bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cooperative competition? The ambivalence of coopetition in territorial authorities
Authors: Assens Christophe , Bartoli Annie , Hermel Philippe 
Published: November 2017

Cooperative competition – coopetition – is a phenomenon whose influence extends to the sphere of territorial public management. Based on an initial questionnaire conducted among 252 territorial authority managers, an exploratory case study on inter-municipal cooperation in France’s Rhône-Alpes region, and an in-depth follow-up survey among 10 leaders, we analyse why and how cooperation between territorial authorities is advisable, despite the potential political rivalry between local elected representatives and the specific challenges of each territory, provided that they respect the principles of equity in governance and avoid conflicts of interest when managing their teams. Points for practitioners Our research shows the benefits of cooperation between competing territorial authorities, provided that they respect the principles of equitable management. This implies the need to distribute power equally among partners of all sizes, to take decisions collectively by a majority, or even unanimously when it comes to a change of governance, and not to infringe on the prerogatives of each partner, unless added value can be gained from pooling the efforts of territorial authorities.
Time–Motion Analysis of Nurses Utilizing Insulin Pen Devices Compared to Vial and Syringe in an Inpatient Setting
Authors: Shogbon-Nwaesei Angela O. , Jacob Bobby C. , Kimble Laura P. , Peasah Samuel K. , Burtner Joan , Moody Laura , Ngo Dao , Ryan Gina 
Published: November 2017

Objective: To compare the time taken and steps completed by nurses in the process of insulin preparation and administration using the pen device compared to the vial and syringe method. Methods: Observational and exploratory study utilizing a time–motion analysis of nurses’ administration of insulin using the pen versus vial and syringe delivery methods. Nurses were observed, video-recorded, and timed during insulin preparation and administration using each delivery method. The steps performed by nurses were observed against recommended processes for preparing and administering insulin, and the percentage of nurses completing each step was noted. Results: A total of 137 (94%) nurses participated. Nurses took less time preparing and administering insulin with the pen device compared with the vial and syringe method (79 ± 18 seconds vs 88 ± 20 seconds, respectively, P < .001). The overall average completion rate of steps with the pen device was 90% ± 7% compared to 88% ± 7% with the vial and syringe method. Conclusion: The time taken by nurses to prepare and administer insulin was lower with the pen device compared with vial and syringe. Furthermore, areas were identified for potential nursing education to enhance safe and appropriate use of insulin with both delivery methods.
Suicidal ideation in systemic lupus erythematosus: NR2A gene polymorphism, clinical and psychosocial factors
Authors: Buji R I , Abdul Murad N A , Chan L F , Maniam T , Mohd Shahrir M S , Rozita M , Shamsul A S , Mohamad Hussain R , Abdullah N , Jamal R , Nik Jaafar N R 
Published: November 2017

Background Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients are a high-risk population for suicide. Glutamatergic neurosystem genes have been implicated in the neurobiology of depression in SLE and suicidal behaviour in general. However, the role of glutamate receptor gene polymorphisms in suicidal behaviour among SLE patients remains unclear in the context of established clinical and psychosocial factors. We aimed to investigate the association of NR2A gene polymorphism with suicidal ideation in SLE while accounting for the interaction between clinical and psychosocial factors. Methods A total of 130 SLE patients were assessed for mood disorders (MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview), severity of depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), suicidal behaviour (Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale), socio-occupational functioning (Work and Social Adjustment Scale), recent life events (Social Readjustment Rating Scale) and lupus disease activity (SELENA-SLE Disease Activity Index). Eighty-six out of the 130 study participants consented for NR2A genotyping. Results Multivariable logistic regression showed nominal significance for the interaction effect between the NR2A rs2072450 AC genotype and higher severity of socio-occupational impairment with lifetime suicidal ideation in SLE patients ( p = 0.038, odds ratio = 1.364, 95% confidence interval = 1.018–1.827). However, only the association between lifetime mood disorder and lifetime suicidal ideation remained significant after Bonferroni correction ( p < 0.001, odds ratio = 33.834, 95% confidence interval = 7.624–150.138). Conclusions Lifetime mood disorder emerged as a more significant factor for suicidal ideation in SLE compared with NR2A gene polymorphism main and interaction effects. Clinical implications include identification and treatment of mood disorders as an early intervention for suicidal behaviour in SLE. More adequately-powered gene–environment interaction studies are required in the future to clarify the role of glutamate receptor gene polymorphisms in the risk stratification of suicidal behaviour among SLE patients.
The health gap: Doctors and the social determinants of health
Authors: Marmot Michael 
Published: November 2017

