bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pain and mortality: mechanisms for a relationship
Authors: Smith Diane , Wilkie Ross , Croft Peter , Parmar Simran , McBeth John 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Moderate to severe chronic pain affects 1 in 5 adults and its impact increases with age. People with chronic pain that interferes with their lives have an increased risk of mortality. Identifying how interfering chronic pain can lead to mortality may highlight potential intervention strategies. This study uses a novel approach to test whether lifestyle, health, social, and psychological factors mediate the relationship between pain and mortality. Survival analyses (Cox's proportional hazard modelling and a technique to assess mediation within survival models) were conducted on a large population study of adults aged 50 years or older from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (n = 6324). Data collected at wave 2 (2004) were used as baseline and follow-up was until 2012. The relationship between being “often troubled with pain” and mortality was examined. Lifestyle, health, social, and psychological factors were tested as potential mediators. The strongest mediating factors for the relationship between troubling pain and mortality were functional limitation (hazard ratio 1.31; 95% confidence interval 1.20-1.39), symptoms preventing walking quarter of a mile (1.45 [1.35–1.58]), physical inactivity (1.14 [1.10-1.20]), and poor self-rated health (1.32 [1.23-1.41]). Mediators of the relationship between troubling pain and mortality provide targets for preventive health programmes. Interventions to improve general health, activity, and function could improve long-term survival in patients with this clinical problem.
Three-year Outcomes of a Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing a 4.5-mm-Wide to a 3.75-mm-Wide Titanium Implant for Bone Conduction Hearing
Authors: Kruyt Ivo J. , Nelissen Rik C. , Mylanus Emmanuel A. M. , Hol Myrthe K. S. 
Published: March 2018

Objective:
To compare 3-year implant stability, survival, and tolerability of a 4.5-mm-wide (test) and a 3.75-mm-wide (control) percutaneous titanium implant for bone-conduction hearing, loaded with the sound processor after 3 weeks.

Methods:
Sixty implants were allocated in a 2:1 ratio (test-control) in 57 adult patients included in this prospective randomized controlled clinical trial. Follow-up visits were performed at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days; 6 and 12 weeks; 6 months; and at 1, 2, and 3 years after implantation. During these visits, the implant stability quotient (ISQ) was measured by means of resonance frequency analysis (RFA). The peri-abutment soft tissue status was assessed according to the Holgers classification. Skin height around the abutment was evaluated.

Results:
The mean area-under-the-curve (AUC) of ISQ-low was statistically significantly higher for the test implant (65.7 versus 61.4, p = 0.0002). Both implants showed high survival rates (97.4% versus 95.0%, p = 0.6374). Adverse soft tissue reactions were observed sporadically, with no significant inter-group differences. Skin thickening was seen in the majority of the patients, but no correlation with adverse soft tissue reactions or implant type was observed.

Conclusion:
The 4.5-mm-wide implant provides significantly higher ISQ values during the first 3 years after surgery compared with the previous generation 3.75-mm-wide implant. Both implants showed high survival rates and good tolerability. These long-term results indicate that the wider implant, loaded with a sound processor at 3 weeks, is a safe and well-performing option for hearing rehabilitation in specific types of hearing loss.
Antiarrhythmic drug therapy during cardiopulmonary resuscitation: should we use it?
Authors: Soar Jasmeet 
Published: March 2018

Purpose of review
The optimal antiarrhythmic drug therapy (amiodarone or lidocaine) in the treatment of ventricular fibrillation/pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VF/pVT) cardiac arrest that is refractory to defibrillation is uncertain. This article reviews the evidence for and against these drugs, alternatives treatments for refractory VF/pVT and aims to define the role of antiarrhythmic drugs during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Recent findings
A large randomized controlled trial that compared amiodarone, lidocaine and saline 0.9% sodium chloride for the treatment of refractory VF/pVT out-of-hospital cardiac arrest reported no difference in survival to hospital discharge or neurological outcome. In patients with witnessed arrest, survival was improved with antiarrhythmic drugs compared to saline.

Summary
The benefit of antiarrhythmic drugs appears to be for those patients in whom initial early CPR and defibrillation attempts fail and the antiarrhythmic drug is given early. There does not appear to be any clear survival benefit for any one particular drug and other factors such as availability and cost should be considered when deciding which drug to use. Furthermore, other interventions (e.g. percutaneous coronary intervention and extra-corporeal CPR) may provide additional survival benefit when defibrillation attempts and antiarrhythmic drugs are not effective.
Mortality Associated With Emergency Department Boarding Exposure
Authors: Reznek Martin A. , Upatising Benjavan , Kennedy Samantha J. , Durham Natassia T. , Forster Richard M. , Michael Sean S. 
Published: March 2018

Background:
Emergency Department (ED) boarding threatens patient safety. It is unclear whether boarding differentially affects patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) versus non-ICU settings.

