bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surgical management of esophageal sarcoma: a multicenter European experience
Authors: Mege D , Depypere L , Piessen G , Slaman A E , Wijnhoven B P L , Hölscher A , Nilsson M , van Berge Henegouwen M I , van Lanschot J J B , Schroeder W , Thomas P A , Nafteux P , D’Journo X B
Published: February 2018

Esophageal sarcomas are rare and evidence in literature is scarce making their management difficult. The objective is to report surgical and oncological outcomes of esophageal sarcoma in a large multicenter European cohort. This is a retrospective multicenter study including all patients who underwent en-bloc esophagectomy for esophageal sarcoma in seven European tertiary referral centers between 1987 and 2016. The main outcomes and measures are pathological results, early and long-term outcomes. Among 10,936 esophageal resections for cancer, 21 (0.2%) patients with esophageal sarcoma were identified. The majority of tumors was located in the middle (n = 7) and distal (n = 9) third of the esophagus. Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy was performed in five patients. All the patients underwent en-bloc transthoracic esophagectomy (19 open, 2 minimally invasive). Postoperative mortality occurred in 1 patient (5%). One patient received adjuvant chemotherapy. Definitive pathological results were carcinosarcoma (n = 7), leiomyosarcoma (n = 5), and other types of sarcoma (n = 9). Microscopic R1 resection was present in one patient (5%) and seven patients (33%) had positive lymph nodes. Median follow-up was 16 (3–79) months in 20 of 21 patients (95%). One-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates were 74%, 43%, and 35%, respectively. One-, 3- and 5-years disease-free survival rates were 58%, 40%, and 33%, respectively. Median overall survival was 6 months in N+ patients vs. 37 months for N0 patients (p = 0.06). At the end of the follow-up period, nine patients had died from cancer recurrences (43%), three patients died from other reasons (14%), one patient was still alive with recurrence (5%) and the seven remaining patients were free of disease (33%). Recurrence was local (n = 3), metastatic (n = 3), or both (n = 4). In conclusion, carcinosarcoma and leiomyosarcoma were the most common esophageal sarcoma histological subtypes. Lymph node involvement was seen in one third of cases. A transthoracic en-bloc esophagectomy with radical lymphadenectomy should be the best surgical option to achieve complete resection. Long-term survival remained poor with a high local and distant recurrence rate.
Biomacromolecular nanostructures-based interfacial engineering: from precise assembly to precision biosensing
Authors: Yang Fan , Zuo Xiaolei , Fan Chunhai , Zhang Xian-En
Published: February 2018

Biosensors are a type of important biodevice that integrate biological recognition elements, such as enzyme, antibody and DNA, and physical or chemical transducers, which have revolutionized clinical diagnosis especially under the context of point-of-care tests. Since the performance of a biosensor depends largely on the bio–solid interface, design and engineering of the interface play a pivotal role in developing quality biosensors. Along this line, a number of strategies have been developed to improve the homogeneity of the interface or the precision in regulating the interactions between biomolecules and the interface. Especially, intense efforts have been devoted to controlling the surface chemistry, orientation of immobilization, molecular conformation and packing density of surface-confined biomolecular probes (proteins and nucleic acids). By finely tuning these surface properties, through either gene manipulation or self-assembly, one may reduce the heterogeneity of self-assembled monolayers, increase the accessibility of target molecules and decrease the binding energy barrier to realize high sensitivity and specificity. In this review, we summarize recent progress in interfacial engineering of biosensors with particular focus on the use of protein and DNA nanostructures. These biomacromolecular nanostructures with atomistic precision lead to highly regulated interfacial assemblies at the nanoscale. We further describe the potential use of the high-performance biosensors for precision diagnostics.
Molecular clouds toward three Spitzer bubbles S116, S117, and S118: Evidence for a cloud–cloud collision which formed the three H ii regions and a 10 pc scale molecular cavity
Authors: Fukui Yasuo , Ohama Akio , Kohno Mikito , Torii Kazufumi , Fujita Shinji , Hattori Yusuke , Nishimura Atsushi , Yamamoto Hiroaki , Tachihara Kengo
Published: February 2018

