bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of a Meibomian Gland Dysfunction–Specific Symptom Questionnaire
Authors: Paugh Jerry R. , Kwan Justin , Christensen Michael , Nguyen Andrew Loc , Senchyna Michelle , Meadows David 
Published: July 2016

Objectives:
The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate, using psychometric approaches, a meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)-specific questionnaire in noncontact lens wearers.

Methods:
The MGD subjects were recruited and classified as the MGD dry eye subtype based on accepted tests (e.g., Schein symptom survey, tear breakup time, corneal and conjunctival staining, abnormal meibum or meibomian gland atrophy, and a normal Schirmer test). The MGD questionnaire items were drawn from published and anecdotal sources. The preliminary instrument contained 24 items targeting the frequency and intensity of 12 symptoms. Rasch analysis was used for psychometric evaluation of the survey items.

Results:
Sixty nine MGD subjects completed the survey and clinical testing. Sample severity levels were as follows: none subclinical, 10 minimal, 43 mild, 16 moderate, and none severe. Three iterations of analysis, eliminating INFIT and OUTFIT scores <, and >3.0, and using subject responses reduced the final questionnaire to seven question pairs. Final analysis for the remaining 14 items demonstrated an excellent fit to the Rasch model (e.g., for persons, INFIT MNSQ=0.97; ZSTD=−0.2; OUTFIT MNSQ=0.96; ZSTD=−0.2; item fit statistics were similar). Construct validity also seems good (e.g., correlation to Schein and change with treatment).

Conclusions:
The MGD-specific instrument is a valid quantitative measure of the symptoms stemming from MGD sufferers. Further research is necessary to determine whether diagnostic efficacy is sufficient to differentiate the MGD dry eye subtype in an independent sample of normals and both major dry eye subtypes exhibiting a broad severity range.
Monitoring microcirculation in critical illness
Authors: Kara Atila , Akin Sakir , Ince Can 
Published: July 2016

Purpose of review
Critical illness includes a wide range of conditions from sepsis to high-risk surgery. All these diseases are characterized by reduced tissue oxygenation. Macrohemodynamic parameters may be corrected by fluids and/or vasoactive compounds; however, the microcirculation and its tissues may be damaged and remain hypoperfused. An evaluation of microcirculation may enable more physiologically based approaches for understanding the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of critically ill patients.

Recent findings
Microcirculation plays a pivotal role in delivering oxygen to the cells and maintains tissue perfusion. Negative results of several studies, based on conventional hemodynamic resuscitation procedures to achieve organ perfusion and decrease morbidity and mortality following conditions of septic shock and other cardiovascular compromise, have highlighted the need to monitor microcirculation. The loss of hemodynamic coherence between the macrocirculation and microcirculation, wherein improvement of hemodynamic variables of the systemic circulation does not cause a parallel improvement of microcirculatory perfusion and oxygenation of the essential organ systems, may explain why these studies have failed.

Summary
Critical illness is usually accompanied by abnormalities in microcirculation and tissue hypoxia. Direct monitoring of sublingual microcirculation using hand-held microscopy may provide a more physiological approach. Evaluating the coherence between macrocirculation and microcirculation in response to therapy seems to be essential in evaluating the efficacy of therapeutic interventions.
Diagnostic Accuracy of the Combination of Clinical Symptoms and CT or MR Angiography in Patients With Chronic Gastrointestinal Ischemia
Authors: Harki Jihan , Vergouwe Yvonne , Spoor Johannes A. , Mensink Peter B. , Bruno Marco J. , van Noord Désirée , Kuipers Ernst J. , Tjwa Eric T.T.L. 
Published: July 2016

Background:
No golden diagnostic standard is available to diagnose chronic gastrointestinal ischemia (CGI).

Goals:
We aimed to establish an accurate prediction model for CGI, based on clinical symptoms and radiologic evaluation of the amount of stenosis in the celiac artery (CA) and superior mesenteric artery (SMA) by means of computed tomography-angiography or magnetic resonance (MR)-angiography.

