bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Total and natural mortality of red king crab (Paralithodes camtschaticus) in Norwegian waters: catch–curve analysis and indirect estimation methods
Authors: Windsland Kristin
Published: August 2014

The red king crab (Paralithodes camtschaticus) is native to the Bering Sea, but was deliberately introduced to the Barents Sea during the 1960s. Since then, the red king crab has spread to Norwegian waters, and crab densities have increased sufficiently to support a coastal fishery. Information about total and natural mortality, which is important to ensure adequate management, is lacking. Estimates of annual total mortality (Z) were calculated using length-converted catch curves in three periods of different levels of exploitation. Separate analyses were run on trap and trawl data as well as on original and catch per unit effort-corrected data. Natural mortality was estimated using a linear regression of total mortality and exploitation level and by using indirect methods based on life history parameters. There was a significant increase in Z throughout the consecutive periods in both sexes. In males, the increase coincided with the increase in exploitation level. The increase in female mortality, which was not explained by exploitation level, is probably an effect of the increase in male mortality. Natural mortality (M), estimated using indirect methods, averaged 0.23 for both sexes. The estimated M using linear regression was 0.37/0.44, which may be an overestimate.
Prevention of Perinatal Hepatitis B Virus Transmission
Authors: Nelson Noele P. , Jamieson Denise J. , Murphy Trudy V.
Published: August 2014

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, the most common form of chronic hepatitis worldwide, is a major public health problem affecting an estimated 360 million people globally. Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) is responsible for more than one third of chronic HBV infections worldwide. An estimated 15%–40% of persons chronically infected develop HBV-related complications, such as cirrhosis and hepatic carcinoma, and 25% die from these complications. MTCT can occur during pregnancy or during delivery. Screening pregnant women for HBV infection, providing infant postexposure prophylaxis, and maternal treatment with antiviral medications are strategies for reducing MTCT transmission rates and the global burden of new chronic HBV infections. Administration of hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) and hepatitis B (HepB) vaccine within 24 hours of birth, followed by completion of the vaccine series, is 85%–95% efficacious for prevention of MTCT. Despite timely post-exposure prophylaxis, MTCT occurs in 5%–15% of infants. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive, hepatitis e antigen (HBeAg) positive mothers with HBV DNA level ≥106 copies/mL (>200 000 IU/mL) are at greatest risk of transmitting HBV to their infants. Consensus recommendations and evidence-based guidelines for management of chronic HBV infection and screening of pregnant women have been developed. The safety and efficacy of antiviral drug use during pregnancy are areas of ongoing research. Substantial advances have been achieved globally in reducing MTCT, but MTCT remains an ongoing health problem. Attaining a better understanding of the mechanisms of MTCT, implementing existing policies on maternal screening and infant follow-up, and addressing research gaps are critical for further reductions in MTCT transmission.
Antidepressant Drugs for Prevention of Acute and Chronic Postsurgical Pain
Authors: Wong Karen , Phelan Rachel , Kalso Eija , Galvin Imelda , Goldstein David , Raja Srinivasa , Gilron Ian
Published: August 2014

Background:

This review evaluates trials of antidepressants for acute and chronic postsurgical pain.

Methods:

Trials were systematically identified using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Extracted data included the following: pain at rest and with movement, adverse effects, and other outcomes.

Results:

Fifteen studies (985 participants) of early postoperative pain evaluated amitriptyline (three trials), bicifadine (two trials), desipramine (three trials), duloxetine (one trial), fluoxetine (one trial), fluradoline (one trial), tryptophan (four trials), and venlafaxine (one trial). Three studies (565 participants) of chronic postoperative pain prevention evaluated duloxetine (one trial), escitalopram (one trial), and venlafaxine (one trial). Heterogeneity because of differences in drug, dosing regimen, outcomes, and/or surgical procedure precluded any meta-analyses. Superiority to placebo was reported in 8 of 15 trials for early pain reduction and 1 of 3 trials for chronic pain reduction. The majority of positive trials did not report sufficient data to estimate treatment effect sizes. Many studies had inadequate size, safety evaluation/reporting, procedure specificity, and movement-evoked pain assessment.

Conclusions:

There is currently insufficient evidence to support the clinical use of antidepressants—beyond controlled investigations—for treatment of acute, or prevention of chronic, postoperative pain. Multiple positive trials suggest the therapeutic potential of antidepressants, which need to be replicated. Other nontrial evidence suggests potential safety concerns of perioperative antidepressant use. Future studies are needed to better define the risk–benefit ratio of antidepressants in postoperative pain management. Higher-quality trials should optimize dosing, timing and duration of antidepressant treatment, trial size, patient selection, safety evaluation and reporting, procedure specificity, and assessment of movement-evoked pain relevant to postoperative functional recovery.
“Push-Through” Rod Passage Technique for the Improvement of Lumbar Lordosis and Sagittal Balance in Minimally Invasive Adult Degenerative Scoliosis Surgery
Authors: Haque Raqeeb M. , Uddin Omar M. , Ahmed Yousef , El Ahmadieh Tarek Y. , Hashmi Sohaib Z. , Shah Amir , Fessler Richard G.
Published: August 2014

Summary of Background Data:

Traditional open surgical techniques for correction of adult degenerative scoliosis (ADS) are often associated with increased blood loss, postoperative pain, and complications. Minimally invasive (MIS) techniques have been utilized to address these issues; however, concerns regarding improving certain alignment parameters have been raised.

