bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategic sustainability management and export performance
Authors: Henrique da Rocha Vencato Carlos , Maffini Gomes Clandia , Luciane Scherer Flavia , Marques Kneipp Jordana , Schoproni Bichueti Roberto
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to analyze the practices of strategic sustainability management and the main indicators of export performance in industrial companies of the rubber artifacts sector.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study characterizes itself as descriptive and quantitative and has had the intention to analyze the main practices of strategic sustainability management and the export performance indicators in companies of the artifacts and rubbers sector of the States of São Paulo and Rio Grande do Sul. For this, one has carried out a survey with companies of the rubber sector. The conceptual model adopted in the study is made up of a set of variables related to the strategic sustainability management and to the export performance.

Findings

– The main results have made evident that, in general, companies involve stakeholders and their employees in sustainable strategies; internationalize themselves via exports, by means of intermediaries in Brazil and find themselves in an initial internationalization stage. Moreover, it is possible to maintain that most companies do not believe that sustainability is an initiative separated from company action.

Practical implications

– One recommends to the studied companies a greater commitment with the international strategies, organizing themselves to pressure the government to give a greater support to the studied sector, and a greater inclusion of sustainability in the organizational strategies, in order to improve their competitiveness in the local and international market.

Originality/value

– The analyzed data allowed identify the great importance of sustainability, with few barriers against their implementations. Furthermore, it is possible to say that the actions which are toward the practice of sustainability management helped positively for the export performance, confirming the hypotheses of this paper.
Risk management practices adopted by financial firms in Malta
Authors: Bezzina Frank , Grima Simon , Mamo Josephine
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to bring to light the risk management practices adopted by financial firms in the small island state of Malta. It seeks to: first, identify the risk management strategies and mechanisms that these firms adopt to manage risks, maximise opportunities, and maintain financial stability; second, determine whether these practices are perceived as contributing to principled performance; third, examine the extent to which risk management capabilities offer competitive advantage to firms, and fourth, investigate whether corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a key driver of risk management corporate strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

– A self-administered questionnaire purposely designed for the present study was distributed among the 156 credit institutions, investment firms and financial institutions registered with the Malta Financial Services Authority. Overall, 141 firms participated in the study (a response rate of 90.4 per cent) and the responses were subjected to statistical analysis in an attempt to answer four research questions.

Findings

– Maltese financial firms have sound risk management practices that link positively with added value and principled performance. Although competitive advantage has been given less weight by these firms, the implemented risk management mechanisms allow for a strong risk culture, defined risk management goals, accountability and continual improvement. CSR forms part of the firms’ risk management corporate strategies and is valued as part of these firms’ corporate culture, while financial/economic factors are viewed as key in driving effective risk management principles.

Originality/value

– The study provides empirical evidence that securing “best practice” in firms’ risk management corporate culture is seen as better predicated on maximising financial advantage (“the instrumental driver”) rather than simply reflecting externally imposed standards (“the compliance driver”).
Photosynthetic characteristics of three ploidy levels of Allium oleraceum L. (Amaryllidaceae) differing in ecological amplitude
Authors: Ježilová Eliška , Nožková‐Hlaváčková Vladimíra , Duchoslav Martin
Published: May 2014

To elucidate the mechanisms of the adaptive advantages of polyploidy, there is a need to identify physiological traits that participate in the success of polyploids. We studied selected photosynthetic characteristics, stomatal density, and specific leaf area of three ploidy levels (2n = 4x, 5x, 6x) of the geophyte Allium oleraceum that partially differ in their ecological niches. Although the cytotypes were on average similar with regard to most of the measured photosynthetic traits, the hexaploids showed more rapid initial photosynthetic induction and a tendency for a higher maximum photosynthetic rate per unit area. The stomatal density was not affected by ploidy, though the specific leaf area was reduced for the hexaploids compared to the other cytotypes. A lower intracytotype variation was found for most of the studied photosynthetic and anatomical traits for the hexaploids compared to the large variation found within other cytotypes. A comparison of the photosynthetic traits between the cytotypes showed that the ecological differentiation between cytotypes is only weakly related to the characteristics of their photosynthetic apparatus. However, contrasting ranges of variability in the measured traits between the cytotypes can be related to previously observed differences between cytotypes with regard to the ranges of intracytotype genetic variation, genome size variation, and niche breadth. A higher variability of photosynthetic traits in tetraploids and pentaploids may be related to the existence of a spectrum of types adapted to different environmental conditions. Hexaploids may represent a recently formed cytotype adapted to open environmental conditions.
Hypertension, snoring, and obstructive sleep apnoea during pregnancy: a cohort study
Authors: O'Brien LM , Bullough AS , Chames MC , Shelgikar AV , Armitage R , Guilleminualt C , Sullivan CE , Johnson TRB , Chervin RD
Published: May 2014

Objective

To assess the frequency of obstructive sleep apnoea among women with and without hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

Design

Cohort study.

