bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The relationship between women’s presence in corporate positions and firm performance
Authors: Moreno-Gómez Jorge , Calleja-Blanco Jonathan
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze, in the Colombian developing context, the relationship between the presence of women in corporate positions and the financial performance of the company and to know if there are differences between family and non-family firms.

Design/methodology/approach

Building on the contingency theory of leadership, which emphasizes that leader’s personality and the situation in which that leader operates influences corporate decision-making, the authors use panel data models on a sample of 54 Colombian public businesses for the period 2008-2015 to test the proposed hypotheses on the relationship between women´s presence in corporate governance positions and financial performance, as well as the difference between family and non-family firms.

Findings

The results support that women´s presence in corporate governance positions is positively associated with firm performance. More concretely, the authors find a relationship between women at the top corporate governance structure (as part of the board of directors, top management team and chief executive officer) and firm profitability. Results also indicate that family business, as a type of organization, (negatively) moderates the positive relationship between female participation in top executive positions (board and top executive team) and firm performance.

Research limitations/implications

First, this study is limited to women in corporate positions in large companies listed on the Colombia Stock Exchange, and thus, generalizability for smaller entities may be limited. Second, data limitations do not allow us to investigate ways in which women’s presence in corporate governance structures contributes to improve firm goals.

Practical implications

The authors provide support to the hypothesis that positively relates women’s presence in corporate governance positions and firm performance for the case of Colombia. This serves as a guidance to Colombian regulators, corporate decision-makers and policy-makers to promote the inclusion of women in top hierarchical structures through either mandatory laws or recommendation.

Originality/value

Few studies have addressed the women´s presence in corporate governance positions and contribution to firm performance in developing economies. This study contributes to better understand how women impact performance in contexts where women are underrepresented in corporate governance structure and where there are no laws that pressure firms to appoint women in corporate governance positions.
Designing and developing OM research – from concept to publication
Authors: Caniato Federico , Doran Des , Sousa Rui , Boer Harry
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify similarities and differences between qualitative-based and quantitative-based research, and to present recommendations for designing and conducting the research so that the possibilities of publishing it in leading Operations Management (OM) journals are improved.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes its outset in contributions made at the 2016 European Operations Management Association Young Scholars Workshop. The theme of the workshop was “Designing and developing research projects in Operations Management – from concept to publication.” Taking the perspectives of the case researcher, the survey researcher and the editor/reviewer, the authors present and discuss the views on and experiences with designing research for publication.

Findings

The authors identify a number of recommendations that researchers should use when designing, conducting, and presenting their research for publication. The recommendations include the need to clearly and concisely establish relevance, account for choice of methodology as well as the operationalization, sampling, analytical, and validation methods used, and demonstrate the contribution of the paper in the discussion section. Furthermore, the authors draw attention to the importance of developing a publication strategy as early as possible. Other important aspects include the title of the paper, keywords selection, and rejection criteria. Finally, the authors stress the importance of “total quality management” in designing and executing OM research.

Originality/value

Going beyond the standard author guidelines found at journal web sites, the authors present a collection of viewpoints, which are based on the authors’ experiences as reviewers, editors, and evaluators of OM research projects and their designs.
Obtaining global certification
Authors: Miller Stewart , Jayaram Jayanth , Xu Kefeng
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine predictors of obtaining global certification (ISO 9000) in an emerging market by focusing on ownership structure and total quality management (TQM) commitment.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adapts the theory of planned behavior to explain organizations that obtain global certification in an emerging market (China). Using 269 service firms at different stages of ISO 9000 certification (a proxy for goal-directed behavior/excellence by organizations), the study examines the influence of ownership structures (a proxy for perceived behavioral control) and TQM commitment (a proxy for attitude toward a behavior), using a probit model.

Findings

The results showed that ownership structures that were state-owned enterprises, privately owned enterprises and township-village enterprises (TVEs) had a lower probability of obtaining global certification. However, TQM commitment moderates the relationship between ownership structure and obtaining ISO 9000 certification for POEs and TVEs. The study found stronger results for a subsample of organizations that intended to obtain ISO 9000 certification. Among organizations without ISO 9000 certification, we examined organizations that began the learning process for ISO 9000 and those that had not, and found differences based on competitive pressures, ownership structures, and the moderating effect of TQM commitment.

Research limitations/implications

Future research may consider manufacturing organizations and other countries to further validate the findings of our study.

Practical implications

Creating strong TQM commitment can be an effective means for POEs and TVEs to obtain ISO 9000 certification.

Originality/value

This study is the first to adapt the theory of planned behavior for an organization-level analysis of ISO 9000 certification, especially in the service operations setting. The study found that TQM commitment selectively moderates ownership structures in explaining the probability that an organization obtained ISO 9000 certification.
Controlling lean manufacturing in multidivisional organisations
Authors: van der Steen Martijn Pieter , Tillema Sandra
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address the impact of a multidivisional structure on the implementation of lean manufacturing. It investigates how the controls employed by the corporate level impact the local implementation of lean manufacturing.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reports on case studies in three subsidiaries in different multidivisional organisations.

