bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drawing the case studies together: synthesis of case studies and group discussions
Authors: Gibson Terry David , Tongwa Aka Festus , Bari Sarwar , Chantry Guillaume , Gupta Manu , Molina Jesusa Grace , Shresha Nisha , Norton John , Parajuli Bhubaneswari , Rahmawati Hepi , Aretaake Ruiti
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to individually examine the findings from eight case studies presented in this special issue and comparatively identify the findings regarding local learning and action.

Design/methodology/approach

Underlying research questions regarding power and powerlessness in regard to addressing underlying risk factors affecting local populations form the basis for the discussion. Proceedings of a collaborative workshop conducted with the contributing authors are analysed qualitatively to identify learning relating to the research questions emerging from the case studies individually and collectively.

Findings

A number of strategies and tactics for addressing underlying risk factors affecting local populations were identified from the case studies, including collaboration and cohesion. Campaigning, lobbying, communications and social mobilisation in an attempt to bridge the gap between local concerns and the decision-making of government and other powerful actors. Innovation and local mobilisation to address shortcomings in government support for disaster reduction and development. Communications as a first base to influence behaviour of both communities and government. Social change through empowerment of women to act in disaster reduction and development.

Research limitations/implications

The outcomes of the action research conducted by the authors individually and collectively highlight the necessity for bridging different scales of action through a range of strategies and tactics to move beyond local self-reliance to influence on underlying risk factors. The action research process employed may have wider applications in gathering and formalising local-level experience and knowledge.

Practical implications

The case studies and their analysis present a range of practical strategies and tactics to strengthen local resilience and address underlying risk factors which are replicable in other contexts.

Originality/value

Practitioners are activists and do not often engage in critical reflection and analysis. The method presented here offers a means of achieving this in order to generate learning from local-level experience. The findings contribute to the consideration of cross-scale action to address underlying risk factors which impact local communities.
Relationships between supply performance of pharmacies in Chile and their quality of customer service
Authors: Rojas Fernando , Coluccio Giulani , Vega Juan
Published: September 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to describe relationships between constructs adapted to the pharmaceutical field with respect to the measurement of the supply chains strategic and operational performance in private pharmacies, relating it to the quality of service perceived by users.

Design/methodology/approach

Relationships among the indicated constructs were validated through the use of structural equation models. This study includes the use of questionnaires adapted and applied to suppliers (pharmaceutical chemists and supply staff), operational managers (pharmacy assistants) and users (patients and clients) who visit different segments of pharmacies, such as chain businesses and independents located in the region of Valparaíso, Chile. The sample collected information from 128 establishments and 601 people, through which different relationships between segments were compared.

Findings

A structural model was validated on the basis of statistical principles. Furthermore, positive relationships were observed in the constructs studied where pharmacy chains had a statistical significance of less than 5 per cent between the responsibility of the supply process and the experience of the users, whereas independent pharmacies had a very significant causal relationship between operational managers and users.

Practical implications

The proposal can help predict the quality of service perceived by the user based on the behavior of sales and supply staff, which may be similar in other markets with similar characteristics.

Originality/value

The structural model proposed is original and adapts measurement scales validated from previous studies to be able to apply them in the pharmaceutical retail market.
Understanding the career development and employability of information technology students
Authors: McKenzie Sophie , Coldwell-Neilson Jo , Palmer Stuart
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the career development and employability needs of undergraduate information technology (IT) students at an Australian University, and their relation to students’ career interest. While many factors and stakeholders contribute to student career development, this study focused specifically on the student experience. Social cognitive career theory (SCCT) is used as an approach to understand the students’ needs of career development and employability.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was completed by 126 IT students to record information about students’ career development and employability background and needs.

Findings

The results demonstrate that SCCT helps understand the factors that impact on IT students’ career development, with their outcome expectations and self-efficacy informed by prior studies in IT and their need for access to “IT professionals” to contribute towards their career interest. In addition, IT students rely on academic achievement and experiential learning, rather than career resources, to guide their career development and employability.

Research limitations/implications

The data collected in this study are limited to one discipline (IT) at one university, which necessarily limits the generalisability of the specific results.

Practical implications

Career development is a complex, life-stage-dependant and discipline-specific process that varies for every decision maker. This research makes an important contribution in presenting the IT student experience and demonstrates how an appropriate career development model can help understand students’ needs. This outcome will help educators better support IT students to build the career interest.

Originality/value

This study explored the often-overlooked student experience of career development, providing valuable insight into IT students’ needs.
Affect vs cognition as antecedents of selection behaviour of elective courses using fsQCA
Authors: Jain Vishal , Jain Parul
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate students’ attitude based on affective, behavioural and cognitive components. It will ascertain whether there is a link between the three components of attitude, which leads the possible classification of the elective courses.

