bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Pif1-dependent threshold separates DNA double-strand breaks and telomeres
Authors: Strecker Jonathan , Durocher Daniel 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThe natural ends of chromosomes resemble DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) and telomeres are therefore necessary to prevent recognition by the DNA damage response. The enzyme telomerase can also generate new telomeres at DSBs, resulting in the loss of genetic information distal to the break. How cells deal with different DNA ends is therefore an important decision. One critical point of regulation is to limit telomerase activity at DSBs and this is primarily accomplished in budding yeast by the telomerase inhibitor Pif1. Here we use Pif1 as a sensor to gain insight into the cellular decision at DSB ends with increasing telomeric character. We uncover a striking transition point in which 34 bp of telomeric (TG1-3)nrepeat sequence is sufficient to render a DNA end insensitive to Pif1, thereby facilitating extension by telomerase. This phenomenon is unlikely to be due to Pif1 modification and we propose that Cdc13 confers a unique property to the TG34end that prevents Pif1 action. We identify novel Cdc13 mutations that resensitize DNA ends to Pif1 and discover that many Cdc13 telomerase-null mutations are dependent on Pif1 status. Finally, the observed threshold of Pif1 activity recapitulates several properties of both DSBs and telomeres and we propose that this is the dividing line between these entities.
Rethinking gossip and scandal in healthcare organizations
Authors: Waddington Kathryn 
Published: September 2016

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to argue that gossip is a neglected aspect of organizational communication and knowledge, and an under-used management resource.

Design/methodology/approach
The paper challenges mainstream managerial assumptions that gossip is trivial or tainted talk which should be discouraged in the workplace. Instead, gossip is re-framed at an organizational level of analysis, which provides the opportunity for relational knowledge about systemic failure and poor practice in healthcare to surface.

Findings
Rather than simply viewing gossip as an individual behaviour and interpersonal process, it is claimed that organizational gossip is also a valuable early warning indicator of risk and failure in healthcare systems. There is potentially significant value in re-framing gossip as an aspect of organizational communication and knowledge. If attended to (rather than neglected or silenced) gossip can provide fresh insights into professional practice, decision making and relational leadership.

Originality/value
This paper offers a provocative challenge to mainstream health organization and management thinking about gossip in the workplace. It offers new ways of thinking to promote patient safety, and prevent the scandals that have plagued healthcare organizations in recent years.
The performance of primary health care organizations depends on interdependences with the local environment
Authors: Lamarche Paul , Maillet Lara 
Published: September 2016

Purpose
Improving the performance of health care organizations is now perceived as essential in order to better address the needs of the populations and respect their ability to pay for the services. There is no consensus on what is performance. It is increasingly considered as the optimal execution of four functions that every organization must achieve in order to survive and develop: reach goals; adapt to its environment; produce goods or services and maintain values; and a satisfying organizational climate. There is also no consensus on strategies to improve this performance. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper intends to analyze the performance of primary health care organizations from the perspective of Kauffman’s model. It mainly aims to understand the often contradictory, paradoxical and unexpected results that emerge from studies on this topic.

Findings
To do so, the first section briefly presents Kauffman’s model and lays forward its principal components. The second section presents three studies on the performance of primary organizations and brings out the contradictory, paradoxical and unexpected results they obtained. The third section explains these results in the light of Kauffman’s model.

Originality/value
Kauffman’s model helps give meaning to the results of researches on performance of primary health care organizations that were qualified as paradoxical or unexpected. The performance of primary health care organizations then cannot be understood by only taking into account the characteristics of these organizations. The complexity of the environments in which they operate must simultaneously be taken into account. This paper brings original development of an integrated view of the performance of organizations, their own characteristics and those of the local environment in which they operated.
Handbook of protocols for standardized measurement of terrestrial invertebrate functional traits
Authors: Moretti Marco , Dias André T. C. , de Bello Francesco , Altermatt Florian , Chown Steven L. , Azcárate Francisco M. , Bell James R. , Fournier Bertrand , Hedde Mickaël , Hortal Joaquín , Ibanez Sébastien , Öckinger Erik , Sousa José Paulo , Ellers Jacintha , Berg Matty P. 
Published: September 2016

Summary

Trait‐based approaches are increasingly being used to test mechanisms underlying species assemblages and biotic interactions across a wide range of organisms including terrestrial arthropods and to investigate consequences for ecosystem processes. Such an approach relies on the standardized measurement of functional traits that can be applied across taxa and regions. Currently, however, unified methods of trait measurements are lacking for terrestrial arthropods and related macroinvertebrates (terrestrial invertebrates hereafter).

