bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Milestone achievement in emerging adulthood in spina bifida: a longitudinal investigation of parental expectations
Authors: Holbein Christina E , Zebracki Kathy , Bechtel Colleen F , Lennon Papadakis Jaclyn , Franks Bruno Elizabeth , Holmbeck Grayson N
Published: September 2016

Aim

To assess changes over time in parents' expectations of adult milestone achievement (college attendance, full‐time job attainment, independent living, marriage, parenthood) for young people with spina bifida, to examine how expectancies relate to actual milestone achievement, and to compare milestone achievement in emerging adults with spina bifida with that of peers with typical development.

Method

Sixty‐eight families of children with spina bifida (mean age 8y 4mo, 37 males, 31 females) and 68 families of children with typical development (mean age 8y 6mo, 37 males, 31 females) participated at Time 1. At all subsequent timepoints, parents of young people with spina bifida were asked to rate their expectations of emerging adulthood milestone achievement. At Time 7, when participants were 22 to 23 years old, milestone achievement was assessed.

Results

Parents of young people with spina bifida lowered their expectations over time for most milestones; parents of children with higher cognitive ability reported decreases of lower magnitude. Parent expectancies were optimistic and unrelated to actual milestone achievement. Emerging adults with spina bifida were less likely than individuals with typical development to achieve all milestones.

Interpretation

Optimistic parental expectations may be adaptive for children with spina bifida and their families, although it is important for families to set realistic goals. Healthcare providers serve a key role in helping families of young people with spina bifida prepare for emerging adulthood.
Application of Rasch analysis in the development and psychometric evaluation of dental undergraduates preparedness assessment scale
Authors: Ali K. , Slade A. , Kay E. J. , Zahra D. , Chatterjee A. , Tredwin C.
Published: September 2016

Aims

The aim of this study was to develop a valid and reliable scale to measure preparedness of new dental graduates.

Methods

The scale development and validation was carried out using the Rasch measurement model. Following a pilot and pre‐testing of the scale, a national study was undertaken with undergraduate students from all dental schools as well as foundation dentists in UK.

Results

To examine the internal validity of the scale, we conducted a Rasch analysis. External validity of the scale was checked through validation with a range of stakeholders. An excellent fit to the Rasch model provided evidence of internal construct validity. The scale demonstrated invariance, ordered thresholds and lack of differential item functioning. Unidimensionality of the scale was confirmed by independent t‐tests. The PSI value was 0.877, indicating a good degree of person separation and internal consistency. Test–retest reliability of the scale was also established.

Conclusions

The preparedness scale developed in this project reflects innovative research using a systematic approach and employment of modern psychometric methods. The scale can be used for assessment of the preparedness of undergraduate students by dental educators and potential employers as well as by the student for self‐assessment.
Positive influence of a dental anaesthesia simulation model on the perception of learning by Mexican dental students
Authors: López‐Cabrera C. , Hernández‐Rivas E. J. , Komabayashi T. , Galindo‐Reyes E. L. , Tallabs‐López D. , Cerda‐Cristerna B. I.
Published: September 2016

Introduction

This study evaluated the influence of three‐repetition training with a dental anaesthesia simulation model (DASM) on the perception of learning by dental students.

Materials and methods

Dental students who had never used a dental anaesthesia technique were randomly divided into two groups that were taught the anterior superior alveolar nerve infiltrative anaesthesia technique. Group 1 (G1; N = 10) followed a three‐stage learning method: (i) theoretical lecture, (ii) clinical demonstration and (iii) DASM training, including three repetitions of the anaesthesia technique. Group 2 (G2; N = 10) followed only the 1st and 2nd stages. The students in both groups then performed the anaesthesia technique. The perception of the students was evaluated by four learning concepts. Each was evaluated with a 5‐point Likert scale questionnaire. The average score of each item of the questionnaire for G1 was compared with that of G2. Statistically significant differences were identified with the Mann–Whitney test. The average working time of each group was timed and compared by Student's t‐test to identify possible statistically significant differences.

Results

Students in G1 showed higher average scores of perception in controlling the handling of the dental syringe and confidence in performing the injection (P < 0.05) and showed an average working time shorter than that of the students in G2 (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The DASM positively influenced the perception learning of the dental students; it increased their confidence and syringe handling ability, as well as skills to perform the injection of anaesthesia more quickly.
Serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D deficiency predicts poor outcome amongst acute ischaemic stroke patients with low high density lipoprotein cholesterol
Authors: Xu T. , Zhong C. , Peng Y. , Chen C.‐S. , Wang J. , Ju Z. , Li Q. , Geng D. , Sun Y. , Zhang D. , Zhang Y. , Chen J. , Xu T. , Zhang Y. , He J.
Published: September 2016

Background and purpose

Current observational studies indicate that a lower vitamin D level is associated with a higher risk of poor ischaemic stroke prognosis. Whether this association is affected by lipid levels is unclear. Our aim was to examine the effect of serum vitamin D especially its deficiency on the global outcome of ischaemic stroke stratified by individual lipid component level.

