounting for relevant theory and research on both age-groups. We considered the role of age, gender, and dating stage (casual vs. serious) on youths’ breakup reasons. Results revealed a five-factor scale with affiliation, intimacy, autonomy, infidelity, and status as unique factors. Consistent with theory and research, we found similarities and differences in how youths of different age, dating stage, and gender endorse these reasons. These findings are consistent with the notion that breakups stem from a failure of romantic relationships to meet youths’ emerging romantic needs, and that there is considerable continuity in these relational dimensions from adolescence into emerging adulthood.
Rivaroxaban as an Antithrombotic Agent in a Patient With ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction and Left Ventricular Thrombus
Authors: Seecheran Rajeev , Seecheran Valmiki , Persad Sangeeta , Seecheran Naveen Anand
Published: March 2017

The incidence of left ventricular (LV) thrombi in the setting of an anterior myocardial infarction has declined significantly since the advent of primary percutaneous coronary intervention coupled with contemporary antithrombotic strategies in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarctions (STE-ACS). Despite oral anticoagulation with the currently accepted, standard-of-care vitamin K antagonist, warfarin, major bleeding complications still arise. Rivaroxaban is a novel, direct oral factor X anticoagulant that has several advantageous properties, which can attenuate bleeding risk. We present a case in which a patient successfully underwent a 3-month course of rivaroxaban in addition to his dual antiplatelet regimen of aspirin and ticagrelor for his STE-ACS and LV thrombus with resultant complete dissolution.
Central Vascular Complications Following Elective Catheterization Using Transradial Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Merkle Julia , Hohmann Christopher , Sabashnikov Anton , Wahlers Thorsten , Wippermann Jens
Published: March 2017

Percutaneous coronary intervention is commonly used to treat coronary artery disease. Both transradial and transfemoral approaches are applied. In general, fewer complications are seen with the transradial approach compared to the transfemoral access, for which reason the transradial catheterization is frequently preferred. In this case presentation, we describe 2 cases of elective transradial coronary angiography both resulting in severe central vascular complications: perforation of the right subclavian artery with a mediastinal hematoma and dissection of the brachio-cephalic trunk and the aortic arch. Although the transradial access is generally considered safe, severe complications such as artery dissection or perforation can occur even in cases of elective procedures.
Ten Challenges and Recommendations for Advancing Research on the Effects of College on Students
Authors: Seifert Tricia A. , Bowman Nicholas A. , Wolniak Gregory C. , Rockenbach Alyssa N. , Mayhew Matthew J.
Published: March 2017

The first two volumes of How College Affects Students constitute the most-cited publications in higher education research. Since these volumes were published, the literature on college impact has expanded greatly, which is at least partially the result of the nearly 500 journals focusing on the scholarship of teaching and learning internationally. In addition to the increase in the quantity of college impact research, methodological advancements and the changing notion of the higher education enterprise have further shaped the rigor and tenor of the literature. We draw on our experience and lessons learned from conducting the most recent comprehensive synthesis of college impact literature to discuss 10 challenges and corresponding recommendations to advance future research of the effects of college on students.
Psychosocial Well-Being Associated With Activity of Daily Living Stages Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Na Ling , Streim Joel E.
Published: March 2017

Objectives: Activity of daily living (ADL) stages demonstrated ordered associations with risk of chronic conditions, hospitalization, nursing home use, and mortality among community-living elderly. This article explores the association of stages with psychosocial well-being. We hypothesized that higher ADL stages (greater ADL limitation) are associated with more restricted social networks, less perceived social support, greater social isolation, and poorer mental health. Methods: Cross-sectional data from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project ( N = 3,002) were analyzed in regression models and latent factor models. Results: Although ADL stages had a nearly monotonic relationship with most mental health measures (e.g., Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale [CES-D]), only the complete limitation stage (Stage IV) showed significant disadvantage in the majority of social network measures. Discussion: The study may aid clinicians and policy makers to better understand the social and mental health needs of older adults at different ADL stages and provide well-planned social and mental health care.
3D magnetotelluric exploration of Sete Cidades Volcano, São Miguel Island, Azores
Authors: Menezes Paulo T. L. , Travassos Jandyr M. , Marçal Adriano J. A. , Monteiro Santos Fernando A.
Published: March 2017