Findings

The paper finds that lean manufacturing can be severely constrained by the accounting-based controls which are commonly in place in a multidivisional structure. Depending on the degree of centralisation, subsidiaries may be restricted to implementing lean tools in a fragmented way, rather than acting according to a coherent set of principles.

Practical implications

Companies may have to accept that being part of a multidivisional organisation can imply that their lean implementation is more gradual and piecemeal than they prefer. The paper proposes several ways to mitigate the constraints that may arise from incompatibilities between accounting-based controls and lean controls.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature about external constraints on production innovations, such as lean manufacturing. It highlights how the organisational context creates local conditions that may be detrimental to the implementation of lean manufacturing.
The role of knowledge absorptive capacity on the relationship between cognitive social capital and entrepreneurial orientation
Authors: García-Villaverde Pedro M. , Rodrigo-Alarcón Job , Ruiz-Ortega Maria Jose , Parra-Requena Gloria
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the effect of cognitive social capital (CSC) on firms’ entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and how knowledge absorptive capacity moderates this relationship. The purpose is aimed at completing the gap in the literature regarding determinants of EO linked with knowledge.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical study was carried out on a sample of 292 Spanish firms in the agri-food industry. Partial least squares (SmartPLS software) was used to evaluate the measurement and structural models.

Findings

CSC has a curvilinear influence (U-shaped) on EO. In addition, this relationship is accentuated with higher knowledge absorptive capacity.

Practical implications

Managers should promote cognitively close networks and reinforce shared goals and culture with their contacts to maintain a high EO. Furthermore, managers should strengthen their knowledge absorptive capacity to boost innovativeness, risk taking and proactiveness derived from cognitive proximity with their contacts.

Originality/value

This study adds value to social capital literature by pointing out a curvilinear relationship (U-shaped) between CSC and EO, in contrast to studies focussed on other dimensions of social capital, which have obtained divergent results. Furthermore, this study reinforces the key contingent role of knowledge absorptive capacity. The study provides a valuable theoretical framework of EO determinants connecting the cognitive perspective of social capital theory with a dynamic capability view.
Teaching the future: learning strategies and student challenges
Authors: Yeoman Ian Seymour , McMahon-Beatte Una
Published: February 2018

Purpose

How do you teach the future when it has not happened yet? The purpose of this paper is to delve into the teaching and learning philosophies of Futurist Dr Ian Yeoman of Victoria University of Wellington who emphasises authenticity, problem-based learning, visuals as creative tools and students’ negotiating problems.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a reflective account of the Author Dr Ian Yeoman as a human instrument.

Findings

The paper overviews three papers taught by the Author Dr Ian Yeoman – TOUR104 is a first-year introductory course addressing how the drivers and trends in the macro environment influence tourism from a political, economic, social, technology and environment perspective. TOUR301 is a third-year course as part of the bachelor of tourism management degree. The course aims to help students develop the skills and knowledge necessary to understand and critically analyse tourism public policy, planning and processes within New Zealand and a wider context. TOUR413 is a scenario planning paper, applied in a tourism context and taught to students in postgraduate programs.

Originality/value

The paper examines different learning tools and strategies in order to deliver the philosophy with scaffolding and incremental learning featuring predominantly in this approach.
Design thinking is ambidextrous
Authors: Zheng Dan-Ling
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address the theoretical gap between design thinking (DT) and management. DT is a strategic concept in the current business world whereas the discussion of it is still insufficient. Ambidexterity could be a promising concept to explain the benefits of DT in the realm of management and strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper conducts a thorough literature review and theoretical analysis, and offers propositions that engage the outcome of DT and the ambidextrous learning and innovation.

Findings

The author suggests the connection between DT and ambidexterity. By thoroughly discussing the effect of the traits of DT on ambidexterity, the author proposes that DT can facilitate ambidextrous learning, and ambidextrous learning could mediate the relationships between DT and ambidextrous innovation.

Research limitations/implications

This paper offers a preliminary ground for the operationalization of it. Besides, ambidexterity could provide a lens to discuss DT with other strategic concept. Furthermore, the discussion extends understanding of the pursuit of individual ambidexterity.

Practical implications

This paper provides a clearer reason for managers to adopt DT. Furthermore, it might facilitate the management education in management schools to incorporate DT as a section topic, and subsequently propagate education of DT in management schools.

Originality/value

The paper offers a theoretical platform for the study of DT in the field of management and strategy, which was rare before. The integration of DT and ambidexterity offers a decision support to the managers. Furthermore, it serves as a new approach to obtain ambidexterity in organization, which addresses the call of the research on the micro-foundations of management.
Bayesian analysis in entrepreneurship decision-making research
Authors: Lohrke Franz T. , Carson Charles M. , Lockamy Archie
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review Bayesian analysis in recent entrepreneurship research to assess how scholars have employed these methods to study the entrepreneurship process. Researchers in other business fields (e.g. management science, marketing, and finance) have increasingly employed Bayesian methods to study issues like decision making. To date, however, Bayesian methods have seen only limited use in entrepreneurship research.