Methods

A total of 3181 ischaemic patients from China Antihypertensive Trial in Acute Ischaemic Stroke were included in this study and their baseline serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels were tested. They were prospectively followed up for death, major disability and vascular events for 3 months after acute ischaemic stroke. A multivariable logistic model was used to evaluate the association between serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels and clinical outcomes of ischaemic stroke in the 3‐month period of follow‐up in all patients and in different lipid‐level subgroups.

Results

Vitamin D deficiency was associated with poor clinical outcomes only in ischaemic stroke patients with high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) <1.04 mmol/l rather than all patients. The multivariable adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) of major disability and composite adverse events were 1.98 (1.08–3.63) and 2.24 (1.22–4.12), respectively. There was a significant interaction effect between vitamin D andHDLClevels on major disability and the composite outcome (Pfor interaction < 0.05 for both). A significant linear trend existed between 25‐hydroxyvitamin D and risk of poor prognosis (P= 0.03).

Conclusions

Vitamin D deficiency may be merely an independent risk factor of poor prognosis in ischaemic stroke patients with lowHDLClevel.
Epidemiological, clinical and genetic aspects of adult onset isolated focal dystonia in Ireland
Authors: Williams L. , McGovern E. , Kimmich O. , Molloy A. , Beiser I. , Butler J. S. , Molloy F. , Logan P. , Healy D. G. , Lynch T. , Walsh R. , Cassidy L. , Moriarty P. , Moore H. , McSwiney T. , Walsh C. , O'Riordan S. , Hutchinson M.
Published: September 2016

Background

Adult onset idiopathic isolated focal dystonia presents with a number of phenotypes. Reported prevalence rates vary considerably; well‐characterized cohorts are important to our understanding of this disorder.

Aim

To perform a nationwide epidemiological study of adult onset idiopathic isolated focal dystonia in the Republic of Ireland.

Methods

Patients with adult onset idiopathic isolated focal dystonia were recruited from multiple sources. Diagnosis was based on assessment by a neurologist with an expertise in movement disorders. When consent was obtained, a number of clinical features including family history were assessed.

Results

On the prevalence date there were 592 individuals in Ireland with adult onset idiopathic isolated focal dystonia, a point prevalence of 17.8 per 100 000 (95% confidence interval 16.4−19.2). Phenotype numbers were cervical dystonia 410 (69.2%), blepharospasm 102 (17.2%), focal hand dystonia 39 (6.6%), spasmodic dysphonia 18 (3.0%), musician's dystonia 17 (2.9%) and oromandibular dystonia six (1.0%). Sixty‐two (16.5%) of 375 consenting index cases had a relative with clinically confirmed adult onset idiopathic isolated focal dystonia (18 multiplex and 24 duplex families). Marked variations in the proportions of patients with tremor, segmental spread, sensory tricks, pain and psychiatric symptoms by phenotype were documented.

Conclusions

The prevalence of adult onset idiopathic isolated focal dystonia in Ireland is higher than that recorded in many similar service‐based epidemiological studies but is still likely to be an underestimate. The low proportion of individuals with blepharospasm may reflect reduced environmental exposure to sunlight in Ireland. This study will serve as a resource for international comparative studies of environmental and genetic factors in the pathogenesis of the disorder.
Human papillomavirus 16 (HPV16) and HPV52 E6‐specific immunity in HIV‐infected adults on combination antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Leng CY , Low HC , Chua LL , Chong ML , Sulaiman H , Azwa I , Roberts JM , Kamarulzaman A , Rajasuriar R , Woo YL
Published: September 2016

Objectives

Human papillomavirus (HPV)‐associated cancers disproportionately affect those infected with HIV despite effective combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). The primary aim of this study was to quantify HPV16 and HPV52 E6‐specific interferon (IFN)‐γ enzyme‐linked immunospot (ELISPOT) T‐cell responses, a correlate of protective immunity, in the first year following cART initiation and subsequently in those patients with suboptimal (sIR) and optimal (oIR) immune reconstitution.

Methods

Ninety‐four HIV‐infected patients were recruited to the study; a longitudinal cohort of patients recruited just prior to commencing cART and followed up for 48 weeks (n = 27), and a cross‐sectional cohort (n = 67) consisting of patients with sIR (CD4 T‐cell count < 350 cells/μL) and oIR (CD4 T‐cell count > 500 cells/μL) after a minimum of 2 years on cART. Controls (n = 29) consisted of HIV‐negative individuals. IFN‐γ ELISPOT responses against HPV16 and HPV52 E6 were correlated to clinical characteristics, anal and oral HPV carriage, T‐cell maturational subsets, markers of activation, senescence and T‐regulatory cells.

Results

HPV16 and HPV52 E6‐specific T‐cell responses were detected in only one of 27 patients (3.7%) during the initial phase of immune recovery. After at least 2 years of cART, those who achieved oIR had significantly higher E6‐specific responses (9 of 34; 26.5%) compared with those with sIR (2 of 32; 6.3%) (P = 0.029). Apart from higher CD4 T‐cell counts and lower CD4 T‐cell activation, no other immunological correlates were associated with the detection of HPV16 and HPV52 E6‐specific responses.