We carried out a molecular-line study toward the three Spitzer bubbles S116, S117, and S118, which show active formation of high-mass stars. We found molecular gas consisting of two components with a velocity difference of ∼5 km s−1. One of them, the small cloud, has a typical velocity of −63 km s−1 and the other, the large cloud, has one of −58 km s−1. The large cloud has a nearly circular intensity depression, the size of which is similar to that of the small cloud. We present an interpretation that its cavity was created by a collision between the two clouds and that this collision compressed the gas into a dense layer elongating along the western rim of the small cloud. In this scenario, the O stars including those in the three Spitzer bubbles were formed in the interface layer compressed by the collision. Assuming that the relative motion of the clouds has a tilt of 45° to the line of sight, we estimate that the collision continued for the last 1 Myr at a relative velocity of ∼10 km s−1. In the S116-S117-S118 system the H ii regions are located outside of the cavity. This morphology is ascribed to the density-bound distribution of the large cloud which caused the H ii regions to expand more easily toward the outer part of the large cloud than towards the inside of the cavity. The present case proves that a cloud–cloud collision creates a cavity without the action of O-star feedback, and suggests that the collision-compressed layer is highly filamentary.
Molecular gas in the H ii-region complex RCW 166: Possible evidence for an early phase of cloud–cloud collision prior to the bubble formation
Authors: Ohama Akio , Kohno Mikito , Fujita Shinji , Tsutsumi Daichi , Hattori Yusuke , Torii Kazufumi , Nishimura Atsushi , Sano Hidetoshi , Yamamoto Hiroaki , Tachihara Kengo , Fukui Yasuo
Published: February 2018

Young H ii regions are an important site for the study of O star formation based on distributions of ionized and molecular gas. We reveal that two molecular clouds at ∼48 km s−1 and ∼53 km s−1 are associated with the H ii regions G018.149−00.283 in RCW 166 by using the JCMT CO High-Resolution Survey (COHRS) of the 12CO(J = 3–2) emission. G018.149−00.283 comprises a bright ring at 8 μm and an extended H ii region inside the ring. The ∼48 km s−1 cloud delineates the ring, and the ∼53 km s−1 cloud is located within the ring, indicating a complementary distribution between the two molecular components. We propose a hypothesis that high-mass stars within G018.149−00.283 were formed by triggering during cloud–cloud collision at a projected velocity separation of ∼5 km s−1. We argue that G018.149−00.283 is in an early evolutionary stage, ∼0.1 Myr after the collision according to the scheme detailed by Habe and Ohta (1992, PASJ, 44, 203), which will be followed by a bubble formation stage like RCW 120. We also suggest that nearby H ii regions N21 and N22 are candidates for bubbles possibly formed by cloud–cloud collision. Inoue and Fukui (2013, ApJ, 774, L31) showed that the interface gas becomes highly turbulent and realizes a high-mass accretion rate of 10−3–10−4 M⊙ yr−1 by magnetohydrodynamical numerical simulations, which offers an explanation of the O-star formation. The fairly high frequency of cloud–cloud collision in RCW 166 is probably due to the high cloud density in this part of the Scutum arm.
The impact of buyer-supplier relationships’ social capital on bi-directional information sharing in the supply chain
Authors: Lee Chang-Hun , Ha Byoung-Chun
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand how the development of social capital can promote buyer’s bi-directional (inflow and outflow) information sharing. The authors examined buyers’ perceptional differences in information sharing: when they receive information from suppliers and when they provide information to suppliers, and how such inequivalent perception in information sharing can be resolved by the level of social capital and its’ sub-dimensions.

Design/methodology/approach

Theoretical model and the hypotheses were developed through literature review. Data were collected from Korean manufacturers in supply chains and structural equation modelling was used for analysis.

Findings

The results show that each dimension of social capital has a different effect on bi-directional information sharing. For the information inflow, all of the facets of social capital were significant; for the information outflow, however, only relational capital was significant. That is, with cognitive and structural capital, buyers perceive that they can receive appropriate information from suppliers yet be reluctant to provide information to suppliers.

Practical implications

Given that relational capital is essential for the balanced information sharing in buyer-supplier relationship, firms should pay attention to having social interactions with partners to promote trust in the relationship for efficacy in information sharing.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies to explore the role of social capital in facilitating equivalent information sharing. This study develops a framework that social capital can provide valuable guidance in achieving equivalency of bi-directional information sharing.
Cost-based price and value-based price: are they conflicting approaches?
Authors: Guerreiro Reinaldo , Amaral Juliana Ventura
Published: February 2018

Purpose

While the gap between economic theory and companies’ practice, regarding to the pricing setting, has been extensively explored and explained, the new gap between the marketing normative view and companies’ practice needs further clarification. In this way, the paper aims to investigate whether marketing researchers’ claim that the use of cost-based price approach prevails over the use of value-based price approach is pertinent.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is guided by the following research question: “Does price-setting based on cost plus margin go against the value-based price approach?” The answer to this question is grounded in reflections on results of previous research studies and in a case study conducted in an industrial company. Because of the qualitative focus of the present study, hypotheses are not established, but rather the following proposition: certain companies use the mechanics of cost plus margin in the sale price-setting process, but it does not necessarily mean that these companies set prices based on cost.

Findings

The arguments, propositions and the case study findings provide the logical sequence and the support required to conclude that price-setting based on cost plus margin does not always conflict with the value-based price approach. As a result, it may be claimed that the general proposition established is theoretically valid, i.e. using a price formula that contains the elements cost and margin does not necessarily mean that the company sets prices based on cost.

