bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Survey of Current Practice Patterns in the Management of Frontal Sinus Fractures
Authors: Choi Kevin J. , Chang Bora , Woodard Charles R. , Powers David B. , Marcus Jeffrey R. , Puscas Liana
Published: February 2017

The management of frontal sinus fractures has evolved in the endoscopic era. The development of functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) has been incorporated into management algorithms proposed by otolaryngologists, but the extent of its influence on plastic surgeons and oral and maxillofacial surgeons is heretofore unknown. A cross-sectional survey was performed to assess the practice pattern variations in frontal sinus fracture management across multiple surgical disciplines. A total of 298 surveys were reviewed. 33.5% were facial plastic surgeons with otolaryngology training, 25.8% general otolaryngologists, 25.5% plastic surgeons, and 15.1% oral and maxillofacial surgeons. 74.8% of respondents practiced in an academic setting. 61.7% felt endoscopic sinus surgery changed their management of frontal sinus fractures. 91.8% of respondents favored observation for uncomplicated, nondisplaced frontal sinus outflow tract fractures. 36.4% favored observation and 35.9% favored endoscopic sinus surgery for uncomplicated, displaced frontal sinus outflow tract fractures. For complicated, displaced frontal sinus outflow tract fractures, obliteration was more frequently favored by plastic surgeons and oral and maxillofacial surgeons than those with otolaryngology training. The utility of FESS in managing frontal sinus fractures appears to be recognized across multiple surgical disciplines.
Four New Xanthones from Cratoxylum cochinchinense and Their In Vitro Antiproliferative Effects
Authors: Ito Chihiro , Matsui Takuya , Niimi Ai , Tan Hugh , Itoigawa Masataka
Published: February 2017

The study of the chemical constituents of branches and twigs of Cratoxylum cochinchinense collected in Singapore led to the isolation and structural elucidation of four new xanthones, named cratoxanthone A (1), B (2), C (3), and D (4), together with six known xanthones (5–10) and one known dihydroanthracenone (11). Eight xanthones (including 1 and 2) and 11 were tested for their antiproliferative activity in three human carcinoma cell lines (lung adenocarcinoma A549, colorectal carcinoma Colo205, and epidermoid carcinoma KB) and a human acute lymphoblastic leukemia B cell line (NALM-6), and the mitochondrial membrane potential was determined in KB cells. New xanthones 1 and 2 attenuated NALM-6 cell proliferation with IC50 values of 17.78 and 8.27 µM, respectively. Furthermore, KB cells treated with these compounds had significantly decreased mitochondrial membrane potentials. Notably, the proliferation of A549 cells was specifically inhibited by 11, but not the xanthones.
Olfactory communication to protect livestock: dingo response to urine marks of livestock guardian dogs
Authors: van Bommel Linda , Johnson Chris N.
Published: February 2017

The behavioural mechanisms by which livestock guardian dogs (LGDs) protect livestock from wild predators are not yet fully understood. LGD urine could play a part, as scent-marking the boundaries of a territory could signal occupation of the area to predators. Past selection for dogs that were most effective in deterring predators could have resulted in LGDs that produce urine with predator-deterrent properties. In this research, 28 captive dingoes (14 male and 14 female) were tested for their response to urine marks of LGDs (Maremma sheepdogs), herding dogs (Border Collies) and other dingoes, with distilled water used as a control. The response of the dingoes to the scents was measured using eight variables. For most variables, the response to the test scents was not statistically different from the response to the control. Test minus control was calculated for each test scent category, and used to compare responses between different test scents. The response to Maremma urine was similar to the response to Border Collie urine, and resembled a reaction to a conspecific. We found no evidence of predator-repellent properties of LGD urine. Our results suggest that dingoes readily engage in olfactory communication with Maremmas. It therefore seems likely that they would recognise territorial boundaries created by working Maremmas.
Neuronal migration is mediated by inositol hexakisphosphate kinase 1 via α-actinin and focal adhesion kinase
Authors: Fu Chenglai , Xu Jing , Cheng Weiwei , Rojas Tomas , Chin Alfred C. , Snowman Adele M. , Harraz Maged M. , Snyder Solomon H.
Published: February 2017

Significance

Inositol hexakisphosphate kinase 1 (IP6K1) regulates numerous physiological functions. We describe a role of IP6K1 in neural development, because its deletion results in defects in neuronal migration and brain malformation. IP6K1 physiologically interacts with α-actinin and localizes to focal adhesions. IP6K1 regulates phosphorylation of both focal adhesion kinase and α-actinin through its product 5-diphosphoinositol pentakisphosphate (5-IP7).
Breast Tumor Cell Lines From Pleural Effusions2
Authors: Cailleau R. , Young R. , Olivé M. , Reeves W. J.
Published: February 2017

During 1973, 4 new epithelial tumor cell lines were isolated from pleural effusions from breast cancer patients. We describe 3 of these lines: MDA-MB-134, with a mean chromosome number of 43; MDA-MB-175, with a mean chromosome number of 49; and MDA-MB-231, with a mean chromosome number between 65 and 69. We isolated the same cell type from 4 of 10 effusions from MDA-MB-134 and from 6 of 8 effusions from MDA-MB-175. We found that pleural effusions as a source of breast tumor cells to be cultured and studied in vitro have the following advantages: 1) large amounts of material and the possibility of obtaining sequential samples from the same patient; 2) high viability of tumor cells; 3) scarcity or absence of fibroblasts; and 4) the possibility of separating the tumor cells from other “contaminating” cell types by differences in their speed or degree of attachment to the flask. All lines from different patients differed, as seen grossly and microscopically. All lines from sequential pleural effusions from the same patient were apparently alike. No viruses or mycoplasmas were detected in any line.
Is Draco II one of the faintest dwarf galaxies? First study from Keck/DEIMOS spectroscopy
Authors: Martin Nicolas F. , Geha Marla , Ibata Rodrigo A. , Collins Michelle L. M. , Laevens Benjamin P. M. , Bell Eric F. , Rix Hans-Walter , Ferguson Annette M. N. , Chambers Kenneth C. , Wainscoat Richard J. , Waters Christopher
Published: February 2017

We present the first spectroscopic analysis of the faint and compact stellar system Draco II (Dra II, MV = −2.9 ± 0.8, $r_{\rm h}=19^{+8}_{-6}{\rm \,pc}$), recently discovered in the Panoramic Survey Telescope and Rapid Response System 1 3π survey. The observations, conducted with DEIMOS on the Keck II telescope, establish some of its basic characteristics: the velocity data reveal a narrow peak with nine member stars at a systemic heliocentric velocity $\langle v_{\rm r}\rangle =-347.6^{+1.7}_{-1.8}{\rm \,km\,s^{-1}}$, thereby confirming Dra II is a satellite of the Milky Way; we infer a velocity dispersion with σvr = 2.9 ± 2.1 km s−1 (<8.4 km s−1 at the 95 per cent confidence level), which implies $\log _{10}\left(M_{1/2}\right)=5.5^{+0.4}_{-0.6}$ and $\log _{10}\left((\text{M/L})_{1/2}\right)=2.7^{+0.5}_{-0.8}$, in Solar units; furthermore, very weak calcium triplet lines in the spectra of the high signal-to-noise member stars imply [Fe/H] < −2.1, whilst variations in the line strengths of two stars with similar colours and magnitudes suggest a metallicity spread in Dra II. These new data cannot clearly discriminate whether Draco II is a star cluster or amongst the faintest, most compact, and closest dwarf galaxies. However, the sum of the three – individually inconclusive – pieces of evidence presented here seems to favour the dwarf galaxy interpretation.
DETECTING DISEASE CLUSTERS: THE IMPORTANCE OF STATISTICAL POWER
Authors: WARTENBERG DANIEL , GREENBERG MICHAEL
Published: February 2017

A variety of methods and models have been proposed for the statistical analysis of disease excesses, yet rarely are these methods compared with respect to their ability to detect possible clusters. Evaluation of statistical power is one approach for comparing different methods. In this paper, the authors study the probability that a test will reject the null hypothesis, given that the null hypothesis is indeed false. They present a discussion of some considerations involved in power studies of cluster methods and review two methods for detecting space-time clusters of disease, one based on cell occupancy models and the other based on interevent distance comparisons. The authors compare these approaches with respect to: 1) the sensitivity to detect disease excesses (false negatives); 2) the likelihood of detecting clusters that do not exist (false positives); and 3) the structure of a cluster in a given investigation (the alternative hypothesis). The methods chosen, which are two of the most commonly used, are specific to different hypotheses. They both show low power for the small number of cases which are typical of citizen reports to health departments.
UNDERSTANDING MASS MEDIA COVERAGE OF DISEASE CLUSTERS
Authors: GREENBERG MICHAEL , WARTENBERG DANIEL
Published: February 2017

The responsibility of informing the general public about disease clusters belongs to health investigators. In the majority of instances the investigators must send their messages through the mass media. The authors analyzed nightly network television news coverage of disease clusters during the period 1978–1987, and newspaper coverage of four disease clusters. Formal content analysis of about 600 stories showed that the mass media focuses on human interest, conflicting information, blame, and political symbolism in their coverage of clustered health events. The authors offer suggestions to health practitioners about improving their communications with journalists.
RESPONDING TO COMMUNITY-IDENTIFIED SUICIDE CLUSTERS: STATISTICAL VERIFICATION OF THE CLUSTER IS NOT THE PRIMARY ISSUE
Authors: O'CARROLL PATRICK W. , MERCY JAMES A.
Published: February 2017

Establishing the presence of an epidemic is traditionally a first step in any outbreak investigation. For two reasons, however, this has not been a fruitful approach for suicide cluster investigations. First, the data necessary to statistically verify an excess number of suicidal incidents are often lacking or of poor quality. Second, and more important, when a community perceives that it is experiencing a suicide cluster, it is not immediately relevant whether the cluster is statistically significant The perception of suicide clustering, and the highly charged emotional atmosphere associated with that perception, may dramatically heighten the potentially “contagious” effect of suicide. That the perception of clustering may itself be a risk factor for suicide distinguishes suicide clusters from all other clusters of fatal disease or illness. A community response plan should, therefore, be implemented to identify and refer persons who may be at high risk of suicide, regardless of whether the community-identified suicide cluster is statistically significant Statistical techniques may be useful at several stages in the investigation and control of apparent suicide clusters, but statistical verification of a community-identified suicide cluster is not appropriate as a starting point for response to the cluster.
Investigations for Intercomparison Measurements on Individual Dosemeters for Neutrons with 252Cf Sources
Authors: Kluge H. , Hollnagel R.
Published: February 2017

In order to perform intercomparison measurements on albedo neutron dosemeters, irradiations must be carried out under controlled conditions which allow the applied dose equivalent to be stated. For practical reasons it is advisable to use a slab phantom instead of the ICRU sphere. Correction factors have been calculated which convert the reading measured for the irradiation on the slab phantom to that which would be expected for the irradiation on the ICRU phantom under standard irradiation conditions. Results are given for irradiation with bare and D2O-moderated 252Cf sources.
Monte Carlo Simulation of Free Radical Attack to Biomolecules Irradiated in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Bolch W.E. , Turner J.E. , Yoshida H. , Jacobson K.B. , Hamm R.N. , Wright H.A.
Published: February 2017

Detailed-history Monte Carlo computer codes were used to simulate the formation, diffusion, and chemical reaction of free radical species within deoxygenerated solutions of glycylglycine irradiated 250 kVp X rays and by 60Co ? rays. In one reaction, hydrated electrons react with the glycylglycine solute to produce unbound, or free, ammonia. This reaction is complete by 10-6 s within individual electron tracks for glycylglycine concentrations (0.025 M. For solute concentrations from 0.025 M to 1.2 M, our calculated G values of free ammonia are in excellent agreement with measured values.
DNA Double Strand Breaks Induced in Escherichia Coli Cells by Radiations of Different Quality
Authors: Schäfer M. , Schmitz C. , Bücker H.
Published: February 2017

Vegetative cells of Escherichia coli (strains B/r and Bs-1) differing in their radiosensitivity are used as simple test systems to measure the induction of DNA double strand breaks (dsb) and their correlation with cell survival dependent on the radiation quality. The pulse field gel electrophoresis is used which allows the quantitative study of the distribution of DNA fragments after irradiation with heavy ions (atomic numbers above 10) and 150 kVp X rays. Linear DNA fragments with lengths up to 8 x 106 bp can be separated. With this technique dsb induction was measured at dose values corresponding to cell survival between 0.1 and 90%. The DNA of unirradiated cells is in a supercoiled state and unable to move in the agarose matrix. In order to determine the number of dsb, the amount of intact DNA remaining in the plugs is measured in terms of the fluorescence light intensity of ethidium-bromide-stained DNA. The intact DNA content decreases exponentially for increasing radiation dose or particle fluence. The slope of these curves is taken as a measure of the effectiveness of dsb induction for the radiation used. The data show an approximately linear correlation between inactivation and dsb induction cross sections. Both cross sections can be described using a simple model based on the radial dose distribution of heavy particles, the target size and the X ray sensitivity and are presented for comparison.
Environmental Measurements with Thermoluminescence Dosemeters - Trends and Issues
Authors: de Planque G. , Gesell (INVITED) T.F.
Published: February 2017

Progress in the application of thermoluminescence dosemeters (TLDs) to environmental measurements is examined with emphasis on the results from the series of International Intercomparisons of Environmental Dosemeters. These studies, of which eight have taken place to date, began in 1974. They now, typically, attract about 130 participating laboratories from over 30 countries and include virtually every type of TLD system currently in use for environmental measurements. Key issues associated with environmental measurements are reviewed, such as: low exposure levels, complex radiation fields (ß, ? and cosmic radiation), effects of environmental insults (e.g. temperature related problems) and calibration isotopes and methods. Results from an international survey are presented showing trends in current environmental measurements programmes including the number and types of sites measured, the reasons for monitoring, the TLD systems used, and the choice of measurement quantities and units.
One-Element Phosphate Glass Dosimetry Systems for the Simultaneous Indication of Different Dose Quantities in Individual and Area Dosimetry
Authors: Piesch E. , Burgkhardt B.
Published: February 2017

On the basis of changing and optimising energy compensation filters, phosphate glasses may indicate several dose quantities of interest. The paper discusses the energy dependence of two dosemeter types, namely the FD-1 glass in the perforated spherical tin filter which has been successfully used for twenty years in personnel dosimetry and the FD-7 glass in a flat two-part tin filter. With respect to the new and previously used dose quantities H'(10), H'(0.07), H*(10) and Hx,p, Hx,f, the energy and angular dependence has been investigated in the energy range 25-662 keV using irradiations free-in-air as well as on the ICRU sphere with irradiations at 0o, 45o and on a rotating phantom. Above 35 keV, the sphere dosemeter allows the simultaneous indication of all dose quantities of interest. In personnel dosimetry the flat phosphate glass dosemeter indicates simultaneously the dose quantities exposure, H'(10) and H'(0.07) in the above indicated energy range within ±15%. The PL dosemeter results are compared with those found for a LiF TLD system.
3-Methyl-4,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydrocycloocteno-1,2,3-selenadiazolium iodide–trichloromethane (4/1)
Authors: Schollmeyer Dieter , Detert Heiner
Published: February 2017

The title solvated salt, 4C9H15N2Se+·4I−·CHCl3, co-crystallizes with chloroform. The asymmetric unit contains four very similar ion pairs and one solvent molecule. In the crystal, layers of parallel chloroform-filled channels formed by two different ion pairs alternate with layers formed by the other two ion pairs. Disorder is observed for some C and H atoms in two of the cations with occupancy ratios of 0.68:0.32 and 0.62:0.38.
The role of internal auditing in corporate governance: a Foucauldian analysis
Authors: Mihret Dessalegn Getie , Grant Bligh
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to articulate the conceptual foundations of the role of internal auditing in corporate governance by drawing on Michel Foucault’s concept of governmentality.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is a literature-based analysis of the role of internal auditing from a Foucauldian perspective.

Findings

It is argued that Foucault’s notion of governmentality provides conceptual tools for researching internal auditing as a disciplinary mechanism in the corporate governance setting of contemporary organizations. The paper develops an initial conceptual formulation of internal auditing as:ex postassurance about the execution of economic activities within management’s preconceived frameworks andex anteadvisory services to enhance the rationality of economic activities and accompanying controls.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is expected to initiate debate on the choice of theory and method in internal auditing research. The propositions and research agenda discussed can be used to address research questions of an interpretive nature that could enrich the current understanding of internal auditing.

Originality/value

This paper extends the Foucauldian analysis of accounting to incorporate internal auditing. It offers original propositions as a research agenda and discusses ontological and epistemic considerations associated with adopting the Foucauldian framework for internal auditing research.
An empirical exploration of the link between reporting to stakeholders and corporate social responsibility reputation in the Spanish context
Authors: Pérez Andrea , López Carlos , García-De los Salmones María del Mar
Published: February 2017

Purpose

Based on the principles of stakeholder theory, the purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between the information reported to stakeholders in corporate social responsibility (CSR) reports and companies’ CSR reputation (CSRR).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper implements two regression models to test how reporting to stakeholders influences the CSRR of 84 companies included in the Spanish “MercoEmpresas Responsables” reputation index.

Findings

The results demonstrate that greater global reporting intensity to stakeholders does not necessarily mean a better CSRR. Contrarily, the reporting-reputation link depends on the intensity of reporting to specific stakeholders such as investors, regulators and the media. The findings are explained largely by the institutional, political and business characteristics of Spain after the Great Recession of 2007-2008.

Research limitations/implications

The evidence reported in this paper confirms stakeholder theory as an adequate framework to understand corporate reporting to stakeholders and its relationship with CSRR. The findings suggest that stakeholder salience (i.e. power, legitimacy and urgency) is a key concept for understanding the reporting-reputation link better in future research.

Practical implications

In the light of the findings, companies willing to use reporting to stakeholders as a tool to improve CSRR should establish regular mechanisms for monitoring stakeholder power, legitimacy and urgency, provide complete information to investors in their CSR reports and minimize the amount of detail provided to regulators and the media in their CSR reports.

Originality/value

There is still little empirical evidence concerning how the information to stakeholders contained in CSR reports influences the processes by which CSRR is built or destroyed. This paper contributes to the previous literature by describing how the global intensity of reporting to stakeholders and the intensity of reporting to different stakeholder groups relate to CSRR.
Property rights and investment: the mediating effect of contract enforcement
Authors: Hailu Ziade , Nkote Isaac N. , Munene John C.
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically test whether enforceability mediates the relationship between property rights and investment in housing, using data from land formalization project in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was cross-sectional in design; data were collected from a sample of 210 households that benefited from the recent Addis Ababa city land and buildings formalization project. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to assess the goodness-of-fit of the latent structures underlying the constructs. Mediation was tested using the Baron and Kenny steps, combined with bootstrapping technique. Robustness of results was checked.

Findings

The results indicate statistically significant mediation effect of contract enforcement. However, the mediation is partial, there is still a substantial direct effect of security of property rights on investment.

Practical implications

Any initiative to land formalization projects needs to consider contract enforcement environment, as presence and size of property rights effects largely depend on whether those rights are properly enforced.

Originality/value

This is the first study that conceptualizes the mediating effect of contract enforcement on the relationship between property rights and investment from an African country perspective.
The influences of suppliers on buyer market competitiveness: an opportunism perspective
Authors: Yen Yu-Xiang , Hung Shiu-Wan
Published: February 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to propose an integrated model based on buyer and supplier opportunism to show the mechanism through which current and competing suppliers influence buyer market competitiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

Questionnaires were distributed to purchasing staff in listed electronics firms in Taiwan to collect empirical data. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze these data and examine the fitness of the proposed model.

Findings

The findings show that current and competing suppliers influence buyer market competitiveness through supplier opportunistic behaviors and buyer commitment. The alternative attractiveness of competing suppliers affects buyer market competitiveness through the influence of asset specificity. Supplier opportunism negatively and indirectly influences buyer market competitiveness through buyer commitment. Nevertheless, buyer opportunism does not influence buyer commitment and market competitiveness.

Research limitations/implications

The investigation focused on only one industry in one country. Future research could investigate other industries and countries to increase the generalizability of the findings.

Practical implications

The results suggest that buyers can focus on utilizing the pressure of alternative suppliers to improve market competitiveness through increased specific investments by the current supplier.

Originality/value

On the basis of buyer–supplier opportunism, this study shows the mechanism through which the asset specificity of current suppliers and alternative attractiveness influence buyer market competitiveness.
Counterfeiting and piracy in supply chain management: theoretical studies
Authors: Li Fan , Yi Zelong
Published: February 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to generate novel insights in supply chain management by reviewing studies related to counterfeiting and piracy issues with a particular emphasis on theoretical works.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review of more than 100 peer-reviewed academic papers is conducted. The authors first introduce the social acceptance of counterfeiting and piracy to explain the existence of these illegal products. After that, they focus on the negative effect of counterfeiting and piracy on supply chain management and society while mentioning their positive and normative effects carefully under certain circumstances.

Findings

People have been attempting to reveal the impacts of counterfeiting and piracy on customers, licit firms, industry sectors, governments and the society as a whole. The negative impacts of counterfeiting and piracy on legal firms and licit supply chains is examined thoroughly in the literature; however, benefits from counterfeiting and piracy are also pointed out. Additionally, researchers are interested in firms’ reactions toward this phenomenon. Based on heuristics from the above analysis, it is fruitful to conduct this research in a theme of supply chain management.

Originality/value

Most studies on counterfeiting and piracy are not from a supply chain management perspective and mainly focus on their effect on consumers or a single firm. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is one of few studies that incorporate the key aspects of counterfeiting and piracy into supply chain management and also highlight several important directions for future research in the sense of supply chain.
An empirical study of benchmarking evaluation using MCDM in service industries
Authors: Singh Bhupender , Grover Sandeep , Singh Vikram
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to generate awareness of contributions made by benchmarking toward building performance of Indian service industries in globally market. Ranking of Benchmarking is done on the basis of their application which give confidence for the managers to adopt in their Industries so that they may become best in their field.

Design/methodology/approach

Methodology consists of three phase: define, phase include definitions, factors of benchmarking as literature outcomes, questionnaire survey and outcome of survey. In the second phase, analysis of collected data and applications of multi-criteria decision-making approaches [technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) and analytical network process (ANP)] are used. The last phase includes comparison of results which gives validation in similarities of ranking obtained.

Findings

The study identifies seven different benchmarking techniques used for service industries. Using TOPSIS and ANP approaches shows similarity that external benchmarking, performance benchmarking and internal benchmarking are the first three ranks that give basis for several critical success factors s, namely, planning, reliability, standardization, time behavior, usability, etc., as part of benchmarking using in service industries.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation is the assumptions made by multi-criteria decision-making approaches which may effect the analysis of the study as these are taken theoretically.

Originality/value

This study is a first attempt to find similarities in both techniques while comparing benchmarking in Indian service industries.
Performance measurement and management systems
Authors: Hourneaux Jr Flavio , Carneiro-da-Cunha Julio Araujo , Corrêa Hamilton Luiz
Published: February 2017

Purpose

Managerial usage of performance measurement and management systems (PMMS) is commonly far from what theory advocates as ideal. Based on this, the purpose of this paper is to identify the justifications for using PMMS and how much each of them explains the actual use of these systems.

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical survey was conducted with 149 manufacturing companies’ managers as respondents. Descriptive statistics analysis and factorial analysis were performed with multivariate analysis to test proposed hypotheses.

Findings

The results for all the companies surveyed are similar for the four dimensions – monitoring, focus, strategic decision-making and legitimization. Only monitoring dimension presents a difference between larger and smaller companies. There is no difference in the other three dimensions. As for the source of capital, there is no difference in any of the four dimensions. It evidences that companies do not seem to be mature enough in the full usage of their PMMS.

Research limitations/implications

Data are related only to a sample of São Paulo manufacturing companies and should not be fully considered in different contexts without the proper awareness of ambiance differences.

Practical implications

There is still room for organizations to improve their performance measurement systems as managers could learn how to better avail themselves of the information from the PMMS. Brazilian policymakers could support this process through policies and programs that incentivize manager to gain education in PMMS.

Social implications

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) should be supported by policymakers (through learning programs or internal monitoring incentives) to improve their measurement performance systems usage capabilities.

Originality/value

Discussion was based on data from an emerging country where there are mostly SMEs and companies have to deal with more contingencies and restrictions. Although the lack of resources tends to diminish a more effective usage of these systems, PMMS are mostly directed to monitoring issues.
A randomized multicenter clinical trial of 99Tc‐methylene diphosphonate in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Mu Rong , Liang Jun , Sun Lingyun , Zhang Zhuoli , Liu Xiangyuan , Huang Cibo , Zhu Ping , Zuo Xiaoxia , Gu Jieruo , Li Xiangpei , Li Xingfu , Liu Yi , Feng Ping , Li Zhanguo
Published: February 2017

Aim

To investigate the efficacy and safety of technetium‐99 conjugated with methylene diphosphonate (99Tc‐MDP, Yunke Pharmaceutical industry) in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

A total of 120 patients with active RA were randomly divided into three groups: Group A (receiving oral meloxicam tablets); Group B (receiving intravenous drip of 99TC‐MDP); Group C (receiving combination treatment of intravenous drip of 99Tc‐MDP and oral meloxicam tablets). The main clinical and laboratory parameters were evaluated at baseline and after 14 days of therapy.

Results

After 14 days of treatment, American College of Rheumatology 20 response was 15.62%, 34.04% and 48.78% in the three groups, respectively. The incidence of adverse events in three groups were 3.13%, 8.51% and 9.76% respectly, and has no significant difference. In addition, biochemical markers of bone metabolism including bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP), tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) and dickkopf‐1 (DKK‐1), all improved in the three groups, although more significant in Group B than Group A, and more significant in the combination group than monotherapy groups.

Conclusion

99Tc‐MDP has good efficacy and safety in the treatment of active RA patients; the benefit was more remarkable when 99Tc‐MDP was combined with NSAIDs. 99Tc‐MDP may also have potential to improve bone metabolism.
Missing something? Codon aversion as a new character system in phylogenetics
Authors: Miller Justin B. , Hippen Ariel A. , Belyeu Jonathon R. , Whiting Michael F. , Ridge Perry G.
Published: February 2017

Although many studies have documented codon usage bias in different species, the importance of codon usage in a phylogenetic framework remains largely unknown. We demonstrate that a phylogenetic signal is present in the codon usage and non‐usage biases of 17 717 orthologues evaluated across 72 tetrapod species using a simple parsimony analysis of a binary matrix of codon characters. Phylogenies estimated using stop codons were more congruent with previous hypotheses than phylogenies based on any other single codon or a combination of codons. Although each codon is present in every species, specific genes have different codon preferences and may or may not use every possible codon. This observation allowed us to map the pattern of codon usage and non‐usage across the topology. These results suggest that codon usage is phylogenetically conserved across shallow and deep levels within tetrapods.
The AlloMap™ genomic biomarker story: 10 years after
Authors: Deng Mario C.
Published: February 2017

Over the last >20 years, we have co‐developed the rationale for the first diagnostic and prognostic leukocyte gene expression profiling (GEP) biomarker test in transplantation medicine that gained US‐FDA‐regulatory clearance and international evidence‐based medicine guideline acceptance to rule out moderate/severe acute cellular cardiac allograft rejection without invasive endomyocardial biopsies (EMB). Based on this test, a non‐invasive clinical algorithm was implemented since 2005. After clinical implementation, this GEP‐based monitoring in direct comparison with an EMB‐based strategy was non‐inferior with respect to detection of clinical rejection, defined as new onset allograft dysfunction with/without histology of ACR, re‐transplantation or death, and at the same time improved patient satisfaction. Subsequently, we demonstrated the test's capacity when used as serial monitoring tool to predict these clinical rejection events. In this Personal Viewpoint article, I will discuss the various decision‐making branching points that were made in the AlloMap biomarker test development to inform future genomic biomarker test development projects.
Pancreatic stone protein and soluble CD25 for infection and sepsis in an emergency department
Authors: García de Guadiana‐Romualdo Luis , Berger Mario , Jiménez‐Santos Enrique , Rebollo‐Acebes Sergio , Jiménez‐Sánchez Roberto , Esteban‐Torrella Patricia , Hernando‐Holgado Ana , Ortín‐Freire Alejandro , Albaladejo‐Otón María Dolores
Published: February 2017

Background

Infection is a common problem in emergency departments (EDs) and is associated with high mortality, morbidity and costs. Identifying infection in ED patients can be challenging. Biomarkers can facilitate its diagnosis, enabling an early management and improving outcomes. In the critical care setting, two emerging biomarkers, pancreatic stone protein (PSP) and soluble CD25 (sCD25), have demonstrated to be useful for diagnosis of sepsis. We aimed to assess the diagnostic value of these biomarkers, in comparison with procalcitonin (PCT), for infection and sepsis in an ED population with suspected infection.

Materials and methods

Through a prospective, observational study, we investigated the utility of serum PCT, PSP and sCD25 levels, measured on admission, for diagnosis of infection and sepsis, defined according to the recently updated for sepsis (Sepsis‐3), in patients presenting to the ED for suspected infection. Diagnostic accuracy was evaluated by using receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) analysis.

Results

Of the 152 patients enrolled in this study, 129 had a final diagnosis of infection, including 82 with noncomplicated infection and 47 with sepsis. Median PCT, PSP and sCD25 levels were significantly higher in patients with infection and sepsis. The ROC curve analysis revealed a similar diagnostic accuracy for infection (ROC area under the curve (AUC) PCT: 0·904; sCD25: 0·869 and PSP: 0·839) and for sepsis (ROC AUC: PCT: 0·820; sCD25: 0·835 and PSP: 0·872).