Conclusions

HPV16 and HPV52 E6‐specific IFN‐γ T‐cell responses, a correlate of protective immunity, were detected more frequently among HIV‐infected patients who achieved optimal immune recovery on cART (26.5%) compared with those with suboptimal recovery (6.3%).
Feasibility, appropriateness, meaningfulness and effectiveness of patient participation at bedside shift reporting: mixed‐method research protocol
Authors: Malfait Simon , Eeckloo Kristof , Lust Elisa , Van Biesen Wim , Van Hecke Ann
Published: September 2016

Aim

To evaluate the feasibility, appropriateness, meaningfulness and effectiveness of bedside shift reporting in a minimum of five interventions and five control wards.

Background

Hospitals continually improve their quality of care. Next to improvements in clinical performance, more patient participation is stimulated through different methods. Methods to enhance patient participation such as bedside shift reporting lack rigorously performed research to determine their feasibility, appropriateness, meaningfulness and effectiveness. Small‐scale research and a previous pilot study indicate that bedside shift reporting improves patient participation, nurse–nurse communication and nurse–patient communication.

Design

The development, implementation and evaluation of bedside shift report are based on the Medical Research Council framework for complex interventions in health care. A matched, controlled, mixed‐method, longitudinal study design will be used. The Feasibility‐Appropriateness‐Meaningfulness‐Effectiveness framework will be applied for the quantitative and qualitative evaluation of bedside shift report.

Methods

A tailored intervention and implementation process for bedside shift report will be developed using diagnostic interviews, co‐design and acceptability testing. The intervention will be evaluated before implementation and three times after implementation. Individual and focus group interviews will be performed. Questionnaires, observations and analysis of the medical records and administrative databases will be completed. This study was funded in October 2015. Research Ethics Committee approval was granted in March 2016.

Discussion

There is a pressing need for rigorous research into the effects of interventions for improving patient participation. This study addresses the significance of bedside shift report as an intervention to improve quality of care, communication and patient participation within a large‐scale, matched, controlled research design.
Contrasting latitudinal patterns of life‐history divergence in two genera of new world thrushes (Turdinae)
Authors: Boyce Andy J. , Martin Thomas E.
Published: September 2016

Several long‐standing hypotheses have been proposed to explain latitudinal patterns of life‐history strategies. Here, we test predictions of four such hypotheses (seasonality, food limitation, nest predation and adult survival probability) by examining life‐history traits and age‐specific mortality rates of several species of thrushes (Turdinae) based on field studies at temperate and tropical sites and data gathered from the literature. Thrushes in the genus Catharus showed the typical pattern of slower life‐history strategies in the tropics while co‐occuring Turdus thrushes differed much less across latitudes. Seasonality is a broadly accepted hypothesis for latitudinal patterns, but the lack of concordance in latitudinal patterns between co‐existing genera that experience the same seasonal patterns suggests seasonality cannot fully explain latitudinal trait variation in thrushes. Nest‐predation also could not explain patterns based on our field data and literature data for these two genera. Total feeding rates were similar, and per‐nestling feeding rates were higher at tropical latitudes in both genera, suggesting food limitation does not explain trait differences in thrushes. Latitudinal patterns of life histories in these two genera were closely associated with adult survival probability. Thus, our data suggest that environmental influences on adult survival probability may play a particularly strong role in shaping latitudinal patterns of life‐history traits.
A small badge of longevity: opposing survival selection on the size of white and black wing markings
Authors: Sepp Tuul , Rattiste Kalev , Saks Lauri , Meitern Richard , Urvik Janek , Kaasik Ants , Hõrak Peeter
Published: September 2016

According to handicap principle, exaggerated ornamental traits are supposed to exert costs on their bearers. However, there is much less theoretical and practical consensus about whether and under which conditions ornament expression should positively correlate with survival. We measured age‐related variation and survival selection on the size of white wing patches and black wing tips in a long‐lived monogamous seabird, the common gull Larus canus. Males had larger white patches than females but patch size showed concave relationship with age irrespective of sex, suggesting that white patch size was prone to senescence in both sexes. Extent of wing tip abrasion correlated negatively with the size of white patch, suggesting, in agreement with the Zahavian handicap hypothesis that only individuals with largest ornaments are able of maintaining them and not paying cost of displaying them. Areas of white wing patches and black wing tips correlated negatively. Irrespective of sex, survival selection favored birds with larger white wing patches and smaller black wing tips, which suggests that white and black wing markings may have coevolved as reverse components of a single ornament. Altogether, our results provide an evidence for the case where survival selection on ornamental traits in females is not weaker than in males. Absence of sex differences with respect to most of observed patterns is consistent with a prediction that among monogamous long‐lived species with biparental care, mutual mate choice leads to evolution of elaborate ornamental traits in both sexes.
Moderators of treatment response to trauma‐focused cognitive behavioral therapy among youth in Zambia
Authors: Kane Jeremy C. , Murray Laura K. , Cohen Judith , Dorsey Shannon , Skavenski van Wyk Stephanie , Galloway Henderson Jennica , Imasiku Mwiya , Mayeya John , Bolton Paul
Published: September 2016

Background

The effectiveness of mental health interventions such as trauma‐focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF‐CBT) may vary by client, caregiver, and intervention‐level variables, but few randomized trials in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMIC) have conducted moderation analyses to investigate these characteristics. This study explores moderating factors to TF‐CBT treatment response among a sample of orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) in Zambia.

