bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
External knowledge sourcing and innovation in family firms
Authors: Akram Manzoor Ul , Ghosh Koustab , Joseph Rojers P.
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the external knowledge search behaviors in terms of search breadth and search depth in family firms and the resultant product innovation in Indian context. The authors theorize the mediating role of absorptive capacity (potential and realized absorptive capacity) between knowledge sourcing from external sources and product innovation. Further, the authors examine the moderating role of crucial internal social capital of the family firm in enhancing the use of external knowledge for firm innovation activities.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a quantitative research design taking single informant for collection of data from 151 family small and medium enterprises in automotive sector in India. The authors use structural equation modeling to test hypothesized relationships.

Findings

The findings indicate that both search breadth and search depth of family firms are positively associated with product innovation in family firms. The authors also find evidence for partial mediating role of potential and realized absorptive capacity in the relationship between search breadth and innovation and search depth and innovation. The results show how family firms learning taking place while scanning external knowledge sources in terms of external absorptive capacity routines. Finally, the authors find that family firm internal social capital positively moderate the relationship between search breadth and depth, and product innovation.

Practical implications

Family firms need to innovate to remain relevant in the long-run and as such development of superior capabilities is of great significance to them. Family firm managers must be open to external knowledge as such knowledge help them improve the firm level of innovation through absorptive capacity. Further, family firms must realize and act upon the importance of their social capital for the integration and utilization of acquired knowledge.

Originality/value

This paper is amongst a few papers that take dynamic capability views of innovation in family firms wherein the authors theorize how external search breadth and depth lead to the development of potential and realized absorptive capacity in family firms. The importance of family firm internal social capital as a strong integrating and knowledge sharing mechanism that helps family firms transform external knowledge into innovation is also highlighted.
Four-dimensional model: a literature review on reasons behind lurking behavior
Authors: Nguyen Tuyet-Mai
Published: May 2020

Purpose

In the early days of online communities, researchers tended to view lurkers negatively and considered them illegitimate and peripheral members. However, the tide of opinion about lurkers has gradually become more positive. To take a broad view, lurkers should be included in the knowledge sharing context because while they may not share knowledge directly, they are still stakeholders in online communities who benefit from the knowledge shared. This study aims to review the literature from a knowledge sharing perspective to provide a comprehensive understanding of lurkers in online communities and identify additional reasons behind lurking behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

Previous studies that examined reasons behind lurking behavior in the literature were reviewed.

Findings

A four-dimensional model is provided, which categorizes the additional reasons for lurking into four domains: individual, social, organizational and technological.

Originality/value

The model serves as a roadmap for future researchers in examining lurkers and lurking behavior. Lurkers should be redefined. De-lurking strategies were suggested following the reasons for lurking behavior in the four-dimensional model, but de-lurking strategies were not recommended in all circumstances. An increase in active lurkers is another option to bring more value to online communities.
“No one will be left behind?” Taíno indigenous communities in the Caribbean and the road to SDGs 2030
Authors: Smith Johnnel , Spencer Andrew J.
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the existence of the Taíno people in Cuba and Jamaica and their alignment with the sustainable development goals (SDGs) of 2030. The Caribbean has long had a narrative that the indigenous people – the Taíno – were made extinct after their encounter with Christopher Columbus in the 1500s. However, recent theoretical and empirical data have documented the survival and existence of indigenous people throughout the Caribbean. The goal of this paper is to contribute to a new narrative on Caribbean indigenous communities by documenting their current needs and challenges in achieving sustainability. It further recommends practical ways in which indigenous communities can be included in plans/goals for sustainability to ensure full alignment for the betterment of their people.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper takes a qualitative case study approach coupled with a literature review of the Taíno of the Caribbean. Qualitative interviews were conducted with Caciques/Kasikes (Tribe Leaders) and members of Taíno communities in Jamaica and Cuba.

Findings

The members of the indigenous communities’ view community-based/indigenous tourism as a solution to preserve and sustain their heritage and provide income for their people; they provide strong recommendations on how this may be achieved in keeping with the 2030 SDGs.

Originality/value

Academic literature that documents the modern day existence and experiences of the Caribbean indigenous people, especially in Cuba and Jamaica, is a clear gap. The goal of this paper is to provide a new theoretical framework/narrative on Caribbean indigenous communities and suggest practical ways in which they can be further integrated with tourism to ensure full alignment for the betterment and sustainability of their people.
Impacts of female body size on cannibalism and juvenile abundance in a dominant arctic spider
Authors: Koltz Amanda M. , Wright Justin P.
Published: May 2020

Body size influences an individual's physiology and the nature of its intra‐ and interspecific interactions. Changes in this key functional trait can therefore have important implications for populations as well. For example, among invertebrates, there is typically a positive correlation between female body size and reproductive output. Increasing body size can consequently trigger changes in population density, population structure (e.g. adult to juvenile ratio) and the strength of intraspecific competition.

Body size changes have been documented in several species in the Arctic, a region that is warming rapidly. In particular, wolf spiders, one of the most abundant arctic invertebrate predators, are becoming larger and therefore more fecund. Whether these changes are affecting their populations and role within food webs is currently unclear.

