bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of dual‐attention task on attack and defensive actions in fencing
Authors: Gutiérrez‐Davila Marcos , Rojas F. Javier , Gutiérrez‐Cruz Carmen , Navarro Enrique
Published: June 2017

The objectives of this study were to investigate the effect that the presence of two stimuli that require two different responses (dual‐attention) has both, on offensive reaction‐response time to a light stimulus, and on defensive response time when the stimulus is a real fencing attack. Twenty‐five elite fencers and a fencing master were included in the study. The equipment included four force plates adapted to a scaffold that served as a fencing piste. Two force plates were placed, at the start position, under the fencer's feet and another two plates were placed under the master's feet. The results demonstrate that choice reaction time to visual stimuli increases in dual‐task conditions with respect to simple reaction time, whereas the mean horizontal force tends to decrease in dual‐task. However, when the stimulus was an opponent's movement, dual‐task conditions did not have any effect on the time required to initiate a defensive action. The changes in reaction time when real movements were used as stimuli challenge the validity of the reaction time to visual stimuli paradigm as a predictor of performance in fencing. Also, the results obtained demonstrate that perceptual and attentional processes play a major role in fencer performance in real competition.
CloudNeo: a cloud pipeline for identifying patient-specific tumor neoantigens
Authors: Bais Preeti , Namburi Sandeep , Gatti Daniel M , Zhang Xinyu , Chuang Jeffrey H
Published: June 2017

We present CloudNeo, a cloud-based computational workflow for identifying patient-specific tumor neoantigens from next generation sequencing data. Tumor-specific mutant peptides can be detected by the immune system through their interactions with the human leukocyte antigen complex, and neoantigen presence has recently been shown to correlate with anti T-cell immunity and efficacy of checkpoint inhibitor therapy. However computing capabilities to identify neoantigens from genomic sequencing data are a limiting factor for understanding their role. This challenge has grown as cancer datasets become increasingly abundant, making them cumbersome to store and analyze on local servers. Our cloud-based pipeline provides scalable computation capabilities for neoantigen identification while eliminating the need to invest in local infrastructure for data transfer, storage or compute. The pipeline is a Common Workflow Language (CWL) implementation of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) typing using Polysolver or HLAminer combined with custom scripts for mutant peptide identification and NetMHCpan for neoantigen prediction. We have demonstrated the efficacy of these pipelines on Amazon cloud instances through the Seven Bridges Genomics implementation of the NCI Cancer Genomics Cloud, which provides graphical interfaces for running and editing, infrastructure for workflow sharing and version tracking, and access to TCGA data.

Availability and implementation

The CWL implementation is at: https://github.com/TheJacksonLaboratory/CloudNeo. For users who have obtained licenses for all internal software, integrated versions in CWL and on the Seven Bridges Cancer Genomics Cloud platform (https://cgc.sbgenomics.com/, recommended version) can be obtained by contacting the authors.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Surgeon-Level Variability in Outcomes, Cost, and Comorbidity Adjusted-Cost for Elective Lumbar Decompression and Fusion
Authors: Chotai Silky , Sivaganesan Ahilan , Sielatycki John A , Archer Kristin R , Call Richard , McGirt Matthew J , Devin Clinton J
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND

The costs and outcomes following degenerative spine surgery may vary from surgeon to surgeon. Patient factors such as comorbidities may increase the health care cost. These variations are not well studied.

OBJECTIVE

To understand the variation in outcomes, costs, and comorbidity-adjusted cost for surgeons performing lumbar laminectomy and fusions surgery.

METHODS

A total of 752 patients undergoing laminectomy and fusion, performed by 7 surgeons, were analyzed. Patient-reported outcomes and 90-d cost were analyzed. Multivariate regression model was built for high-cost surgery. A separate linear regression model was built to derive comorbidity-adjusted 90-d costs.

RESULTS

No significant differences in improvement were found across all the patient-reported outcomes, complications, and readmission among the surgeons. In multivariable model, surgeons #4 (P < .0001) and #6 (P = .002) had higher odds of performing high-cost fusion surgery. The comorbidity-adjusted costs were higher than the actual 90-d costs for surgeons #1 (P = .08), #3 (P = .002), #5 (P < .0001), and #7 (P < .0001), whereas they were lower than the actual costs for surgeons #2 (P = .128), #4 (P < .0001), and #6 (P = .44).

CONCLUSION

Our study provides valuable insight into variations in 90-d costs among the surgeons performing elective lumbar laminectomy and fusion at a single institution. Specific surgeons were found to have greater odds of performing high-cost surgeries. Adjusting for preoperative comorbidities, however, led to costs that were higher than the actual costs for certain surgeons and lower than the actual costs for others. Patients’ preoperative comorbidities must be accounted for when crafting value-based payment models. Furthermore, designing intervention targeting “modifiable” factors tied to the way the surgeons practice may increase the overall value of spine care.
Providing Culturally Sensitive Care for Islamic Patients and Families
Authors: Blankinship Lisa Ann
Published: June 2017

Nurses can expect to care for patients from different cultures and faith traditions and need to develop cultural competence. This article describes what is important in providing culturally and religiously sensitive care to Muslim and Middle Eastern patients. The Crescent of Care Model by Lovering is offered to aid understanding of five key areas of culturally competent care. Jesus' story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) offers guidance for Christian nurses caring for those in need.
The Impact of a Mother’s Emotional Strains and Disclosure of Cancer on Her Child’s Defensiveness and Adjustment to Cancer
Authors: Arabiat Diana H. , Collyer Dorren , Hamdan-Mansour Ayman , Khalil Amani , Darawad Mohammad
Published: June 2017

Background:

Defensiveness is one of the strategies that children with cancer use against psychosocial difficulties, yet it remains unclear what factors may impact children's use of defensiveness.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to explore the psychological adjustment, including use of defensive behaviors, in children who may or may not be told about the diagnosis of cancer.

Methods:

A total of 58 children and 51 mothers participated in the study. Children answered questionnaires about defensiveness, anxiety, and depression, whereas mothers completed a questionnaire of anxiety, depression, and stress and a question about disclosure of cancer to child.

Results:

Significant differences were found in the defensiveness and depression scores between children with full disclosure and those with no disclosure about their cancer. Although children's adjustment has been directly related to that of their mother's adjustment, we did not find this variable to be a predictor of child's adjustment. The child's defensiveness scores were a strong predictor of child's anxiety and eventually for a high risk for depression.

Conclusions:

Mothers' emotional strains and lack of open disclosure about cancer significantly affect the psychosocial well-being of children.

Implications for Practice:

It is essential for nurses to assess the emotional adjustment and defensiveness strategies that children with cancer use. We believe that nurses caring for children with cancer have a professional responsibility to identify and understand defensive behaviors and other characteristics of psychosocial distress and advocate for psychological interventions that will help mothers and their children cope with cancer.
Probability of Opioid Prescription Refilling After Surgery
Authors: Sekhri Shaina , Arora Nonie S. , Cottrell Hannah , Baerg Timothy , Duncan Anthony , Hu Hsou Mei , Englesbe Michael J. , Brummett Chad , Waljee Jennifer F.
Published: June 2017

Objective:

We sought to determine the correlation between the probability of postoperative opioid prescription refills and the amount of opioid prescribed, hypothesizing that a greater initial prescription yields a lower probability of refill.

Background:

Although current guidelines regarding opioid prescribing largely address chronic opioid use, little is known regarding best practices and postoperative care.

Methods:

We analyzed Optum Insight claims data from 2013 to 2014 for opioid-naïve patients aged 18 to 64 years who underwent major or minor surgical procedures (N = 26,520). Our primary outcome was the occurrence of an opioid refill within 30 postoperative days. Our primary explanatory variable was the total oral morphine equivalents provided in the initial postoperative prescription. We used logistic regression to examine the probability of an additional refill by initial prescription strength, adjusting for patient factors.

Results:

We observed that 8.67% of opioid-naïve patients refilled their prescriptions. Across procedures, the probability of a single postoperative refill did not change with an increase with initial oral morphine equivalents prescribed. Instead, patient factors were correlated with the probability of refill, including tobacco use [odds ratio (OR) 1.42, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.23–1.57], anxiety (OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.15–1.47), mood disorders (OR 1.28. 95% CI 1.13–1.44), alcohol or substance abuse disorders (OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.12–1.84), and arthritis (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.10–1.34).

Conclusions:

The probability of refilling prescription opioids after surgery was not correlated with initial prescription strength, suggesting surgeons could prescribe smaller prescriptions without influencing refill requests. Future research that examines the interplay between pain, substance abuse, and mental health could inform strategies to tailor opioid prescribing for patients.
Mechanical interactions in bacterial colonies and the surfing probability of beneficial mutations
Authors: Farrell Fred D. , Gralka Matti , Hallatschek Oskar , Waclaw Bartlomiej
Published: June 2017

Bacterial conglomerates such as biofilms and microcolonies are ubiquitous in nature and play an important role in industry and medicine. In contrast to well-mixed cultures routinely used in microbial research, bacteria in a microcolony interact mechanically with one another and with the substrate to which they are attached. Here, we use a computer model of a microbial colony of rod-shaped cells to investigate how physical interactions between cells determine their motion in the colony and how this affects biological evolution. We show that the probability that a faster-growing mutant ‘surfs’ at the colony's frontier and creates a macroscopic sector depends on physical properties of cells (shape, elasticity and friction). Although all these factors contribute to the surfing probability in seemingly different ways, their effects can be summarized by two summary statistics that characterize the front roughness and cell alignment. Our predictions are confirmed by experiments in which we measure the surfing probability for colonies of different front roughness. Our results show that physical interactions between bacterial cells play an important role in biological evolution of new traits, and suggest that these interactions may be relevant to processes such as
de novo
evolution of antibiotic resistance.
Inspiration for wing design: how forelimb specialization enables active flight in modern vertebrates
Authors: Chin Diana D. , Matloff Laura Y. , Stowers Amanda Kay , Tucci Emily R. , Lentink David
Published: June 2017

Harnessing flight strategies refined by millions of years of evolution can help expedite the design of more efficient, manoeuvrable and robust flying robots. This review synthesizes recent advances and highlights remaining gaps in our understanding of how bird and bat wing adaptations enable effective flight. Included in this discussion is an evaluation of how current robotic analogues measure up to their biological sources of inspiration. Studies of vertebrate wings have revealed skeletal systems well suited for enduring the loads required during flight, but the mechanisms that drive coordinated motions between bones and connected integuments remain ill-described. Similarly, vertebrate flight muscles have adapted to sustain increased wing loading, but a lack ofin vivostudies limits our understanding of specific muscular functions. Forelimb adaptations diverge at the integument level, but both bird feathers and bat membranes yield aerodynamic surfaces with a level of robustness unparalleled by engineered wings. These morphological adaptations enable a diverse range of kinematics tuned for different flight speeds and manoeuvres. By integrating vertebrate flight specializations—particularly those that enable greater robustness and adaptability—into the design and control of robotic wings, engineers can begin narrowing the wide margin that currently exists between flying robots and vertebrates. In turn, these robotic wings can help biologists create experiments that would be impossiblein vivo.
A porcine enterovirus G associated with enteric disease contains a novel papain-like cysteine protease
Authors: Knutson Todd P. , Velayudhan Binu T. , Marthaler Douglas G.
Published: June 2017

Identification of unknown pathogens in pigs displaying enteric illness is difficult due to the large diversity of bacterial and viral species found within faecal samples. Current methods often require bacterial or viral isolation, or testing only a limited number of known species using quantitative PCR analysis. Herein, faeces from two 25-day-old piglets with diarrhoea from Texas, USA, were analysed by metagenomic next-generation sequencing to rapidly identify possible pathogens. Our analysis included a bioinformatics pipeline of rapid short-read classification and de novo genome assembly which resulted in the identification of a porcine enterovirus G (EV-G), a complete genome with substantial nucleotide differences (>30 %) among current sequences, and a novel non-structural protein similar in sequence to the Torovirus papain-like cysteine protease (PLpro). This discovery led to the identification and circulation of an EV-G with a novel PLpro in the USA that has not been previously reported.
Does circadian regulation lead to optimal gas exchange regulation?
Authors: Resco de Dios Víctor , Gessler Arthur , Ferrio Juan Pedro , Alday Josu G , Bahn Michael , del Castillo Jorge , Devidal Sébastien , García-Muñoz Sonia , Kayler Zachary , Landais Damien , Martín-Gómez Paula , Milcu Alexandru , Piel Clément , Pirhofer-Walzl Karin , Ravel Olivier , Salekin Serajis , Tissue David T , Tjoelker Mark G , Voltas Jordi , Roy Jacques
Published: June 2017

Optimal stomatal theory is an evolutionary model proposing that leaves trade-off Carbon (C) for water to maximise C assimilation (A) and minimise transpiration (E), thereby generating a marginal water cost of carbon gain (λ) that remains constant over short temporal scales. The circadian clock is a molecular timer of metabolism that controlsAand stomatal conductance (gs), amongst other processes, in a broad array of plant species. Here, we test whether circadian regulation contributes towards achieving optimal stomatal behaviour. We subjected bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) canopies to fixed, continuous environmental conditions of photosynthetically active radiation, temperature and vapour pressure deficit over 48 hours. We observed a significant and self-sustained circadian oscillation inAand in stomatal conductance (gs) which also led to a circadian oscillation inλ. The lack of constant marginal water cost indicates that circadian regulation does not directly lead to optimal stomatal behaviour. However, the temporal pattern in gas exchange, indicative of either maximizingAor of minimizingE, depending upon time of day, indicates that circadian regulation could contribute towards optimizing stomatal responses. More broadly, our results add to the emerging field of plant circadian ecology and show that molecular controls may partially explain leaf-level patterns observed in the field.
Combining 16S rRNA gene variable regions enables high-resolution microbial community profiling
Authors: Fuks Garold , Elgart Michael , Amir Amnon , Zeisel Amit , Turnbaugh Peter J. , Soen Yoav , Shental Noam
Published: June 2017

Background

Most of our knowledge about the remarkable microbial diversity on Earth comes from sequencing the 16S rRNA gene. The use of next-generation sequencing methods has increased sample number and sequencing depth, but the read length of the most widely used sequencing platforms today is quite short, requiring the researcher to choose a subset of the gene to sequence (typically 16-33% of the total length). Thus, many bacteria may share the same amplified region and the resolution of profiling is inherently limited. Platforms that offer ultra long read lengths, whole genome shotgun sequencing approaches, and computational frameworks formerly suggested by us and by others, all allow different ways to circumvent this problem yet suffer various shortcomings. There is need for a simple and low cost 16S rRNA gene based profiling approach that harnesses the short read length to provide a much larger coverage of the gene to allow for high resolution, even in harsh conditions of low bacterial biomass and fragmented DNA.

Results

This manuscript suggests Short MUltiple Regions Framework (SMURF), a method to combine sequencing results from different PCR-amplified regions to provide one coherent profiling. Thede factoamplicon length is the total length of all amplified regions, thus providing much higher resolution compared to current techniques. Computationally, the method solves a convex optimization problem that allows extremely fast reconstruction and requires only moderate memory. We demonstrate the increase in resolution byin silicosimulations and by profiling two mock mixtures and real-world biological samples. Reanalyzing a mock mixture from the Human Microbiome Project achieved about two-fold improvement in resolution when combing two independent regions. Using a custom set of six primer pairs spanning about 1200bp (80%) of the 16S rRNA gene we were able to achieve ~100 fold improvement in resolution compared to a single region, over a mock mixture of common human gut bacterial isolates. Finally, profiling of aDrosophila melanogastermicrobiome using the set of six primer pairs provided a ~100 fold increase in resolution, and thus enabling efficient downstream analysis.

Conclusions

SMURF enables identification of near full-length 16S rRNA gene sequences in microbial communities, having resolution superior compared to current techniques. It may be applied to standard sample preparation protocols with very little modifications. SMURF also paves the way to high-resolution profiling of low-biomass and fragmented DNA, e.g., in the case of Formalin-fixed and Paraffin-embedded samples, fossil-derived DNA or DNA exposed to other degrading conditions. The approach is not restricted to combining amplicons of the 16S rRNA gene and may be applied to any set of amplicons, e.g., in Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST).
Growth barriers of women-owned home-based businesses in Iran: an exploratory study
Authors: Modarresi Meisam , Arasti Zahra , Talebi Kambiz , Farasatkhah Maghsoud
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the growth barriers of women’s home-based businesses (HBBs) in Iran.

Design/methodology/approach

The qualitative approach was used by 22 in-depth interviews with Iranian female HBBs owners/mangers.

Findings

Business growth barriers of women were categorized in a multi-level framework of individual barriers (micro), business-related barriers (medium) and environmental barriers (macro). The most important micro-level barrier is lack of skills and experience, while the financial barriers identified as the most business-related one and, finally, the problems of having work interactions with men is the most important environmental barrier women-owned HBBs mentioned.

Research limitations/implications

The results of this paper can help policy-makers better understand growth barriers for women-owned HBB and attenuate these barriers by developing purposeful supportive growth policies that are commensurate with the barriers. Also, HBB women owners themselves could better concentrate on removing barriers by deepening their understanding of their business growth barriers.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the scarce knowledge about women-owned HBBs in Iran, a rapidly growing, developing country, which can provide better insights from a less explored context. Moreover, as there is only a limited understanding of HBB growth, especially in relation to women business owners, the paper results can prove helpful for researchers in the domain of female entrepreneurs.
Commentary: vulnerable consumers in service settings
Authors: Rosenbaum Mark Scott , Seger-Guttmann Tali , Giraldo Mario
Published: June 2017

Purpose

This commentary aims to introduce a collection of articles that highlights the experiences, needs and challenges of vulnerable consumers within a variety of service contexts. As a research collection, the investigations reveal that service researchers have overlooked how service design and processes affect vulnerable consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

The commentary is a conceptual perspective based on the investigations put forward in this special issue, extant literature and the editors’ perspectives.

Findings

Many consumers enter service contexts in some type of vulnerable condition. These conditions may include those relating to deafness, hearing impairments, older age, sexual orientation, immigration status and acculturation, participation in sexual exploitation, geographical remoteness, mental health challenges, obesity, natural disasters, language barriers and being the brunt of service provider discrimination.

Research limitations/implications

Service researchers are encouraged to consider how the service marketing’s foundational theories, frameworks, concepts and axioms generalize among vulnerable consumers.

Practical implications

Service practitioners need to realize customers often enter service contexts owing to some type of vulnerable condition that influences their expectations and perceptions of service quality.

Originality/value

This special issue expands the discipline’s understanding of vulnerable consumers and exposes an array of conditions that affect their experiences and journeys within service settings. Service organizations dedicated to enhancing consumer well-being must understand how they can help remedy, or lessen, the consequences associated with vulnerable conditions.
Early‐life immune activation increases song complexity and alters phenotypic associations between sexual ornaments
Authors: Merrill Loren , Naylor Madeleine F. , Dalimonte Merria , McLaughlin Sean , Stewart Tara E. , Grindstaff Jennifer L.
Published: June 2017

Early‐life adversity can have long‐lasting effects on physiological, behavioural, cognitive, and somatic processes. Consequently, these effects may alter an organism's life‐history strategy and reproductive tactics.

In response to early‐life immune activation, we quantified levels of the acute phase protein haptoglobin (Hp) during development in male zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata). Then, we examined the long‐term impacts of early‐life immune activation on an important static sexual signal, song complexity, as well as effects of early‐life immune activation on the relationship between song complexity and a dynamic sexual signal, beak coloration. Finally, we performed mate‐choice trials to determine if male early‐life experience impacted female preference.

Challenge with keyhole limpet haemocyanin (KLH) resulted in increased song complexity compared with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment or the control. Hp levels were inversely correlated with song complexity. Moreover,KLH‐treatment resulted in negative associations between the two sexual signals (beak coloration and song complexity). Females demonstrated some preference forKLH‐treated males over controls and for control males overLPS‐treated males in mate choice trials.

Developmental immune activation has variable effects on the expression of secondary sexual traits in adulthood, including enhancing the expression of some traits. Because developmental levels of Hp and adult song complexity were correlated, future studies should explore a potential role for exposure to inflammation during development on song learning.

Early‐life adversity may differentially impact static vs. dynamic signals. The use of phenotypic correlations can be a powerful tool for examining the impact of early‐life experience on the associations among different traits, including sexual signals.

Aplain language summaryis available for this article.
Grazing decreases N partitioning among coexisting plant species
Authors: Barthelemy Hélène , Stark Sari , Kytöviita Minna‐Maarit , Olofsson Johan
Published: June 2017

Herbivores play a key role in shaping ecosystem structure and functions by influencing plant and microbial community composition and nutrient cycling.

This study investigated the long‐term effects of herbivores on plant resource acquisition. We explored differences in the natural δ15N signatures in plant, microbial and soil N pools, and examined mycorrhizal colonization in two tundra sites that have been either lightly or heavily grazed by reindeer for more than 50 years. The study examined changes in nutrient acquisition in five common tundra plants with contrasting traits and mycorrhiza status; the mycorrhizal dwarf shrubs, Betula nana, Vaccinium myrtillus and Empetrum hermaphroditum; a mycorrhizal grass, Deschampsia flexuosa, and a non‐mycorrhizal sedge, Carex bigelowii.

There were large variations in δ15N among coexisting plant species in the lightly grazed sites. This variation was dramatically reduced in the heavily grazed sites. At an individual species level, δ15N was higher in E. hermaphroditum and lower in C. bigelowii in the heavily grazed sites. Mycorrhizal colonization in B. nana and E. hermaphroditum roots were also lower in the heavily grazed sites. The δ15N signatures of the total soil N pool and of the microbial N pools were higher in the heavily grazed sites.

Since the strong δ15N differentiation among plant species has been interpreted as a result of plants with different mycorrhizal types using different sources of soil nitrogen, we suggest that the lower variation in δ15N in heavily grazed sites indicates a lower niche differentiation in nitrogen uptake among plants. Reduced mycorrhiza‐mediated nitrogen uptake by some of the species, a shift towards a more mineral nutrition due to higher nutrient turnover, and uptake of labile nitrogen from dung and urine in the heavily grazed sites could all contribute to the changes in plant δ15N.

We conclude that herbivores have the potential to influence plant nutrient uptake and provide the first data suggesting that herbivores decrease nutrient partitioning on the basis of chemical N forms among plant species. Reduced niche complementarity among species is potentially important for estimates of the effects of herbivory on plant nutrient availability and species coexistence.

A plain language summary
is available for this article.
Effective implementation of age restrictions increases selectivity of sport hunting of the African lion
Authors: Begg Colleen M. , Miller Jennifer R. B. , Begg Keith S.
Published: June 2017

Sport hunting of wildlife can play a role in conservation but can also drive population declines if not managed sustainably. Previous simulation modelling found that large felid species could theoretically be hunted sustainably by restricting harvests to older individuals that have likely reproduced. Several African countries currently use age‐based hunting for lions although the outcomes have yet to be evaluated in a wild population.

Here we provide the first empirical evidence that a system of incentives sufficiently encouraged age‐based hunting and reduced offtake of a wild felid, thereby reducing the potential risk of unsustainable hunting on a threatened species. We examined long‐term hunting data and the lion population trend in Niassa National Reserve, Mozambique.

To incentivise hunter compliance, a “points” system was developed, which rewards operators that harvest lions older than the 6‐year minimum trophy age recommended for sustainable hunting and penalises operators that hunt “underage” lions (<4 years). A key component of this system is the ecological application of key physical traits that predictably change with age in order to estimate (by hunters) and validate (by authorities) trophy individuals’ ages pre‐ and post‐mortem, respectively. Analysis of 138 lion hunts and 87 lion trophies from 2003 to 2015 revealed that after enforcement of age restrictions in 2006, hunters shifted harvests to suitably aged lions (>6 years), from 25% of offtakes in 2004 to 100% by 2014.

Simultaneously, the number of lions and percentage of quota harvested decreased, resulting in lower lion offtakes. Following an initial decrease after enforcement of the ageing system, the percentage of hunts harvesting lions stabilised, demonstrating that hunters successfully located and aged older lions.

Synthesis and applications. Evidence suggests that age restrictions combined with an incentive‐based points system regulated sport hunting and reduced pressure on the lion population. We attribute the successful implementation of this management system to: (1) committed, consistent enforcement by management authorities, (2) genuine involvement of all stakeholders from the start, (3) annual auditing by an independent third party, (4) the reliable, transparent, straightforward ageing process and (5) the simple, pragmatic points system for incentivising hunter compliance. Our study demonstrates that the use of age restrictions can increase the selectivity of sport hunting and lower trophy offtakes to reduce the possibility of unsustainable sport hunting negatively impacting species populations in the absence of reliable estimates of population size. It must be noted, however, that there was no measurable change in the lion numbers over the past decade that could be attributed to the implementation of this policy alone.
Complementarity Effect of Financial Development and FDI on Investment in Sub‐Saharan Africa: A Panel Data Analysis
Authors: Boateng Elliot , Amponsah Mary , Annor Baah Collins
Published: June 2017

This paper examines the interactive effect of financial development and foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows on domestic investment in sub‐Sahara Africa (SSA). A panel data of 16 SSA countries sampled from 1980 to 2014 are employed. Using the fixed effect, pooled OLS and the FMOLS techniques, our empirical results show that financial development complements FDI inflows to augment domestic investment in SSA. Among other things, the direct effect of FDI inflows, financial sector development, real GDP growth, domestic savings and trade openness are investment promoting while lending rate and inflation inhibit domestic investment in the region. As a policy implication, deepening the financial sector demands considerable attention since it serves as an important channel through which FDI influences domestic investment. While developing the financial sector, it is equally essential that policymakers give enough attention to key macroeconomic stability.
Using primary tumor volumetry to predict treatment outcome for patients with oropharyngeal cancer who were treated with definitive chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Lee Yun Hee , Song Jin Ho , Choi Hoon‐Sik , Jeong Hojin , Kang Ki Mun , Kang Jung Hun , Woo Seung Hoon , Park Jung Je , Kim Jin Pyeong , Jeong Bae Kwon
Published: June 2017

Aim

This study aimed to determine predictive values for volumetric measures in patients with oropharyngeal cancer who received definitive chemoradiotherapy (CCRT).

Methods

Contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (CT) scans were obtained before radiotherapy (RT) (I), after delivering a median RT of 50.6 Gy (R) and three months after RT (F). Primary site gross tumor volumes (GTV) were assessed using these scans (GTVI, GTVR and GTVF). The percentage volume change between GTVI and GTVR (GTV change) was calculated. Volumetric analyses of primary site local control (LC) and progression‐free survival (PFS) were performed.

Results

In total, 35 patients were evaluated, with a median 31 months of follow‐up. The 2‐year LC rates (LCRs) were 95.0% for patients with GTVI <23 cc, and 42.9% for those with GTVI ≥23 cc (P = 0.001); the 2‐year PFS rates were 85.9% and 21.9% (P = 0.002), respectively. Using GTVR classifications <11 cc or ≥11 cc, log‐rank tests demonstrated differences in 2‐year LCR (95.2% vs 33.3%, P < 0.001) and 2‐year PFS (86.5% vs 0%, P < 0.001). There was no local progression in patients with GTV change ≥75%, and GTV change predicted poor PFS (P = 0.026). On multivariate analysis, GTVR ≥11 cc was a significant predictor of poor LCR (hazard ratio [HR] = 26, P = 0.009) and PFS (HR = 8.33, P = 0.046).

Conclusion

For patients with oropharyngeal cancer treated with definitive CCRT, GTVI, GTVR and GTV changes predicted LC and PFS; GTVR was the most significant predictor of LC and PFS. RT intensification should be considered for patients with larger remaining tumors after CCRT.
Index cholecystectomy in a rural hospital: it can be done
Authors: Maloney Jay , McLachlan Alice , Welch Melissa , Davenport Emily
Published: June 2017

Background

Index cholecystectomy (IC) refers to an operation during a patient's first hospital admission with symptomatic gallstone (GS) disease. There are proven reductions in cost, hospital bed days and GS‐related complications while awaiting elective surgery. IC has not been universally adopted, particularly in smaller centres where logistics can present a barrier. The aim of this paper is to describe the introduction of routine IC at Hastings Hospital and the effects in terms of waiting time until surgery; GS‐related re‐presentations and complications while awaiting surgery; operative complications and overall hospital stay.

Methods

Data were collected for all patients who underwent cholecystectomy in the year following the introduction of IC (2015/2016). The results were compared with data from the year 2009/2010.

Results

A total of 259 cholecystectomies were performed over the 2015/2016 study period compared with 186 in the 2009/2010 study period. The IC rate increased from 9.89% in 2009 to 75.4% in 2015 (P < 0.001). The incidence of GS pancreatitis whilst waiting for surgery reduced from six in 2009 compared with one in 2015 (P = 0.046). The operative complications were similar in both groups. Total hospital stay was also similar.

Conclusion

The study shows that it is possible to perform IC in a rural setting reducing complications of waiting and in particular, rates of GS‐related pancreatitis were significantly reduced. It can be done safely with an accommodating acute on‐call system.
Editorial: should we recommend oesophageal biopsies for all patients with symptoms suggestive of GERD?
Authors: Roman S. , Mion F.
Published: June 2017

Linked Content

This article is linked to Vakil et al paper. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14028.
Editorial: the Millennium study cohort―evaluating environmental determinates of IBD in the 21st Century. Authors' reply
Authors: Porter C. K. , Riddle M. S. , Hooper T. I.
Published: June 2017

Linked Content

This article is linked to Porter et al and Kaplan papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.13991 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14077.
Editorial: developing a stimulation test to identify FGF19 deficiency in bile acid diarrhoea
Authors: Walters J. R. F.
Published: June 2017

Linked Content

This article is linked to Borup et al paper. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14056.
Editorial: the diminishing returns of normalisation of the oesophageal mucosa
Authors: Genta R. M.
Published: June 2017

Linked Content

This article is linked to Mastracci et al papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14038 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14118.
Editorial: the diminishing returns of normalisation of the oesophageal mucosa―Authors' reply
Authors: Mastracci L. , Fiocca R. , Engstrom C. , Attwood S. , Ell C. , Galmiche J. P. , Hatlebakk J. G. , Långström G. , Eklund S. , Lind T. , Lundell L.
Published: June 2017

Linked Content

This article is linked to Mastracci et al and Genta papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14038 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14097.
Institutional Investor Protection Pressures versus Firm Incentives in the Disclosure of Integrated Reporting
Authors: García‐Sánchez Isabel‐María , Noguera‐Gámez Ligia
Published: June 2017

Corporate disclosures aim to decrease the expectation gap between investors, decrease the advantage of informed investors and consequently reduce information asymmetry. However, the existence of higher numbers of companies’ reports makes the decision making of firms’ stakeholders difficult. To avoid these problems, companies have started to disclose integrated reports. Previous studies have observed that this voluntary corporate disclosure is a consequence of large firms’ incentives associated with preventing abnormal earnings. In this paper, we examine whether these internal factors have a lower/higher impact than institutional contracting pressures. Our results are evidence that firms’ incentives are the main determinants of the voluntary disclosure of integrated reports, and we observe that there is a substitutive role between institutional country pressures and firms’ transparency decisions. However, the contracting environment plays a complementary role when firms suffer from lower asymmetry problems.
Beta‐blocker use and fall risk in older individuals: Original results from two studies with meta‐analysis
Authors: Ham Annelies C. , van Dijk Suzanne C. , Swart Karin M. A. , Enneman Anke W. , van der Zwaluw Nikita L. , Brouwer‐Brolsma Elske M. , van Schoor Natasja M. , Zillikens M. Carola , Lips Paul , de Groot Lisette C. P. G. M. , Hofman Albert , Witkamp Renger F. , Uitterlinden André G. , Stricker Bruno H. , van der Velde Nathalie
Published: June 2017

Aims

To investigate the association between use of β‐blockers and β‐blocker characteristics – selectivity, lipid solubility, intrinsic sympathetic activity (ISA) and CYP2D6 enzyme metabolism – and fall risk.

Methods

Data from two prospective studies were used, including community‐dwelling individuals, n = 7662 (the Rotterdam Study) and 2407 (B‐PROOF), all aged ≥55 years. Fall incidents were recorded prospectively. Time‐varying β‐blocker use was determined using pharmacy dispensing records. Cox proportional hazard models adjusted for age and sex were applied to determine the association between β‐blocker use, their characteristics – selectivity, lipid solubility, ISA and CYP2D6 enzyme metabolism – and fall risk. The results of the studies were combined using meta‐analyses.

Results

In total 2917 participants encountered a fall during a total follow‐up time of 89 529 years. Meta‐analysis indicated no association between use of any β‐blocker, compared to nonuse, and fall risk, hazard ratio (HR) = 0.97 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.88–1.06]. Use of a selective β‐blocker was also not associated with fall risk, HR = 0.92 (95%CI 0.83–1.01). Use of a nonselective β‐blocker was associated with an increased fall risk, HR = 1.22 (95%CI 1.01–1.48). Other β‐blocker characteristics including lipid solubility and CYP2D6 enzyme metabolism were not associated with fall risk.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that use of a nonselective β‐blocker, contrary to selective β‐blockers, is associated with an increased fall risk in an older population. In clinical practice, β‐blockers have been shown effective for a variety of cardiovascular indications. However, fall risk should be considered when prescribing a β‐blocker in this age group, and the pros and cons for β‐blocker classes should be taken into consideration.
Systematic review and meta‐analysis of the role of metronidazole in post‐haemorrhoidectomy pain relief
Authors: Lyons N. J. R. , Cornille J. B. , Pathak S. , Charters P. , Daniels I. R. , Smart N. J.
Published: June 2017

Aim

Conventional haemorrhoidectomy is still considered the reference standard for the management of severe or recurrent haemorrhoids. Pain is reported by patients to be the most common postoperative complication. Although the literature lacks a consensus on its effectiveness, metronidazole is often used to reduce postoperative pain. We have performed a meta‐analysis of all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated the use of metronidazole for pain relief after haemorrhoidectomy.

Method

A systematic review was undertaken in accordance with the PRISMA protocol using the MESH headings ‘haemorrhoidectomy’, ‘hemorhoidectomy’, ‘hemorrhoidectomy’, ‘haemorrhoid’, ‘metronidazole’, ‘Flagyl®’ ‘antibiotic’ and ‘pain’. The search returned 421 articles of which eight were RCTs suitable for inclusion in the review with a total population of 437 patients. The outcomes of interest were postoperative pain intensity on days 1, 2 and 7 and on first defaecation as measured using a visual analogue scale.

Results

The meta‐analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in postoperative pain for patients treated with metronidazole with a reduced mean difference for the metronidazole group on day 1 of −1.42 (95% CI: −2.14 to −0.69, P = 0.0001), on day 2 of −1.43 (95% CI: −2.45 to −0.40, P = 0.006) and on day 7 of −2.40 (95% CI: −3.10 to −1.71, P < 0.00001). Pain on first defaecation was likewise reduced with a mean difference of −1.38 (95% CI: −2.15 to −0.60, P = 0.0005). Limitations of this study include variation in the grade of haemorrhoids treated and variability in the quality of included studies.

Conclusion

Metronidazole is a cheap, safe and effective intervention for reducing postoperative pain following conventional haemorrhoidectomy.
Aquagene Hauterkrankungen
Authors: Wang Fang , Zhao Yu‐Kun , Luo Ze‐Yu , Gao Qian , Wu Wei , Sarkar Rashmi , Luo Di‐Qing
Published: June 2017

Aquagene Hauterkrankungen sind eine Gruppe seltener Störungen oder Beschwerden, die durch kurzen Kontakt mit Wasser ausgelöst werden und aquagene Urtikaria, aquagenen Pruritus und aquagenes Akrokeratoderm umfassen. Aquagene Urtikaria ist charakterisiert durch juckende Quaddeln an Stellen, die mit Wasser in Kontakt gekommen sind. Sie entstehen innerhalb von Minuten und klingen 30–60 min nach Entfernen des Wassers wieder ab. Aquagener Pruritus tritt in Form von schwerem Juckreiz oder als stechendes, kribbelndes oder brennendes Gefühl ohne sichtbare Hautveränderungen auf. Die Symptome treten unmittelbar oder einige Minuten nach Wasserexposition der Haut auf und halten mindestens eine Stunde lang an. Das aquagene Akrokeratoderm zeigt sich meist durch weißliche Papeln oder Plaques, Ödeme und Schrumpeln innerhalb von 2–20 min nach einer kurzen Wasserexposition. Die Symptome klingen einige Minuten bis eine Stunde nach dem Abtrocknen der Haut wieder ab. Die Pathomechanismen dieser Erkrankungen sind noch nicht vollständig aufgeklärt und ihre Diagnose stützt sich primär auf die klinischen Merkmale. Ihre Behandlung ist schwierig. Wir geben hier eine Literatur‐übersicht zu diesen seltenen Störungen.
ELECTORAL CONTRIBUTIONS AND THE COST OF UNPOPULARITY
Authors: Bassetti Thomas , Pavesi Filippo
Published: June 2017

When considering electoral campaigns, candidates receiving contributions from relatively unpopular industries should be regarded less favorably by voters that have information on the sources of funding. To offset this unpopularity effect, politicians may either demand more money for campaign advertising from these industries in order to persuade less informed voters, or shy away from unpopular contributors to avoid losing the support of the informed electorate. Our model predicts that the first effect dominates, and electoral contributions are increasing in industry unpopularity. By using U.S. House elections data and different identification strategies, we provide robust evidence in favor of our predictions. (JEL D72, P16)
Laser interstitial thermal therapy: A first line treatment for seizures due to hypothalamic hamartoma?
Authors: Du Victor X. , Gandhi Shashank V. , Rekate Harold L. , Mehta Ashesh D.
Published: June 2017

Successful treatment of hypothalamic hamartoma (HH) can result in the resolution of its sequelae including epilepsy and rage attacks. Risks and morbidity of open surgical management of this lesion have motivated the development of laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) as a less invasive treatment approach to the disease. Although overall morbidity and risk would appear to be lower, complications related toLITTtherapy have been reported, and the longer‐term follow‐up that is now possible after initial experience helps address the question of whetherLITTprovides equivalent efficacy compared to other treatment options. We conducted a retrospective analysis of clinical outcomes in eight patients undergoingLITTforHHat our center using the Visualase/Medtronic device. Five patients had refractory epilepsy, one had rage attacks, and two had both. We also compared the published seizure‐free outcomes over time and the complication rates for different interventional approaches to the treatment of epilepsy due toHHincluding open craniotomy, neuroendoscopic, radiosurgical, and radiofrequency approaches. With a mean follow‐up of 19.1 months in our series of eight patients, six of seven epilepsy patients achieved seizure freedom, whereas the one patient with rage attacks only did not have improvement of his symptoms. A length of hospital stay of 2.6 days reflects low morbidity and rapid postoperative recuperation withLITT. Considering other reported series and case reports, the overall published seizure freedom rate of 21 of 25 patients is superior to published outcomes ofHHcases treated by stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), craniotomy, or neuroendoscopy, and comparable to radiofrequency ablation. The cumulative experience of our center with other published series supports relatively lower operative morbidity than more invasive approaches and efficacy that is as good or better than open craniotomy procedures andSRS. Although morbidity appears to be lower than other open approaches, complications related toLITTand their avoidance should be considered carefully.