Design/methodology/approach

After providing a general overview of Bayesian methods, this study examines how extant entrepreneurship research published in leading journals has employed Bayesian analysis and highlights topics these studies have investigated most frequently. It next reviews topics that scholars from other business disciplines have investigated using these methods, focusing on issues related to decision making, in particular.

Findings

Only seven articles published in leading management and entrepreneurship journals between 2000 and 2016 employed or discussed Bayesian methods in depth when studying the entrepreneurship process. In addition, some of these studies were conceptual.

Research limitations/implications

This review suggests that Bayesian methods may provide another important tool for researchers to employ when studying decision making in high uncertainty situations or the impact of entrepreneurial experience on decision making over time.

Originality/value

This review demonstrates that Bayesian analysis may be particularly appropriate for entrepreneurship research. By employing these methods, scholars may gain additional insights into entrepreneurial phenomenon by allowing researchers to examine entrepreneurial decision making. Through this review and these recommendations, this study hopes to encourage greater Bayesian analysis usage in future entrepreneurship research.
Determining the primary caregiver for disabled older adults in Mainland China: spouse priority and living arrangements
Authors: Li Mengting , Dai Haijing
Published: February 2018

Researchers have widely discussed the key role of having a spouse and proximity of family in the provision of elder care, but the relationship between kinship and living arrangements in primary caregiver selection has not been fully examined. Based on the 2011–2012 Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey, multinomial logistic regression models were built to test the effects of kinship and living arrangements on primary caregiver selection. This study found that spouses were most likely to assume the primary caregiver role, even when the elderly couple lived with their adult children. This study suggests that more social services should be provided to support spousal caregivers, and that the different needs of spouse and adult child caregivers should be considered in interventions.

Practitioner points

Be mindful that the prevalence of non co‐residence between aging parents and adult children affects the provision of elder care

Support programmes should be developed for spousal caregivers

Be aware of the different needs of spouse and adult child caregivers when designing family interventions for them
Routine germline BRCA1 and BRCA2 testing in patients with ovarian carcinoma: analysis of the Scottish real‐life experience
Authors: Rust K , Spiliopoulou P , Tang CY , Bell C , Stirling D , Phang THF , Davidson R , Mackean M , Nussey F , Glasspool RM , Reed NS , Sadozye A , Porteous M , McGoldrick T , Ferguson M , Miedzybrodzka Z , McNeish IA , Gourley C
Published: February 2018

Objective

To determine the rates of germline BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations in Scottish patients with ovarian cancer, before and after a change in testing policy.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Four cancer/genetics centres in Scotland.

Population

Patients with ovarian cancer undergoing germline BRCA1 and BRCA2 (gBRCA1/2) sequencing before 2013 (under the ‘old criteria’, with selection based solely on family history), after 2013 (under the ‘new criteria’, with sequencing offered to newly presenting patients with non‐mucinous ovarian cancer), and in the ‘prevalent population’ (who presented before 2013, but were not eligible for sequencing under the old criteria but were sequenced under the new criteria).

Methods

Clinicopathological and sequence data were collected before and for 18 months after this change in selection criteria.

Main outcome measures

Frequency of germline BRCA1, BRCA2, RAD51C, and RAD51D mutations.

Results

Of 599 patients sequenced, 205, 236, and 158 were in the ‘old criteria’, ‘new criteria’, and ‘prevalent’ populations, respectively. The frequency of gBRCA1/2 mutations was 30.7, 13.1, and 12.7%, respectively. The annual rate of gBRCA1/2 mutation detection was 4.2 before and 20.7 after the policy change. A total of 48% (15/31) ‘new criteria’ patients with gBRCA1/2 mutations had a Manchester score of <15 and would not have been offered sequencing based on family history criteria. In addition, 20 patients with gBRCA1/2 were identified in the prevalent population. The prevalence of gBRCA1/2 mutations in patients aged >70 years was 8.2%.

Conclusions

Sequencing all patients with non‐mucinous ovarian cancer gives a much higher annual gBRCA1/2 mutation detection rate, with the frequency of positive tests still exceeding the 10% threshold upon which many family history‐based models operate.