We investigated the population structure and feeding ecology of the dominant wolf spider species Pardosa lapponica at two tundra sites where adult spiders naturally differ in mean body size. Additionally, we performed a mesocosm experiment to investigate how variation in wolf spider density, which is likely to change as a function of body size, influences feeding ecology and its sensitivity to warming.

We found that juvenile abundance is negatively associated with female size and that wolf spiders occupied higher trophic positions where adult females were larger. Because female body size is positively related to fecundity in P. lapponica, the unexpected finding of fewer juveniles with larger females suggests an increase in density‐dependent cannibalism as a result of increased intraspecific competition for resources. Higher rates of density‐dependent cannibalism are further supported by the results from our mesocosm experiment, in which individuals occupied higher trophic positions in plots with higher wolf spider densities. We observed no changes in wolf spider feeding ecology in association with short‐term experimental warming.

Our results suggest that body size variation in wolf spiders is associated with variation in intraspecific competition, feeding ecology and population structure. Given the widespread distribution of wolf spiders in arctic ecosystems, body size shifts in these predators as a result of climate change could have implications for lower trophic levels and for ecosystem functioning.
Investigating the role of endogenous opioid system in chloroquine‐induced phospholipidosis in rat liver by morphological, biochemical and molecular modelling studies
Authors: Malek Mohammad Reza , Ahmadian Shahin , Dehpour Ahmad Reza , Ebrahim‐Habibi Azadeh , Shafizadeh Mahshid , Kashani‐Amin Elaheh
Published: May 2020

Drug‐induced phospholipidosis (DIPL) is characterized by phospholipid storage in the lysosomes of affected tissues. Many severe effects and toxicities have been linked to DIPL. The aim of this study was to determine whether the endogenous opioid system is involved in chloroquine‐induced phospholipidosis. The effect of naltrexone as an antagonist of opioid receptors in chloroquine‐induced phospholipidosis in rat liver was investigated by morphological, biochemical, and molecular modelling studies. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed that morphological characteristic changes of rat liver, including the number of lamellar bodies, grade of vacuolization and cell steatosis, were markedly attenuated in rats treated with naltrexone alone or in combination with chloroquine, in comparison with chloroquine‐treated rats. The results of liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC/MS) showed that the concentrations of phenylacetylglycine (PAG) and hippuric acid (HA) were significantly decreased and increased, respectively, in target groups. Besides, the concentration ratio of PAG/HA was significantly decreased. Spectrophotometry resulted in a notable decrease in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities in target groups. The results from the molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulation studies demonstrated clear chloroquine interaction with the active site cavity of the µ opioid receptor. These data suggest that administration of naltrexone alone, or in combination with chloroquine, notably attenuates the side effects of chloroquine‐induced phospholipidosis, as well as demonstrating an increased probability of the endogenous opioid system involvement in chloroquine‐induced phospholipidosis in rat liver.
Coronavirus disease 2019 among pregnant Chinese women: case series data on the safety of vaginal birth and breastfeeding
Authors: Wu Y , Liu C , Dong L , Zhang C , Chen Y , Liu J , Zhang C , Duan C , Zhang H , Mol BW , Dennis C‐L , Yin T , Yang J , Huang H
Published: May 2020

Objective

To assess whether vaginal secretions and breast milk of women with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) contain severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2).

Design

Single centre cohort study.

Setting

Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei province, China.

Population

We studied 13 SARS‐CoV‐2‐infected pregnant women diagnosed between 31 January and 9 March 2020.

Methods

We collected clinical data, vaginal secretions, stool specimens and breast milk from SARS‐CoV‐2‐infected women during different stages of pregnancy and collected neonatal throat and anal swabs.

Main outcomes and measures

We assessed viral presence in different biosamples.

Results

Of the 13 women with COVID‐19, five were in their first trimester, three in their second trimester and five in their third trimester. Of the five women in their third trimester who gave birth, all delivered live newborns. Among these five deliveries, the primary adverse perinatal outcomes included premature delivery (n = 2) and neonatal pneumonia (n = 2). One of nine stool samples was positive; all 13 vaginal secretion samples, and five throat swabs and four anal swabs collected from neonates, were negative for the novel coronavirus. However, one of three samples of breast milk was positive by viral nucleic acid testing.

Conclusions

In this case series of 13 pregnant women with COVID‐19, we observed negative viral test results in vaginal secretion specimens, suggesting that a vaginal delivery may be a safe delivery option. However, additional research is urgently needed to examine breast milk and the potential risk for viral contamination.