Design/methodology/approach

The current study considers the students of the International Business Administration Department from Rustaq College of Applied Sciences, Ministry of Higher Education, Sultanate of Oman, during the academic year 2016–2017. The list of the elective courses was obtained from the existing study plan. A total of 101 students assessed elective courses’ affective and cognitive learning with the use of a web-based survey instrument.

Findings

An empirical analysis of the selection criterion was performed employing fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis. The results of this study found that students rated 17 elective courses into 8 different configurations (triodes) based on various degrees assigned to attitudinal variables.

Research limitations/implications

The present study explores the interaction between affective and cognitive factors in determining the selection behaviour of students. It is an investigation into the context of student choices regarding elective courses, especially the decision to select or not to select available courses.

Originality/value

The world of feelings and beliefs is always open to learning and self-development for the students. Students are continuously involved in taking charge of high-stakes decisions; one of them is the selection of elective courses. However, the critical components into the overall evaluations of their selection behaviour, such as feelings and beliefs, are not well studied.
Customer orientation or employee orientation: which matters more? The moderating role of firm size
Authors: Park Cheol , Jun Jongkun , Lee Thaemin , Lee Heejung
Published: September 2018

Purpose

This study aims to examine several antecedents of employee satisfaction (ES) and turnover intention (TI), including customer orientation (CO) and employee orientation (EO). The purposes are to investigate the effect of EO and CO and their interaction on employee performance, and to verify the moderating effect of firm size.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed model with firm size as a potential moderator was constructed through a hierarchical linear modeling approach with data collected from 1,006 employees at 127 firms.

Findings

The results indicate that customer and EO and their interaction affected ES, CO and its interaction with EO significantly affected TI and the effects differed according to firm size. These results suggest that the influence of customer and EO depends on firm size.

Originality/value

This study contributes to verifying the effect of EO and CO and the interaction effects on employee performance, an area that has remained unexamined in the literature. It also investigates the moderating effect of firm size on EO and CO, which affects employee performance. It is suggested that companies determine whether EO or CO matters more according to the size of company.
“Shopping for Items” or “Partnering for Performance”? A framework of purchasing practices for value co-creation in post-outsourcing buyer–supplier relationships
Authors: Makkonen Hannu , Nordberg-Davies Sini , Olkkonen Rami
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The article aims to further understanding of purchasing practices in post-outsourcing buyer–supplier relationships, and it provides a holistic approach and onceptualizations with which to balance the perspectives of purchasing as an intra-firm operational function and as a strategic activity embedded in relationship and network management.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on an inductive-oriented case study. The data comprised 61 thematic interviews conducted at 17 buyer companies (electricity distribution companies), 11 service supplier companies and six third-party organizations. The case features a setting in which a growing number of electricity distribution companies have outsourced operational functions regarding network construction, maintenance and fault repair and purchased these services from service suppliers representing a developing service market.

Findings

The study explicates the role of purchasing as an element with the most impact on post-outsourcing buyer–supplier relationship outcomes and development. The performance of the buyer–supplier relationship either accelerates or inhibits the new service supplier’s entry to the field and motivates or demotivates the electricity distribution companies to outsource their activities. This mechanism links to the respective development of supplier markets and buyer industry transformation.

Originality/value

The focal study provides a holistic approach and conceptualizations with which to balance the perspectives of purchasing as an intra-firm operational function and as a strategic activity embedded in relationship and network management. In particular, the study provides conceptual development on purchasing practices in post-outsourcing relationships and concrete managerial implications for dealing with such circumstances. The focal study includes case notes that facilitate using the study for teaching purposes.
Remote monitoring in industrial services: need-to-have instead of nice-to-have
Authors: Momeni Khadijeh , Martinsuo Miia
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to better understand the efficient use of remote monitoring systems (RMS) to create business value for industrial services in manufacturing firms. A business view to RMS is a key prerequisite for the successful application of the Internet of Things (IoT) in industrial services.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative multiple-case study was conducted in six engineering companies. The main source of data was semi-structured interviews with 16 managers.

Findings

The findings highlight the role of RMS in enabling manufacturing firms to collect data from customers to complement their limited knowledge about their customers. The study demonstrates the business value of using RMS in industrial services and the necessity of capturing the business value through advanced IT technologies.

Research limitations/implications

The qualitative research design and choice of six target companies limit the findings to business-to-business manufacturing firms. Further, the focus is on the manager’s viewpoint. The findings imply new business value through an efficient use of RMS to complement direct customer contact.

Practical implications

The study draws attention to the skilled use of advanced RMS and information and communication technology as a prerequisite for the successful application of the IoT in manufacturing firms that provide services for complex solutions and customers dispersed globally.