Tweetable abstract

BRCA sequencing all non‐mucinous cancer patients increases mutation detection five fold.
The Role of Postmortem Computed Tomography in the Evaluation of Strangulation Deaths
Authors: Decker Lauren A. , Hatch Gary M. , Lathrop Sarah L. , Nolte Kurt B.
Published: February 2018

We explored the value of postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) to augment autopsy in evaluating strangulation fatalities. A literature search identified 16 studies describing autopsy findings in 576 deaths and two studies describing autopsy and PMCT findings in six deaths. Similar cases were identified from our institution, yielding 130 deaths with autopsy findings and 14 deaths with both autopsy and PMCT findings. The presence of laryngohyoid fracture and soft tissue hemorrhage was compared from autopsy and autopsy+PMCT cases. The detection rates of fractures in autopsy and autopsy+PMCT cases were not significantly different. PMCT identified all fractures observed at autopsy and five fractures not identified. While PMCT may not detect soft tissue injuries in decomposed remains or subtle internal hemorrhages in neck injury, it is equally able to detect bony injuries as autopsy and might surpass autopsy in detecting subtle fractures. We conclude PMCT is useful to supplement autopsy in strangulation cases.
Fatal Complications of Aesthetic Techniques: The Gluteal Region
Authors: Rapkiewicz Amy V. , Kenerson Katherine , Hutchins Kenneth D. , Garavan Fintan , Lew Emma O. , Shuman Mark J.
Published: February 2018

Cosmetic procedures are common and utilize many techniques to obtain aesthetically good outcomes for patient satisfaction with acceptable safety standards. Cosmetic procedures that involve the gluteal region are becoming increasingly popular as various procedures can target the gluteal region such as liposuction, tumescent liposuction, cosmetic filler injections, autologous fat transfer, depot drug delivery, and implants. Complications of cosmetic gluteal procedures can be localized or systemic with systemic complications being responsible for most deaths. These reported systemic complications include sepsis, thromboembolism, fat embolism with or without fat embolism syndrome, macroscopic fat embolism, anesthesia‐related and blood volume abnormalities. We herein report 10 deaths due to elective gluteal cosmetic procedures. Autologous fat transfer (fat grafting, lipoinjection) following liposuction resulted in 8 of 10 fatal outcomes of the gluteal aesthetic procedures. A comprehensive discussion of gluteal anatomy, gluteal contouring procedures, and the approach to such cases is presented along with the autopsy findings of the reported cases.
Repeatability, Sensitivity, and Uncertainty Analyses of the BANCS Model Developed to Predict Annual Streambank Erosion Rates
Authors: Bigham Kari A. , Moore Trisha L. , Vogel Jason R. , Keane Tim D.
Published: February 2018

Accelerated streambank erosion caused by channel instability can be the leading cause of sediment impairment of streams. Obtaining accurate streambank erosion rates for sediment budgeting and prioritizing mitigation efforts can be difficult and costly. One approach to quantifying streambank erosion rates is through the development and implementation of an empirically derived “Bank Assessment for Non‐point Source Consequences of Sediment” (BANCS) model. This study aims to improve the BANCS model application by evaluating repeatability between users and identifying sensitive and/or uncertain model inputs. Statistical analysis of streambank evaluations conducted by 10 different individuals suggests the implementation of the BANCS model may not be repeatable. This finding may be due to sensitive model inputs, such as streambank height and near‐bank stress level prediction method selection, and/or uncertain model inputs, such as bank material identification and the associated adjustment of erosion potential. Furthermore, it was found assessing streambanks as a group by obtaining a measure of central tendency from individual evaluations, as well as obtaining a higher level of training, may improve model implementation precision. Application of these suggestions may result in improved prediction of streambank erosion rates utilizing the BANCS model methodology.
Does the Ohio River Flow All the Way to New Orleans?
Authors: Brooks Robert P. , Limpisathian P. William , Gould Timothy , Mazurczyk Tara , Sava Elena , Mitsch William J.
Published: February 2018

Rivers were among the first geographical features in the United States (U.S.) to receive official names, often initially stemming from Native American heritage. Today river titles portray both cultural and physical origins. These naming conventions provide a descriptive connotation driven by social perceptions. At present, most people accept that the Mississippi River is the largest river and “mother river” in the U.S. Our investigation explored this river's prominence in the U.S. by identifying and comparing various hydrologic, biological, and cultural metrics. We used six variables to determine the magnitude of river importance: 30‐year average discharge, length, drainage area, fish richness, fish endemism, and river‐specific song lyrics. The Mississippi, Missouri, and Ohio River Basins were evaluated using data from nine selected U.S. Geological Survey gaging stations and ranked using the six metrics. Using an average for the rankings across the three rivers, the Ohio is ranked highest for three individual metrics (discharge, fish richness, and fish endemism), and highest across the average for all six metrics, and for an average of five metrics, including hydrology and biodiversity metrics. Thus, our results suggest that the Ohio River could be considered the most prominent river in the U.S. and that the river itself should have the same name (Ohio or Mississippi) from New Orleans to at least Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Micronutrient dietary patterns associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus among women of the E3N‐EPIC (Etude Epidémiologique auprès de femmes de l'Education Nationale) cohort study
Authors: Mancini Francesca Romana , Dow Courtney , Affret Aurélie , Rajaobelina Kalina , Dartois Laureen , Balkau Beverley , Bonnet Fabrice , Boutron‐Ruault Marie‐Christine , Fagherazzi Guy
Published: February 2018

Background

Micronutrients play a key role in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), but methodological difficulties arise from their collinearity and interdependencies with foods. The aim of the present study was to identify micronutrient dietary patterns in the E3N‐EPIC (Etude Epidémiologique auprès de femmes de l'Education Nationale) cohort and to investigate their association with risk of T2DM.