Here, we present a comprehensive review and detailed protocol for a set of 29 traits known to be sensitive to global stressors and to affect ecosystem processes and services. We give recommendations how to measure these traits under standardized conditions across various terrestrial invertebrate taxonomic groups.

We provide considerations and approaches that apply to almost all traits described, such as the selection of species and individuals needed for the measurements, the importance of intraspecific trait variability, how many populations or communities to sample and over which spatial scales.

The approaches outlined here provide a means to improve the reliability and predictive power of functional traits to explain community assembly, species diversity patterns and ecosystem processes and services within and across taxa and trophic levels, allowing comparison of studies and running meta‐analyses across regions and ecosystems.

This handbook is a crucial first step towards standardizing trait methodology across the most studied terrestrial invertebrate groups, and the protocols are aimed to balance general applicability and requirements for special cases or particular taxa. Therefore, we envision this handbook as a common platform to which researchers can further provide methodological input for additional special cases.

A lay summary is available for this article.
Remittances and Financial Development: Evidence from Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Williams Kevin 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThis paper uses 5‐year non‐overlapping panel data for the period 1970–2013 to study the effect that remittances have on financial development in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). The paper further examines whether and how democratic institutions mediate the effect that remittances have on financial development. The panel estimates yield that remittances are significantly positively associated with financial development. The baseline estimates indicate that a 10 percent increase in remittances increases domestic private credit by 0.43 percent and the cumulative effect is around 1.84 percent. Democratic institutions do not significantly mediate the effect that remittances have on financial development in SSA. These results inform debates over remittances’ role as an important source of development finance in SSA and suggest that policymakers can exploit the advantages of remittances by pursuing measures to ease the flows of remittances to the region.
Modeling the Effects of Tile Drain Placement on the Hydrologic Function of Farmed Prairie Wetlands
Authors: Werner Brett , Tracy John , Johnson W. Carter , Voldseth Richard A. , Guntenspergen Glenn R. , Millett Bruce 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThe early 2000s saw large increases in agricultural tile drainage in the eastern Dakotas of North America. Agricultural practices that drain wetlands directly are sometimes limited by wetland protection programs. Little is known about the impacts of tile drainage beyond the delineated boundaries of wetlands in upland catchments that may be in agricultural production. A series of experiments were conducted using the well‐published model WETLANDSCAPE that revealed the potential for wetlands to have significantly shortened surface water inundation periods and lower mean depths when tile is placed in certain locations beyond the wetland boundary. Under the soil conditions found in agricultural areas of South Dakota in North America, wetland hydroperiod was found to be more sensitive to the depth that drain tile is installed relative to the bottom of the wetland basin than to distance‐based setbacks. Because tile drainage can change the hydrologic conditions of wetlands, even when deployed in upland catchments, tile drainage plans should be evaluated more closely for the potential impacts they might have on the ecological services that these wetlands currently provide. Future research should investigate further how drainage impacts are affected by climate variability and change.
Comparison of an anal fistula plug and mucosa advancement flap for complex anal fistulas: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Xu Yansong , Tang Weizhong 
Published: September 2016