Methods

Data were obtained from a completed randomized trial of TF‐CBT among 257 OVC in Zambia. Trauma symptoms and functioning were measured at baseline and following the end of treatment. Mixed effects regression models were estimated for each moderator of interest: gender, age, number of trauma types experienced, history of sexual abuse, orphan status, primary caretaker, school status, and parental involvement in treatment.

Results

Treatment effectiveness was moderated by history of sexual abuse with greater reductions in both outcomes (trauma, p < .05; functioning, p < .01) for those that experienced sexual abuse. Primary caretaker was also a moderator with greater trauma reductions in those who identified their mother as the primary caretaker (p < .01), and better functioning in those that identified their father as the primary caretaker (p < .05). Nonorphans and single orphans (mother alive) showed greater reduction in functional impairment (p < .01) compared with double orphans. There was no significant moderator effect found by gender, age, number of trauma types, school status, or caregiver participation in treatment.

Conclusions

This study suggests that TF‐CBT was effective in reducing trauma symptoms and functional impairment among trauma‐affected youth overall and that it may be particularly effective for survivors of child sexual abuse and children whose primary caretaker is a biological parent. Scale‐up of TF‐CBT is warranted given the wide range of effectiveness and prevalence of child sexual abuse. Future randomized trials of interventions in LMIC should power for moderation analyses in the study design phase when feasible.
Technological and Sensory Properties of Calcium‐Enriched Dry Fermented Sausages: A Study of the Calcium Bioavailability
Authors: Soto Ana Maria , Garcia Maria Luisa , Selgas Maria Dolores
Published: September 2016

Dry fermented sausages (DFS) were enriched with calcium (Ca) to determine its bioavailability. Three Ca salts (gluconate, lactate and citrate‐malate) were tested in sufficient amounts to assure that 100 g of DFS gave 20–40% of the Ca RDA. Technological and sensory properties of enriched DFS were similar to the control batch without Ca. The batches with Ca gluconate exhibited the lowest sensory quality and were, thus, discarded. Neither the type nor the amount of salt tested had an influence on the growth of the microbiota. Calcium bioavailability of the experimental sausages was determined by an in vitro assay. Both Ca lactate and citrate‐malate salts showed values of close to 10%, which lies within the average absorption limits established for other Ca‐enriched foods. In view of the results, either of the later mentioned Ca salts could be used for the enrichment of the type of meat product studied.

Practical Applications

In recent years, the dry fermented sausage industry has been focused on the development of newer and healthier products by improving their nutritional value. Calcium (Ca) is essential for the correct functioning of the human organism. It plays important roles within several physiological activities, among those which include the ossification process. The calcium daily allowance recommended by international health organizations is between 800 and 1000 mg. The fortification of dry fermented sausages offers a good alternative source for increasing Ca intake. The products showing good sensory quality and a good Ca bioavailability could be considered as a source of calcium. If the Ca bioavailability is similar to that described for other Ca‐enriched foods, these new meat products could help to expand the range of healthy products in the market. The investigation described in continuation has been carried out with this aim.
Kidney Function and Disability‐Free Survival in Older Women
Authors: Cavanaugh Alyson M. , LaCroix Andrea Z. , Kritz‐Silverstein Donna , Rillamas‐Sun Eileen , Rifkin Dena E.
Published: September 2016

Objectives

To examine the prospective association between kidney function and three outcomes: survival to age 85 with functional independence, survival to age 85 with disability, and death before age 85.

Design

Prospective study.

Setting

Women's Health Initiative, conducted at 40 U.S. clinical centers.

Participants

Postmenopausal women enrolled between 1993 and 1998 with baseline biomarker assessments who had the potential to reach age 85 before September 2013 (N = 7,178).

Measurements

Kidney function was measured according to estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) calculated from serum creatinine collected at baseline. Outcomes were survival to age 85 with functional independence, survival with disability, or death before age 85. Disability was defined as mobility or activity of daily living limitations measured by questionnaire.

Results

eGFR was greater than 90 mL/min per 1.73 m2 in 22.7% of women, 60 to 89 mL/min per 1.73 m2 in 66.5%, 45 to 59 mL/min per 1.73 m2 in 8.7%, and less than 45 mL/min per 1.73 m2 in 2.0%. Median follow‐up was 15 years. Of 4,953 survivors, 3,155 reported no physical disability at age 85. Two thousand two hundred twenty‐five participants died before age 85. Women with an eGFR of 90 mL/min per 1.73 m2 or greater had 2.71 times greater odds of survival to age 85 with functional independence than of dying before 85 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.62–4.51) than those with an eGFR less than 45 mL/min per 1.73 m2, women with an eGFR of 60 to 89 mL/min per 1.73 m2 had 3.04 times (95% CI = 1.85–5.00) greater odds, and women with an eGFR of 45 to 59 mL/min per 1.73 m2 had 2.22 times (95% CI = 1.31–3.76) greater odds. Similar, but slightly weaker odds were seen for survival to age 85 with disability. Better kidney function was not significantly associated with greater likelihood of survival to age 85 with independent function than of surviving with disability.

