bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Key performance measures to control maintenance-associated HAIs
Authors: Njuangang Stanley , Liyanage Champika , Akintoye Akintola
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to improve overall healthcare maintenance (HM) service performance in NHS infection control (IC). Hence, the authors identify critical success factors (CSFs) and key performance measures in maintenance-associated infections. These infections occur because of the poor performance of HM service in IC.

Design/methodology/approach

– In the first Delphi exercise, complete CSFs and performance measures were presented to the Delphi participants for refinement and modification. Delphi round 1 data were analysed manually and used to refine the rounds 2 and 3 Delphi instruments. In subsequent Delphi rounds, the results were analysed through descriptive statistics.

Findings

– In total, eight CSFs and 53 key performance measures were identified for reducing maintenance-associated infections in hospitals. For example, establishing clear communication between the infection control team (ICT) and HM unit is important for preventing maintenance-associated HAIs. Dust prevention is also identified by the healthcare experts as an important measure to prevent maintenance-associated HAIs in high-risk patient areas.

Originality/value

– The findings provide CSFs and key performance measures for measuring performance in HM in IC. Reducing the rate of maintenance-associated infections will have important socio-economic and health ramifications for hospitals. It will reduce cost and free up additional resources for alternative projects. It will also raise confidence among healthcare users about the quality of services provided by hospitals.
An investigation into independent small business owners’ perception of franchisee relationships
Authors: Perrigot Rozenn , Hussain Dildar , Windsperger Josef
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore independent small business owners’ perceptions of franchisees relationships with their franchisors, their fellow franchisees within the chain, their employees and their customers.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors use a qualitative approach and, more specifically, 26 in-depth interviews conducted with independent small business owners from various business sectors.

Findings

– These independent small business owners perceive that franchisees have a dependency-based relationship with their franchisors; a competition-based relationship with their fellow franchisees; a rather complicated relationship with their employees; and a superficial relationship with their customers.

Research limitations/implications

– This study contributes to the franchising literature by presenting an outside-chain view of franchisees’ relationships with their franchisors, other franchisees, employees and customers.

Practical implications

– The findings may have practical implications for franchisors, enabling them to better understand the concerns of independent small business owners as potential franchisee candidates.

Originality/value

– The outside-chain view of franchisees’ relationships is innovative.
Consumer confusion in German food retailing: the moderating role of trust
Authors: Wobker Inga , Eberhardt Tim , Kenning Peter
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– Due to the rising number of product, service, and shopping possibilities available to consumers, food shopping has become increasingly more complex. As a result, consumers can become confused, and this state of confusion may influence their purchase behaviour (e.g. may cause them to not buy a product) and the personal needs they have in a shopping environment (e.g. certification to signal product quality, salesperson consultation for assistance in decision making, or governmental regulation). However, trust can reduce complexity, and may thereby moderate the influence of consumer confusion for negative outcomes. The purpose of this paper is to identify outcomes of consumer confusion and to investigate the moderating role of broader-scope trust on the negative outcomes of this confusion.

Design/methodology/approach

– A conceptual model was developed to study potential negative outcomes of consumer confusion. In order to assess consumer confusion and the degree of negative outcomes, a telephone survey method for the questionnaire was applied, querying 516 participants who regularly bought food products.

Findings

– The results clearly suggest that consumer confusion evokes various negative outcomes that are of relevance for food retailing. The intensity of the influence of consumer confusion on several of those negative outcomes could be decreased by broader-scope trust. Further, an interaction effect linked to gender was observed.

Originality/value

– To the best of the knowledge, this is the first international journal publication on the moderating role of trust on the outcomes of consumer confusion.
Realignment strategies in the US retail industry during a recessionary time
Authors: Mann Manveer , Byun Sang-Eun , Li Yishuang
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the range of realignment strategies employed by retailers in the USA in response to the 2008 economic recession.

Design/methodology/approach

– Following the grounded theory approach, National Retail Federation News Briefs published between 2008 and 2011 were analyzed by sorting them into thematic categories and comparing trends in strategic decisions during the recession (2008-2009) and after the recession (2010-2011). Based on the emergent categories, propositions were developed to provide theoretical explanations of the findings.

Findings

– The authors found five thematic categories of realignment strategies: promotional, organizational, price, operational, and product realignments. In line with contingency theories, retailers used these strategies to achieve a greater fit with the altered business environment and consumer consumption patterns. While promotional realignment was most prevalent, followed by organizational realignment, different realignment strategies were pursued based on the strategic focus and long-term vs short-term orientation of the retailers.

Originality/value

– The contribution of the findings is twofold: filling a critical gap in the literature examining the range of realignment decisions of the US retail industry in response to the recent economic recession; and enhancing the theoretical understanding of underlying factors or mechanisms of specific realignment decisions in the context of a turbulent economic environment.
Work-family state support for the self-employed across Europe
Authors: Annink Anne , den Dulk Laura , Steijn Bram
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to map and understand work-family state support for the self-employed compared to employees across European countries.