Conclusions

Pancreatic stone protein and sCD25 perform well as infection and sepsis biomarkers, with a similar performance than PCT, in ED patients with suspected infection. Further larger studies investigating use of PSP and sCD25 are needed.
Comparative burden of arthropathy in mild haemophilia: a register‐based study in Sweden
Authors: Osooli M. , Lövdahl S. , Steen Carlsson K. , Knobe K. , Baghaei F. , Holmström M. , Astermark J. , Berntorp E.
Published: February 2017

Introduction

Mild haemophilia is a congenital bleeding disorder affecting males. The burden of arthropathy in mild haemophilia has not been comprehensively described.

Aim

The aim of this study was to compare the incidence, age at diagnosis and surgery for arthropathy and related hospitalizations between people with mild haemophilia and the general population in Sweden.

Methods

This was a register‐based cohort study. Eligible participants were those with mild haemophilia born between 1941 and 2008 and a randomly selected, birthdate and sex‐matched comparison group from the general population. Follow‐up was from birth (or earliest 1984) until death, emigration or end of the study in 2008. Data on arthropathy were obtained from a national patient register. Negative binomial and competing risk regression and Kaplan–Meier estimate curves were used in the analysis.

Results

Overall, 315 people with haemophilia and 1529 people in the comparison group were included. Participants with haemophilia born between 1984 and 2008 had a ninefold (95% CI: 3.3–27.2) and 16‐fold (95% CI: 6.7–36.5) increased incidence of arthropathy‐related hospital admission and arthropathy diagnosis respectively. None in this cohort underwent surgery. Among participants with haemophilia born prior to 1984, the rates of arthropathy diagnosis and surgery of the index joints (knee, elbow, ankle) were increased twofold (95% CI: 1.0–3.2) and fivefold (95% CI: 1.7–17.8) respectively.

Conclusion

Our data suggested a higher burden of arthropathy among individuals with mild haemophilia compared to the general population. Further research should investigate the need for targeted joint screening programmes among individuals with mild haemophilia.
Incidence and characteristics of mandibular accessory canals: A radiographic investigation
Authors: Borgonovo Andrea Enrico , Taschieri Silvio , Vavassori Virna , Re Dino , Francetti Luca , Corbella Stefano
Published: February 2017

Aim

The aim of the present study was to explore, through tridimensional reconstructions of cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans, the presence and the characteristics of mandibular accessory canals.

Methods

For each included participant, the presence of accessory canals was recorded. The diameter of the canal, as well as the distance between the canal walls and the walls of the mandibular bone (lingual, buccal, cranial and caudal), were measured and recorded.

Results

Mandibular accessory canals could be found in 8.8% of participants. Retromolar canals were the most frequently found accessory mandibular canals.

Conclusions

Accessory mandibular canals were found in a relatively high number of participants through the examination of CBCT scans and tridimensional reconstruction. The presence of such structures should be considered cautiously when planning and performing surgical interventions in mandibular area.
Tetramethylpyrazine nitrone protects retinal ganglion cells against N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate‐induced excitotoxicity
Authors: Luo Xiaopeng , Yu Yankun , Xiang Zongqin , Wu Huisu , Ramakrishna Seeram , Wang Yuqiang , So Kwok‐Fai , Zhang Zaijun , Xu Ying
Published: February 2017

Adding a free radical‐scavenging nitrone moiety on tetramethylpyrazine, we have previously synthesized a chemical named 2‐[[(1,1‐dimethylethyl)oxidoimino]‐methyl]‐3,5,6‐trimethylpyrazine (tetramethylpyrazine nitrone, or TBN) and proved its neuroprotective effect but with limited understanding of its mechanism. Here we ask if TBN protects retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) against excitotoxicity induced by NMDA and explore the underlying mechanism. NMDA was intravitreally injected to induce RGC injury in rats, followed by daily intraperitoneal administrations of TBN. Measurements of TBN concentration at different times after intraperitoneal administration showed that more than 200 μM TBN reached the aqueous humor quickly. Then RGCs’ survival was evaluated by quantifying Brn3‐positive cells, and retinal functions were examined by electroretinogram and visual behaviors. TBN significantly increased the survival of RGCs after NMDA insult, recovered the amplitude of photopic negative responses to flash, and restored the visual behavior. Furthermore, TBN inhibited the apoptotic process, as indicated by the elevated ratios of cleaved caspase‐3/caspase‐3 and of Bax/Bcl‐2, and decreased the level of reactive oxygen species. Moreover, TBN reduced RGC's calcium overload induced by NMDA or by KCl. Whole‐cell patch recording from RGCs further showed that TBN slightly but significantly inhibited L‐type calcium channels, but had little effect on T‐type calcium channel or NMDA‐, α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid(AMPA)‐induced current. Thus our data indicate that TBN alleviates NMDA‐elicited injury of rat RGCs both morphologically and functionally, possibly by inhibiting the L‐type calcium channel thus reducing Ca2+ overload and by directly scavenging free radicals. Therefore, TBN may be a novel candidate for treating excitotoxicity‐related visual disorders such as glaucoma.

image
Sensory neuron regulation of gastrointestinal inflammation and bacterial host defence
Authors: Lai N. Y. , Mills K. , Chiu I. M.
Published: February 2017

Sensory neurons in the gastrointestinal tract have multifaceted roles in maintaining homeostasis, detecting danger and initiating protective responses. The gastrointestinal tract is innervated by three types of sensory neurons: dorsal root ganglia, nodose/jugular ganglia and intrinsic primary afferent neurons. Here, we examine how these distinct sensory neurons and their signal transducers participate in regulating gastrointestinal inflammation and host defence. Sensory neurons are equipped with molecular sensors that enable neuronal detection of diverse environmental signals including thermal and mechanical stimuli, inflammatory mediators and tissue damage. Emerging evidence shows that sensory neurons participate in host–microbe interactions. Sensory neurons are able to detect pathogenic and commensal bacteria through specific metabolites, cell‐wall components, and toxins. Here, we review recent work on the mechanisms of bacterial detection by distinct subtypes of gut‐innervating sensory neurons. Upon activation, sensory neurons communicate to the immune system to modulate tissue inflammation through antidromic signalling and efferent neural circuits. We discuss how this neuro‐immune regulation is orchestrated through transient receptor potential ion channels and sensory neuropeptides including substance P, calcitonin gene‐related peptide, vasoactive intestinal peptide and pituitary adenylate cyclase‐activating polypeptide. Recent studies also highlight a role for sensory neurons in regulating host defence against enteric bacterial pathogens including Salmonella typhimurium, Citrobacter rodentium and enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli. Understanding how sensory neurons respond to gastrointestinal flora and communicate with immune cells to regulate host defence enhances our knowledge of host physiology and may form the basis for new approaches to treat gastrointestinal diseases.
Patient satisfaction with nurse‐led chronic kidney disease clinics: A multicentre evaluation
Authors: Coleman Sonya , Havas Kathryn , Ersham Susanne , Stone Cassandra , Taylor Berndatte , Graham Anne , Bublitz Lorraine , Purtell Louise , Bonner Ann
Published: February 2017

Background

There is growing international evidence that nurse‐led chronic kidney disease (CKD) clinics provide a comprehensive approach to achieving clinical targets effective in slowing the progression of CKD. Across Queensland, Australia, these clinics have been established in many renal outpatient departments although patient satisfaction with these clinics is unknown.

Objectives

To measure patient satisfaction levels with CKD nurse‐led clinics.

Method

This was a cross‐sectional study undertaken at five clinics located in metropolitan, regional and remote hospitals in Queensland. Participants were >18 years of age (no upper age limit) with CKD (non‐dialysis) who attended CKD nurse‐led clinics over a six month period (N = 873). They completed the Nurse Practitioner Patient Satisfaction questionnaire which was modified for CKD.

Results

The response rate was 64.3 % (n = 561); half of the respondents were male (55.5 %), there was a median age range of 71–80 years (43.5 %) and most respondents were pensioners or retired (84.2 %). While the majority reported that they were highly satisfied with the quality of care provided by the nurse (83.8 %), we detected differences in some aspects of satisfaction between genders, age groups and familiarity with the nurse. Overall, patients’ comments were highly positive with a few improvements to the service being suggested; these related to car‐parking, providing more practical support, and having accessible locations.

Conclusion

In an era of person‐centred care, it is important to measure patient satisfaction using appropriate and standardised questionnaires. Our results highlight that, to improve services, communication strategies should be optimised in nurse‐led clinics.
Effect of porcine glucagon‐like peptides‐2 on tight junction in GLP‐2R + IPEC‐J2 cell through the PI3k/Akt/mTOR/p70S6K signalling pathway
Authors: Qi K. K. , Sun Y. Q. , Wan J. , Deng B. , Men X. M. , Wu J. , Xu Z. W.
Published: February 2017

Because of rare glucagon‐like peptide‐2 (GLP‐2) receptor (+) cells within the gut mucosa, the molecular mechanisms transducing the diverse actions of GLP‐2 remain largely obscure. This research identified the naturally occurring intestinal cell lines that endogenously express GLP‐2R and determined the molecular mechanisms of the protective effects of GLP‐2‐mediated tight junctions (TJ) in GLP‐2R (+) cell line. (i) Immunohistochemistry results showed that GLP‐2R is localised to the epithelia, laminae propriae and muscle layers of the small and large bowels of newborn piglets. (ii) GLP‐2R expression was apparent in the cytoplasm of endocrine cells in IPEC‐J2 cell lines. (iii) The protein expressions of ZO‐1, claudin‐1, occludin, p‐PI3K, p‐Akt, p‐mTOR and p‐p70S6K significantly (p < 0.05) increased in GLP‐2‐treated IPEC‐J2 cells, and all of them significantly (p < 0.05) decreased when LY‐294002 or rapamycin was added. GLP‐2 improves intestinal TJ expression of GLP‐2R (+) cells through the PI3k/Akt/mTOR/p70S6K signalling pathway.