Originality/value

The key contribution of this paper is demonstrating that in certain business environments, such as, B2B, using the price formation mechanics based on cost plus margin is the way found by companies to enable the approach adopted. The approach may be cost-based or value-based price. This is the first study that explicitly reveals how B2B companies may set prices based on value while simultaneously preserving the simplicity of cost plus margin formulas. Researchers have significant misconceptions about these formulas: in previous studies, they classified all price-making companies as those adopting the cost-based price approach simply because they used formulas containing the element cost.
Lessons learned from a successful industrial product service system business model: emphasis on financial aspects
Authors: Oliveira Maicon Gouvêa de , Mendes Glauco Henrique de Sousa , Albuquerque Andrei Aparecido de , Rozenfeld Henrique
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify the elements of the product-service system (PSS) business model of a Brazilian company that has been running it for almost 50 years. It describes the PSS business model and gives special attention to the financial aspects of PSS implementation and to contingent factors of this emerging country.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on a single case study. Data have been collected through interviews and document analysis. Results and implications are obtained using Canvas framework to structure information and comparison between theory and practice.

Findings

Results described in this paper show that the PSS design and implementation can be strongly influenced by financial and contingent factors. This case indicates that the implementation of PSS business models can follow diverse paths and configurations to fit with companies’ organizational features, local regulations and economic factors, including mixed transactional models and less demanding financial assessments.

Originality/value

This paper provides a roadmap of lessons learned from a multinational manufacturer that has been following the PSS business model for almost 50 years. This paper offers key insights concerning financial aspects and contingency factors that might influence servitization adoption.
Emotion regulation – natural reward strategy linkage and its impact on sales performance: the mediating impact of salesmanship skills
Authors: Singh Ramendra , Singh Rakesh Kumar , Banerji Diptiman
Published: February 2018

Purpose

In the context of an emerging market, this paper empirically investigates the direct as well as the indirect impact of natural reward strategies (NRS) on the sales performance of B2B sales force. It also investigates the mediating impact of salesmanship skills on the NRS–sales performance linkage.

Design/methodology/approach

Structural equation modeling (using AMOS 18 software) is used to analyze the data collected, using a survey questionnaire from a sample of 317 B2B salespersons of a single media firm in India.

Findings

Results indicate that NRS are influenced primarily by a salesperson’s emotion regulation abilities, while salesmanship skills partially mediate in the NRS–performance relationship.

Research limitations/implications

The study results are based on convenience sampling, which may limit the theoretical generalization of the results across all emerging markets.

Originality/value

It is one of the earliest studies in the B2B sales literature that integrates multiple theoretical perspectives from job-demands-resources theory, self-regulation theory, motivation and skills theory and social cognitive theory. These theories have been synthesized; then they have been used to develop and test the impact of emotional regulation on NRS components of self-leadership among salespersons, and its subsequent direct impact on sales performance, as well as mediating impact via salesmanship skills.
How resource alignment moderates the relationship between environmental innovation strategy and green innovation performance
Authors: Huang Jing-Wen , Li Yong-Hui
Published: February 2018

Purpose

Empirical evidences support the benefits of environmental innovation to improve performance. However, previous research has not considered the role of resource alignment in green supply chain management. To fill the research gap, this paper aims to identify resource alignment as a potential moderating mechanism and to examine the relationships between environmental innovation strategy, resource alignment and green innovation performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical study uses a questionnaire approach designed to collect data. Regression analysis is used for hypotheses testing.

Findings

The findings indicate that environmental innovation strategy and resource alignment between partners are positively related to green innovation performance. This study also provides considerable support to the key contingent moderator of resource alignment. The positive effect of environmental innovation strategy on green innovation performance is stronger under the conditions of a higher level of resource alignment between partners.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides empirical support of the ecological modernization theory and integrates partner analysis literature and green management literature. Higher resource alignment may facilitate firms to develop environmental innovation strategy to attain green innovation performance.

Practical implications

Environmental innovation strategy enables firms to integrate ecological issues into their business operation. Managers could learn how to execute environmental incentive programs to promote sustainable development of green new product and green process. Managers need to pay attention to resource alignment that may have moderating influence on the performance outcomes of environmental innovation strategy.

Originality/value

This study highlights the importance of environmental innovation strategy and resource alignment in the process of green management and helps scholars and managers to better understand the moderator of resource alignment in quest of environmental innovation and green management.
ElevatedCO2concentrations reduce C4cover and decrease diversity of understorey plant community in aEucalyptuswoodland
Authors: Hasegawa Shun , Piñeiro Juan , Ochoa‐Hueso Raúl , Haigh Anthony M. , Rymer Paul D. , Barnett Kirk L. , Power Sally A.
Published: February 2018

Compared to tree responses to elevated (e)CO2, little attention has been paid to understorey plant community responses in forest ecosystem studies, despite their critical role in nutrient cycling and the regeneration of overstorey species. Here, we present data on understorey responses from a 3‐year Free‐AirCO2Enrichment experiment in a native, phosphorus‐limitedEucalyptuswoodland in Australia (EucFACE).

