bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Managing CEO communication and positioning
Authors: Zerfass Ansgar , Verčič Dejan , Wiesenberg Markus
Published: February 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the practices of positioning Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and other top executives in the public sphere and approaches to manage their communication activities.

Design/methodology/approach

– A neo-institutional framework is used to explain the growth of CEO positioning in mediatisated societies. Research questions are derived from previous research and tested in a quantitative online survey with 512 heads of corporate communication in 21 countries across Europe and a qualitative survey with 42 communication leaders in 12 countries.

Findings

– The majority of companies position their CEOs and/or other top executives, but only a minority guide these activities through a sound management process. European CEOs are primarily presented based on their functional and ethical competencies. A minority of communication leaders prefer the uniform positioning of their CEOs in different markets; others argue for localised approaches. More companies in high-power distance countries have a specific communication strategy for their CEOs, compared to companies in low-power distance countries. Significant differences were also identified between listed and privately owned companies.

Research limitations/implications

– The study indicates the importance of CEO positioning from the perspective of corporate communication leaders. Investigating the expectations and experiences of CEOs themselves might provide additional insights.

Originality/value

– The paper presents the first large-scale study on CEO positioning, informs practitioners on the state of practice in Europe and identifies knowledge that can be integrated into education of business and communications students alike.
A conceptual framework for the Basel accords-based regulation
Authors: Mohammed Ahmed Jaffar
Published: February 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to describe a theoretical model for banking regulation in relation to Basel accords implementation. As a risk manager practitioner at a financial institution and in-charge of Basel implementation in a Basel accords environment of banking regulation, the author has been intrigued by the theoretical basis of the design of Basel accords. The objective was to investigate a theoretical model in the literature according to which the accords were designed. In case of deficiency in the literature of this model, the author seeks to provide a juxtaposition to the theoretical model that explains the accords adoption and implementation by regulators.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper presents a review of existing literature.

Findings

– After reviewing of public interest theory, cultural theory, administration theory and the new-institutionalism theory, the author found little application of these theories to the capital-based regulation, particularly in relation to Basel 2 accord. There is deficiency in the literature of a conceptual theoretical framework based on which the author can explain the adoption of Basel accords. The author has provided a theoretical model that links these theories to the practice of banking regulation. This paper found deficiencies in theories of how banks should be regulated as compared to several theories that explains why banks are regulated.

Originality/value

– After reviewing of public interest theory, cultural theory, administration theory and the new-institutionalism theory, the author found little application of these theories to the capital-based regulation, particularly in relation to Basel 2 accord. There is deficiency in the literature of a conceptual theoretical framework based on which the author can explain the adoption of Basel accords. The author has provided a theoretical model that links these theories to the practice of banking regulation. This paper found deficiencies in theories of how banks should be regulated as compared to several theories that explains why banks are regulated.
Consumer perception of traditional foods in Ghana
Authors: Laryea Damian , Akoto Esther Yeboah , Oduro Ibok , Appaw William Ofori
Published: February 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to identify the various traditional foods available in two towns in Ghana and to assess consumer perception about these traditional foods. Traditional foods provide nutritional and health benefits, but their consumption keeps declining, such that some are becoming extinct.

Design/methodology/approach

– The level of knowledge of consumers and their attitude toward the consumption of traditional foods were determined. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Sekondi and four areas in Kumasi, with a sample size of 200 in each of the two towns. The data obtained were analyzed using Pearson correlation and Chi-square test for independence.

Findings

– While consumers had very good general knowledge of the traditional foods, most of them had little knowledge on nutrient compositions of the foods. About 95.5 per cent of respondents in Sekondi consumed traditional foods relative to those in Kumasi (62.5 per cent). There was no linear relationship existing between respondents’ knowledge, attitude and consumption of traditional foods (r< 0.50). More so, respondents’ attitude, knowledge and consumption of traditional foods, mostly, did not depend on the demographic factors (age and education). Other factors such as convenience, economic status of respondents and safety of traditional foods may be contributory factors to the low patronage and consumption of traditional foods.

Originality/value

– Most researches on traditional foods in Ghana have mostly focused on food ingredients; therefore, there is little or no available information on consumer perception of prepared traditional foods. Because consumer opinions change over time, there is a need to consistently gather data to help food industries and food service operators meet consumer needs and expectations.
Antifungal activity of plant extracts against Colletotrichum musae, the post harvest anthracnose pathogen of banana cv. Martaman
Authors: Bhutia Dawa Dolma , Zhimo Yeka , Kole Ramen , Saha Jayanta
Published: February 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper was to determine the antifungal activities of different solvent extracts of common plants in vitro and in vivo against banana anthracnose fungus Colletotrichum musae (Berk
&
M.A. Curtis) Arx, and to investigate its effects on the pathogen and identify the bio active component(s).

Design/methodology/approach

– Extracts were obtained from leaves, tender shoots, rhizomes, bulbs, seeds and fruits of 42 naturally growing plant species following hot sequential extraction. Preliminary screening of the solvent extracts was done based on the inhibition of radial mycelial growth of C. musae following poison food technique and conidial germination inhibition by cavity slide technique. The selected extracts were assessed for their effect on harvested banana in reducing anthracnose during storage. The active components in the bio-active fractions of plant extract were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy.