Tweetable abstract

New evidence for the safety of vaginal delivery and breastfeeding in pregnant women infected with SARS‐CoV‐2, positive viral result in a breast‐milk sample.
Environmental pollution, hydropower and nuclear energy generation before and after catastrophe: Bathtub‐Weibull curve and MS‐VECM methods
Authors: Bildirici Melike E.
Published: May 2020

In this paper, the life span of hydro and nuclear energy generations and the relationship between hydro and nuclear energy generations, environmental pollution, and economic growth were investigated for Japan covering the period of 1960–2018 by employing the Bathtub‐Weibull curve and Markov switching‐vector error correcting (MSVEC) method, respectively. According to the Bathtub‐Weibull curve analysis, a rising failure rate for nuclear energy was found, indicating that the life of nuclear energy has expired, but a decreasing failure rate for hydroelectric energy has been detected. Then two different MSVEC models were used. The MSVEC method, unlike traditional approaches, determines the relationship between variables under different regimes. The results of MSVEC methods indicate three important points. First, regime‐dependent asymmetry and regime changes are crucial for policy recommendations. Second, the shocks to hydropower and nuclear energy generations cause temporary deviations from the long‐run growth path in both regimes. Lastly, the increase in hydropower generation leads to a decrease in environmental pollution and an increase in GDP, and an increase in nuclear power generation increases pollution and growth in both regimes.
The piRNA response to BmNPV infection in the silkworm fat body and midgut
Authors: Feng Min , Kolliopoulou Anna , Zhou Yao‐Hong , Fei Shi‐Gang , Xia Jun‐Ming , Swevers Luc , Sun Jing‐Chen
Published: May 2020

Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) is a DNA virus that causes huge losses to the silkworm industry but the piRNA responses during BmNPV infection in the silkworm remain uninvestigated. Here, silkworm piRNA profiles of uninfected and BmNPV‐infected fat body and midgut were determined by high‐through sequencing in the early stages of BmNPV infection. A total of 2675 and 3396 genome‐derived piRNAs were identified from fat body and midgut, respectively. These genome‐derived piRNAs mainly originated from unannotated instead of transposon regions in the silkworm genome. In total, 572 piRNAs were associated with 280 putative target genes in fat body and 805 piRNAs with 380 target genes in midgut. Compared to uninfected tissues, 322 and 129 piRNAs were significantly upregulated in BmNPV‐infected fat body and midgut, respectively. In addition, 276 and 117 piRNAs were significantly downregulated. Moreover, differentially expressed (DE) piRNAs during BmNPV infection differed significantly between fat body and midgut. Putative DE piRNA–targeted genes were associated with “response to stimulus” and “environmental information processing” in fat body after infection with BmNPV, which may indicate an active piRNA response to BmNPV infection in fat body. This study may lay the foundation for future research of the potential roles of the piRNA pathway and specific piRNAs in BmNPV pathogenesis.
Retrospective single‐centre experience on the effect of the DAWN trial on the utilisation pattern, diagnostic yield and accuracy of CT perfusions performed for suspected acute stroke
Authors: Han Jason Yi , Tan Irene Yew Lan
Published: May 2020

Introduction

The recent DAWN trial created a paradigm shift in acute stroke treatment from ‘time‐based’ criteria (within 6 hours) to ‘tissue‐based’ criteria dependent on advanced neuroimaging such as CT perfusion (CTP). This has expanded the thrombectomy window from 6 to 24 hours and has major implications for healthcare providers involved in acute stroke management. Our aim is to characterise changes in the utilisation, diagnostic yield and accuracy of CTP in the diagnosis of acute stroke in the year following the DAWN trial.

Methods

Four hundred and forty‐three patients underwent CTP for investigation of suspected stroke between 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2018. Studies in 2017 were considered ‘pre‐DAWN’ while studies in 2018 were considered ‘post‐DAWN trial’. Electronic medical records were reviewed to extract patient characteristics. Each patient was categorised as early presenter (within 6 hours) or late presenter (over 6 hours). Chi‐squared tests were performed to assess for differences in proportions between the 2 years.

Results

There was a 50% increase in CTP performed from 177 in 2017 to 266 in 2018. The proportion of all CT that were CTP increased by 40% while CTP in late presenters increased by 70% in 2018. The sensitivity, specificity and proportions of CTP with a final diagnosis of acute stroke, TIA or nonstroke did not demonstrate statistically significant differences between the 2 years.

Conclusions

The CTP utilisation, particularly in late presenters, has substantially increased since the DAWN trial. This contributes to increasing burden on healthcare services related to the diagnosis and management of stroke.
CM082, a novel angiogenesis inhibitor, enhances the antitumor activity of gefitinib on epidermal growth factor receptor mutant non‐small cell lung cancer in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Zhang Kun , Wang Lili , Wei Aili , Jia Xinfei , Liu Xiaoqing
Published: May 2020

Background

CM082 is a novel angiogenesis inhibitor targeting vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) and platelet‐derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR). The purpose of this research was to evaluate the antitumor activity of CM082 combined with gefitinib on epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutant non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in vitro and in vivo.

Methods

The effect of CM082 on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was assessed. In vitro and in vivo efficacy of CM082 combined with gefitinib on EGFR NSCLC cell lines (HCC827 harboring E746_A750 deletion and H3255 harboring L858R) and a xenograft model was evaluated.