We conducted repeat surveys of the understorey plant community from 2012 to 2016, recording cover at the species level.

Three years ofeCO2significantly decreased the diversity (Shannon‐Weaver; −30%) and species richness (−15%;c. −1 species per 4 m2plot) of graminoid species, and the cover of C4graminoids in both dominant (−38%) and subordinate (−48%) groups, relative to ambient conditions, leading to a significantly lower graminoid C4:C3ratio (−59%) in the understorey plant community. The ratio of C4:C3graminoids was negatively associated with soil nitrogen (N) availability suggesting that previously reportedeCO2‐associated increases in N availability may contribute to (or be a consequence of) shifts in the composition of the graminoid community at the study site. There was, however, no effect ofeCO2on the diversity of forb species, which represented the most species‐rich functional group but onlyc. 1% of the understorey biomass.

Synthesis. Our results suggest thateCO2influences competition between C4and C3graminoid species both directly and indirectly via increasing N availability. The shift towards lower C4:C3ratios and enhanced dominance by C3species with their generally higher tissue N concentrations could further change soil nutrient availability and potentially accelerate community succession. Thus,eCO2has altered the diversity and composition of the understorey plant community in this woodland, with the potential for cascading consequences for trophic interactions and ecosystem function.
Functionally or phylogenetically distinct neighbours turn antagonism among decomposing litter species into synergy
Authors: Barbe Lou , Mony Cendrine , Jung Vincent , Santonja Mathieu , Bartish Igor , Prinzing Andreas
Published: February 2018

Plant species coexisting in direct contact produce patches of mixed litters. Mixing litter sometimes synergistically accelerates and sometimes antagonistically decelerates litter decomposition, but we insufficiently understand why.

Here, we hypothesize that antagonism or synergy within a mixed‐litter patch depends on the neighbouring litter matrix. Specifically, phylogenetical or functional dissimilarity within neighbouring litter, or among patch and neighbouring litter, may favour complementarity and thereby within‐patch synergy.

From a pool of 20 grassland species, we created 120 mixed‐litter patches of two species, and exposed these patches to neighbourhoods in long‐term grassland mesocosms of different functional and phylogenetic compositions.

We found 60% less (antagonism) to 80% more (synergy) decomposition than expected from single‐species litters. Functionally similar, and grass‐dominated, mixed‐litter patches decomposed most synergistically. Synergy was most strongly favoured by phylogenetic distance among neighbours and functional dissimilarity between neighbours and patch.

Synthesis. Our results show that the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning was context‐dependent. We suggest that the coexistence of grasses and the formation of phylogenetically diverse, functionally distinct, patchy vegetation may be reinforced by synergistic nutrient recycling.
Green Tea Polyphenols Modulate Colonic Microbiota Diversity and Lipid Metabolism in High‐Fat Diet Treated HFA Mice
Authors: Wang Li , Zeng Benhua , Liu Zhiwei , Liao Zhenlin , Zhong Qingping , Gu Lihui , Wei Hong , Fang Xiang
Published: February 2018

There is an increasing interest in the effect of dietary polyphenols on the intestinal microbiota and the possible associations between this effect and the development of obesity. However, limited information is available on how these polyphenols affect the gut microbiota and lipid metabolism. The co‐action of a high‐fat diet (HFD) and tea polyphenol (TP) on gut microbiota and lipid metabolism using a human flora‐associated (HFA) C57BL/6J mice model is studied. TP reduced serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein, glucose (GLU) and insulin (INS) levels of HFD mice in a dose‐dependent manner (P < 0.01). TP also significantly increased acetic acid and butyric acid levels in HFA mice. 16S rRNA V3 region Polymerase Chain Reaction‐Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (PCR‐DGGE) profiles showed that HFD mice had significantly reduced microbial diversity. This reduction could be alleviated by TP, with a significant increase in the richness and diversity of colonic microbiota in the high‐fat diet with 0.2% TP (TPM) and high‐fat diet with 0.05% TP (TPL) groups (P < 0.05). 454 pyrosequencing analysis showed that the HFD group had a significant increase in the Bacteroidetes to Firmicutes (F/B) ratio (P < 0.001), which could effectively be reversed by TP. The results showed that the changes in composition and diversity of colonic microbiota by TP administration suppressed the host body weight and blood lipid increase in high‐fat diet HFA mice.