Design/methodology/approach

– To map state work-family support policies for the self-employed, an overview of public childcare, maternity, paternity, and parental leave arrangements across European countries is created based on databases, local government web sites, and local experts’ country notes. Secondary data analyses are conducted in order to compare support for the self-employed to support for employees and across countries. Differences across countries are analysed from a welfare state regime perspective, which explicates assumptions about the role of the government in providing work-family state support and which is often used in research on work-family support for employees.

Findings

– Results show that, in general, the self-employed receive less work-family state support than employees or none at all. The extensiveness of work-family state support varies widely across European countries. Patterns of welfare states regimes, which explain variation in work-family support for employees, can also be found in the context of self-employment.

Practical implications

– Findings result in practical suggestions for policy makers at the European and national level to monitor policy compliance considering maternity leave for the self-employed, to increase childcare support, and to rethink the European Entrepreneurship 2020 Action Plan.

Originality/value

– Work-family state support for the growing number of self-employed has never been mapped before, although this is a very topical issue for (European) policy makers. This paper offers a starting point to contextualise and understand the way self-employed experience the work-family interface in different country contexts.
An examination of the burdens faced by entrepreneurs at start-up and five years later
Authors: Jensen Jason L.
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to consider the burdens faced by small business entrepreneurs in North Dakota.

Design/methodology/approach

– Two surveys of entrepreneurs are reported on, assessing burdens at start-up and five years later. Burdens are compared within each time period, across time periods, and are linked to industry type and business size. The study also compares survivors and non-survivors, and considers whether survivorship is linked to initial burdens.

Findings

– Regulatory factors and taxes were not as burdensome in the initial time period, compared to workforce and financing factors. In the follow-up survey property taxes were the largest burden, particularly among larger businesses. Among survivors, availability of capital was more burdensome at start-up and permitting and licensing complexity at follow-up. Survivors had more employees and rated permit/license complexity as more of a burden compared to non-survivors. Cross-industry burden differences were noted. Finally, businesses with more labor availability struggles at start-up were less likely to survive, and labor market burdens increased for businesses closer to the oil boom area.

Research limitations/implications

– Limitations mainly relate to the sample businesses, which are all from a single state. This potential issue is elaborated on in the manuscript.

Originality/value

– The contribution of this research primarily relates to the innovative design of using pre/post surveys to directly assess the opinions of entrepreneurs, allowing the study of burdens across time, survivorship, and industry effects.
Does dollarization reduce or produce inflation?
Authors: Mengesha Lula G. , Holmes Mark J.
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to address the unresolved outcome of the research on the impact of dollarization on inflation by examining the partially dollarized economy of Eritrea.

Design/methodology/approach

– Inflation under partial dollarization is modelled based on money demand and supply framework. Using quarterly data for the study period 1996Q1-2008Q4, estimation is based on a vector error correction model together with dynamic ordinary least square.

Findings

– The results indicate that inflation increases as a result of an increase in dollarization. This applies to both the short-run and long-run estimations regardless of whether official or black market exchange rate data are used in the analysis. In terms of the short-run dynamics involved in the long-run relationship between dollarization and inflation, the speed of adjustment toward long-run equilibrium ranges from negative 7.2-7.6 percent per quarter.

Research limitations/implications

– The main policy implication of the finding is that the extent of dollarization should not be overlooked in controlling inflation in the short run and the long run.

Originality/value

– Despite a number of studies that examine the consequences of dollarization, the impact of partial dollarization on inflation in the Eritrean economy has never been addressed. This study, therefore, is original in its kind and resolves the controversial outcomes on the studies of inflation and dollarization by modelling inflation under partial dollarization, providing new evidence and revealing potential economic reasons for the discrepancies in the findings of the literature on partial dollarization.
Portraying some determinants of discrimination in the workplace
Authors: Vasconcelos Anselmo Ferreira
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to discuss some key aspects through a theoretical interdisciplinary approach that may contribute to shape an organizational discrimination frame.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper depicts a theoretical interdisciplinary approach. Within this perspective, it undertook a literature review to identify some theoretical aspects – neglected or not appropriately addressed – that may somewhat nourish an organizational discrimination frame.

Findings

– Overall, this paper examined more carefully five aspects (constructs), namely, moral imperative, organizational injustice, corporate social responsibility, non-spiritual business orientation and unethical leadership, that may contribute to shape a discrimination frame if not approached properly and suggested a set of research propositions. In addition, it offers some insights into a problem that deserves more theoretical development and pertinent managerial interventions.

Practical implications

– The implications for business are enormous given that being labeled as an organization that encourages discriminatory company policies will certainly attract negative corporate image. Moreover, it stands to reason that firms which are portrayed as such a “devil” will have serious difficulties to survive in this new millennium. Thus, it can be predicted that organizations that are not committed to at least reducing discrimination inside their structures and human resources policies will attract growing negative feelings, perceptions and opinions.