Originality/value

The research shows that using information collected through RMS is an important factor in creating business value in a manufacturing firm’s customer relationships. The study contributes by integrating RMS into the customer information collection process to increase the amount, validity and quality of data.
Modeling manufacturer’s capabilities for the Internet of Things
Authors: Hasselblatt Mathias , Huikkola Tuomas , Kohtamäki Marko , Nickell David
Published: September 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to identify a manufacturer’s abilities to develop, build, sell and deliver Internet of Things (IoT) services.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a qualitative comparative case method that uses multiple sources of data, including executive interviews and secondary data, to understand a manufacturer’s IoT capabilities.

Findings

Five strategic IoT capabilities were identified: digital business model development, scalable solution platform building, value selling, value delivery and business intelligence and measurement.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitations are related to the qualitative research method applied. The results are applicable mainly to relatively large and global manufacturers.

Practical implications

Managers responsible for solution business development can apply the developed model to acquire and manage IoT specific resources, processes and capabilities.

Originality/value

Existing studies have not addressed the IoT-specific resources, processes and capabilities that manufacturers’ possess. This is one of the first studies to conceptualize how these capabilities are used.
From Manhattan to Tenochtitlán: identifying ethical commercial norms
Authors: Good Jason , Vargas Montes Paloma , Husted Bryan W. , López de Mariscal Blanca
Published: September 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the sixteenth-century Nahua society of central Mexico to answer the question, what commercial ethical norms operated in the sixteenth-century Nahua society? After decades of trying, Western business models and managerial theories have not met expectations in terms of fostering a socially and environmentally sustainable future. Qualitatively different approaches are needed, and one way to find them is to look at business models, norms and practices that operated in societies that were isolated from Western influences.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper contributes to efforts to find and analyze historical texts that include business practices. In particular, this study uses grounded theory techniques to examine the presence of ethical commercial norms in one of history’s foundational ethnographic texts, The Florentine Codex, a sixteenth-century study of Nahua society.

Findings

This study identified six commercial ethical norms that structured Nahua commerce: “care for others,” “exercise prudence,” “tell the truth,” “be respectful of others,” “show reverence to the gods” and “be humble.” Confidence in these findings was enhanced by their “qualitative degrees of freedom,” whereby these norms were found to operate in other sectors of Nahua society.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by demonstrating ethical norms of commerce that can emerge in isolation from Western cultures; providing a rigorous and novel methodology for deriving norms from historical texts; and expanding knowledge of business practices beyond modern Western contexts.
The effects of interpersonal attraction on service justice
Authors: Kim Kwon-Soo
Published: September 2018

Purpose

This study aims to examine the effects of physical attraction, social attraction and task attraction, which are interpersonal attraction components of service staff, on interactional justice, procedural justice and distributive justice, all of which are components of service justice.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was conducted after deriving measurement tools through two preliminary studies. The research sample was made by those who have visited the restaurant where the service staff provides services directly to the customers. Respondents were instructed by investigators to complete the questionnaire based on their most recent visit to the most visited restaurants in the past three months. They received a $5 gift voucher after completing the questionnaire.

Findings

Physical attraction negatively affected interactional justice, procedural justice and distributive justice. Social attraction had a negative impact on procedural justice. Task attraction had the greatest positive impact on all service justice factors.

Practical implications

To attract customers’ positive perceptions of service execution and outcomes, task attraction should be considered first rather than physical attraction and social attraction of service staff.

Originality/value

This study expanded the scope of research on interpersonal attraction by studying physical attraction, social attraction and task attraction as interpersonal attraction factors at service encounters, and on service justice by setting the interpersonal attraction as a variable affecting service justice.
Investigating the influence of unlearning on knowledge management in sport organizations
Authors: Delshab Vahid , Sadeghi Boroujerdi Saeed
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of unlearning on knowledge management (KM) in sport organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

The research method in this study was the descriptive–correlative type. Subjects in this research included all the employees of sport and youth organizations in Iran. To analyze the research data, inferential statistics including exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, Pearson correlation coefficient and structural equation model were used. A theoretical model was developed and tested based on the literature review. Data were analyzed via SPSS and LISREL software.

Findings

The results from the study illustrate that there were significant relationships among all dimensions of unlearning and dimensions of KM. Furthermore, the model of the influence of unlearning on KM, as well as the model of the influence of dimensions of unlearning on KM, illustrates proper finesses.

Originality/value

Through this study, the positive fundamental role of considering the processes of managing unlearning and avoiding bad habits as two coordinator tools to achieve tangible assesses in organizations is revealed and the significance of considering such studies is specified for researchers. This study supported the members of sport organizations to understand how to improve knowledge and experience of the employees through unlearning.
The economic impact of opioid addiction
Authors: Fuhrmann-Berger Jennifer
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to aid employers and HR professionals in addressing the opioid epidemic, by examining the economic burden of addiction and its impact on the workplace, and it presents solutions based on a clinical approach to treatment and prevention of substance abuse.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper undertakes a review of current opioid addiction statistics provided by various professional organizations and the US government to assess the scope of opioid addiction and its effects on the US economy. Solutions to the growing issue of addiction are based on the author’s clinical experience within the pharmacy benefits space.