Practical Application

A high fat diet significantly impacted gut microbiota composition and lipid metabolism in human flora‐associated mice, which were largely ameliorated by tea polyphenol (TP). Therefore, TPs may be effectively used in controlling or treating obesity, hyperlipidemia and other related metabolic diseases.
Overexpression of PGC‐1α in aging muscle enhances a subset of young‐like molecular patterns
Authors: Garcia Sofia , Nissanka Nadee , Mareco Edson A. , Rossi Susana , Peralta Susana , Diaz Francisca , Rotundo Richard L. , Carvalho Robson F. , Moraes Carlos T.
Published: February 2018

PGC‐1α is a transcriptional co‐activator known as the master regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis. Its control of metabolism has been suggested to exert critical influence in the aging process. We have aged mice overexpressing PGC‐1α in skeletal muscle to determine whether the transcriptional changes reflected a pattern of expression observed in younger muscle. Analyses of muscle proteins showed that Pax7 and several autophagy markers were increased. In general, the steady‐state levels of several muscle proteins resembled that of muscle from young mice. Age‐related mtDNA deletion levels were not increased by the PGC‐1α‐associated increase in mitochondrial biogenesis. Accordingly, age‐related changes in the neuromuscular junction were minimized by PGC‐1α overexpression. RNA‐Seq showed that several genes overexpressed in the aged PGC‐1α transgenic are expressed at higher levels in young when compared to aged skeletal muscle. As expected, there was increased expression of genes associated with energy metabolism but also of pathways associated with muscle integrity and regeneration. We also found that PGC‐1α overexpression had a mild but significant effect on longevity. Taken together, overexpression of PGC‐1α in aged muscle led to molecular changes that resemble the patterns observed in skeletal muscle from younger mice.
Economic Analysis of Diagnostic Imaging in Pediatric Patients With Suspected Appendicitis
Authors: Kharbanda Anupam B. , Christensen Eric W. , Dudley Nanette C. , Bajaj Lalit , Stevenson Michelle D. , Macias Charles G. , Mittal Manoj K. , Bachur Richard G. , Bennett Jonathan E. , Sinclair Kelly , McMichael Brianna , Dayan Peter S. ,   for the Pediatric Emergency Medicine Collaborative Research Committee of the American Academy of Pediatrics
Published: February 2018

Objective

The use of computed tomography (CT) and ultrasound (US) in patients with acute abdominal pain has substantial variation across pediatric emergency departments (EDs). This study compares the cost of diagnosing and treating suspected appendicitis across a multicenter network of children's hospitals.

Methods

This study is a secondary analysis using deidentified data of a prospective, observational study of patients with suspected appendicitis at nine pediatric EDs. The study included patients 3 to 18 years old who presented to the ED with acute abdominal pain of <96 hours’ duration.

Results

Our data set contained 2,300 cases across nine sites. There was an appendicitis rate of 31.8% and perforation rate of 25.7%. Sites correctly diagnosed appendicitis in over 95% of cases. The negative appendicitis rate ranged from 2.5% to 4.7% while the missed appendicitis rate ranged from 0.3% to 1.1% with no significant differences in these rates across site. Across sites, we found a strong positive correlation (0.95) between CT rate and total cost per case and a strong negative correlation (–0.71) between US rate and cost. The cost per case at US sites was 5.2% ($367) less than at CT sites (p < 0.001). Similarly, costs per case at mixed sites were 3.4% ($244) less than at CT sites (p < 0.001). Comparing costs among CT sites or among US sites, the cost per case generally increased as the images per case increased among both CT sites and US sites, but the costs were universally higher at CT sites.

Conclusions

Our results provide support for US as the primary imaging modality for appendicitis. Sites that preferentially utilized US had lower costs per case than sites that primarily used CT. Imaging rates across sites varied due to practice patterns and resulted in a significant cost consequence without higher rates for negative appendectomies or missed appendicitis cases.
The Accuracy and Prognostic Value of Point‐of‐care Ultrasound for Nephrolithiasis in the Emergency Department: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Wong Charles , Teitge Braden , Ross Marshall , Young Paul , Robertson Helen Lee , Lang Eddy
Published: February 2018

Introduction

Point‐of‐care ultrasound (POCUS) has been suggested as an initial investigation in the management of renal colic. Our objectives were: 1) to determine the accuracy of POCUS for the diagnosis of nephrolithiasis and 2) to assess its prognostic value in the management of renal colic.

Methods

The review protocol was registered to the PROSPERO database (CRD42016035331). An electronic database search of MEDLINE, Embase, and PubMed was conducted utilizing subject headings, keywords, and synonyms that address our research question. Bibliographies of included studies and narrative reviews were manually examined. Studies of adult emergency department patients with renal colic symptoms were included. Any degree of hydronephrosis was considered a positive POCUS finding. Accepted criterion standards were computed tomography evidence of renal stone or hydronephrosis, direct stone visualization, or surgical findings. Screening of abstracts, quality assessment with the QUADAS‐2 instrument, and data extraction were performed by two reviewers, with discrepancies resolved by consensus with a third reviewer. Test performance was assessed by pooled sensitivity and specificity, calculated likelihood ratios, and a summary receiver operator curve (SROC). The secondary objective of prognostic value was reported as a narrative summary.

Results

The electronic search yielded 627 unique titles. After relevance screening, 26 papers underwent full‐text review, and nine articles met all inclusion criteria. Of these, five high‐quality studies (N = 1,773) were included in the meta‐analysis for diagnostic accuracy and the remaining yielded data on prognostic value. The pooled results for sensitivity and specificity were 70.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 67.1%–73.2%) and 75.4% (95% CI = 72.5%–78.2%), respectively. The calculated positive and negative likelihood ratios were 2.85 and 0.39. The SROC generated did not show evidence of a threshold effect. Two of the studies in the meta‐analysis found that the finding of moderate or greater hydronephrosis yielded a specificity of 94.4% (95% CI = 92.7%–95.8%). Four studies examining prognostic value noted a higher likelihood of a large stone when positive POCUS findings were present. The largest randomized trial showed lower cumulative radiation exposure and no increase in adverse events in those who received POCUS investigation as the initial renal colic investigation.

Conclusion

Point‐of‐care ultrasound has modest diagnostic accuracy for diagnosing nephrolithiasis. The finding of moderate or severe hydronephrosis is highly specific for the presence of any stone, and the presence of any hydronephrosis is suggestive of a larger (>5 mm) stone in those presenting with renal colic.
Financial well‐being of older Australians with multiple health conditions
Authors: Temple Jeromey B , Williams Ruth
Published: February 2018

Objective

Given recent rises in out‐of‐pocket health expenses, we examined the financial well‐being of older Australians with multiple health conditions and disabilities.

Methods

The 2014 General Social Survey was used to measure the: (i) current financial position; (ii) propensity to experience financial difficulties; and (iii) types of behaviours older people with multiple health conditions engage in to improve financial resilience.

Results

Compared to older Australians with no health conditions, respondents with multiple health conditions had lower incomes and assets and a higher propensity to hold consumer debt (once controls were included). They were at a higher risk of cash flow difficulties, dissaving to meet day‐to‐day living expenses and exclusion from financial providers. However, the majority of people with multiple health conditions engaged in financially resilient behaviours.

Conclusion

Many older Australians with multiple health conditions were in a financially precarious situation with implications for the ability to afford ongoing increases in out‐of‐pocket health‐care costs.
Herpes simplex virus type 2 IgG antibodies in sera of umbilical cord as a proxy for placental infection in asymptomatic pregnant women
Authors: Finger‐Jardim Fabiana , Avila Emiliana Claro , da Hora Vanusa Pousada , Santos Paula Costa dos , Gonçalves Carla Vitola , Mor Gil , de Martinez Ana Maria Barral , Soares Marcelo Alves
Published: February 2018

Problem

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV‐2) infection is one of the most prevalent diseases worldwide and is mainly sexually transmitted. When infecting pregnant women, HSV‐2 is able to infect the placenta, can reach the fetus, and may affect the fetal development. We sought to determine the prevalence of HSV‐2 infection and reactivation in asymptomatic pregnant women, the correlation between IgG in the maternal circulation and cord blood, and the correlation between circulating IgG, placental, and newborn infection (blood cord).

Method of study

Serum samples and placental tissues from pregnant women and umbilical cord blood samples from their newborns were collected. Anti‐HSV‐2 antibodies were identified by ELISA, and HSV‐2 DNA was detected by nested PCR.

Results

The seropositivity of IgG in pregnant women was 29.7% and IgM was detected in 1 woman (0.5%). In the umbilical cord of newborns, 33.1% were IgG‐positive and IgM was detected in 2 samples (1.5%). A positive correlation between HSV‐2 IgG titers in serum from pregnant women and cord blood samples was found (r = .36, P = .001). A difference between the positive and negative placental groups (maternal side) was found in titers of IgG in sera of umbilical cord, which were significantly higher in the positive placental group (P = .004).

Conclusion

We describe for the first time that newborns from mothers with HSV‐2 placental infection have higher IgG titers in sera of umbilical cord, suggesting IgGs antibodies can be indicative of placental viral infection in asymptomatic women.
PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS IN EUROPE FOR BUILDING AND MANAGING PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURES: AN ECONOMIC PERSPECTIVE
Authors: IOSSA Elisabetta , SAUSSIER Stéphane
Published: February 2018

Public–private partnerships (PPPs) are long‐term contractual agreements between the public and private sector for the provision of public infrastructures and services. Due to tighter budget constraints and to a renewed interest in greater involvement of the private sector in the provision of public services, PPPs are likely to grow in the near future. In this paper, we review the theory and practice of PPPs, highlighting their potential role as well as discussing the main factors influencing the likelihood of performance failure.
AN ENDURING PLATFORM FOR PUBLIC AND COOPERATIVE ECONOMICS RESEARCH: A CENTENNIAL PERSPECTIVE
Authors: MARINI Marco , THIRY Bernard
Published: February 2018

In this short introduction, after briefly remembering the exemplary role played by Edgard Milhaud for the birth and development of Annals, we describe the content of the current special issue devoted to the 110 years of the journal.
The evolution of family policy in South Korea: From Confucian familism to Neo‐familism
Authors: Lee Dayoon
Published: February 2018