Social implications

– This paper provides further theoretical underpinning for better understanding of the institutional discrimination that affects both society and organizations.

Originality/value

– Taken together, the moral imperative, organizational injustice, corporate social responsibility, non-spiritual business orientation and unethical leadership variables delineate a theoretical framework as to how discrimination in the workplaces takes shape.
Advanced manufacturing technologies, quality management practices, and manufacturing performance in the southern cone of Latin America
Authors: Bello Pintado Alejandro , Kaufmann Ricardo , Merino Diaz-de-Cerio Javier
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims at providing new evidence on the relationship between advanced manufacturing technologies (AMTs) and quality management (QM) practices on manufacturing performance.

Design/methodology/approach

– The expected relationship between both AMTs and QM practices on manufacturing performance are tested using a unique sample of 301 manufacturing companies from Argentina (151) and Uruguay (150), employing at least 20 workers, which have been assessed through personal interviews to plant managers and engineers.

Findings

– Findings evidence the complementarities between QM practices and AMTs to explain enhanced manufacturing performance. Although QM practices have a direct effect on manufacturing performance, the effects of AMTs are significant only in the presence of QM practices.

Research limitations/implications

– First limitation of the paper is the cross-sectional character of the data analysis. Secondly, the paper cannot avoid the disadvantages inherent in research based on surveys, especially when the answers are of a subjective nature. In addition, the information used is based on the perceptions of managers.

Practical implications

– Industry practitioners should focus on the implementation of innovation policies that promote long-term economic growth, creating more favorable and better technological and infrastructure institutional conditions to lead to substantial improvements in this economic growth.

Originality/value

– The paper provides evidence on the interdependence between QM practices and AMTs’ adoption to improve performance of manufacturing companies in the south of Latin America, something that has received very little attention up today. Thus, the paper contributes also to the international debate on differences observed in the implementation of manufacturing innovations in different regions.
Brazil: between the modern bureaucracy of Weber and resilient patrimonialism
Authors: Pinho José Antonio Gomes de , Sacramento Ana Rita Silva
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to identify factors that approach and that separate the Brazilian bureaucracy from the model advocated by Max Weber. Efforts were concentrated on the discussion of aspects of historical and social foundations of society and the Brazilian state that influence its bureaucracy and in the reforms undertaken in the state apparatus. The authors selected some of its iconic moments, within the framework of patrimonialism, seeking to identify evidence of its influence in Brazilian public administration.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study is qualitative and has interpretative background with descriptive purposes. The whole process of research was based on the literature. The interpretation of data relied on content analysis based on Bardin.

Findings

– The study reveals that the prevailing bureaucratic model in Brazil, although it contains some characteristics of rational-legal model, is not yet produced the expected disenchantment, at least in public administration. In addition, it was noted that the patrimonialism bases, in which society and the Brazilian State still rely, seems to prevent the bureaucracy that was advocated by Max Weber from installing fully.

Originality/value

– Studies dealing with bureaucracy in the context of public administration are still welcome and necessary in Brazil. This is because this country still does not admit the bureaucracy to function according to the model advocated by Max Weber.
Cutaneous Serratia marcescens infections in Korea: A retrospective analysis of 13 patients
Authors: Seo Jimyung , Shin Dongyun , Oh Sang Ho , Lee Ju Hee , Chung Kee Yang , Lee Min‐Geol , Kim Dae Suk
Published: August 2015

Serratia marcescens is a Gram‐negative bacillus belonging to the Enterobacteriaceae family. Because of increasing reports of antimicrobial resistance, this bacterium has received considerable attention and has emerged as an important pathogen. In order to reveal clinical and microbiological characteristics of S. marcescens cutaneous infection and to suggest appropriate antibiotic treatment, we retrospectively analyzed 17 strains isolated from wound swabs of Korean patients between November 2005 and March 2014. A total of 13 patients (five men and eight women) were included in our study, with a mean age of 46.3 years (range, 21–82). Based on medical history, seven patients were classified as immunocompromised. Prior predisposing factors for infections were noted in 12 patients, including pre‐existing leg ulcers or dermatitis (5/13), preceding cancer surgeries (2/13), plastic surgeries and filler injection (2/13), traumas (2/13) and medical procedures following cutaneous abscess (1/13). Cutaneous infections showed various clinical presentations, including spontaneous dermal abscess, fingernail change, painful nodules and papular erosions. We found that third‐ and fourth‐generation cephalosporins, gentamicin, levofloxacin and meropenem appeared active against all 17 strains in vitro. Clinically, all patients treated with empirical first‐generation cephalosporin showed treatment resistance, and oral quinolone monotherapy was the most preferred antibiotic regimen without treatment failure, with an average treatment duration of 25 days (range, 14–42). This study demonstrates the various clinical presentations and treatment responses for cutaneous S. marcescens infection. Moreover, we suggest that initial antibiotic coverage should be broad enough to account for multidrug resistance in this rare pathogen.
No effect of satellite tagging on survival, recruitment, longevity, productivity and social dominance of a raptor, and the provisioning and condition of its offspring
Authors: Sergio Fabrizio , Tavecchia Giacomo , Tanferna Alessandro , López Jiménez Lidia , Blas Julio , De Stephanis Renaud , Marchant Tracy A. , Kumar Nishant , Hiraldo Fernando
Published: August 2015

The deployment of electronic devices on animals is rapidly expanding and producing leapfrog advances in ecological knowledge. Even though their effects on the ecology and behaviour of the marked subjects are potentially important, <10% of the studies are accompanied by an evaluation of impact, and comprehensive, long‐term assessments have been few. Therefore, there is an urgent need to test for impacts, especially for tags that are heavy and deployed for long time periods, such as satellite transmitters.