Findings

Opioid addiction costs employers an estimated $18bn annually and incurred $1tn in expenses overall in the US between the years 2001 and 2017. These figures account for factors such as medical expenses, lost productivity and loss of life. The opioid crisis has led to a significant decline in workforce participation (20 per cent among men and 25 per cent among women), making it difficult for employers to find and keep qualified workers.

Originality/value

In this article, the author discusses means by which employers and HR professionals can protect and retain employees in the face of a national epidemic of addiction to prescription opioids. Solutions encompass not only how to identify and address existing substance abuse, but how to prevent addiction through employee education and close clinical coordination with partners such as an organization’s pharmacy benefits manager.
Defect reduction in an electrical parts manufacturer: a case study
Authors: Sreedharan V. Raja , S. Rajasekar , Kannan S. Santhosh , P. Arunprasad , Trehan Rajeev
Published: September 2018

Purpose

Defective parts in manufacturing is a serious issue faced by every manufacturer. Even after proper care in design, material selection and manufacturing of product, there exists a defective part. The purpose of this paper is to explore the quality of the manufacturing, and find the use of effective quality tools to reduce the part defect rate in an electrical parts manufacturing unit, thereby, reducing the replaced cost of defective parts.

Design/methodology/approach

With the help of quality initiatives, like total quality management (TQM) and Lean Six Sigma (LSS), the firms can produce quality product in each stage of production. The paper focuses on the primary data collected from the XYZ electric manufacturer.

Findings

The main finding of this case analysis is that by the effective use of quality tools, the defective part return rate can be reduced, because of which the firm can observe reduction in replaced cost of almost INR24 lakh. In addition, 10A switch part contributes more in replacement cost. Further, it adds to the 35 percent of the overall part rejection.

Research limitations/implications

The study is more focused on particular type of switch product and can extend to other types of products. In addition, the analysis reveals the results of only 88 percent of the defective products.

Practical implications

The study provides results of the improved quality by effective use of quality tools and discusses the different types of defects in the electrical parts manufacturing. Introducing TQM and LSS to manufacturing can reduce the customer return rate to 1,300 parts per million (PPM) and even to 1,000 PPM in future.

Originality/value

The paper discusses the quality issues in the electrical manufacturer. Moreover, the case analysis briefs effective ways to improve the product quality and reduce the rejection rate.
Priority Threat Management for biodiversity conservation: A handbook
Authors: Carwardine Josie , Martin Tara G. , Firn Jennifer , Reyes Rocio Ponce , Nicol Sam , Reeson Andrew , Grantham Hedley S. , Stratford Danial , Kehoe Laura , Chadès Iadine
Published: September 2018

Threats to biodiversity and the integrity of ecological systems are escalating globally, both within and outside of protected areas. Decision makers have inadequate resources to manage all threats and typically lack information on the likely outcomes and cost‐effectiveness of possible management strategies. Priority Threat Management (PTM) is an emerging approach designed to address this challenge, by defining and appraising cost‐effective strategies for mitigating threats to biodiversity across regions. The scientific and practical impacts of PTM are increasing, with a growing number of case study applications across the globe.

Here, we provide guidance and resource material for conducting the PTM process based on our experience delivering six large‐scale projects across Australia and Canada. Our handbook describes the four stages of PTM: scoping and planning; defining and collecting key elements; analysing the cost‐effectiveness of strategies; and communicating and integrating recommendations. We summarise critical tips, strengths, and limitations and scope for possible enhancements of the approach.

Priority Threat Management harnesses scientific and expert‐derived information to prioritise management strategies based on their benefit to biodiversity, management costs and feasibility. The approach involves collaboration with key experts and stakeholders in a region to improve knowledge sharing and conservation support. The PTM approach identifies sets of regional level strategies that together provide the greatest benefits for multiple species under a limited budget, which can be used to inform existing processes for decision‐making.

The PTM approach applies some generalisations in management strategies and resolution, in order to address complex challenges. Further developments of the approach include testing in a greater range of socioecological systems with adaptations that cater for multiobjective decisions.