Objective:

A new “push-through” technique for MIS correction of ADS has been developed wherein a rod is bent before its placement into the screw heads and then contoured further to yield improved correction of radiographic parameters.

Methods and Study Design:

Preoperative and postoperative radiographic measurements of 3 patients who underwent MIS correction of scoliosis using the “push-through” technique were compared with 22 prior patients who had received traditional MIS correction. All patients received staged correction of scoliosis. The first stage involved insertion of lateral lumbar interbodies. Standing x-rays were then evaluated for overall global balance. The second stage involved appropriate MIS facetectomies, facet fusions, posterior transforaminal interbodies at lower lumbar segments, and finally the placement of rods.

Technique Overview:

(1) A long rod composed of titanium is bent with a mild lordosis and passed through the extensions of the screw heads cephalad to caudad. (2) The rod is passed fully through the incision so it extrudes from the caudal end of the construct. At this point, further lordosis is bent into the rods. (3) The rod is then pulled back into the appropriate position. (4) The unnecessary cephalad rod is then cut to appropriate length with a circular saw. (5) Rod reducers are then sequentially lowered and tightened to achieve the desired correction.

Results:

Mean age for all patients was 66.02 years. Preoperative coronal Cobb, sagittal vertical axis (SVA), and pelvic incidence (PI) were similar in all patients, whereas lumbar lordosis (LL) was smaller (15.27 vs. 29.85 degrees, P=0.00389) and pelvic tilt (PT) was larger (37.00 vs. 27.00 degrees, P=0.00011) in “push-through” patients. Postoperatively, “pushthrough” patients experienced greater correction of LL (21.93 vs. 3.70 degrees, P=0.00001), PI-LL (−18.57 vs. −0.26 degrees, P=0.00471), PT (−7.67 vs. −0.40 degrees, P=0.00341), SVA (−40.67 mm vs. 0.95 mm, P=0.05846), and coronal Cobb (−20.23 vs. −18.76 degrees, P=0.75).

Conclusions:

This new method of contouring a rod enables improved LL. This technique is easy to perform and can be a valuable tool in treating ADS using MIS techniques.
Impact of Hiatal Hernia on Pediatric Dyspeptic Symptoms
Authors: Scarpato Elena , D'Armiento Maria , Martinelli Massimo , Mancusi Valeria , Campione Severo , Alessandrella Annalisa , Staiano Annamaria , Miele Erasmo
Published: August 2014

Objectives:

Hiatal hernia (HH) affects from 10% to 50% of adult population. The correlation between HH, gastroesophageal reflux disease, dyspeptic symptoms, and esophagitis has long been known in adults. The primary objective of our prospective observational study was to estimate the prevalence of HH in children undergoing esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), irrespective of their symptoms.

Methods:

We prospectively enrolled 111 consecutive children (48 boys and 63 girls; mean age 94.9 ± 52.3 months) referred for EGD. In all of the patients a symptomatic score assessment based on the Rome III criteria was used to measure frequency, severity, and duration of gastrointestinal symptoms. HH presence was endoscopically defined; esophagitis presence was evaluated either endoscopically and histologically. Children were divided in 2 age‐range groups: <48 months (group 1) and >48 months (group 2).

Results:

Twenty‐three patients of 111 (20.7%) had evidence of a sliding HH at EGD. In children from group 2, we found a statistically significant association of HH with heartburn (P = 0.03, 95% confidence interval 1–9.3, r2 = 0.1) and regurgitation (P = 0.003, 95% confidence interval 1.7–20.4, r2 = 0.3). Regarding esophagitis presence, no association was found at any age either with defined esophagitis or with dilated intercellular spaces.

Conclusions:

Prevalence of HH in our study population was 20.7%. According to our data, HH correlates with the presence of heartburn and regurgitation in children, but not in toddlers. No association was found with esophagitis at any age.
Clues for Minimal Hepatic Encephalopathy in Children With Noncirrhotic Portal Hypertension
Authors: D'Antiga Lorenzo , Dacchille Patrizia , Boniver Clementina , Poledri Sara , Schiff Sami , Zancan Lucia , Amodio Piero
Published: August 2014

Objective:

In children with noncirrhotic extrahepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO), minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) was reported in a few series, but neither is it routinely investigated nor does consensus about its diagnosis exist. In this prospective observational study we aimed at detecting the prevalence of MHE in children with EHPVO and providing a practical diagnostic protocol.

Methods:

A consecutive sample of 13 noncirrhotic children (age range 4–18 years) with EHPVO underwent a screening for MHE based on level of fasting ammonia, quantified electroencephalogram (EEG) evaluation, and a wide battery of 26 psychometric tests exploring learning ability, abstract reasoning, phonemic and semantic fluency, selective attention, executive functions, short‐term verbal and visual memory, long‐term verbal memory, and visuopractic ability.