We marked 110 individuals of a medium‐sized, migratory raptor, the black kite Milvus migrans, with GPS satellite tags, representing about 4% of the body mass and attached as backpacks through a Teflon harness. Tagged individuals were compared to control animals of similar sex, age and breeding status for a large number of behavioural, condition‐related and ecological traits.

Despite a sample size two‐ to threefold greater than most previous assessments that reported significant impacts, there was no detectable difference between tagged and control individuals in key vital rates such as survival probability, longevity, recruitment, age of first breeding, reproductive performance and timing of breeding.

Tagged and untagged kites showed similar social dominance during fights over food and a similar capability to provision nestlings, which prevented carry‐over effects on the stress levels and condition of their offspring.

Synthesis and applications. Radio‐marking studies are growing exponentially in the current ‘movement ecology era’, and impact assessments will be ever more important. In principle, tags of up to 4% mass‐load can be deployed without apparent harm on some avian soaring species, but impacts should be properly evaluated on a case‐by‐case basis. Resilient species for which impacts seem weak could be used as early warning systems for trials of new devices: if impacts are observed, they are likely to be even greater on more vulnerable species. Finally, individual fatalities caused by marking should be taken into serious account, but comprehensively evaluated in the light of broader population‐level impacts. Future initiatives to minimize tagging impacts could include more stringent licensing criteria enforcing attendance at training courses or incorporation of impact evaluations into study designs, increased availability of training courses for tagging, and enhanced sharing of information through blogs, workshops or specialized journal sections.
Adoption and Impacts of Sustainable Agricultural Practices on Maize Yields and Incomes: Evidence from Rural Zambia
Authors: Manda Julius , Alene Arega D. , Gardebroek Cornelis , Kassie Menale , Tembo Gelson
Published: August 2015

This paper uses a multinomial endogenous treatment effects model and data from a sample of over 800 households and 3,000 plots to assess the determinants and impacts of adoption of sustainable agricultural practices (SAPs) on maize yields and household incomes in rural Zambia. Results show that adoption decisions are driven by household and plot level characteristics and that the adoption of a combination of SAPs raises both maize yields and incomes of smallholder farmers. Adoption of improved maize alone has greater impacts on maize yields, but given the high cost of inorganic fertiliser that limits the profitability of adoption of improved maize, greater household incomes are associated rather with a package involving SAPs such as maize–legume rotation and residue retention.
Mealiness Detection in Agricultural Crops: Destructive and Nondestructive Tests: A Review
Authors: Arefi Arman , Moghaddam Parviz Ahmadi , Mollazade Kaveh , Hassanpour Ali , Valero Constantino , Gowen Aoife
Published: August 2015

Mealiness is known as an important internal quality attribute of fruits/vegetables, which has significant influence on consumer purchasing decisions. Mealiness has been a topic of research interest over the past several decades. A number of destructive and nondestructive techniques are introduced for mealiness detection. Nondestructive methods are more interesting because they are rapid, noninvasive, and suitable for real‐time purposes. In this review, the concept of mealiness is presented for potato, apple, and peach, followed by an in‐depth discussion about applications of destructive and nondestructive techniques developed for mealiness detection. The results suggest the potential of electromagnetic‐based techniques for nondestructive mealiness evaluation. Further investigations are in progress to find more appropriate nondestructive techniques as well as cost and performance.
Washout of hepatocellular carcinoma on portal venous phase of multidetector computed tomography in a pre‐transplant population
Authors: Kitzing Yu Xuan , Ng Bernard HK , Kitzing Bjoern , Waugh Richard , Kench James G , Strasser Simone I , McCormack Samuel
Published: August 2015

Introduction

Washout is an important diagnostic imaging feature of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) on computed tomography (CT). The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence and the interobserver variation in the detection of portal venous phase (PVP) washout of HCCs using CT in a transplant population. The secondary aim is to evaluate factors influencing the detection of PVP washout.

Methods

Forty‐five patients who underwent CT liver imaging within the 60 days before transplantation had viable HCCs confirmed on pathology. Two radiologists retrospectively reviewed the images for HCCs including features of arterial enhancement and PVP washout. Clinical data, peak kilovoltage, imaging features of portal hypertension, region of interest attenuation measurements of the individual lesions, background liver parenchyma and portal vein were obtained. Liver to lesion attenuation ratio was also calculated. Statistical analysis was performed.