Synthesis and applications. Priority Threat Management is a decision science approach that brings people together to define and prioritise strategies for managing threats to biodiversity across broad regions. It delivers a prospectus for investment in the biodiversity of a region that is transparent, repeatable, participatory, and based on the best available information. Our handbook provides the necessary guidance and resources for expanding the Priority Threat Management approach to new locations, contexts, and challenges.
Ethics as ritual: smoothing over moments of dislocation in biomedicine
Authors: Åm Heidrun
Published: September 2018

Applications of biomedical R&D currently imply substantial societal concerns. This paper explores, based on semi‐structured interviews with scientists in Norway, how biomedical researchers experience and tackle such concerns in their daily work. It shows how ritualised routine responses to dislocatory moments help maintain order in the daily work of the interviewed scientists; they do not address directly but instead smooth over concerns by a ritualised way of using ethics. This may foreclose substantive reflection and function as a stabiliser for ‘business as usual’. Overall, the current way of responding to concerns as described by the interviewees may contribute to a depoliticisation of important issues. The paper contributes to sociological work on ethics by linking it to recent discussions on Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) and by the empirical research presented. The insights can also help improve science policies such as RRI.
Acute kidney injury after burn surgery: Preoperative neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio as a predictive factor
Authors: Kim Hee Yeong , Kong Yu‐Gyeong , Park Ji Hyun , Kim Young‐Kug
Published: September 2018

Background

Severe inflammation and acute kidney injury (AKI) are serious adverse events after burn injuries. The neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a marker of inflammation. We evaluated the independent risk factors for postoperative AKI, including NLR, in burn‐injured patients.

Methods

The preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative variables of 473 burn‐injured patients were collected. The risk factors for AKI after burn surgery were evaluated using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis of preoperative NLR was performed. The 3‐month mortality after surgery was also compared between AKI and non‐AKI groups using Kaplan‐Meier analysis with a log‐rank test.

Results

Postoperative AKI occurred in 71 of 473 (15.0%) burn patients. The total body surface area burned (odds ratio (OR), 1.013; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.001‐1.026; P = 0.037), inhalation injury (OR, 1.821; 95% CI, 1.008‐3.292; P = 0.047), and preoperative NLR (OR, 1.094; 95% CI, 1.064‐1.125; P < 0.001) were risk factors for AKI after surgery. The area under the ROC curve was 0.767, with an optimal cut‐off value of 11.7. Moreover, the 3‐month mortality after surgery was significantly higher in the AKI group than in the non‐AKI group (49.3% vs 14.9%, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Total body surface area burned, inhalation injury, and preoperative NLR are risk factors for AKI after burn surgery, which is associated with early postoperative mortality. Preoperative NLR can provide useful information for the early detection of postoperative AKI and subsequent mortality in burn‐injured patients.
Haemodynamic stability after paracervical block: A randomized, controlled, double‐blind study comparing bupivacaine‐adrenaline with bupivacaine
Authors: Sjoeen Gunnar Helge , Falk Ragnhild Soerum , Hauge Tor Hugo , Langesaeter Eldrid
Published: September 2018

Background

Paracervical block is widely used in gynaecological interventions on cervix and uterus. Many surgeons add adrenaline 100 μg or pitressin 3‐5 IU in a total volume of 10‐20 mL to reduce total blood loss. We wanted to examine haemodynamic stability in healthy patients given bupivacaine with and without adrenaline.

Methods

In this randomised, double‐blinded, controlled study, 30 healthy women scheduled for cervical conisation got a paracervical block using bupivacaine 50 mg with adrenaline 100 μg (BA‐group, n = 14) or without adrenaline (B‐group, n = 16) after induction of general anaesthesia. LiDCOplus was used for minimally invasive haemodynamic monitoring. Changes in cardiac output (CO) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) were the primary outcome. Changes in heart rate (HR), stroke volume (SV), and systemic vascular resistance (SVR) were secondary outcome variables. Area under the curve (AUC) ratios and change from baseline to maximal values were used as effect measures comparing the two groups.

Results

The AUC‐ratio for CO and SBP was 2.50 (P < 0.001) and 1.70 (P = 0.03), respectively. For HR, SV, and SVR the AUC‐ratio was 1.59 (P < 0.01), 1.52 (P < 0.001), and 0.90 (P = 0.14), respectively. CO increased 68% (standard deviation (SD) 42%, P < 0.001), HR increased 41% (SD 26%, P < 0.001), and SV increased 26% (SD 17%, P < 0.001) from baseline to maximal values after 70‐90 seconds in the BA‐group.

Conclusion

Paracervical block with bupivacaine 50 mg and adrenaline 100 μg may give haemodynamic instability in healthy females and is not recommended if haemodynamic side effects are to be avoided.
The dorsal skin structure contributes to the surface bacteria populations of Sunda Porcupine (Hystrix javanica)
Authors: Prawira Andhika Yudha , Novelina Savitri , Darusman Huda Salahudin , Farida Wartika Rosa , Agungpriyono Srihadi
Published: September 2018