Methods

Principal component analysis was used to identify micronutrient patterns among 71 270 women from the E3N‐EPIC cohort. Associations between micronutrient patterns and risk of T2DM were quantified by hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) from Cox proportional hazards regression models, adjusted for potential confounders.

Results

Six micronutrient patterns were identified explaining 78% of the total variance in micronutrient intake. A positive association was found between T2DM and a pattern highly correlated with intake of vitamins B2 and B5 (HR 1.34; 95% CI 1.16–1.56). Similarly, a positive association was found with a pattern characterized by high intakes of vitamin B12 and retinol, and a low intake of vitamin C (HR 1.30; 95% CI 1.15–1.48). An inverse association was observed between T2DM and another two patterns: one correlated with magnesium and vitamin B3 (HR 0.75; 95% CI 0.66–0.86), and the other correlated with manganese intake (HR 0.82; 95% CI 0.72–0.94).

Conclusions

The findings of the present study identify micronutrients that have an effect on the risk of T2DM, and enable better understanding of the complexity of the diet when investigating the association between micronutrients and T2DM.
Exploring effects of self‐management on glycemic control using a modified information–motivation–behavioral skills model in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in Shanghai, China: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Chen Qi , Wang Huwen , Wang Yichen , Wang Zezhou , Zhao Daijun , Cai Yong
Published: February 2018

Background

The original information–motivation–behavioral skills (IMB) model has been verified in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients, but the effects of the model on glycemic control remain unclear. The aim of this study was to modify the IMB model to explore the effects of self‐management on glycemic control in T2DM patients in Shanghai, China.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted on participants recruited using a convenience sampling method between June and August 2015 in three tertiary hospitals and four community health service centers; 796 participants meeting the inclusion criteria (age ≥18 years and a diagnosis of T2DM) completed a questionnaire and blood test for glycemic control. Structural equation models were used to test the IMB framework.

Results

The modified model demonstrated an acceptable fit of the data. Paths from information to self‐management behaviors (β = 0.119, P = 0.001) and HbA1c (β = −0.140, P < 0.001), from motivation to behavioral skills (β = 0.670, P < 0.001), from behavioral skills to self‐management behaviors (β = 0.562, P < 0.001), and from self‐management behaviors to HbA1c (β = −0.343, P < 0.001) were all significant and in the predicted direction. Information and motivation varied with each other (r = 0.350, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Glycemic control can be incorporated into the IMB model. The utility of the modified model in the study population is validated. Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with poor control of glucose levels may be a better target population for application of the modified IMB model.
Vascular dysfunction elicited by a cross talk between periaortic adipose tissue and the vascular wall is reversed by pioglitazone
Authors: Quesada Isabel , Cejas Jimena , García Rodrigo , Cannizzo Beatriz , Redondo Analía , Castro Claudia
Published: February 2018

Aim

Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) is in intimate contact with the vessel wall and extravascular PVAT‐derived inflammatory mediators may adversely influence atherosclerotic plaque formation and stability through outside‐to‐inside signaling. We sought to investigate the role of PVAT on the atheroma development in an experimental animal model of metabolic syndrome (MS) associated with oxidative stress and low‐grade inflammatory state. We also studied the effect of pioglitazone an insulin sensitizer, on the aortic wall and its surrounding PVAT, considering a bi‐directional communication between both layers.

Methods

Apolipoprotein E‐deficient mice (ApoE−/−) were fed with standard diet (CD, control diet) or fructose overload (10% w/v) (FD, fructose diet) for 8 weeks and treated with or without pioglitazone the latest 4 weeks.

Results

Biochemical variables show that glycemia and lipid peroxidation determined by thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) significantly increased in FD‐fed ApoE−/−mice. FD significantly increased aortic PVAT expression of oxidative stress associated genes: p22phox, Nox1, Nox2, Nox4 and p47phox, and proinflammatory genes: Visfatin, MCP‐1, and MMP‐9. Pioglitazone diminished PVAT‐oxidative damage elicited by fructose treatment and markedly down‐regulated proinflammatory markers. Even pioglitazone did not prevent the development of the aortic atheroma plaques stimulated by FD, significantly diminished VCAM‐1 expression, MMP‐9 expression and activity in aortic media wall and significantly reduced the accumulation of lipids and macrophages in atheroma plaques.