Conclusion

Better kidney function was associated with greater likelihood of survival to age 85 with and without disability.
Development of real‐time PCR for quantitation of simian immunodeficiency virus 2‐LTR circles
Authors: Lee Michael , Kim Woong‐Ki , Kuroda Marcelo J. , Pal Ranajit , Chung Hye Kyung
Published: September 2016

Background

Non‐human primates infected with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) represent a robust model to evaluate pre‐clinical efficacy of HIV‐1 preventive strategies and to determine the size of reservoir.

Methods

We developed a real‐time qPCR assay to specifically quantify episomal 2‐LTR circular DNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and brain tissues from SIV‐infected macaques.

Results

This assay has sensitivity, accuracy and reproducibility over seven orders of magnitude. High copy numbers of SIV 2‐LTR circles were correlated to high proviral DNA levels in brains of two SIV encephalitic animals. In contrast, no 2‐LTR circles were detectable in two SIV‐infected animals with no sign of encephalitis or two animals that had mild encephalitis with low levels of proviral DNA.

Conclusions

These results suggest that simultaneous application of total proviral DNA and 2‐LTR circle assays provides quantitative evaluation of pathogenesis and outcome of SIV infection in macaques.
Agribusiness, Peasant Agriculture and Labour Markets: Ecuador in Comparative Perspective
Authors: Martínez Valle Luciano
Published: September 2016

The consolidation of capitalist agriculture in countries such as Ecuador has led to a recent revaluation of territories (central highlands) where cheap labour has facilitated agribusiness development linked to the world market. This process generates growth in the numbers of rural wage workers and the creation of a labour market that, in relation to others in several Latin American countries, has certain particularities: permanent jobs, gender balance, an absence of intermediaries and low levels of precariousness. Small‐scale peasant producers are marginalized in this context and play functional roles within the current dynamics of agribusiness firms. The organizational weakness of rural wage earners and the pursuit of clientelist relationships by firms do not allow rural workers and local communities to devise economic and social strategies that might improve their position in this ‘field of forces’ in the territory.
The comparison between intradermal injection of abobotulinumtoxinA and normal saline for face‐lifting: a split‐face randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wanitphakdeedecha Rungsima , Ungaksornpairote Chanida , Kaewkes Arisa , Rojanavanich Viboon , Phothong Weeranut , Manuskiatti Woraphong
Published: September 2016

Background

Botulinum toxin type A (BTA) has been approved for the treatment of strabismus, blepharospasm, muscle spasm, cervical dystonia, pain syndrome, glabella wrinkles, and severe primary axillary hyperhidrosis. Intradermal injection of BTA has been used off‐label by many clinicians for the purpose of face‐lifting effect. Few studies on onabotulinumtoxinA (ONA) demonstrated no clinical efficacy on face‐lifting effect when comparing to normal saline solution (NSS). So far, there is no split‐face comparison study on face‐lifting effect of abobotulinumtoxinA (ABO).

Objective

To determine the face‐lifting effect of ABO intradermal injection and NSS.

Methods

Twenty‐two subjects with symmetrical faces on both facial expression and expressionless were randomly injected with ABO at 1:7 cc dilution (500 unit or one vial in 7 cc of NSS) on one side and NSS on the other side using intradermal injection technique. Standardized photographic documentation was obtained at baseline, and at 2 weeks after treatment. The face‐lifting effect was graded by two blinded dermatologists using photographic comparison and rated by the patients. Side effects were also recorded at the end of the study.

Results

Face‐lifting effect was demonstrated in 40.9% and 4.5% of patients with ABO and NSS, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in face‐lifting effect when comparing between ABO and NSS (P = 0.021). The face‐lifting was reported in 50.0% of patients receiving ABO injection. The patients with oval‐face shape tended to respond better with ABO (P = 0.046). The odd of face‐lifting effect for patients aged younger than 32 was higher than patients aged older than 32 with the odds ratio of 7.9 and 95% confidence interval of 1.1–56.1. Facial asymmetry was found in 22.7% of subjects.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated the face‐lifting effect of ABO intradermal injection. Patients with oval‐face shape and aged younger than 32 tended to respond better. Therefore, patient selection should be emphasized to improve efficacy of this technique.
The patient–provider discordance in patients’ needs assessment: a qualitative study in breast cancer patients receiving oral chemotherapy
Authors: Wei Chunlan , Nengliang Yao , Yan Wang , Qiong Fang , Yuan Changrong
Published: September 2016

Aims and objectives

To explore the differing perspectives of patients and providers and their assessment of supportive care needs in breast cancer patients receiving oral chemotherapy.

