Maastricht University

About: Maastricht University is a education organization based out in Maastricht, Limburg, Netherlands. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Health care. The organization has 19263 authors who have published 53291 publications receiving 2266866 citations. The organization is also known as: Universiteit Maastricht & UM.

A Measure of Export Market Orientation: Scale Development and Cross-cultural Validation

Abstract: This study reports on the construction and psychometric assessment of a measure of export market orientation. Four multi-item scales were developed showing strong evidence of reliability and convergent, discriminant, and nomological validity in samples of U.K. and Dutch exporters. Further analysis revealed full invariance of the final measure across the two country samples. Several suggestions for applying the measure in substantive research are offered.

The genetics of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder in adults, a review

Abstract: The adult form of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (aADHD) has a prevalence of up to 5% and is the most severe long-term outcome of this common neurodevelopmental disorder. Family studies in clinical samples suggest an increased familial liability for aADHD compared with childhood ADHD (cADHD), whereas twin studies based on self-rated symptoms in adult population samples show moderate heritability estimates of 30–40%. However, using multiple sources of information, the heritability of clinically diagnosed aADHD and cADHD is very similar. Results of candidate gene as well as genome-wide molecular genetic studies in aADHD samples implicate some of the same genes involved in ADHD in children, although in some cases different alleles and different genes may be responsible for adult versus childhood ADHD. Linkage studies have been successful in identifying loci for aADHD and led to the identification of LPHN3 and CDH13 as novel genes associated with ADHD across the lifespan. In addition, studies of rare genetic variants have identified probable causative mutations for aADHD. Use of endophenotypes based on neuropsychology and neuroimaging, as well as next-generation genome analysis and improved statistical and bioinformatic analysis methods hold the promise of identifying additional genetic variants involved in disease etiology. Large, international collaborations have paved the way for well-powered studies. Progress in identifying aADHD risk genes may provide us with tools for the prediction of disease progression in the clinic and better treatment, and ultimately may help to prevent persistence of ADHD into adulthood.

Sarcopenia: A Time for Action. An SCWD Position Paper.

Abstract: The term sarcopenia was introduced in 1988. The original definition was a "muscle loss" of the appendicular muscle mass in the older people as measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). In 2010, the definition was altered to be low muscle mass together with low muscle function and this was agreed upon as reported in a number of consensus papers. The Society of Sarcopenia, Cachexia and Wasting Disorders supports the recommendations of more recent consensus conferences, i.e. that rapid screening, such as with the SARC-F questionnaire, should be utilized with a formal diagnosis being made by measuring grip strength or chair stand together with DXA estimation of appendicular muscle mass (indexed for height2). Assessments of the utility of ultrasound and creatine dilution techniques are ongoing. Use of ultrasound may not be easily reproducible. Primary sarcopenia is aging associated (mediated) loss of muscle mass. Secondary sarcopenia (or disease-related sarcopenia) has predominantly focused on loss of muscle mass without the emphasis on muscle function. Diseases that can cause muscle wasting (i.e. secondary sarcopenia) include malignant cancer, COPD, heart failure, and renal failure and others. Management of sarcopenia should consist of resistance exercise in combination with a protein intake of 1 to 1.5 g/kg/day. There is insufficient evidence that vitamin D and anabolic steroids are beneficial. These recommendations apply to both primary (age-related) sarcopenia and secondary (disease related) sarcopenia. Secondary sarcopenia also needs appropriate treatment of the underlying disease. It is important that primary care health professionals become aware of and make the diagnosis of age-related and disease-related sarcopenia. It is important to address the risk factors for sarcopenia, particularly low physical activity and sedentary behavior in the general population, using a life-long approach. There is a need for more clinical research into the appropriate measurement for muscle mass and the management of sarcopenia. Accordingly, this position statement provides recommendations on the management of sarcopenia and how to progress the knowledge and recognition of sarcopenia.

Dissatisfaction after implantation of multifocal intraocular lenses.

Abstract: Purpose To analyze the symptoms, etiology, and treatment of patient dissatisfaction after multifocal intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. Setting Department of Ophthalmology, Maastricht University Medical Center, The Netherlands. Design Case series. Methods In this retrospective chart review, the main outcome measures were type of complaints, uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuities, uncorrected and distance-corrected near visual acuities, refractive state, pupil diameter and wavefront aberrometry measurements, and type of treatment. Results Seventy-six eyes of 49 patients were included. Blurred vision (with or without photic phenomenon) was reported in 72 eyes (94.7%) and photic phenomena (with or without blurred vision) in 29 eyes (38.2%). Both symptoms were present in 25 eyes (32.9%). Residual ametropia and astigmatism, posterior capsule opacification, and a large pupil were the 3 most significant etiologies. Sixty-four eyes (84.2%) were amenable to therapy, with refractive surgery, spectacles, and laser capsulotomy the most frequent treatment modalities. Intraocular lens exchange was performed in 3 cases (4.0%). Conclusion The cause of dissatisfaction after implantation of a multifocal IOL can be identified and effective treatment measures taken in most cases. Financial Disclosure No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.