bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sensing and warning-based technology applications to improve occupational health and safety in the construction industry
Authors: Antwi-Afari Maxwell Fordjour , Li Heng , Wong Johnny Kwok-Wai , Oladinrin Olugbenga Timo , Ge Janet Xin , Seo JoonOh , Wong Arnold Yu Lok
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Sensing- and warning-based technologies are widely used in the construction industry for occupational health and safety (OHS) monitoring and management. A comprehensive understanding of the different types and specific research topics related to the application of sensing- and warning-based technologies is essential to improve OHS in the construction industry. The purpose of this paper is to examine the current trends, different types and research topics related to the applications of sensing- and warning-based technology for improving OHS through the analysis of articles published between 1996 and 2017 (years inclusive).

Design/methodology/approach

A standardized three-step screening and data extraction method was used. A total of 87 articles met the inclusion criteria.

Findings

The annual publication trends and relative contributions of individual journals were discussed. Additionally, this review discusses the current trends of different types of sensing- and warning-based technology applications for improving OHS in the industry, six relevant research topics, four major research gaps and future research directions.

Originality/value

Overall, this review may serve as a spur for researchers and practitioners to extend sensing- and warning-based technology applications to improve OHS in the construction industry.
A fuzzy interpretive structural modeling approach for evaluating the factors affecting lean implementation in Indian healthcare industry
Authors: Ajmera Puneeta , Jain Vineet
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Lean concept is implemented in healthcare organizations, as it deals with improvement processes so that best services may be provided to the patients and competitive advantage may be achieved. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the important factors which influence implementation of lean principles in the healthcare industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The factors influencing lean implementation in the healthcare industry have been determined through literature review and results of a survey where questionnaires were distributed among 325 healthcare professionals. Fuzzy Interpretive Structural Modeling (FISM) approach has been used to analyze the interrelationships among these factors. A FISM model has been developed to extract the key factors influencing lean implementation.

Findings

Results of the survey and model show that lean leadership, professional organizational culture and teamwork and interdepartmental cooperation are the top level factors. Clarity of organizational vision, communication of goals and results, follow up and evaluations are the factors with strong driving as well as strong dependence power. Even a slight action taken on these factors will have a significant impact on other factors.

Practical implications

The healthcare professionals and managers can acquire information from the drive power dependence matrix so that they can thoroughly understand the relative importance, interdependencies and relationships among these factors. The model will help in determining the hierarchy of various actions and activities which may be taken by the management for managing the factors that remarkably affect the lean management in hospitals.

Social implications

In this paper, only 15 variables appropriate for the Indian healthcare industry have been identified. The model developed in the present research has not been validated statistically which can be done by structural equation modeling (SEM).

Originality/value

Though there are various studies which depict that lean principles have been implemented successfully in various industries, there are few studies specifying the application of lean principles in healthcare sector in India. This paper is an attempt to identify various factors which are important for application of Lean concept in the healthcare sector.
Sustainable modeling in reverse logistics strategies using fuzzy MCDM
Authors: Asees Awan Muhammad , Ali Yousaf
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Globalization in supply chain networks is urging manufacturing companies for the production of sustainable products with re-engineering technologies that offer competitive advantage in current market. However, the increasing sustainable illumes are influencing reverse logistics (RL) systems to analyze their impacts on economy, environment and society. Recently, China’s $62bn investment under the egis of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which comprises a number of infrastructure and energy projects is developing Pakistan as a part of “One Belt One Road” initiative. Accordingly, a substantial number of economical, ecological and social exercises will occur in closest future. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of sustainable practices, i.e., environmental, economic and social sustainability on RL recovery options.

Design/methodology/approach

Sustainable concepts including environmental, economic and social and RL recovery options are extracted through extensive literature review. A number of researchers used a variety of methodologies for achieving their research objectives. However, the authors will be using a combination of VIsekriterijumska optimizacija i KOmpromisno Resenje (VIKOR) and grey relational analysis (GRA) technique under fuzzy environment in the case of CPEC.

Findings

Results show that waste management, impact on bio-diversity and economic growth are the most significant factors in designing sustainable RL recovery options. Moreover, remanufacture and reuse rank top among RL recovery options due their significant economic and environmental effects, whereas recycle and resell position last due to their high cost and cutting edge modern technologies.

Practical implications

Finally based on this model, it is possible for authorities to design a sustainable RL strategy for efficient operations in case of CPEC projects and other developing countries as well.

Originality/value

Negligible work has been done regarding sustainable modeling in RL strategies using a combination of VIKOR and GRA techniques subjected to fuzzy environment in the case of CPEC from perspective of developing country, i.e., Pakistan.
New methods of modeling and estimating preferences
Authors: Alghalith Moawia
Published: May 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to quantify preferences without having to have any utility data.

Design/methodology/approach

We use duality theory, Taylor’s theorem and nonlinear regressions.

Findings

We presented pioneering quantitative methods in economics and business. These methods can be applied to numerous topics in empirical and theoretical economics and business. Moreover, this paper highlighted the interdisciplinary nature of economics. In doing so, it emphasized the interface between economics, marketing, management, statistics and mathematics. Furthermore, it circumvented a major obstacle in the literature: the curse of dimensionality.

Originality/value

The authors introduce a novel and convenient approach to utility modeling. In doing so, they present a general utility function in a simple form. Furthermore, they develop a method to measure preferences without any utility data. They also devise a method to measure the marginal utility. Then, they develop new methods of modeling and measuring the consumer utility. In so doing, they overcome a major obstacle: the curse of the dimensionality. In addition, they introduce new methods of modeling and measuring the consumer demand for the firm’s good.
Demographics of sustainable technology consumption in an emerging market: the significance of education to energy efficient appliance adoption
Authors: Nguyen Ninh , Greenland Steven , Lobo Antonio , Nguyen Hoang Viet
Published: May 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to address gaps in the sustainable technology literature by evaluating the demographics of energy efficient appliance consumption in Vietnam. Sustainable technologies can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address environmental problems such as air quality and climate change. Opportunity is the greatest in emerging markets, where population growth has triggered dramatic rises in electricity consumption. However, their adoption of energy efficient appliances has been slow and understanding why is limited.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a literature review, a questionnaire was designed to capture sustainable consumption attitudes and behaviours. In total, 682 interviews were conducted among Vietnamese electrical appliance consumers to investigate the influence of demographics on sustainable technology consumption.

Findings

While many respondents were aware of the sustainable benefits of energy efficient appliances, this did not generally translate into responsible purchase behaviour. Of the demographic variables, education had the strongest relationship with sustainability. Those with higher incomes and more children were also more likely to exhibit sustainable consumption attitudes and behaviours. Gender and age were weaker sustainability predictors.

Originality/value

This study is relevant to a wide range of sustainable technology contexts. The literature shows contrary findings regarding relationships between demographics and sustainable consumption, and the value of demographics to sustainable consumer segmentation and targeted behaviour change campaigns has been contested by some researchers. This research highlights education as the most significant demographic predictor of sustainable consumption and reveals the consistency of this finding with many other studies. The implications of this for promoting future sustainability are discussed.
Strongly aligned coastal boulders on Ko Larn island (Thailand): a proxy for past typhoon‐driven high‐energy wave events in the Bay of Bangkok
Authors: Terry James P. , Goff James
Published: May 2019

Recent studies of elevated carbonate boulder deposits on several rock islands near Bangkok have indicated that Thailand's capital city may not be as protected from typhoon strikes as previously thought. Here, new evidence is presented for past high‐energy wave (HEW) events in the form of statistically significant patterns of boulder alignment on exposed rocky shorelines of Ko Larn island. The long‐axis orientations of 193 coastal sandstone boulders were analysed across four study sites. Several scenarios for the unimodal, bimodal, and polymodal patterns found can be envisaged. Either the most recent HEW event was the strongest—in which case most clasts were rearranged unimodally (one observation site), or the strongest HEW event was earlier and subsequent weaker ones realigned only smaller boulders to produce bimodal or polymodal patterns (three observation sites). Inferred northeastward or eastward onshore flow directions are consistent with palaeo‐typhoons penetrating into the Bay of Bangkok on northwestward curving tracks. The calculated minimum flow velocities required to transport all sampled boulders are 5.5–7.8 m s−1, similar to other findings throughout the Asia‐Pacific region. It was observed that the absence of a fitted boulder geomorphology lends credence to the earlier proposed time frame of 150–200 years between typhoon phases in the upper Gulf of Thailand. The current work has provided additional insights into the characteristics of past HEW events that have a possibility of reoccurring again at some time in the future. Our findings continue to raise awareness for a reassessment of the risks of coastal hazards for the Chao Phraya River delta and densely populated Bangkok, for which storm surge modelling should be an urgent priority, so as to give better perceptions on how typhoon‐driven marine incursion would impact the city.
Interleukin‐10 gene polymorphism rs1800896 is associated with post‐bronchiolitis asthma at 11–13 years of age
Authors: Holster Annukka , Nuolivirta Kirsi , Törmänen Sari , Lauhkonen Eero , Teräsjärvi Johanna , Vuononvirta Juho , Koponen Petri , Helminen Merja , He Qiushui , Korppi Matti
Published: May 2019

Aim

Interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) is an anti‐inflammatory cytokine that is involved with bronchiolitis and asthma. We evaluated associations between four IL‐10 polymorphisms, namely rs1800871, rs1800872, rs1800890 and rs1800896, and post‐bronchiolitis asthma in young adolescents.

Methods

The cohort consisted of 125 children hospitalised for bronchiolitis at Tampere University Hospital, Finland, in 2000–2004, at less than six months of age. At 11–13 years, asthma diagnoses and asthma‐presumptive symptoms, allergic rhinitis and use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) were registered. Data on the four polymorphisms and their genotypes, haplotypes and allele frequencies were analysed in relation to asthma, allergic rhinitis and asthma medication.

Results

The variant IL‐10 rs1800896 genotype was associated with less persistent asthma at five to seven and 11–13 years of age (4.3 versus 15.2%, p = 0.04) than the wild genotype and less ICS use during the previous 12 months (5.4 versus 18.2%, p = 0.03), as was the variant allele G. Allele A was associated with more persistent asthma and ICS use. The significant differences between the variant and wild genotypes were lost in adjusted logistic regression, but the direction of the association remained.

Conclusion

IL‐10 rs1800896 gene polymorphism was associated with post‐bronchiolitis asthma at 11–13 years of age in children hospitalised for bronchiolitis at less than six months of age.
Editorial: the evolving epidemiology of EoE—up, up, and away?
Authors: Dellon Evan S.
Published: May 2019

Linked Content

This article is linked to Navarro et al paper. To view this article, visit
https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15231
Resource abundance, market size, and the choice of technology
Authors: Zhou Haiwen
Published: May 2019

How resource abundance and market size affect the choice of increasing returns technologies is studied in an overlapping‐generations general equilibrium model in which manufacturing firms engage in oligopolistic competition. The model is surprisingly tractable. First, for the steady state, the wage rate, the level of technology, and capital stock are not affected by the amount of natural resources. An increase in the share of agricultural revenue going to natural resources leads to a lower wage rate and firms choose less advanced technologies. Second, an increase in market size increases the equilibrium wage rate, level of technology, and capital stock. Finally, other things equal, a country with a lower endowment of natural resources or a higher market size has a comparative advantage in producing the manufactured good.
Argyrin B, a non‐competitive inhibitor of the human immunoproteasome exhibiting preference for β1i
Authors: Allardyce Duncan J. , Bell Celia M. , Loizidou Eriketi Z.
Published: May 2019

Inhibitors of the proteasome have found broad therapeutic applications; however, they show severe toxicity due to the abundance of proteasomes in healthy cells. In contrast, inhibitors of the immunoproteasome, which is upregulated during disease states, are less toxic and have increased therapeutic potential including against autoimmune disorders. In this project, we report argyrin B, a natural product cyclic peptide to be a reversible, non‐competitive inhibitor of the immunoproteasome. Argyrin B showed selective inhibition of the β5i and β1i sites of the immunoproteasome over the β5c and β1c sites of the constitutive proteasome with nearly 20‐fold selective inhibition of β1i over the homologous β1c. Molecular modelling attributes the β1i over β1c selectivity to the small hydrophobic S1 pocket of β1i and β5i over β5c to site‐specific amino acid variations that enable additional bonding interactions and stabilization of the binding conformation. These findings facilitate the design of immunoproteasome selective and reversible inhibitors that may have a greater therapeutic potential and lower toxicity.
Prenatal Maternal Stress, Child Cortical Thickness, and Adolescent Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Davis Elysia Poggi , Hankin Benjamin L. , Glynn Laura M. , Head Kevin , Kim Dae Jin , Sandman Curt A.
Published: May 2019

Prenatal maternal stress predicts subsequent elevations in youth depressive symptoms, but the neural processes associated with these links are unclear. This study evaluated whether prenatal maternal stress is associated with child brain development, and adolescent depressive symptoms using a prospective design with 74 mother child pairs (40 boys). Maternal stress was assessed during pregnancy, child cortical thickness at age 7, and depressive symptoms at age 12. Prenatal maternal stress was associated with less cortical thickness primarily in frontal and temporal regions and with elevated depressive symptoms; child cortical thickness additionally correlated with adolescent depressive symptoms. The observed associations are consistent with the possibility that cortical thickness in superior frontal regions links associations between prenatal maternal stress and adolescent depressive symptoms.
Economic Inequality is Associated with Long‐Term Harm on Adolescent Well‐Being in China
Authors: Du Hongfei , Chi Peilian , King Ronnel B.
Published: May 2019

Economic inequality has been found to be detrimental to psychological well‐being. However, previous studies were mostly based on cross‐sectional data, drew exclusively on adults, and confined to Western developed countries. To address these shortcomings, the current study investigated the longitudinal association of income inequality with adolescent psychological well‐being in a non‐Western developing economy (i.e., China). We used the China Family Panel Studies data set with a representative sample of 3,042 adolescents (Mage = 12.59) from 20 provinces in China. Analyses showed that adolescents in more unequal provinces had lower happiness and more psychological distress. The associations between economic inequality and well‐being varied across adolescents from different socioeconomic strata.
Is tooth loss important when evaluating perceived general health? Findings from a nationally representative study of Costa Rican adults
Authors: Barboza‐Solís Cristina , Porras‐Chaverri Mariela , Fantin Romain
Published: May 2019

Objectives

Although previous studies have shown that oral diseases can impact certain systemic conditions, dental care has been historically separated from medical healthcare organizations in middle‐income countries. There is a lack of research approaches which test the independent relationship between oral health and multidimensional measures of general health. This study analyses the influence of tooth loss on self‐rated health (SRH), hypothesizing that, relatively to certain morbidity conditions, tooth loss is a health condition associated with SRH. This study analyses the influence of tooth loss on self‐rated health (SRH), hypothesizing that, relative to certain morbidity conditions, tooth loss is a health condition associated with SRH.

Methods

Data were obtained from the Costa Rican Longevity and Healthy Aging Study 1945‐1955 Retirement Cohort, a national representative longitudinal survey including residents born between 1945 and 1955. The association between severe tooth loss and SRH was analysed cross‐sectionally using the first wave of the study conducted in 2010. A multivariable logistic regression, adjusted for potential confounders, was performed on 2797 participants. A counterfactual analysis was additionally performed to illustrate the theoretical change on SRH prevalence—if all the participants were not to have had severe tooth loss.

Results

Severe tooth loss was associated with poor SRH, after adjustment for smoking, morbidity, biomarkers and performance‐based physical measures. The counterfactual analysis showed that severe tooth loss was the fifth most important morbidity condition in determining poor SRH. Declaring a poor SRH would have been decreased by 2.0 percentage points if those participants having severe tooth loss had shared the same risk pattern of those who had not lost the majority of their teeth.

Conclusion

Individuals consider their oral health status to a similar extent as other morbidity conditions when evaluating their general health. A stronger focus on oral health, and its impact on general health, could lead to better planning of national resources, thereby improving accessibility to health care and modifying prevailing conceptions of health care in low‐ and middle‐income countries.
The End of the African Mining Enclave? Domestic Marginalization and Labour Fragmentation in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Radley Ben
Published: May 2019

Africa‐focused global value chain (GVC) scholars argue that the new mining industry practice of corporate outsourcing invalidates the traditional enclave thesis by providing new opportunities to support domestic firms and stimulate industrialization. However, this literature has clustered around Africa's middle‐ and high‐income countries and its analytical approach abandons the centre–periphery framework within which its earlier antecedents were grounded, while overlooking labour dynamics. Correcting for these limitations, this article explores the GVC literature's claims through a single case study of a gold mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo, representative of a process of foreign‐controlled gold sector (re)industrialization underway across a group of 20 low‐income African countries. The findings confirm rather than invalidate the original enclave thesis, observing that corporate outsourcing has done little to stimulate broader industrialization while facilitating the arrival and expansion of foreign firm subsidiaries. Meanwhile, the new industry practice has also facilitated the adverse incorporation and fragmentation of Congolese labour, thus weakening the collective strength of workers. The findings demonstrate the value of expanding the conventional GVC framework to incorporate a consideration of peripherality and the capitalist labour process, and demonstrate the need for state intervention via pro‐labour and industrial policy.
Survival in adult acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL): A report from the Swedish ALL Registry
Authors: Lennmyr Emma , Karlsson Karin , Ahlberg Lucia , Garelius Hege , Hulegårdh Erik , Izarra Antonio S , Joelsson Joel , Kozlowski Piotr , Moicean Andreea , Tomaszewska‐Toporska Beata , Lübking Anna , Hallböök Helene ,   On behalf of the Swedish Adult Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia Group (SVALL)
Published: May 2019

Objectives

As new, effective therapies emerge for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), the results of clinical trials need to relate to standard of care.

Methods

We used the population‐based Swedish ALL Registry to evaluate characteristics, treatment and long‐term outcome in 933 patients with diagnosis between 1997 and 2015.

Results

The median age was 53 years. The frequency of Philadelphia (Ph)‐positive leukaemia was 34% of examined B‐ALL with a peak incidence at 50‐59 years. Five‐year overall survival (OS) improved between 1997‐2006 and 2007‐2015; in patients 18‐45 years from 50% (95% CI 43‐57) to 65% (95% CI 58‐72), 46‐65 years from 25% (95% CI 18‐32) to 46% (95% CI 37‐55) and >65 years from 7% (95% CI 2.6‐11) to 11% (95% CI 5.9‐16) (P < 0.05). Men with Ph‐neg B‐ALL 46‐65 years had inferior OS compared with women (P < 0.01). Standardised mortality ratio was 5.7 (95% CI 5.0‐6.3) for patients who survived 5 years from diagnosis. In multivariable analysis, Ph‐positive disease was not associated with impaired prognosis but with lower risk of death in 2007‐2015.

Conclusions

In a population‐based cohort, OS has improved in adult ALL, especially for Ph‐positive disease but for middle‐aged men with Ph‐negative B‐ALL outcome was poor. Cure without late toxicity or relapse is still desired.
Evolution and function of multimodal courtship displays
Authors: Mitoyen Clémentine , Quigley Cliodhna , Fusani Leonida
Published: May 2019

Courtship displays are behaviours aimed to facilitate attraction and mating with the opposite sex and are very common across the animal kingdom. Most courtship displays are multimodal, meaning that they are composed of concomitant signals occurring in different sensory modalities. Although courtship often strongly influences reproductive success, the question of why and how males use multimodal courtship to increase their fitness has not yet received much attention. Very little is known about the role of different components of male courtship and their relative importance for females. Indeed, most of the work on courtship displays have focused on effects on female choice, often neglecting other possible roles. Additionally, a number of scientists have recently stressed the importance of considering the complexity of a display and the interactions between its different components in order to grasp all the information contained in those multimodal signals. Unfortunately, these methods have not yet been extensively adapted in courtship studies. The aim of this study was to review what is currently known about the functional significance of courtship displays, particularly about the role of multimodality in the courtship communication context. Emphasis is placed on those cases where a complete picture of the communication system can only be assessed by taking complexity and interaction between different modalities into account.
Implication of myeloid differentiation factor 88 inhibitor TJ‐M2010‐5 for therapeutic intervention of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Liu Jing , Zhang Xue , Wang Haizhou , Zhang Meng , Peng Yanan , Li Mingqiang , Xie Lin , Jiang Fengchao , Gong Yiping , Zhao Qiu , Zhou Ping
Published: May 2019

Aim

Myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) plays a key role in tumor proliferation and metastasis. Targeting MyD88 is a potent strategy in tumor therapy. TJ‐M2010‐5 is a small molecule derivative of aminothiazole and could inhibit dimer formation of MyD88. To explore the potential of TJ‐M2010‐5 in tumor therapy, we determined its antitumor effect and correlate mechanisms of TJ‐M2010‐5 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

The antitumor effect of intratumoral injection of TJ‐M2010‐5 to H22 tumor‐bearing BALB/c mice was observed. Tumor growth was monitored. The expression of MyD88 and Ki‐67 were detected by immunofluorescence. In vitro, the impacts of TJ‐M2010‐5 on proliferation, cell cycle, necrosis, and apoptosis of H22 cells were evaluated. The direct and indirect effects of TJ‐M2010‐5 on macrophages were evaluated using flow cytometry.

Results

TJ‐M2010‐5 induced both G0/G1 and G1/S phase arrests in HCC cells. Mechanically, downstream activation of MyD88 was suppressed by TJ‐M2010‐5 through the extracellular regulated protein kinase‐1/2/p90 ribosomal S6 kinase/glycogen synthase kinase‐3β signaling pathway. In turn, cyclin‐dependent kinase (CDK)6/cyclin D1 and CDK2/cyclin E complexes were downregulated. More importantly, TJ‐M2010‐5 significantly inhibited tumor growth in mice. Additionally, the portion of antitumor M1 macrophages (F4/80+CD11c+) in the tumor microenvironment were increased after TJ‐M2010‐5 treatment. Together, these data indicate that TJ‐M2010‐5 is a promising therapeutic drug for HCC.

Conclusions

These results indicate that MyD88 is a feasible target for antitumor treatment and TJ‐M2010‐5 is a qualified candidate for HCC therapy.
Favorable outcome with direct‐acting antiviral treatment in hepatitis C patients coinfected with HIV
Authors: Ishida Hisashi , Ishihara Akio , Tanaka Satoshi , Iwasaki Tetsuya , Hasegawa Hiroko , Akasaka Tomofumi , Sakakibara Yuko , Nakazuru Shoichi , Uehira Tomoko , Shirasaka Takuma , Mita Eiji
Published: May 2019

Aim

To investigate the efficacy and safety of all‐oral direct‐acting antiviral treatments in patients coinfected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV.

Methods

In all, 35 patients with HCV/HIV coinfection (22 patients with HCV genotype 1 infection, 6 with genotype 2, and 7 with genotype 3) were treated with sofosbuvir and ledipasvir (for genotype 1 patients) or sofosbuvir and ribavirin (for genotypes 2 and 3). Sustained virological response (SVR) at 24 weeks after end of treatment and adverse events were assessed.

Results

The overall SVR rate was 91.4% (32/35). One patient with genotype 1 infection discontinued treatment on day 2 due to severe headache, which subsided after the cessation of medication; all other patients completed their treatment without severe adverse events. Two patients who had a relapse of HCV were infected with a genotype 3 strain. We observed hyperbilirubinemia in a patient with genotype 3, who was under antiretroviral therapy including atazanavir. He completed the treatment and achieved SVR.

Conclusion

Direct‐acting antiviral treatment for patients coinfected with HCV/HIV is as effective as in patients infected only with HCV. It was generally well tolerated, except in one patient who discontinued the treatment due to severe headache.
A retrospective review of 93 cases of cellular dermatofibromas
Authors: Siegel Dana R. , Schneider Samantha L. , Chaffins Marsha , Rambhatla Pranita V.
Published: May 2019

Background

Cellular dermatofibromas (CDF) are an uncommon variant of benign fibrous histiocytomas with propensity to recur and rarely metastasize as well as demonstrate histologic similarities to more dangerous lesions.

Objectives

The aim of this present study was to further describe the presentation and outcome of the cellular variant of benign fibrous histiocytomas so that it can be diagnosed and treated appropriately.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed on all patients seen in a single hospital system in Detroit, Michigan, from 2007 to 2017. CDF was confirmed by pathology. Baseline demographics, specialty service of diagnosis and treatment, treatment modality, and outcome were collected.

Results

Of the 93 qualifying patients, the average age at diagnosis was 42.65 years. The most common specialty service that diagnosed and treated patients was dermatology (38.71%). About 95.0% of CDF stained positive for Factor 13A (19/20), and 90.48% were CD34 negative (19/21). Of patients, 33.33% had recurrences of their CDF (9/27). Two patients had three or more recurrences. One patient's death was attributed to the CDF.

Conclusion

CDF have a high local recurrence rate and similarities to more dangerous and malignant lesions. Patients with cellular dermatofibromas present to many subspecialty services for diagnosis and should be treated aggressively.
How stressful is retirement! Antecedents of stress linked to athletes’ career termination
Authors: Pica Gennaro , Mallia Luca , Pierro Antonio , Alivernini Fabio , Borellini Valter , Lucidi Fabio
Published: May 2019

A field study conducted with professional athletes (N = 420, 72.2% men, Mage = 25.14) examined the antecedents of stress linked to career termination. We hypothesized that stress linked to career termination may be affected by the type of passion (harmonious and obsessive) athletes develop for their sport activity, and that this passion may be affected by regulatory mode orientations (locomotion and assessment) and need for closure (NFC). The present findings confirm our hypotheses that locomotion positively predict stress linked to career termination through a partial mediation of harmonious passion, while assessment and NFC negatively predict stress through the mediation of obsessive passion. In conclusion, this study provides further information to existing intervention programs aimed at preventing the negative consequences related to athletes’ career termination.
Inverse association of plasma leptin with cortical thickness at distal radius determined with a quantitative ultrasound device in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Kurajoh Masafumi , Inaba Masaaki , Motoyama Koka , Kuriyama Nagato , Ozaki Etsuko , Koyama Teruhide , Yamada Shinsuke , Morioka Tomoaki , Imanishi Yasuo , Emoto Masanori
Published: May 2019

Aims/Introduction

Osteoporosis is known to be intimately related to sympathetic nerve activity. We examined the relationship of plasma leptin with cortical and trabecular bone components in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Materials and Methods

The present cross‐sectional study included 182 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients (93 men, 89 women). Cortical thickness (CoTh) and trabecular bone mineral density (BMD) were determined at the 5.5% distal radius using an LD‐100 ultrasonic bone densitometry device. Plasma leptin along with physical and laboratory measurements was simultaneously determined.

Results

Plasma leptin, but not body mass index (BMI), was inversely correlated with CoTh (ρ = −0.487, P < 0.001), while BMI, but not plasma leptin, was positively correlated with trabecular BMD (ρ = 0.369, P < 0.001). In multivariable regression analysis, after adjustments for age, sex, duration of diabetes, glycated hemoglobin A1c, albumin, estimated glomerular filtration rate, parathyroid hormone and handgrip strength, plasma leptin was inversely associated with CoTh (β = −0.258, P < 0.001), but not trabecular BMD. Furthermore, plasma leptin level retained a significant association with CoTh after further adjustment for BMI (β = −0.237, P < 0.001) and BMI plus waist‐to‐hip ratio (β = −0.243, P < 0.001). In contrast, the “sex × leptin” interaction was not significant (P = 0.596).

Conclusions

Leptin level in plasma, independent of BMI and BMI plus waist‐to‐hip ratio, was shown to be inversely associated with CoTh, but not trabecular BMD, suggesting that hyperleptinemia resulting from obesity might contribute to cortical porosis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
The endangered White's seahorse Hippocampus whitei chooses artificial over natural habitats
Authors: Simpson Michael , Morris Rebecca L. , Harasti David , Coleman Ross A.
Published: May 2019

To explore whether the endangered White's seahorse Hippocampus whitei would choose to inhabit artificial over natural habitats, 10 adult H. whitei individuals were put through a series of binary choice trials in aquaria, during which they were offered different paired combinations of natural (different types of macroalga and seagrass) and artificial habitat (panels of swimming‐net material). It was found that H. whitei displayed a significant choice for swimming‐net material over all other available natural habitats and chose habitats according to the following rankings: (a) Net; (b) Sargassum sp.; (c) Posidonia australis; (d) Zostera muelleri. Hippocampus whitei’s choice of swimming net material over natural habitat suggests that these artificial structures could be a useful conservation measure for seahorses in areas where natural habitat is becoming less favourable due to declines in abundance or quality.
Anadromy, potamodromy and residency in brown trout Salmo trutta: the role of genes and the environment
Authors: Ferguson Andrew , Reed Thomas E. , Cross Tom F. , McGinnity Philip , Prodöhl Paulo A.
Published: May 2019

Brown trout Salmo trutta is endemic to Europe, western Asia and north‐western Africa; it is a prominent member of freshwater and coastal marine fish faunas. The species shows two resident (river‐resident, lake‐resident) and three main facultative migratory life histories (downstream–upstream within a river system, fluvial–adfluvial potamodromous; to and from a lake, lacustrine–adfluvial (inlet) or allacustrine (outlet) potamodromous; to and from the sea, anadromous). River‐residency v. migration is a balance between enhanced feeding and thus growth advantages of migration to a particular habitat v. the costs of potentially greater mortality and energy expenditure. Fluvial–adfluvial migration usually has less feeding improvement, but less mortality risk, than lacustrine–adfluvial or allacustrine and anadromous, but the latter vary among catchments as to which is favoured. Indirect evidence suggests that around 50% of the variability in S. trutta migration v. residency, among individuals within a population, is due to genetic variance. This dichotomous decision can best be explained by the threshold‐trait model of quantitative genetics. Thus, an individual's physiological condition (e.g., energy status) as regulated by environmental factors, genes and non‐genetic parental effects, acts as the cue. The magnitude of this cue relative to a genetically predetermined individual threshold, governs whether it will migrate or sexually mature as a river‐resident. This decision threshold occurs early in life and, if the choice is to migrate, a second threshold probably follows determining the age and timing of migration. Migration destination (mainstem river, lake, or sea) also appears to be genetically programmed. Decisions to migrate and ultimate destination result in a number of subsequent consequential changes such as parr–smolt transformation, sexual maturity and return migration. Strong associations with one or a few genes have been found for most aspects of the migratory syndrome and indirect evidence supports genetic involvement in all parts. Thus, migratory and resident life histories potentially evolve as a result of natural and anthropogenic environmental changes, which alter relative survival and reproduction. Knowledge of genetic determinants of the various components of migration in S. trutta lags substantially behind that of Oncorhynchus mykiss and other salmonines. Identification of genetic markers linked to migration components and especially to the migration–residency decision, is a prerequisite for facilitating detailed empirical studies. In order to predict effectively, through modelling, the effects of environmental changes, quantification of the relative fitness of different migratory traits and of their heritabilities, across a range of environmental conditions, is also urgently required in the face of the increasing pace of such changes.
The Future of the Home Care Workforce: Training and Supporting Aides as Members of Home‐Based Care Teams
Authors: Stone Robyn I. , Bryant Natasha S.
Published: May 2019

Home health, home care, and personal care aides provide most of the paid hands‐on care delivered to seriously ill, functionally impaired individuals in their homes, assisted living, and other noninstitutional settings. This workforce delivers personal care, assistance with activities of daily living, and emotional support to their patients. They are often the eyes and ears of the health system, observing subtle changes in condition that can provide important information for clinical decision making and therapeutic intervention. Despite this fact, the growing number of team‐based home care initiatives have failed to incorporate this workforce into their programs. Barriers to inclusion of aides into teams include a basic lack of value and understanding on the part of clinical team members and society in general of the complex tasks that these caregivers perform, inadequate investments in training and education of this workforce to develop their knowledge and competencies, and variation in state delegation laws that limit the scope of practice and consequently the ability of aides to work effectively in teams and to advance in their careers. Building on the few programs that have successfully included aides as key members of home care teams, federal and state policymakers, educators, and health systems and providers should standardize competency‐based training requirements, expand nurse delegation consistently across states, and support evaluation, dissemination, and replication of successful programs. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:S444–S448, 2019.
Can Home‐Based Primary Care Drive Integration of Medical and Social Care for Complex Older Adults?
Authors: Leff Bruce , Lasher Andrew , Ritchie Christine S.
Published: May 2019

This editorial comments on the article by Valluru et al.
Transitional Care Outcomes in Veterans Receiving Post‐Acute Care in a Skilled Nursing Facility
Authors: Burke Robert E. , Canamucio Anne , Glorioso Thomas J. , Barón Anna E. , Ryskina Kira L.
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND

As the veteran population ages, more veterans are receiving post‐acute care in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). However, the outcomes of these transitions across Veterans Affairs (VA) and non‐VA settings are unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To measure adverse outcomes in veterans transitioning from hospital to SNF in VA and non‐VA hospitals and SNFs.

DESIGN

Retrospective observational study using the 2012 to 2014 Residential History File, which concatenates VA, Medicare, and Medicaid data into longitudinal episodes of care for veterans.

SETTING

VA and non‐VA hospitals and SNFs in four categories: non‐VA SNFs, VA‐contracted SNFs, VA Community Living Centers (CLCs), and State Veterans Homes.

PARTICIPANTS

Veterans, aged 65 years or older, who were acutely hospitalized and discharged to an SNF; one transition was randomly selected per patient.

MEASUREMENTS

Adverse “transitional care” outcomes were a composite of hospital readmission, emergency department visit, or mortality within 7 days of hospital discharge.

RESULTS

More than four in five veteran transitions (81.7%) occurred entirely outside the VA system. The overall 7‐day outcome rate was 10.7% in the 388 339 veterans included. Adverse outcomes were lowest in VA hospital–CLC transitions (7.5%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 7.1%‐7.8%) and highest in non‐VA hospital to VA‐contracted nursing home transitions (17.5%; 95% CI = 16.0%‐18.9%) in unadjusted analysis. In multivariate analyses adjusted for patient and hospital characteristics, VA hospitals had lower adverse outcome rates than non‐VA hospitals (odds ratio [OR] = 0.80; 95% CI = 0.74‐0.86). In comparison to VA hospital–VA CLC transitions, non‐VA hospital to VA‐contracted nursing homes (OR = 2.51; 95% CI = 2.09‐3.02) and non‐VA hospital to CLC (OR = 2.25; 95% CI = 1.81‐2.79) had the highest overall adverse outcome rates.

CONCLUSION

Most veteran hospital‐SNF transitions occur outside the VA, although adverse transitional care outcomes are lowest inside the VA. These findings raise important questions about the VA's role as a provider and payer of post‐acute care in SNFs. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:1820–1826, 2019
Urban Interiors: A Retroactive Investigation
Authors: Leveratto Jacopo
Published: May 2019

In recent years, the sudden success of “tactical” modes of urbanism has begun to challenge the traditional parameters of public space design by requiring new tools and methodologies of “place–making” within cities. In this regard, interior architecture and design could provide a fundamental perspective to address this new issue if they were not constantly in need of theoretical framing to legitimize their interest in the field. In many cases, in fact, the conjunction between the terms “urban” and “interior” is still seen as a provocation, and the history of the different attempts through which interior disciplines have developed a design approach about the city, although now consolidated, is little known in its complexity. Therefore, this paper offers a critical and historical reading of the concept of “urban interiors,” both from a theoretical and an operative point of view, in order to trace the evolution of this line of investigation and envision its possible future developments. In doing so, it first analyses the different concepts of “interior urbanism” and “urban interiority” and describes the emergence and the evolution of the urban interior design approach. Then, it points out some shared features that characterize contemporary practices of “interior–making” within urban situations to eventually focus on the progressive disciplinary convergence with urban planning and design. The objective is to lay the foundation of a unified theoretical framework that could highlight the methodological contribution of interior disciplines to the urban construction.
Stability of creatine monohydrate and guanidinoacetic acid during manufacture (retorting and extrusion) and storage of dog foods
Authors: van der Poel Antonius F. B. , Braun Ulrike , Hendriks Wouter H. , Bosch Guido
Published: May 2019

The stability of creatine monohydrate (CrMH), crystallised guanidinoacetic acid (GAA‐C) and granulated GAA (GAA‐G) in a moist retorted and a dry extruded dog food formulation during production and storage was investigated. Commercial food mixtures were supplemented with CrMH, GAA‐C or GAA‐G. Uniformity after mixing and retorting or extrusion was determined based on replicate samples (moist n = 8, dry n = 10). Storage stability was evaluated at 25°C/60% relative humidity for 15 months and 40°C/75% for 6 months. Foods with CrMH were analysed for creatine (Cr) and creatinine (Crn), whereas GAA‐C and GAA‐G foods were analysed for GAA concentrations. Coefficients of variation (CV) for uniformity of the additives after mixing of moist and dry pet food formulations were below 15%, and the CV was lower in processed mixtures. Recoveries after retorting and extrusion were higher for GAA‐G (79 and 99%) and GAA‐C (89 and 86%) compared to CrMH (36 and 85%) foods. In moist CrMH food, Cr concentrations re‐increased by 54% whilst Crn concentrations decreased by 39% after storage at 25°C for 15 months. With total molar Cr + Crn remaining stable throughout storage, Crn and Cr appeared to effectively interconvert. Storage of the extruded CrMH food at 25°C for 15 months resulted in a 63% decrease in Cr and a 39% increase in Crn concentration. The decrease in Cr concentration was larger at 6 months storage at 40°C compared to 15 months storage at 25°C. Both GAA‐C and GAA‐G moist and dry foods were stable during storage (<10% decrease). This study showed that GAA is highly stable during production and storage of moist and dry canine foods whilst CrMH is relatively unstable, particularly during storage. The latter makes it difficult to establish a guaranteed Cr content in finished moist retorted and dry extruded foods with CrMH.
Reef fish structure assemblages in oceanic islands of the eastern tropical Pacific: Revillagigedo Archipelago and Clipperton atoll
Authors: Fourriére Manon , Reyes‐Bonilla Héctor , Galván‐Villa Cristian Moisés , Ayala Bocos Arturo , Alejandro Rodríguez‐Zaragoza Fabián
Published: May 2019

Revillagigedo Archipelago and Clipperton atoll are oceanic islands located in the eastern tropical Pacific. The composition and trophic structure of their fish assemblages have never been characterized in detail, and the aim of this study was therefore to analyse the community structure and assess the similarity of fish assemblages between these two areas. Underwater visual fish censuses were conducted using band transects at two depth levels in three islands of the Revillagigedo Archipelago (Socorro, San Benedicto, and Roca Partida) and at Clipperton atoll. We calculated ecological indices (density, richness, Shannon diversity, Pielou evenness, and taxonomic distinctiveness) for each transect. These were compared in order to determine quantitative differences among the islands and bathymetric levels. Qualitative analyses (ANOSIM, nMDS, and SIMPER) were also performed. Finally, we analysed the trophic structure of the assemblages and the functional diversity of the four studied sites. The results showed significant differences for all indices, except diversity (H′). Roca Partida was the site with greatest abundance and richness due to the presence of pelagic species in large numbers. No significant differences were found in functional diversity, suggesting a high degree of ecological redundancy. Lower‐level carnivores with mean trophic level values of between 3.3 and 3.8 dominated both areas. The ordination analysis did not show a clear difference in fish composition among the islands, although Clipperton atoll has a particular fauna characterized by endemic species (Thalassoma robertsoni and Stegastes baldwini). In conclusion, the fish communities of the studied areas seem quite similar, but their assemblage structure differs. In particular, Clipperton is differentiated by the influence of endemic species.