The social gradient in health has the clear implication that action to improve health and reduce inequalities has to take place at social level, not simply depending on individual changes. Individuals’ ability to change is constrained by social circumstances. The evidence that the magnitude of the gradient varies between countries, and can change within a country over time, suggests that conscious strategies to change it can be successful. In my review of evidence in Britain, the Marmot Review, we made recommendations in six domains: give every child the best start in life; education and life-long learning; employment and working conditions; ensure that everyone has at least the minimum income necessary to lead a health life; healthy and sustainable places; taking a social determinants approach to prevention. A big question is the role of health professionals in action on social determinants of health. We have identified five actions in implementing recommendations: education and training; seeing the patient in broader perspective; the health service as employer; working in partnership; advocacy. The evidence is encouraging that health professionals can make a big difference in advancing the cause of health equity.
Serum uric acid level predicts adverse outcomes after myocardial revascularization or cardiac valve surgery
Authors: Lazzeroni Davide , Bini Matteo , Camaiora Umberto , Castiglioni Paolo , Moderato Luca , Bosi Davide , Geroldi Simone , Ugolotti Pietro T , Brambilla Lorenzo , Brambilla Valerio , Coruzzi Paolo 
Published: November 2017

Background High levels of serum uric acid have been associated with adverse outcomes in cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial infarction and heart failure. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the prognostic role of serum uric acid levels in patients undergoing cardiac rehabilitation after myocardial revascularization and/or cardiac valve surgery. Design We performed an observational prospective cohort study. Methods The study included 1440 patients with available serum uric acid levels, prospectively followed for 50 ± 17 months. Mean age was 67 ± 11 years; 781 patients (54%) underwent myocardial revascularization, 474 (33%) cardiac valve surgery and 185 (13%) valve-plus-coronary artery by-pass graft surgery. The primary endpoints were overall and cardiovascular mortality while secondary end-points were combined major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events. Results Serum uric acid level mean values were 286 ± 95 µmol/l and elevated serum uric acid levels (≥360 µmol/l or 6 mg/dl) were found in 275 patients (19%). Overall mortality (hazard ratio = 2.1; 95% confidence interval: 1.5–3.0; p < 0.001), cardiovascular mortality (hazard ratio = 2.0; 95% confidence interval: 1.2–3.2; p = 0.004) and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events rate (hazard ratio = 1.5; 95% confidence interval: 1.0–2.0; p = 0.019) were significantly higher in patients with elevated serum uric acid levels, even after adjustment for age, gender, arterial hypertension, diabetes, glomerular filtration rate, atrial fibrillation and medical therapy. Moreover, strong positive correlations between serum uric acid level and probability of overall mortality ( p < 0.001), cardiovascular mortality ( p < 0.001) and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events ( p = 0.003) were found. Conclusions Serum uric acid levels predict mortality and adverse cardiovascular outcome in patients undergoing myocardial revascularization and/or cardiac valve surgery even after the adjustment for age, gender, arterial hypertension, diabetes, glomerular filtration rate and medical therapy.
Physical and Functional Differences in Youth Baseball Players With and Without Throwing-Related Pain
Authors: Greenberg Elliot M. , Lawrence J. Todd R. , Fernandez-Fernandez Alicia , Shah Kshamata , McKenna Casey , Rowan Marcus L. , Kim JongMyung , McClure Phillip 
Published: November 2017