Results

CM082 inhibited VEGF‐induced cell growth, phosphorylation of VEGFR and downstream signaling molecules, tube formation, and cell migration of HUVECs. Furthermore, CM082 combined with gefitinib was more effective in inhibiting growth and colony formation and inducing apoptosis of H3255 and HCC827 cells in vitro than monotherapy. Moreover, tumor growth inhibition by the combination in a H3255 xenograft model was 107.7% more than that by gefitinib (93.6%) (P < 0.0001) and CM082 (51.4%) (P < 0.0001) alone. In addition, coadministration had a better effect on inhibiting cell proliferation, inducing apoptosis, and inhibiting the expression of CD31 and VEGF‐A. The combination therapy had a stronger inhibition effect on STAT3 phosphorylation than monotherapy.

Conclusions

CM082, a novel angiogenesis inhibitor, enhances the antitumor activity of gefitinib on EGFR mutant NSCLC by inhibiting proliferation and angiogenesis and promoting apoptosis of tumor cells.

Key points

Significant findings of the study CM082, a novel angiogenesis inhibitor, enhances the antitumor activity of gefitinib on EGFR mutant NSCLC by inhibiting proliferation and angiogenesis and promoting apoptosis of tumor cells. What this study adds These findings justify evaluation of the efficacy of CM082 combined with gefitinib in patients with EGFR mutant advanced NSCLC in clinical trials.
Management of the airway and lung isolation for thoracic surgery during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Thornton M. , Reid D. , Shelley B. , Steven M.
Published: May 2020

Intra‐operative aerosol‐generating procedures are arguably unavoidable in the routine provision of thoracic anaesthesia. Airway management for such patients during the COVID‐19 pandemic including tracheal intubation, lung isolation, one‐lung ventilation and flexible bronchoscopy may pose a significant risk to healthcare professionals and patients. That said, there remains a need for timely thoracic surgery for patients with lung cancer or thoracic trauma. The thoracic anaesthetic community has been confronted with the need to modify existing techniques to maximise safety for patients and healthcare professionals. With appropriate modification, aerosol generation may be mitigated against in most circumstances. We developed a set of practice‐based recommendations for airway management in thoracic surgical patients, which have been endorsed by the Association for Cardiothoracic Anaesthesia and Critical Care and the Society for Cardiothoracic Surgery in Great Britain and Ireland.
We want productive workers, not fertile women: The expediency of employing Southeast Asian caregivers in Taiwan
Authors: Cheng Isabelle
Published: May 2020

The lives of Southeast Asian caregivers in Taiwan are regulated by a number of laws and policy measures that preclude them from naturalisation, deprive them of a family life, restrict their residency, mobility and employment, and, in the past, have suspended their fertility. They are thus excluded from Taiwanese society and alienated as temporary, supplementary and disposable outsiders in line with broad public opinion. ‘Bringing the state back in’ to its analysis, this article argues that this legislation is not only market‐driven but socio‐politically expedient in that it sanctions the continued employment of foreign caregivers as productive workers rather than as fertile women, while simultaneously casting them as the undesirable other. Taiwan thus becomes a ‘migration state’ with an open economy but a closed national community. Drawing on key government sources as well as longitudinal social surveys, the article demonstrates how this state‐anchored expediency enjoys consistent public endorsement. In focusing on how and why Southeast Asian caregivers' fertility was suspended, it introduces a much‐needed gender perspective to our understanding of how migrant women become ‘disenfranchised class’ in the hostile guest worker system.
Prostate Health Index and multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging to predict prostate cancer grade reclassification in active surveillance
Authors: Schwen Zeyad R. , Mamawala Mufaddal , Tosoian Jeffrey J. , Druskin Sasha C. , Ross Ashley E. , Sokoll Lori J. , Epstein Jonathan I. , Carter Herbert Ballentine , Gorin Michael A. , Pavlovich Christian P.
Published: May 2020

Objective

To identify the value of combining the Prostate Health Index (PHI) and multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI), tools which have previously been shown to be independently predictive of prostate cancer (PCa) grade reclassification (GR; Gleason score >6), for the purpose of predicting GR at the next surveillance biopsy to reduce unnecessary prostate biopsies for men in PCa active surveillance (AS).

Patients and Methods

Between 2014 and 2019, we retrospectively identified 253 consecutive men in the Johns Hopkins AS programme who had mpMRI and PHI followed by a systematic ± targeted biopsy. PHI and PHI density (PHID) were evaluated across Prostate Imaging‐Reporting and Data System version 2.0 (PI‐RADSv2) scores and compared to those with and without GR. Next, the negative predictive value (NPV) and area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) were calculated to compare the diagnostic value of PI‐RADSv2 score combined with PHI, PHID, or prostate‐specific antigen density (PSAD) for GR using their respective first quartile as a cut‐off.

