bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pre-ESRD Care and Mortality in Incident ESRD Patients With Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Cobb Jason , Plantinga Laura , Luthi Jean-Christophe , Lynch Janet R. , Huff Edwin D. , Mohan Sumit , McClellan William M. 
Published: February 2016

Objectives:
The relationship between mortality and pre-ESRD (end-stage renal disease) nephrology care in incident ESRD patients with multiple myeloma (MM) as the primary cause of renal failure has not been examined.

Materials and Methods:
Among 439,206 incident US hemodialysis patients with MM as the primary cause of ESRD (June 1, 2005 to May 31, 2009) identified using the US Renal Data System, adjusted odds ratios (OR) for reported pre-ESRD nephrology care for ESRD due to MM (n=4561) versus other causes (n=434,645) were calculated. The association of pre-ESRD nephrology care with subsequent mortality in MM-ESRD patients was examined.

Results:
MM-ESRD patients were less likely to have any predialysis nephrology care in the year before initiation of dialysis (34.8% vs. 58.5%; OR=0.38; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.34-0.43) compared with patients with ESRD due to other causes. MM-ESRD patients compared with others were more likely to have catheters on first dialysis (91.8% vs. 75.6%; OR=4.15; 95% CI, 3.54-4.86). Incident MM-ESRD patients receiving predialysis care for ≥6 months had significantly lower 1-year mortality (hazard ratio 0.89; 95% CI, 0.82-0.97 and 0.88; 95% CI, 0.80-0.96, respectively), relative to those without this care. A catheter for dialysis access was associated with a 1.6-fold increase in 1-year mortality in incident MM-ESRD (hazard ratio 1.55; 95% CI, 1.32-1.83).

Conclusions:
MM-ESRD patients were less likely to have predialysis nephrology care and more likely to use catheters on first dialysis. However, predialysis care is independently associated with lower mortality in MM-ESRD patients. Predialysis care should be prioritized in MM patients approaching ESRD.
Disseminated Histoplasmosis in Patients Receiving Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Inhibitors
Authors: Bogorodskaya Milana , El Chakhtoura Nadim G. , Salata Robert A. 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Since their introduction in the late 1990s, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α inhibitors have proven effective in the treatment of several inflammatory disorders, and their use has become increasingly common. Tumor necrosis factor-α blockade is nonetheless associated with an increase in the risk of infection by intracellular, granuloma-forming pathogens, such as Histoplasma capsulatum. We performed a query of our medical records for all cases of disseminated histoplasmosis in patients receiving TNF-α inhibitors between the years 1999 and 2014 at University Hospitals Case Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio, an area of moderate histoplasmosis endemicity. A total of 357 cases of disseminated histoplasmosis were identified, 8 (2.2%) of whom were receiving TNF-α inhibitor therapy at the time of diagnosis. Five patients were receiving infliximab, and 3 were receiving adalimumab. All patients had generalized, nonspecific presenting symptoms, and all but one had a complete response to antifungal treatment and the cessation of the inciting TNF-α inhibitor. Five of the patients eventually resumed TNF-α inhibitor therapy a year after their initial diagnosis with disseminated histoplasmosis. The only patient who succumbed to the infection had a delayed diagnosis. The increasing use of TNF-α inhibitors should come with an increased awareness of its association with opportunistic infections including disseminated histoplasmosis and by other endemic fungi. This case series highlights the importance of early diagnosis of such infections to achieve a favorable outcome. Further research will need to focus on determining the best long-term treatment strategies in managing these patients after the resolution of the acute infection.
The Lived Experience of Jordanian Parents in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Phenomenological Study
Authors: Abuidhail Jamila , Al-Motlaq Mohammad , Mrayan Lina , Salameh Taghreed 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACT

Background:
Many international studies in the field of neonatal nursing have identified parental stress, coping difficulties, support issues, and various other experiences that are related to the birth of a preterm infant. However, no studies have assessed the interrelated issues of parental stress, social support, satisfaction, and nursing support in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in Jordan.

Purpose:
This study describes the lived experiences, needs in relation to care, and support systems of parents whose neonates were admitted to the NICU.

Methods:
A qualitative design using a phenomenological approach was used to explore the experiences of Jordanian parents who gave birth to neonates in the NICU setting. Participants were recruited from the NICUs of government, teaching, and private hospitals. Data were collected using semistructured interviews that were conducted with parents in a suitable place. Ten participants were interviewed: eight mothers and two fathers. After interviews were transcribed, the methodology suggested by van Manen (1990) was used to analyze the data.

Results:
The shock, worry, and anxiety experienced by parents; the influences of NICU admission on the experiences of parents and families; the information and assistance required and received by parents from healthcare professionals; and the emotions and satisfaction of parents were the main themes that emerged from the study to reflect the lived experience of parents of neonates in the NICU.