The aim of this article is to trace the trajectory of family policy development in South Korea from the 1940s to the present. Changes to family intervention are analyzed in terms of the settings of policy instruments, the policy instruments themselves, and policy goals (or policy regimes). Consequently, two critical turning points are identified: the late 1980s and the early 2000s. The first period (1945–1988) was an era of embryonic Korean family policy when family intervention was limited and indirect based on Confucian familism. During the second period (1998–2003), explicit family policies emerged, but the Korean government kept family intervention to a minimum; maintained a division of roles between the state, the market, and families (the state as the regulator and the market/families as the providers); and maintained patriarchal family relations and gendered family roles based on Confucian familism. However, the third period (2003–2016) shows the explosive expansion of family policies and changes in policy goals and regimes based on Neo‐familism, which emphasizes democratic and equal gender relations within families and a family‐friendly/supportive society.
Development of a nomogram for the estimation of long‐term adherence to clozapine therapy using neutrophil fluorescence
Authors: Man W. H. , Pérez‐Pitarch A. , Wilting I. , Heerdink E. R. , van Solinge W. W. , Egberts A. C. G. , Huitema A. D. R.
Published: February 2018

Aims

Previously, we have reported an association between clozapine use and elevated FL3 neutrophil fluorescence, a flow‐cytometric parameter for cell viability. Here, we developed and evaluated a pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic model relating FL3‐fluorescence to clozapine exposure and derived a nomogram for estimation of long‐term adherence.

Methods

Data from 27 patients initiating clozapine were analysed using nonlinear mixed effects modelling. A previously described pharmacokinetic model for clozapine was coupled to a FL3 fluorescence model. For this, an effect compartment with clozapine concentrations as input and a first order decay rate as output was linked with an Emax model to FL3‐fluorescence. FL3‐fluorescence was simulated for clozapine doses of 50, 150 and 400 mg daily (n = 10 000) to establish the nomogram. Finally, true simulated adherence (% of daily doses taken over 100 days) was compared to nomogram‐estimated adherence to evaluate the performance of the nomogram.

Results

The half‐life of FL3‐fluorescence was estimated at 228 h (coefficient of variation 35%). Median absolute prediction errors of the nomogram in case of fully random adherence for 50, 150 and 400 mg ranged from –0.193% to –0.525%. The nomogram performed slightly worse in case of nonrandom adherence (median prediction error up to 5.19%), but was still clinically acceptable. Compliance patterns containing longer drug holidays revealed that the nomogram adequately estimates compliance over approximately the last 3 weeks prior to FL3‐measurement.

Conclusion

Our nomogram could provide information regarding long‐term adherence based on prescribed clozapine dose and FL3‐fluorescence. Future studies should further explore the clinical value of this biomarker and nomogram.
Looking down the road: Future directions for research on depth and regulation of strategic processing
Authors: Alexander Patricia A.
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The primary goal of this commentary was to consider the future directions that researchers dealing with levels and regulation of strategies and with approaches to learning may wish to pursue in the years to come.

Procedure

In order to accomplish this goal, the first step was to look for any common ground shared by authors contributing to this Special Issue. That common ground represented a convergence of evidence for these programmes of research; in effect, where they intersect. Next, theoretical, methodological, and data‐analytic barriers that have long impeded progress within and across these research communities were identified.

Outcome

Recommendations were offered that might serve to diminish or remove those existing barriers and, thus, open new avenues of inquiry.
A moderate financial incentive can increase effort, but not intelligence test performance in adult volunteers
Authors: Gignac Gilles E.
Published: February 2018

A positive correlation between self‐reported test‐taking motivation and intelligence test performance has been reported. Additionally, some financial incentive experimental evidence suggests that intelligence test performance can be improved, based on the provision of financial incentives. However, only a small percentage of the experimental research has been conducted with adults. Furthermore, virtually none of the intelligence experimental research has measured the impact of financial incentives on test‐taking motivation. Consequently, we conducted an experiment with 99 adult volunteers who completed a battery of intelligence tests under two conditions: no financial incentive and financial incentive (counterbalanced). We also measured self‐reported test‐taking importance and effort at time 1 and time 2. The financial incentive was observed to impact test‐taking effort statistically significantly. By contrast, no statistically significant effects were observed for the intelligence test performance scores. Finally, the intelligence test scores were found to correlate positively with both test‐taking importance (rc = .28) and effort (rc = .37), although only effort correlated uniquely with intelligence (partial rc = .26). In conjunction with other empirical research, it is concluded that a financial incentive can increase test‐taking effort. However, the potential effects on intelligence test performance in adult volunteers seem limited.
Findings from an online survey of family carer experience of the management of challenging behaviour in people with intellectual disabilities, with a focus on the use of psychotropic medication
Authors: Sheehan Rory , Kimona Kate , Giles Audrey , Cooper Vivien , Hassiotis Angela
Published: February 2018

Accessible summary

Family members often support people with intellectual disabilities who display challenging behaviour. Family carers should be listened to and included in important decisions.