Setting

Obstetric clinics at an academic medical centre.

Population

Pregnant women with hypertensive disorders (chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension, or pre‐eclampsia) and women who were normotensive.

Methods

Women completed a questionnaire about habitual snoring and underwent overnight ambulatory polysomnography.

Main outcome measures

The presence and severity of obstructive sleep apnoea.

Results

Obstructive sleep apnoea was found among 21 of 51 women with hypertensive disorders (41%), but in only three of 16 women who were normotensive (19%, chi‐square test, P = 0.005). [Author correction added on 16 June 2014, after first online publication: Results mentioned in the abstract were amended.] Non‐snoring women with hypertensive disorders typically had mild obstructive sleep apnoea, but >25% of snoring women with hypertensive disorders had moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnoea. Among women with hypertensive disorders, the mean apnoea/hypopnoea index was substantially higher in snorers than in non‐snorers (19.9 ± 34.1 versus 3.4 ± 3.1, P = 0.013), and the oxyhaemoglobin saturation nadir was significantly lower (86.4 ± 6.6 versus 90.2 ± 3.5, P = 0.021). Among women with hypertensive disorders, after stratification by obesity, the pooled relative risk for obstructive sleep apnoea in snoring women with hypertension compared with non‐snoring women with hypertension was 2.0 (95% CI 1.4–2.8).

Conclusions

Pregnant women with hypertension are at high risk for unrecognised obstructive sleep apnoea. Although longitudinal and intervention studies are urgently needed, given the known relationship between obstructive sleep apnoea and hypertension in the general population, it would seem pertinent that hypertensive pregnant women who snore should be tested for obstructive sleep apnoea, a condition believed to cause or promote hypertension.
Different effects of two dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors and glimepiride on β‐cell function in a newly designed two‐step hyperglycemic clamp 应用双重高糖钳夹新技术比较两种DPP‐IV抑制剂与格列美脲对胰岛β细胞功能的不同影响
Authors: Zhang Yifei , Chi Jie , Wang Weiqing , Hong Jie , Gu Weiqiong , Wang Bokai , Ning Guang
Published: May 2014

Background

Dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP)‐4 inhibitors and sulfonylureas may have different effects on islet function. We designed a new two‐step hyperglycemic clamp to further compare the effects of sitagliptin, saxagliptin, and glimepiride on β‐cell function and the incretin effect.

Methods

The present study was a four‐way cross‐over open label randomized study. Twelve healthy male subjects were administered a single dose of sitagliptin (100 mg), saxagliptin (5 mg), glimepiride (2 mg) or blank control 2 h before undergoing a two‐step hyperglycemic clamp (Step 1: only intravenous glucose was administered; Step 2: i.v. glucose loading was combined with oral glucose consumption). Two‐phase insulin secretion, glucagon secretion, and incretin levels were measured during the clamp.

Results

In Step 1, with i.v. glucose only, there were no differences between the effects of the three drugs on insulin secretion, except that saxagliptin increased second‐phase insulin secretion more than glimepiride (P = 0.007). In Step 2, oral glucose consumption led to an approximate two fold increase in insulin secretion and both gliptins significantly increased first‐phase insulin secretion compared with glimepiride (P = 0.003 for both). Saxagliptin further increased second‐phase insulin secretion compared with glimepiride (P = 0.005) and sitagliptin (P < 0.001). Both gliptins significantly decreased glucagon secretion and increased active glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) compared with glimepiride, especially in Step 2.

Conclusions

The two‐step hyperglycemic clamp appears to be a precise method to assess β‐cell function by taking the effect of incretins into consideration. The oral glucose consumption adds to the i.v. glucose infusion, amplifying the differences in the effects of DPP‐4 inhibitors and glimepiride on insulin secretion.
Pathogenic divergence of Central European and Australian populations of Blumeria graminis f. sp. hordei
Authors: Dreiseitl A.
Published: May 2014

Hosts and pathogens have adapted their response to each other through genetic changes that have arisen during the course of their co‐evolution. In developed countries the longevity of varieties is often short; new varieties frequently possess novel genes with specific resistance to pathogens. The latter must adapt to the resistance genes to maintain pathogenicity. To study this adaptation, 50 Central European and 50 Australian isolates of Blumeria graminis f. sp. hordei (Bgh) were tested on 50 barley differential varieties with different specific resistance genes. All the Central European isolates differed from each other in their virulence combinations and belonged to 50 various pathotypes, whereas Australian isolates comprised 37 pathotypes. None of the pathotypes detected in Central Europe was identical or similar to any of those in Australia. This can be attributed to the much higher number of virulences in Central European isolates that developed over a long period of contact with a range of host varieties containing specific resistance genes. This has led to a gradual divergence of the Australian and the European Bgh populations. In Europe, unlike Australia, new specific resistance genes are still widely used in breeding barley varieties and the divergence of both populations will continue.
Gene expression profiling of laser microdissected airway smooth muscle tissue in asthma and atopy
Authors: Yick C. Y. , Zwinderman A. H. , Kunst P. W. , Grünberg K. , Mauad T. , Chowdhury S. , Bel E. H. , Baas F. , Lutter R. , Sterk P. J.
Published: May 2014