Findings

– Methanol extracted a larger quantity of material (between 6.9 and 12.5 per cent) than hexane or chloroform, and all its extracts were active against the test pathogen with mycelial growth inhibition ranging from 13.70 to 88.89 per cent. Zingiber
officinale rhizome extract as well as Polyalthia longifolia and Clerodendrum inerme leaf extracts exhibited more than 80 per cent inhibition of mycelial growth. Total inhibition of spore germination of C. musae was recorded in Z. officinale and P. longifolia extracts at 0.3 per cent w/v and 0.5 per cent w/v concentration, respectively, while only 68 per cent spore inhibition was recorded in C. inerme at 0.5 per cent w/v concentration. Of the three plant species, Z. officinale had the best antifungal activity (18.0 per cent disease incidence; 2.2 disease severity scale) when banana fruits were dipped in the extract at a concentration of 0.5 per cent w/v at 5 days of storage in ambient condition (80-82 per cent R.H., 27 ± 1°C). The bio-active compounds in the extract of Z. officinale were identified as alpha-curcumene and zingerone.

Originality/value

– Based on the antifungal activity, plant extract of Z. officinale can be used as an effective alternative to chemicals in controlling anthracnose pathogen in harvested banana.
Microbiological quality of commonly consumed street foods in Bangladesh
Authors: Noor Rashed
Published: February 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this review is to narrate the microbiological quality of variety of street foods which are largely consumed by the Bangladeshi people of all ages. However, these foods are prone to microbial contamination. Most of the vendors lack the awareness on hygiene during preparing, processing or handling the foods. The insufficiency in regular microbiological analysis further casts the possibility of disease onset. The need of microbial analyses of these foods also remains unclear to the consumers, which, in turn, results in microbial infections and intoxications remaining unnoticed.

Design/methodology/approach

– The present review focused on the microbiological quality of the street foods projected from the locally conducted researches on street foods, and pondered on the possible management from a microbiological perspective for ensuring consumer safety.

Findings

– This paper provides comprehensive information on the microbiological quality of street foods, requirement of maintenance of hygiene by the vendors and consumers and the necessity of adopting proper management during food preparation.

Originality/value

– Demonstration of microbial prevalence in the street foods may bring imperative information on food safety and security. The conclusive message of this review is about the general consciousness on the microbiological aspects of street food contamination.
Effect of chitosans and chitooligosaccharides on the processing and storage quality of foods of animal and aquatic origin
Authors: Singh Parminder
Published: February 2016

Purpose

– The aim of the paper is to shed light on the use of chitosans and chitooligosaccharides as biopreservatives in various foods animal. Foods of animal and aquatic origin (milk, meat, fish, eggs, sea foods, etc) become contaminated with a wide range of microorganisms (bacteria, molds and yeasts) during harvesting, transporting, processing, handling and storage operations. Due to the perishable nature of these foods, their preservation is of utmost importance. Though many synthetic chemicals are available, yet their use is quite restricted due to their hazardous effects on human health.

Design/methodology/approach

– Within the domain of food industry, traditionally chitosan is used for biopreservation of foods, which is well known for its nutritional and medicinal properties in human nutrition. However, chitooligosaccharides also possess a number of nutraceutical and health promoting properties in addition to their preservative effect and shelf-life extension of foods. In this study, the comparative effects of both chitosan and chitooligosaccharides on preservation of foods of animal and aquatic origin have been summarized.

Findings

– Though chitosan has been extensively studied in various foods, yet the use of chitooligosaccharides has been relatively less explored. Chitooligosaccharides are bioactive molecules generated from chitosan and have several advantages over the traditional use of chitosan both in food products and on human health. But unfortunately, little or no literature is available on the use of chitooligosaccharides for preservation of some of the foods of animal origin. Notable examples in this category include cheese, beef, pork, chicken, fish, sea foods, etc.

Originality/value

– This paper focuses on the effects of chitosans and chitooligosaccharides on the processing and storage quality of foods of animal and aquatic origin, which offers a promising future for the development of functional foods.
Using interviews to understand parent and family perspectives of the August 2011 London riots
Authors: Coopoosamy Yvanna Deeny
Published: February 2016

This article presents findings from interviews with London parents and families, to explore their perspective of the August 2011 London riots in the UK. This article is based on a doctorate thesis where the researcher adopted a critical position on constructions of parent‐blaming within political rhetoric. A separate paper (forthcoming) presents clinical implications developed from the research findings. The research was influenced by systemic and narrative therapy approaches. Nine parents and three young people, from five families across three London boroughs, were interviewed together to explore how they constructed the riots. A Foucauldian‐informed thematic analysis identified themes of inequality and exclusion, rioting as a criminal threat, youth as problematic, parenting and morality, and reclaiming normality. These themes highlighted discourses of crime, punishment, parenting and youth, the relevance of socio‐political factors, parent‐blaming and community resources within parent and family constructions of the 2011 London riots.