Research Design and Subjects:
We performed a 2-hospital, 18-month, cross-sectional, observational, descriptive study of adult patients admitted from the ED. We used Kaplan-Meier estimation and Cox Proportional Hazards regression to describe differences in boarding time among patients who died during hospitalization versus those who survived, controlling for covariates that could affect mortality risk or boarding exposure, and separately evaluating patients admitted to ICUs versus non-ICU settings.

Measures:
We extracted age, race, sex, time variables, admission unit, hospital disposition, and Elixhauser comorbidity measures and calculated boarding time for each admitted patient.

Results:
Among 39,781 admissions from the EDs (21.3% to ICUs), non-ICU patients who died in-hospital had a 1.2-fold risk (95% confidence interval, 1.03–1.36; P=0.016) of having experienced longer boarding times than survivors, accounting for covariates. We did not observe a difference among patients admitted to ICUs.

Conclusions:
Among non-ICU patients, those who died during hospitalization were more likely to have had incrementally longer boarding exposure than those who survived. This difference was not observed for ICU patients. Boarding risk mitigation strategies focused on ICU patients may have accounted for this difference, but we caution against interpreting that boarding can be safe. Segmentation by patients admitted to ICU versus non-ICU settings in boarding research may be valuable in ensuring that the safety of both groups is considered in hospital flow and boarding care improvements.
Validation of a Quality of Life Instrument in Spanish Patients With Rheumatic Diseases
Authors: Leon Leticia , Rodriguez-Rodriguez Luis , Aguilar Maria Dolores , Jover Juan Ángel , Vadillo Cristina , Redondo Marta , Abasolo Lydia 
Published: March 2018

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the reliability and validity of the Spanish version of the Rosser classification system for disease states in patients with musculoskeletal disorders.MethodsOur study was based on a questionnaire validation design. Patients were attended at an outpatient rheumatology clinic at Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain. The Rosser classification system was completed by the physician from the research team (PMQ) and by the patient (HMQ). Criterion standards: The EuroQol-5D for the HMQ and the physician global estimate (DOCGL) for the PMQ. Internal consistency reliability was assessed using Cronbach α. Test-retest reliability and interobserver reliability were analyzed using the intraclass correlation coefficient. The criterion validity between HMQ and EuroQol-5D and between PMQ and DOCGL was assessed using the Spearman correlation coefficient.ResultsThe full analysis was based on 4 samples of patients (104 to 266 patients), most of whom were middle-aged women. For HMQ, Cronbach α was 0.70. Test-retest reproducibility was 0.7. With respect to criterion validity, significant correlations in the expected direction were observed. For PMQ, Cronbach α was 0.70, indicating excellent intraobserver and interobserver reliability. With respect to criterion validity, strong correlations were observed between the PMQ and the DOCGL.ConclusionsThe Rosser classification system showed satisfactory reliability and suitable criterion validity for patients with musculoskeletal disorders. The instrument seems to be suitable for clinical decision making and research.
Surgical Simulation and Custom-Made Implant for Cranial Fibrous Dysplasia
Authors: Sakamoto Yoshiaki , Miwa Tomoru , Yoshida Kazunari , Kishi Kazuo 
Published: March 2018

Background:
The management of fronto-orbital fibrous dysplasia involves total excision of the dysplastic bone and bone reconstruction using implants. Custom-made implants are used to achieve good contouring. However, the remnant defect after excising the lesion often does not match the implant.

Methods:
To design the craniotomy line, a template was prepared by preoperative computed surgical simulation. The template was overlaid on the preoperative cranium, such that its inner surface fits exactly with the cranial surface. After excising the lesion by performing osteotomy, the implant was placed in the defect and fixed. Both template and implant were made of hydroxyapatite.

Results:
The authors treated 4 patients, with fibrous dysplasia involving the fronto-facial region by using the template. Intraoperative trimming of the implant or bone defect was not required in 2 patients, while the third patient required mild trimming. They did not have any complications and obtained good contouring.