Results

The two readers identified 50 arterially enhancing HCCs in 45 patients. In consensus, the two readers identified washout in 60% of the HCCs with a substantial interobserver agreement (kappa = 0.633). PVP washout was associated with larger lesion size, increased background liver parenchyma attenuation, increased liver to lesion attenuation ratio, increased portal vein attenuation and hepatitis B viral status (P = 0.027, 0.008, 0.014, 0.017 and 0.037 respectively).

Conclusion

In our transplant population, portal venous phase washout was seen in 60% of the hypervascular HCCs. Factors influencing the presence of PVP washout include lesion size as well as the liver and portal vein attenuation reflective of the portal haemodynamics.
Chemotherapy with gemcitabine plus cisplatin in patients with advanced thymic squamous cell carcinoma: Evaluation of efficacy and toxicity
Authors: Luo Yang , Li Jun‐ling , Yang Lin , Zhang Wen
Published: August 2015

Background

Squamous cell carcinoma of the thymus is a rare thymic epithelial neoplasm that tends to widely metastasize at initial presentation. Because of its rarity, the optimal chemotherapeutic regimen remains uncertain. A gemcitabine and cisplatin regimen has shown promising efficacy in the treatment of other squamous cell carcinomas. We assessed the efficacy and toxicity of this regimen in patients with advanced thymic squamous cell carcinoma.

Methods

Between January 2003 and December 2012, 13 patients with untreated or unresectable recurrent thymic squamous cell carcinomas, who were treated with gemcitabine and cisplatin, were retrospectively analyzed. The endpoints in this study were clinical response rate, disease control rate, progression‐free survival, and overall survival. Significant hematological and non‐hematological toxicities were also assessed.

Results

Three patients were in Masaoka stage IVa and 10 were in stage IVb. The median number of treatment cycles for the present chemotherapy regimen was four. The clinical response and disease control rates were 61.5% and 92.3%, respectively. The median progression‐free and median overall survival rates were 14.5 months (95% confidence interval, 9.2–19.8 months) and 50.7 months (95% confidence interval, 24.9–76.5 months), respectively. Grade 3/4 hematological toxicities were observed in seven (53.8%) patients, and non‐hematological toxicities were mild.

Conclusion

This retrospective analysis demonstrated that gemcitabine plus cisplatin was active against advanced thymic squamous cell carcinoma with manageable toxicity. Gemcitabine may be a novel and alternative agent for advanced thymic squamous cell carcinoma.
Allergen extract vs. component sensitization and airway inflammation, responsiveness and new‐onset respiratory disease
Authors: Patelis A. , Gunnbjornsdottir M. , Alving K. , Borres M. P. , Högman M. , Janson C. , Malinovschi A.
Published: August 2015

Background

The absence of IgE sensitization to allergen components in the presence of sensitization to the corresponding extract has been reported, but its clinical importance has not been studied.

Objective

To evaluate the clinical significance of IgE sensitization to three aeroallergen extracts and the corresponding components in relation to the development of respiratory disease.

Methods

A total of 467 adults participated in the European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS) II and 302 in ECRHS III, 12 years later. IgE sensitization to allergen extract and components, exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and bronchial responsiveness to methacholine were measured in ECRHS II. Rhinitis and asthma symptoms were questionnaire‐assessed in both ECRHS II and III.

Results

A good overall correlation was found between IgE sensitization to extract and components for cat (r = 0.83), timothy (r = 0.96) and birch (r = 0.95). However, a substantial proportion of subjects tested IgE positive for cat and timothy allergen extracts but negative for the corresponding components (48% and 21%, respectively). Subjects sensitized to both cat extract and components had higher FeNO (P = 0.008) and more bronchial responsiveness (P = 0.002) than subjects sensitized only to the extract. Further, subjects sensitized to cat components were more likely to develop asthma (P = 0.005) and rhinitis (P = 0.007) than subjects sensitized only to cat extract.

Conclusion

Measurement of IgE sensitization to cat allergen components would seem to have a higher clinical value than extract‐based measurement, as it related better to airway inflammation and responsiveness and had a higher prognostic value for the development of asthma and rhinitis over a 12‐year period.
Platform‐Switching for Cemented Versus Screwed Fixed Dental Prostheses: Reliability and Failure Modes: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Anchieta Rodolfo Brunieira , Machado Lucas Silveira , Hirata Ronaldo , Bonfante Estevam Augusto , Coelho Paulo G.
Published: August 2015

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the probability of survival of cemented and screwed three‐unit implant‐supported fixed dental prostheses (ISFDP) using different implant‐abutment horizontal matching configurations (regular vs switching platforms).

