Understanding national culture effects on user behavior in integrative IS implementations

AbstractThis study examines how national culture manifests itself in integrative IS implementations and how it influences user behavior. Adopting a case survey approach, a sample of 70 cases encompassing 18 countries/regions, 18 industries and over 25 different integrative IT systems resulted in 481 instances of national culture dimensions, manifestations and effects. These were analysed through the lens of Hofstede's five national culture dimensions. Three types of national culture manifestations were identified, namely trust and respect, management culture and conflict. Management style and implementation ownership were identified as effects of national culture on user resistance

Treatment of extra-articular proximal and middle phalangeal fractures of the hand: a systematic review

The aim of the study was to systematically review the patient reported and functional outcomes of treatment for extra-articular proximal or middle phalangeal fractures of the hand in order to determine the best treatment options. The review methodology was registered with PROSPERO. A systematic literature search was conducted in electronic bibliographic databases. Two independent reviewers performed screening and data extraction. The evaluation of quality of the included studies was performed using the Structured Effectiveness Quality Evaluation scale. The initial search yielded 2354 studies. The full text manuscripts of 79 studies were evaluated of which 16 studies met the inclusion criteria. In total, 513 extra-articular proximal and middle phalangeal fractures of the hand were included of which 118 (23%) were treated non-operatively, 188 (37%) were treated by closed reduction internal fixation (CRIF) and 207 (40%) by open reduction internal fixation. It can be recommended that closed displaced extra-articular phalangeal fractures can be treated non-operatively, even fractures with an oblique or complex pattern, provided that closed reduction is possible and maintained. Conservative treatment is preferably performed with a cast/brace allowing free mobilization of the wrist. No definite conclusion could be drawn upon whether closed reduction with extra-articular K-wire pinning or transarticular pinning is superior; however, it might be suggested that extra-articular K-wire pinning is favoured. When open reduction is necessary for oblique or spiral extra-articular fractures, lag screw fixation is preferable to plate and screw fixation. But, similar recovery and functional results are achieved with transversally inserted K-wires compared to lag screw fixation. Type of study/level of evidence: therapeutic III

Rosiglitazone protects endothelial cells from irradiation-induced mitochondrial dysfunction

Background and Purpose: Up to 50–60% of all cancer patients receive radiotherapy as part of their treatment strategy. However, the mechanisms accounting for increased vascular risks after irradiation are not completely understood. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been identified as a potential cause of radiation-induced atherosclerosis. Materials and Methods: Assays for apoptosis, cellular metabolism, mitochondrial DNA content, functionality and morphology were used to compare the response of endothelial cells to a single 2 Gy dose of X-rays under basal conditions or after pharmacological treatments that either reduced (EtBr) or increased (rosiglitazone) mitochondrial content. Results: Exposure to ionizing radiation caused a persistent reduction in mitochondrial content of endothelial cells. Pharmacological reduction of mitochondrial DNA content rendered endothelial cells more vulnerable to radiation-induced apoptosis, whereas rosiglitazone treatment increased oxidative metabolism and redox state and decreased the levels of apoptosis after irradiation. Conclusion: Pre-existing mitochondrial damage sensitizes endothelial cells to ionizing radiation-induced mitochondrial dysfunction. Rosiglitazone protects endothelial cells from the detrimental effects of radiation exposure on mitochondrial metabolism and oxidative stress. Thus, our findings indicate that rosiglitazone may have potential value as prophylactic for radiation-induced atherosclerosis

Nanophotonic control of Forster Resonance Energy Transfer

Here we report on the experimental details of a study on the influence of the photonic environment on the emission of a FRET system. We modified the local density of optical states (LDOS) by placing the FRET system at precisely defined distances to a metallic mirror. We measured the energy donor lifetime in the presence of the FRET acceptor and the lifetime of an identical sample lacking an acceptor fluorophore for different LDOS. From the lifetimes we determined the FRET rate as well as the FRET efficiency for each sampled LDOS.Comment: This is the experimental section of arXiv:1207.2272v

Traditional Cardiovascular Risk Factors Are Stronger Related to Carotid Intima-Media Thickness Than to Presence of Carotid Plaques in People Living With HIV

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in people living with HIV, who are at higher risk than the general population. We assessed, in a large cohort of people living with HIV, which cardiovascular, HIV-specific, and lipoproteomic markers were associated with carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and carotid plaque presence. We also studied guideline adherence on lipid-lowering medication in individuals with high and very high risk for cardiovascular disease. METHODS AND RESULTS: In 1814 individuals with a median (interquartile range) age of 53 (44–60) years, we found a carotid plaque in 909 (50.1%) and a median (interquartile range) intima-media thickness of 0.66 (0.57–0.76) mm. Ultrasonography was used for the assessment of cIMT and plaque presence. Univariable and multivariable regression models were used for associations with cIMT and presence of plaques. Age, Black race, body mass index, type 2 diabetes, and smoking (pack years) were all positively associated with higher cIMT. Levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, specifically medium and large high-density lipoprotein subclasses, were negatively associated with higher cIMT. Only age and prior myocardial infarction were positively related to the presence of a carotid plaque. Lipid-lowering treatment was prescribed in one-third of people living with HIV, who are at high and very high risk for cardiovascular disease. CONCLUSIONS: Traditional cardiovascular risk factors were significantly associated with higher cIMT but not with carotid plaques, except for age. HIV-specific factors were not associated with both ultrasound measurements. Future studies are needed to elucidate which factors contribute to plaque formation. Improvement of guideline adherence on prescription of lipid-lowering treatment in high-and very high-risk patients for cardiovascular disease is recommended.</p

The yield of tertiary survey in patients admitted for observation after trauma

Purpose: Existing literature on trauma tertiary survey (TTS) focusses on multitrauma patients. This study examines the yield of the TTS in trauma patients with minor (AIS 1) or moderate (AIS 2) injury for which immediate hospitalization is not strictly indicated. Method: A single center retrospective cohort study was performed in a level II trauma center. All hospitalized trauma patients with an abbreviate injury score (AIS) of one or two at the primary and secondary survey were included. The primary outcome was defined as any missed injury found during TTS (Type 1). Secondary outcomes were defined as any missed injury found after TTS but during admission (Type 2); overall missed injury rate; mortality and hospital length of stay. Results: Out of 388 included patients, 12 patients (3.1%) had a type 1 missed injury. ISS and alcohol consumption were associated with an increased risk for type 1 missed injuries (resp. OR = 1.4, OR = 5.49). A type 2 missed injury was only found in one patient. This concerned the only case of trauma related mortality. Approximately one out of five patients were admitted for more than 2 days. These patients were significantly older (66 vs. 41 years, p < 0.001), had a higher ISS (4 vs. 3, p = 0.007) and ASA score, 3–4 vs. 1–2 (42.5% vs. 12.6%, p < 0.001). Conclusion: TTS showed a low rate of missed injuries in trauma patients with minor or moderate injury. TTS helped to prevent serious damage in two out of 388 patients (0.5%). ISS and alcohol consumption were associated with finding missed injury during TTS

Tethering Cells via Enzymatic Oxidative Crosslinking Enables Mechanotransduction in Non-Cell-Adhesive Materials

Cell–matrix interactions govern cell behavior and tissue function by facilitating transduction of biomechanical cues. Engineered tissues often incorporate these interactions by employing cell-adhesive materials. However, using constitutively active cell-adhesive materials impedes control over cell fate and elicits inflammatory responses upon implantation. Here, an alternative cell–material interaction strategy that provides mechanotransducive properties via discrete inducible on-cell crosslinking (DOCKING) of materials, including those that are inherently non-cell-adhesive, is introduced. Specifically, tyramine-functionalized materials are tethered to tyrosines that are naturally present in extracellular protein domains via enzyme-mediated oxidative crosslinking. Temporal control over the stiffness of on-cell tethered 3D microniches reveals that DOCKING uniquely enables lineage programming of stem cells by targeting adhesome-related mechanotransduction pathways acting independently of cell volume changes and spreading. In short, DOCKING represents a bioinspired and cytocompatible cell-tethering strategy that offers new routes to study and engineer cell–material interactions, thereby advancing applications ranging from drug delivery, to cell-based therapy, and cultured meat

Treatment of extra-articular proximal and middle phalangeal fractures of the hand: a systematic review

The aim of the study was to systematically review the patient reported and functional outcomes of treatment for extra-articular proximal or middle phalangeal fractures of the hand in order to determine the best treatment options. The review methodology was registered with PROSPERO. A systematic literature search was conducted in electronic bibliographic databases. Two independent reviewers performed screening and data extraction. The evaluation of quality of the included studies was performed using the Structured Effectiveness Quality Evaluation scale. The initial search yielded 2354 studies. The full text manuscripts of 79 studies were evaluated of which 16 studies met the inclusion criteria. In total, 513 extra-articular proximal and middle phalangeal fractures of the hand were included of which 118 (23%) were treated non-operatively, 188 (37%) were treated by closed reduction internal fixation (CRIF) and 207 (40%) by open reduction internal fixation. It can be recommended that closed displaced extra-articular phalangeal fractures can be treated non-operatively, even fractures with an oblique or complex pattern, provided that closed reduction is possible and maintained. Conservative treatment is preferably performed with a cast/brace allowing free mobilization of the wrist. No definite conclusion could be drawn upon whether closed reduction with extra-articular K-wire pinning or transarticular pinning is superior; however, it might be suggested that extra-articular K-wire pinning is favoured. When open reduction is necessary for oblique or spiral extra-articular fractures, lag screw fixation is preferable to plate and screw fixation. But, similar recovery and functional results are achieved with transversally inserted K-wires compared to lag screw fixation. Type of study/level of evidence: therapeutic III