ObjectiveThe aim of this analysis was to compare the advantages of the anal fistula plug (AFP) with the mucosa advancement flap (MAF) for complex anal fistulas.MethodsComparative studies of the efficacy of AFP and MAF were included. Two independent reviewers selected articles for inclusion. After information collection, a meta‐analysis was performed using data on overall healing rates, complications, incontinences and recurrences. The quality of postoperative life and cost were also included with the clinical results.ResultsTen studies included 778 patients who were divided into AFP and MAF groups in this meta‐analysis. During the follow‐up period, no significant difference in healing rates, complications and recurrences were found (P = 0.55, P = 0.78 and P = 0.23, respectively). The incontinence rate of AFP was lower than that of MAF (P = 0.04). The postoperative quality of life of AFP patients was superior to that of MAF patients. The AFP patients had less persistent pain of a shorter duration and shortened healing time and hospital stay. The treatment cost of AFP patient was lower than that of MAF.ConclusionCompared to the MAF procedure, the AFP procedure has some advantages for complex anal fistulas, but more and large randomized clinical trials comparing the two procedures for fistula management need to be conducted.
Non‐invasive imaging of retinal blood flow in myeloproliferative neoplasms
Authors: Willerslev Anne , Hansen Mathias M. , Klefter Oliver Niels , Bjerrum Ole Weis , Hasselbalch Hans C. , Clemmensen Stine N. , Larsen Michael , Munch Inger Christine 
Published: September 2016

AbstractPurposeTo study the circulation in the retinal vessels in patients with blood dyscrasia due to myeloproliferative neoplasms using non‐invasive retinal imaging.MethodsProspective consecutive case series of seven treatment‐naïve patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia (n = 2), polycythemia vera (n = 4), essential thrombocytosis (n = 1) examined before and after cytoreductive treatment. We investigated retinal circulation with motion‐contrast imaging, retinal oximetry and spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography.ResultsRetinal venous blood velocity increased by 8.14% (CI95 3.67% to 12.6%, p = 0.004) and retinal arterial oxygen saturation increased by 7.23% (CI95 2.9% to 11.6%, p = 0.010) at follow‐up (mean 12 weeks, range 5–14 weeks) where complete haematological remission had been achieved by cytoreductive treatment. Abnormal optical coherence tomography reflectivity patterns were present at baseline in patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia and were replaced by normal patterns at follow‐up. Retinopathy, in the form of cotton‐wool spots and retinal haemorrhages, was found at presentation in the two patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia and in one patient with polycythemia vera. The retinopathy had resolved at follow‐up in all patients.ConclusionWith non‐invasive retinal imaging, we were able to demonstrate increased retinal venous blood velocity, increased retinal arterial blood oxygenation and normalization of intravascular reflectivity patterns after successful treatment of myeloproliferative neoplasms. Larger prospective studies are needed to assess the prognostic value of these non‐invasive imaging methods in predicting circulatory complications in myeloproliferative neoplasms.
Validity of aqueous flare measurement in predicting proliferative vitreoretinopathy in patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment
Authors: Conart Jean‐Baptiste , Kurun Soydan , Ameloot François , Tréchot Fanny , Leroy Bertrand , Berrod Jean‐Paul 
Published: September 2016