Methods

One hundred and sixty‐eight implants with internal hexagon connection (4 mm diameter, 10 mm length, Emfils; Colosso Evolution System, Itú, SP, Brazil) were selected for this study according to the horizontal implant‐abutment matching configuration (regular or switching) and retention method and divided in four groups (n = 21 per group) as follows: 1) regular platform cemented (IRC); 2) or screw‐retained (IRS); 3) switched‐platform cemented (ISC); or 4) screw‐retained (ISS). Regular and platform‐switched abutments (Colosso evolution, 4 mm and 3.3 mm, respectively) were torqued, and 84 three‐unit metal bridges were fabricated (first molar pontic). Implants were embedded in polymethyl‐methacrylate resin and subjected to step‐stress accelerated life testing in water. Weibull distribution was used to determine the probability of survival for a mission of 100,000 cycles at 400 N (90% two‐sided confidence intervals). Polarized light and scanning electron microscopes were used for fractographic analysis.

Results

The β values of 0.50, 1.19, 1.25, and 1.95 for groups IRC, IRS, ISC, and ISS respectively, indicated that fatigue accelerated the failure for all groups, except IRC. The cement‐retained groups presented significantly higher probability of survival (IRC – 98%, ISC – 59%) than screw‐retained groups (IRS – 23% and ISS – 0%). Screw‐retained FDPs exclusively failed by abutment‐screw fractures, whereas cement‐retained presented implant/screw/abutment fractures.

Conclusions

The probability of survival of cement‐retained ISFDP was higher than screw‐retained, irrespective of implant‐abutment horizontal configuration.
Primary cutaneous adenoid cystic carcinoma with brain metastases: case report and literature review
Authors: Pozzobon Laura D , Glikstein Rafael , Laurie Scott A , Hanagandi Prasad , Michaud Jean , Purgina Bibianna , Ayroud Yasmin , Wasserman Jason K
Published: August 2015

Primary cutaneous adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a rare skin tumor that is unlikely to metastasize. We present a case of primary cutaneous ACC in a 67‐year‐old male with axillary lymph node, pulmonary and brain metastases. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of cutaneous ACC with distant metastases to the brain.
A comparison of pollinator fig wasp development in figs of Ficus montana and its hybrids with Ficus asperifolia
Authors: Ghana Salah , Suleman Nazia , Compton Stephen G.
Published: August 2015

Figs (Moraceae) and pollinator fig wasps (Hymenoptera: Agaonidae) have a highly specific mutualistic relationship but fig wasps occasionally enter atypical hosts, and this can lead to hybrid fig trees and the potential for gene flow between species. Many fig trees are dioecious, with fig wasp offspring developing in galled ovules inside figs on male trees, whereas seeds develop only in figs on female trees. We generated experimental hybrids between the Asian Ficus montana Blume and a closely related African species Ficus asperifolia Miquel. Male F1s were sterile if entered by Kradibia tentacularis (Grandi) (Agaonidae), the pollinator of F. montana, because its offspring always failed to develop, without ovule enlargement. As with the F1s, figs on most male backcross plants [F. montana × (F. montana × F. asperifolia)] also aborted shortly after pollinator entry, resulting in a higher turnover of figs than with F. montana, although the times taken for the figs to reach receptivity were similar. Pollinator larvae nonetheless consistently managed to develop inside the figs of one backcross plant and also occasionally in a few figs from another backcross individual. In these figs, galled ovules developed as normal, whereas in figs that aborted the galled ovules failed to enlarge. The sex ratio of K. tentacularis progeny in the backcross figs was female biased and did not differ from that in F. montana figs. Sycoscapter spec. (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae), a parasitoid of K. tentacularis, was able to lay eggs and developed normally inside male backcross figs where its host was present.
Prognostic factors of recurrent disease in upper urinary tract urothelial cancer after radical nephroureterectomy: Subanalysis of the multi‐institutional national database of the Japanese Urological Association
Authors: Hara Tomohiko , Fujimoto Hiroyuki , Sakura Mizuaki , Inokuchi Junichi , Nishiyama Hiroyuki , Miyazaki Jun , Ohyama Chikara , Koie Takuya , Kikuchi Eiji , Hinotsu Shiro ,   the Cancer Registration Committee of the Japanese Urological Association
Published: August 2015

Objectives

To explore predictive factors of disease recurrence after radical nephroureterectomy in patients with upper urinary tract urothelial cancer.

Methods

A multi‐institutional national database promoted by the Japanese Urological Association including 293 institutions and 1172 patients was used for the present study. Patient with non‐metastatic upper urinary tract urothelial cancer who underwent primary radical nephroureterectomy with curative intent were analyzed. Univariate analysis using the Kaplan–Meier method and multivariate Cox regression models with stepwise selection was used to evaluate time to recurrence after surgery.

Results

The median duration of follow up was 55.8 months, and disease recurred in 325 (27.7%) patients at a median of 11.4 months after radical nephroureterectomy. According to a Cox proportional hazards model, the Union International Contre le Cancer 2002 pathological stage of the primary tumor, lymph node status, presence of lymphatic and/or vascular invasion, infiltrative growth pattern, and age were independent predictors (P < 0.05) of recurrence‐free survival.