Results

Of the 253 men, 38 men (15%) had GR. Men with GR had higher PHI values (40.7 vs 32.0, P = 0.001), PHID (0.83 vs 0.57, P = 0.007), and PSAD (0.12 vs 0.10, P = 0.037). A PI‐RADSv2 ≤3 alone had a NPV of 91.6% for GR (AUC 0.67). Using a PHI cut‐off of 25.6 in addition to PI‐RADSv2 ≤3, the NPV and AUC were both increased to 98% and 0.70, respectively. Using a PSAD cut‐off of 0.07 ng/mL/mL with PI‐RADSv2 had an AUC of 0.69 and NPV of 95.4%. PHI and PI‐RADSv2 together could have avoided 20% of biopsies at the cost of missing 2.6% of GRs.

Conclusions

The combination of PHI and mpMRI can aid in the prediction of GR in men on AS and may be useful for decreasing the burden of surveillance prostate biopsies.
Exercise training reduces inflammatory metabolic activity of visceral fat assessed by18F‐FDG PET/CT in obese women
Authors: Pahk Kisoo , Kim Eung Ju , Joung Chanmin , Seo Hong Seog , Kim Sungeun
Published: May 2020

Objectives

Obesity plays pivotal roles in the increased risk of cardiometabolic disease via induction of the inflammatory reaction from macrophages in visceral adipose tissue (VAT), which may elevate the inflammatory activity of VAT. This prospective study aimed to evaluate whether the inflammatory activity of VAT existed in association with systemic inflammation, and whether exercise could ameliorate the inflammatory activity of VAT assessed by18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in obese women.

Design and Patients

A total of 23 obese women who participated in an exercise program were included. Subjects underwent18F‐FDG PET/CT before the start of the exercise program (baseline) and after the completion of the 3‐month exercise program. For the assessment of VAT metabolic activity, the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) and the mean standardized uptake value (SUVmean) were measured. The SUVmax of spleen, bone marrow (BM) and the high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP) were used as a surrogate marker for systemic inflammation.

Results

Baseline SUVmax of VAT was positively correlated with the SUVmax of spleen, BM and hsCRP, whereas VAT SUVmean was not correlated. Exercise reduced SUVmax of VAT in addition to adiposity, the SUVmax of spleen, BM and hsCRP. However, VAT SUVmean was not significantly changed. Furthermore, the association of SUVmax of VAT, and the SUVmax of spleen, BM and hsCRP was no longer relevant after exercise.

Conclusion

In obese women, the SUVmax of VAT assessed by18F‐FDG PET/CT was associated with systemic inflammation and exercise reduced the SUVmax of VAT and abrogated its association with systemic inflammation.
Turn analysis and patient‐centredness in paediatric otolaryngology surgical consultations
Authors: Forner David , Ungar Gilanders , Chorney Jill , Meier Jeremy , Hong Paul
Published: May 2020

Objectives

Physician and patient/parent communication is of utmost importance in consultations to improve the shared decision‐making (SDM) processes. This study investigated SDM‐related outcomes through turn analysis and an assessment of patient‐centred dialogue.

Design

Multi‐centre prospective cohort study analysing audio‐ and video‐recorded patient/parent‐physician interactions.

Setting

Two tertiary paediatric hospitals in Halifax, Nova Scotia and Salt Lake City, Utah.

Participants

Paediatric otolaryngologists, patients and parents during consultation for adenotonsillectomy.

Main outcome measures

Medical dialogue measures (turn analysis, patient‐centredness scores via the Roter Interaction Analysis System) and SDM questionnaires (SDM‐Q‐9).

Results

Turn density was significantly higher for physicians than patients/parents (P < .001), as were total statements (P < .001), and total time talking (P < .001). The opening statement was completed by the physician in 91.5% of interactions and was significantly longer than family opening statements (P = .003). The mean number of informed consent elements addressed per interaction was 4.5 out of 6. The mean patient‐centredness score was 0.2 (range 0‐0.56). Significant negative correlations between patient‐centredness score and physician turn density (r = −.390, P = .002), physician mean turn time (r = −.406, P = .001), total physician statements (r = −.426, P = .001) and total physician speaking time (r = −.313, P = .016) were noted. There were no correlations in SDM questionnaire scores with turn analysis variables, informed consent elements or patient‐centredness scores.

Conclusions

Surgeons dominated the consultation in terms of talking, mostly in a unidirectional manner. Neither patient‐centredness nor turn analysis correlated with perceptions of SDM from the parents' perspective.
Colon sparing resection versus extended colectomy for left‐sided obstructing colon cancer with caecal ischaemia or perforation: a nationwide study from the French Surgical Association
Authors: Manceau G. , Sabbagh C. , Mege D. , Lakkis Z. , Bege T. , Tuech J. J. , Benoist S. , Lefèvre J. H. , Karoui M. ,   the AFC (French Surgical Association) Working Group
Published: May 2020

Aim

It is not known whether patients with obstructive left colon cancer (OLCC) with caecal ischaemia or diastatic perforation (defined as a blowout of the caecal wall related to colonic overdistension) should undergo a (sub)total colectomy (STC) or an ileo‐caecal resection with double‐barrelled ileo‐colostomy. We aimed to compare the results of these two strategies.