Study:
We prospectively included 436 consecutive patients with clinical suspicion of CGI in a tertiary referral center. Predictors for CGI were obtained by comparing clinical parameters to the diagnosis of CGI. Multivariable logistic regression was used to combine the strongest predictors in a model. A score chart based on the prediction model was provided to calculate the risk of CGI.

Results:
CGI was present in 171/436 (39%) patients (67 y; range, 54 to 74 y; 27% male). Strongest predictors for CGI were female gender [odds ratio (OR)=1.44; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.85-2.43], weight loss (OR=1.63, 95% CI, 0.98-2.72), concomitant cardiovascular disease (OR=1.70, 95% CI, 1.04-2.78), duration of symptoms (OR=0.88, 95% CI, 0.79-0.99), and stenosis of CA and SMA (50% to 70% stenosis CA: OR=1.33, 95% CI, 0.56-3.19; >70% stenosis CA: OR=5.79, 95% CI, 3.42-9.81; 50% to 70% stenosis SMA: OR=3.21, 95% CI, 0.81-12.74; >70% stenosis SMA: OR=4.39, 95% CI, 2.30-8.41). A model based on clinical symptoms alone showed limited discriminative ability for diagnosing CGI (c-statistic 0.62). Adding radiologic imaging of the mesenteric arteries improved the discriminative ability (c-statistic 0.79).

Conclusions:
Clinical symptoms alone are insufficient to predict the risk of CGI. Radiologic evaluation of the mesenteric arteries is essential. This tool may be useful for clinicians to assess the risk of CGI and to decide whether further diagnostic work-up for CGI is needed.
A Systematic Review Assessing Medical Treatment for Rectovaginal and Enterovesical Fistulae in Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Kaimakliotis Pavlos , Simillis Constantinos , Harbord Marcus , Kontovounisios Christos , Rasheed Shahnawaz , Tekkis Paris P. 
Published: July 2016

Background:
Rectovaginal and enterovesical fistulae are difficult to treat in patients with Crohn’s disease. Currently, there is no consensus regarding their appropriate management.

Aim of the Study:
The aim of the study was to review the literature on the medical management of rectovaginal and enterovesical fistulae in Crohn’s disease and to assess their response to treatment.

Method:
A literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Science Citation Index Expanded, and Cochrane was performed.

Results:
Twenty-three studies were identified, reporting on 137 rectovaginal and 44 enterovesical fistulae. The overall response rates of rectovaginal fistulae to medical therapy were: 38.3% complete response (fistula closure), 22.3% partial response, and 39.4% no response. For enterovesical fistulae the response rates to medical therapy were: 65.9% complete response, 20.5% partial response, and 13.6% no response. Specifically, response to anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy of 78 rectovaginal fistulae was: 41.0% complete response, 21.8% partial response, and 37.2% no response. Response of 14 enterovesical fistulae to anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy was: 57.1% complete response, 35.7% partial response, and 7.1% no response. The response to a combination of medical and surgical therapy in 43 rectovaginal fistulae was: 44.2% complete response, 20.9% partial response, and 34.9% no response.

Conclusions:
Medical therapy, alone or in combination with surgery, appears to benefit some patients with rectovaginal or enterovesical fistula. However, given the small size and low quality of the published studies, it is still difficult to draw conclusions regarding treatment. Larger, better quality studies are required to assess response to medical treatment and evaluate indications for surgery.
Disturbances of sleep and circadian rhythms: novel risk factors for obesity
Authors: Broussard Josiane L. , Van Cauter Eve 
Published: July 2016

Purpose of review
The purpose of this review is to summarize recent developments linking disturbances of sleep and circadian rhythms to an increased risk for obesity, and to review novel research on potential countermeasures.