Conclusions

Despite several limitations, our analysis suggests that pathological tumor stage, lymph node status, lymphovascular invasion, infiltrative growth pattern and age represent important prognostic variables after radical nephroureterectomy in Japanese patients with upper urinary tract urothelial cancer. This information could be potentially used to select patients for adjuvant systemic therapy.
Thrombospondin‐1‐dependent immune regulation by transforming growth factor‐β2‐exposed antigen‐presenting cells
Authors: Mir Fayaz Ahmad , Contreras‐Ruiz Laura , Masli Sharmila
Published: August 2015

An important role of transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) in the development of regulatory T cells is well established. Although integrin‐mediated activation of latent TGF‐β1 is considered essential for the induction of regulatory T (Treg) cells by antigen‐presenting cells (APCs), such an activation mechanism is not applicable to the TGF‐β2 isoform, which lacks an integrin‐binding RGD sequence in its latency‐associated peptide. Mucosal and ocular tissues harbour TGF‐β2‐expressing APCs involved in Treg induction. The mechanisms that regulate TGF‐β activation in such APCs remain unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that murine APCs exposed to TGF‐β2 in the environment predominantly increase expression of TGF‐β2. Such predominantly TGF‐β2‐expressing APCs use thrombospondin‐1 (TSP‐1) as an integrin‐independent mechanism to activate their newly synthesized latent TGF‐β2 to induce Foxp3+ Treg cells both in vitro and in vivo. Expression of Treg induction by TGF‐β2‐expressing APCs is supported by a TSP‐1 receptor, CD36, which facilitates activation of latent TGF‐β during antigen presentation. Our results suggest that APC‐derived TSP‐1 is essential for the development of an adaptive regulatory immune response induced by TGF‐β2‐expressing APCs similar to those located at mucosal and ocular sites. These findings introduce the integrin‐independent mechanism of TGF‐β activation as an integral part of peripheral immune tolerance associated with TGF‐β2‐expressing tissues.
Family Accommodation of Child and Adolescent Anxiety: Mechanisms, Assessment, and Treatment
Authors: Norman Kaila R. , Silverman Wendy K. , Lebowitz Eli R.
Published: August 2015

Topic

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health concern for youth. Unfortunately, a substantial number of children and adolescents do not respond positively to current evidence‐based interventions and/or relapse. As pediatric anxiety disorders are fundamentally a systemic phenomenon, focusing on the ways in which parents become involved in their children's anxiety symptoms may be a promising alternative approach to treatment.

Purpose

To inform psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) about the phenomenology, associated neurobiology, and assessment of family accommodation (FA) as well as clinical interventions targeting FA. FA refers to ways that parents adapt their own behaviors to reduce their children's anxiety‐related distress.

Sources Used

A literature search was performed using Psyc‐INFO and PubMed.

Conclusions

Current findings indicate a high prevalence of FA associated with pediatric anxiety disorders. FA has a potentially deleterious impact on course of illness and treatment response and is associated with greater caregiver burden. Potential neurobiological underpinnings of FA include dysregulation of parent cortico‐limbic circuitry and the oxytocinergic system. PMHNPs are in a unique position to identify families engaged in problematic FA, educate their clientele, provide psychotherapy services with the goal of reducing FA, and consult with multidisciplinary team members.
An Assessment and Diagnosis Case Study Is Not a Closed Case
Authors: Van Byssum Doris M.
Published: August 2015

Problem

The presenting problem of anxiety is found to be one of many psychiatric symptoms resulting in a lack of clarity in diagnosis and treatment.

Method

The case of a 17‐year‐old reporting escalating anxiety and migraine headaches is presented. A mental health assessment, parental information, screening tools, the Personality Assessment Inventory, ongoing observation, review of treatment regimens, consultation, and test results from other healthcare professionals are included in the ongoing assessment.

Findings

Symptoms including anxiety, auditory and tactile hallucinations, mood alterations, substance use, insomnia, and hypomanic symptoms are identified. The symptoms are suggestive of various diagnostic categories/diagnoses: mood disorder, prodromal schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder.

Conclusion

A thorough assessment does not necessarily lead to clarity of a diagnosis or diagnoses. Clarity may evolve over time; however, this does not eliminate the responsibility to treat the patient. It is important to consider and utilize evidence‐based treatments for the symptomatology and possible diagnoses.
Evaluation of safety of insulin degludec on undergoing total colonoscopy using continuous glucose monitoring
Authors: Takeishi Soichi , Mori Akihiro , Fushimi Nobutoshi , Hachiya Hiroki , Yumura Takayuki , Ito Shun , Shibuya Takashi , Ohashi Noritsugu , Kawai Hiromi
Published: August 2015

Aims/Introduction

There is little information regarding how to use insulin degludec (D) when diabetic patients are preparing for total colonoscopy (TCS).