Conclusion:
The hydroxyapatite templates reduced the surgical time by determining the precise craniotomy line preoperatively, thus avoiding needless trimming of the implant and bone defect. Therefore, they can enhance the efficacy of treatment for fronto-orbital fibrous dysplasia lesion.
Retrograde Transport and ATG-4.2-Mediated Maturation Cooperate to Remove Autophagosomes from the Synapse
Authors: Hill Sarah E. , Colón-Ramos Daniel A. 
Published: March 2018

SUMMARYAutophagy is spatially compartmentalized in neurons, with autophagosome biogenesis occurring in the axon and degradation in the cell body. The mechanisms that coordinate autophagosome formation, trafficking and degradation across the polarized structure of the neuron are not well understood. Here we use genetic screens and in vivo imaging in single neurons of C. elegans to demonstrate that specific steps of autophagy are differentially required in distinct subcellular compartments of the neuron. We demonstrate that completion of autophagosome biogenesis and closure at the synapse are necessary for dynein-mediated retrograde transport. We uncover a role for UNC-16/JIP3/Sunday Driver in facilitating autophagosome retrograde transport. Through forward genetic screens we then determine that autophagosome maturation and degradation in the cell body depend on removal of LGG-1/Atg8/GABARAP from autophagosomes by the protease ATG-4.2. Our studies reveal that regulation of distinct ATG4 proteases contributes to the coordination of autophagy across subcellular regions of the neuron.HIGHLIGHTS and eTOC BlurbAutophagosome closure, but not maturation, occurs locally at presynaptic sitesRetrograde transport of autophagosomes requires the motor adaptor UNC-16/JIP3The autophagy protease ATG-4.2, but not the related ATG-4.1, is required for autophagosome maturation and degradationDefects in retrograde transport and maturation genetically interact and enhance accumulation of autophagosomes in presynaptic regions
Off-farm employment, land renting and concentration of farmland in the process of urbanization
Authors: Su Weiliang , Eriksson Tor , Zhang Linxiu 
Published: March 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of off-farm employment on the concentration of farmland via households’ land rental activities in rural China.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses Probit and Tobit models to estimate the effect of off-farm employment on land rental activities. Furthermore, the paper compares the degree of land concentration between pre-renting and post-renting in terms of Gini coefficients of farmland ownership at village level.FindingsThe authors find that off-farm employment has a positive effect on the renting out farmland, and insignificant effect on renting in farmland. Moreover, off-farm employment intensifies the concentration of farmland from small farms toward big farms by renting activities.Originality/valueThe authors believe that the results will contribute positively to the assessment of the effect of off-farm employment on land concentration in the context of the urbanization process in China.
Investigating students’ attitudes towards private sector work during study in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-asqah Amnah 
Published: March 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify the students’ attitudes towards private sector work during study.

Design/methodology/approach
This study used a comprehensive social survey (including questionnaire and interviewing) distributed to experts in departments and colleges in King Saud University and Princess Nora University.

Findings
This study found that students’ attitudes can be influenced by the financial and social security achieved through private work during study, and the personal development of job skills. Whereas society’s inferior view to private work, study and working hours’ conflicts, and the insufficient information about private work during study are some of the negative factors that influence their attitudes. It also emphasised the role of the private sector in influencing such attitudes by advertising job opportunities for students, giving them flexible work hours and providing training programmes. This study concludes with a proposal suggesting how to modify students’ attitudes towards private sector work during study.

Originality/value
This paper identifies the students’ attitudes towards private sector work during study and suggests a proposal that contributes to support students’ positive attitudes and adjust the negative ones; thus, helping to reduce the unemployment rate among young people.
An empirical-deductive model for the assessment of the mortgage lending value of properties as securities for credit exposures
Authors: Tajani Francesco , Morano Pierluigi 
Published: March 2018

PurposeThis study aims to propose and test an innovative methodology for assessing mortgage lending value. The method tries to improve and rationalize, within the canonical and derivative approach that is generally used by the sector operators, the appraisal of the percentage reduction to be applied to the market value.Design/methodology/approachConsidering that the European Mortgage Federation and the Basel Committee highlight the importance of information about the risks of properties to be loaned on, the value at risk approach has been developed so as to assess the mortgage lending value as a technique of risk analysis. With reference to the Italian context, the method elaborates the historical analysis of the property values in 93 major Italian cities for the residential and commercial intended uses in a significant period (1967-2015) and allows to determine the reduction coefficients of the market value as a function of the central, semi-central and peripheral locations of the property.FindingsThe results include the reduction coefficients of the market value for the derivative appraisal of the mortgage lending value. The coefficients obtained satisfy the need for a rational assessment of the property risk and the appropriate spatial contextualization of the risk components related to the local demand and supply, thus eliminating any inconsistency and danger of determining the mortgage lending value using a simple and lump-sum percentage deduction of the market value.Originality/valueThe global economic crisis in the past decade, triggered by the 2007 US Subprime mortgage crisis and consequent collapse of property values, has highlighted the need for high level professional skills in the appraisal of properties as securities for credit exposures. The method proposed for the assessment of the mortgage lending value allows to overcome the uncertainties underlying the determination of an independent value through indirect methods (income approach, cost approach) and rationalize the appraisal of the risk in the traditional derivative approach through a flexible procedure, with it being possible to adapt it to any territorial context, as well as any intended use.
Public sector’s perspective on implementing public – private partnership (PPP) policy in Ghana and Hong Kong
Authors: Osei-Kyei Robert , Chan Albert P.C. 
Published: March 2018

Purpose
The public sector plays a critical role in the successful implementation of public–private partnership (PPP) projects. Thus, there is a need to holistically explore the public sector’s view on the implementation practices of PPP. This paper aims to explore and compare the public sector’s views on PPP practices in Ghana and Hong Kong.