Method

From 2000 to 2015, 1220 patients with OLCC underwent surgery by clinicians who were members of the French Surgical Association. Of these cases, 201 (16%) were found to have caecal ischaemia or diastatic perforation intra‐operatively: 174 patients (87%) underwent a STC (extended colectomy group) and 27 (13%) an ileo‐caecal resection with double‐end stoma (colon‐sparing group). Outcomes were compared retrospectively.

Results

In the extended colectomy group, 95 patients (55%) had primary anastomosis and 79 (45%) had a STC with an end ileostomy. In the colon‐sparing group, 10 patients (37%) had simultaneous resection of their primary tumour with segmental colectomy and an anastomosis which was protected by a double‐barrelled ileo‐colostomy. The demographic data for the two groups were comparable. Median operative time was longer in the STC group (P = 0.0044). There was a decrease in postoperative mortality (7% vs 12%, P = 0.75) and overall morbidity (56% vs 67%, P = 0.37) including surgical (30% vs 40%, P = 0.29) and severe complications (17% vs 27%, P = 0.29) in the colon‐sparing group, although these differences did not reach statistical significance. Cumulative morbidity included all surgical stages and the rate of permanent stoma was 66% and 37%, respectively, with no significant difference between the two groups. Overall survival and disease‐free survival were similar between the two groups.

Conclusion

The colon‐sparing strategy may represent a valid and safe alternative to STC in OLCC patients with caecal ischaemia or diastatic perforation.
Contracting in Brazilian public administration: A machine learning approach
Authors: Henrique Bruno M. , Sobreiro Vinicius A. , Kimura Herbert
Published: May 2020

The risk of non‐fulfilment of a contract can harm public administration or even interrupt public services. Therefore, models that assist manager decision making in the audit and control of contracts with a higher disqualification risk may be important tools, with economic and even social repercussions. In this article, public contracts are classified with respect to the risk of non‐compliance with their terms of delivery. The quantitative tools used are statistical and machine learning models, similar to credit risk rating of loans. As dependent variables, the models use data found in electronic databases present in e‐government implementations. A previously classified listing of suspended companies is used as a proxy for risky contracts, as it contains private companies which failed with their contractual obligations. The classification techniques utilized are logistic regression, k‐nearest neighbours, discriminant analysis, support vector machine and random forests. Although the methods can be applied to any government with electronic procurement and contracts systems, Brazilian data is used to illustrate the benefits of contract governance for emerging economies. It is concluded that the credit rating techniques used directly apply to contractual risk in public administration. Considering real public administration contract data, the classification algorithm that generates the best performance is k‐nearest neighbours.
De‐bureaucratising organisational culture at a public university: A mixed‐method study of the implementation of a liberal arts programme
Authors: Molek‐Kozakowska Katarzyna , Geisler Robert
Published: May 2020

This article explores how public higher education institutions may design and implement new study programmes based on an example of a liberal arts programme adopted recently at a Polish university. Using a mixed‐method approach (actor analysis, ethnographic thick description, and discourse and rhetorical analysis of communications), we approach the data to trace the processes of negotiating and implementing the programme innovation. The study identifies which aspects of organisational design and organisational culture facilitate curricular innovations in the context of a public university in order to offer evidence‐based recommendations for innovation managers. Of special interest here are (1) relations of power and responsibility (leadership styles) that are conducive to institutional innovations, (2) (in)formal norms and communication practices of effective teamwork and organisational culture, and (3) discursive patterns that spawn innovative solutions that bring about institutional changes. The analysis offers an insight into the specific processes involved in the de‐bureaucratising of public universities and reframing their organisational culture to resemble a ‘learning organisation’ that allows a continual renewal of its structures and communication routines, with the support of adequate managerial practices.
The prognostic significance of ALDH1A1 expression in early invasive breast cancer
Authors: Althobiti Maryam , El Ansari Rokaya , Aleskandarany Mohammed , Joseph Chitra , Toss Michael S , Green Andrew R , Rakha Emad A
Published: May 2020

Aims

Aldehyde dehydrogenase family 1 member A1 (ALDH1A1) is reportedly a key ALDH isozyme linked to the cancer stem cells (CSC) of many solid tumours, where it is involved in self‐renewal, differentiation and self‐protection. In this study, the prognostic significance of ALDH1A1 expression in early invasive breast cancer (BC) and its role as a BC stem cell (BCSC) were evaluated.

Methods and results

ALDH1A1 expression was assessed, using immunohistochemistry and tissue microarrays, in a large well‐characterised BC cohort. ALDH1A1 mRNA expression was also assessed at transcriptomic levels, utilising data from the Molecular Taxonomy of Breast Cancer International Consortium. The associations of ALDH1A1 with clinicopathological parameters, other stem cell markers and patient outcomes were determined. ALDH1A1 was expressed in 71% of BC cases at both the protein and mRNA levels. High ALDH1A1 expression was associated with poor prognostic features, including high grade, poor Nottingham Prognostic Index (NPI), lymph node metastasis and highly proliferative ER+ (luminal B) and triple‐negative (TNBC) subtypes. ALDH1A1 expression was positively correlated with the expression of CD44, CD24, TWIST, SOX9, EPCAM and CD133. The high immunoexpression of ALDH1A1 was significantly associated with poor BC‐specific survival (P < 0.001), and specifically in the luminal B and TNBC subtypes (P = 0.042 and P = 0.003, respectively). The immunoexpression of ALDH1A1 was an independent predictor of poor prognosis (P = 0.015).