Conclusion

Our results support the fact that PVAT contributes to the development and progression of cardiovascular disease by underlying mechanisms elicited by “outside‐in” signaling. Treatment with pioglitazone may offer a new effect on the whole vessel wall, promoting the stability of advanced atherosclerotic plaques.
Change in ALT levels after administration of HMG‐CoA reductase inhibitors to subjects with pretreatment levels three times the upper normal limit in clinical practice
Authors: Kim Hyunah , Lee Hyeseon , Kim Tong Min , Yang So Jung , Baik Seo Yeon , Lee Seung‐Hwan , Cho Jae‐Hyoung , Lee Hyunyong , Yim Hyeon Woo , Choi In Young , Yoon Kun‐Ho , Kim Hun‐Sung
Published: February 2018

Aim

Prescription of statins to patients with chronic liver disease whose alanine transaminase (ALT) is over three times the upper normal limit (UNL) is not recommended. In this study, we attempted to evaluate patients with baseline ALT levels > 3 ×  UNL who were prescribed statins without ethical problems, using electronic medical records.

Methods

We enrolled subjects with ALT levels > 3 ×  UNL. The patients were divided into three groups consisting of those who had been taking agents affecting liver function (HEPA) and continued to do so after the statin prescription (HepCon), those who had not previously taken HEPA and began doing so after statin prescription (HepNew), and those who had never taken HEPA (HepNo). All ALT levels were determined within 3 months of statins administration, and changes were monitored.

Results

From January 2009 to December 2012, 61 patients with baseline ALT levels > 3 ×  UNL were prescribed statins for the first time. During the 3‐month ALT monitoring, levels of the HepCon, HepNew, and HepNo groups decreased by 45 ± 8%, 64 ± 10%, and 42 ± 8%, respectively; however, intergroup differences were not significant (P = .386). All the subjects who were administered statins showed improvement or maintained their ALT levels, except for two subjects, which showed deterioration. However, the ALT levels of the two subjects subsequently remained stable.

Conclusion

It is not clear whether it is safe to prescribe statins to patients with ALT > 3 times the UNL. Our study showed that prescription of statins in combination with HEPA did not cause deleterious effects, suggesting that ALT levels > 3 times the UNL do not have harmful effects.
Apportioning bacterial carbon source utilization in soil using 14C isotope analysis of FISH‐targeted bacterial populations sorted by fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS): 14C‐FISH‐FACS
Authors: Gougoulias Christos , Meade Andrew , Shaw Liz J.
Published: February 2018

An unresolved need in microbial ecology is methodology to enable quantitative analysis of in situ microbial substrate carbon use at the population level. Here, we evaluated if a novel combination of radiocarbon‐labelled substrate tracing, fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) and fluorescence‐activated cell sorting (FACS) to sort the FISH‐targeted population for quantification of incorporated radioactivity (14C‐FISH‐FACS) can address this need. Our test scenario used FISH probe PSE1284 targeting Pseudomonas spp. (and some Burkholderia spp.) and salicylic acid added to rhizosphere soil. We examined salicylic acid‐14C fate (mineralized, cell‐incorporated, extractable and non‐extractable) and mass balance (0–24 h) and show that the PSE1284 population captured ∼ 50% of the Nycodenz extracted biomass 14C. Analysis of the taxonomic distribution of the salicylic acid biodegradation trait suggested that PSE1284 population success was not due to conservation of this trait but due to competitiveness for the added carbon. Adding 50KBq of 14C sample−1 enabled detection of 14C in the sorted population at ∼ 60–600 times background; a sensitivity which demonstrates potential extension to analysis of rarer/less active populations. Given its sensitivity and compatibility with obtaining a C mass balance, 14C‐FISH‐FACS allows quantitative dissection of C flow within the microbial biomass that has hitherto not been achieved.
How should we estimate diversity in the fossil record? Testing richness estimators using sampling‐standardised discovery curves
Authors: Close Roger A. , Evers Serjoscha W. , Alroy John , Butler Richard J.
Published: February 2018

To infer genuine patterns of biodiversity change in the fossil record, we must be able to accurately estimate relative differences in numbers of taxa (richness) despite considerable variation in sampling between time intervals. Popular subsampling (=interpolation) methods aim to standardise diversity samples by rarefying the data to equal sample size or equal sample completeness (=coverage). Standardising by sample size is misleading because it compresses richness ratios, thereby flattening diversity curves. However, standardising by coverage reconstructs relative richness ratios with high accuracy. Asymptotic richness extrapolators are widely used in ecology, but rarely applied to fossil data. However, a recently developed parametric extrapolation method,TRiPS(True Richness estimation using Poisson Sampling), specifically aims to estimate the true richness of fossil assemblages.

Here, we examine the suitability of a range of richness estimators (both interpolators and extrapolators) for fossil datasets, using simulations and a novel method for comparing the performance of richness estimators with empirical data. We constructed sampling‐standardised discovery curves (SSDCs) for two datasets, each spanning 150 years of palaeontological research: Mesozoic dinosaurs at global scale, and Mesozoic–early Cenozoic tetrapods from North America. These approaches reveal how each richness estimator responds to both simulated best‐case and empirical real‐world accumulation of fossil occurrences.