Practitioner points

Support inclusion of the perspective of parents and families in academic literature, clinical discussion and debates on the 2011 London riots

Highlight discourses of crime, punishment, parenting and youth from parent and family constructions of the 2011 London riots
Price or Quantity? A New Irrelevance Result for Mixed Markets
Authors: Kesavayuth Dusanee , Zikos Vasileios
Published: February 2016

Earlier studies for mixed markets have established a series of so‐called irrelevance results. While previous results relate to the attainment of the first‐best allocation for welfare, we provide a new irrelevance result in terms of the choice of strategic variable in the product market. We show that regardless of whether a public or private firm is the market leader, the leader always chooses the price contract whereas the follower is indifferent between the price contract and the quantity contract. The identity of the leader and the follower firm is therefore irrelevant for the equilibrium mode of competition. Implications for economic models in mixed market settings emerge, which are also discussed.
Analysing Firm‐level Price Effects for Differentiated Products: The Case of Australian Wine Producers
Authors: Oczkowski Edward
Published: February 2016

The paper discusses and illustrates estimation methods for identifying and modelling the influence of producers on the prices for a differentiated product. A two‐step fixed effects approach is contrasted to the random effects specification. The techniques are employed to analyse prices for over 260 Australian premium wine producers. The fixed effects specification is preferred given significant correlation between wine attributes and random producer effects. The estimation of fixed producer price effects identifies statistically significant price premiums and discounts, which average 15%. Fixed producer price effects are estimated to depend on the quality reputation of the producer, its level of experience, producer size and the use of multibrands by conglomerates. In part, results indicate that price discounts are associated with producers who have low‐quality reputations, are small and recently established.
The Atomic Question of 1945–6 as an Attempt to Parliamentarise British Foreign Policy
Authors: Roitto Matti
Published: February 2016

The role of parliament has been regarded as limited in foreign and defence affairs in Britain. The immediate post‐war situation of 1945–6 was characterised by numerous changes and problems, one of them being the question of atomic energy. By using this issue as a case study, this article considers how, despite various limitations, parliament contributed to defining the question as a foreign affairs matter and attempted to parliamentarise it. Emphasis is given to the role of information, the ‘everyday’ interaction and dynamics between the executive and parliament, which, combined with ‘parliamentary momentum’ and other factors, gave parliament the possibility to challenge government domination, which was a predominating aspect of the political culture.
Challenging the Royal Prerogative: The Decision on War against Iraq in Parliamentary Debates in 2002–3
Authors: Häkkinen Teemu
Published: February 2016

The use of military force is an excellent example of how the decision‐making process has traditionally been carried out by the executive. However, the role of parliamentary decision making in this area has gradually emerged as a topic for constitutional discussion in the house of commons. The decision to go to war in Iraq in 2002−3 is considered to have been a culmination point for the role of parliament in decision making about the deployment of troops abroad and the use of military force. In addition to the need for international authorisation, the decision to go to war was preceded by a clear parliamentary preference for a domestic mandate for participation, delivered by means of a vote in the house of commons. This article argues that, as a result of this emphasis on domestic political authorisation, the royal prerogative (the residual powers of the sovereign that are exercised by the ministers of the government) has been subjected to broader discussion in plenary sittings since the Second World War. Furthermore, this constitutional debate continued after the invasion of Iraq had begun and the operations against Iraq's conventional forces had turned into insurgency warfare.
Gene signatures in osteoarthritic acetabular labrum using microarray analysis
Authors: Wang Beiyue , Zhao Jianning , Zhang Peng
Published: February 2016

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common chronic joint disease. This study aimed to uncover underlying mechanisms of OA pathogenesis and explore the potential biomarkers of osteoarthritic acetabular labrum.

Methods

The microarray data GSE60762 was utilized, containing five OA acetabular labrum samples and three healthy control samples. Data were preprocessed by oligo package and the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using limma package with predefined criteria, followed by functional enrichment analysis by the GoFunction in R Bioconductor, and protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analysis.

Results

As a result, 141 DEGs (44 were up‐regulated and 97 were down‐regulated) were identified between OA and healthy acetabular labrum cells. Up‐regulated genes including CDH2 and WNT5A were significantly enriched in intracellular signal transduction function, while down‐regulated genes such as KDR, FLT1 and CDH5 were remarkably correlated with cardiovascular system development. FLT1, KDR, CDH2 and CDH5 were the striking nodes in the PPI network.

Conclusion

CDH2, WNT5A, KDR, FLT1 and CDH5 might serve as the biomarkers of OA prognosis. Intracellular signal transduction and cardiovascular system development might play significant roles in the destruction of labrum during OA progression. However, more experimental validations are warranted to confirm our findings.
Cancer diagnosed in the Emergency Department of a Regional Health Service
Authors: Rogers Margaret J. , Matheson Leigh M. , Garrard Brooke , Mukaro Violet , Riches Sue , Sheridan Michael , Ashley David , Pitson Graham
Published: February 2016

Objective

Patients diagnosed with cancer in the Emergency Department (ED) have more advanced disease at diagnosis and poorer outcomes. High rates of initial presentation to ED suggest potential problems with access to care. The aim of this project was to interpret findings in regional/rural Victoria and explore implications for practice.

Design

Cross‐sectional study linking two independent data sets.

Setting

Regional city of Geelong and surrounding rural areas in south‐west Victoria.

Participants

All newly diagnosed cancer patients in 2009.

Main outcome measures

Number of cancer patients diagnosed in the ED.

Results

One in five newly diagnosed cancer patients present to ED 6 months prior to cancer diagnosis. One in 10 is diagnosed as a result of their ED visit. Patients presenting to ED were older, more often men and from disadvantaged areas. Symptoms on presentation included chest complaints, bowel obstruction, abdominal pain, anaemia and generalised weakness. Cancer diagnosed in the ED is associated with advanced stage and shorter survival.

Conclusion

Reasons for presentation to ED would be multifactorial and include complex cases with coexisting symptoms making diagnosis difficult. The general public appear to have a low level of awareness of alternative primary care services or difficulty accessing such information. Some of the changes towards reducing the number of patients presenting to ED will include patient education.
Transfers to hospital in planned home birth in four Nordic countries – a prospective cohort study
Authors: Blix Ellen , Kumle Merethe H. , Ingversen Karen , Huitfeldt Anette S. , Hegaard Hanne K. , Ólafsdóttir Ólöf Á. , Øian Pål , Lindgren Helena
Published: February 2016

Introduction

Women planning a home birth are transferred to hospital in case of complications or elevated risk for adverse outcomes. The aim of the present study was to describe the indications for transfer to hospital in planned home births, and the proportion of cases in which this occurs.

Material and methods

Women in Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Iceland who had opted for, and were accepted for, home birth at the onset of labor, were included in the study. Data from 3068 women, 572 nulliparas and 2446 multiparas, were analyzed for proportion of transfers during labor and within 72 h after birth, indications for transfer, how long before or after birth the transfer started, time from birth to start of transfer, duration and mode of transfer, and whether the transfer was classified as potentially urgent. Analyses were stratified for nulliparity and multiparity.

Results

One‐third (186/572) of the nulliparas were transferred to hospital, 137 (24.0%) during labor and 49 (8.6%) after the birth. Of the multiparas, 195/2446 (8.0%) were transferred, 118 (4.8%) during labor and 77 (3.2%) after birth. The most common indication for transfers during labor was slow progress. In transfers after birth, postpartum hemorrhage, tears and neonatal respiratory problems were the most common indications. A total of 116 of the 3068 women had transfers classified as potentially urgent.

Conclusions

One‐third of all nulliparous and 8.0% of multiparous women were transferred during labor or within 72 h of the birth. The proportion of potentially urgent transfers was 3.8%.
Human embryonic cardiovascular function
Authors: Acharya Ganesh , Gui Yonghao , Cnota Wojciech , Huhta James , Wloch Agata
Published: February 2016

Introduction

This review presents an overview of descriptive knowledge on human embryonic cardiovascular physiology mostly based on noninvasive assessment by Doppler ultrasonography. Our objective was to identify and analyze published studies on embryonic cardiovascular function, and summarize available knowledge in this field.

Material and methods

Citations related to human embryonic cardiovascular function were searched in PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL and Web of Science using keywords and MeSH terms without any time limitation. The search was restricted to English language articles. Abstracts were screened and full texts of relevant articles were obtained. All articles that reported on physiological aspects of human embryonic cardiovascular function were included. Studies reporting on cardiovascular function after 10 weeks of gestation were excluded. Data were synthesized and presented narratively.

Results

We identified 10 studies that had evaluated cardiovascular function and/or hemodynamics in human embryos at ≤10 weeks of gestation. All of these reported only certain aspects of embryonic cardiovascular function. Embryonic heart rate is associated significantly with gestational age and increases from 6 to 10 weeks of gestation. Cardiac inflow is monophasic during the embryonic period and atria appear to generate higher force during contraction compared with ventricles. Both ventricular inflow and outflow velocities increase with advancing gestation, whereas the Tei index decreases significantly. During the embryonic period, placental blood flow increases with gestation, but absent umbilical artery diastolic flow and umbilical venous pulsations are normal phenomena.

Conclusion

There are important differences in normal cardiovascular function between the embryonic and fetal stages of human in utero development.
Stability in the prevalence of Swedish children who were overweight or obese in 2003 and 2011
Authors: de Munter Jeroen S. , Friedl Andrea , Lind Simon , Kark Malin , Carlberg Magdalena , Andersson Niklas , Georgellis Antonis , Rasmussen Finn
Published: February 2016

Aim

We aimed to explore the prevalence and determinants of overweight including obesity among children in Sweden in 2003 and 2011.

Methods

Two population‐based cross‐sectional surveys included 7728 and 12 882 12‐year‐old children in Sweden, and 1198 and 2699 eight‐year‐old children in Stockholm County, in 2003 and 2011. Weighted prevalence of overweight including obesity and multivariate‐adjusted relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) was calculated.