Geothermal energy accounts for 43% of the electricity expenditure of São Miguel Island, Azores Archipelago. All production comes from the Ribeira Grande (RG) high-enthalpy geothermal field. To meet the growing energy demand in the island, it is necessary to extend the exploration efforts to new areas. We evaluated the results of a broadband magnetotelluric reconnaissance survey conducted at Sete Cidades Volcano, placed only 30 km westward of the RG field. The resistivity structure of the Sete Cidades geothermal system was obtained through a simultaneous 3D inversion of the full impedance tensor and tipper. The bathymetry and the topography of the island were treated as fixed features in the model. The geothermal reservoir at Sete Cidades is outlined as a northwest–southeast elongated resistive anomaly, geologically controlled by the Terceira Rift fracture zone. We have also identified high-conductivity zones between 1000 and 4000 m below mean sea level, probably associated with clay cap rocks overlying the geothermal reservoir.
Automatic mapping of the base of aquifer — A case study from Morrill, Nebraska
Authors: Gulbrandsen Mats Lundh , Ball Lyndsay B. , Minsley Burke J. , Hansen Thomas Mejer
Published: March 2017

When a geologist sets up a geologic model, various types of disparate information may be available, such as exposures, boreholes, and (or) geophysical data. In recent years, the amount of geophysical data available has been increasing, a trend that is only expected to continue. It is nontrivial (and often, in practice, impossible) for the geologist to take all the details of the geophysical data into account when setting up a geologic model. We have developed an approach that allows for the objective quantification of information from geophysical data and borehole observations in a way that is easy to integrate in the geologic modeling process. This will allow the geologist to make a geologic interpretation that is consistent with the geophysical information at hand. We have determined that automated interpretation of geologic layer boundaries using information from boreholes and geophysical data alone can provide a good geologic layer model, even before manual interpretation has begun. The workflow is implemented on a set of boreholes and airborne electromagnetic (AEM) data from Morrill, Nebraska. From the borehole logs, information about the depth to the base of aquifer (BOA) is extracted and used together with the AEM data to map a surface that represents this geologic contact. Finally, a comparison between our automated approach and a previous manual mapping of the BOA in the region validates the quality of the proposed method and suggests that this workflow will allow a much faster and objective geologic modeling process that is consistent with the available data.
The Patriarchy’s Revenge
Authors: Encarnación Omar G.
Published: March 2017

Professor of political studies Omar Encarnación details the sexism and misogyny leveled at Dilma Rousseff throughout her career in Brazilian politics. He argues that her impeachment was part of a growing backlash against women and people of color.
SlgA, the homologue of the human schizophrenia associated PRODH gene, acts in clock neurons to regulate Drosophila aggression
Authors: Zwarts Liesbeth , Vulsteke Veerle , Buhl Edgar , Hodge James J. L. , Callaerts Patrick
Published: March 2017

Mutations in proline dehydrogenase (PRODH) are linked to behavioral alterations in schizophrenia and as part of DiGeorge and velo-cardio-facial syndromes, but the role of PRODH in their etiology remains unclear. We here establish a Drosophila model to study the role of PRODH in behavioral disorders. We determine the distribution of the Drosophila PRODH homolog slgA in the brain and show that knock-down and overexpression of human PRODH and slgA in the lateral neurons ventral (LNv) lead to altered aggressive behavior. SlgA acts in an isoform-specific manner and is regulated by casein kinase II (CkII). Our data suggest that these effects are, at least partially, due to effects on mitochondrial function. We thus show that precise regulation of proline metabolism is essential to drive normal behavior and we identify Drosophila aggression as a model behavior relevant for the study of mechanisms impaired in neuropsychiatric disorders.
Validation of commercially available sphingosine kinase 2 antibodies for use in immunoblotting, immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence
Authors: Neubauer Heidi A. , Pitson Stuart M.
Published: March 2017