Conclusions

ALDH1A1, as assessed using immunohistochemistry, seems to act as a BCSC marker associated not only with other BCSC markers but also with poor prognostic characteristics and poor outcomes, particularly in the luminal B and TNBC subtypes.
Canada's ‘Open Prisons’: Hybridisation and the Role of Halfway Houses in Penal Scholarship and Practice
Authors: MAIER KATHARINA
Published: May 2020

This article analyses the role, form, and function of halfway houses (often referred to as re‐entry centres) in contemporary Canadian punishment. Building on studies of Nordic ‘penal exceptionalism’ and open prisons, I argue that criminologists can usefully study and conceive of halfway houses as a form of open prison. Thinking of halfway houses as open prisons (rather than re‐entry centres or post‐prison institutions), I suggest, is not only more reflective of these houses’ workings and dynamics but is also more productive. Conceptually, it positions halfway houses in opposition to walled prisons, thereby redirecting attention from the post‐prison stage to how halfway houses could present a real existing alternative to closed or walled prisons.
Relations between periodontal status, oral health–related quality of life and perceived oral health and oral health consciousness levels in a Turkish population
Authors: Beşiroğlu Ekin , Lütfioğlu Müge
Published: May 2020

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the interrelationship of periodontal status, socio‐demographic characteristics, perceived oral health and oral health consciousness levels as well as the impact of these factors on quality of life using a questionnaire and the Oral Health Impact Profile‐14(OHIP‐14) scale.

Methods

Seven hundred and fifty systemically healthy individuals aged ≥18 years referred to a Periodontology Department were included in the study. The OHIP‐14 scale and survey were applied to identify socio‐demographic characteristics, oral hygiene characteristics, perceived oral health and oral hygiene consciousness levels. Three groups were established based on periodontal status (periodontally healthy [H], gingivitis [G] and periodontitis [P]) determined using periodontal indexes, and the relationship between the above‐mentioned factors and periodontal status with quality of life was assessed.

Results

Oral health–related quality of life differed significantly by gender, marital status, education level, oral hygiene habits and periodontal status. A statistically significant positive relationship was found between high OHIP‐14 scores and unfavourable socio‐demographic characteristics, increased severity of periodontal disease, and irregular dental care practices. The perceived oral health and oral health consciousness levels significantly differed due to periodontal status.

Conclusion

Periodontal status, gender, marital status, education level, dental care practices, perceived oral health and oral hygiene consciousness levels are important determinants of oral health–related quality of life (Clinical Trial No. NCT03549247).
Validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Self‐Care of Coronary Heart Disease Inventory
Authors: Bayrak Betül , Oğuz Sıdıka
Published: May 2020

Aim

This study aimed to adapt a culturally suitable and functional Turkish version of the Self‐Care of Coronary Heart Disease Inventory to evaluate its reliability and validity to measure Turkish coronary heart disease patients' levels of self‐care.

Methods

The study was performed at the cardiology clinics of three hospitals in Istanbul, Turkey. Content validity index, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis were used in the validity analyses. In the reliability analyses, pearson's correlation coefficient, cronbach's α scores and test–retest reliability were used. The validity and reliability analyses were conducted with 222 coronary heart disease patients, whereas the test–retest analysis was carried out with 50 patients.

Results

The three subscale and 22‐item Turkish Inventory's factorial structure was similar to the English version. The results of the confirmatory factor analysis showed a good model fit. Cronbach's α ranged from .63 to .95, and no statistically significant differences were found in the test–retest reliability analysis (P > .05).

Conclusion

Turkish version of the Self‐Care of Coronary Heart Disease Inventory is a valid and reliable tool for determination of coronary heart disease patients' self‐care in Turkey.
Quality of life of pharmacy students in Northern Nigeria
Authors: Okoro Roland Nnaemeka , Muslim Jamiu Olakunle , Biambo Aminu Ahmed
Published: May 2020

Objectives

To assess the quality of life (QoL) of Nigerian pharmacy students and to investigate its predictors.

Methods

This cross-sectional descriptive study randomly sampled one pharmacy school from each of the three geopolitical zones of northern Nigeria We collected data with the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. Independent-samples t-test and one-way analysis of variance were used to compare groups. The predictors of QoL were identified using multiple linear regression analysis. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Key findings

The overall response rate was 81.2%. The overall QoL mean score of pharmacy students in the region was 76.94 ± 17.65. There was a lower environment domain mean score (56.06 ± 14.60) compared to other domains. Multivariate analyses revealed that being a Christian, in the 5th year of study, and having a current illness/problem negatively affected overall QoL (P < 0.05). Having a current illness/problem negatively affected physical health (P < 0.05). Being in the 5th year of study and having a current illness/problem negatively affected psychological health, whereas schooling in the state of residence, active involvement with student organizations/clubs and having a current illness/problem negatively affected the environment domain (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

This study showed that pharmacy students had a fair overall QoL and poor well-being in all four domains. Religion, state of residence, year of study, organizations/clubs and current illness/problem were the significant predictors of QoL. Therefore, these findings will be useful in reviewing the training of pharmacy students with a view to improving their well-being and quality of pharmacy education.
Energy drinks: a narrative review of their physiological and pathological effects
Authors: Piccioni Andrea , Covino Marcello , Zanza Christian , Longhitano Yaroslava , Tullo Gianluca , Bonadia Nicola , Rinninella Emanuele , Ojetti Veronica , Gasbarrini Antonio , Franceschi Francesco
Published: May 2020

The consumption of energy drinks (Edks) has increased significantly in past years, with a growing market that is estimated to reach $61 billion by 2021 worldwide. Several studies demonstrated the physiological and pathological effects of these substances contained in Edks. The most common ingredient contained in Edks is caffeine, which is commonly mixed with taurine, and B‐group vitamins. Scientific evidence of potentially serious adverse health effects are known, but it would be better to acquire more information regarding these beverages. We systematically checked Medical literature on MEDLINE‐Pubmed from inception to January 2020 to find studies and reports on Edks and adverse events. Edks consumption is specially related to cardiovascular effects as malignant arrhythmias. We found a significant focus on arrhythmogenic risk in patients affected by long QT syndrome or other predisposing conditions for QT elongation. Other pathological effects are known as gastrointestinal, vascular and neurological disorders. Edks, as well as all caffeinated beverages, should be taken with caution or avoided in select populations, such as patients suffering from cardiovascular or neurological illnesses; their use can unmask a sleepy life‐threatening disease.
Bortezomib use and outcomes for the treatment of multiple myeloma
Authors: Loke Crystal , Mollee Peter , McPherson Ian , Walpole Euan , Yue Mimi , Mutsando Howard , Wong Phillip , Weston Helen , Tomlinson Ross , Hollingworth Samantha
Published: May 2020

Background

The public subsidy in Australia of bortezomib (Velcade) for untreated non‐transplant multiple myeloma patients was based on the VISTA trial.

Aims

To ascertain the health outcomes of bortezomib in ‘real world’ transplant‐ineligible elderly patients, compared to trial data.

Methods

Patient and treatment data were extracted from an oncology information system, laboratory information system and medical chart audits for three Queensland public hospitals.

Results

We identified 74 patients; the median age was 75 years. Our cohort comprised 47% patients who were International Staging System stage III, 45% at stage II and 8% at stage I. Patients who had comorbidities, such as cardiac disease (41%), pulmonary disease (14%), diabetes (22%), peripheral neuropathy (14%) and other comorbidities (41%) at baseline were included. The common regimens prescribed were VMP, CVD and VD, and most patients (n = 73) received bortezomib on a once‐weekly or twice‐a‐week basis. The overall response rate was 81%. Half (53%) of the patients did not complete their planned therapy due to toxicity (30%), suboptimal response or disease progression (15%), or death on treatment (8%). Overall survival was 40.7 months and progression free survival was 17.7 months.

Conclusions

Our patients were older, had worse disease characteristics and more comorbidities than patients in the VISTA trial. While response rates were similar, survival outcomes appeared worse. Bortezomib‐based treatment in the real world setting still carries a high risk of toxicity in the elderly population.
Acceptance of systematic reviews as Master/PhD theses in Brazilian graduate programs in dentistry
Authors: Dotto Lara , T. O. Lemes Letícia , O. Spazzin Aloísio , Sousa Yara Teresinha Correa Silva , Pereira Gabriel K.R. , Bacchi Ataís , Sarkis‐Onofre Rafael
Published: May 2020

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate whether a master and PhD thesis in Brazilian graduate programs in dentistry can be based on a systematic review (SR).

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, we surveyed the coordinators of Brazilian graduate programs in dentistry using a self‐administered questionnaire including questions about whether an SR meets requirements for approval of a master or PhD thesis, instructions regarding how to use an SR as the method for a master or PhD thesis, and reasons and barriers that SRs were not recognized as acceptable for a master or PhD thesis. The responses were analyzed descriptively, and tables and graphs were created to summarize the data.

Results

Among 101 graduate programs invited to participate in the study, 38 (37.6%) returned the questionnaire. Over three‐quarters of surveyed programs (n = 30, 78.1%) answered that SRs, in whole or in part, meet the criteria for a master or PhD thesis. Likewise, most programs answered that a master or PhD thesis could be exclusively based on an SR (n = 28, 73.7%). The same number of programs pointed out that one possible reason for not recognizing SRs as a master or PhD thesis is either the lack of SR expertise among committee members (n = 28, 73.7%) or the lack of adequate training of candidates in SR methodology (n = 26, 68.4%).

Conclusions

SRs are well accepted as a master or PhD thesis by Brazilian graduate programs in dentistry. Educational initiatives should be encouraged to promote understanding of SR methodology and increase acceptance among graduate programs worldwide.