Results:

Five children had at least 2 altered psychometric tests. Selective attention, executive function, and short‐term visual memory were the domains more frequently altered, and 4 tests were enough to detect 80% of these children. Fasting ammonia plasma level was increased in 6 children. EEG mean dominant frequency adjusted for age was associated with serum ammonia concentration (β = −0.44 ± 0.19, P < 0.05). As a whole, children with EHPVO showed trends for lower α (median 41% vs 49%) and higher θ power than controls (median 41% vs 49% and 29% vs 20%, respectively).

Conclusions:

MHE affects approximately 50% of children with EHPVO and, therefore, is worthwhile to be investigated. Three simple tools, serum ammonia, quantified EEG, and neuropsychological examination, focused on selective attention, executive function, and short‐term visual memory can be used effectively in the evaluation of MHE in this setting.
γ‐Glutamyl Transpeptidase Level as a Screening Marker Among Diverse Etiologies of Infantile Intrahepatic Cholestasis
Authors: Lu Fang‐Ting , Wu Jia‐Feng , Hsu Hong‐Yuan , Ni Yen‐Hsuan , Chang Mei‐Hwei , Chao Chien‐I , Chen Huey‐Ling
Published: August 2014

Objectives:

Low γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) level is an important marker for progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis, yet the cutoff level and clinical application is not well defined. This study aimed to evaluate the role of GGT as a screening marker among diverse etiologies of infantile cholestasis.

Methods:

This retrospective study analyzed 256 cholestatic infants admitted to a tertiary referral center between 2000 and 2012. After excluding 121 infants of extrahepatic cholestasis, advanced investigations for 135 infants with intrahepatic cholestasis were performed. The etiologies, outcomes, and correlations with GGT levels were analyzed. Good prognosis was defined as clinical recovery before 1 year of age; poor prognosis as persistent disease, liver transplantation, or death before 1 year.

Results:

Among 135 patients of intrahepatic cholestasis, >12 different etiologies were found. Neonatal hepatitis (49.6%), progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (21.5%), and neonatal cholestasis caused by citrin deficiency (10.4%) were the leading causes. Patients with initial GGT between 75 and 300 U/L had a higher chance of good prognosis (61/74, 82.4%) than those with GGT <75 U/L or >300 U/L (25/61, 41%, P < 0.0001). In the low‐GGT group (≤100U/L), 52.6% (30/57) of the patients have good prognosis; and GGT level ≤75U/L has a sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value of 100%, 43.3%, and 61.4% in predicting poor prognosis.

Conclusions:

Patients with GGT levels ≤75 or ≥300 U/L should receive advanced investigations such as genetic/metabolic assays early; otherwise, the amount of diagnostic workup may be limited if no signs of progressive disease.
Counterintuitive properties of the fixation time in network-structured populations
Authors: Hindersin Laura , Traulsen Arne
Published: August 2014

Evolutionary dynamics on graphs can lead to many interesting and counterintuitive findings. We study the Moran process, a discrete time birth–death process, that describes the invasion of a mutant type into a population of wild-type individuals. Remarkably, the fixation probability of a single mutant is the same on all regular networks. But non-regular networks can increase or decrease the fixation probability. While the time until fixation formally depends on the same transition probabilities as the fixation probabilities, there is no obvious relation between them. For example, an amplifier of selection, which increases the fixation probability and thus decreases the number of mutations needed until one of them is successful, can at the same time slow down the process of fixation. Based on small networks, we show analytically that (i) the time to fixation can decrease when links are removed from the network and (ii) the node providing the best starting conditions in terms of the shortest fixation time depends on the fitness of the mutant. Our results are obtained analytically on small networks, but numerical simulations show that they are qualitatively valid even in much larger populations.
The effect of glass-forming sugars on vesicle morphology and water distribution during drying
Authors: Vogl C. J. , Miksis M. J. , Davis S. H. , Salac D.
Published: August 2014

Cryopreservation requires that stored materials be kept at extremely low temperatures and uses cryoprotectants that are toxic to cells at high concentrations. Lyopreservation is a potential alternative where stored materials can remain at room temperatures. That storage process involves desiccating cells filled with special glass-forming sugars. However, current desiccation techniques fail to produce viable cells, and researchers suspect that incomplete vitrification of the cells is to blame. To explore this hypothesis, a cell is modelled as a lipid vesicle to monitor the water content and membrane deformation during desiccation. The vesicle is represented as a moving, bending-resistant, inextensible interface and is tracked by a level set method. The vesicle is placed in a fluid containing a spatially varying sugar concentration field. The glass-forming nature is modelled through a concentration-dependent diffusivity and viscosity. It is found that there are optimal regimes for the values of the osmotic flow parameter and of the concentration dependence of the diffusivity to limit water trapping in the vesicle. Furthermore, it is found that the concentration dependencies of the diffusivity and viscosity can have profound effects on membrane deformations, which may have significant implications for vesicle damage during the desiccation process.
Modelling biological behaviours with the unified modelling language: an immunological case study and critique
Authors: Read Mark , Andrews Paul S. , Timmis Jon , Kumar Vipin
Published: August 2014