Sphingosine kinase 2 (SK2) is a ubiquitously expressed lipid kinase that has important, albeit complex and poorly understood, roles in regulating cell survival and cell death. In addition to being able to promote cell cycle arrest and apoptosis under certain conditions, it has recently been shown that SK2 can promote neoplastic transformation and tumorigenesis in vivo. Therefore, well validated and reliable tools are required to study and better understand the true functions of SK2. Here, we compare two commercially available SK2 antibodies: a rabbit polyclonal antibody from Proteintech that recognizes amino acids 266-618 of human SK2a, and a rabbit polyclonal antibody from ECM Biosciences that recognizes amino acids 36-52 of human SK2a. We examine the performance of these antibodies for use in immunoblotting, immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence staining of endogenous SK2, using human HEK293 and HeLa cell lines, as well as mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). Furthermore, we assess the specificity of these antibodies to the target protein through the use of siRNA-mediated SK2 knockdown and SK2 knockout (Sphk2-/-) MEFs. Our results demonstrate that the Proteintech anti-SK2 antibody reproducibly displayed superior sensitivity and selectivity towards SK2 in immunoblot analyses, while the ECM Biosciences anti-SK2 antibody was reproducibly superior for SK2 immunoprecipitation and detection by immunofluorescence staining. Notably, both antibodies produced non-specific bands and staining in the MEFs, which was not observed with the human cell lines. Therefore, we conclude that the Proteintech SK2 antibody is a valuable reagent for use in immunoblot analyses, and the ECM Biosciences SK2 antibody is a useful tool for SK2 immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence staining, at least in the human cell lines employed in this study.
HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders: recent advances in pathogenesis, biomarkers, and treatment
Authors: Carroll Antonia , Brew Bruce
Published: March 2017

HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) remain prevalent despite plasma viral suppression by antiretroviral agents. In fact, the prevalence of milder subtypes of cognitive impairment is increasing. Neuropsychologic testing remains the “gold standard” of diagnosis; however, this is time consuming and costly in a resource-poor environment. Recently developed screening tools, such as CogState and the revised HIV dementia scale, have very good sensitivity and specificity in the more severe stages of HAND. However, questions remain regarding the utility of, optimal population for, and insensitivity of tests in mild HAND.

Recognition of ongoing viral persistence and the inflammatory milieu in the central nervous system (CNS) has advanced our understanding of the pathogenesis of HAND and facilitated the development of biomarkers of CNS disease. The importance of the monocyte-macrophage lineage cell and the astrocyte as viral reservoirs, HIV viral proteins, self-perpetuating CNS inflammation, and CCR5 chemokine receptor neurotropism has been identified. Whilst biomarkers demonstrate monocyte activation, inflammation, and neuronal injury, they remain limited in their clinical utility. The improved understanding of pathogenic mechanisms has led to novel approaches to the treatment of HAND; however, despite these advances, the optimal management is still undefined.
Case Report: Behçet’s disease accompanied with vitiligo
Authors: Ertaş Ragıp , Özyurt Kemal , Avcı Atıl , Ketenci Ertas Sule , Atasoy Mustafa
Published: March 2017

Recently, a few case reports and clinical studies have been published that explore the association of Behçet’s Disease (BD) and vitiligo, with conflicting results. Genetic and immunological properties of BD and presence of autoantibodies support autoimmunity, but clinical features suggest autoinflammatory diseases. BD is thought to be a cornerstone between autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases. On the other hand, vitiligo has been accepted as an autoimmune disease with associations of other autoimmune disorders and there is a possible role of autoimmunity in pathogenesis of the disease. Significant advances have been made understanding the pathogenesis and genetics of BD. However, it is worth presenting rare clinical variants for improving the clinical understanding of BD. Herein, we are presenting a case with diagnosis of both Behçet’s disease and vitiligo in same patient, which is a rare occurrence. Discussion and demonstrating the association of these two diseases may give rise to understanding similar and different aspects of autoimmunity and autoinflammatory pathogenesis of both diseases.
Towards a systems approach for chronic diseases, based on health state modeling
Authors: Rebhan Michael
Published: March 2017

Rising pressure from chronic diseases means that we need to learn how to deal with challenges at a different level, including the use of systems approaches that better connect across fragments, such as disciplines, stakeholders, institutions, and technologies. By learning from progress in leading areas of health innovation (including oncology and AIDS), as well as complementary indications (Alzheimer’s disease), I try to extract the most enabling innovation paradigms, and discuss their extension to additional areas of application within a systems approach. To facilitate such work, a Precision, P4 or Systems Medicine platform is proposed, which is centered on the representation of health states that enable the definition of time in the vision to provide the right intervention for the right patient at the right time and dose. Modeling of such health states should allow iterative optimization, as longitudinal human data accumulate. This platform is designed to facilitate the discovery of links between opportunities related to a) the modernization of diagnosis, including the increased use of omics profiling, b) patient-centric approaches enabled by technology convergence, including digital health and connected devices, c) increasing understanding of the pathobiological, clinical and health economic aspects of disease progression stages, d) design of new interventions, including therapies as well as preventive measures, including sequential intervention approaches. Probabilistic Markov models of health states, e.g. those used for health economic analysis, are discussed as a simple starting point for the platform. A path towards extension into other indications, data types and uses is discussed, with a focus on regenerative medicine and relevant pathobiology.
Scaling-up primary health care-based prevention and management of alcohol use disorder at the municipal level in middle-income countries in Latin America: Background and pre-protocol for a three-country quasi-experimental study
Authors: Anderson Peter , O'Donnell Amy , Kaner Eileen , Gual Antoni , Schulte Bernd , Pérez Gómez Augusto , de Vries Hein , Natera Rey Guillermina , Rehm Jürgen
Published: March 2017

