bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Critical evaluation of project‐based performance management
Authors: Parker D. , Verlinden A. , Nussey R. , Ford M. , Pathak R.D.
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate project‐based management in the context of interventions to initiate improved organisation performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The work draws on literature from project management, change management (CM) and performance management.

Findings

Results identify the interrelated aspects of project management, CM, and performance management. Conclusions indicate that improved organizational performance and increased productivity would be achieved by adopting an integrative approach to project‐based interventions.

Research limitations/implications

Further research into specific integrated techniques and tools for delivering change would be valuable with particular focus on technical contributions to CM. Moreover, the PM field could gain from utilising CM processes in implementation of projects.

Practical implications

Whilst a number of theories of CM are widely accepted, literature suggests they are falling short of their endeavours as a result of the theories lacking a useful framework to successfully plan, implement and manage change.

Social implications

The rapidly changing business environment has required organisations to seek out effective processes, tools and techniques to implement successful change. Whilst there is a significant body of literature surrounding CM, the high failure rate of change interventions suggests improvements could be made to its management, monitoring and control. The analytical focus of this research was in how the common and most utilised CM models could be improved with PM processes, in order to appropriately deliver successful change.

Originality/value

This article critically argues the value of project‐based management in the CM process, with particular focus on the Project Management Book of Knowledge (PMBoK). As such, change interventions to bring about improved organizational performance can be considered a project; as such, a new approach to project‐based change interventions is proposed.
Critiquing of higher education policy in Saudi Arabia: towards a new neoliberalism
Authors: Elyas Tariq , Picard Michelle
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to critically examine the impact of 9/11 on education in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The authors take a historical approach in order to speak more broadly about higher education policy in Saudi Arabia and show how the post 9/11 context of education in Saudi Arabia has led to a new paradigm in educational policy, which has moved away from what McCarthy et al. call “safe harbors” in schooling and education.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors first define neoliberalism and then describe its manifestations and impact on the Saudi Arabian educational context, particularly post‐9/11. The authors also describe the arguments against adopting a neoliberal approach and suggest a new neoliberalism that addresses the needs of a glocalized Saudi higher educational community.

Findings

A neoliberalism paradigm has been adopted by education policy writers and university academics. In addition, the university learners have enthusiastically embraced neoliberalism and globalization. However, the authors argue that the local conditions make a complete transformation to neoliberalism inappropriate and that, instead, a glocalized form of neoliberalism is required to meet national and individual needs and to ensure the buy‐in of local teachers/lecturers.

Practical implications

This paper has implications both locally and internationally. It provides insight into the changes that occurred in the educational policy of Saudi Arabia post 9/11. This in turn explains how Saudi Arabia's sudden shift in education gears towards the local market needs. Hence, this “glocalized” neoliberalism could hopefully address the needs of local learners and teachers to operate in a globally competitive environment, as well as address the fears of local critics.

Originality/value

This is the first paper in the context of Saudi Arabia that deals with a “Neoliberalism approach” in unpacking the educational policy paradigm shift post 9/11.
Job insecurity: a whirlpool of chronic powerlessness
Authors: Karkoulian Silva , Mukaddam Wassim , McCarthy Richard , Canaan Messarra Leila
Published: April 2013

Purpose

Organizational downsizing, right sizing, layoffs, and restructuring that attempt to reduce labour cost and increase competitiveness, have generated considerable feelings of job insecurity among today's employees. Conversely, the rapidity of change in the Middle Eastern region, coupled with the unpredictability of economic conditions, the inevitable need to survive and the ever‐lasting craving for organizational success merge to aggravate the adverse effects of job insecurity. The purpose of this paper is to study the relationship between job insecurity and powerlessness, management trust, peer trust and job satisfaction within Lebanon.

Design/methodology/approach

Employees working within medium‐sized organizations in Lebanon were surveyed to measure their perceptions of job insecurity, job satisfaction, powerlessness, and interpersonal trust. Statistical analyses were performed using Pearson correlation matrix and linear regression tests.

Findings

The study identified significant positive relationship between job insecurity and powerlessness, and negative relationships between job insecurity and management trust and job satisfaction. No significant relationship was found between job insecurity and peer trust.

Research limitations/implications

The study adds to the existing job insecurity literature by empirically testing the relationship between job insecurity and powerlessness, peer trust, management trust and job satisfaction within Lebanese organizations. The researchers hope that this study will assist managers in understanding the importance of earning their subordinates' trust and its implications on job insecurity which could also negatively affect job satisfaction. Also, the issue of powerlessness should be seriously considered by management since it triggers the feeling of job insecurity.

Originality/value

Western organizational behavior literature has given the topic of job insecurity significant attention. However, no scholarly research has yet examined the topic of job insecurity within the Middle East. This paper sheds light on important results regarding job insecurity and its consequences. Powerlessness predicts and aggravates job insecurity, and is affected by the nature of the job; trust in management has a negative effect on job insecurity, while peer trust has no influence. Also, job satisfaction is influenced by the perceptions of job insecurity.
CFO financial expertise and corporate social responsibility
Authors: Sun Li , Rakhman Fuad
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the association between a chief finance officer's (CFO's) financial expertise and corporate social responsibility (CSR).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper's sample consists of firms from the 2005 S&P 500 Index. Data on CSR come from Kinder, Lydenberg, and Domini (KLD), Inc. Data on CFO financial expertise were had collected. Consistent with prior research, experience (tenure), education (masters of business administration degree), and professional experience (certified public accountant designation) are used to measure the CFO's financial expertise.

Findings

Using a sample of S&P 500 firms from 2005, it is found that CFO experience (measured by tenure) is positively related to CSR at a significant level. In addition, the results indicate that CSR activities are not related to the CFO's education (measured as a Master's of Business Administration degree) or accounting expertise (measured as certified public accountant designation). The findings suggest that CFOs with more experience engage in more CSR activities than CFOs with less experience.

Originality/value

This study is valuable for several reasons: First, the study contributes to both the CSR literature and the CFO financial expertise literature by delivering new evidence on the link between CFO financial expertise and corporate social responsibility. Second, the study provides useful information to boards of directors, corporations and investors on certain CFO characteristics associated with effective CSR. Third, the study provides empirical evidence to support the suggested shift in the CFO's role from accountant to co‐driver of a firm's long‐term strategy.
Two new graphical methods for mapping trait evolution on phylogenies
Authors: Revell Liam J.
Published: April 2013

Modern phylogenetic comparative biology uses data from the relationships between species (phylogeny) combined with comparative information for phenotypic traits to draw model‐based statistical inferences about the evolutionary past. Recent years have seen phylogeny methods for evolutionary inference become central in the study of organic evolution.

Here, I present two different graphical methods for visualizing phenotypic evolution on the tree. Method 1 is a new approach for plotting the posterior density of stochastically mapped character histories for a binary (two‐state) phenotypic trait on a phylogeny. Method 2 is a closely related technique that uses ancestral character estimation to visualize historical character states for a continuous trait along the branches of a tree.

One shortcoming of Method 2 is that by mapping the point estimates of ancestral states along the branches of the tree, we have effectively ignored the uncertainty associated with ancestral character estimation of continuous traits. To alleviate this issue, I propose a new method for visualizing ancestral state uncertainty using a type of projection of the tree into morphospace called a ‘traitgram.’

All of these approaches should prove useful in summarizing complex comparative inferences about ancestral character reconstruction. They are implemented in the freely available and open‐source R phylogenetics package ‘phytools.’
How Mineralogy and Geochemistry Can Improve the Significance of Pb Isotopes in Metal Provenance Studies
Authors: Baron S. , Tămaş C. G. , Le Carlier C.
Published: April 2013

Lead isotopes combined with trace element data represent a powerful tool for non‐ferrous metal provenance studies. Nevertheless, unconsidered geological factors and archaeological data, as well as ignored analytical procedures, may substantially modify the interpretation of the isotopic and trace element signature obtained as a potential ore candidate. Three archaeological examples, accompanied by high‐resolution lead isotopic measurements (MC–ICP–MS), are presented here to discuss the above‐mentioned criticisms and to propose some solutions. The first example deals with prehistoric/historical gold/silver‐mining activity from Romania (the Baia Borşa and Roşia Montană ore deposits). The second one regards the lead/silver metallurgical activity from the Mont‐Lozère massif (France) during medieval times. The third example focuses on the comparison between two batches of lead isotope data gathered on Roman lead ingots from Saintes‐Maries‐de‐la‐Mer, using different SRM 981 Pb values.
Drought‐induced woody plant mortality in an encroached semi‐arid savanna depends on topoedaphic factors and land management
Authors: Twidwell Dirac , Wonkka Carissa L. , Taylor Charles A. , Zou Chris B. , Twidwell Jeremiah J. , Rogers William E.
Published: April 2013

Questions

How do recent patterns of drought‐induced woody plant mortality inTexas semi‐arid savanna compare to the extended drought of the 1950s? Does the relative composition of the woody plant community shift ubiquitously across the landscape following woody plant mortality and dieback or are shifts dependent on differences among species, soils, land use and plant demography?

Location

TexasAgrilifeResearchStation,Sonora,Texas,USA(30.1° N 100.3° W).

Methods

Following an exceptional drought from 1951 to 1957, a study was conducted to quantify rates of mortality for various woody plant species. In 2011, we repeated this study within three long‐term grazing treatments that were established in 1948. Ten transects were established in each treatment to quantify the frequency and cover of live and dead woody individuals for all woody species. Rates of woody plant dieback were determined for each species and tested for differences among height classes, soil categories, total woody densities and pastoral treatments.

Results

Flash droughts (defined as rapidly intensifying droughts characterized by moisture deficits and high temperatures) from 2000 to 2011 were the second most severe since 1919 (lowPDSI = −4) and were only surpassed by the prolonged drought from 1951 to 1957 (lowPDSI = −5.17). Drought‐induced shifts from one woody plant community to another did not occur uniformly across the landscape. Instead, high mortality rates of matureJuniperus asheitrees in deep soils (67.3%, 33 of 49 trees), combined with the recruitment ofQuercusspecies where grazing had been excluded for the last 60 yr, were the only patch types to shift from aJuniperus–Quercuswoodland to an alternate state.

Conclusions

Flash droughts since 2000 resulted in significant mortality and dieback, but dieback in cover was 28% higher following the more severe drought of the 1950s. Legacies from long‐term land management practices interacted with localized differences in topoedaphic factors to drive patch‐level shifts in woody vegetation following drought.
Palliative resection of the primary tumour in patients with Stage IV colorectal cancer: systematic review and meta‐analysis of the early outcome after laparoscopic and open colectomy
Authors: Yang T. X. , Billah B. , Morris D. L. , Chua T. C.
Published: April 2013

Aim

Resection of the primary tumour in patients with Stage IV colorectal cancer may be performed to avoid future tumour‐related complications whilst on systemic treatment. We compared the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic and open colectomy in this patient group.

Method

PubMed, MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library were searched in the English literature for studies between January 2000 and October 2012 dealing with laparoscopic resection of the primary tumour in Stage IV disease. Single‐arm laparoscopic studies were systematically reviewed. Prospective and retrospective studies were included for meta‐analysis. End‐points include safety, complications, mortality and cancer specific outcome including 5‐year and median survival.

Results

Eleven studies comprising 1165 patients undergoing palliative laparoscopic colectomy for Stage IV colorectal cancer were included. Five studies were comparative studies of laparoscopic and open colectomy. The former took longer (pooled mean difference (MD) = 41.52, 95% CI = 11.47–71.56, Z = 2.71, P = 0.007), but resulted in a shorter length of stay (pooled MD = −2.41, 95% CI = −3.84 to −0.99, Z = 3.32, P = 0.0009), with fewer postoperative complications (pooled odds ratio = 0.53, 95% CI = 0.32–0.87, Z = 2.51, P = 0.01) and lower estimated blood loss (pooled MD = −47.71, 95% CI = −80.00 to −15.42, Z = 2.90, P = 0.004). Median survival ranged between 11.4 and 30.1 months.

Conclusion

Palliative colectomy performed laparoscopically is associated with a better perioperative outcome than open colectomy. Survival is dependent on the response to systemic chemotherapy.
Human papillomavirus infection and colorectal cancer risk: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Damin D. C. , Ziegelmann P. K. , Damin A. P.
Published: April 2013

Aim

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is associated with cervical cancer, but whether it is involved in colorectal carcinogenesis is controversial. We conducted a meta‐analysis to evaluate the association between HPV and colorectal adenocarcinoma.

Method

A search of the MEDLINE database was performed using the MESH terms ‘HPV’, ‘human papillomavirus’, and ‘colon cancer’, ‘rectal cancer’, ‘colorectal cancer’. The prevalence of HPV infection in colorectal cancer was estimated by pooling data from 16 studies (involving 1436 patients) published up to July 2012, taking into consideration methodological heterogeneity between studies. The association of HPV with colorectal cancer risk was estimated from case–control studies.

Results

The HPV overall prevalence was 31.9% (95% CI: 19.3–47.9). It was lowest in Europe (14.1%, 95% CI: 4.9–34.1) and highest in South America (60.8%, 95% CI: 42.7–76.4). Eight studies presented the results of HPV typing in 302 HPV‐positive colorectal carcinomas. HPV 18 was the virus more frequently found in colorectal cancer cases from Asia (73.34%, 95% CI: 44.9–90.7) and Europe (47.3%, 95% CI: 34.5–60.4). In contrast, HPV 16 was more prevalent in colorectal tumours from South America (58.3%, 95% CI: 45.5–69.9). The analysis of five case–control studies showed an increase in colorectal carcinoma risk with HPV positivity (OR = 10.04; 95% CI: 3.7–27.5).

Conclusion

The results provide quantitative evidence for an association between HPV infection and colorectal cancer risk.
Redox control on carbon mineralization and dissolved organic matter along a chronosequence of paddy soils
Authors: Hanke A. , Cerli C. , Muhr J. , Borken W. , Kalbitz K.
Published: April 2013

Paddy soils are subjected to periodically changing redox conditions. In order to understand better the redox control on long‐term carbon turnover, we assessed carbon mineralization and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) of paddy topsoils sampled along a chronosequence spanning 2000 years of rice cultivation. Non‐paddy soils were used as references. We exposed soils to alternating redox conditions for 12 weeks in incubation experiments. Carbon mineralization of paddy soils was independent of redox conditions. Anoxic conditions caused increasing DOC concentrations for paddy soils, probably because of desorption induced by increasing pH. We assume desorption released older, previously stabilized carbon, which then was respired by a microbial community well adapted to anoxic conditions. This assumption is supported by the 14C signatures of respired CO2, indicating larger mineralization of older carbon under anoxic than under oxic conditions. The increasing DOC concentrations under anoxic conditions did not result in an equivalent increase in carbon mineralization, possibly because of little reducible iron oxide. Therefore, net DOC and CO2 production were not positively related under anoxic conditions. The overall 20–75% smaller carbon mineralization of paddy soils than of non‐paddy soils resulted from less respiration under oxic conditions. We conclude that carbon accumulation in paddy as well as in other wetland soils results from a microbial community well adapted to anoxic conditions, but less efficient in mineralizing carbon during transient oxic periods. Carbon accumulation might be even larger when mineralization under anoxic conditions is restricted by a lack of alternative electron acceptors.
Carbon use efficiency of microbial communities: stoichiometry, methodology and modelling
Authors: Sinsabaugh Robert L. , Manzoni Stefano , Moorhead Daryl L. , Richter Andreas
Published: April 2013

Carbon use efficiency (CUE) is a fundamental parameter for ecological models based on the physiology of microorganisms. CUE determines energy and material flows to higher trophic levels, conversion of plant‐produced carbon into microbial products and rates of ecosystem carbon storage. Thermodynamic calculations support a maximum CUE value of ~ 0.60 (CUE
max). Kinetic and stoichiometric constraints on microbial growth suggest that CUE in multi‐resource limited natural systems should approach ~ 0.3 (CUE
max/2). However, the mean CUE values reported for aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems differ by twofold (~ 0.26 vs. ~ 0.55) because the methods used to estimate CUE in aquatic and terrestrial systems generally differ and soil estimates are less likely to capture the full maintenance costs of community metabolism given the difficulty of measurements in water‐limited environments. Moreover, many simulation models lack adequate representation of energy spilling pathways and stoichiometric constraints on metabolism, which can also lead to overestimates of CUE. We recommend that broad‐scale models use a CUE value of 0.30, unless there is evidence for lower values as a result of pervasive nutrient limitations. Ecosystem models operating at finer scales should consider resource composition, stoichiometric constraints and biomass composition, as well as environmental drivers, to predict the CUE of microbial communities.
EGFR expression and copy number changes in low T‐stage oral squamous cell carcinomas
Authors: Rössle Matthias , Weber Claudia S , Züllig Lena , Graf Nicole , Jochum Wolfram , Stöckli Sandro J , Moch Holger , Huber Gerhard F
Published: April 2013

Aims

EGFR‐directed therapies are used to treat patients with advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). As it is still unclear whether or not EGFR amplification represents an early or late event in head and neck SCC progression, we aimed to determine the frequency of abnormalities of EGFR protein and gene copy numbers in early oral SCC.

Methods and results

A tissue microarray of cancer tissue from 120 patients with pT1/2 oral SCC was constructed. We investigated EGFR protein expression by immunohistochemistry. EGFR gene copy enumeration was performed using fluorescence in‐situ hybridization (FISH) and the novel automated silver in‐situ hybridization (SISH) technology. Of early oral SCC, 19.3% showed high, 57.1% moderate and 23.6% low EGFR expression. EGFR amplification/polysomy was identified in 8% and 9% of cases by FISH and SISH, respectively. EGFR–SISH had a high concordance with EGFR–FISH (kappa value = 1.0), and both methods showed high conformity with EGFR immunohistochemistry (P = 0.001 and P = 0.006, respectively). No correlation was found of EGFR protein expression or gene amplification status with pT or pN stage.

Conclusions

Only a small subgroup of early oral SCC is characterized by EGFR amplification, which can be identified reliably using EGFR–SISH technology. This finding suggests that EGFR gene amplification mostly occurs in advanced stages of oral SCC.
New Alumina‐Based Novel Ceramic Nanopigments: An Alternative to the Purple of Cassius
Authors: Jastrzębska Agnieszka Maria , Kurtycz Patrycja , Olszyna Andrzej Roman , Jureczko Joanna , Kunicki Antoni Ryszard
Published: April 2013

The present article presents first comparative study on three different dry solgel methods of producing new alumina‐based dark violet, light pink ceramic nanopigments as well as ruby‐red ceramic nanopigment — an alternative to the Purple of Cassius. Gold nanoparticles are built directly on a carrier of an aluminum oxide nanopowder, which finally yields Al2O3/Au nanopowders possessing colors ranging from light pink to light violet as well as ruby‐red.
Toddlers Activate Lexical Semantic Knowledge in the Absence of Visual Referents: Evidence from Auditory Priming
Authors: Willits Jon A. , Wojcik Erica H. , Seidenberg Mark S. , Saffran Jenny R.
Published: April 2013

Language learners rapidly acquire extensive semantic knowledge, but the development of this knowledge is difficult to study, in part because it is difficult to assess young children's lexical semantic representations. In our studies, we solved this problem by investigating lexical semantic knowledge in 24‐month‐olds using the Head‐turn Preference Procedure. In Experiment 1, looking times to a repeating spoken word stimulus (e.g., kitty‐kitty‐kitty) were shorter for trials preceded by a semantically related word (e.g., dog‐dog‐dog) than trials preceded by an unrelated word (e.g., juice‐juice‐juice). Experiment 2 yielded similar results using a method in which pairs of words were presented on the same trial. The studies provide evidence that young children activate of lexical semantic knowledge, and critically, that they do so in the absence of visual referents or sentence contexts. Auditory lexical priming is a promising technique for studying the development and structure of semantic knowledge in young children.
Bird pollinators differ in their tolerance of a nectar alkaloid
Authors: Lerch‐Henning Sara , Nicolson Susan W.
Published: April 2013

Although the function of nectar is to attract and reward pollinators, secondary metabolites produced by plants as anti‐herbivore defences are frequently present in floral nectars. Greater understanding is needed of the effects of secondary metabolites in nectar on the foraging behaviour and performance of pollinators, and on plant–pollinator interactions. We investigated how nectar‐feeding birds, both specialist (white‐bellied sunbirds Cinnyris talatala) and generalist (dark‐capped bulbuls Pycnonotus tricolor and Cape white‐eyes Zosterops virens), respond to artificial nectar containing the alkaloid nicotine, present in nectar of Nicotiana species. Preference tests were carried out with a range of nicotine concentrations (0.1–300 μM) in two sucrose concentrations (0.25 and 1 M), and for bulbuls also in two sugars (sucrose and hexose). In addition, we measured short‐term feeding patterns in white‐bellied sunbirds that were offered nicotine (0–50 μM) in 0.63 M sucrose. Both nicotine and sugar concentrations influenced the response of bird pollinators to nicotine. The birds showed dose‐dependent responses to nicotine; and their tolerance of high nicotine concentrations was reduced on the dilute 0.25 M sucrose diet, on which they increased consumption to maintain energy intake. White‐bellied sunbirds decreased both feeding frequency and feeding duration as the nicotine concentration in artificial nectar increased. Of the three species, bulbuls showed the highest tolerance for nicotine, and sugar type (sucrose or hexose) had no effect. The indifference of bulbuls to nicotine may be related to their primarily frugivorous diet. However, the response of white‐eyes to nicotine in the dilute sucrose solution was very similar to that of sunbirds, even though white‐eyes are generalist nectar‐feeders. Additional testing of other avian nectarivores and different secondary metabolites is required to further elucidate whether generalist bird pollinators, which utilise dilute nectars in which secondary metabolites have stronger deterrent effects, are more tolerant of ‘toxic’ nectar.
The epidemiology underlying age‐related avian malaria infection in a long‐lived host: the mute swanCygnus olor
Authors: Wood Matt J. , Childs Dylan Z. , Davies Alicia S. , Hellgren Olof , Cornwallis Charlie K. , Perrins Chris M. , Sheldon Ben C.
Published: April 2013

Quantifying the factors that predict parasite outbreak and persistence is a major challenge for both applied and fundamental biology. Key to understanding parasite prevalence and disease outbreaks is determining at what age individuals show signs of infection, and whether or not they recover. Age‐dependent patterns of the infection of a host population by parasites can indicate among‐individual heterogeneities in their susceptibility to, or rate of recovery from, parasite infections. Here, we present a cross‐sectional study of avian malaria in a long‐lived bird species, the mute swanCygnus olor, examining age‐related patterns of parasite prevalence and modelling patterns of infection and recovery. One‐hundred and fifteen swans, ranging from one to nineteen years old, were screened for infection withPlasmodium, HaemoproteusandLeucocytozoonparasites. Infections with three cytochrome‐blineages ofHaemoproteuswere found (pooled prevalence 67%), namely WW1 (26%), which is common in passerine birds, and two new lineages closely related to WW1: MUTSW1 (25%) and MUTSW2 (16%). We found evidence for age‐related infection in one lineage, MUTSW1. Catalytic models examining patterns of infection and recovery in the population suggested that infections in this population were not life‐long – recovery of individuals was included in the best fitting models. These findings support the results of recent studies that suggest hosts can clear infections, although patterns of infection‐related mortality in older birds remain to be studied in more detail.
Inflammatory mechanisms linking periodontal diseases to cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Schenkein Harvey A. , Loos Bruno G.
Published: April 2013

Aims

In this article, inflammatory mechanisms that link periodontal diseases to cardiovascular diseases are reviewed.

Methods

This article is a literature review.

Results

Studies in the literature implicate a number of possible mechanisms that could be responsible for increased inflammatory responses in atheromatous lesions due to periodontal infections. These include increased systemic levels of inflammatory mediators stimulated by bacteria and their products at sites distant from the oral cavity, elevated thrombotic and hemostatic markers that promote a prothrombotic state and inflammation, cross‐reactive systemic antibodies that promote inflammation and interact with the atheroma, promotion of dyslipidemia with consequent increases in pro‐inflammatory lipid classes and subclasses, and common genetic susceptibility factors present in both disease leading to increased inflammatory responses.

Conclusions

Such mechanisms may be thought to act in concert to increase systemic inflammation in periodontal disease and to promote or exacerbate atherogenesis. However, proof that the increase in systemic inflammation attributable to periodontitis impacts inflammatory responses during atheroma development, thrombotic events or myocardial infarction or stroke is lacking.
Epidemiology of association between maternal periodontal disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes – systematic review
Authors: Ide Mark , Papapanou Panos N.
Published: April 2013

Background and objectives

There is still debate regarding potential relationships between maternal periodontitis during pregnancy and adverse pregnancy outcomes. The aim of this systematic review was to synthesize the available epidemiological evidence on this association.

Data sources

Combined electronic and hand search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, WEB OF SCIENCE and Cochrane Central Register databases.

Study eligibility criteria

Original publications reporting data from cross‐sectional, case‐control or prospective cohort epidemiological studies on the association between periodontal status and preterm birth, low birthweight (LBW) or pre‐eclampsia. The search was not limited to publications in English. All selected studies provided data based on professional assessments of periodontal status, and outcome variables, including preterm birth (<37 weeks gestation), LBW (<2500 g), gestational age, small for gestational age, birthweight, pregnancy loss or miscarriage, or pre‐eclampsia.

Participants

Pregnant women with or without periodontal disease, and with or without adverse pregnancy outcomes, assessed either during pregnancy or postpartum. No intervention studies were included. Study appraisal and synthesis methods – Publications were assessed based on predefined screening criteria including type of periodontal assessment, consistency in the timing of the periodontal assessment with respect to gestational age, examiner masking and consideration of additional exposures and confounders.

Results

Maternal periodontitis is modestly but significantly associated with LBW and preterm birth, but the use of a categorical or a continuous exposure definition of periodontitis appears to impact the findings: Although significant associations emerge from case‐control and cross‐sectional studies using periodontitis “case definitions,” these were substantially attenuated in studies assessing periodontitis as a continuous variable. Data from prospective studies followed a similar pattern, but associations were generally weaker. Maternal periodontitis was significantly associated with pre‐eclampsia.

Limitations

There is a high degree of variability in study populations, recruitment and assessment, as well as differences in how data are recorded and handled. As a result, studies included in meta‐analyses show a high degree of heterogeneity.

Conclusions and implications of key findings

Maternal periodontitis is modestly but independently associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, but the findings are impacted by periodontitis case definitions. It is suggested that future studies employ both continuous and categorical assessments of periodontal status. Further use of the composite outcome preterm LBW is not encouraged.
Periodontal systemic associations: review of the evidence
Authors: Linden Gerard J. , Lyons Amy , Scannapieco Frank A.
Published: April 2013

Aim

To critically appraise recent research into associations between periodontal disease and systemic diseases and conditions specifically respiratory disease, chronic kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, cognitive impairment, obesity, metabolic syndrome and cancer.

Methods

A MEDLINE literature search of papers published between 2002 and April 2012 was conducted. Studies that included periodontitis as an exposure were identified. Cross‐sectional epidemiological investigations on large samples, prospective studies and systematic reviews formed the basis of the narrative review. A threshold set for the identification of periodontitis was used to identify those studies that contributed to the conclusions of the review.

Results

Many of the investigations were cross‐sectional secondary analyses of existing data sets in particular the NHANES studies. There were a small number of systematic reviews and prospective studies. There was substantial variability in the definitions of exposure to periodontitis. A small number of studies met the threshold set for periodontitis and supported associations; however, in some of the chronic diseases there were no such studies. There was strong evidence from randomized controlled trials that interventions, which improve oral hygiene have positive effects on the prevention of nosocomial pneumonias.

Conclusions

There was substantial heterogeneity in the definitions used to identify periodontitis and very few studies met a stringent threshold for periodontitis. Published evidence supports modest associations between periodontitis and some, although not all, of the diseases and conditions reviewed. There is a need to reach a consensus on what constitutes periodontitis for future studies of putative associations with systemic diseases.
Adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs) and periodontal disease: pathogenic mechanisms
Authors: Madianos Phoebus N. , Bobetsis Yiorgos A. , Offenbacher Steven
Published: April 2013

Aim

To evaluate the evidence on potential biological pathways underlying the possible association between periodontal disease (PD) and adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs).

Material & Methods

Human, experimental and in vitro studies were evaluated.

Results

Periodontal pathogens/byproducts may reach the placenta and spread to the foetal circulation and amniotic fluid. Their presence in the foeto‐placental compartment can stimulate a foetal immune/inflammatory response characterized by the production of IgM antibodies against the pathogens and the secretion of elevated levels of inflammatory mediators, which in turn may cause miscarriage or premature birth. Moreover, infection/inflammation may cause placental structural changes leading to pre‐eclampsia and impaired nutrient transport causing low birthweight. Foetal exposure may also result in tissue damage, increasing the risk for perinatal mortality/morbidity. Finally, the elicited systemic inflammatory response may exacerbate local inflammatory responses at the foeto‐placental unit and further increase the risk for APOs.

Conclusions

Further investigation is still necessary to fully translate the findings of basic research into clinical studies and practice. Understanding the systemic virulence potential of the individual's oral microbiome and immune response may be a distinctly different issue from categorizing the nature of the challenge using clinical signs of PD. Therefore, a more personalized targeted therapy could be a more predictive answer to the current “one‐size‐fits‐all” interventions.
Periodontitis and adverse pregnancy outcomes: consensus report of the Joint EFP/AAP Workshop on Periodontitis and Systemic Diseases
Authors: Sanz Mariano , Kornman Kenneth ,   working group 3 of the joint EFP/AAP workshop*
Published: April 2013

Background

Pregnancy sometimes has adverse outcomes including low birthweight (<2500 g), pre‐term birth (<37 weeks), growth restriction, pre‐eclampsia, miscarriage and/or stillbirth. Maternal periodontitis directly and/or indirectly have potential to influence the health of the foetal–maternal unit.

Aims

To assess the epidemiological evidence for the impact of periodontal disease on adverse pregnancy outcomes and to identify potential underpinning mechanisms.

Epidemiology

Low birthweight, pre‐term birth and pre‐eclampsia have been associated with maternal periodontitis exposure. However, the strength of the observed associations is modest and seems to vary according to the population studied, the means of periodontal assessment and the periodontal disease classification employed.

Biological mechanisms

Two major pathways have been identified, One direct, in which oral microorganisms and/or their components reach the foetal–placental unit and one indirect, in which Inflammatory mediators circulate and impact the foetal–placental unit.

Interventions

Although periodontal therapy has been shown to be safe and leads to improved periodontal conditions in pregnant women, case‐related periodontal therapy, with or without systemic antibiotics does not reduce overall rates of pre‐term birth and low birthweight.

Guidelines

Given the current evidence, various treatment strategies could be evaluated that consider specific target populations, as well as timing and intensity of treatment.
Use of Lemongrass Oil and Modified Atmosphere Packaging on Control of Anthracnose and Quality Maintenance in Avocado Cultivars
Authors: Mpho Mafune , Sivakumar Dharini , Sellamuthu Periyar Selvam , Bautista‐Baños Silvia
Published: April 2013

In vitro studies indicated that the essential oils lemongrass (LO) inhibited the growth of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. The gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis of LO showed geranial and neral as major compounds. Fruit inoculation trials for three cultivars with LO in biorientated polypropylene modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and commercial treatment (prochloraz and Freshmark bag showed lower disease severity at 25C for 5 days than treatments with stand‐alone MAP, LO+Freshmark bag and untreated control. Multivariate canonical variate analysis of the results indicated that the naturally infected avocado cultivars from LO+MAP treatment significantly reduced the incidence of anthracnose, gray pulp, vascular browning, weight loss, loss of fruit firmness and showed acceptable taste, flavor, texture and higher overall acceptance after ripening at 25C followed by cold storage at 10C for 18 days. Thus, the efficacy of combined application of LO in MAP as a suitable alternative to the currently adopted commercial treatment was demonstrated in this investigation.

Practical Applications

A novel approach to control postharvest disease anthracnose (C. gloeosporioides), while maintaining fruit quality, has been implemented by the combined application of essential oil and modified atmosphere packaging to three popular avocado cultivars Ryan, Fuerte and Hass. This approach can be used as an alternative for synthetic fungicides, thereby complying with organic requirements, consumer acceptance and reducing environmental pollution.
Angiotensin System–Blocking Medications Are Associated with Fewer Falls over 12 Months in Community‐Dwelling Older People
Authors: Wong Alfred K. W. , Lord Stephen R. , Sturnieks Daina L. , Delbaere Kim , Trollor Julian N. , Close Jacqueline C. T.
Published: April 2013

Objectives

To investigate relationships between the use of cardiovascular medications, including angiotensin system–blocking medications (ASBMs), orthostatic hypotension (OH), fall risk, and falls in community‐dwelling older people.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Sydney, Australia.

Participants

Five hundred twenty community‐dwelling older adults.

Measurements

Medical, medication and falls history were obtained from a standardized questionnaire in all participants. Blood pressure was measured in supine, seated, and tilted positions. Fall risk was assessed using the Physiological Profile Assessment (PPA). Falls data were collected prospectively for 12 months using monthly fall calendars. Participants were defined as nonfallers (no falls) and fallers (≥1 falls) at the end of the 12‐month follow‐up.

Results

Participants taking medications affecting the angiotensin system had greater quadriceps strength, but after adjusting for sex, this difference became insignificant. People taking ASBMs were less likely to fall (odds ratio = 0.68, 95% confidence interval = 0.48–0.97), and the association between ASBMs and falls remained significant after adjusting for sex, body mass index, PPA score, and psychotropic medication and 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methyl‐glutaryl‐coenzyme A reductase inhibitor (statin) use. OH was more frequently observed in participants taking alpha adrenergic receptor blockers (α‐blockers), but the presence of OH did not increase fall risk.

Conclusion

The use of cardiovascular medications in older people did not increase the risk of falls, and the use of ASBMs was associated with lower fall risk. The mechanisms for this apparent protective effect are unclear and appear not to be directly related to muscle strength. More research is required to elucidate the possible protective effects of certain cardiovascular medications in relation to falls in older people.
Disturbed eating behaviours and associated psychographic characteristics of college students
Authors: Quick V. M. , Byrd‐Bredbenner C.
Published: April 2013

Background

Young adulthood is a stressful transition period that may increase the risk for disturbed eating, especially for college students. The present study aimed to explore disturbed eating behaviours and a broad array of associated psychographic characteristics in a large, diverse sample of college students.

Methods

College students (n = 2604; 58% white; 63% female) enrolled at three large, public US universities in 2009 and 2010 were recruited to take an online survey. The survey included reliable and valid disturbed eating behaviour and associated psychographic characteristic measures.

Results

Many participants engaged in disturbed eating practices. For example, one‐quarter of women and one‐fifth of men engaged in dietary restraint. One in seven reported regularly binge eating. One‐third used inappropriate compensatory behaviours (self‐induced vomiting, medicine misuse and excessive exercise) as a means for controlling weight and/or shape, with the rate of these behaviours reaching clinically significant levels for 4%, 3% and 5% of participants, respectively. Examination of psychographic characteristics revealed that one‐fifth had moderate levels of depression and anxiety severity and almost half engaged in at least one obsessive–compulsive disorder type behaviour. Females felt under more pressure to attain the media physical appearance standard than males.

Conclusions

The findings of the present study suggest that nutrition education interventions for college students may be needed to address disturbed eating behaviours and to provide guidance on how to seek professional help. The findings also suggest that it may be prudent for healthcare professionals to routinely screen college students for disturbed eating behaviours and offer interventions early when treatment is likely to be most effective.
Associations of symptoms of anxiety and depression with diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors in older people with intellectual disability
Authors: de Winter C. F. , Hermans H. , Evenhuis H. M. , Echteld M. A.
Published: April 2013

Background

Depression, anxiety, diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors are frequent health problems among older people with intellectual disability (ID). These conditions may be bidirectionally related. Depression and anxiety may have biological effects causing glucose intolerance, fat accumulation and also lifestyle changes causing metabolic syndrome. But also the effects of diabetes, metabolic syndrome and subsequent cardiovascular disease may affect mood and anxiety. This study investigated the association between depression, anxiety and diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors in older people with ID.

Methods

The healthy ageing in intellectual disability‐study (HA‐ID study) is a cross‐sectional study among people aged 50 years and over with ID, receiving formal ID care. Screening instruments for symptoms of anxiety and depression were completed and physical examination and vena‐puncture were performed to establish components of the metabolic syndrome, peripheral arterial disease and c‐reactive protein.

Results

Of the 990 people who participated, 17% had symptoms of depression and 16% had symptoms of anxiety. Type I diabetes was present in 1%, type II diabetes in 13% of the study population. Metabolic syndrome, central obesity, hypercholesterolemia and hypertension were present in 45%, 48%, 23% and 53% respectively. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis a significant association was found between increased anxiety symptoms and diabetes only (OR 2.4, 95%CI 1.2–4.9).

Conclusions

Increased anxiety symptoms and diabetes are related in older people with ID. This association may be bidirectional. No other associations of depression and anxiety symptoms with cardiovascular risk factors could be proven to be significant. Therefore, more research is needed to unravel the mechanisms of stress, mood disorders and cardiovascular disease in older people with ID. To provide comprehensive care for older people with ID, screening for diabetes and components of the metabolic syndrome in people with anxiety or mood disorders, and screening for symptoms of anxiety or depression in people with diabetes is warranted.
Progesterone and Cerebral Ischaemia: The Relevance of Ageing
Authors: Wong R. , Bath P. M. W. , Kendall D. , Gibson C. L.
Published: April 2013

Cerebral stroke is a leading cause of long‐term disability and a major cause of death in the developed world. The total incidence of stroke is projected to rise substantially over the next 20 years as a result of the rising elderly population. Although age is one of the most significant prognostic markers for poor outcome after stroke, very few experimental studies have been conducted in aged animals. Importantly, sex differences in both vulnerability to stroke and outcome after cerebral ischaemia have frequently been reported and attributed to the action of steroid hormones. Progesterone is a candidate neuroprotective factor for stroke, although the majority of pre‐clinical studies have focused on using young, healthy adult animals. In terms of cerebral stroke, males and postmenopausal females represent the groups at highest risk of cerebral stroke and these categories can be modelled using either aged or ovariectomised female animals. In this review, we discuss the importance of conducting experimental studies in aged animals compared to young, healthy animals, as well as the impact this has on experimental outcomes. In addition, we focus on reviewing the studies that have been conducted to date examining the neuroprotective potential of progesterone in aged animals. Importantly, the limited studies that have been conducted in aged animals do lend further support to progesterone as a therapeutic option after ischaemic stroke that warrants further investigation.