We present a framework to assist the diagrammatic modelling of complex biological systems using the unified modelling language (UML). The framework comprises three levels of modelling, ranging in scope from the dynamics of individual model entities to system-level emergent properties. By way of an immunological case study of the mouse disease experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, we show how the framework can be used to produce models that capture and communicate the biological system, detailing how biological entities, interactions and behaviours lead to higher-level emergent properties observed in the real world. We demonstrate how the UML can be successfully applied within our framework, and provide a critique of UML's ability to capture concepts fundamental to immunology and biology more generally. We show how specialized, well-explained diagrams with less formal semantics can be used where no suitable UML formalism exists. We highlight UML's lack of expressive ability concerning cyclic feedbacks in cellular networks, and the compounding concurrency arising from huge numbers of stochastic, interacting agents. To compensate for this, we propose several additional relationships for expressing these concepts in UML's activity diagram. We also demonstrate the ambiguous nature of class diagrams when applied to complex biology, and question their utility in modelling such dynamic systems. Models created through our framework are non-executable, and expressly free of simulation implementation concerns. They are a valuable complement and precursor to simulation specifications and implementations, focusing purely on thoroughly exploring the biology, recording hypotheses and assumptions, and serve as a communication medium detailing exactly how a simulation relates to the real biology.
Comparative study of the fluid viscosity in tarsal hairy attachment systems of flies and beetles
Authors: Peisker Henrik , Heepe Lars , Kovalev Alexander E. , Gorb Stanislav N.
Published: August 2014

Wet adhesive systems of insects strongly rely for their function on the formation of capillary bridges with the substrate. Studies on the chemical composition and evaporation dynamics of tarsal secretions strongly suggest a difference in chemistry of secretion in beetles and flies, both possessing hairy attachment devices. This difference is assumed to influence the viscosity of the secretion. Here, we applied a microrheological technique, based on the immersion of nanometric beads in the collected tarsal footprints, to estimate secretion viscosity in a beetle (Coccinella septempunctata) and a fly (Calliphora vicina). Both species studied possess distinct differences in viscosity, the median of which was calculated as 21.8 and 10.9 mPa s, respectively. We further present an approximate theoretical model to calculate the contact formation time of spatula-like terminal contact elements using the viscosity data of the covering fluid. The estimated contact formation time is proportional to the tarsal secretion viscosity and to the square of the contact radius of the contact element.
Dissection of the region of Pseudomonas aeruginosa ParA that is important for dimerization and interactions with its partner ParB
Authors: Bartosik Aneta A. , Glabski Krzysztof , Jecz Paulina , Lasocki Krzysztof , Mikosa Malgorzata , Plochocka Danuta , Thomas Christopher M. , Jagura-Burdzy Grazyna
Published: August 2014

Pseudomonas aeruginosaParA belongs to a large subfamily of Walker-type ATPases acting as partitioning proteins in bacteria. ParA has the ability to both self-associate and interact with its partner ParB. Analysis of the deletion mutants defined the part of the protein involved in dimerization and interactions with ParB. Here, a set of ParA alanine substitution mutants in the region between E67 and L85 was created and analysedin vivoandin vitro. All mutants impaired in dimerization (substitutions at positions M74, H79, Y82 and L84) were also defective in interactions with ParB, suggesting that ParA–ParB interactions depend on the ability of ParA to dimerize. Mutants with alanine substitutions at positions E67, C68, L70, E72, F76, Q83 and L85 were not impaired in dimerization, but were defective in interactions with ParB. The dimerization interface partly overlapped the pseudo-hairpin, involved in interactions with ParB. ParA mutant derivatives testedin vitroshowed no defects in ATPase activity. TwoparAalleles (parA84, whose product can neither self-interact nor interact with ParB, andparA67, whose product is impaired in interactions with ParB, but not in dimerization) were introduced into theP. aeruginosachromosome by homologous gene exchange. Both mutants showed defective separation of ParB foci, but to different extents. Only PAO1161parA84was visibly impaired in terms of chromosome segregation, growth rate and motility, similar to aparA-null mutant.
Determinants of bank selection by university undergrads in south east Nigeria: empirical evidence
Authors: D. Nkamnebe Anayo , Ukenna Steve , Anionwu Carol , Chibuike Victoria
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to identify and ranks factors that influence bank selection by undergrads in South East Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

– Totally, 300 undergrads were sampled from two universities. Five-point Likert-type question containing 49 bank selection items was designed to collect primary data. Cronbach's α was used to test the reliability of the instrument while factor analysis with principal component extraction was used to identify the underlying factors.

Findings

– Six principal factors were identified and ranked in order of importance. These factors are: bank's financial stability, available and functional ATMs, professional bank staff, family and friends influence, proximity of bank branch to university campus, and internal and external aesthetics of bank.

Practical implications

– This study provides insight on the factors that influence the selection of a bank in the emerging and growing undergrads segment of bank market in Nigeria, which has obvious management and theory implications.