Background:While primary health care (PHC)-based prevention and management of alcohol use disorder (AUD) is clinically effective and cost-effective, it remains poorly implemented in routine practice. Systematic reviews and multi-country studies have demonstrated the ability of training and support programmes to increase PHC-based screening and brief advice activity to reduce heavy drinking. However, gains have been only modest and short term at best. WHO studies have concluded that a more effective uptake could be achieved by embedding PHC activity within broader community and municipal support. Protocol: A quasi-experimental study will compare PHC-based prevention and management of AUD, operationalized by heavy drinking, in three intervention cities from Colombia, Mexico and Peru with three comparator cities from the same countries. In the implementation cities, primary health care units (PHCUs) will receive training embedded within ongoing supportive municipal action over an 18-month implementation period. In the comparator cities, practice as usual will continue at both municipal and PHCU levels. The primary outcome will be the proportion of consulting adult patients intervened with (screened and advice given to screen positives). The study is powered to detect a doubling of the outcome measure from an estimated 2.5/1,000 patients at baseline. Formal evaluation points will be at baseline, mid-point and end-point of the 18-month implementation period. We will present the ratio (plus 95% confidence interval) of the proportion of patients receiving intervention in the implementation cities with the proportions in the comparator cities. Full process evaluation will be undertaken, coupled with an analysis of potential contextual, financial and political-economy influencing factors. Discussion:This multi-country study will test the extent to which embedding PHC-based prevention and management of alcohol use disorder with supportive municipal action leads to improved scale-up of more patients with heavy drinking receiving appropriate advice and treatment.
Promotion Spillovers: Drug Detailing in Combination Therapy
Authors: Liu Hongju , Liu Qiang , Chintagunta Pradeep K.
Published: March 2017

This paper examines the spillover effects of promotions when products from different firms are consumed in a bundle. Using data from the HIV/AIDS category, a canonical example of combination therapy, we estimate a hierarchical Bayesian logit model across treatment regimens and show that detailing for one drug can increase demand for other drugs that are often combined with the focal drug. Such spillover effects could lead to free riding by the drugs benefitting from the spillover. We investigate the managerial and policy implications of detailing spillover effects via counterfactual policy simulations based on a dynamic oligopoly game of detailing. For managers, we show how firms can internalize the spillover effects and reduce the incentive for free riding. For policy makers, the implications of our findings relate to detailing restrictions that are often proposed on branded drugs. These restrictions aim to increase social welfare by encouraging the use of generic drugs. However, in combination therapies generic drugs may actually benefit from the detailing of complementary branded products. If detailing was curtailed, this could adversely affect generic drug prescriptions as well, which runs counter to policy makers’ objectives of encouraging use of generic drugs.

Data and the online appendix are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mksc.2016.1014 .
Offline Showrooms in Omnichannel Retail: Demand and Operational Benefits
Authors: Bell David R. , Gallino Santiago , Moreno Antonio
Published: March 2017

Omnichannel environments where customers shop online and offline at the same retailer are ubiquitous, and are deployed by online-first and traditional retailers alike. We focus on the relatively understudied domain of online-first retailers and the engagement of a key omnichannel tactic; specifically, introduction of showrooms (physical locations where customers can view and try products) in combination with online fulfillment that uses centralized inventory management. We ask whether, and if so, how, showrooms benefit the two most basic retail objectives: demand generation and operational efficiency. Using quasi-experimental data on showroom openings by WarbyParker.com , the leading and iconic online-first eyewear retailer, we find that showrooms: (1) increase demand overall and in the online channel as well; (2) generate operational spillovers to the other channels by attracting customers who, on average, have a higher cost-to-serve; (3) improve overall operational efficiency by increasing conversion in a sampling channel and by decreasing returns; and (4) amplify these demand and operational benefits in dealing with customers who have the most acute need for the firm’s products. Moreover, the effects we document strengthen with time as showrooms contribute not only to brand awareness but also to what we term channel awareness as well. We conclude by elaborating the underlying customer dynamics driving our findings and by offering implications for how online-first retailers might deploy omnichannel tactics.