AbstractPurposeTo investigate aqueous flare as a preoperative predictor for later proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) development in patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RD) and to determine the validity of this measurement in patients at low clinical risk for postoperative PVR.MethodsThis study included 100 eyes of 100 patients who underwent surgery for primary RD. Aqueous flare was determined preoperatively with a laser flare‐cell meter (Kowa FM‐500, Kowa Company Ltd, Tokyo, Japan). Patients were followed for at least 6 months postoperatively. Failures related to PVR were recorded for statistical analysis.ResultsTwenty eyes (20%) developed PVR postoperatively. Preoperative flare values in these eyes were significantly higher than in eyes with no redetachment (48.12 ± 61.24 versus 17.74 ± 29.63 photon counts per millisecond (pc/ms), p = 0.002). The odds ratio for PVR development with flare values >15 pc/ms was 12.3 (p < 0.0001, 95% confidence interval, 3.54–42.59). Of 54 eyes at low clinical risk for postoperative PVR, five developed PVR postoperatively. Flare values were significantly higher in these eyes (25.30 ± 7.10 pc/ms) than in eyes with no redetachment (12.44 ± 10.16 pc/ms, p = 0.008). Using logistic regression, the odds ratio of PVR redetachment risk increased by the factor 1.078 per 1 pc/ms of flare value (95% CI, 1.01–1.15).ConclusionPreoperative aqueous flare is a strong predictive factor for PVR redetachment. The laser flare‐cell meter provides a fast and safe tool to accurately identify patients at risk for postoperative PVR, especially when clinical examination did not predict this risk.
Portable electronic vision enhancement systems in comparison with optical magnifiers for near vision activities: an economic evaluation alongside a randomized crossover trial
Authors: Bray Nathan , Brand Andrew , Taylor John , Hoare Zoe , Dickinson Christine , Edwards Rhiannon T. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractPurposeTo determine the incremental cost‐effectiveness of portable electronic vision enhancement system (p‐EVES) devices compared with optical low vision aids (LVAs), for improving near vision visual function, quality of life and well‐being of people with a visual impairment.MethodsAn AB/BA randomized crossover trial design was used. Eighty‐two participants completed the study. Participants were current users of optical LVAs who had not tried a p‐EVES device before and had a stable visual impairment. The trial intervention was the addition of a p‐EVES device to the participant's existing optical LVA(s) for 2 months, and the control intervention was optical LVA use only, for 2 months. Cost‐effectiveness and cost‐utility analyses were conducted from a societal perspective.ResultsThe mean cost of the p‐EVES intervention was £448. Carer costs were £30 (4.46 hr) less for the p‐EVES intervention compared with the LVA only control. The mean difference in total costs was £417. Bootstrapping gave an incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) of £736 (95% CI £481 to £1525) for a 7% improvement in near vision visual function. Cost per quality‐adjusted life year (QALY) ranged from £56 991 (lower 95% CI = £19 801) to £66 490 (lower 95% CI = £23 055). Sensitivity analysis varying the commercial price of the p‐EVES device reduced ICERs by up to 75%, with cost per QALYs falling below £30 000.ConclusionPortable electronic vision enhancement system (p‐EVES) devices are likely to be a cost‐effective use of healthcare resources for improving near vision visual function, but this does not translate into cost‐effective improvements in quality of life, capability or well‐being.
Listening to learners: An investigation into college students’ attitudes towards the adoption of e‐portfolios in English assessment and learning
Authors: Wang Ping , Jeffrey Ricky 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThis study discusses the possibility of e‐portfolio as a central component of assessment practice in the traditionally exam‐oriented context of China's tertiary education. The aim was to listen to learners, and provide them with a voice to analyse their perception of the potential advantages and challenges of introducing a learning‐focused assessment tool. From five consecutive annual cohorts (2007–2011), 220 university students completed questionnaires about their attitudes and experience of using e‐portfolio assessment in an English as a foreign language course, with 120 students participating in follow‐up interviews and focus groups. The vast majority of learners expressed preference for e‐portfolio assessment, compared to paper‐based examinations. This study contributes to understanding Chinese educational ideology of assessment, so as to place emphasis on assessment for quality learning rather than on teaching to the test.
Uterine, but not ovarian, female reproductive organ involvement at presentation by diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma is associated with poor outcomes and a high frequency of secondary CNS involvement
Authors: El‐Galaly Tarec Christoffer , Cheah Chan Y. , Hutchings Martin , Mikhaeel Nabegh George , Savage Kerry J. , Sehn Laurie H. , Barrington Sally , Hansen Jakob W. , Poulsen Mette Ø. , Smith Daniel , Rady Kirsty , Mylam Karen J. , Larsen Thomas S. , Holmberg Staffan , Juul Maja B. , Cordua Sabrina , Clausen Michael R. , Jensen Kristina B. , Bøgsted Martin , Johnsen Hans E. , Seymour John F. , Connors Joseph M. , Brown Peter d. N. , Villa Diego 
Published: September 2016