Materials and Methods

A total of 12 patients with type 2 diabetes treated with insulin D and scheduled to undergo TCS were enrolled in the present study. A continuous glucose monitoring device was attached to each patient for 4 days, from two evenings before TCS to the morning after the procedure. The patients fasted for 24 h, starting after 18.00 h the day before TCS. Insulin D was only discontinued the morning of the day TCS was carried out.

Results

No patients experienced hypoglycemia during the daytime fasting period (08.00–18.00 h the day of TCS); the hypoglycemic index, mean glucose level, and standard deviation were 0, 141.3 ± 31.5 mg/dL and 15.6 ± 6.5 mg/dL. The mean glucose level and standard deviation during the daytime fasting period were significantly lower than during the daytime control period (08.00–18.00 h the day before TCS; P = 0.003, P = 0.001, respectively). The mean fasting glucose and fasting plasma glucose levels were significantly correlated (r = 0.78, P = 0.002), as were both the mean glucose level and standard deviation during the daytime control period, and the change in the mean glucose level (fasting period minus control period; r = −0.79, P = 0.002, and r = −0.69, P = 0.01, respectively).

Conclusions

Patients can safely undergo TCS when insulin D is discontinued only once on the day of the procedure.
Comparative cytogenetics of six Indo‐Pacific moray eels (Anguilliformes: Muraenidae) by chromosomal banding and fluorescence in situ hybridization
Authors: Coluccia E. , Deidda F. , Cannas R. , Lobina C. , Cuccu D. , Deiana A. M. , Salvadori S.
Published: August 2015

A comparative cytogenetic analysis, using both conventional staining techniques and fluorescence in situ hybridization, of six Indo‐Pacific moray eels from three different genera (Gymnothorax fimbriatus, Gymnothorax flavimarginatus, Gymnothorax javanicus, Gymnothorax undulatus, Echidna nebulosa and Gymnomuraena zebra), was carried out to investigate the chromosomal differentiation in the family Muraenidae. Four species displayed a diploid chromosome number 2n = 42, which is common among the Muraenidae. Two other species, G. javanicus and G. flavimarginatus, were characterized by different chromosome numbers (2n = 40 and 2n = 36). For most species, a large amount of constitutive heterochromatin was detected in the chromosomes, with species‐specific C‐banding patterns that enabled pairing of the homologous chromosomes. In all species, the major ribosomal genes were localized in the guanine‐cytosine‐rich region of one chromosome pair, but in different chromosomal locations. The (TTAGGG)n telomeric sequences were mapped onto chromosomal ends in all muraenid species studied. The comparison of the results derived from this study with those available in the literature confirms a substantial conservation of the diploid chromosome number in the Muraenidae and supports the hypothesis that rearrangements have occurred that have diversified their karyotypes. Furthermore, the finding of two species with different diploid chromosome numbers suggests that additional chromosomal rearrangements, such as Robertsonian fusions, have occurred in the karyotype evolution of the Muraenidae.
Combination of EUS‐FNA and elastography (strain ratio) to exclude malignant solid pancreatic lesions: A prospective single‐blinded study
Authors: Kongkam Pradermchai , Lakananurak Narisorn , Navicharern Patpong , Chantarojanasiri Tanyaporn , Aye Khin , Ridtitid Wiriyaporn , Kritisin Krit , Angsuwatcharakon Phonthep , Aniwan Satimai , Pittayanon Rapat , Sampatanukul Pichet , Treeprasertsuk Sombat , Kullavanijaya Pinit , Rerknimitr Rungsun
Published: August 2015

Background:

Negative results of EUS‐FNA for solid pancreatic lesions (SPL) can be false ones. Combination with strain ratio (SR) may ensure a correct benign diagnosis of SPL.

Aims:

We prospectively evaluated the sensitivity rate of EUS‐FNA and EUS elastography using the strain ratio method for diagnosing SPL.

Methods:

Thirty‐eight patients with SPL identified by CT or MRI between January 2013 and November 2013 were included in our prospective study. EUS diagnoses were made using SR by an endosonographer who was blinded to all clinical information. In SPL with adequate cellularity, the results of EUS‐FNA were combined with strain ratio to diagnose SPL and the diagnostic value was calculated.

Results:

Benign SPL were diagnosed in nine patients with surgical or guided‐biopsy pathology (n = 3) and benign cells from FNA with stable disease during the 12‐month follow‐up time (n = 6). Using the best cut‐off strain ratio level at 3.17, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy rate of EUS elastography were 86.2%, 66.7%, 89.3%, 60%, and 81.6%, respectively. For the 28 patients who underwent EUS‐FNA with results of adequate cellularity; EUS‐FNA alone versus combination of results of cytology and SR provided sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy rate at 90% versus 95.2, 100% versus 71.4%, 100% versus 90.9%, 80% versus 83.3, and 92.9% versus 89.3%, respectively.

Conclusions:

In this prospective single‐blinded study, the negative results of both EUS‐FNA and SR were more reliable to exclude malignant SPL. The sensitivity of EUS elastography by SR was not superior to EUS‐FNA. © 2015 Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Foundation and Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd