bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
School business managers in England: negotiating identity
Authors: Armstrong Paul Wilfred
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the concept of group identity formation amongst school business managers in the English school system.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were generated via a research project that employed semi-structured interviews with school business managers as a means of exploring their experiences as a relatively nascent group, carving out their own territory within a school system traditionally led and managed by trained educationalists.

Findings

The findings provide insight into the enabling and inhibiting factors encountered by school business managers in establishing and negotiating a distinguishable group identity within the wider school workforce including their variable career trajectories and motives, the suitability of their qualifications and the diverse composition of their roles.

Originality/value

The paper throws light on the identity formation of a cohort of the school workforce in England who are not directly involved in educational leadership or classroom practice but nevertheless play a crucial role in the ecosystem of the school. While the research reported is situated within England, the issues raised can be applied to education systems in other contexts given the universal importance of financial and organizational management in schools.
Course leadership in small specialist UK higher education – a review
Authors: van Veggel Nieky , Howlett Philip
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the literature with regard to the course leader in small and specialist higher education in the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the role of the course leader is explored, followed by an evaluation of the barriers to effective course management. This is then followed by a discussion of mitigating solutions to the barriers identified. Course leadership is then reviewed in the context of small and specialist higher education. Finally, areas for future research are suggested.

Findings

Course leadership in the UK is a role with wide ranging responsibilities, but is under-appreciated by the higher education sector. Various barriers have been identified, and some solutions proposed, in the literature, but problems remain.

Originality/value

Course leadership is an underappreciated area with little academic literature available, even though issues have been reported since the 1990s. This paper critically evaluates and summarises the issues, and shows that they are still current. It also proposes solutions and areas of further research so that issues can be resolved for betterment of the higher education sector.
How ethical leadership stimulates academics’ retention in universities
Authors: Ahmad Saima , Fazal-E-Hasan Syed Muhammad , Kaleem Ahmad
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between ethical leadership and academics’ retention in universities. It draws on the conservation of resources theory to deepen the understanding of a process underlying this relationship whereby academics are more likely to stay in universities through the practice of ethical leadership. Specifically, it advances academics’ job-related affective well-being as a potential mediating mechanism, fostered by ethical leadership, which lowers their intention to leave.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is conducted through a cross-sectional survey of 303 academics in Australian universities. Univariate, bivariate and multivariate analysis procedures are deployed to analyse academics’ data. The research hypotheses are tested through a bootstrapped regression analysis of academics’ perceived ethical leadership, affective well-being and intention to leave.

Findings

The findings lend support to the hypothesised relations, indicating a significant role of ethical leadership on enhanced intentions of academics to stay in universities by directly conserving their job-related affective well-being.

Research limitations/implications

This paper contributes to knowledge of the relationship between ethical leadership and academics’ retention by identifying job-related affective well-being as an underlying mechanism in the university sector.

Practical implications

This paper has practical implications for higher educational institutes seeking to retain their academic staff. Its findings show that the practice of ethical leadership in universities matters, because it lowers academics’ intentions to leave by nurturing their well-being at work.

Originality/value

This is the first study to examine the impact of ethical leadership on academics’ well-being and intentions to leave in the context of universities in Australia. It is one of the first studies to explore the mediating role of affective well-being in the ethical leadership and leadership and intention to leave relationship.
Impact of investment in intangible assets on corporate performance in India
Authors: Bhatia Aparna , Aggarwal Khushboo
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the impact of investment in Intangible Assets on the corporate performance of Indian companies for a period of twelve years from 2001 to 2012.

Design/methodology/approach

Intangible assets have been measured using the “Intangible Assets Monitor” method developed by Sveiby (1997).

Findings

The results of panel data regression model reveal that Intangible Assets affect performance of companies positively after controlling for firm size, age, leverage, physical capital intensity, market share, risk, industries and dummy year.

Practical implications

The study is of immense importance to corporate managers in improving managerial insight into the significance of investment in Intangible Assets. The results direct Indian managers to understand and realize the importance of Intangible Assets and keenly invest in research and development, technology, software, advertising, customer relationship management and human resources to further augment their performance.

Originality/value

Specifically considering India, the research related to the association between Intangible Assets and performance is undersized. Thus, the present study would contribute to the existing literature comprehensively.
Scope for alternative avenues to promote financial access to MSMEs in developing nation evidence from India
Authors: Maiti Moinak
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to highlight the key challenges and opportunities that lie with some of the alternative avenues/tools to promote financial access to MSME in India.

Design/methodology/approach

Initially, the study discusses the scope of various alternative avenues/tools for MSME financing along with traditional bank SME credits, highlighting some of the factors that will boost the high performance and growth of MSME in future.

Findings

There is a dominance of domestic banks in the MSME financing over cross-border banks in India. The study finds several opportunities lie in the MSME financing for the banks and other alternative avenues/tools: friendly government policies and improving the legal system make the business environment suitable for MSME financing business. There are several obstacles like discrete presence of clients, high operating cost and low profitability, lack of proper risk management and low literacy rate that make MSME financing difficult for the SME finance business. Active government initiatives and other supporting factors will act as the game changer and promoter for the banks and other alternative avenues/tools for MSME financing.

Originality/value

The paper is original and brings out some valuable findings that will help the SME business clients to choose alternative access to finance.
Student internships within an information consulting practice: a case study of taxonomy design
Authors: Tucker Virginia M. , Dale Jonathan , Egge Vaughn , Fullman Ellie
Published: July 2018

Purpose

This paper reports on a taxonomy design project involving graduate students in information science (MLIS degree) working as intern-consultants under the guidance of an information science faculty member. The consulting team developed a taxonomy that would reflect current academic departmental structures and be used to optimise publisher tools for generating metrics and interpretive assessment.

Design/methodology/approach

In this case study, three students worked under the direction of a faculty member on a consulting team for a Silicon Valley company that provides business analytics to academic publishers. Tasked with designing a taxonomy of disciplinary knowledge to support the company’s analytical software tools, the students developed methods for environmental scans, vocabulary design, validation and taxonomy management for the project objectives.

Findings

The consulting experience proved to be highly beneficial for the students as an opportunity to take concepts learned in their coursework and apply them in practice. The project team delivered to the company the most detailed taxonomy of academic disciplines in the marketplace, along with recommendations for its maintenance and management for ongoing support of business objectives. The company was supportive throughout the internship programme, generating collaborative contributions from all stakeholders.

Originality/value

As more students earning an Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) or similar degree move into a wide array of careers within business environments, internship experience through consulting can be an essential advantage to their preparation.
Case studies in humanitarian logistics research
Authors: Vega Diego
Published: July 2018

Purpose

Considered a strong method for exploratory investigations, case study research has become part of the mainstream approach, particularly in the field of humanitarian logistics (HL) and supply chain management. Nevertheless, similar to other logistics and SCM-related fields, rigor is not at its best. The purpose of this paper is to propose a framework for crafting case study research in HL, based on an analysis of published case study-based research.

Design/methodology/approach

The study classifies and compares the use of case studies in HL research, based on criteria developed from the methodology literature including purpose, type and volume of data, and type of analysis.

Findings

While case studies become more frequent, the results point out a lack of rigor, particularly regarding chain of evidence and the use of frameworks for case study rationale and analysis.

Research limitations/implications

The study proposes a framework for case study design, based on four “check questions” that can help researchers to go through the process of crafting a case study.

Practical implications

The study provides practitioners with more understanding of case studies in HL research, which they can use when calling for or evaluating such studies in their organizations.

Originality/value

This paper offers an initial framework for conducting case studies in HL.
Identifying Industry 4.0 IoT enablers by integrated PCA-ISM-DEMATEL approach
Authors: Rajput Shubhangini , Singh Surya Prakash
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify, analyze and model Internet of Things (IoT) enablers essential for the success of Industry 4.0.

Design/methodology/approach

IoT enablers for Industry 4.0 are identified from literature and inferable discussions with industry experts. Three different techniques namely, principal component analysis (PCA), interpretive structural modeling (ISM) and decision making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) are applied to model IoT enablers. In addition to this, DEMATEL is also applied under two different situations representing the behavioral characteristic of experts involved. These are termed as optimistic (maximum) and pessimistic (minimum).

Findings

The integrated approach of PCA-ISM-DEMATEL shows that IoT ecosystem and IoT Big Data are the most influential or driving IoT enablers. These two enablers have been identified as the pillars for Industry 4.0. On the other side, IoT interchangeability, consumer IoT, IoT robustness and IoT interface and network capability have also been identified as the most dependent enablers for Industry 4.0.

Practical implications

The findings enable the industry practitioners to select the most appropriate driving enablers for an effective implementation of Industry 4.0.

Originality/value

The integrated approach-based hierarchical model and cause-effect relationship among IoT enablers are proposed which is a novel initiative for Industry 4.0. Moreover, two different variants of DEMATEL namely, pessimistic and optimistic are applied first time.
Factor analysis of the Approaches and Study Skills Inventory for Students in a cross‐cultural occupational therapy undergraduate student sample
Authors: Bonsaksen Tore , Småstuen Milada C. , Thørrisen Mikkel M. , Fong Kenneth , Lim Hua Beng , Brown Ted
Published: July 2018

Background/aim

TheApproaches and Study Skills Inventory for Students(ASSIST) has been used previously to assess the learning approaches among students in higher education, but reports of its use with occupational therapy students are rare. This study investigated the factor structure of theASSISTin a cross‐cultural sample of undergraduate occupational therapy students, and examined whether the factor structure from specific participant groups from different cross‐cultural contexts was consistent.

Methods

Occupational therapy students (n = 712) from education programmes in Australia, Norway, Hong Kong and Singapore completed theASSIST. To assess the factor structure of the instrument, a Principal Components Analysis (PCA) using a confirmatory approach, was completed. Cronbach's coefficient α and inter‐item correlations were used to assess the internal consistency of theASSISTand its subscales.

Results

For the whole sample, thePCAconfirmed the three primary factors as previously established. Five subscales loaded on the first factor (strategicapproach). Four subscales loaded on the second factor (surfaceapproach), whereas the remaining four subscales loaded on the third factor (deepapproach). Repeating the analysis for each of the country‐specific samples produced slightly diverging factor structures for the samples from Australia and Hong Kong.

Conclusion

Considering all the data, theASSISTsubscales that emerged from thePCAused with a confirmatory approach in this study revealed a good degree of concordance with the established original factor, scale and subscale structure. The slightly deviating results obtained for the Hong Kong student group indicate that the established factor structure may not be the best fit across all settings, cultural contexts and sample groups.
The CpxRA stress response system regulates virulence features of avian pathogenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Matter Letícia B. , Ares Miguel A. , Abundes‐Gallegos Judith , Cedillo María L. , Yáñez Jorge A. , Martínez‐Laguna Ygnacio , De la Cruz Miguel A. , Girón Jorge A.
Published: July 2018

Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) causes localized and systemic avian infections and is responsible for considerable economic losses in the poultry industry. This organism adheres and invades human and avian cells, however, the regulatory networks that dictate its virulence are largely unknown. The CpxRA two‐component system is responsible for sensing and controlling outer‐membrane stress and detecting misfolded proteins in the bacterial periplasmic space. CpxA is a membrane sensor kinase and CpxR is a cytoplasmic transcriptional regulator. In this study, we found that the CpxRA system regulates the virulence properties of APEC. Adherence, invasiveness, motility, production of type 1 fimbriae and biofilm were negatively affected in the ΔcpxA mutant indicating that the CpxA is required for full manifestation of these phenotypes. We also found that CpxR‐P directly bound to the fimA promoter, locking the fimS region of type 1 fimbriae in the phase‐OFF orientation. In addition, the absence of CpxA also reduced flagella production strongly suggesting that CpxRA regulates these two important surface organelles in APEC. This study provides compelling evidence of the role of the CpxRA two‐component system in the regulation of virulence factors of avian pathogenic E. coli.
Dragon CEOs and Firm Value
Authors: Chen Tao
Published: July 2018

This article investigates a traditional belief of the Chinese zodiac that individuals born in the dragon year are superior and perform better. Using a sample of listed firms in China, supporting evidence is found for this pervasive superstition that CEOs born in dragon years are positively associated with firm value as measured by Tobin's Q and return on assets. This positive relationship becomes even stronger when the exact birth date of CEOs is known. Finally, the Dragon Survivors Hypothesis and the CEO Self‐fulfillment Hypothesis are examined to explain why dragon CEOs matter to firm value.
Timing of Dialysis Initiation and Mortality Risk in Chronic Kidney Disease: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Zhao Yaya , Pei Xiaohua , Zhao Weihong
Published: July 2018

The optimal time of dialysis initiation among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is unclear in recent years. We performed a meta‐analysis to assess the association of early vs. late initiation of dialysis with estimated glomerular filtration rate. PUBMED, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and article reference lists were searched for relevant observational trials. A pooled hazard ratio (HR) with 95% CI was used to estimate the mortality risk. Twenty‐six cohort studies and one randomized controlled trial were identified. Early start of dialysis was associated with the increased risk of mortality (HR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.04–1.43) compared with late start of dialysis. In the subgroup analysis, age younger than 65 years at the early start of dialysis demonstrated higher mortality (HR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.05–1.35) than the late start. Compared with peritoneal dialysis, the pooled HR with HD was 1.25 (95% CI: 1.17–1.34). Early start of dialysis increased the mortality risk compared with late start among patients with CKD.
‘The Lowest Degree of Freedom’: The Right to Petition Parliament, 1640–1800
Authors: Knights Mark
Published: July 2018

The essay examines the right to petition from the revolutions of the 17th century to the start of the age of reform. It shows that, by legislating for a right to petition the monarch, the revolution of 1688 appeared to resolve some of the uncertainty about the right to petition that had been apparent since the 1640s, but failed to confirm a right to petition parliament and left considerable ambiguities about the legitimacy of popular pressure exerted in this way. Throughout the 18th century, the right to petition parliament, and hence to exert popular pressure on it, thus remained contested. Indeed, a history of the points of conflict in Georgian Britain could be written through a study of petitioning controversies. Government supporters asserted the supremacy of formal parliamentary representation over informal representation of the popular voice through petitions and frequently sought to curtail, limit and emasculate any right to petition, and even, in 1795, to ban public petitioning altogether. Such attacks, nevertheless, provoked strong responses: claims to popular sovereignty over parliament, to natural rights, and to the notion that the right to petition was part of a set of interlinking rights of free speech and assembly. The 18th‐century arguments were also played out with explicit reference to 17th‐century ones, with the 1689 settlement in particular, providing a key reference point.
Conversations with Parliament: Women and the Politics of Pressure in 19th‐Century England
Authors: Richardson Sarah
Published: July 2018

In the long 19th century, women seized new opportunities offered by parliament and played a growing role in public politics long before well‐known campaigns for the right to vote. As parliamentary politics grew more restrictive and formalised, women utilised older forms of interaction with the state and occupied spaces that were not explicitly barred to them. By looking at women's appearances before royal commissions and select committees, or women's participation in petitioning, this essay argues that women successfully pressured parliament and won their place in the blue books of government long before their names appeared on the electoral registers or in the columns of Hansard.
Social Reform and the Pressure of ‘Progress’ on Parliament, 1660–1914
Authors: Goldman Lawrence
Published: July 2018

In modern Britain, pressure on parliament for social reform has been transmitted not only by mass movements of the people, but by well‐organised pressure groups and small coteries of experts. Driven by intellectual imperatives and by differing ideas of ‘progress’, these experts and activists have directed the impetus for measures to tackle poverty, working conditions, or inequality, mediating a broader sense of pressure from without. In contrast to political histories of social reform, this essay offers a history of ideas for social reform and the methods by which reformers shaped parliament's agenda.
Reforming Expectations: Parliamentary Pressure and Moral Reform
Authors: Moniz Amanda B.
Published: July 2018

‘Reforming Expectations’ argues that English and British moral reformers’ agendas, including their relation to, and expectations of, parliament, were shaped, and increasingly so, by the world beyond England and Britain from the 17th to the early 20th century. Reformers’ efforts have fallen into three distinct eras of reform activity – the European phase, the Atlantic phase, and the global phase – which each had a distinct emphasis. In the European, early‐modern phase, activists participated in European conversations about the moral regulation and care of the poor, but they worked locally. In the Atlantic phase, from the Glorious Revolution to the American revolution, transatlantic ties supplanted European connections and activists aimed to reform morals both locally and at a distance. With the American revolution and the sustained attention it gave to parliament's role in governing the nation, reformers’ expectations about parliament's role in governing moral life expanded. In the global phase, from the end of the French revolutionary wars to the early 20th century, activists sought to have a worldwide impact. British reformers undertook moral improvement projects aimed at peoples throughout Britain's now more heterogeneous empire. Building on the new expectations of the previous era, they looked to parliament and foreign legislatures to achieve those aims. For over three centuries, English and British moral reformers’ approach to parliament was influenced by interactions with foreign colleagues.
Creeping fat in patients with ileo‐colonic Crohn's disease correlates with disease activity and severity of inflammation: A preliminary study using energy spectral computed tomography
Authors: Feng Qi , Xu Xi Tao , Zhou Yi , Yan Yun Qi , Ran Zhi Hua , Zhu Jiong
Published: July 2018

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationship between creeping fat and inflammatory activity as well as the prognosis of ileo‐colonic Crohn's disease (CD), based on a quantitative analysis of energy spectral computed tomography (CT).

METHODS

A total of 40 patients with CD and 40 with other gastrointestinal diseases who underwent an energy spectral CT scanning between March 2014 and March 2015 were retrospectively enrolled. The endoscopic severity of CD was evaluated by the simple endoscopic score for Crohn's disease (SES‐CD). The slope of the Hounsfield unit (HU) curve (λHU) was measured and calculated on energy spectral CT images. Visceral and subcutaneous fat areas were also measured. The relationship between the quantitative data of creeping fat as well as the fat area and CD inflammation were analyzed.

RESULTS

The λHU of creeping fat in patients with CD increased with the severity of intestinal inflammation (moderate/severe vs mild: −0.17 ± −0.68 vs −0.49 ± −0.61, P < 0.01). Moreover, the λHU of creeping fat around the intestinal segments without lesions in CD was significantly larger than that in the controls (−1.19 ± −0.56 vs − 1.42 ± −0.45, P < 0.01). The λHU was more accurate for detecting inflammatory lesions in CD than for calculating visceral fat. It was significantly correlated with SES‐CD (r = 0.66, P < 0.01) and moderately correlated with the Harvey–Bradshaw index (r = 0.414, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The quantitative analysis of creeping fat using energy spectral CT is an effective method in inflammatory evaluation in patients with CD.
Retrospective analysis of rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) in children in a single center
Authors: Li Meng , Bian Xiuju , Jing Rui , Zhang Aijun , Sun Nianzheng , Ju Xiuli , Li Fuhai
Published: July 2018

Background

This study was conducted to explore the influence of clinical features of rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) and a refined therapeutic protocol on the therapeutic efficacy and prognosis in children in the past five years.

Methods

Forty children diagnosed with RMS were retrospectively studied, using a version of the therapeutic protocol refined by Shanghai Children's Medical Center (version 2009.9.1). The patients’ demographic characteristics, clinical manifestations, pathological features, therapeutic efficacy, and prognosis were analyzed.

Results

Of the 40 children, 17 abandoned treatment. Of the remaining 23 cases, two children were rated as low risk, 12 as medium risk, and nine as high risk, and all received treatment. Patients in the low and medium‐risk groups had better prognosis than those in the high‐risk group, and treated patients had higher survival rates and longer survival than untreated patients.

Conclusion

Children with RMS should be treated positively. Combined treatment shows better therapeutic efficacy and prognosis. The refined therapeutic protocol seems more effective than the standard treatment, with a significant impact on long‐term RMS prognosis.
Accumulation of deleterious mutations in the domestic yak genome
Authors: Xie X. , Yang Y. , Ren Q. , Ding X. , Bao P. , Yan B. , Yan X. , Han J. , Yan P. , Qiu Q.
Published: July 2018

Deleterious mutations play an important functional role, affecting trait phenotypes in ways that decrease the fitness of organisms. Estimating the frequency of occurrence and abundance has been a topic of much interest, especially in crops and livestock. The processes of domestication and breeding allow deleterious mutations to persist at high frequency, and identifying such deleterious mutations is particularly important for breed improvement. Here, we assessed genome‐wide patterns of deleterious variation in 59 domestic and 13 wild yaks using genome resequencing data. Based on the intersection of results given by three methods (provean, polyphen2 and sift4g), we identified 3187 putative deleterious mutation sites affecting 2586 genes in domestic yaks and 2067 affecting 1701 genes in wild yaks. Multiple lines of evidence indicate a significant increase in the load of deleterious mutations in domesticated yaks compared to wild yaks. Private deleterious genes were found to be associated with the perception of smell and detection of chemical stimulus. We also identified 36 genes related to Mendelian genetic diseases involved in sensory perception, skeletal development and the nervous and immune systems. This study not only adds to the understanding of the genetic basis of yak domestication but also provides a rich catalog of variants that will facilitate future breeding‐related research on the yak genome and on other bovid species.
PETscan: measuring incidence of disease phenotypes to prioritize genetic studies in companion animals
Authors: Keijser S. F. A. , Vernooij J. C. M. , Rothuizen J. , Fieten H. , Nielen M. , Hesselink J. W. , van Steenbeek F. G.
Published: July 2018

Reliable incidence measurement of diseases is necessary for identification of hereditary diseases in companion animal populations. The data collection system ‘PETscan’ was developed to facilitate standardized registration of diagnoses in veterinary practice. In the development, we attempted to counter challenges known from other primary practice data systems. PETscan includes a comprehensive list of potential diagnoses and supports the veterinary professionals in the diagnostic process. Demographics, individual data and standardized diagnostic data are collected through practice management software in a central database for epidemiological analysis. A preliminary data analysis from PETscan showed specific health issues in four canine breeds. As a real‐time prospective monitoring tool, PETscan summaries can objectively assess the incidence of disorders in companion animal populations and can be used to prioritize disease–gene identification studies and evaluate the effects of breeding strategies, for example, after implementation of a new DNA test in the breeding strategy.
The influence of fixation on the cardiac tissue in a 1‐year observation of swine hearts
Authors: Hołda Mateusz K. , Hołda Jakub , Koziej Mateusz , Tyrak Kamil , Klimek‐Piotrowska Wiesława
Published: July 2018

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of formaldehyde‐based fixation on dimension, weight and shape of cardiac tissue during a 1‐year observation.

Materials and methods

Seven measuring sites were permanently marked in 40 swine hearts prior to fixation. Four study groups (n = 10 each) were assembled that differed only in concentration and the type of fixative. The fixatives were 2%, 4% or 10% formaldehyde phosphate‐buffered solution (FPBS) and alcoholic formalin. The samples were measured before fixation and then after fixation at 1 week, 3, 6 and 12 months.

Results

At the 3‐month point, the 10% FPBS had caused significant changes in the smallest number of parameters, while the 2% FPBS affected the greatest number of dimensions. The most significant changes included chordae tendineae shrinkage and an increase in muscle thickness. After 6 months, the most significant changes were observed in 2% and 4% FPBSs and were also mainly associated with an increase in muscle thickness and chordae tendineae shrinkage. 1‐year preservation compared to the baseline showed the most significant changes in muscle tissue thickness and hearth weight. The artery diameter decreased in long‐term fixation in every tested solution. For atrial and angle measurements, 4% FPBS caused most significant changes among investigated fixatives.

Conclusions

In all tested solutions, long‐term fixation significantly changed cardiac tissue dimension compared to the nonpreserved samples. Short‐term to 1‐year fixation changes are smaller, but they should not be neglected. Different fixatives should be used depending on the character of the planned measurements.
Does inferior mesenteric artery ligation affect outcome in elective colonic resection for diverticular disease?
Authors: De Nardi Paola , Gazzetta Paolo
Published: July 2018

Background

The aim of our study was to analyse the role of inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) ligation during elective colonic resection for diverticular disease (DD) with respect to surgical outcome.

Methods

All patients who underwent elective laparoscopic or open colonic resection for DD from January 2006 to December 2012 were studied. The patients were divided into two groups based on IMA ligation or preservation. The primary end point was to compare anastomotic leakage in the two groups. The secondary end points were operative time, stoma formation, overall post‐operative complications, restoration of bowel function and length of post‐operative hospital stay.

Results

During the study period, 219 elective colonic resections with primary anastomosis for DD were performed. A laparoscopic technique was employed in 132 (60.3%) cases. IMA ligation was performed in 66 patients (30.1%). Overall anastomotic leakage rate was 4.1%, 4.5% in IMA ligation and 3.9% in IMA preservation group, respectively (P = ns). Mean operative time was 225 ± 43.4 and 191 ± 41.7 min in IMA ligation and preservation group, respectively (P = 0.002). No differences were observed in the rate of overall complications, stoma formation, restoration of bowel function and post‐operative length of hospital stay.

Conclusions

No differences were observed in surgical outcome in IMA ligation and preservation groups, particularly preservation or ligation of the IMA did not affect leakage rate.
Accurate Method of Quantification of Aortic Insufficiency During Left Ventricular Assist Device Support by Thermodilution Analysis: Proof of Concept and Validation by a Mock Circulatory System
Authors: Akiyama Daichi , Nishimura Takashi , Sumikura Hirohito , Iizuka Kei , Mizuno Toshihide , Tsukiya Tomonori , Takewa Yoshiaki , Ono Minoru , Tatsumi Eisuke
Published: July 2018

Aortic insufficiency (AI) is an intractable complication during long term left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support. Conventional evaluation of AI depends on ultrasound evaluation, which is mainly a qualitative, not a quantitative method. The pathophysiology of AI during LVAD is shunt formation. Conversely, the methods to quantify the shunt of congenital heart disease are already established, and among these is the thermodilution technique. To develop an accurate quantification method for AI (namely, a shunt), we have adopted this conventional thermodilution technique. The purpose of this study was to determine whether this technique could calculate the shunt magnitude accurately in a simulated cardiac circuit. The magnitude of AI was represented by the recirculation rate (RR), defined by regurgitant flow (RF) divided by pump flow (PF). A mock circulatory system for an LVAD endurance test (Laboheart NCVC; Iwaki & Co., Ltd, Tokyo, Japan) was used. A centrifugal LVAD was equipped in the Laboheart in parallel from the left ventricle to the aorta. A parallel shunt circuit was created across the aortic valve to mimic AI. To control the magnitude of AI, the resistance of the AI circuit was changed. Heart failure was simulated by controlling the parameters of the Laboheart. The LVAD was driven in full bypass condition, confirming that the heart did not eject forward flow via the aortic valve. PF, RF, and the temperatures of two points of the outflow graft measured with two thermistors were monitored. Analyses were started after confirming that circuit water temperature was the same as room temperature. Hot water was injected from a port between the two thermistors of the outflow conduit. The time–temperature curves of both thermistors were recorded, and RR was calculated. Two values of RR calculated in two different ways (by analyzing thermistors and by calculating from flowmeter values) were compared. Multiple measurements were done by changing the magnitude of AI. The existence of AI could be easily confirmed by analyzing the temperature data. There was a good correlation between RR by thermistor and RR by flowmeter data (r = 0.984). Furthermore, the two RR values were almost the same. This novel technique could provide an accurate method for quantifying AI during LVAD support. This method can be clinically applied by left‐sided cardiac catheterization if a dedicated catheter with two thermistors and an injection hole is developed.
Microwave vs radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma within the Milan criteria: a propensity score analysis
Authors: Liu Wenwu , Zheng Yun , He Wei , Zou Ruhai , Qiu Jiliang , Shen Jingxian , Yang Zhiwen , Zhang Yuanping , Wang Chenwei , Wang Yongjin , Zuo Dinglan , Li Binkui , Yuan Yunfei
Published: July 2018

Background

Whether microwave ablation (MWA) challenges the standard role of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in treating early‐stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear.

Aim

To compare the efficacy of MWA vs RFA for treating primary HCC within the Milan criteria.

Methods

From January 2002 to January 2017, the oncological outcomes after MWA (126 patients) and RFA (436 patients) were analysed by propensity score matching.

Results

Before propensity score matching, for overall patients, MWA resulted in similar 5‐year overall survival to RFA (80.1% vs 75.8%, P = 0.190) but better 5‐year recurrence‐free survival (28.1% vs 19.6%, P = 0.036). For solitary HCC ≤ 3 cm, MWA resulted in comparable 5‐year overall survival (81.8% vs 77.1%, P = 0.170) to RFA but better 5‐year recurrence‐free survival (34.6% vs 24.0%, P = 0.042). After propensity score matching, MWA resulted in better 5‐year overall survival (79.3% vs 68.4%, P = 0.021) and 5‐year recurrence‐free survival (27.9% vs 6.4%, P < 0.001) than RFA for HCC. For solitary HCC ≤3 cm, MWA resulted in comparable 5‐year overall survival (81.2% vs 66.3%, P = 0.062) and 5‐year recurrence‐free survival (37.7% vs 17.4%, P = 0.088) to RFA. In Cox analysis, RFA modality, tumours located in risk areas and low serum albumin levels were unfavourable prognostic factors for overall survival. RFA modality, multiple tumours, tumour size and low serum albumin levels were unfavourable prognostic factors for recurrence‐free survival (all P < 0.05).

Conclusions

RFA is inferior to MWA for treating HCC within the Milan criteria, but has comparable efficacy to MWA for solitary HCC ≤ 3 cm.
Microanatomy of the testes and testicular ducts of the butterfly lizard, Leiolepis ocellata Peters, 1971 (Reptilia: Squamata: Agamidae) during the active reproductive period
Authors: Pewhom Akkanee , Srakaew Nopparat
Published: July 2018

The microanatomy of the testes and testicular ducts (rete testis, ductuli efferentes, ductus epididymis and ductus deferens) of Leiolepis ocellata (Agamidae) was investigated using light microscopy including histochemistry. Each testis contains seminiferous tubules and interstitial tissues. The former house spermatogenic cells (spermatogonia A & B, preleptotene, primary and secondary spermatocytes, spermatids (steps 1–8) and spermatozoa) and Sertoli cells, while the latter comprise peritubular and intersitial tissues. The rete testis is an anastomosing duct, having intratesticular and extratesticular portions. The proximal region of ductuli efferentes has wider outer ductal and luminal diameters than those of the distal region. The convoluted ductus epididymis is subdivided into four regions (initial segment, caput, corpus and cauda), based on the ductal diameter, epithelium characteristics and cell components. The ductus deferens has the greatest diameter and is divided into the ductal and ampulla ductus deferens. The ductal portion is subdivided into the proximal and distal regions, based on the epithelium types and ductal diameters. The ampulla ductus deferens is a fibromuscular tube, having numerous mucosal folds projecting into the lumen. Spermiophagy is detectable in the ductus epididymis and ductus deferens. The present results contribute to improved fundamental knowledge on the microanatomy of the reptilian reproductive system.
Does job insecurity hinder innovative work behaviour? A threat rigidity perspective
Authors: Van Hootegem Anahí , Niesen Wendy , De Witte Hans
Published: July 2018

Current work life is characterized by globalization, technological changes and the aftermath of the economic recession, thereby increasing the need for organizations to be innovative to maintain their competitive position. At the same time, this turbulent organizational landscape gave rise to perceptions of job insecurity (JI), that is, the subjectively perceived likelihood of involuntary job loss. The present study investigates whether job insecurity relates to innovative work behaviour (IWB) and introduces threat rigidity theory as an explanatory framework for this relationship. Based on this theory, we propose a serial mediation model, in which job insecurity relates to an increase in irritation, which subsequently relates to a decrease in concentration, resulting in a decrease in both dimensions of IWB, namely idea generation and idea implementation. By means of survey data from 394 Dutch‐speaking Belgian employees, we used structural equation modelling to compute our mediation analyses (bootstrapping method). Our findings are in line with threat rigidity theory, as the results demonstrate that the threat of job loss impairs employees' innovativeness through increased irritation and decreased concentration. This study contributes to job insecurity as well as IWB research, by introducing a process model that sheds light on job insecurity outcomes and antecedents of IWB.
Long non‐coding RNA FAL1 functions as a ceRNA to antagonize the effect of miR‐637 on the down‐regulation of AKT1 in Hirschsprung's disease
Authors: Li Yang , Zhou Lingling , Lu Changgui , Shen Qiyang , Su Yang , Zhi Zhengke , Wu Feng , Zhang Hua , Wen Zechao , Chen Guanglin , Li Hongxing , Xia Yankai , Tang Weibing
Published: July 2018

Objectives

Emerged evidence demonstrates that long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) may play quintessential regulatory roles in the cellular processes, tumourigenesis and the development of disease. Though focally amplified lncRNA on chromosome 1 (FAL1) has been identified to have crucial functions in many diseases, its biological mechanism in the development of Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR) still remains unknown.

Materials and methods

The expression levels of FAL1 in HSCR aganglionic tissues and matched normal specimens were detected by quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR). Cell proliferation and migration were detected by Cell Counting Kit‐8 (CCK‐8) assay, Ethynyl‐deoxyuridine (EdU) assay and transwell assay relatively. Cell cycle and apoptosis were assessed using flow cytometer analysis. Moreover, the novel targets of FAL1 were confirmed with the help of bioinformatics analysis and dual‐luciferase reporter assay. Western blot assay as well as RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay was conducted to investigate the potential mechanism.

Results

FAL1 expression was markedly down‐regulated in HSCR aganglionic tissues and decreased FAL1 expression was associated with the diagnosis of HSCR. Cell functional analyses indicated that FAL1 overexpressing notably promoted cell proliferation and migration, while down‐regulation of FAL1 suppressed cell proliferation and migration. Additionally, Flow cytometry assay demonstrated that knockdown of FAL1 induced markedly cell cycle stalled in the G0/G1 phase. Furthermore, FAL1 could positively regulate AKT1 expression by competitively binding to miR‐637.

Conclusions

These results illuminated that FAL1 may work as a ceRNA to modulate AKT1 expression via competitively binding to miR‐637 in HSCR, suggesting that it may be clinically valuable as a biomarker of HSCR.
Prediction of coronary heart disease or heart failure using high‐sensitivity cardiac troponin T: A pilot study
Authors: Árnadóttir Ásthildur , Vestergaard Kirstine Roll , Sölétormos György , Steffensen Rolf , Goetze Jens P. , Iversen Kasper
Published: July 2018

Background

High‐sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs‐cTnT) is a good prognostic marker for mortality. However, it is uncertain if hs‐cTnT can be used to detect sub‐clinical cardiac disease.

Method

Pilot study in patients without known heart disease and elevated hs‐cTnT measured at presentation to the emergency department. Hs‐cTnT was measure with Roche Diagnostics. Echocardiography was used to assess structural heart disease and the participants underwent computed tomography angiography for assessment of coronary artery disease and agatston score.

Results

Ten patients were included in the final cohort. Median age was 68 years IQR (57‐78) and 80% were female (n = 8). Six patients had a history of chronic obstructive lung disease and five patients had history of hypertension. The median level of hs‐cTnT was 26 ng/L and values ranged from 19 ng/L to 495 ng/L. The median calcium score was 12. Three patients had signs of coronary artery disease. All patients had normal left ventricular ejection fraction with a median LVEF at 54.5%. Two patients were noted to have increased left ventricular mass index (LVMI).

Conclusion

The majority of patients with hs‐cTnT above the 99th percentile did not have structural heart disease or ischaemic coronary disease. However, 30% of the patient did have signs of coronary disease and might benefit from preventive medical treatment. Measuring hs‐cTnT in the absence of acute illness might be a better approach for evaluation for sub‐clinical cardiac disease.
Modelling the removal and reversible immobilization of murine noroviruses in a Phaeozem under various contamination and rinsing conditions
Authors: Tesson V. , de Rougemont A. , Capowiez L. , Renault P.
Published: July 2018

Enteric viruses entering the soil with contaminated irrigation water can reach groundwater or be internalized in plants through their roots without being inactivated. Their fate in the soil depends on the virus, the soil and the soil solution. In order to write a mathematical model suitable for a Calcaric Phaeozem, we investigated the removal of murine norovirus and reversible immobilization in aggregate columns according to a saturation procedure, conditions between contamination and rinsing time, temperature and soil solution. Viruses were quantified before and after 0.45‐μm filtration with an RT‐qPCR (real‐time polymerase chain reaction). Experimental results supported a model that combined free and colloidal transport of viruses in mobile water, exchange of free viruses between mobile and immobile water, virus removal and reversible virus adsorptions on suspended colloids, the outer aggregate surface and the inner aggregate particles. For an artificial soil solution at 20°C, the fate of viruses in contaminations lasting 1 to 7 days followed by 7 hours of rinsing was described by combining 0.38 log10 daily removal and weak reversible immobilization using a Freundlich adsorption isotherm (kF = 1120, nF = 1.53), which explained why free viruses prevailed in mobile water. Partial drying without aggregate desaturation did not affect virus recovery. Magnesium cation enrichment induced geochemical changes that faded over time, resulting in up to ten times more viruses adsorbed on suspended colloids than free and enhanced adsorption on outer aggregate surfaces. Likewise, groundwater rich in Mg2+ slowed remobilization. The fate of murine norovirus within a Calcaric Phaeozem can be described by a model that takes into account geochemical fluctuations.

Highlights

How far does soil reduce the risk of noroviruses from irrigation reaching groundwater or roots?

Virus removal over a 5‐day average residence time in Phaeozem is about two log10.

Reversible virus immobilization is weak; Mg intake favours it, together with colloidal transport.

Virus removal and reversible adsorption can be modelled for better assessment of contamination risk.