Skin becomes the largest organ in the body and protects its own inner layer. The structure and chemical composition of the skin contribute to skin condition and affect the habitat of certain bacteria. The Sunda Porcupine is one of endemic animals of Indonesia which possesses quill as the main derivate of its skin and as a defence tool against predators. The present study used nine adults (five females and four males) of Sunda Porcupine and aimed to observe the correlation of skin structure with bacterial population at the surface level. The skin was wavy due to the protrusion of quill follicle orifices on the skin surface and formed clusters. The skin of Sunda Porcupine was also wrinkled and had a lot of flakiness. Histologically, the skin was composed of epidermis, dermis, hypodermis and subcutaneous muscle. The quill follicles and their properties were the dominant structure component of the skin. No sweat gland was observed in the skin of the Sunda Porcupine, and sebaceous gland was found only around quill and hair follicles. The bacterias identified in the skin were Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, Micrococcus sp. and Salmonella sp. When compared, the bacterial population was higher in the lumbosacral region than in the thoracodorsal region, but the difference was not significant. The density of quill clusters was negatively correlated to the bacterial population. It was suggested the structure of the skin has contribution to bacterial population in dorsal trunk of the Sunda Porcupine.
The rs2516839 variation of USF1 gene is associated with 4‐year mortality of nonagenarian women: The Vitality 90+ study
Authors: Ozsait‐Selcuk B. , Komurcu‐Bayrak E. , Jylhä M. , Luukkaala T. , Perola M. , Kristiansson K. , Mononen N. , Hurme M. , Kähönen M. , Goebeler S. , Laaksonen R. , Hervonen A. , Erginel‐Unaltuna N. , Karhunen P.J. , Lehtimäki T.
Published: September 2018

Upstream transcription factor 1 (USF1) regulates the transcription of many genes related to cell and organism survival processes such as stress and immune response, regulation of cellular senesce, and carcinogenesis. In this study, our aim was to investigate the effect of USF1 single nucleotide variations (SNVs) on longevity in the Vitality 90+ study, a population‐based study of nonagenarians (90 ±1 years of age) living in the area of Tampere municipality, Finland. Altogether 509 voluntary nonagenarians (115 males, 394 females) were genotyped using the 5′‐nuclease assay for rs2774279G > A, rs2516839T > C, and rs2073658C > T SNVs. During the 4 years of follow‐up, the total mortality rate was 64.2%. In the study, we found that the frequency of C‐allele of rs2516839 among nonsurviving nonagenarians (52.5%) was higher than those who survived (41.2%; P = 0.0006, odds ratio = 1.575, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.215–2.041). Furthermore, carriage of this variation and its haplotypes had a significant gender by genotype interaction (P < 0.05) on mortality. Kaplan‐Meier log‐rank test during 4‐years of follow‐up showed significantly higher mortality rate in the case of CC genotype carriage than other genotype carriages in nonagenarian women (P < 0.0001). In addition, after adjusting for age in Cox regression analysis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, infectious disease, dementia, and living place (nursing home or home), CC genotype of rs2516839T > C was found to be associated with shorter life expectancy in nonagenarian women (hazard ratio = 2.27; 95% CI, 1.34–3.85 P = 0.002). In conclusion, rs2516839 variation and related haplotypes of the USF1 gene are strongly related to all‐cause mortality in Finnish nonagenarians, especially among women.
HandSECMO: Preliminary Experience With “Hub and Spoke” Model in Neonates With Meconium Aspiration Syndrome
Authors: Fichera Dario , Zanella Fabio , Fabozzo Assunta , Doglioni Nicoletta , Trevisanuto Daniele , Lolli Elisabetta , Vida Vladimiro , Ceccherini Enrico , Ebraico Agostino , Stellin Giovanni , Padalino Massimo
Published: September 2018

We aim to evaluate clinical outcomes of emergent extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) implantation in newborns with life‐threatening meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) in peripheral hospitals with Hub and Spoke (HandS) setting. We retrospectively reviewed all neonates presenting with MAS, with no other comorbidities, treated with HandS ECMO, in peripheral hospitals. Team activation time (TAT) was described as the time from first alerting call to ECMO support initiation. From May 2014 to December 2016, 4 patients met our inclusion criteria. In addition, 2 cases occurred on the same day, requiring a second simultaneous HandS ECMO team activation. All patients were younger than 8 days of life (1, 1, 4, and 7), with a mean BSA 0.21 ± 0.03m2, and TAT of 203, 265, 320, and 340 min. One patient presented ventricular fibrillation after priming administration. Veno‐arterial ECMO was established in all patients after uneventful surgical neck vessels cannulation (right carotid artery and jugular vein). Mean time from skin incision to ECMO initiation was 19 ± 1.4 min. Mean length of ECMO support was 2.75 ± 1.3 days. All patients were weaned off support without complications. At a mean follow up of 20.5 ± 7.8 months, all patients are alive, with no medications, normal somatic growth, and neuropsychological development. MAS is a life‐threatening condition that can be successfully managed with ECMO support. A highly trained multidisciplinary HandS ECMO team is crucial for the successful management of these severely ill newborns in peripheral hospitals.
The Integration of VHR Satellite Imagery, GPR Survey and Boring for Archaeological Prospection at the Longcheng Site in Anhui Province, China
Authors: Zong X. , Wang X. Y. , Luo L.
Published: September 2018