Background: Identifying risk factors that contribute to shoulder and elbow pain within youth baseball players is important for improving injury prevention and rehabilitation strategies. Hypothesis: Differences will exist between youth baseball players with and without a history of upper extremity pain on measures related to growth, shoulder performance, and baseball exposure. Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 84 youth baseball players were divided into 2 groups based on self-reported history of throwing-related arm pain. Group differences for growth-related, shoulder performance, and baseball exposure variables were analyzed by use of parametric and nonparametric tests, as appropriate. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess variables most predictive of pain. Results: The group of athletes with pain (n = 16) were taller and heavier, played more baseball per year, and had greater pitching velocity. Athletes with pain also had greater loss of internal rotation range of motion and greater side-to-side asymmetry in humeral retrotorsion (HRT), attributable to lower degrees of HRT within the nondominant humerus. Multivariate analysis revealed that player height was most predictive of pain, with a 1-inch increase in height resulting in a 77% increased risk of pain. Conclusion: Vertical growth that accompanies adolescence increases the risk of experiencing throwing-related pain in youth baseball players. Players who are taller, particularly those with faster pitching velocities, are at the greatest risk for developing pain and should be more carefully monitored for resultant injury. The degree of nondominant HRT may have a relationship to the development of pain, but further research is required to better understand the implications of this observation.
Mesenchymal stem cells expressing osteoprotegerin variants inhibit osteolysis in a murine model of multiple myeloma
Authors: Higgs Jerome T. , Lee Joo Hyoung , Wang Hong , Ramani Vishnu C. , Chanda Diptiman , Hardy Cherlene Y. , Sanderson Ralph D. , Ponnazhagan Selvarangan 
Published: November 2017

Key PointsThe study developed a mouse model of bone disseminated myeloma disease as in humans. The study established therapeutic potential of OPG variants to revert myeloma bone damage in vivo.
Primary constrained TIPS for treating refractory ascites or variceal bleeding secondary to hepatic cirrhosis
Authors: Rabei R , Mathesovian S , Tasse J , Madassery S , Arslan B , Turba U , Ahmed O 
Published: November 2017

Objective:
To report an initial experience using a primary constrained transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) technique for treating cirrhotic patients with refractory ascites or variceal bleeding.

Methods:
All patients undergoing primary constrained (n = 9) and conventional (n = 18) TIPS between July 2014 and June 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Preprocedure demographics, Child–Pugh, model for end-stage liver disease and technical variables were recorded. Outcomes measured included technical and clinical success, complications, 30-day mortality, as well as necessity for TIPS revision. Average (SD) and median follow-up was 237 (190) and 226 days.

Results:
All constrained and conventional TIPS were technically successful (100%). Clinical success as defined as a reduction or improvement in presenting symptoms was 88.9% (8/9) and 100% (18/18) in the constrained and conventional groups, respectively (p = 1). The average reduction in portosystemic gradient was lower in the constrained group, 6.1 mmHg compared with 10.6 mmHg in the conventional group (p = 0.73). The rate of hepatic encephalopathy following TIPS placement was higher in the conventional group [16.7% (3/18)] compared with 0% in the constrained group (p = 0.52). The percentage of patients requiring TIPS revision was lower in the constrained group, although the results were not significant (11.1 vs 22.2%, p = 0.63).

Conclusion:
Primary constrained TIPS is a feasible modification to conventional TIPS with similar technical and clinical success rates. A trend towards a smaller reduction in the portosystemic gradient and need for revision was observed in the constrained group.

Advances in knowledge:
Primary constrained TIPS allows for greater stepwise control over shunt diameter and may represent an improved technique for patients at risk for hepatic encephalopathy.
Effects of dose-escalated radiotherapy in combination with long-term androgen deprivation on prostate cancer
Authors: Tomita Natsuo , Soga Norihito , Ogura Yuji , Furusawa Jun , Shimizu Hidetoshi , Adachi Sou , Tanaka Hiroshi , Kato Daiki , Koide Yutaro , Makita Chiyoko , Tachibana Hiroyuki , Kodaira Takeshi 
Published: November 2017

Objective:
We aimed to examine the effects of a dose escalation for prostate cancer patients receiving long-term androgen deprivation therapy (ADT).