This paper was accepted by Vishal Gaur, operations management.
Social Risk and the Dimensionality of Intentions
Authors: Butler Jeffrey V. , Miller Joshua B.
Published: March 2017

Previous research has documented a behavioral distinction between “social risk,” or risk caused by human factors, and natural risk. In particular, people tend to demand a premium on the probability of a favorable outcome in order to expose themselves to a social source of risk rather than a natural source of risk. Several explanations for what drives this social risk premium have been offered—most prominently, (i)an aversion to a counterparty’s potentially malign intentions and (ii) a more general aversion to ceding control to someone with conflicting interests. We propose that a fundamental determinant of the social risk premium may relate to a counterparty’s capacity to engage in intentional action. We employ a between-subjects experimental design in which we manipulate subjects’ capacity for intentional action. Our design allows us to identify the component of the social risk premium related to an aversion to betrayal, independent of any aversion to ceding control. Furthermore, our results show that intentions are a crucial determinant of the social risk premium. We identify factors that eliminate, and may even change the sign of, the social risk premium. Our results contribute to our understanding of the factors that influence the perception of social risk and have implications for optimal contract design in a wide variety of situations involving social risk.

The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2016.2694 .

This paper was accepted by Uri Gneezy, behavioral economics.
When the Boss Is Away: Manager–Worker Separation and Worker Performance in a Multisite Software Maintenance Organization
Authors: Bonet Rocio , Salvador Fabrizio
Published: March 2017

Distributed work is ubiquitous in modern organizations, as are situations where managers and workers interact remotely. Past research postulates the existence of costs of manager–worker separation, but empirical evidence is scant and inconclusive. Building on the literature on manager–worker separation and distributed work we claim that the effect of manager–worker separation on worker performance varies depending on three factors: task complexity, collocation of the worker with experienced peers, and manager supervisory experience. We investigate our arguments by developing hypotheses in the context of a multisite IT services organization, where we collected data encompassing 13,435 software maintenance tasks executed within a two years period. We find that the hypothesized interaction effects are significant and can give rise to costs of manager–worker separation. However, our results also pinpoint the existence of situations where benefits of manager–worker separation are present, that is, where remote supervision leads to superior worker performance. In practice, our findings suggest that organizations should consider task, work configuration, and manager characteristics when deciding whether workers and managers should be collocated.
Appreciative Advising to Promote Degree Completion by Appalachian Women
Authors: Pulcini Brad
Published: March 2017

Women from the Appalachian region complete undergraduate degrees at a lower rate than other students across the United States. The low postsecondary completion rate correlates to the high levels of poverty within this region. In addition to identifying the economic and educational gaps between the Appalachian region and others in the general U.S. population, advisors must examine the roles, values, and characteristics of Appalachian women to increase their college persistence. The cultivation of hope and the implementation of appreciative advising may increase postsecondary degree completion and thus help Appalachian women break the cycle of poverty.
Increasing uptake of LAIV in school-based immunisation sessions: A pilot study
Authors: Sealey Katrina
Published: March 2017

Aim:

This pilot study aims to evaluate existing innovations, including a poster campaign and uptake data over a small geographic area in order to develop a proposal for practice to increase school-based influenza vaccine uptake levels.

Method:

Qualitative feedback was gathered via telephone conversation, with uptake data from 2015/16 season and 2016/17 season used to analyse uptake trends. A poster campaign was trialled as part of this pilot, the efficacy of which has been analysed as far as possible.

Results:

The analysis of the results of this small pilot drew three main themes; the impact of having accessible information for parents available in school, the effect of NRF on uptake rates and whether the level of engagement from the school has a positive effect on uptake.

Conclusions:

Although small in size, the analysis of this data has highlighted significant areas for development in practice. Namely, the provision of extra information for schools to use, the importance of all consent forms being returned and the instrumental role of partnership working with schools to engage them in school-based vaccinations.
Aprendizagem baseada em projetos: a educação diferenciada para o século XXI. Tradução: Fernando de Siqueira Rodrigues, Porto Alegre: Penso, 2015. Escrito por William N. Bender
Authors: Cipolla Luis Eduardo
Published: March 2017

A escola, em seus objetivos educacionais, enfrenta o desafio de mobilizar os estudantes, frente à competição com outros interesses, que disputam a atenção deles, na rotina diária. O livro “A Aprendizagem Baseada em Projeto” (ABP) apresenta uma metodologia apropriada para as salas de aula do século XXI, na qual se exige que a experiência de ensino-aprendizagem seja profunda, para ser transformadora. Para satisfazer tais anseios pedagógicos e lidar com as constantes mudanças e atualizações tecnológicas que despontam no mundo e encontram ressonância na escola, a ABP propõe trabalhar com os estudantes promovendo a auto-iniciativa, com questões e problemas do mundo real, que sejam significativos para eles, determina o modo de abordar tais problemas e estabelecer uma ação cooperativa em busca de soluções. O autor do livro desenvolve os aspectos da aplicação da ABP, de uma maneira muito prática, ilustra com exemplos de projetos e indica sites para consulta, e embora todos os capítulos sejam importantes, ressalta-se o capítulo 6, que trata das oportunidades e opções da avaliação discente. No final desta resenha, apresenta-se uma reflexão da realidade brasileira, e a influência que esta metodologia pode exercer na educação, ao propor trabalhar com os estudantes de maneira ativa, onde “aprende-se fazendo”, porém dentro de questões e problemas da realidade nacional.
Co-Creative Urbanism The production of plural evolutionary spatialities through conflicts and complicities between public and private in the streets of Hanoi, Vietnam
Authors: Manfredini Manfredo , Ta Anh-Dung
Published: March 2017

Under the impact of economic globalization, today cities put a high priority to improve their attractiveness and become ideal destinations for global capital and elites (William S.W. Lim, 2014). Results of these “improvements” are often severe gentrification and spectacularisation processes that compromise resilience of local communities. These have an important impact on the materiality of tradition that constitutes complex of historical, social and cultural linkages is being gradually decontextualized and commodified, severely damaging local identity, community and knowledge (William S. W. Lim, 2013). Epitomes of these disruptions of complex rooted linkages are the “creative,” post-consumerist landscapes of consumption, ubiquitously emerging in public spaces of ancient central city streets.Contrasting such tendency of producing deterritorialised places of consumption, trapping people for hours at a time in hyper-real spaces, relevant socio-spatial instances of resistance are found. This paper explores the complex spatialities of conceptions, everyday practices and actions of one of these places that preserves genuine rhythms of daily lives. The historical central district of Hanoi is chosen as case study, where local inhabitants develop idiosyncratic tactics to engage with public space, encroaching sidewalks with complex set of practices. These are places where local inhabitants everyday actualise complex sets of conceptions, practices and actions that notably exemplifies those that produce differential spaces - using the notion proposed by Henri Lefebvre. Disassociating from regulated, limited, planned and homogenized environments as occurring in present shopping malls and theme parks, the central district of Hanoi sidewalks offer chances for accidental encounters, unexpected events and support a very diverse range of local inhabitants in an extremely active and dynamic play. The sidewalks appear as a loosen space (Franck & Stevens, 2007), where unpredictable uses, intermingled spatial interconnections and complex social interrelations generate.This paper discusses the findings of a research aimed to explore (how – what – why) the interaction between the multifarious spatial activities of residents and transients, and describe the patterns of such inclusionary relations. Particularly, the study intends to demonstrate how there is a (ambivalent condition in witch) complex networks of social activities produce and are produced by a distinct set of spatialities that involve inclusive networks of local agencies. So as to achieve the target, the theoretical lenses of Lefebvre’s spatialities and Kim’s spatial ethnography are useful, on the one hand to comprehensively decode and interpret “social space” and on the other hand to clearly describe such space.
Josep Luís Sert: Harvard University Campus Planning and Buildings, 1956–1968
Authors: Constant Caroline
Published: March 2017

Leadership roles in the Harvard University Planning Office and the Cambridge City Planning Commission prompted Josep Lluìs Sert to adapt the utopian proclivities he formulated as President of the Congrès Internationaux d’Architecture Moderne (CIAM) to American social and cultural realities. The Harvard planning report of 1960 in turn provided a theoretical basis for Sert’s architectural designs for the university, particularly his firm’s Center for the Study of World Religions (1959–61), Holyoke Center (1958–67), and Peabody Terrace (1962–62). All were developed with landscape architects Sasaki, Walter and Associates and built in the campus periphery 1. Although acclaimed in the architectural media, the latter two examples provoked considerable controversy locally, as this account elaborates.