This paper is focused on the joint use of non‐invasive and minimal intervention techniques for supporting archaeological prospection. Very high resolution (VHR) satellite imagery analysis and ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) and boring surveys were integrated for the study of the Longcheng site, located near Hefei city in Anhui Province, China, to test their effectiveness and efficiency in prospecting archaeological remains and evaluating their degree of preservation. First, target locations of potential archaeological structures were identified on a WorldView‐2 (WV‐2) satellite image through spatial and radiometric enhancement, interpretation and object‐oriented classification. Second, archaeological features extracted from the WV‐2 imagery were further investigated by a GPR survey that provided detailed cross‐checking information about buried remains. Finally, a subsequent boring survey was conducted across those prospective archaeological structures in order to map the stratigraphic sequences on the basis of colour, compactness and the inclusions contained in the soil, and then to test their correspondence with the GPR data. The boring led to detailed confirmation of the results produced by the remote sensing analyses and GPR surveys, as well as the discovery of datable artefacts. On the basis of all the integrated data, the preliminary layout and structure of the Longcheng site was reconstructed in GIS. Furthermore, the widths, lengths, heights and burial depths of these buried archaeological structures were estimated in detail.
Avatrombopag, an oral thrombopoietin receptor agonist: results of two double‐blind, dose‐rising, placebo‐controlled Phase 1 studies
Authors: Kuter David J. , Allen Lee F.
Published: September 2018

Avatrombopag is an oral thrombopoietin receptor agonist that has been recently approved for treating thrombocytopenia in chronic liver disease patients needing invasive procedures. Clinical trials supporting this new treatment were guided by two double‐blind, dose‐rising, placebo‐controlled Phase 1 studies in healthy adults reported here that assessed safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetic profile of avatrombopag, and its effect on platelet counts. Subjects were randomised (2:1) in the single‐dose study (N = 63) to avatrombopag (1, 3, 10, 20, 50, 75 and 100 mg) or placebo, and in the multiple‐dose study (N = 29) to avatrombopag (3, 10 and 20 mg) or placebo daily for 14 days. There were no serious adverse events (AEs), dose‐limiting toxicities, deaths, AEs causing withdrawal, thromboses or liver function abnormalities. In both studies, avatrombopag peak concentration and exposure increased proportionally relative to dose; half‐life was 18–21 h and independent of dose, supporting once‐daily dosing. Effects on platelet counts depended on dose, concentration and treatment duration. Platelet count increases began 3–5 days post‐administration, with maximum changes of >370 × 109/l over baseline with 20 mg daily after 13–16 days. These data support continued development of avatrombopag for treatment of other thrombocytopenic conditions and provide important guidance for the haematologist in the use of this new thrombopoietin receptor agonist.
Study of gene polymorphisms as predictors of treatment efficacy and toxicity in patients with indolent non‐hodgkin lymphomas and mantle cell lymphoma receiving bendamustine and rituximab
Authors: Cencini Emanuele , Sicuranza Anna , Fabbri Alberto , Ferrigno Ilaria , Rigacci Luigi , Cox Maria C. , Raspadori Donatella , Bocchia Monica
Published: September 2018

Bendamustine is used in combination with rituximab (BR) to treat indolent non‐Hodgkin lymphomas (iNHL) and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). The variability in treatment efficacy and toxicity could be related to single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in immune response genes. We would like to show a correlation between SNPs and treatment outcome in iNHL and MCL patients receiving BR. We investigated some SNPs that had already been associated with NHL outcome. Samples were genotyped for the IL2 (rs2069762), IL10 (rs1800890, rs10494879), VEGFA (rs3025039), IL8 (rs4073), CFH (rs1065489) and MTHFR (rs1801131) SNPs by allelic discrimination assays. We enrolled 70 patients that received rituximab 375 mg/m2 and bendamustine 90 mg/m2 every 28 days, both as first‐line treatment and ≥ second‐line regimens. Overall response rate was 97·1% (complete response [CR] rate 73·9%). Treatment toxicity included grade 3–4 neutropenia (24/70 patients), infections (21/70 patients; 1/70 grade 3), skin rash (26/70 patients; 2/70 grade 3). After a median follow‐up of 24 months we did find any correlation between the analysed SNPs, CR rate and PFS. However, we demonstrated an association between the SNP in IL2 (rs2069762) and the onset of skin rash (P = 0·0001). Our study suggests a role for cytokine SNPs in bendamustine‐related toxicity, which could represent a promising research field.
Predictors of response to anti‐IL6 monoclonal antibody therapy (siltuximab) in idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease: secondary analyses of phase II clinical trial data
Authors: Morra Deanna E. , Pierson Sheila K. , Shilling Dustin , Nemat Sepideh , Appiani Carlos , Guilfoyle Mary , Tendler Craig , van Rhee Frits , Fajgenbaum David C.
Published: September 2018