We find that extrapolators can only truly standardise diversity data once sampling is sufficient for richness estimates to have asymptoted. Below this point, directly comparing extrapolated estimates derived from samples of different sizes may not accurately reconstruct relative richness ratios. When abundance distributions are not perfectly flat and sampling is moderate to good, but not perfect,TRiPSdoes not extrapolate, because it overestimates binomial sampling probabilities. Coverage‐based interpolators, by contrast, generally yield more stable subsampled diversity estimates, even in the face of dramatic increases in face‐value counts of species richness. Richness estimators that standardise by coverage are among the best currently available methods for reconstructing deep‐time biodiversity patterns. However, we recommend the use of sampling‐standardised discovery curves to understand how biased reporting of fossil occurrences may affect sampling‐standardised diversity estimates.
Genomewide Association Study of Alcohol Dependence and Related Traits in a Thai Population
Authors: Gelernter Joel , Zhou Hang , Nuñez Yaira Z. , Mutirangura Apiwat , Malison Robert T. , Kalayasiri Rasmon
Published: February 2018

Background

Alcohol use (both quantity and dependence) is moderately heritable, and genomewide association studies (GWAS) have identified risk genes in European, African, and Asian populations. The most reproducibly identified risk genes affect alcohol metabolism. Well‐known functional variants at the gene encoding alcohol dehydrogenase B and other alcohol dehydrogenases affect risk in European and African ancestry populations. Similarly, variants mapped to these same genes and a well‐known null variant that maps to the gene that encodes aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) also affect risk in various Asian populations. In this study, we completed the first GWAS for 3 traits related to alcohol use in a Thai population recruited initially for studies of methamphetamine dependence.

Methods

All subjects were evaluated with the Thai version of the Semi‐Structured Assessment for Drug Dependence and Alcoholism (SSADDA). A total of 1,045 subjects were available for analysis. Three traits were analyzed: flushing, maximum number of alcoholic beverages consumed in any lifetime 24‐hour period (“MAXDRINKS”), and DSM‐IV alcohol dependence criterion count. We also conducted a pleiotropy analysis with major depression, the only other psychiatric trait where summary statistics from a large‐scale Asian‐population GWAS are available.

Results

All 3 traits showed genomewide significant association with variants near ALDH2, with significance ranging from 2.01 × 10−14 (for flushing; lead single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) PTPN11* rs143894582) to pmeta = 5.80 × 10−10 (for alcohol dependence criterion count; lead SNP rs149212747). These lead SNPs flank rs671 and span a region of over a megabase, illustrating the need for prior biological information in identifying the actual effect SNP, rs671. We also identified significant pleiotropy between major depression and flushing.

Conclusions

These results are consistent with prior findings in Asian populations and add new information regarding alcohol use‐depression pleiotropy.
Disentangling the multiple components of anuran diversity associated to different land‐uses in Yungas forests, Argentina
Authors: Pereyra L. C. , Akmentins M. S. , Vaira M. , Moreno C. E.
Published: February 2018

Natural habitats have drastically regressed due to rapid changes in land‐use during recent decades, generating a decrease in species diversity. In light of natural habitat destruction worldwide, there is a need to adopt an integrative approach to the study of biodiversity in order to better assess the magnitude of diversity loss in landscapes affected by human intervention. The aim of this study was to assess and compare anuran assemblages under different land‐uses in a subtropical forest of NW Argentina using an integrative view of diversity through different measures. We assessed alpha and beta diversity components for three complementary diversity measures: species richness, functional diversity and phylogenetic diversity in three land‐uses: forest, tobacco and suburban. We carried out generalized linear mixed models with an autocorrelation structure to compare the three diversity measures across the different land‐uses. We also used a beta diversity partitioning method to determine nestedness and turnover processes in taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic dissimilarity. Our results suggest a filtering effect of the land‐uses on the diversity of anuran assemblages in the surveyed area, with an increased loss of anuran diversity in areas with intensified land‐use, such as tobacco monoculture. This study contributes to understand amphibian communities associated to modified habitats in the Southern Andean Yungas forests from Argentina. Our findings highlight the importance of disentangling each diversity component separately to detect more accurately the diversity patterns associated to land‐use change.
Severe maternal morbidity due to sepsis: The burden and preventability of disease in New Zealand
Authors: Lepine Sam , Lawton Beverley , Geller Stacie , Abels Peter , MacDonald Evelyn J.
Published: February 2018

Background

Sepsis is a life‐threatening systemic condition that appears to be increasing in the obstetric population. Clinical detection can be difficult and may result in increased morbidity via delays in the continuum of patient care.

Aims

To describe the burden of severe maternal morbidity (SMM) caused by sepsis in New Zealand and investigate the potential preventability.