Design/methodology/approach
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with PPP practitioners of senior authority in public institutions in both Ghana and Hong Kong. The interviews covered critical issues of PPP implementation practices such as motivations for engaging in PPP, success criteria/indicators, critical success factors (CSFs), external stakeholder management and training and education in PPPs.

Findings
The findings show that quick delivery of public projects and private sector efficiency are the reasons considered by both groups of interviewees. On the success criteria, interviewees from both jurisdictions mentioned user satisfaction, budget, time and quality. The CSFs mentioned by both groups include capacity building and training, project viability, proper planning and good feasibility studies. Sensitization programs, including open forums and community meetings, were mentioned by both groups as measures for managing external stakeholders. On the training and education, both groups mentioned international study tours and organizing courses and seminars.

Originality/value
The outputs of this study offer strategies that are very useful to international private developers who are interested in PPP practices in Africa and Asia. Further, the findings contribute to the knowledge on the international best practices for PPP.
Muslim and non-Muslim consumers’ perception towards introduction of Islamic banking in Ghana
Authors: Mbawuni Joseph , Nimako Simon Gyasi 
Published: March 2018

PurposeThis study aims to examine consumer perception of introduction of Islamic banking (IB) in Ghana, which is a new and emerging form of banking in many non-Islamic countries.Design/methodology/approachEmpirical field data were collected from a sample of 975 respondents using self-administered structured questionnaire. Descriptive analysis was conducted using SPSS version 16.FindingsMuslim respondents have significantly positive perceptions of IB compared to non-Muslims and have stronger intentions to adopt IB in Ghana than non-Muslims. Non-Muslims have high perceived benefit of IB. Non-Muslim respondents do not perceive potential threat of violence associated with the introduction of IB in Ghana. Although non-Muslims perceive IB that would make Islam popular, they do not perceive it as a means of Islamizing bank customers. Relatively, non-Muslims appear to have low knowledge of IB, unfavourable attitude towards IB, are reluctant to comply withSharialaw and consequently have weaker intentions to adopt IB.Research limitations/implicationsThis study was limited to descriptive analysis and to only Ghana. Future research should quantitatively model IB adoption and switching factors using samples from other developing countries.Practical implicationsIB institutions could focus on attracting a niche of Muslim consumers at its initial stages. Moreover, to facilitate the introduction of IB, the Bank of Ghana and other relevant stakeholders, in addition to establishing effective governance structures, must promote consumer education to enhance consumer knowledge of IB and correct misconceptions about IB among consumers, particularly non-Muslim customers.Originality/valueOne unique contribution of this study is that it provides an initial empirical exploration of consumers’ attitude and perceptions of IB in Ghana, which is an under-researched area.
FINRA revises and restructures registration and exam requirements
Authors: Johnsen Edward J. , Grady John H. 
Published: March 2018

Purpose
To explain a new set of rules, detailed in FINRA Regulatory Notice 17-30, proposed by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and approved by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), that revise and streamline the number and types of proficiency exams broker-dealer personnel must take in order to become registered, as well as the categories of registration.

Design/methodology/approach
Discusses the background, including FINRA’s consolidation of National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD) rules; the new registration regime; conditions for waivers; criteria for “permissive” registration; firms’ requirement to designate “Principal Financial Officers” and “Principal Operations Officers”; new categories of principal registration; FINRA’s elimination of certain registration categories; research analyst, research principal and supervisory analyst exam requirements; the ability of a registered representative to function as a principal for a limited period; the prohibition of unregistered persons to accept orders from customers; and the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) Examination Content Outline.

Findings
The new structure is intended to bring greater consistency and uniformity to the qualification process. Among other changes, it eliminates several registration categories that either have become outdated or have limited utility, permits persons not yet associated with a broker-dealer or employed in the securities industry to take a preliminary registration exam prior to entering the securities industry, and makes other changes intended to modernize the registration and examination regime for broker-dealer personnel.

Originality/value
Practical guidance from lawyers with broad stock brokerage, investment management and related financial services experience.