SummaryInvolvement of the internal female reproductive organs by diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is uncommon, and there are sparse data describing the outcomes of such cases. In total, 678 female patients with DLBCL staged with positron emission tomography/computed tomography and treated with rituximab‐containing chemotherapy were identified from databases in Denmark, Great Britain, Australia, and Canada. Overall, 27/678 (4%) had internal reproductive organ involvement: uterus (n = 14), ovaries (n = 10) or both (n = 3). In multivariate analysis, women with uterine DLBCL experienced inferior progression‐free survival and overall survival compared to those without reproductive organ involvement, whereas ovarian DLBCL was not predictive of outcome. Secondary central nervous system (CNS) involvement (SCNS) occurred in 7/17 (41%) women with uterine DLBCL (two patients with concomitant ovarian DLBCL) and 0/10 women with ovarian DLBCL without concomitant uterine involvement. In multivariate analysis adjusted for other risk factors for SCNS, uterine involvement by DLBCL remained strongly associated with SCNS (Hazard ratio 14·13, 95% confidence interval 5·09–39·25, P < 0·001). Because involvement of the uterus by DLBCL appears to be associated with a high risk of SCNS, those patients should be considered for CNS staging and prophylaxis. However, more studies are needed to determine whether the increased risk of secondary CNS involvement also applies to women with localized reproductive organ DLBCL.
Characteristics and outcomes of patients with multiple myeloma aged 21–40 years versus 41–60 years: a multi‐institutional case‐control study
Authors: Jurczyszyn Artur , Nahi Hareth , Avivi Irit , Gozzetti Alessandro , Niesvizky Ruben , Yadlapati Sujitha , Jayabalan David S. , Robak Paweł , Pika Tomas , Andersen Kristian T. , Rasche Leo , Mądry Krzysztof , Woszczyk Dariusz , Raźny Małgorzata , Usnarska‐Zubkiewicz Lidia , Knopińska‐Posłuszny Wanda , Wojciechowska Małgorzata , Guzicka‐Kazimierczak Renata , Joks Monika , Grosicki Sebastian , Ciepłuch Hanna , Rymko Marcin , Vesole David H. , Castillo Jorge J. 
Published: September 2016

SummaryWe compared the outcomes of multiple myeloma (MM) patients aged 21–40 and 41–60 years in the novel agent era. This case‐control study included 1089 patients between 2000 and 2015. Cases and controls were matched for sex, International Staging System (ISS) stage and institution. There were 173 patients in the younger group and 916 patients in the older group. Younger patients presented with a higher incidence of lytic lesions (82% vs. 72%; P = 0·04) and high‐risk cytogenetic abnormalities (83% vs. 68%; P = 0·007), but lower rate of elevated lactate dehydrogenase (21% vs. 44%; P < 0·001). Five‐ and 10‐year overall survival (OS) in younger versus older patients was 83% vs. 67% and 56% vs. 39%, respectively (P < 0·001). Similar results were seen when studying the subset of 780 patients who underwent autologous transplantation. Younger patients with ISS stage 1 had a better OS than older patients (P < 0·001). There was no survival difference between younger and older patients with ISS stage 2 or 3. Younger MM patients, aged 21–40 years, treated in the era of novel agents have a better OS than their counterparts aged 41–60 years, but the survival advantage observed in younger patients was lost in more advanced stages of MM.
Parents’ perceptions of counselling following prenatal diagnosis of congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract: a qualitative study
Authors: Marokakis Sarah , Kasparian Nadine A. , Kennedy Sean E. 
Published: September 2016

ObjectivesTo explore parents’ experiences of counselling after prenatal diagnosis of congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract.Subjects and MethodsParents of a child born between September 2012 and March 2015 with posterior urethral valves (PUV) or multicystic dysplastic kidney (MCDK) completed a semi‐structured telephone interview, demographic survey, and the 21‐item self‐report Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales questionnaire. Qualitative data were analysed thematically using NVivo10 software.ResultsIn all, 17 parents (PUV, eight; MCDK, nine) participated (response rate 40%), and most were offered counselling during pregnancy (14/17). Parents described feelings of shock, fear and uncertainty after diagnosis, and desired early information on all aspects of their child's condition. Most participants were satisfied with the information received; however, unmet information needs relating to treatment and prognosis were identified, particularly amongst fathers and parents in the PUV group. Some parents felt relieved after counselling (12/17); however, emotional distress often persisted long after diagnosis. Parents described a need for written and web‐based information resources, specialised psychological services, and parent support groups.ConclusionWhile parents valued counselling, many continued to report unmet informational and psychological needs. Early counselling addressing topics important to parents and provision of additional resources and support services may improve parents’ adjustment to their baby's diagnosis.