Originality/value

– Reports bank selection criteria from apparently under-researched and under-reported undergrad segment in a typical sub-Saharan African context.
The determinants of capital structure
Authors: Ukaegbu Ben , Oino Isaiah
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether there are differences between the determinants of the capital structure in financial and manufacturing firms and also assess how the speed of adjustment differs.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study employed balanced panels data procedure using pooled ordinary least square, the random effects and fixed effects on manufacturing firms and banks that are listed on Nigeria Stock Exchange. The use of the three estimation method is in order to make a meaningful comparison between the models.

Findings

– The findings indicate that there are similarities and differences in the capital structure determinants on the two sets of firms: banks tend to be more leveraged when they are more profitable and manufacturing firms tend to be less leveraged when they are profitable. In addition, banks adjust their leverage faster at a speed of 69 per cent than manufacturing firms at 46 per cent. The study also shows that changes in the economy influence the capital structure of financial firms more than that of manufacturing firms.

Research limitations/implications

– The study only focused on one economy.

Practical implications

– As a result of 2008 global financial crisis, there has been intense debate on the significance of regulatory capital. The study demonstrate the need for regulatory capital in banks to be procyclical rather than being static.

Originality/value

– To the best of the knowledge, this is the first paper to empirically test how capital structure differ between banks and non-financial institutions.
The deductibility of Sarbanes-Oxley costs incurred by Australasian companies
Authors: Harrison Julie , Keating Mark
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to examine the nature of Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) costs incurred by subsidiaries of USA parent companies, and considers whether any value flows to non-USA subsidiaries. Deductibility is analysed under both the general deductibility provisions and the transfer pricing regimes of Australia and New Zealand (NZ). Reference is also made to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) transfer pricing guidelines and the US transfer pricing regulations. Australasian and New Zealand subsidiaries of US parent companies frequently incur costs related to their parent’s regulatory reporting requirements under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Tax authorities, generally, view these costs as “shareholder activities”, i.e. activities performed for the benefit of the parent only. As such, they are considered non-deductible to the subsidiaries of USA parents because an independent party dealing at arm’s length would not pay to receive similar services. We consider circumstances in which some costs may be deductible.

Design/methodology/approach

– Legal analysis.

Findings

– We conclude that there can be circumstances where these so-called shareholder activities do provide value to subsidiaries and, accordingly, may (or should) be deductible in the local jurisdiction.

Research limitations/implications

– This analysis is limited to a consideration of Australian, NZ, OECD and US sources.

Practical implications

– This paper provides an analysis of the deductibility of a type of expenditure commonly encountered by subsidiaries of US parent companies.

Originality/value

– Limited research is available that deals with this issue. In most cases, only general statements on deductibility of similar types of expenditure are available to taxpayers.
Herding in the mutual fund industry: evidence from Chile
Authors: Lavin Jaime F. , Magner Nicolás S.
Published: August 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify elements of intentional herd behavior (HB), differentiating it from spurious, or unintentional HB.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a panel of 50 stocks belonging to 18 Chilean equity mutual funds between December 2002 and October 2009, with manually collected data regarding physical positions of monthly purchases and sales, the authors calculate the level of HB and, by applying panel regressions with fixed and random effects, analyze the factors that determine this behavior, classifying them as agency, information, efficiency and behavioral problems.

Findings

The research establishes that among Chilean equity mutual funds, there is a herding of 2.8 percent, implying that for 100 funds trading a certain stock, 53 go in the same direction and 47 in another. This effect increases during widespread market dips and when stocks become fashionable, attracting market attention. This behavior is not merely spurious, associated with variables that predict returns, but also has an intentional component, related to agency problems and information, and a behavioral component, related to investors’ biases and beliefs.

Originality/value

The paper is original because, despite existing evidence of herding in international markets, it has been little quantified or studied in emerging markets. In addition, the literature does not distinguish between spurious and intentional HB, nor does it test different hypotheses jointly to explain the phenomenon.
Living with the New Nordic Diet
Authors: Micheelsen Arun , Holm Lotte , O’Doherty Jensen Katherine
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– Based on New Nordic Cuisine and Nordic dietary recommendations, the research centre OPUS has developed a healthy, sustainable and tasty New Nordic Diet (NND) with the goal of improving public health in Denmark. In order to determine the health potential of the NND, a six-month, controlled dietary intervention trial was conducted, in which participants procured NND foods at a specially designed intervention supermarket and prepared and consumed NND meals in their homes. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– A qualitative sociological study was conducted among intervention participants in order to explore whether and how they appropriated this diet into their everyday food practices.

Findings

– Participants appropriated the NND by becoming co-producers of this diet, tailoring it to accord with individual preferences and the demands of everyday life. Findings indicate that while the taste of the NND is likely to appeal to wider groups of consumers, the tasks of food procurement and preparation are likely to constitute barriers to its adoption. The strictly controlled intervention setting enabled participants to learn how to comply with dietary composition despite their deviations from given menu-plans and recipes. The extent to which such compliance would be achieved outside this context by other consumers is questioned. Further studies are needed to determine whether more widespread consumption of the NND would in practice comply with Nordic dietary recommendations.

