bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae Infections: Results From a Retrospective Series and Implications for the Design of Prospective Clinical Trials
Authors: Alexander Elizabeth L. , Loutit Jeffery , Tumbarello Mario , Wunderink Richard , Felton Tim , Daikos George , Fusaro Karen , White Dan , Zhang Shu , Dudley Michael N. 
Published: June 2017

Abstract

Background
The increasing incidence of multidrug-resistant Gram negatives, such as carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), has resulted in a critical need for new antimicrobials. Most studies of new antimicrobials have been performed in patients with nondrug-resistant pathogens. We performed a retrospective analysis of patients with CRE infections to inform the design of phase 3 clinical trials.

Methods
This was a retrospective study at 22 centers in 4 countries. Baseline data, treatment, and outcomes were collected in patients with complicated urinary tract infection (cUTI)/acute pyelonephritis (AP), hospital-acquired bacterial pneumonia (HABP), ventilator-associated bacterial pneumonia (VABP), and bacteremia due to CRE.

Results
Two hundred fifty-six cases of CRE infection were identified: 75 cUTI/AP, 21 HABP, 20 VABP, and 140 bacteremia. The patient population had significant comorbidities: 32.8% had chronic renal insufficiency, and 26.2% were immunocompromised. Illness severity at presentation was high: 29.3% presented with septic shock. Treatment regimens varied widely; however, a majority of patients received combination therapy. Outcomes were universally poor (28-day mortality was 28.1%) across all sites of infection, particularly in dialysis patients and those with sepsis.

Conclusions
The CRE infections occured in patients with substantial comorbidities and were associated with high mortality and low rates of clinical cure with available antibiotics. Patients with these comorbidities are often excluded from enrollment in clinical trials for registration of new drugs. These results led to changes in the inclusion/exclusion criteria of a phase 3 trial to better represent the patient population with CRE infections and enable enrollment. Observational studies may become increasingly important to guide clinical trial design, inform on the existing standard of care, and provide an external control for subsequent trials.
Critical Care Nurses’ Suggestions to Improve End-of-Life Care Obstacles
Authors: Beckstrand Renea L. , Hadley Kacie Hart , Luthy Karlen E. , Macintosh Janelle L. B. 
Published: June 2017

Background:
Critical-care nurses (CCNs) provide end-of-life (EOL) care on a daily basis as 1 in 5 patients dies while in intensive care units. Critical-care nurses overcome many obstacles to perform quality EOL care for dying patients.

Objectives:
The purposes of this study were to collect CCNs’ current suggestions for improving EOL care and determine if EOL care obstacles have changed by comparing results to data gathered in 1998.

Methods:
A 72-item questionnaire regarding EOL care perceptions was mailed to a national, geographically dispersed, random sample of 2000 members of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. One of 3 qualitative questions asked CCNs for suggestions to improve EOL care. Comparative obstacle size (quantitative) data were previously published.

Results:
Of the 509 returned questionnaires, 322 (63.3%) had 385 written suggestions for improving EOL care. Major themes identified were ensuring characteristics of a good death, improving physician communication with patients and families, adjusting nurse-to-patient ratios to 1:1, recognizing and avoiding futile care, increasing EOL education, physicians who are present and “on the same page,” not allowing families to override patients’ wishes, and the need for more support staff. When compared with data gathered 17 years previously, major themes remained the same but in a few cases changed in order and possible causation.

Conclusion:
Critical-care nurses’ suggestions were similar to those recommendations from 17 years ago. Although the order of importance changed minimally, the number of similar themes indicated that obstacles to providing EOL care to dying intensive care unit patients continue to exist over time.
Immunoassays for Measuring Serum Concentrations of Monoclonal Antibodies and Anti-biopharmaceutical Antibodies in Patients
Authors: Darrouzain François , Bian Sumin , Desvignes Céline , Bris Céline , Watier Hervé , Paintaud Gilles , de Vries Annick 
Published: June 2017

Abstract:
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) may be used as biopharmaceuticals to treat various diseases, ranging from oncology to inflammatory and cardiovascular affections. Trustworthy analytical methods are necessary to study their pharmacokinetics, both during their development and in post-marketing studies. Because biopharmaceuticals are macromolecules, ligand-binding assays (both immunoassays and bioassays) are methods of choice to measure their concentrations. Immunoassays are based on the capture of biopharmaceuticals by their target, which may be a circulating or membrane antigen or by an antibody recognizing their structure. Bioassays measure the activity of the biopharmaceutical in a specific in vitro test. A number of techniques have been reported, but their limits of detection and quantification vary widely. Anti-drug antibodies (ADA) against biopharmaceuticals are often formed and sometimes interfere with clinical efficacy. Accurate and reliable detection of ADA is therefore necessary. Binding of ADA is dependent on affinity and avidity, which makes quantification challenging. In this review, we discuss the benefits and limitations of each method to determine mAb levels and carefully compare ADA assays.
Prolongation of Biologic Dosing Intervals in Patients With Stable Psoriasis: A Feasibility Study
Authors: van Bezooijen Ji S. , van Doorn Martijn B. A. , Schreurs Marco W. J. , Koch Birgit C. P. , te Velthuis Henk , Prens Errol P. , van Gelder Teun 
Published: June 2017

Background:
Biologics are usually licensed according to the “one dose fits all” principle. It is therefore suspected that a significant number of patients with psoriasis are overtreated. However, evidence for successful dose reduction of biologics in psoriasis is scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the dosing interval of 3 biologics, adalimumab, etanercept, or ustekinumab could be prolonged successfully in patients with plaque psoriasis.

Methods:
In a prospective exploratory cohort study, 59 patients with psoriasis on maintenance treatment with adalimumab, etanercept, or ustekinumab were included. After a run-in period of 6 weeks, the dosing interval of the biologics was prolonged according to a predefined schedule. Our primary objective was to determine the proportion of patients who could maintain a successful prolongation of the per label dosing interval. Secondary objectives were to evaluate the predictive value of baseline serum trough concentrations for successful dosing interval prolongation and to explore the feasibility of dosing interval prolongations in off-label-treated patients.

Results:
In the per label group, 7 out of 16 (44%) adalimumab patients, 5 out of 16 (31%) etanercept patients, and 2 out of 10 (20%) ustekinumab patients achieved a successful dosing interval prolongation. Baseline serum trough concentrations did not differ significantly between patients with successful dosing interval prolongation and failures. In the off-label group, prolongation in patients with already extended intervals was unsuccessful. For patients with shortened intervals, minor prolongation was successful in 3 out of 17 (17.6%) patients.

Conclusions:
Prolongation of the per label biologic dosing interval was feasible in approximately 30% of patients with psoriasis with stable minimal disease activity and can reduce costs in clinical practice. Baseline serum trough concentrations were not predictive for successful dosing interval prolongation.
Difficulties in Surgical Decision Making and Associated Factors Among Elective Surgical Patients in Taiwan
Authors: Lin Mei-Ling , Chen Ching-Huey 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACT

Background:
Respect for the autonomy of patients is essential in life-threatening medical decisions such as surgery. Even if a patient has the competency to make decisions, many obstacles exist that may influence his or her willingness to participate in the surgical decision-making process.

Purpose:
The aim of this study was to explore the perceived difficulties in surgical decision making and related factors among elective surgical patients.

Methods:
This was a cross-sectional correlational study. A convenience sampling method was used to recruit patients from a medical center in southern Taiwan. Patients who had received elective surgery, were older than 20 years old, and were competent to make medical decisions were invited to participate. A structured questionnaire was developed by the researchers to collect demographic data, decision patterns, and perceived difficulties in surgical decision making. Acceptable validity and reliability of the questionnaire were confirmed before data collection.

Results:
Over 80% of the participants made the surgical decision by themselves or in collaboration with their family or physician. Less than 15% expected to make the surgical decision by themselves. Illness-related suffering was the greatest difficulty that participants faced. The patients who tended toward passive decision making faced greater difficulties in the dimensions of “do not understand information,” “physician’s lack of concern,” and “difficulty in freely communicating with the physician” than their active decision-making peers. Male participants reported having more difficulty in communicating with their physician than their female peers. Age, education, and marital status were not significantly associated with perceived difficulties in surgical decision making.

Conclusions:
Family participation in the medical decision-making process is expected by most patients. Although less than 20% of the participants in this study were categorized as passive decision makers, this group reported more difficulties than the active decision-making group. Healthcare professionals should be more active in communicating with patients who are largely silent during the decision-making process to elicit their preferences and needs with regard to surgical decisions.
“Attention Everyone, Time Out!”: Safety Attitudes and Checklist Practices in Anesthesiology in Germany. A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Neuhaus Christopher , Spies Aline , Wilk Henryk , Weigand Markus A. , Lichtenstern Christoph 
Published: June 2017

Background
The use of perioperative checklists has generated a growing body of evidence pointing toward reduction of mortality and morbidity, improved compliance with guidelines, reduction of adverse events, and improvements in human factor–related areas. Usual quality management metrics generally fall short in assessing compliance with their perioperative application. Our study assessed application attitudes and compliance with safety measures centered around the World Health Organization (WHO) “Safe Surgery Saves Lives” campaign as perceived by anesthesia professionals in Germany.

Methods
Three hundred sixteen physicians and nurses participated in our cross-sectional survey, and 304 completed all 35 questions.

Results
Only 59.5% of participants had knowledge of the theoretical framework behind the WHO campaign. During the “sign-in,” patient ID and surgical site were checked in 99.6% and 95.1% as recommended by the WHO. Allergies were addressed by 89.2%, expected difficult airway by 65.7%, and the availability of blood products by 70.5%. A total of 84.9% of participants advocated for the time-out to include all persons present in the operating room, which was the case in 57.0%. A total of 40.8% stated that the time-out was only performed between anesthetist and surgeon; in 17.0% of cases, the patient was simultaneously draped and/or surgically scrubbed. No significant differences between hospital types were observed.

Conclusions
Our study paints a heterogeneous picture of the implementation, usage, and safety attitudes concerning the Safe Surgery Checklist as promoted by the WHO. The lack of standardized execution and team-mindedness can be taken as further evidence for the importance of interdisciplinary training focusing on human factors, communication, and collaboration rather than the mere implementation by decree.
An ecopreneur’s growing resilience after a series of earthquakes
Authors: Kirkwood Jodyanne , Dwyer Kirsty , Walton Sara 
Published: June 2017

Purpose
This paper aims to examine the experiences of an ecopreneurial venture that was operating before, during and after the 2010-2011 series of earthquakes in Christchurch, New Zealand. The aim is to elucidate on the tension existing between an ecopreneur’s personal green values/ethics and his need to be resilient and do what was necessary to ensure his business’s survival, which was operating before, during and after an extreme event – the 2010-2011 series of earthquakes in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Design/methodology/approach
The data are gathered from a longitudinal case study of Just Organic Ltd (an organic fruit and vegetable delivery service) over a five-year period which covers time before and after the earthquakes. Data were gathered via two in-depth face-to-face interviews with the ecopreneur, along with a number of email and telephone follow-ups.

Findings
Findings indicate that an extreme event such as an earthquake will inhibit the green values of an ecopreneur as the ecopreneur works to ensure business survival. To continue to operate successfully, the ecopreneur developed a resilient and hardy nature and adapted operational processes to run in a more entrepreneurial fashion. It would seem that holding firmly to green values irrespective of a changed business environment is detrimental to business viability and survivability. The ecopreneur bounced forward, rather than bouncing back from the disaster.

Research limitations/implications
The implications for research, policy makers and ecopreneurs and entrepreneurs in general are discussed. There are lessons to be learned from the experiences of the ecopreneur who is operating Just Organic Limited.

Originality/value
This paper is one of the few that has examined the impact the Christchurch earthquakes had on an existing eco-business. The longitudinal data enable a unique insight into the operational aspects of an eco-business before and after a series of earthquakes.
Status and international alliance formation
Authors: Powell K. Skylar , Takahashi Hidenori , Roehl Tom 
Published: June 2017

PurposeEvidence suggests that “single-market” alliances are more likely to form between firms in similar socially determined status positions. However, in international alliances, firms come from different status interfaces and foreign partners may become status competitors. Hence, the preference for partners with similar socially derived status positions in their respective markets, or status homophily, is unclear in ‘international’ partner selections. This analysis aims to better understand this issue.Design/methodology/approachThis research explores status homophily in international alliance formation using a database of hand-collected tombstone announcements for US initial public offering syndicates involving Japanese securities firms from 1975 through 1984.FindingsResults suggest that firms are attracted to partners who occupy similar socially derived status positions in their own home markets. Additionally, high-status host-country firms may signal status differences within alliances to reduce status competition from high-status foreign partners.Originality/valueThis research indicates that “international” alliance research needs to consider socially derived status positions. Additionally, academics and practitioners alike can benefit from the knowledge that status signaling within alliances can be a type of competitive behavior between cooperating firms.
Productive researchers in countries with limited research capacity
Authors: Kuzhabekova Aliya , Mukhamejanova Dinara 
Published: June 2017

Purpose
This study aims to explore how some researchers become successful in the research context of a transitional country despite the resource- and training-related limitations imposed by an immature research system.

Design/methodology/approach
The research uses Unger’s ideas within agency theory, specifically, his concepts of “negative capability” and “formative context” as its framework. The study adopts a descriptive qualitative approach, whereby the data collected from 19 in-depth interviews with successful researchers from various universities of Kazakhstan is analyzed using emergent thematic coding.

Findings
The study findings are consistent with Unger’s agency theory. The theory predicts that researchers can achieve their goals by adapting to the constrained context and can take steps to transform the context in desirable ways. Specifically, the Kazakhstani researchers have successfully adapted the Soviet mechanism of research schools to the new realities by “exploiting” a recently introduced government-funded mobility program for doctoral students for their own purposes. This mechanism is conductive to junior researchers’ capacity building, as well as to increasing the productivity of the leading researchers and their research teams.