Recent findings
Effective treatments for obesity are limited, with long-term adherence to lifestyle changes proving difficult to maintain. Identifying new preventive strategies based on modifiable risk factors is therefore imperative in the fight against obesity. Disturbances of sleep and circadian rhythms have an adverse impact on food choices, hunger and appetite, and have lifelong deleterious metabolic consequences when they occur during childhood and early adulthood. The upregulation of the endocannabinoid system and abnormalities in the temporal distribution of caloric intake were recently implicated in the link between sleep loss and obesity risk. In addition, alterations in circadian variation in the composition and functionality of the gut microbiome have been identified as potential contributors to metabolic dysfunction during jet lag and shift work. Insufficient sleep and circadian misalignment are thus new modifiable risk factors for obesity. Emerging evidence suggests that novel countermeasures, such as manipulations of the timing of food intake, may be effective strategies in the prevention of obesity.

Summary
Four important findings are briefly reviewed: disturbances of sleep and circadian rhythms in children and young adults are risk factors for the development of lifelong obesity; circadian misalignment, as occurs in shift work, has an adverse impact on energy balance and increases the risk of weight gain; the endocannabinoid system, an important regulator of hedonic feeding, could be a potential link between sleep, circadian rhythms, and feeding behavior; and disturbances of the circadian variation in composition of the gut microbiome may be involved in the increased risk of obesity associated with insufficient sleep and circadian misalignment.
Safety and Benefits of Bronchoalveolar Lavage and Lung Biopsy in the Management of Pulmonary Infiltrates in Children With Leukemia
Authors: Elbahlawan Lama M. , Avent Yvonne , Montoya Libby , Wilder Keith , Pei Deqing , Cheng Cheng , Morrison R. R. , Jeha Sima 
Published: July 2016

Background:
Children with leukemia are at risk of developing life-threatening opportunistic pulmonary infections. The role of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and lung biopsy (BX) in the management of these patients is controversial. In this study, we evaluate the yield and safety of BAL and BX in children with leukemia.

Procedure:
We reviewed the records of all children with leukemia who underwent either BAL or BX between 1997 and 2007 at the St Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Results:
A total of 64 patients were included, of whom 35 (55%) had BX and 29 (45%) had BAL. Positive results were obtained in 69% of BAL cohort and in 46% of BX cohort. Both procedures resulted in change in antimicrobial coverage (77% in BX, 83% in BAL). Pulmonary hemorrhage occurred in 2 patients, and transient hypoxia was the most frequent complication. All resolved without negatively impacting the clinical course.

Conclusions:
Both BAL and BX are safe and useful in the management of children with leukemia and pulmonary disease.
Renal Thrombotic Microangiopathy in Proliferative Lupus Nephritis: Risk Factors and Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Barrera-Vargas Ana , Rosado-Canto Rodrigo , Merayo-Chalico Javier , Arreola-Guerra José M. , Mejía-Vilet Juan M. , Correa-Rotter Ricardo , Gómez-Martín Diana , Alcocer-Varela Jorge 
Published: July 2016

Background
Renal thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) may be associated with lupus nephritis. Its relationship to other disease factors and its specific effect on prognosis are not precisely known. Evidence regarding these aspects is controversial, and information focusing on kidney-limited TMA in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients is scarce.

Objectives
The aims of this study were to identify risk factors for renal TMA in patients with lupus nephritis and to determine its impact on clinical outcomes.

Methods
A case-control study was performed. We studied 245 renal biopsies from SLE patients. We included patients with renal TMA, as well as control subjects adjusted for glomerulonephritis class, estimated glomerular filtration rate, activity and chronicity indices, and follow-up time. Serological and clinical features were measured at the time of the biopsy and during follow-up.

Results
Twenty-three patients with renal TMA and 21 control subjects were included. There were no differences in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index score, end-stage renal disease, or mortality between groups during follow-up. After multivariate analysis, lymphopenia (odds ratio, 10.69; 95% CI, 1.35–84.74) and anti-Ro antibody positivity (odds ratio, 8.96; 95% CI, 1.49–53.57) remained significantly associated with renal TMA.

Conclusions
Lymphopenia and anti-Ro positivity are independent risk factors for renal TMA in SLE patients. This increased risk could be a consequence of the potential role of these factors in endothelial dysfunction and damage. Outcomes were similar for patients with the same estimated glomerular filtration rate and biopsy characteristics, regardless of the presence of TMA.
Pelvic Floor Muscle Rehabilitation to Improve Sexual Function in Geriatric Men
Authors: Kirages Daniel J. , Johnson Eileen V. 
Published: July 2016

Background:
There is a growing population of geriatric men experiencing sexual health concerns. These issues may stem from surgical interventions of the prostate gland, age-related changes affecting erectile dysfunction, or other concerns.

Objectives:
To illuminate the male sexual dysfunctions lessened via pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation and proper education to assist clinicians in achieving positive patient outcomes.

Methods:
The literature was reviewed from 1996 to 2015 using PubMed.

Results:
Effective conservative care strategies exist for appropriate patients via pelvic floor muscle therapy, manual therapy, education regarding cardiovascular health, and triage to psychological and sexual counseling.

Conclusion:
Efficacy is present for this population, but some conditions are more effectively treated conservatively than others.
Cultured Ostreococcus is cobalamin-independent
Authors: Pašek Mark Paul 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThe marine microalga Ostreococcus is considered to depend on the methionine synthase METH and its methylated cobalamin cofactor for methionine synthesis because it lacks METE, the methylcobalamin-independent methionine synthase. Here I describe minimal media lacking both biotin and cobalamin yet suitable for growth of cultured Ostreococcus.
Feedforward and feedback frequency-dependent interactions in a large-scale laminar network of the primate cortex
Authors: Mejias Jorge F. , Murray John D. , Kennedy Henry , Wang Xiao-Jing 
Published: July 2016

AbstractInteractions between top-down and bottom-up processes in the cerebral cortex hold the key to understanding predictive coding, executive control and a gamut of other brain functions. The underlying circuit mechanism, however, remains poorly understood and represents a major challenge in neuroscience. In the present work we tackled this problem using a large-scale computational model of the primate cortex constrained by new directed and weighted connectivity data. In our model, the interplay between feedforward and feedback signaling depends on the cortical laminar structure and involves complex dynamics across multiple (intra-laminar, inter-laminar, inter-areal and whole cortex) scales. The model was tested by reproducing, and shedding insights into, a wide range of neurophysiological findings about frequency-dependent interactions between visual cortical areas: feedforward pathways are associated with enhanced gamma (30-70 Hz) oscillations, whereas feedback projections selectively modulate alpha/low beta (8-15 Hz) oscillations. We found that in order for the model to account for the experimental observations, the feedback projection needs to predominantly target infragranular layers in a target area, which leads to a proposed circuit substrate for predictive coding. The model reproduces a functional hierarchy based on frequency-dependent Granger causality analysis of inter-areal signaling, as reported in recent monkey and human experiments. Taken together, this work highlights the importance of multi-scale approaches and provides a modeling platform for studies of large-scale brain circuit dynamics and functions.
Road towards Lean Six Sigma in service industry: a multi-factor integrated framework
Authors: Tsironis Loukas K , Psychogios Alexandros G. 
Published: July 2016

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to adopt a multiple case-study approach, of three companies, in order to identify the factors affecting Lean Six Sigma (L6σ) implementation in service industry.

Design/methodology/approach
– Secondary data were collected through companies’ documents, written procedures and quality assurance policies. Primary data were collected through a number of in-depth interviews with managers and quality experts.

Findings
– The analysis of qualitative data gathered through in-depth interviews with managers in all three cases resulted in the emergence of variety of critical success factors (CSFs) regarding L6σ implementation in service industry. As it can be seen the great majority of the factors have been identified in all three cases. Moreover the analysis shows that there are two categories of factors emerged.

Originality/value
– This study has four major contributions. First, it provides an intergraded multi-factor framework regarding the implementation of L6σ in service industry. In particular, this study contributes with three more particular factors that influence the implementation of L6σ in services, namely, top-management active involvement, HR support activities, and practices and systems. Second, it focusses on the responses of managers, who play the critical role in the adoption of L6σ. Third, supports and expands current literature on the key success factors of L6σ application. Finally, it provides future ideas to explore and develop more the suggested L6σ framework.
A hybrid approach for cost-optimized lateral transshipment in a supply chain environment
Authors: Nakandala Dilupa , Lau Henry , Ning Andrew 
Published: July 2016

Purpose
– When making sourcing decisions, both cost optimization and customer demand fulfillment are equally important for firm competitiveness. The purpose of this paper is to develop a stochastic search technique, hybrid genetic algorithm (HGA), for cost-optimized decision making in wholesaler inventory management in a supply chain network of wholesalers, retailers and suppliers.

Design/methodology/approach
– This study develops a HGA by using a mixture of greedy-based and randomly generated solutions in the initial population and a local search method (hill climbing) applied to individuals selected for performing crossover before crossover is implemented and to the best individual in the population at the end of HGA as well as gene slice and integration.

Findings
– The application of the proposed HGA is illustrated by considering multiple scenarios and comparing with the other commonly adopted methods of standard genetic algorithm, simulated annealing and tabu search. The simulation results demonstrate the capability of the proposed approach in producing more effective solutions.

Practical implications
– The pragmatic importance of this method is for the inventory management of wholesaler operations and this can be scalable to address real contexts with multiple wholesalers and multiple suppliers with variable lead times.

Originality/value
– The proposed stochastic-based search techniques have the capability in producing good-quality optimal or suboptimal solutions for large-scale problems within a reasonable time using ordinary computing resources available in firms.
Developing proactive salespeople – a study and recommendations for sales management
Authors: Mallin Michael L. 
Published: July 2016

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, it provides the results of a study of key characteristics of proactive salespeople and the impact of salesperson proactive behavior on selling performance. Second, it provides recommendations for sales management to implement organizational strategies designed to develop, train and coach salespeople to be more proactive.

Design/methodology/approach
In all, 278 business-to-business salespeople were surveyed to identify key traits and outcomes of proactive salespeople. The average subject was 28 years of age with 5 years of selling experience. Scales from the management, organizational behavior and sales performance literature were used to identify the degree that subjects engaged in proactive behavior in their selling role, a self-assessment of their sales performance and individual traits thought to predict higher levels of proactive behavior.

Findings
The findings revealed that proactive salespeople exhibited high levels of selling behavior performance – an important contributor to measurable selling results. In addition, proactive salespeople were intrinsically motivated, confident in the tasks of selling and willing to take calculated risks.

Practical implications
Practical implications suggest that sales managers can play a key role in fostering proactive behavior among salespeople through development, training and coaching. First, sales managers can play a role in the development of salesperson intrinsic motivation by stressing the importance of asking good questions to understand their customer’s problems to the extent that they can be proactive and recommend solutions for change. Second, training programs to make salespeople more confident should center on fully understanding product/service functionality and applications to typical customer problems. Finally, coaching tools such as win–loss reviews, post-call analysis/feedback and role-playing are useful mechanisms to reinforce the right type of risk-taking selling behavior decisions.

Originality/value
The value of this research is to shed light on the importance of salesperson proactive behavior as a means to drive selling organizational performance and fostering long-term customer relationships. Understanding the drivers of proactivity among salespeople is the first step for sales management to be able to operationalize organizational strategies to develop, train and coach salespeople to be more proactive in their selling approach.