Methods:
A retrospective analysis of 605 patients treated with radiotherapy (RT) and long-term ADT (National Comprehensive Cancer Network criteria-defined intermediate-risk, minimum 10 months; high-risk and very-high-risk, minimum 20 months) was performed. The median ADT time was 31 months. Cox’s proportional hazards models were used to compare biochemical disease-free survival (bDFS), clinical relapse-free survival (cRFS) and overall survival (OS) between the ≥70, &lt;78 Gy group and 78 Gy group in a univariate analysis and to assess the effects of the dose escalation on bDFS in a multivariate analysis.

Results:
After a median follow-up of 70 months, 5-year bDFS was significantly better in the 78 Gy group than in the ≥70, &lt;78 Gy group [96 vs 83%; hazard ratio 3.6 (95% confidence interval 2.2–6.1); p &lt; 0.001]. 5-year cRFS and OS were similar between the two groups. The multivariate analysis showed that RT dose was still an independent prognostic factor of bDFS (p = 0.005).

Conclusion:
The results of the present study suggest that dose escalations result in significant improvements in bDFS, even when used in combination with long-term ADT. A longer follow-up is needed to clarify the effects of dose escalations on cRFS and OS.

Advances in knowledge:
It remains unclear whether high-dose RT is necessary for improving the outcomes of patients receiving long-term ADT. The results suggest that dose escalations result in significant improvements in biochemical control.
Why sensitive bacteria are resistant to hospital infection control
Authors: van Kleef Esther , Luangasanatip Nantasit , Bonten Marc J , Cooper Ben S. 
Published: November 2017

Background: Large reductions in the incidence of antibiotic-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Clostridium difficile have been observed in response to multifaceted hospital-based interventions. Reductions in antibiotic-sensitive strains have been smaller or non-existent. It has been argued that since infection control measures, such as hand hygiene, should affect resistant and sensitive strains equally, observed changes must have largely resulted from other factors, including changes in antibiotic use. We used a mathematical model to test the validity of this reasoning. Methods: We developed a mechanistic model of resistant and sensitive strains in a hospital and its catchment area. We assumed the resistant strain had a competitive advantage in the hospital and the sensitive strain an advantage in the community. We simulated a hospital hand hygiene intervention that directly affected resistant and sensitive strains equally. The annual incidence rate ratio (IRR) associated with the intervention was calculated for hospital- and community-acquired infections of both strains. Results: For the resistant strain, there were large reductions in hospital-acquired infections (0.1 ≤ IRR ≤ 0.6) and smaller reductions in community-acquired infections (0.2 ≤ IRR ≤ 0.9). These reductions increased in line with increasing importance of nosocomial transmission of the strain. For the sensitive strain, reductions in hospital acquisitions were much smaller (0.6 ≤ IRR ≤ 0.9), while communityacquisitions could increase or decrease (0.9 ≤ IRR ≤ 1.2). The greater the importance of the community environment for the transmission of the sensitive strain, the smaller the reductions. Conclusions: Counter-intuitively, infection control interventions, including hand hygiene, can have strikingly discordant effects on resistant and sensitive strains even though they target them equally, following differences in their adaptation to hospital and community-based transmission. Observed lack of effectiveness of control measures for sensitive strains does not provide evidence that infection control interventions have been ineffective in reducing resistant strains.
Proteomic analysis of extracellular vesicles from a Plasmodium falciparum Kenyan clinical isolate defines a core parasite secretome
Authors: Abdi Abdirahman , Yu Lu , Goulding David , Rono Martin K. , Bejon Philip , Choudhary Jyoti , Rayner Julian 
Published: November 2017