Conclusions/Implications for Practice:
The parents in this study were satisfied with the healthcare process in the NICUs, even when this care did not fulfill their expectations or needs for their infants. Nurses in the NICUs must develop interventions and strategies that minimize the stress experienced by parents and that support the emotional capacity of parents to deal with this stressful situation.
Growth Hormone Therapy Accelerates Axonal Regeneration, Promotes Motor Reinnervation, and Reduces Muscle Atrophy following Peripheral Nerve Injury
Authors: Tuffaha Sami H. , Budihardjo Joshua D. , Sarhane Karim A. , Khusheim Mohammed , Song Diana , Broyles Justin M. , Salvatori Roberto , Means Kenneth R. , Higgins James P. , Shores Jaimie T. , Cooney Damon S. , Hoke Ahmet , Lee W. P. Andrew , Brandacher Gerald 
Published: February 2016

Background:
Therapies to improve outcomes following peripheral nerve injury are lacking. Prolonged denervation of muscle and Schwann cells contributes to poor outcomes. In this study, the authors assess the effects of growth hormone therapy on axonal regeneration, Schwann cell and muscle maintenance, and end-organ reinnervation in rats.

Methods:
Male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent sciatic nerve transection and repair and femoral nerve transection without repair and received either daily subcutaneous growth hormone (0.4 mg/day) or no treatment (n = 8 per group). At 5 weeks, the authors assessed axonal regeneration within the sciatic nerve, muscle atrophy within the gastrocnemius muscle, motor endplate reinnervation within the soleus muscle, and Schwann cell proliferation within the denervated distal femoral nerve.

Results:
Growth hormone–treated animals demonstrated greater percentage increase in body mass (12.2 ± 1.8 versus 8.5 ± 1.5; p = 0.0044), greater number of regenerating myelinated axons (13,876 ± 2036 versus 8645 ± 3279; p = 0.0018) and g-ratio (0.64 ± 0.11 versus 0.51 ± 0.06; p = 0.01), greater percentage reinnervation of motor endplates (75.8 ± 8.7 versus 38.2 ± 22.6; p = 0.0008), and greater muscle myofibril cross-sectional area (731.8 ± 157 μm versus 545.2 ± 144.3 μm; p = 0.027).

Conclusions:
In male rats, growth hormone therapy accelerates axonal regeneration, reduces muscle atrophy, and promotes muscle reinnervation. Growth hormone therapy may also maintain proliferating Schwann cells in the setting of prolonged denervation. These findings suggest potential for improved outcomes with growth hormone therapy after peripheral nerve injuries.
An evaluation of the performance of a large scale collaborative procurement initiative in the social housing sector
Authors: Bowles Graeme , Morgan James 
Published: February 2016

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to understand the factors relating to the implementation of a new procurement initiative that affect performance and value for money (VFM). The study is based on a four-year research project carried out on behalf of the Scottish Government to monitor and evaluate the performance and efficiency of a bulk procurement vehicle for social housing.

Design/methodology/approach
– The researchers had a brief to monitor and evaluate the implementation of the procurement process and its influence on cost and efficiency targets. The study employed a mixed method approach with annual rounds of qualitative and quantitative data collection from project stakeholders including the contractors, consultants, clients and sponsor. Confidential semi-structured interviews were conducted on conclusion of the project to gauge views on how well the procurement process worked from the various perspectives and to reflect on the influence of the process on VFM.

Findings
– The procurement programme failed to achieve the capital cost and efficiency savings targets quantified at the outset and on this measure alone VFM was not demonstrated, although there were a number of reported benefits. A major factor was the extent of process and behavioural change required from the project team and, although a procurement consultant was engaged to facilitate this, the theoretical benefits of “best practice” were not realized. The picture was further complicated by rapidly changing economic conditions experienced, and debate about the robustness of original cost savings targets.

Research limitations/implications
– The findings and conclusions are of relevance and interest to clients and construction organisations undergoing change through adopting novel procurement processes.

Originality/value
– The empirical nature of the study provides a comprehensive evidence base for the performance of a collaborative procurement programme and an understanding of the potential difficulties in attaining the theoretical benefits of procurement innovation.
Sustainable food security futures
Authors: Irani Zahir , Sharif Amir M 
Published: February 2016

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to signpost the genesis of food security and associated factors such that organisations, enterprises, policy makers and interested stakeholders can seek to explore and understand this important societal issue. The challenges that food security poses are eclectic in nature and cut through country, society, organisation and individual boundaries. Only through identifying these factors – hence identifying underlying factors of food waste and usage of information within food supply chains to untangle them – can we adopt enterprise interventions in order to initiate and mitigate food security risk.

Design/methodology/approach
– As a viewpoint piece, there is no empirical work to report in this paper. An exploratory review of the literature has allowed for the extraction of food security concerns that need the attention of stakeholders across the enterprise to ensure robust food supply chains can be are created, maintained and sustained through a better understanding and usage of information, knowledge and data.

Findings
– This paper articulates six constructs that underpin the challenges of establishing food security. It is suggested that information relating to factors may support decision-makers within communities, organisations and enterprises to better understand these factors that then contribute towards enhanced food security. Relevant strategies or policies can then emerge and be developed such that strategic as well as operational interventions can be prioritised across national, regional or industry level. Underpinning the above, the waste within and across the food supply chain contributes to the six factors, also highlighting where additional focus may need to be applied to sustain food supply chains.

Research limitations/implications
– This paper is a position paper that does not offer factual insight but rather highlights a direction of thought that others can consider exploring as part of wider research agendas in the topical area where enterprise, organisational, and information-based contributions may support the development of strategy-led food security policy.

Practical implications
– This paper provides reassuring insights that will help decision and policy makers assemble their thoughts when it comes to prioritising their communications and interventions amongst organisational/enterprise-level stakeholder groups involved in food security and food supply chain contexts.

Social implications
– This paper has highlighted the need for more research around the human and organisational factors that are identified as both underpinning the need for food security and, as drivers of waste throughout the food supply chain. Indeed, there is further work needed to highlight the inter-relationships that exist and, which then feed into resulting interventions.

Originality/value
– To raise the importance of food security amongst differing stakeholder community groups at the organisational and enterprise level.
Strategic implications of HR role management in a dynamic environment
Authors: Sheehan Cathy , De Cieri Helen , Cooper Brian , Shea Tracey 
Published: February 2016

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to consider the impact of human resource (HR) role overload and HR role conflict on the HR function’s involvement in strategic decision making and to examine whether conditions of environmental dynamism moderate the impact of HR role conflict and HR role overload in that relationship.

Design/methodology/approach
– The authors collected data from two sources, senior HR and top management team (TMT) executives. A total of 180 HR executives and 109 TMT members completed the survey. In all, 102 organisations were included in the sample with matched HR executive and TMT responses.

Findings
– Results did not support hypothesised negative relationships between HR role management and involvement in strategic decision making but did establish the moderating effect of environmental dynamism, such that these associations were more negative at higher levels of dynamism.

Research limitations/implications
– The cross-sectional nature of the study precludes making inferences about causality and would need to be replicated with a longitudinal design before stronger inferences could be drawn with regard to the relationships between the variables. A strength of the study however is the use of two sources of data to address the issue of common method variance.

Practical implications
– The research has implications for the potential value that HR provides in dynamic environments and the risk that HR role conflict and overload pose to the contribution that HR can make during these periods.

Originality/value
– The research shifts the focus away from the definition of HR roles to considering how these roles are enacted and kept in balance.
Ethical banking in practice: a closer look at the Co-operative Bank UK PLC
Authors: Chew Boon Cheong , Tan Lay Hong , Hamid Syaiful Rizal 
Published: February 2016

Purpose– The main purposes of the study were to investigate the ethical banking operations based on the award-winning the UK Co-operative Bank which has successfully brought significant implications on sustaining the nation’s (the UK) socioenvironmental development. The Co-operative Bank operations are conceptualised into a solid ethical banking operations framework (EBOF) to contribute theoretically into enriching the body of the knowledge. Besides, by understanding the EBOF of an ethical banking system, the other banking players like the Malaysian bank can learn from this best practice and gradually shape its operation to become more ethical.Design/methodology/approach– The case study on the UK Co-operative Bank was based on primary data collected through a series of qualitative focus group conducted on 20 senior bank managers who were interested and were supportive of this research project. These experienced respondents are actively involved in the Co-operative Bank’s “Corporate Ethical Policy” formulation, as well as the implementation of this policy into the Co-operative Bank’s daily operations. Besides, secondary data are reviewed to obtain a more comprehensive understanding on the Co-operative Bank. The research began in December 2012 and was completed in August 2014. The main reason the researchers opted for qualitative studies is to comply with the criteria of inductive approach, whereby the final outcomes (EBOF) include the crystallisation of the ethical banking operations, which could be generalised theoretically and empirically.Findings– At the end of the study, EBOF based on the Co-operative Bank’s ethical operations (as the case studied) is constructed. As a conclusion, the Co-operative Bank has done tremendously well in sustaining the UK’s socioenvironmental development, which justifies the reason why the Co-operative Bank has won numerous prestigious awards and is being well recognised nationally and regionally.Practical implications– The novelty concept of ethical banking is driven by the global socioenvironmental initiative that influences some of the major financial institutions which are proactively and gradually shaping their corporate image in safeguarding the community around the environment. This research has successfully attained the ultimate objective to foster knowledge transfer through learning from the best (from the UK Co-operative Bank) in shaping local (Malaysia) ethical banking.Originality/value– This study constructs the EBOF based on the Co-operative Bank’s ethical operations that could be empirically disseminated and adopted in other banks’ operations (across the globe). This is aimed in shaping the local banking industry to become more ethical (learning from the best practice of the UK Co-operative Bank) in wealth creation that places high emphasis on socioenvironmental benefits rather than economic gain on profit maximisation alone. Besides, the EBOF contributes and enriches the body of the knowledge about ethical banking operations.
The endless opportunity of organizational agility
Authors: Najrani Majed 
Published: February 2016

Purpose
– This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies.

Design/methodology/approach
– This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.

Findings
– Organizational agility could be accomplished by implementing reactive agility, proactive agility or innovative agility.

Practical implications
– The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations.

Originality/value
– The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.
Kawasaki disease and cardiovascular risk: a comprehensive review of subclinical vascular changes in the longer term
Authors: Chen Katherine Y. H. , Curtis Nigel , Dahdah Nagib , Kowalski Remi , Cheung Michael , Burgner David P. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractStudies of subclinical vascular changes post‐Kawasaki disease indicate that, in general, individuals with a history of coronary artery aneurysms have increased carotid intima–media thickness, evidence of endothelial dysfunction, and increased arterial stiffness, possibly indicative of heightened cardiovascular risk. The results are less consistent for low‐risk groups.ConclusionUntil data are available from larger prospective studies, it is prudent to advise families of individuals with a history of Kawasaki disease to minimise traditional modifiable cardiovascular risk factors.
Population pharmacokinetic analysis of lenvatinib in healthy subjects and patients with cancer
Authors: Gupta Anubha , Jarzab Barbara , Capdevila Jaume , Shumaker Robert , Hussein Ziad 
Published: February 2016

AimsLenvatinib was recently approved for the treatment of radioiodine‐refractory differentiated thyroid cancer (RR‐DTC). Here, we characterized the pharmacokinetic (PK) profile of lenvatinib and identified intrinsic and extrinsic factors that explain interindividual PK variability in humans.MethodsThis population PK analysis used pooled data from 15 clinical studies, including eight phase 1 studies in healthy subjects, four phase 1 studies in patients with solid tumours, two phase 2 studies in patients with thyroid cancer and one phase 3 study in patients with RR‐DTC.ResultsThe final pooled dataset included data from 779 subjects receiving 3.2–32 mg oral lenvatinib, mainly once daily as tablets or capsules. Lenvatinib PK was best described by a three‐compartment model with linear elimination. Lenvatinib absorption was best described by simultaneous first‐ and zero‐order absorption. The population mean value for lenvatinib apparent clearance (CL/F) was 6.56 l h−1 [percent coefficient of variation (%CV) 25.5], and was independent of dose and time. The relative bioavailability of lenvatinib in capsule form was 90% vs. tablets (%CV 30.2). The final PK model included significant but marginal effects of body weight (2.8% of CL/F variation), liver‐function markers [alkaline phosphatase (−11.7%) and albumin (−6.3%)] and concomitant cytochrome P450 3A4 inducers (+30%) and inhibitors (−7.8%) on lenvatinib CL/F. Lenvatinib PK was unaffected by pH‐elevating agents, dose, age, sex, race, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase or bilirubin levels, or renal function.ConclusionsThe significant effects of several covariates on lenvatinib PK variability were small in magnitude, and therefore were not considered clinically relevant, or to warrant any dose adjustment.
The predictability and magnitude of life‐history divergence to ecological agents of selection: a meta‐analysis in livebearing fishes
Authors: Moore Michael P. , Riesch Rüdiger , Martin Ryan A. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractEnvironments causing variation in age‐specific mortality – ecological agents of selection – mediate the evolution of reproductive life‐history traits. However, the relative magnitude of life‐history divergence across selective agents, whether divergence in response to specific selective agents is consistent across taxa and whether it occurs as predicted by theory, remains largely unexplored. We evaluated divergence in offspring size, offspring number, and the trade‐off between these traits using a meta‐analysis in livebearing fishes (Poeciliidae). Life‐history divergence was consistent and predictable to some (predation, hydrogen sulphide) but not all (density, food limitation, salinity) selective agents. In contrast, magnitudes of divergence among selective agents were similar. Finally, there was a negative, asymmetric relationship between offspring‐number and offspring‐size divergence, suggesting greater costs of increasing offspring size than number. Ultimately, these results provide strong evidence for predictable and consistent patterns of reproductive life‐history divergence and highlight the importance of comparing phenotypic divergence across species and ecological selective agents.