Results

In 2011, the overweight prevalence was lower for 12‐year‐old girls than boys (RR=0.84, CI=0.77–0.92), lower for girls and boys with a higher rather than a lower educated mother (for example, RRgirls=0.76, CI=0.65–0.88), but higher for girls and boys in smaller rather than main cities (RRgirls=1.52, CI=1.28–1.82). There was no difference in overweight prevalence between 2003 and 2011 among the 12‐year‐old children. However, eight‐year‐old girls had a lower overweight prevalence in 2011 than in 2003 (RR=0.76, CI=0.59–0.97). The strongest decrease in overweight was among eight‐year‐old girls with mothers with lower levels of education (RR=0.63, CI=0.47–0.86).

Conclusion

The prevalence of overweight including obesity was stable among Swedish children between 2003 and 2011. Gradients in the determinants of overweight persisted. There was some evidence of a less steep socio‐economic gradient in overweight in eight‐year‐old girls over time.
Inhibition by all‐trans retinoic acid of collagen degradation mediated by corneal fibroblasts
Authors: Kimura Kazuhiro , Zhou Hongyan , Orita Tomoko , Kobayashi Shinya , Wada Tomoyuki , Nakamura Yoshikuni , Nishida Teruo , Sonoda Koh‐Hei
Published: February 2016

Background

We examined the effect of all‐trans retinoic acid on collagen degradation mediated by corneal fibroblasts.

Methods

Rabbit corneal fibroblasts were cultured with or without all‐trans retinoic acid in a three‐dimensional collagen gel, and the extent of collagen degradation was determined by measurement of hydroxyproline in acid hydrolysates of culture supernatants. Matrix metalloproteinase expression was examined by immunoblot analysis and gelatin zymography. The abundance and phosphorylation state of the endogenous nuclear factor‐kappaB inhibitor IκB‐α were examined by immunoblot analysis. Corneal ulceration was induced by injection of lipopolysaccharide into the central corneal stroma of rabbits and was assessed by observation with a slitlamp microscope.

Results

All‐trans retinoic acid inhibited interleukin‐1β‐induced collagen degradation by corneal fibroblasts in a concentration‐ and time‐dependent manner. It also attenuated the release and activation of matrix metalloproteinases as well as the phosphorylation and degradation of IκB‐α induced by interleukin‐1β in these cells. Topical application of all‐trans retinoic acid suppressed corneal ulceration induced by injection of lipopolysaccharide into the corneal stroma.

Conclusions

All‐trans retinoic acid inhibited collagen degradation mediated by corneal fibroblasts exposed to interleukin‐1β, with this effect being accompanied by suppression of nuclear factor‐kappaB signalling as well as of matrix metalloproteinase release and activation in these cells. All‐trans retinoic acid also attenuated lipopolysaccharide‐induced corneal ulceration in vivo. Our results therefore suggest that all‐trans retinoic acid might prove effective for the treatment of patients with corneal ulceration.
Interstitial changes in asthma‐COPD overlap syndrome
Authors: Chiba Sahoko , Tsuchiya Kimitake , Nukui Yoshihisa , Sema Manabu , Tamaoka Meiyo , Sumi Yuki , Miyazaki Yasunari , Inase Naohiko
Published: February 2016

Introduction

Asthma‐COPD overlap syndrome (ACOS) is the widely recognized syndrome of asthma and COPD coexisting together. Cigarette smoking is a known risk factor for ACOS and is reported to be associated with interstitial lung diseases (ILDs). Subclinical ILDs have been frequently detected in smokers’ lungs by radiological and pathological examinations. This finding raises the possibility that unrecognized mild interstitial changes take place in lungs with ACOS.

Objectives

We sought to determine whether interstitial changes were present in the lungs of patients with ACOS and to characterize the clinical features of ACOS with interstitial changes.

Methods

Thirty patients with ACOS were enrolled in the study (26 men and 4 women, mean age 70.1 years). Interstitial changes in the lungs were estimated by high‐resolution computed tomography (HRCT). Clinical findings and airway wall thickness on HRCT were assessed retrospectively and compared between ACOS patients with and without interstitial changes.

Results

Interstitial changes were found in seven patients (23.3%) with ACOS who had HRCT. The age and smoking amount were significantly higher in ACOS with interstitial changes than in ACOS without interstitial changes. ACOS with interstitial changes tended to have a higher rate of fungal sensitisation. Multivariate analysis showed pack‐years were significantly related to the presence of interstitial changes. Airway walls assessed by HRCT were significantly thicker in ACOS with interstitial changes than in ACOS without interstitial changes.

Conclusions

The ACOS patients with interstitial changes were heavier smokers and had thicker airway walls on HRCT compared to the ACOS patients without interstitial changes.
Basic principles and practice of gastric cancer screening using high‐definition white‐light gastroscopy: Eyes can only see what the brain knows
Authors: Gotoda Takuji , Uedo Noriya , Yoshinaga Shigetaka , Tanuma Tokuma , Morita Yoshinori , Doyama Hisashi , Aso Akira , Hirasawa Toshiaki , Yano Tomonori , Uchita Kunihisa , Ho Shiaw‐Hooi , Hsieh Ping‐Hsin
Published: February 2016

Endoscopic diagnosis of gastrointestinal tumors consists of the following processes: (i) detection; (ii) differential diagnosis; and (iii) quantitative diagnosis (size and depth) of a lesion. Although detection is the first step to make a diagnosis of the tumor, the lesion can be overlooked if an endoscopist has no knowledge of what an early‐stage ‘superficial lesion’ looks like. In recent years, image‐enhanced endoscopy has become common, but white‐light endoscopy (WLI) is still the first step for detection and characterization of lesions in general clinical practice. Settings and practice of routine esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) such as use of antispasmodics, number of endoscopic images taken, and observational procedure are customarily decided in each facility in each country and are not well standardized. Therefore, in the present article, we attempted to outline currently available evidence and actual Japanese practice on gastric cancer screening using WLI, and provide tips for detecting EGC during routine EGD which could become the basis of future research.
Development of an in vivo swine model of biliary dilatation‐based direct peroral cholangioscopy
Authors: Park Jin‐Seok , Jeong Seok , Kwon Chang‐Il , Choi Hyun Jong , Koh Dong Hee , Cho Jae Hee , Hyun Jong Jin , Moon Jong‐Ho , Lee Don Haeng
Published: February 2016

Background and Aim

A reproducible in vivo swine model of bile duct dilation (BDD) was recently established and reported for preclinical testing of newly developed biliary devices or endoscopic techniques. The aim of the present study was to develop a more advanced large animal model in which it is possible to direct examination of the biliary tree.

Methods

Six mini pigs were prepared for the study. BDD models were first made by closure of the Vater's ampulla in all swine. Then endoscopic papillary balloon dilation (EPBD) was done in the animals. Feasibility of single‐operator peroral cholangioscopy without assistance of accessories was evaluated using an ultra‐slim upper endoscope in the animals.

Results

EPBD could be implemented using a dilation balloon catheter (10~13.5 mm) in all BDD models (6/6, 100%). Success rate of freehand direct insertion of an ultra‐slim endoscope into the common bile duct was 100% (6/6), and access to the common hepatic duct with examination was possible using direct peroral cholangioscopy in five animals (5/6, 83.3%). None of the animals died. In the cholangioscopic examination, a bile duct polyp and a benign biliary stricture occurred naturally, respectively, in two of the six swine.

Conclusion

An in vivo swine model of biliary dilatation‐based direct peroral cholangioscopy was established. This novel animal model may be useful for preclinical research of new materials or devices because direct visualization of the biliary tree is feasible.
Household Enterprises and Poverty Reduction in Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Fox Louise , Sohnesen Thomas Pave
Published: February 2016

Employment in Household Enterprises (HEs) has been an integral part of the recent economic growth in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). Yet employment and development strategies tend to exclude the sector, despite the fact that households with HEs tend to be richer. A good example is Mozambique, where 34% of households rely on income from this source. Analysis of household livelihoods using panel data shows that starting HEs is associated with upward wealth mobility and poverty reduction, particularly for rural and poorly‐educated households. Targeted programmes directed towards the constraints to HE creation, survival and income growth would be likely to enhance the effectiveness of employment and poverty reduction strategies in Mozambique as well as in other low income countries in SSA.
Ultrasound‐guided core needle biopsies for workup of lymphadenopathy and lymphoma
Authors: Groneck Laura , Quaas Alexander , Hallek Michael , Zander Thomas , Weihrauch Martin R.
Published: February 2016

Background

For the histopathological diagnosis of lymphoma, lymph node excision biopsies are regarded as standard of care. In contrast, for the diagnosis of carcinoma and deep‐seated tumors, core needle biopsies (CNBs) are accepted as a sufficient sampling method. We evaluated a diagnostic algorithm for peripheral lymphadenopathy starting with ultrasound‐guided CNB followed by excisional biopsy in ambiguous cases.

Methods

We performed ultrasound‐guided CNB of peripheral lymph nodes and subcutaneous tumors in patients with lymphadenopathy in routine care and analyzed its accuracy, complication rate, and the impact of needle sizes on results.

Results

From 138 patients, 132 samples were technically adequate. In 121 patients, CNB provided a clinically actionable diagnosis (76 lymphoma, 30 carcinoma, 15 non‐malignant diagnoses). A total of 54 patients had a secondary biopsy. Inconclusive diagnoses were rare with two false‐positive and two false‐negative non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma, and higher for Hodgkin's lymphoma with five false‐negative cases. The rate of complications was low. Needle size did not significantly influence results.

Conclusion

Ultrasound‐guided CNBs are a safe, quick, and valid tool for the workup of lymphadenopathy. Yet, a benign diagnosis from CNB must be completed by a secondary biopsy if clinical presentation suggests malignant disease.
Update on the role of plasmacytoid dendritic cells in inflammatory/autoimmune skin diseases
Authors: Saadeh Dana , Kurban Mazen , Abbas Ossama
Published: February 2016

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) represent a specialized dendritic cell population that exhibit plasma cell morphology, express CD4, CD123, blood‐derived dendritic cell antigen‐2 (BDCA‐2) and Toll‐like receptor (TLR)7 and TLR9 within endosomal compartments. When activated, pDCs are capable of producing large quantities of type I IFNs (mainly IFN‐α/β), which provide antiviral resistance and link the innate and adaptive immunity. While generally lacking from normal skin, pDCs infiltrate the skin and appear to be involved in the pathogenesis of several inflammatory, infectious (especially viral) and neoplastic entities. In recent years, pDC role in inflammatory/autoimmune skin conditions has been extensively studied. Unlike type I IFN‐mediated protective immunity that pDCs provide at the level of the skin by regulated sensing of microbial or self‐nucleic acids upon skin damage, excessive sensing may elicit IFN‐driven inflammatory/autoimmune diseases. In this review, focus will be on the role of pDCs in cutaneous inflammatory/autoimmune dermatoses.
The conservation status of Niugini black bass: a world‐renowned sport fish with an uncertain future
Authors: Sheaves M. , Baker R. , McLeod I. , Abrantes K. , Wani J. , Barnett A.
Published: February 2016

The Niugini black bass, Lutjanus goldiei Bloch, is an estuarine and freshwater fish species endemic to New Guinea and the surrounding islands. It is the focus of a growing sport fishing industry that has the potential to provide long‐standing benefits to local people. Plantation agriculture, mining and logging are expanding in many catchments where L. goldiei is found, creating the potential for these industries to impact on L. goldiei and the environments it relies on. Understanding of the current status of the species, including its biology, ecology and distribution, is essential for its sustainable management. However, very little is known about the species. Here, the published literature, unpublished data and interviews with anglers and fisheries officers were used to draw together existing knowledge, assess the current conservation status, make a preliminary analysis of threats and identify key areas for research that will support the sustainable development of the L. goldiei sport fishing industry while fostering positive conservation outcomes.
Phenological change in a spring ephemeral: implications for pollination and plant reproduction
Authors: Gezon Zachariah J. , Inouye David W. , Irwin Rebecca E.
Published: February 2016

Climate change has had numerous ecological effects, including species range shifts and altered phenology. Altering flowering phenology often affects plant reproduction, but the mechanisms behind these changes are not well‐understood. To investigate why altering flowering phenology affects plant reproduction, we manipulated flowering phenology of the spring herb Claytonia lanceolata (Portulacaceae) using two methods: in 2011–2013 by altering snow pack (snow‐removal vs. control treatments), and in 2013 by inducing flowering in a greenhouse before placing plants in experimental outdoor arrays (early, control, and late treatments). We measured flowering phenology, pollinator visitation, plant reproduction (fruit and seed set), and pollen limitation. Flowering occurred approx. 10 days earlier in snow‐removal than control plots during all years of snow manipulation. Pollinator visitation patterns and strength of pollen limitation varied with snow treatments, and among years. Plants in the snow removal treatment were more likely to experience frost damage, and frost‐damaged plants suffered low reproduction despite lack of pollen limitation. Plants in the snow removal treatment that escaped frost damage had higher pollinator visitation rates and reproduction than controls. The results of the array experiment supported the results of the snow manipulations. Plants in the early and late treatments suffered very low reproduction due either to severe frost damage (early treatment) or low pollinator visitation (late treatment) relative to control plants. Thus, plants face tradeoffs with advanced flowering time. While early‐flowering plants can reap the benefits of enhanced pollination services, they do so at the cost of increased susceptibility to frost damage that can overwhelm any benefit of flowering early. In contrast, delayed flowering results in dramatic reductions in plant reproduction through reduced pollination. Our results suggest that climate change may constrain the success of early‐flowering plants not through plant‐pollinator mismatch but through the direct impacts of extreme environmental conditions.
Use of mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors after failure of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma undergoing hemodialysis: A single‐center experience with four cases
Authors: Omae Kenji , Kondo Tsunenori , Takagi Toshio , Iizuka Junpei , Kobayashi Hirohito , Hashimoto Yasunobu , Tanabe Kazunari
Published: February 2016

We retrospectively identified patients with end‐stage renal disease undergoing hemodialysis treated with the mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors as a second‐ and/or third‐line targeted therapy after treatment failure with the tyrosine kinase inhibitors for metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Patient medical records were reviewed to evaluate the response to therapies and treatment‐related toxicities. Four patients were identified. All patients had undergone nephrectomy, and one had received immunotherapy before targeted therapy. Two patients had clear cell histology, and the other two had papillary histology. All patients were classified into the intermediate risk group according to the Memorial Sloan‐Kettering Cancer Center risk model. All patients were treated with everolimus as a second‐ or third‐line therapy, and two patients were treated with temsirolimus as a second‐ or third‐line therapy after treatment failure with sorafenib or sunitinib. The median duration of everolimus therapy was 6.7 months, whereas that of temsirolimus was 9.5 months. All patients had stable disease as the best response during each period of therapy. There were no severe adverse events. The use of mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors in patients who previously failed to respond to tyrosine kinase inhibitors appears to be feasible in patients with end‐stage renal disease requiring hemodialysis.
Low dose heparin lock (1000 U/mL) maintains tunnelled hemodialysis catheter patency when compared with high dose heparin (5000 U/mL): A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Chu Ginger , Fogarty Gemma M. , Avis Leanne F. , Bergin Shauna , McElduff Patrick , Gillies Alastair H. , Choi Peter
Published: February 2016

Introduction Heparin is commonly used after hemodialysis treatments as a locking solution to prevent catheter thrombosis. The comparative efficacy and safety of different heparin concentrations to maintain catheter patency has been previously reported in retrospective studies. We conducted a prospective, randomised, controlled study of 1000 U/mL heparin (low dose) versus 5000 U/mL heparin (high dose) locking solution to maintain patency of tunnelled catheters. Methods One hundred patients receiving chronic, unit‐based hemodialysis with newly placed tunnelled hemodialysis catheters (less than 1 week) were randomly assigned to either a low dose (n = 48) or high dose heparin (n=52). The primary intention‐to‐treat analysis examined time to malfunction in both groups over a 90 day period. A secondary analysis compared baseline patient characteristics in relation to catheter malfunction. Findings Overall rate of catheter patency loss was 32% of catheters by 90 days. There was no significant difference in time to malfunction of catheters locked with low dose or high dose heparin (P = 0.5770). Time to catheter malfunction was not associated with diabetic, hypertensive or smoking status. There was no difference in mean delivered blood flow rate, venous and arterial pressure, and dialysis adequacy between low dose and high dose groups. No patient suffered a hemorrhagic complication requiring hospitalisation during the study period. Discussion Low dose heparin is adequate to maintain tunnelled hemodialysis catheter patency when compared with high dose heparin. The study also suggests that there is no relationship between catheter malfunction and diabetic, hypertensive or smoking status.
Acquired reactive perforating collagenosis and pseudoporphyric bullous dermatosis in a hemodialysis patient
Authors: Sabanis Nikos , Paschou Eleni , Gavriilaki Eleni , Kalaitzoglou Asterios , Papanikolaou Dimitrios , Vasileiou Sotiris , Amplianitis Ioannis
Published: February 2016

Hemodialysis patients present with a broad spectrum of specific and nonspecific skin disorders, which rarely coexist. We report an exceptional case of a hemodialysis patient that developed acquired reactive perforating collagenosis and pseudoporphyric bullous dermatosis on the basis of common skin disorders which include hyperpigmentation, pruritus, xerosis cutis, and Linsday's nails. Interestingly, our patient presented with two unusual but distinctive cutaneous dermopathies on the background of other commonly seen skin alterations. The patient was successfully treated with allopurinol and N‐acetylcysteine. Avoidance of potentially triggering factors such as alcohol, sunlight exposure and certain medication was recommended. Thus, increasing clinical awareness, assiduous investigation and early treatment of skin disorders are required to improve the prognosis and quality of life in this patient population.
Assessing clinicians' perspectives about the identification and management of antipsychotic medication side‐effects: Psychometric evaluation of a survey questionnaire
Authors: Stomski Norman J , Morrison Paul , Meehan Tom
Published: February 2016

Eliciting clinicians' views about antipsychotic medication side‐effects may assist in understanding strategies that could enhance the identification and management of these side‐effects. The present paper details the development and psychometric evaluation of a questionnaire that captures clinicians' perceptions about these issues. An initial item set was derived from a literature review, and then refined by an expert content validity panel that assessed the relevance of the items. The online questionnaire was distributed to Australian mental health nurses and 140 fully completed questionnaires were returned. Principal components analysis yielded two robust scales that conceptually tapped “system responsibility” and “personal confidence”. These scales may be used to advance knowledge about how mental health nurses' attitudes towards the assessment and management of antipsychotic medication side‐effects influences their clinical behaviour.
Leveraging virtual business model innovation: a framework for designing business model development tools
Authors: Ebel Philipp , Bretschneider Ulrich , Leimeister Jan Marco
Published: February 2016

This paper presents a framework for developing tool support for the design and management of new business models. Existing IT tools supporting the process of designing, innovating, and evaluating a company's business model are currently not leveraging the full potential of tool support, because they do not make use of theoretical and empirical knowledge around business model development. Against this backdrop, we analyze existing knowledge on business model design and management, resulting in a first systematization of the activities that are necessary for developing and managing new business models. In order to complement this knowledge and to identify the requirements for supporting these activities, a series of expert interviews is conducted. Based on the results of the interview series, a new business model development tool is created and evaluated. The learnings of this development process are then consolidated in a unified framework. This framework constitutes a new solution for systematically designing tool support for business model development and extends existing literature by highlighting the importance of collaboration between participants in a business model development project. It also provides designers of new business model development tool with an empirically based conceptualization to guide their efforts.