Originality/value
The contribution of the study consists in the fact that it explores the process of researcher development, more specifically, individual level research capacity building in the context of a transitional post-Soviet country. The study pays special attention to the role of international mobility and research schools in the development of research skills. The conclusions of the paper are of interest to the scholars of researcher development in general and to the specialists in individual research capacity building in Eurasia in particular.
Exclusion and Counter‐exclusion: The Struggle over Shrimp Farming in a Coastal Village in Bangladesh
Authors: Afroz Sharmin , Cramb Rob , Grünbühel Clemens 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACTThis article explores the processes whereby control over land and water is exercised in the context of commercial shrimp cultivation in coastal Bangladesh. The authors draw on the insight that the exercise of control over resources implies both inclusion for some and exclusion for others, and that shifting the boundary between the two involves the deployment of four interacting ‘powers of exclusion’ — regulation, the market, force and legitimation — the effectiveness of which depends on specific historical conjunctures. The article uses a case study of a village in Khulna District to explore: (a) the processes by which poor farmers were excluded from their land by large shrimp farmers; (b) the ways in which villagers experienced the changes in land use and social relations associated with the shrimp boom; and (c) the conjunction of internal and external factors that enabled smallholders to collectively mobilize to reverse their exclusion from the land. Understanding these messy and contingent processes of exclusion and counter‐exclusion helps to inform strategies aimed at securing the property rights and livelihoods of the rural poor.
Ancient oncogenesis, infection and human evolution
Authors: Rifkin Riaan F. , Potgieter Marnie , Ramond Jean‐Baptiste , Cowan Don A. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe recent discovery that malignant neoplastic lesions date back nearly 2 million years ago not only highlights the antiquity of cancer in the human lineage, but also provides remarkable insight into ancestral hominin disease pathology. Using these Early Pleistocene examples as a point of departure, we emphasize the prominent role of viral and bacterial pathogens in oncogenesis and evaluate the impact of pathogens on human evolutionary processes in Africa. In the Shakespearean vernacular “what's past is prologue,” we highlight the significance of novel information derived from ancient pathogenic DNA. In particular, and given the temporal depth of human occupation in sub‐Saharan Africa, it is emphasized that the region is ideally positioned to play a strategic role in the discovery of ancient pathogenic drivers of not only human mortality, but also human evolution. Ancient African pathogen genome data can provide novel revelations concerning human‐pathogen coevolutionary processes, and such knowledge is essential for forecasting the ways in which emerging zoonotic and increasingly transmissible diseases might influence human demography and longevity in the future.
Race and Gender Recidivism Differences Among Juvenile Mental Health Court Graduates
Authors: Behnken Monic P. , Bort Alison , Borbon Megan 
Published: June 2017

AbstractGrounded in the theory of therapeutic jurisprudence, this research explores whether recidivism differs by race, ethnicity, or gender among juvenile mental health court graduates (N = 63). Mean number of pre‐program offenses were compared to the mean number of offenses committed by program completion. Results showed statistically significant reductions in recidivism by both males (p < .001) and females (p < .003). Racial and ethnic minorities demonstrated larger reductions when compared to Whites (p < .001 for Hispanics and p < .01 for combined ethnicities). These results contribute to the literature on effective intervention models for diverse juvenile offender populations.
INSTITUTIONAL OWNERSHIP AND EARNING MANAGEMENT BY BANK HOLDING COMPANIES
Authors: Elyasiani Elyas , Wen Yuan , Zhang Rongrong 
Published: June 2017

AbstractWe explore the role of institutional investors as a source of market discipline in mitigating earning management (EMGT) by bank holding companies (BHCs). We propose that ownership by monitoring institutions (institutional investors with large and long‐term stakes and independence from managers) is associated with less EMGT because they have greater incentives/skills for monitoring their investees than other shareholders. We find that EMGT by BHCs is negatively associated with ownership by monitoring institutions for larger and riskier banks and for the post‐SunTrust decision period. Nonmonitoring institutional ownership is unassociated or in some cases weakly or even positively associated with EMGT. Our findings suggest that regulators should facilitate ownership by monitoring institutions as a complement to regulation.
Alternative Resilience Indices for City Ecosystems Subjected to Natural Hazards
Authors: Bozza Anna , Asprone Domenico , Parisi Fulvio , Manfredi Gaetano 
Published: June 2017

AbstractPrompt and efficient responses against natural hazards are needed to build cities capable of withstanding disasters, namely resilient cities. This study aims at presenting and testing synthetic resilience indices over a real urban center threatened by multiple hazards, for which a global overview of city performance is requested. An integrated framework is proposed for quantitative resilience assessment by way of time‐independent synthetic indices. The approach proposed is in accordance to the complex network theory and uses a global indicator of the system connectivity to assess the city functioning also in case of network disruption. Resilience is evaluated as a proxy for systemic urban damage by modeling a city ecosystem as a hybrid social–physical network. Seismic and landslide scenario analyses are performed for the city of Sarno, Italy. A probability‐based approach is used to compute urban vulnerability. Subsequently, to highlight changes in results according to the type of disaster, a recovery strategy is simulated to assess efficiency and damage states in each recovery stage, and urban resilience.