Originality/value

– The study provides insights relevant to health agencies, public health researchers and food companies regarding consumer appropriation of a dietary system, the health benefits of which are dependent upon dietary compliance.
Implicit measurement of consumer attitudes towards whole grain products
Authors: Elizabeth Hellyer Nicole , Fraser Iain , Haddock-Fraser Janet
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to establish implicit consumer attitudes towards whole grain foods, following criticisms of explicit enquiries revealing an attitude-behaviour gap. For products considered to have social desirability (e.g. ethical and “health” products) bias may be observed, as respondents may provide responses that present them in a positive light, rather than those reflecting their actual attitudes, intentions or behaviours.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research employed an indirect measure, the shopping list method, analysed quantitatively in this case using factor analysis and regression, to examine the impression respondents form of whole grain consumers, using three discrete shopping lists and two discrete cover letters. Following a pilot survey to 79 people using Snowball sampling, the survey instrument was distributed to 3,000 UK households using a purchased mailing list.

Findings

– The findings demonstrated that respondents considered whole grain consumers to exhibit positive attributes of respectability and self-efficacy compared to their counterparts. These findings countered the negative, product attribute-based views of respondents when queried explicitly about their attitudes to whole grain foods.

Originality/value

– The research provides an original perspective on whole grain consumer attitudes, using a methodology which – whilst well-established – has been used less frequently in a quantitative manner. It provides particular value to food retailers and manufacturers looking to promote whole grain products, but also to policy makers seeking to change consumption habits towards whole grains – which have established health benefits compared to refined alternatives.
The food environment within the primary school fringe
Authors: G. Gallo Rachel , Barrett Lisa , A. Lake Amelia
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The school fringe environment (peripheral 400 m buffer) offers an important opportunity for young people to obtain food and drink. There is international evidence to suggest socio-economic influence on food outlet availability and healthfulness within these environments; however the situation in the UK is unclear. The purpose of this paper is to describe food outlet provision (frequency and type) within primary school fringes across the spectrum of deprivation.

Design/methodology/approach

– Ten primary schools in Newcastle upon Tyne were purposefully selected from a comprehensive list of all schools within the region. Two schools were chosen at random from each quintile of deprivation. A total of 400-metre buffer zones around schools were audited. School fringe food environments were classified using a Food Outlet Classification System. Access (i.e. frequency), and type of food outlets were compared to area level deprivation, obesity prevalence rates and area type.

Findings

– Food outlet frequency was highest in the most deprived school fringe area. Convenience stores and takeaways represented the greatest proportion of total food outlets across all school fringe environments. More total food outlets were observed in fringes with above national average obesity prevalence rates for children.

Research limitations/implications

– UK case study approach limits widespread and international applicability.

Practical implications

– Informs school, health and urban planning disciplines regarding current picture of UK school fringes.

Originality/value

– Provides evidence in UK context that area deprivation and Census 2001 Supergroup class show significant correlations with school fringe food environment.
Regulation governing non-profit organisations in developing countries
Authors: Zulkhibri Muhamed
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide a comparative analysis on the regulation, the applicable law and the tax treatment in the operations of NPOs in developing countries.

Design/methodology/approach

– A comparative analysis in term of NPOs legal framework governing the formation, existence, restriction and fundraising of NPOs, as well as the tax treatment for the NPOs.

Findings

– The findings suggest that regulations of NPOs in these countries exhibit a mixed picture with respect to the establishment, operation, affiliation and fundraising, as well as their tax incentives and preferences. In some countries, NPOs have fewer restrictions and are eligible for generous tax incentives, while for other countries, various restrictions and lack of incentives are the norms. The legal frameworks for NPOs are burdensome and, to some extent, do not reflect the importance of NPOs as partner for development of society. The findings also suggest that tax treatments in these countries vary from simple to complex coupled with obscure tax exemptions rules.

Originality/value

– Around the globe, authorities and society are increasingly acknowledging the important role of NPOs in dealing with social needs from basic poverty, health and sustainable environments. This study’s focus on NPOs regulation will provide an understanding for authorities to design an appropriate framework for the growth and vibrancy of the NPOs.
The firm as a function of deals
Authors: Kantarelis Demetri
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to attempt a justification as to why a profit-making firm may be viewed as a function of its nucleus expertise and a risky portfolio of deals.

Design/methodology/approach

– This is a theoretical paper relying on mathematics, graphs and verbal arguments to describe concepts.

Findings

– A profit-making firm can gain even more if it reduces the risk of its portfolio of deals. In its effort to reduce such a risk, the firm needs to know each deal’s profit share and be able to estimate each dealing partner’s reliability (a random variable).

Research limitations/implications

– The proposed hypotheses are not empirically tested, an exercise left to future work.

Practical implications

– Pragmatically, a profit-making firm may be viewed as a function of its strategic nucleus and its strategic federation. The firm may increase its gains by minimizing deals’ risk through a portfolio of deals diversification. The more the firm considers factors such as mediation, optimal commitments and the like, the more effective and efficient becomes the management of the portfolio of deals.

Social implications

– As explained through examples and illustrations, viewing the firm as a function of deals benefits the parties in such deals as well as other stakeholders (community, region, nation, etc), e.g. less costly deals contribute to more profit and more growth.

Originality/value

– A profit-making firm is viewed as an entity that manages a risky portfolio of promisor- and promisee-type deals. The ideas in this paper may be of value to today’s global, knowledge-based, outsourcing/insourcing firms which may find it increasingly difficult to rely on conventional contracts.
Marketing challenges: a personal history
Authors: Firat A. Fuat
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the challenges that have faced and do now face marketing scholars through the lens of one scholar who entered the field in early 1970s and who continues to observe the developments in the world and in the disciplines of marketing and consumer research.

Design/methodology/approach

– Historical journey through the trials and tribulations of one scholar as well as the developments in marketing and consumer research as experienced from this scholar’s point of view. A story of how this one scholar’s ideas and impressions grew out of his experiences.

Findings

– Challenges against introduction of new perspectives and ideas have existed in the disciplines of marketing and consumer research, and they continue to exist.

Research limitations/implications

– This is only a personal history of experiences one scholar has had in the field.

Practical implications

– For marketing and consumer research disciplines to positively contribute to humanity’s growth and search for meaning, how scholars in the field think of their disciplines, their relationship to ideologies and the purposes for their existence as scholars may need a radical change.

Social implications

– Considering the challenges faced and possibility of alternative modes of scholarship and knowledge generation, as well as the recognition of the key positional advantage of marketing and consumer research scholars in contemporary culture for understanding the human condition, will help humanity’s quest for a world with greater peacefulness and harmony.

Originality/value

– The paper presents a perspective of disciplinary history not often heard in the mainstream media of the two disciplines.
Mandarin version of the Leeds Dyspepsia Questionnaire: A valid instrument for assessing symptoms in Asians
Authors: Leow Hwong‐Ruey , Ching Siew‐Mooi , Sujarita Ramanujam , Yap Choon‐Fong , Chia Yook‐Chin , Ho Shiaw‐Hooi , Sithambaram Suresh , Tan Huck‐Joo , Goh Khean‐Lee , Mahadeva Sanjiv
Published: August 2014

Objective

To develop and validate a Mandarin version of the Leeds Dyspepsia Questionnaire (M‐LDQ) in Asian patients with dyspepsia.

Methods

The M‐LDQ was developed according to standardized methods. The validity, internal consistency, test–retest reliability and responsiveness of the instrument were evaluated in both primary and secondary care patients.

Results

A total of 184 patients (mean age 54.0 ± 15.8 years, of whom 59% were women and 72.3% of whom had at least secondary level education) were recruited between August 2012 and March 2013, from both primary (n = 100) and secondary care clinics (n = 84). Both the internal consistency of all components of the M‐LDQ (Cronbach's α 0.79) and test–retest reliability (Spearman's correlation coefficient 0.78) were good. The M‐LDQ was valid in diagnosing dyspepsia in primary care (area under the receiver operating characteristics curve 0.84) and was able to discriminate between secondary and primary care patients (median cumulative LDQ score 13.0 vs 3.0, P < 0.0001). Among eight patients with organic dyspepsia, the median M‐LDQ score reduced significantly from 21.0 (pretreatment) to 9.5 (4 weeks post‐treatment) (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

The M‐LDQ is a valid and responsive instrument for assessing ethnic Chinese adults with dyspepsia.
Moderate alcohol exposure during early brain development increases stimulus‐response habits in adulthood
Authors: Parker Matthew O. , Evans Alexandra M‐D. , Brock Alistair J. , Combe Fraser J. , Teh Muy‐Teck , Brennan Caroline H.
Published: August 2014

Exposure to alcohol during early central nervous system development has been shown variously to affect aspects of physiological and behavioural development. In extreme cases, this can extend to craniofacial defects, severe developmental delay and mental retardation. At more moderate levels, subtle differences in brain morphology and behaviour have been observed. One clear effect of developmental alcohol exposure is an increase in the propensity to develop alcoholism and other addictions. The mechanisms by which this occurs, however, are not currently understood. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that adult zebrafish chronically exposed to moderate levels of ethanol during early brain ontogenesis would show an increase in conditioned place preference for alcohol and an increased propensity towards habit formation, a key component of drug addiction in humans. We found support for both of these hypotheses and found that the exposed fish had changes in mRNA expression patterns for dopamine receptor, nicotinic acetylcholine receptor and μ‐opioid receptor encoding genes. Collectively, these data show an explicit link between the increased proclivity for addiction and addiction‐related behaviour following exposure to ethanol during early brain development and alterations in the neural circuits underlying habit learning.
Association between bipolar episodes and fluid and electrolyte homeostasis: a retrospective longitudinal study
Authors: Hochman Eldar , Weizman Abraham , Valevski Avi , Fischel Tsvi , Krivoy Amir
Published: August 2014

Objectives

Imbalance of fluid and electrolyte homeostasis has been suggested to be associated with the neuropathological processes underlying bipolar disorder. However, longitudinal data regarding the association of bipolar episodes with fluid balance are still lacking. We hypothesized that mania may be associated with a relative fluid retention and hemodilution, and depression with a relative hemoconcentration.

Methods

Patients with bipolar disorder (n = 43) admitted to a mental health center, both with depressive and manic episodes, were retrospectively followed between 2005 and 2013. Fluid balance and electrolyte serum indices were compared between their manic and depressive episodes. We adjusted for physical and psychiatric comorbidities and for psychotropic treatment, using two‐way analysis of variance with repeated measures.

Results

There was a significant reduction in serum fluid balance indices during mania compared to depression: mean hemoglobin concentration 13.9 ± 1.4 g/dL versus 14.5 ± 1.4 g/dL, paired t = −4.2, p < 0.0005; mean hematocrit 41.1 ± 4.1% versus 42.3 ± 3.7%, paired t = −3.0, p < 0.005; mean albumin concentration 4.2 ± 0.3 g/dL versus 4.5 ± 0.3 g/dL, paired t = −4.5, p < 0.0001; and mean sodium concentration 140.3 ± 2.0 mEq/L versus 141.0 ± 2.0 mEq/L, paired t = −2.1, p = 0.04, respectively. Controlling for physical and psychiatric comorbidities and psychotropic treatment did not alter these associations.

Conclusions

Our results support the notion of an imbalance of fluid and electrolyte homeostasis among bipolar episodes, which is suggestive for relative hemoconcentration during depressive episodes and relative hemodilution during manic episodes. These findings may eventually lead to novel therapeutic targets.
The impact of mesenteric tension on pouch outcome and quality of life in patients undergoing restorative proctocolectomy
Authors: Wu X.‐R. , Kirat H. T. , Xhaja X. , Hammel J. P. , Kiran R. P. , Church J. M.
Published: August 2014

Aim

The study aimed to establish a method for the measurement of mesenteric tension after ileal pouch‐anal anastomosis (IPAA) and to evaluate the impact of tension on clinical outcome and quality of life.

Methods

All consecutive patients undergoing an open IPAA from July 2008 to October 2009 were prospectively enrolled. After the creation of the anastomosis, mesenteric tension was estimated by the surgeon in the operating room on a 10‐point scale (1, least tension; 10, most tension). The association was analysed between mesenteric tension defined as low (1–2), medium (3–7) and high (8–10) and postoperative complications and quality of life (Cleveland Clinic Global Scale).

Results

A mesenteric tension score was obtained in 134 patients (71 men, 53.0%). Median age was 38.5 (29.3–47.0) years. Fifty‐six patients (41.8%) had a low, 59 (44.0%) a medium and 19 (14.2%) a high degree of mesenteric tension. Patients with a high mesenteric tension had a shorter anal transitional zone, a longer distance from the upper border of the symphysis pubis to the apex of the small bowel loop designated for the ileoanal anastomosis, a thinner abdominal wall at the stoma site and a longer distance from the pouch to the ileostomy. The proportion of patients with high mesenteric tension was less after stapled anastomosis. On long‐term follow‐up, patients with high mesenteric tension were more likely to suffer from anastomotic stricture and pouch failure. Pouch function was not influenced by mesenteric tension.

Conclusion

High mesenteric tension after IPAA is adversely associated with postoperative complications and pouch survival.
Dynamics of anti‐human leukocyte antigen antibodies after renal transplantation and their impact on graft outcome
Authors: de Souza Patrícia Soares , David‐Neto Elias , Panajotopolous Nicolas , Agena Fabiana , Rodrigues Hélcio , Ronda Carla , David Daísa Ribeiro , Kalil Jorge , Nahas Wiliam Carlos , de Castro Maria Cristina Ribeiro
Published: August 2014

The purpose of this study was to sequentially monitor anti‐HLA antibodies and correlate the results with antibody‐mediated rejection (AMR), graft survival (GS), and graft function (GF). We collected sera from 111 kidney transplant recipients on transplant days 0, 7, 14, 30, 60, 90, 180, and 360 and analyzed PRA levels by ELISA. DSAs were analyzed by single‐antigen beads in rejecting kidneys. At pre‐transplant, 79.3% of the patients were non‐sensitized (PRA = 0%) and 20.7% were sensitized (PRA > 1%). After transplant, patients were grouped by PRA profile: no anti‐HLA antibodies pre‐ or post‐transplant (group HLApre−/post−; n = 80); de novo anti‐HLA antibodies post‐transplant (group HLApre−/post+; n = 8); sensitized pre‐transplant/increased PRA post‐transplant (group HLApre+/post↑; n = 9); and sensitized pre‐transplant/decreased PRA post‐transplant (group HLApre+/post↓; n = 14). De novo anti‐HLA antibodies were detected at 7–180 d. In sensitized patients, PRA levels changed within the first 30 d post‐transplant. Incidence of AMR was higher in HLApre−/post+ and HLApre+/post↑ than in HLApre−/post−, and HLApre+/post↓ (p < 0.001) groups. One‐yr death‐censored GS was 36% in group HLApre+/post↑, compared with 98%, 88% and 100% in groups HLApre−/post−, HLApre−/post+, and HLApre+/post↓, respectively (p < 0.001). Excluding first‐year graft losses, GF and GS were similar among the groups. In conclusion, post‐transplant antibody monitoring can identify recipients at higher risk of AMR.