bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Otolith Dysfunction in Persons With Both Diabetes and Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo
Authors: D'Silva Linda J. , Staecker Hinrich , Lin James , Maddux Christy , Ferraro John , Dai Hongying , Kluding Patricia M.
Published: December 2016

Objective:

Vestibular dysfunction is a well-recognized complication of type 2 diabetes (DM) that may contribute to increased fall risk. The prevalence of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is higher in people with DM. The impact of DM on the otolith organs of the vestibular system in people with BPPV is unknown. The purpose of this study was to analyze otolith function using vestibular-evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) tests in people with DM and concurrent BPPV (BPPV + DM), and to examine the relationships between VEMP variables and diabetes-related variables.

Study Design:

Prospective, cross-sectional study.

Setting:

Tertiary academic medical center.

Subjects and Methods:

Participants 40 to 65 years were recruited in four groups: controls (n = 20), people with DM (n = 19), BPPV (n = 18), and BPPV + DM (n = 14). Saccule and utricle function were examined using cervical VEMP (cVEMP) and ocular VEMP (oVEMP), respectively. Diabetes-related variables such as HbA1c, duration of diabetes, and presence of sensory impairment due to diabetes were collected.

Results:

The frequency of abnormal cVEMP responses was higher in the DM (p = 0.005), BPPV (p = 0.003), and BPPV + DM (p <0.001) groups compared with controls. In the participants with diabetes, higher HbA1c levels were correlated with prolonged P1 (p = 0.03) and N1 latencies (p = 0.03). The frequency of abnormal oVEMP responses was not different between groups (p = 0.2).

Conclusion:

Although BPPV and DM may independently affect utricle and saccule function, they do not seem to have a distinct cumulative effect.
Characterization of Neurologic and Ophthalmologic Safety of Oral Administration of Tedizolid for Up to 21 Days in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Fang Edward , Muñoz Kelly A. , Prokocimer Philippe
Published: December 2016

Background:

Antibacterials that inhibit protein synthesis may be associated with mitochondrial toxicity, manifested as serious optic or peripheral neuropathy or myelosuppression. Tedizolid is a novel oxazolidinone antibacterial that may have reduced the potential for mitochondrial toxicity.

Study Question:

Based on the results of 2 studies (NCT01623401 and NCT00671814) conducted early in the tedizolid development program, what is the potential for drug-induced optic and peripheral neuropathies with tedizolid treatment?

Methods:

Two phase-1 studies were conducted in healthy volunteers. The first was an open-label study in which subjects received 200 mg of oral tedizolid phosphate once daily for 10 days. The second was a double-blind, placebo- and active-controlled, dose-escalating (multiple-administration) study in which subjects received 200, 300, or 400 mg of oral tedizolid phosphate once daily or 600 mg of oral linezolid twice daily or oral placebo for 21 days. Overall safety and tolerability were assessed, and extensive ophthalmologic and neurologic assessments were performed in both studies.

Results:

In these 2 studies in healthy subjects, tedizolid administered for up to 21 days was not associated with drug-related ophthalmologic or neurologic adverse events. Incidences of adverse events involving the eye or the nervous system were generally low, and no clinically meaningful changes in ophthalmologic or neurologic test results were recorded during either study.

Conclusions:

Using an extensive battery of ophthalmologic tests and detailed neurologic clinical examination, there was no evidence of clinical or subclinical neurologic or ophthalmologic changes suggestive of peripheral or optic neuropathy in healthy volunteers who received therapeutic and supratherapeutic doses of oral tedizolid for periods of up to 21 days.
Primary Salivary Gland Type Tumors of the Thymus
Authors: Kalhor Neda , Weissferdt Annikka , Moran Cesar A.
Published: December 2016

The existence of primary salivary gland type tumors (SGTs), similar to those occurring in the major salivary glands, is well known in the thoracic cavity. When they occur in this anatomic area, these tumors more commonly arise from the lung. However, the existence of these tumors primarily affecting the thymus, although recognized in the literature, is rather not well documented or known. In addition, contrary to the primary lung SGTs, which are predominantly of the malignant type, these tumors when occur in thymus encompass a wider spectrum of biology ranging from benign to low grade, and high grade malignancy. The recognition of SGTs in the thymus, even though rare, is important to properly address treatment and prognosis. Herein, we will discuss the numerous benign a malignant SGTs that have been described in the thymus and highlight the difficulty that these tumors may pose when occurring in the thymic area.
Performance of Spectrogram-Based Seizure Identification of Adult EEGs by Critical Care Nurses and Neurophysiologists
Authors: Amorim Edilberto , Williamson Craig A. , Moura Lidia M. V. R. , Shafi Mouhsin M. , Gaspard Nicolas , Rosenthal Eric S. , Guanci Mary M. , Rajajee Venkatakrishna , Westover M. Brandon
Published: December 2016

Purpose:

Continuous EEG screening using spectrograms or compressed spectral arrays (CSAs) by neurophysiologists has shorter review times with minimal loss of sensitivity for seizure detection when compared with visual analysis of raw EEG. Limited data are available on the performance characteristics of CSA-based seizure detection by neurocritical care nurses.

Methods:

This is a prospective cross-sectional study that was conducted in two academic neurocritical care units and involved 33 neurointensive care unit nurses and four neurophysiologists.

Results:

All nurses underwent a brief training session before testing. Forty two-hour CSA segments of continuous EEG were reviewed and rated for the presence of seizures. Two experienced clinical neurophysiologists masked to the CSA data performed conventional visual analysis of the raw EEG and served as the gold standard. The overall accuracy was 55.7% among nurses and 67.5% among neurophysiologists. Nurse seizure detection sensitivity was 73.8%, and the false-positive rate was 1-per-3.2 hours. Sensitivity and false-alarm rate for the neurophysiologists was 66.3% and 1-per-6.4 hours, respectively. Interrater agreement for seizure screening was fair for nurses (Gwet AC1 statistic: 43.4%) and neurophysiologists (AC1: 46.3%).

Conclusions:

Training nurses to perform seizure screening utilizing continuous EEG CSA displays is feasible and associated with moderate sensitivity. Nurses and neurophysiologists had comparable sensitivities, but nurses had a higher false-positive rate. Further work is needed to improve sensitivity and reduce false-alarm rates.
CADEE: Computer-Aided Directed Evolution of Enzymes
Authors: Amrein Beat Anton , Steffen-Munsberg Fabian , Szeler Ireneusz , Purg Miha , Kulkarni Yashraj , Kamerlin Shina Caroline Lynn
Published: December 2016

The tremendous interest in enzymes as biocatalysts has led to extensive work in enzyme engineering, as well as associated methodology development. Here, a new framework for computer-aided directed evolution of enzymes (CADEE) is presented which allows a drastic reduction in the time necessary to prepare and analyzein silicosemi-automated directed evolution of enzymes. A pedagogical example of the application ofCADEEto a real biological system is also presented in order to illustrate theCADEEworkflow.
In search of a model explaining organic food purchase behavior
Authors: Rahman Khandoker Mahmudur , Noor Nor Azila Mohd
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the domain relevance of a comprehensive yet almost overlooked theoretical framework for studying organic food purchase behavior in a global context. This conceptual paper argues that there exists an apparently powerful model in health behavior domain that may readily be brought into organic food purchase behavior research. The paper argues for domain relevance and proposes that Montano and Kasprzyk’s integrated behavior model may readily be used in organic food behavior studies with some relevant modification.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper follows an exploratory approach and shows how variables used in the past may be aggregated to the model in question. The challenge is addressed by following both the inductive and the deductive reasoning. Deductive reasoning calls for investigating whether such behavior may be classified as health behavior. Inductive reasoning calls for proving relevance of all the variables in the aforesaid model to the organic food research context.

Findings

The paper concludes that the Montano and Kasprzyk’s model is theoretically relevant to the organic food behavior domain. However, it is observed that the domain-specific operationalization is necessary for further empirical studies.

Research limitations/implications

Since the model was rarely tested empirically in predicting organic food purchase intention, the variable-specific relevance may not warrant the relevance of the whole model with intertwined relationships at the same time.

Practical implications

The paper may pave a way toward further empirical research and may also explain the apparent intention-behavior gap as often reported in literature.

Originality/value

The paper may provide a useful direction in future organic food purchase behavior studies by showing the domain relevance of an apparently powerful model, along with addition of some newer variables that may enrich the existing model.
Information sharing and its integrative role
Authors: Watabaji Mulugeta D. , Molnar Adrienn , Weaver Robert D. , Dora Manoj K. , Gellynck Xavier
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the volume and quality of information and communication channel use at various stages of the malt barley value chain (MBVC) in Ethiopia and to investigate how metrics of these variables influence the extent of integration of the chain.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on survey data collected from 320 farmers and 100 traders and interview responses compiled from 76 respondents. Descriptive statistics and ordered logistic regression were used for data analysis.

Findings

The descriptive statistics show a lower volume and poor quality of information is being shared at farmer-trader interface and that value chain integration (VCI) is weak at all studied interfaces. Results of ordered logistic regression show that information volume and quality positively influence VCI, whereas a positive relationship between channel use and VCI was found only at farm level interfaces. Evidences found suggested that inconsistent information systems, lack of information sharing plans, low level of members’ awareness about the value of information, and lack of trust to share information were factors that inhibited information sharing in the MBVC.

Originality/value

The study offers pioneering evidence of the relative role of information volume and quality and channel use as factors that influence the extent of integration of the value chain.
Developing mobile services
Authors: Rivera Manuel , Croes Robertico , Zhong YunYing
Published: December 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to examine and identify important attributes for mobile applications (apps) that might dictate tourist preferences for the apps on a small island destination. Guided by the Task Technology Fit (TTF) theory, the study considers the tasks performed, technology characteristics and individuals’ characteristics in determining the mobile apps attribute set.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a conjoint methodology within a case study approach framework. The conjoint analysis allows for assessing preferences from different consumers regarding the objective characteristics of products or services that facilitate the optimal design of product development. Optimal product development is a challenge for destinations, as they strive to achieve and sustain optimal market positions. Mobile apps may empower destinations in this endeavor. The case study approach imparts a context-dependent knowledge that facilitates a more nuanced understanding of consumer preference of use.

Findings

The results of the conjoint analysis suggest a strategic mapping of the most important attributes including type of content information, coupons and location awareness in defining apps product development. Within each attribute, the study also identifies the significant characteristics of a mobile application that are preferred by tourists. This ranking exists irrespective of familiarity with the destination (first-time and repeat visitors).

Research limitations/implications

The implication is that revealed preferences anchored in conjoint analysis provide a powerful approach to optimize product development in a small island destination. From a practical perspective, the findings suggest that the developments of a mobile app for a destination must concentrate on fostering spending and consider the app as a new marketing channel. From a theoretical point of view, the current study highlights the usefulness of using the conjoint analysis and the TTF theory as an overarching framework in mapping a multi-attribute decision-making space that influences tourist judgment and preference of use. The conjoint method applied in the study enables researchers to clearly identify a combination of various mobile app attributes that are most influential on tourists’ choice and preference of use. The guiding framework, TTF theory, allows the conjoint product designs to go beyond the technology characteristics to include tasks performed by tourists and their individual characteristics.

Originality/value

This study is the first to apply a conjoint analysis within the TTF theoretical framework in the context of a small island destination when assessing tourists’ use preferences toward mobile applications, while at the same time investigating whether any differences exist between first-time and repeat visitors. The study demonstrates that complementing the nature of the task (traveling) with context-specific interface and interactive features is an important area of inquiry that can benefit from adopting conjoint analysis.
Accommodation preferences of the girlfriend getaway market in Malaysia
Authors: Khoo-Lattimore Catheryn , Prayag Girish
Published: December 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the relationship between self-image of women travelers, accommodation preferences and the post-consumption behaviors of satisfaction and loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

Accommodation preferences were measured using multi-items adapted from the literature and multi-phases of qualitative research. Female guests recruited from a resort’s membership database in Malaysia resulted in 540 useable surveys. Data were analyzed using both exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. Structural equation modeling was used to identify relationships between the various dimensions of accommodation preferences, self-image, satisfaction and loyalty.

Findings

A significant negative relationship was found between women actual self-image and the dimension of hotel activities. Several significant positive relationships were found between women ideal self-image and various room amenities factors. A significant relationship was also found between overall satisfaction and loyalty of guests.

Practical implications

The results provide hoteliers with significant insights into women’s accommodation preferences and identify opportunities for the packaging of accommodation attributes as well as promotion of hotel amenities that would appeal to the girlfriend getaway market.

Originality/value

This study is the first to evaluate significant relationships between self-image and accommodation preferences of women travelers from the girlfriend getaway market in Malaysia.
Antibacterial property of PLA textiles coated by nano-TiO2through eco-friendly low-temperature plasma
Authors: Saffari Mohammad-Reza , Kamali Miab Reza
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to: investigate coating of polylactic acid by TiO2using low-temperature plasma technique, which is a clean and environmentally benign process; study the characteristics of the obtained samples; and survey the antibacterial effect of nano-TiO2. This method, as an eco-friendly technology used on the biodegradable polymer, would be benefited by industries which want to set feet on the greener path and reduce the social costs resulting from the harmful effects of pollutants.

Design/methodology/approach

TiO2was coated on a textile by DC magnetron sputtering. In this study titanium as a pure Ti anode is coated on the sample surface in the plasma reactor by entering argon gas (Ar). Then titanium oxide appears through entering oxygen (O2) into the reactor.

Findings

Scanning electron microscopy analysis is applied to show the morphology of the coated surface. The quantitative value of TiO2was evaluated as weight percentage using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and washing stability of the samples is measured using the XRF machine. The highest degree of antibacterial effects and washing stability are all observed in 10 min.

Originality/value

In this process, contrary to common methods, pure Ti is used for coating. Finishing of textiles via this method has been useful to be used as disposable hospital clothing due to its biodegradable and antibacterial properties. So it will be helpful in reducing negative environmental impacts.
Internally displaced families in Khartoum-Sudan: challenges and policy implications
Authors: Abdelmoneium Azza
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how internally displaced families in Khartoum-Sudan face difficulties and challenges in meeting their basic needs of shelter and health when they are displaced from their homes. By using empirical data, the factors that hinder families in getting access to shelter and health provision and how they survive with few facilities provided to them will be discussed. The paper will also highlight the role of the state in the situation of the displaced families and the services provided to them.

Design/methodology/approach

Various methods were used in the research, among them were interviews and focus-group discussions. Interviews were conducted with children aged 10-18 years. A sample of 129 children from four camps was selected, and parents or guardians of the children were interviewed. The theoretical section on what is displacement and how displaced people meet their basic needs and rights gives a background on how displaced families in Sudan survive and struggle to meet their health and shelter rights.

Findings

The basic needs for the displaced families were not met, and if they were met, it would have led to better living conditions, stability and security for these people. The paper concludes with some recommendations.

Originality/value

The state should meet the basic needs and rights of the internally displaced people. It is the responsibility of the state to ensure that health and shelter are provided to displaced people.
The relationship between organizational justice and job satisfaction
Authors: Hao Yunhong , Hao Jie , Wang Xiaochen
Published: December 2016

Purpose

Focusing on the corporations in China and aiming to figure out the significant connection between organizational justice perception and job satisfaction from Chinese setting, this study aimed to examine the effects of organizational justice upon job satisfaction of the full-time and part-time employees in the state owned enterprise (SOEs) and primate Chinese companies.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted the questionnaire to investigate more than 300 employees, and the empirical data of this paper is based on statistical analysis, such as confirmatory factor analysis, correlational and regression analysis.

Findings

The paper arrives at the conclusion that in SOEs, the employees’ perception about procedural justice was higher than distributive justice. While in private enterprises, the procedural justice and interactive justice were tested to have similar coefficients. The relationship between organizational justice and job satisfaction differed between full-time employees and part-time employees.

Practical implications

This study opens a new window for understanding how organizational justice influences employees’ job satisfaction in Chinese context, taking a further step to explore the different impacts of organizational justice on job satisfaction among different types of employees.

Originality/value

This paper collected data from both SOE and private companies in China, increasing the external validity of the findings. Meanwhile, the authors observed consistent findings with the studies in Western Society, which increase the generalization of our findings as well. The findings highlight the value of integrating literatures on organizational justice and job satisfaction.
Open source software for library systems – 2
Authors: Oyelude Adetoun A.
Published: December 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to concentrate on reviewing articles on open source software (OSS), found on the internet, that were published in the year 2016.

Design/methodology/approach

A critical look is taken at OSS generally as found in the literature and also on the commonly used OSS in libraries and information science work or research work.

Findings

It is hoped that this review will assist in pointing out the trends and aid in informed decision-making, as it concerns OSS.

Social implications

Akintomide (2016) described OSS as a part of human existence which is exhibited in mobile devices that run on the android operating system, to computers, laptops and servers that run on the Linux operating system, to other software (Library management software inclusive) that are open access.

Originality/value

The openness of it makes the users (libraries and scholars) leave documentation that steers how the open software technologies are implemented and by whom. They are free, have used communities, are vetted by users and are constantly in development.
Effects of continuous improvement on shop-floor employees’ job performance in Lean production
Authors: Wickramasinghe G.L.D. , Wickramasinghe Vathsala
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present empirical findings of the effect of continuous improvement (CI) on shop-floor employees’ job performance in the Lean production system-implemented textile and apparel firms.

Design/methodology/approach

A random sample of 657 shop-floor employees engaged full-time in Lean production systems-implemented textile and apparel firms in Sri Lanka responded to the survey. Statistical methods were used for data analysis.

Findings

It was revealed that CI significantly and positively influences shop-floor employees’ job performance, and the duration of Lean production in operations (termed as Lean duration) moderates this relationship.

Originality/value

Investigations on the ways in which CI initiatives influence employees is important in creating an environment to sustain the improvement efforts over a longer period. Such lessons would be valuable for academics and practitioners alike worldwide.
A Rare Case of Poisoning with a Volatile Substance: Quantitative Determination of n‐Butane in Postmortem Tissue
Authors: Hiquet Jean , Christin Emilie , Tovagliaro Florence , Gaulier Jean‐Michel , Dumestre‐Toulet Veronique , Gromb‐Monnoyeur Sophie
Published: December 2016

Poisoning with volatile substances remains exceptional. Authors report the case of a married couple who were found in a car with a butane gas bottle: the woman was dead and her husband alleged it was an unsuccessful suicide pact. A specific research of volatile substances on postmortem samples with headspace gas chromatography–mass spectrometry following a quantitative determination was performed. The n‐butane concentrations detected were composed of 610 μg/L (cardiac blood), 50 μg/kg (brain), 134 μg/kg (lungs), 285 μg/kg (liver), and 4090 μg/kg (heart) and were compatible with the rare lethal concentrations evoked in the literature. The cause of death was determined to be asphyxiation through n‐butane criminal poisoning. Authors recommendation therefore is to take samples immediately and place them in properly sealed containers and hence analyzing the samples as soon as possible after collecting them or storing them under −30°C (−22°F) if analyses cannot be performed immediately.
Toll‐Like Receptors in the Progression of Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease
Authors: Kocyigit Ismail , Sener Elif Funda , Taheri Serpil , Eroglu Eray , Ozturk Fahir , Unal Aydin , Zararsiz Gokmen , Uzun Ilknur , Imamoglu Hakan , Sipahioglu Murat Hayri , Tokgoz Bulent , Oymak Oktay , Ecder Tevfik
Published: December 2016

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most common hereditary cause of chronic kidney disease. The intriguing role of innate immune system and inflammation become a target for potential therapeutic approach to slow progression. When toll‐like receptors (TLRs) signaling and their receptors activate, they start a cascade of intracellular signaling that induces the production of the inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Thus, we aim to investigate the association of TLRs between progression of ADPKD. Ninety ADPKD patients and ninety matched controls were enrolled this prospective study and were followed during 3 years. TLR‐2 and TLR‐4 gene polymorphisms and expressions were measured. Hypertension was diagnosed with ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Rapid progression was defined as sustained decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of more than 5 mL/min per 1.73 m2 per year. TLR‐4Asp299Gly polymorphisms were significantly different between patient and control group (P < 0.05). Also, TLR‐2 and TLR‐4 gene expressions were significantly different between the ADPKD patients and the control subjects (P < 0.05). The expression levels of both TLR‐2 and TLR‐4 were found to be higher in the rapid progression groups comparing the slow progression group (P < 0.05). TLR‐2 gene expression, hypertension and uric acid were found to be independent risk factors in identifying rapid progression in ADPKD patients. TLR‐2 and TLR‐4 gene expressions are associated with rapid progression in ADPKD patients. TLRs may play a role in the progression of ADPKD.
Positive and negative affectivity as risk factors for heavy drinking in the second half of life: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Brunborg Geir Scott
Published: December 2016

Aims

To estimate the prospective relations between levels of propensity to experience positive affect (PA) and propensity to experience negative affect (NA) and risk of heavy drinking in a cohort of Norwegians aged 40–80 years.

Design

Clustered sampling was used to draw Norwegians aged 40–79 years in 2002/03 (t1). The relationship between PA and NA measured at t1 and heavy drinking measured in 2007/08 (t2) was estimated with random‐intercept logistic regression.

Setting

Norway.

Participants

A total of 2142 (44.0% men) who consumed mean = 3.07 [standard deviation (SD) = 3.15] UK units of alcohol on average per week and were intoxicated less than once per week at t1.

Measures

The Brief Measure of Positive and Negative Affect, quantity–frequency measure of alcohol use and frequency of drinking to intoxication. Heavy drinking at t2 (> 14 units per week and/or intoxication ≥ once per week) was regressed on PA and NA at t1.

Findings

Controlling for alcohol consumption, gender, age, income and level of education (at t1) and change in PA and NA, there was little evidence for an association between level of PA and heavy drinking [odds ratio (OR) = 0.96, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.71, 1.29, Bayes factor = 0.15]. The level of NA at t1 was associated with greater risk of heavy drinking at t2 (OR = 1.40, 95% CI = 1.02, 1.93).

Conclusion

There is little evidence for an association between the propensity to experience positive affect and heavy drinking among Norwegians aged 40–80 years. Norwegian adults in the second half of life with a high propensity to experience negative affect are at greater risk of heavy drinking approximately 5 years later than those with a low propensity to experience negative affect.
Articulated‐Motion‐Aware Sparse Localized Decomposition
Authors: Wang Yupan , Li Guiqing , Zeng Zhichao , He Huayun
Published: December 2016

Compactly representing time‐varying geometries is an important issue in dynamic geometry processing. This paper proposes a framework of sparse localized decomposition for given animated meshes by analyzing the variation of edge lengths and dihedral angles (LAs) of the meshes. It first computes the length and dihedral angle of each edge for poses and then evaluates the difference (residuals) between the LAs of an arbitrary pose and their counterparts in a reference one. Performing sparse localized decomposition on the residuals yields a set of components which can perfectly capture local motion of articulations. It supports intuitive articulation motion editing through manipulating the blending coefficients of these components. To robustly reconstruct poses from altered LAs, we devise a connection‐map‐based algorithm which consists of two steps of linear optimization. A variety of experiments show that our decomposition is truly localized with respect to rotational motions and outperforms state‐of‐the‐art approaches in precisely capturing local articulated motion.
Assessment of asymmetrical dimethylarginine metabolism in patients with critical illness
Authors: Ghashut Rawia A. , Blackwell Scott , Ryan Sylvia , Willox Laura , McMillan Donald C. , Kinsella John , Talwar Dinesh
Published: December 2016

Background

Critically ill patients experience metabolic disorders including hypercatabolic state and hyperglycaemia, and these are associated with poor outcome. Hyperglycaemia and asymmetrical dimethylarginine (ADMA) are reported to have significant influences on endothelial dysfunction. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between plasma ADMA and related arginine metabolism in patients with critical illness.

Materials and methosds

Two venous blood samples (EDTA) (104 patients), on admission and follow‐up sample in the last day in intensive care unit (ICU) (died or discharge sample median 7, interquartile range (IQR) 6–8, range 5–15). Plasma ADMA, arginine, homoarginine and SDMA were measured by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

Result

ADMA (P < 0·01) and SDMA (P < 0·05) were elevated, and homoarginine was decreased (P < 0·05) in nonsurvivors and was directly associated with predicted mortality rate (P < 0·05 and P < 0·001), Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) (P < 0·05, P < 0·001), ICU stay (P < 0·05, P < 0·001) and mortality (P < 0·01, P < 0·05). ADMA was directly associated with SDMA (P < 0·001), albumin (P < 0·05), ICU stay and mortality (P < 0·01). SDMA was directly associated with creatinine (P < 0·001) and Acute physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score (P < 0·001). In the follow‐up measurements, there was a significant decrease in SOFA score (P < 0·01), homoarginine (P < 0·01), aminotransferase (P < 0·01), Laboratory Glucose (P < 0·01) and albumin (P < 0·01). In contrast, there was an increase in arginine (P < 0·01), ADMA (P < 0·01), ADMA:SDMA ratio (P < 0·01) and the norepinephrine administration (P < 0·01).

Conclusion

In the present longitudinal study, ADMA metabolism was altered in patients with critical illness and was associated with disease severity and mortality.
Coupling of a voltage‐gated Ca2+ channel homologue with a plasma membrane H+‐ATPase in yeast
Authors: Cho Toshihiko , Ishii‐Kato Aya , Fukata Yuko , Nakayama Yoshitaka , Iida Kazuko , Fukata Masaki , Iida Hidetoshi
Published: December 2016

Yeast has a homologue of mammalian voltage‐gated Ca2+ channels (VGCCs), enabling the efficient uptake of Ca2+. It comprises two indispensable subunits, Cch1 and Mid1, equivalent to the mammalian pore‐forming α1 and auxiliary α2/δ subunits, respectively. Unlike the physiological roles of Cch1/Mid1 channels, the regulatory mechanisms of the yeast VGCC homologue remain unclear. Therefore, we screened candidate proteins that interact with Mid1 by an unbiased proteomic approach and identified a plasma membrane H+‐ATPase, Pma1, as a candidate. Mid1 coimmunoprecipitated with Pma1, and Mid1‐EGFP colocalized with Pma1‐mCherry at the plasma membrane. The physiological relevance of their interaction was determined using the temperature‐sensitive mutant, pma1‐10. At the nonpermissive temperature, the membrane potential was less negative and Ca2+ uptake was lower in pma1‐10 than in wild‐type cells. Increased extracellular H+ increased the rate of Ca2+ uptake. Therefore, H+ extrusion by Pma1 may be important for Ca2+ influx through Cch1/Mid1. These results suggest that Pma1 interacts physically with Cch1/Mid1 Ca2+ channels to enhance their activity via its H+‐pumping activity.
F376A/M388A‐solulin, a new promising antifibrinolytic for severe haemophilia A
Authors: Parcq J. , Petersen K. U. , Borel‐Derlon A. , Gautier P. , Ebel M. , Vivien D. , Repessé Y.
Published: December 2016

Introduction

Haemophilia is a major bleeding disorder due to a deficiency of procoagulant factor VIII (type A) or IX (type B). The treatment is substitutive and based on infusion of factor concentrates. Main limitations of this therapy are cost, short factor half‐life and the development of inhibitors (up to 30% of severe HA patients). An important aggravating factor of haemophilia is due to a premature fibrinolysis, directing attention to the therapeutic potential of suitable antifibrinolytics. Thrombomodulin (TM) is a key player of the coagulation cascade by activating protein C (an inhibitor of thrombin generation, thus antagonizing coagulation) and of the fibrinolytic cascade by activating thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor TAFI (thus reducing fibrinolysis). Solulin is a soluble form of TM that shows both capabilities.

Aim

Here, we developed a new generation of solulin variants (F376A‐, M388A‐ and F376A/M388A‐solulin) with a decreased ability to activate protein C and a conserved capacity to activate TAFI.

Methods

We produced and characterized solulin variants in vitro. In addition, F376A/M388A‐solulin was tested ex vivo, using blood samples of haemophilic A patients, with thromboelastography.

Results

The solulin variants (F376A, M388A and the double‐mutant F376A/M388A) lost their abilities to activate protein C but are still capable to activate TAFI. Thrombelastography showed increased clot firmness and stability, that, as opposed to wild‐type solulin, was maintained even at high concentrations of F376A/M388A‐solulin (100 nm).

Conclusion

In sum, these results open new opportunities for the development of specific medication for haemophilic patients.
Using a co‐production prioritization exercise involving South Asian children, young people and their families to identify health priorities requiring further research and public awareness
Authors: Manikam Logan , Shah Rakhee , Reed Kate , Santini Gupreet , Lakhanpaul Monica
Published: December 2016

Objectives

To facilitate South Asian (SA) families and health‐care professionals (HCPs) participation in a prioritization exercise to co‐produce child health research and public awareness agendas.

Design

A three‐stage process was adopted involving the following: (i) systematic literature review, (ii) HCP scoping survey and (iii) focus groups of SA adolescents and families. A Punjabi‐ and Urdu‐speaking community facilitator moderated focus groups. A British Sign Language interpreter assisted in the hard of hearing group. Concordant and discordant themes between HCPs and SAs were identified.

Setting

National survey of HCPs. Leicestershire for SA families.

Participants

A total of 27 HCPs and 35 SAs. SAs varied by descent, age (16‐74), UK stay length (3‐57 years) religion and disability.

Results

Ranked by submission frequency in the survey, HCPs prioritized (i) public awareness on obesity, mental health, health‐care access, vitamin D and routine health checks and (ii) research on nutrition, diabetes, health education and parenting methods.

Discussion

South Asians prioritized research into the effectiveness of alternative medicines, a theme not identified by HCPs. Both HCPs and SAs prioritized increased research or public awareness on mental health illness, blood and organ donation, obesity and diet. Whilst HCPs identified diabetes, vitamin D and rickets together with parenting methods were important priorities requiring increased public awareness, and these views were not shared by SAs.

Conclusions

Minority groups are not always included in priority setting exercises due to concerns about language and perceived difficulty with accessing communities. Through this co‐production exercise, we showed that it is possible and essential.
Impact of Hallux Valgus related of quality of life in Women
Authors: Palomo‐López Patricia , Becerro‐de‐Bengoa‐Vallejo Ricardo , Losa‐Iglesias Marta Elena , Rodríguez‐Sanz David , Calvo‐Lobo César , López‐López Daniel
Published: December 2016

The purpose of this study is to analyse and compare the impact of hallux valgus (HV) in a sample of adult women with varying degrees of HV scores obtained with regard to foot health and health in general. A total 100 female patients of mean age 43·04 ± 16·84 years who attended a podiatric clinic were asked to answer a questionnaire. The degree of deformity, HV, was determined on both feet of the patients using the Manchester Scale tool and the scores from the Foot Health Status Questionnaire were compared. Participants with varying degrees of HV recorded lower scores in Section 1 for the footwear and general foot health and higher scores for foot pain and foot function. In Section 2, they obtained lower scores in physical activity and social capacity and higher scores in vigour and general health. Differences between the four groups were evaluated by means of a t‐test for independent samples, showing statistical significance (P < 0·001). This study has detected measurable differences of association between varying degrees of HV with impaired quality of life related to foot health in women.
Weak Labour, Strong Interests: Polish Trade Unions and the Integration of EU Energy and Service Markets
Authors: Bernaciak Magdalena , Lis Aleksandra
Published: December 2016

This paper examines the motives behind the EU‐level activism of CEE trade unions, which are commonly regarded as weak actors. To this end, it studies lobbying and protest actions staged by Polish labour organizations in relation to proposals for the EU Emission Trading Scheme Directive and the EU Services Directive. The analysis confirms the salience of interest‐based accounts of supranational union action, but it also shows that labour interests are context‐specific, influenced by economic conditions and regulatory changes in particular market segments. In this regard, priority given by the unions to job preservation or the improvement of social standards has important implications for their positions; it also determines the selection of their allies at national and transnational levels.
Discrimination of pesticide residues in lettuce based on chemical molecular structure coupled with wavelet transform and near infrared hyperspectra
Authors: Sun Jun , Zhou Xin , Mao Hanping , Wu Xiaohong , Zhang Xiaodong , Li Qinglin
Published: December 2016

To facilitate more quickly and effectively detect the types of pesticide residues on the surface of lettuce, a method involving the chemical molecular structure coupled with wavelet transform (CMS‐WT) was proposed to extract the characteristic wavelength. Five different kinds of pesticide residues were sprayed on the surface of lettuce, respectively, dimethoate, acephate, phoxim, dichlorvos, avermectin (the ratio of pesticides and water were 1:1000). In addition, the near infrared hyperspectral image information of 200 samples in five different kinds of pesticides residue in lettuce were achieved by the NIR hyperspectral imaging system (870–1780 nm). The region of interest (ROI) in hyperspectral image of samples was selected to get the near infrared spectral data by the software of ENVI. Furthermore, CMS‐WT was used to extract the most influential wavelengths. Four characteristic intervals were extracted by comparing the different of pesticides in chemical molecular structures, respectively, 875—1050 nm, 1050—1250 nm, 1350—1550 nm, 1650—1780 nm. Further, the best combination of eight features were selected according to the reorder of the size of the singular value by wavelet transform algorithm using db6 as wavelet basis function, respectively, 919.18, 944.25, 972.25, 1194.20, 1363.81, 1426.69, 1673.29, 1680.74 nm. Finally, SVM model was established according to the extracted characteristic spectral data. The results showed that the calibration and prediction accuracy of SVM model established by the best combination of eight features were all achieved 100%. It confirms that the CMS‐WT feature extraction algorithm is feasible and effective for building models of different pesticide residues in lettuce.

Practical applications

Well understanding the effect of pesticide residues to biological structure is very important for revelation of novel biological function and mechanism of action of the protein. To facilitate more quickly and effectively detect the types of pesticide residues on the surface of lettuce, a method involving the chemical molecular structure coupled with wavelet transform (CMS‐WT) was proposed to extract the characteristic wavelength in this article. It confirms that the CMS‐WT feature extraction algorithm is feasible and effective for building models of different pesticide residues in lettuce.
Assessment of the diagnostic value of a urinary adipsin rapid strip test for pre‐eclampsia: A prospective multicenter study
Authors: Peng Bing , Zhang Li , Yan Jianying , Qi Hongbo , Zhang Weiyuan , Fan Ling , Hu Yayi , Lin Li , Li Xiaotian , Hu Rong , Xie Lan , Zhang Jianping , Wu Yanqiao , Li Li , Zhou Rong
Published: December 2016

Aim

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the clinical value of the rapid strip test of urinary adipsin for the quick diagnosis of pre‐eclampsia.

Methods

In a multicenter diagnostic test study, we studied the diagnostic accuracy of the rapid strip test of urinary adipsin in women presenting with pre‐eclampsia. A total of 204 pre‐eclampsia patients and 254 healthy pregnant women were recruited for this study, respectively. The rapid strip test of urinary adipsin was used to detect the adipsin in the urine of each patient.

Results

The diagnostic value of the rapid strip test of urinary adipsin for pre‐eclampsia was demonstrated by its high sensitivity and specificity (95.10% and 97.64%, respectively). The diagnostic accuracy was 96.51%. The consistency analysis showed that the kappa value was 0.93 compared with the gold standard diagnosis of pre‐eclampsia.

Conclusion

The rapid strip test of urinary adipsin is a non‐invasive test for the diagnosis of pre‐eclampsia with high sensitivity and specificity. It could help the quick diagnosis of pre‐eclampsia in clinical practice greatly.
Prevalence of high‐risk human papillomavirus infection in women with ovarian endometriosis
Authors: Heidarpour Mitra , Derakhshan Maryam , Derakhshan‐Horeh Marzieh , Kheirollahi Majid , Dashti Sepideh
Published: December 2016

Aim

In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) in ovarian endometriosis and ovarian tissue from women without endometriosis. Understanding the pathogenesis of the disease could help us design preventative strategies as well as novel and appropriate treatment approaches in this regard.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, formalin‐fixed and paraffin‐embedded tissue sections from 50 and 49 ovaries with and without endometriosis, respectively, were evaluated for the presence of high‐risk HPV using the polymerase chain reaction technique. Prevalence of HPV infection and other related characteristics of the studied population were compared.

Results

High‐risk HPV infection was detected in 13 (26%) and five (10.2%) of the samples with and without endometriosis, respectively (P = 0.041, χ2 = 3.16). Mean age and parity were not significantly different in subjects with and without HPV infection in the two studied groups (P = 0.7 and P = 0.06 for age in case and control groups, respectively; and P = 0.32 and P = 0.09 for parity in case and control groups, respectively).

Conclusion

The results of our study indicated a higher rate of high‐risk HPV infection among patients with endometriosis. The findings could provide us baseline information for future studies regarding the pathogenesis of endometriosis and the role of viral infection and their possible impact on future cancer development in this group of patients.
Oleanolic acid rejuvenates testicular function through attenuating germ cell DNA damage and apoptosis via deactivation of NF-κB, p53 and p38 signalling pathways
Authors: Zhao Haixia , Liu Jing , Song Laixin , Liu Zhencai , Han Guifang , Yuan Ding , Wang Ting , Dun Yaoyan , Zhou Zhiyong , Liu Zhaoqi , Wang Yongjun , Zhang Changcheng
Published: December 2016

Objectives

Inflammation can cause degenerative changes of reproductive function. Oleanolic acid (OA), the effective component from Ligustrum lucidum Ait., exhibits significantly anti-inflammation and antiageing activity. However, whether OA restores testicular dysfunction via inhibition of inflammation with ageing is unclear. Here, in a natural ageing rat model, we investigated the protection effects of OA and its mechanism of action.

Methods

Eighteen-month-old Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into ageing control group and two OA-treated groups (5 and 25 mg/kg). Nine-month-old SD rats were used as adult controls. All rats were received either vehicle or OA for 6 months. Then, histomorphology, weight and index of testis, protein expression and immunohistochemistry were examined.

Key findings

Oleanolic acid significantly restored testicular morphology and improved testicular weight and index. Moreover, OA significantly inhibited phospho-NF-κB p65 and its downstream proinflammatory cytokines' expressions, including IL-1β, COX-2 and TNF-α in testis tissues. Similarly, OA remarkably inhibited IL-1β and TNF-α production. OA significantly attenuated germ cells' DNA damage and apoptosis. Such changes were accompanied by downregulation of γH2AX, p-P53 and Bax expressions, and upregulation of Bcl-2 and Bcl-2/Bax ratio. In addition, OA remarkably inhibited p38 signalling.

Conclusions

Oleanolic acid effectively rejuvenates testicular function via attenuating germ cell DNA damage and apoptosis through deactivation of NF-κB, p53 and p38 signalling pathways.