We asked family carers how professional services had helped their relative with challenging behaviour.

Family carers said that the care of people with intellectual disabilities who display challenging behaviour can be improved. Family carers sometimes felt left out of decisions and said that they needed more information.

Listening to parent carers' experiences can help to improve the services that are provided to people with intellectual disabilities and their families.

Background

There is relatively little published data that report the experiences and views of family carers of people with intellectual disabilities who display challenging behaviour who are prescribed psychotropic medication.

Materials and methods

An online structured questionnaire was created by the Challenging Behaviour Foundation, a UK charity, and family carers of people with intellectual disability. Questions concerned the management of challenging behaviour and asked family carers about their experiences and views on the use of psychotropic medication. Responses were gathered between August and October 2016. Results are summarised using descriptive and inferential statistics and descriptive analysis of free‐text comments.

Findings

Ninety‐nine family carers completed the survey. Family carers reported gaps in the holistic and proactive management of challenging behaviour. Whilst some felt involved in decisions around psychotropic medication prescribing, others described feeling marginalised and lacking information and influence. The decision to prescribe psychotropic medication evoked complex emotions in family carers and medication use was associated with mixed outcomes in those prescribed. Family carers identified areas of good practice and those areas where they believe improvements are needed.

Conclusions

Psychotropic medication should be only one option in a multimodal approach to challenging behaviour, but this may not always be reflected in current practice. Greater effort needs to be made to ensure that services are equipped to provide optimum care and to embed shared decision‐making into routine practice.
FBW7 is associated with prognosis, inhibits malignancies and enhances temozolomide sensitivity in glioblastoma cells
Authors: Lin Jing , Ji Aihui , Qiu Guanzhong , Feng Huaizhi , Li Jian , Li Shuo , Zou Yongxiang , Cui Yong , Song Chaoli , He Hua , Lu Yicheng
Published: February 2018

F‐box and WD repeat domain‐containing 7 (FBW7) is a SCF‐type E3 ubiquitin ligase targeting a multitude of oncoproteins for degradation. Acting as one of the most important tumor suppressors, it is frequently inactivated in various tumors. In this study we aimed to evaluate the relationship of FBW7 with glioma pathology and prognosis, and examine its effect in glioma malignancies and temozolomide (TMZ)‐based therapy. Clinical tissues and TCGA database analysis revealed that FBW7 expression was correlated inversely with glioma histology and positively with patient survival time. Lentivirus transfection‐induced FBW7 overexpression significantly suppressed proliferation, invasion and migration of U251 and U373 cells, whereas knockdown of FBW7 by targeted shRNA promoted proliferation, invasion and migration of glioma cells. Most importantly, the expression level of FBW7 was found to affect the 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of U251 and the TMZ‐resistant variant. Combining TMZ with FBW7 overexpression notably increased the cytotoxicity compared to TMZ treatment alone, which was conversely attenuated by FBW7 knockdown. Moreover, flow cytometry (FC) analysis showed overexpression of FBW7, TMZ or the combination‐increased proportion of G2/M arrest and the apoptotic rate, whereas FBW7 inhibition reduced G2/M arrest and apoptosis in U251 cells. Finally, mechanistic study found that FBW7 overexpression downregulated Aurora B, Mcl1 and Notch1 levels in a time‐dependent pattern and this expressional suppression was independent of TMZ. These findings collectively demonstrate the critical role of FBW7 as a prognostic factor and a potential target to overcome chemoresistance of glioblastoma.
Crosstalk of DNA double‐strand break repair pathways in poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase inhibitor treatment of breast cancer susceptibility gene 1/2‐mutated cancer
Authors: Sunada Shigeaki , Nakanishi Akira , Miki Yoshio
Published: February 2018

Germline mutations in breast cancer susceptibility gene 1 or 2 (BRCA1 or BRCA2) significantly increase cancer risk in hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome (HBOC). Both genes function in the homologous recombination (HR) pathway of the DNA double‐strand break (DSB) repair process. Therefore, the DNA‐repair defect characteristic of cancer cells brings about a therapeutic advantage for poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor‐induced synthetic lethality. PARP inhibitor‐based therapeutics initially cause cancer lethality but acquired resistance mechanisms have been found and need to be elucidated. In particular, it is essential to understand in detail the mechanism of DNA damage and repair to PARP inhibitor treatment. Further investigations have shown the roles of BRCA1/2 and its associations to other molecules in the DSB repair system. Notably, the repair pathway chosen in BRCA1‐deficient cells could be entirely different from that in BRCA2‐deficient cells after PARP inhibitor treatment. The present review describes synthetic lethality and acquired resistance mechanisms to PARP inhibitor through the DSB repair pathway and subsequent repair process. In addition, recent knowledge of resistance mechanisms is discussed. Our model should contribute to the development of novel therapeutic strategies.