Background: Many pathogens secrete effector molecules to subvert host immune responses, to acquire nutrients, and/or to prepare host cells for invasion. One of the ways that effector molecules are secreted is through extracellular vesicles (EVs) such as exosomes. Recently, the malaria parasite P. falciparum has been shown to produce EVs that can mediate transfer of genetic material between parasites and induce sexual commitment. Characterizing the content of these vesicles may improve our understanding of P. falciparum pathogenesis and virulence. Methods: Previous studies of P. falciparum EVs have been limited to long-term adapted laboratory isolates. In this study, we isolated EVs from a Kenyan P. falciparum clinical isolate that had been adapted to in vitro culture for a relatively shorter period, and characterized their protein content by mass spectrometry (data are available via ProteomeXchange, with identifier PXD006925). Results: We show that P. falciparum extracellular vesicles (PfEVs) are enriched in proteins found within the exomembrane compartments of infected erythrocytes such as Maurer’s clefts (MCs), as well as the secretory endomembrane compartments in the apical end of the merozoites, suggesting that PfEVs may play a role in parasite-host interactions. Comparison of this dataset with previously published datasets helps to define a core secretome present in PfEVs. Conclusions: P. falciparum extracellular vesicles contain virulence-associated parasite proteins. Analysis of PfEVs contents from a range of clinical isolates, and their functional validation may improve our understanding of the virulence mechanisms of the parasite, and potentially identify new targets for interventions or diagnostics.
Small-scale field evaluation of push-pull system against early- and outdoor-biting malaria mosquitoes in an area of high pyrethroid resistance in Tanzania
Authors: Mmbando Arnold S. , Ngowo Halfan S. , Kilalangongono Masoud , Abbas Said , Matowo Nancy S. , Moore Sarah J. , Okumu Fredros O. 
Published: November 2017

Background: Despite high coverage of indoor interventions like insecticide-treated nets, mosquito-borne infections persist, partly because of outdoor-biting, early-biting and insecticide-resistant vectors. Push-pull systems, where mosquitoes are repelled from humans and attracted to nearby lethal targets, may constitute effective complementary interventions. Methods: A partially randomized cross-over design was used to test efficacy of push-pull in four experimental huts and four local houses, in an area with high pyrethroid resistance in Tanzania. The push-pull system consisted of 1.1% or 2.2% w/v transfluthrin repellent dispensers and an outdoor lure-and-kill device (odour-baited mosquito landing box). Matching controls were set up without push-pull. Adult male volunteers collected mosquitoes attempting to bite them outdoors, but collections were also done indoors using exit traps in experimental huts and by volunteers in the local houses. The collections were done hourly (1830hrs-0730hrs) and mosquito catches compared between push-pull and controls. An. gambiae s.l. and An. funestus s.l. were assessed by PCR to identify sibling species, and ELISA to detect Plasmodium falciparum and blood meal sources. Results: Push-pull in experimental huts reduced outdoor-biting for An. arabiensis and Mansonia species by 30% and 41.5% respectively. However, the reductions were marginal and insignificant for An. funestus (12.2%; p>0.05) and Culex (5%; p>0.05). Highest protection against all species occurred before 2200hrs. There was no significant difference in number of mosquitoes inside exit traps in huts with or without push-pull. In local households, push-pull significantly reduced indoor and outdoor-biting of An. arabiensis by 48% and 25% respectively, but had no effect on other species. Conclusion: This push-pull system offered modest protection against outdoor-biting An. arabiensis, without increasing indoor mosquito densities. Additional experimentation is required to assess how transfluthrin-based products affect mosquito blood-feeding and mortality in push-pull contexts. This approach, if optimised, could potentially complement existing malaria interventions even in areas with high pyrethroid resistance.
Ormianie w świetle zapowiedzi przedmałżeńskich rodzimej parafii w Kutach. Edycja źródła
Authors: Wasyl Franciszek 
Published: November 2017

Armenians in Light of the Premarital Announcements of the Native Parish in Kuty. Edit Source. Part. 1: The Years 1860-1914
In the archives of the Foundation of Culture and Heritage of Polish Armenians (Warszawa) has been preserved a book of premarital parish announcements in Kuty from 1893-1953. In addition, a book of premarital announcements from the years 1860-1892 was published on the website of that institution. This article is an edition of this source material, which, chronologically, belongs to Galician times (1860-1914). The purpose of this article is to describe the „matrimonial market” of Galician Armenians, especially its ethnic background. For interested readers it is also a useful material for genealogical, demographic and social research.