Siltuximab is the only US Food and Drug Administration‐approved treatment for idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease (iMCD), a rare haematological disorder associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Although siltuximab induces a response in a significant proportion of iMCD patients via interleukin 6 (IL6) neutralization, it is not universally effective. To develop a predictive model of response, we performed an in‐depth analysis of 38 baseline laboratory parameters in iMCD patients from the phase II siltuximab trial who met criteria for treatment response or treatment failure. Univariate analyses identified eight baseline laboratory parameters that were significantly different between responders and treatment failures: albumin, immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin A, C reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen, haemoglobin, sodium and triglycerides. Stepwise logistic regression analysis of these candidate parameters identified a top performing model that included fibrinogen, IgG, haemoglobin and CRP. Based on cross‐validation of the final multivariate logistic regression model, the model accurately discriminated responders from those who failed treatment (area under the receiver operator characteristic curve 0·86, 95% confidence interval: 0·73–0·95). All four laboratory parameters associated with response to siltuximab have biological relationships with IL6 and acute inflammation. Our model suggests that iMCD patients with laboratory evidence of an inflammatory syndrome are the best candidates for siltuximab therapy.
Prevalence of abnormal semen analysis and levels of adherence with fertility preservation in men undergoing therapy for newly diagnosed cancer: A retrospective study in 2906 patients
Authors: Jayasena Channa N. , Luo Rong , Dimakopoulou Anastasia , Dearing Chey , Clarke Holly , Patel Nandita , Stroud Thomas , Seyani Lataban , Ramsay Jonathan , Dhillo Waljit S.
Published: September 2018

Background

Sperm cryopreservation (freezing) should be offered to all men with cancer due to risk of infertility. However, many men with cancer already have impaired spermatogenesis prior to sperm cryopreservation. Furthermore, physical ill‐health may hinder attendance of freeze visits. Investigating both the distribution of sperm functions and freeze attendance rates in men with newly diagnosed cancer, may identify patients benefiting from targeted reproductive fertility support.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study of 2906 male patients undergoing sperm cryopreservation prior to cancer therapy at a single UK tertiary centre between 1989 and 2013; all patients were asked to attend three hospital semen collection visits prior to cancer therapy.

Results

Fifteen per cent (433/2906) of men with newly diagnosed cancer had severely impaired semen quality (i.e., sperm total motile count, TMC < 1 million) during the first semen collection visit. However, patients with severely impaired semen quality had the poorest attendance of subsequent semen collection visits despite being requested to do so (non‐attendance in TMC < 1 million: 43.4%; TMC < 1‐30 million: 35.7%, P < 0.05 vs. <1 million; TMC > 30 million: 33.2%, P < 0.01 vs. <1 million).

Conclusions

This study expands understanding of the semen quality of men with newly diagnosed cancer, and their ability to adhere to fertility preservation recommendations. Our data suggest that patients with the poorest semen quality paradoxically suffer the poorest attendance rates of sperm cryopreservation appointments prior to commencing cancer therapy. We suggest that additional support may be of clinical benefit to men with newly diagnosed cancer and TMC < 1 million sperm.
Optic nerve head perfusion changes preceding peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer thinning in preclinical diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Cao Dan , Yang Dawei , Yu Honghua , Xie Jianteng , Zeng Yunkao , Wang Jun , Zhang Liang
Published: September 2018

Importance

Whether neural or vascular defects occur first in the early onset of diabetic retinopathy (DR) is undetermined.

Background

To investigate microcirculation and microstructure differences of optic nerve head (ONH) between diabetic eyes without clinically evident retinopathy and healthy controls using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).

Design

Cross‐sectional observational study.

Participants

Sixty eyes of 60 patients with type 2 diabetes and without clinically evident retinopathy and 60 eyes of 60 age‐matched healthy controls were included in this study.

Methods

All participants underwent 4.5 × 4.5‐mm rectangle scans centred on the ONH using OCTA (RTVue‐XR Avanti; Optovue, Fremont, CA).

Main Outcome Measures

Peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness and capillary perfusion density inside the ONH and in the peripapillary region were compared between the two groups.

Results

Vessel density values in both peripapillary and inside the disc were significantly lower in diabetic patients without DR compared to normal controls. The reduction of vessel density was prominent in all eight peripapillary sectors in diabetic eyes (all P < 0.05). Thinning of RNFL thickness was significant in the nasal superior (P < 0.001), inferior nasal (P = 0.023) and superior nasal quadrant (P < 0.001) in diabetic eyes in comparison to normal controls.

Conclusions and Relevance

ONH perfusion and peripapillary RNFL thickness were significantly decreased in preclinical DR patients compared to normal controls. Microvascular alterations in ONH may occur earlier than peripapillary RNFL defect in the course of DR.