Methods

A multidisciplinary expert review panel was established to review cases of obstetric sepsis admitted to intensive care or high‐dependency units over an 18 month span in New Zealand. Cases were then analysed for the characteristics of infection and their preventability.

Results

Fifty cases met the inclusion criteria, most commonly due to uterine, respiratory or kidney infection. Fifty per cent (25) of these cases were deemed potentially preventable, predominantly due to delays in diagnosis and treatment.

Conclusions

A high index of suspicion, development of early recognition systems and multi‐disciplinary training are recommended to decrease preventable cases of maternal sepsis.
The relation between dietary intake and glaucoma: a systematic review
Authors: Ramdas Wishal D.
Published: February 2018

Purpose

A common question of patients to their physician is what they can do themselves against glaucoma, except taking their daily medication. However, for ophthalmologists, it is often hard to give their patients an advice on their dietary intake. To help ophthalmologists in answering this question, an overview of the current scientific literature on the association of nutrients with glaucoma is presented.

Methods

A comprehensive systematic review was conducted in which articles published up to September 2017 were identified in PubMed and reference lists. Nutrients were categorized into minerals and trace elements, nutrition with antioxidative properties and omega‐fatty acids.

Results

The literature search revealed a total of 407 articles of which a total of 46 met the inclusion criteria. Most of these articles studied the effect of nutrients on open‐angle glaucoma. Many trace elements have been investigated in the literature, but the most interesting are selenium and iron (both may increase the risk of glaucoma). Investigated nutrients with antioxidative properties and omega‐fatty acids included glutathione, nitric oxide, carotenoids, flavonoids, and omega‐3 and omega‐6 fatty acids. Of these, glutathione, nitric oxide, and flavonoids had a significant protective effect on glaucoma.

Conclusion

Intake of selenium and iron may increase the risk of glaucoma, though, only few studies have been done on this topic. Nitric oxide present in other dark green leafy vegetables seems to have a beneficial effect on glaucoma. However, the evidence for an association of dietary intake with glaucoma is still not strong. More (longitudinal and randomized clinical trials) studies are required to make the presented findings clinically applicable.
Spectacle use after routine cataract surgery and vision‐related activity limitation
Authors: Farhoudi Daniel B. , Behndig Anders , Mollazadegan Kaziwe , Montan Per , Lundström Mats , Kugelberg Maria
Published: February 2018

Purpose

To explore the relationship between acquisition of new spectacles after routine cataract surgery and vision‐related activity limitation (VRAL) postoperatively.

Methods

This cohort study with intervention (survey) included 1329 patients in Sweden who had undergone a second‐eye cataract surgery during March 2013. Data from the Swedish National Cataract Register were used, including evaluations of VRAL through the Catquest‐9SF questionnaire before and 3 months after cataract surgery. Five months after the second‐eye surgery, patients completed another five‐item questionnaire about spectacle use preoperatively and postoperatively including an item on surgeons’ advice about the need for spectacles. These responses were linked to the Rasch‐analysed Catquest‐9SF data to identify correlations with VRAL.

Results

A total of 1239 patients finally participated in the study after excluding those who did not fulfil the inclusion criteria. Patients who were advised about the need for spectacles postoperatively (n = 387) had a greater (p = 0.039) improvement in the postoperative VRAL compared to patients who were not advised (n = 691). Patients who obtained new spectacles postoperatively (n = 512) also had greater improvement (p = 0.032) compared to those who did not (n = 724).

Conclusion

The average improvements in the VRAL after surgery were significantly higher for patients who obtained new distance spectacles postoperatively and for patients who were informed about the need for spectacles by their practitioners.
Younger age and in situ duration of peripheral intravenous catheters were risk factors for extravasation in a retrospective paediatric study
Authors: Fonzo‐Christe C , Parron A , Combescure C , Rimensberger PC , Pfister RE , Bonnabry P
Published: February 2018

Aim

Epidemiological data on the incidence and risk factors of extravasation of peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVC) in neonates and children are scarce and that is what this study explored.

Methods

This was a one‐year retrospective study of all neonates and paediatric intensive care patients with at least one recorded PIVC at the Geneva University Hospitals, Switzerland, in 2013. The extravasation rate was determined for all patients, including neonates below 28 days, and for all PIVCs. Multivariate analysis of the associated risk factors was performed.

Results

We analysed 1300 PIVC in 695 paediatric patients with a median age of 1.5 years. The overall extravasation incidence was 17.6% for all patients and 11.7% for PIVC. The overall incidence rate of PIVC extravasation was 4.5 per 100 catheters days, and the risk was highest in the 201 neonates, at 28.4%. The incidence rate four days after insertion of the PIVC was around three times higher than on day one. Neonates and the in situ duration of PIVCs were associated risk factors (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Extravasation was frequent and neonates were particularly at risk. Younger age and longer in situ PIVC duration were independent risk factors for extravasation.