Background

The patient–provider concordance in patients’ needs assessment is critical to the effective management of cancer. Self‐administered oral chemotherapy greatly shifts responsibilities for side‐effect monitoring, symptom management and dose adjustments from the provider to the patient. Home‐based care plans will be central to the effective management of these patients.

Design

A descriptive qualitative design was used.

Methods

A purposive sample of nine breast cancer patients, four oncologists and four oncology nurses were recruited in Shanghai, China. Semi‐structured and in‐depth interviews were conducted to collect data. A qualitative content analysis aimed at finding manifest and latent meanings of data was applied to analyse the information.

Results

Four themes of needs emerged from the interviews with patients and providers: information/knowledge, communication, social support and symptom management, but patients and providers only agreed on the assessment of symptom and side‐effects management needs. Patients want more positive encouraging information from providers, but providers think patients need more information of efficacy and safety. Patients appreciate support from other peer patients with similar experiences, but providers think the support from families and friends are readily available to them. Patients discussed their spiritual needs, while oncologists see the need to improve patient adherence to medication.

Conclusion

Breast cancer patients differed from their providers in assessment of healthcare needs. Further investigation of the relationships between patient–provider discordance and patient outcomes may guide interventions to improve care for cancer patients receiving oral chemotherapy.

Relevance to clinical practice

Oncology nurses should develop a holistic home‐based care plan by exploring and integrating the discordance of needs assessment of both patients and health providers.
Translating research findings to clinical nursing practice
Authors: Curtis Kate , Fry Margaret , Shaban Ramon Z , Considine Julie
Published: September 2016

Aims and objectives

To describe the importance of, and methods for, successfully conducting and translating research into clinical practice.

Background

There is universal acknowledgement that the clinical care provided to individuals should be informed on the best available evidence. Knowledge and evidence derived from robust scholarly methods should drive our clinical practice, decisions and change to improve the way we deliver care. Translating research evidence to clinical practice is essential to safe, transparent, effective and efficient healthcare provision and meeting the expectations of patients, families and society. Despite its importance, translating research into clinical practice is challenging. There are more nurses in the frontline of health care than any other healthcare profession. As such, nurse‐led research is increasingly recognised as a critical pathway to practical and effective ways of improving patient outcomes. However, there are well‐established barriers to the conduct and translation of research evidence into practice.

Design

This clinical practice discussion paper interprets the knowledge translation literature for clinicians interested in translating research into practice.

Methods

This paper is informed by the scientific literature around knowledge translation, implementation science and clinician behaviour change, and presented from the nurse clinician perspective. We provide practical, evidence‐informed suggestions to overcome the barriers and facilitate enablers of knowledge translation. Examples of nurse‐led research incorporating the principles of knowledge translation in their study design that have resulted in improvements in patient outcomes are presented in conjunction with supporting evidence.

Conclusions

Translation should be considered in research design, including the end users and an evaluation of the research implementation. The success of research implementation in health care is dependent on clinician/consumer behaviour change and it is critical that implementation strategy includes this.

Relevance to practice

Translating best research evidence can make for a more transparent and sustainable healthcare service, to which nurses are central.
Before an Analyst Becomes an Analyst: Does Industry Experience Matter?
Authors: BRADLEY DANIEL , GOKKAYA SINAN , LIU XI
Published: September 2016

Using hand‐collected biographical information on financial analysts from 1983 to 2011, we find that analysts making forecasts on firms in industries related to their preanalyst experience have better forecast accuracy, evoke stronger market reactions to earning revisions, and are more likely to be named Institutional Investor all‐stars. Plausibly exogenous losses of analysts with related industry experience have real financial market implications—changes in firms’ information asymmetry and price reactions are significantly larger than those of other analysts. Overall, industry expertise acquired from preanalyst work experience is valuable to analysts, consistent with the emphasis placed on their industry knowledge by institutional investors.
New Venture Partnering Capability: An Empirical Investigation into How Buying Firms Effectively Leverage the Potential of Innovative New Ventures
Authors: Zaremba Boris W. , Bode Christoph , Wagner Stephan M.
Published: September 2016

Drawing from the literature on firm resources and capabilities, as well as supplier management, this study investigates why and how some buying firms are more successful than others in leveraging the capabilities of their new venture suppliers. We use a qualitative research approach and synthesize our findings into a set of propositions that posit how buying firms manage their new venture suppliers when they evaluate, develop, and communicate with new ventures, as well as how buying firms govern the relationship with new ventures. At the core of our contribution is the conceptualization of the new venture partnering capability construct, which captures a buying firm's capacity to effectively leverage the potential of new ventures. Our findings contribute to the literature on relational capabilities and add insights into the emerging research stream at the interface of supply chain management and entrepreneurship.
Does Suffering Lack Meaning? A Contemporary Christian Response
Authors: Bryce Raymond‐Marie
Published: September 2016

Anthropology's approach to answering the question of the role of suffering in our lives is limited to empirical data and at best describes an individual's capability to endure it and make sense of it. Levinas was at odds to find meaning in suffering once it had exceeded certain proportions. Various cultures demonstrate greater and lesser capacities for integrating corporate suffering when it has crossed a significant threshold (e.g. Israeli Holocaust survivors, Canadian‐Cambodian Khmer Rouge survivors, and their descendants). What is the role of ritual and productive suffering in revealing meaning in suffering? Some examples are drawn from the experiences of pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago de Compostella. Drawing from Dr. Eleonore Stump's exploration of second‐person narratives and relationships, a Christian philosophical‐theological response is provided.
High‐resolution impedance manometry parameters enhance the esophageal motility evaluation in non‐obstructive dysphagia patients without a major Chicago Classification motility disorder
Authors: Carlson D. A. , Omari T. , Lin Z. , Rommel N. , Starkey K. , Kahrilas P. J. , Tack J. , Pandolfino J. E.
Published: September 2016

Background

High‐resolution impedance manometry (HRIM) allows evaluation of esophageal bolus retention, flow, and pressurization. We aimed to perform a collaborative analysis of HRIM metrics to evaluate patients with non‐obstructive dysphagia.

Methods

Fourteen asymptomatic controls (58% female; ages 20–50) and 41 patients (63% female; ages 24–82), 18 evaluated for dysphagia and 23 for reflux (non‐dysphagia patients), with esophageal motility diagnoses of normal motility or ineffective esophageal motility, were evaluated with HRIM and a global dysphagia symptom score (Brief Esophageal Dysphagia Questionnaire). HRIM was analyzed to assess Chicago Classification metrics, automated pressure‐flow metrics, the esophageal impedance integral (EII) ratio, and the bolus flow time (BFT).

Key Results

Significant symptom‐metric correlations were detected only with basal EGJ pressure, EII ratio, and BFT. The EII ratio, BFT, and impedance ratio differed between controls and dysphagia patients, while the EII ratio in the upright position was the only measure that differentiated dysphagia from non‐dysphagia patients.

Conclusions & Inferences

The EII ratio and BFT appear to offer an improved diagnostic evaluation in patients with non‐obstructive dysphagia without a major esophageal motility disorder. Bolus retention as measured with the EII ratio appears to carry the strongest association with dysphagia, and thus may aid in the characterization of symptomatic patients with otherwise normal manometry.
Hormonal Regulation of the Repair of UV Photoproducts in Melanocytes by the Melanocortin Signaling Axis
Authors: Jarrett Stuart G. , D'Orazio John A.
Published: September 2016

Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer because of its propensity to spread beyond the primary site of disease and because it resists many forms of treatment. Incidence of melanoma has been increasing for decades. Although ultraviolet radiation (UV) has been identified as the most important environmental causative factor for melanoma development, UV‐protective strategies have had limited efficacy in melanoma prevention. UV mutational burden correlates with melanoma development and tumor progression, underscoring the importance of UV in melanomagenesis. However, besides amount of UV exposure, melanocyte UV mutational load is influenced by the robustness of nucleotide excision repair, the genome maintenance pathway charged with removing UV photoproducts before they cause permanent mutations in the genome. In this review, we highlight the importance of the melanocortin hormonal signaling axis on regulating efficiency of nucleotide excision repair in melanocytes. By understanding the molecular mechanisms by which nucleotide excision repair can be increased, it may be possible to prevent many cases of melanoma by reducing UV mutational burden over time.
A Mobile Platform's In‐App Advertising Contract Under Agency Pricing for App Sales
Authors: Hao Lin , Guo Hong , Easley Robert F.
Published: September 2016

Unlike advertising in traditional media, a mobile platform's in‐app advertising market exhibits two unique features—split structure of the mobile platform with a platform owner and an app developer jointly provisioning in‐app advertising, and agency pricing for app sales. We develop a two‐sided market model to analyze the role of these two unique features in determining the platform owner's optimal advertising revenue‐sharing contract. Our results reveal an interesting N‐shaped dynamic regarding the platform owner's optimal choice of her ad revenue share with respect to the overall advertisers’ valuation of in‐app ads. We identify a between‐agent subsidization strategy for the platform owner, where she finds it optimal to subsidize the developer via the advertising channel, leading to greater profits for both of them. We find that the advertising revenue‐sharing contract under agency pricing for app sales leads to a higher app price than would be offered by the integrated platform found in traditional advertising. However, the ad price is coordinated under the platform owner's optimal choice of ad revenue share when she obtains revenue from both the advertising and app sales channels, leading to an alignment of her interest with the app developer's on ad level.
Product Introduction Strategies under Sequential Innovation for Durable Goods with Network Effects
Authors: Chau Ngan N. , Desiraju Ramarao
Published: September 2016

When network effects are important and technology is rapidly improved, this study explores the relative optimality of five product introduction strategies of a durable goods manufacturer: (1) replacement, (2) skipping, (3) a delayed line, (4) shelving, and (5) line‐extension. Using a two‐period analytical model, we show how the type of compatibility—either full or backward compatibility—and the magnitude of the network effect influence the manufacturer's preference for the above strategies. Our analysis reveals that only the strategies (1)–(3) above can be optimal; and the optimal strategy varies with network strength. Further, the type of compatibility can dramatically change the profitability under each optimal strategy; for instance, while backward compatibility can increase the profitability of replacement under certain conditions, it always reduces the profitability of a delayed line. We also illustrate that if compatibility were a choice, although backward compatibility may be observed widely in practice, the parametric region for its optimality is relatively more restricted than that of full compatibility.
Reduction in the mRNA expression of sVEGFR1 and sVEGFR2 is associated with the selection of dominant follicle in cows
Authors: Ortega Serrano PV , Guzmán A , Hernández–Coronado CG , Castillo‐Juárez H , Rosales‐Torres AM
Published: September 2016

Contents

The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is essential for follicular development by promoting follicular angiogenesis, as well as for the proliferation and survival of granulosa cells. The biological effects of VEGF are regulated by two membrane receptors, VEGFR1 and VEGFR2, and two soluble receptors, sVEGFR1 and sVEGFR2, which play an antagonistic role. Thus, the objective of this study was to identify the mRNA expression pattern of total VEGF, VEGFR1, VEGFR2, sVEGFR1 and sVEGFR2 in bovine preselected follicles (PRF) and post‐selected follicles (POF). The mRNA expression of these five genes in both granulosa cells (GC) and theca cells (TC) was compared between follicles classified as PRF and POF based on their diameter and on their ratio of estradiol/progesterone (E2/P4). Results showed a lower expression of mRNA of sVEGFR1 and sVEGFR2 in POF than in PRF (p < .05). Regarding the mRNA expression of total VEGF, VEGFR1 and VEGFR2, there was no difference between POF and PRF follicles (p > .05). Our results showed that the mRNA expression of VEGFR2 and sVEGFR1 was more abundant than the expression of VEGFR1 and sVEGFR2, while GC was the main source of mRNA for total VEGF. On the other hand, TC was the follicular compartment where the receptors were most expressed. Our results suggest that non‐dominant follicles maintain a greater concentration of the mRNA expression of both membrane and soluble VEGF receptors. On the other hand, follicular dominance is related to a reduction in the mRNA expression of sVEGFR1 and sVEGFR2, which may favour VEGF binding with VEGFR2 and, hence, improve the follicular health and development.
Lipid profiles of canine spermatozoa as revealed via matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Braga LT , Bravo NRS , Belaz KRA , Zampieri D , Eberlin MN , Conforti VA
Published: September 2016

Contents

In this study, we investigated the ability of matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI‐MS) to characterize the lipid contents of canine spermatozoa. For that, samples of pure semen were analysed. Indeed, quite comprehensive lipid coverage was observed, and the most abundant phospholipid ions detected were from four phosphatidylcholines, that is those of m/z 760.6; 782.6; 808.6; and 830.6 and one of m/z 725.6 from a sphingomyelin. In conclusion, MALDI‐MS was found to offer an easy, fast, accurate, and sensitive analytical method for lipid profiling in canine spermatozoa and could be used as a tool to select sires by assessing the relationship between sperm lipid profiles and variables such as age and breeding history as well as to study the effects of cryopreservation on lipid contents.
One Too Many? Understanding the Influence of Risk Factor Quantity on Perceptions of Risk
Authors: Dawson Ian G. J. , Johnson Johnnie E. V. , Luke Michelle A.
Published: September 2016

Forming a subjective risk judgment in circumstances that feature multiple risk factors is a common, yet complex task. One would expect variations in the number of risk factors in a given situation to have an important influence on risk judgments, yet the exact nature of this influence remains empirically untested. We conducted three studies to address this issue. In Study 1, we found that, when individuals were confronted with a preset number of risk factors (zero, one, two, or three) in the same scenario, their risk judgments were virtually identical for zero, one, and two risk factors, yet markedly higher for three risk factors. By contrast, Study 2 showed that when confronted with variations in the number of risk factors (zero, one, two, and three) for that same scenario, individuals' risk judgments increased/decreased in relatively even increments concurrent with increases/decreases in the number of risk factors. Study 3 identified that pronounced increases in risk judgments, like those observed in Study 1, may occur when the numbers of factors is “high” relative to the potential victim's vulnerability to those factors. Our results show that the number of risk factors in given circumstances can have an important influence on risk judgments and that this influence can differ based on the characteristics of the situation. We discuss how these findings provide a better understanding of subjective risk judgments and highlight the importance of those who seek to communicate risk information being mindful of how data about multiple risk factors could be (mis)interpreted.
Distorted Trade Barriers: A Dissection of Trade Costs in a “Distorted Gravity” Model
Authors: Besedeš Tibor , Cole Matthew T.
Published: September 2016

It is common in the trade literature to use iceberg transport costs to represent both tariffs and shipping costs alike. However, in models with monopolistic competition these are not identical trade restrictions. This difference is driven by how the two costs affect the extensive margin. We illustrate these differences in a gravity model. We show theoretically that trade flows are more elastic with respect to tariffs than transport costs and find a linear relationship between the elasticities with respect to tariffs, iceberg transport costs, and fixed market costs. We empirically validate these results using data on US product‐level imports.