Background

Asthma and atopy share common characteristics including type 2 helper‐T‐cell‐mediated inflammation. However, only asthma is associated with variable airways obstruction. The complex cellular and molecular pathways distinguishing asthma and atopy can now be captured by transcriptomic analysis (RNA‐Seq). We hypothesized that the transcriptomic profile of airway smooth muscle (ASM) distinguishes atopic asthma from atopic healthy controls. First, we compared the ASM transcriptomic profiles of endobronchial biopsies between glucocorticoid‐free, atopic asthma patients, and atopic and nonatopic healthy controls. Second, we investigated the association between ASM transcriptomic profiles and airway function.

Methods

Twelve asthma patients and 12 control subjects (six atopic, six nonatopic) underwent bronchoscopy. RNA of laser‐dissected ASM from 96 bronchial biopsy specimens was sequenced with Roche GS FLX. Gene networks were identified using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis. RNA‐Seq reads were assumed to follow a negative binomial distribution. With the current sample size, the estimated false discovery rate was approximately 1%.

Results

One hundred and seventy four ASM genes were differentially expressed between asthma patients and atopic controls, 108 between asthma patients and nonatopic controls, and 135 between atopic and nonatopic controls. A set of eight genes discriminated asthma patients from nonasthmatic controls, irrespective of atopy. Four of these genes (RPTOR, VANGL1, FAM129A, LEPREL1) were associated with airway hyper‐responsiveness (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Airway smooth muscle from asthma patients can be distinguished from that of atopic and nonatopic control subjects by a specific gene expression profile, which is associated with airway hyper‐responsiveness.
Penthrox inhaler analgesia in transrectal ultrasound‐guided prostate biopsy
Authors: Lee Chanyang , Woo Henry H.
Published: May 2014

Background

Periprostatic injection of local anaesthetic (PILA) has been shown to significantly reduce pain in patients undergoing transrectal ultrasound‐guided prostate biopsy (TRUSPB). However, this method does not address pain that is associated with ultrasound probe insertion, and the injection of local anaesthetic itself causes pain. The aim of this study was to explore the efficacy of methoxyflurane delivered by a Penthrox inhaler as a novel method of pain relief during TRUSPB.

Method

From July 2012 to July 2013, 64 patients were scheduled at a single centre to undergo TRUSPB while receiving analgesia via Penthrox inhaler. Fifteen minutes after the biopsy procedure, these patients were asked to complete a pain score survey using a 10‐cm visual analogue scale (VAS) to separately report the degree of pain experienced during digital rectal examination (DRE), ultrasound probe insertion and core biopsy.

Results

The median pain scores on a 10‐cm VAS were 2.0, 2.4 and 3.0 during DRE, probe insertion and needle biopsy, respectively, while using the Penthrox inhaler. Of the 64 patients, 11 had undergone TRUSPB previously receiving PILA. In these patients, PILA was significantly better than the Penthrox inhaler for pain relief during needle biopsy (median pain score 2.0 versus 4.0; P = 0.012).

Conclusion

The Penthrox inhaler appears to be a safe and effective method of analgesia for TRUSPB. Patients who had experienced both PILA and Penthrox reported pain scores that significantly favoured PILA over the Penthrox inhaler.
Early surgical intervention in severe acute pancreatitis: Central Australian experience
Authors: Jacob Abraham O. , Stewart Penny , Jacob Ollapallil
Published: May 2014

Background

Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is a disease associated with a high mortality and morbidity; however, many patients survive due to better understanding of the disease and multidisciplinary care. Those who do not respond to intensive care management with persistent multi‐organ dysfunction still have a high mortality. There is a role for early surgical intervention in two subsets of critically ill patients: the first, with acute compartment syndrome (ACS) of the abdomen with persisting organ dysfunction despite medical measures to control intra‐abdominal pressure; the second, being early infected pancreatic necrosis (IPN) with the presence of gas in the retroperitoneum.

Methods

The current analysis is an 8‐year (2005–2012) study. The data were collected prospectively by the Surgical Department in Alice Springs Hospital. Intensive care data were also sourced from ANZICS CORE (Australia and New Zealand Intensive Care Society and Centre for Outcome and Resource Evaluation) for ICU (intensive care unit) mortality comparison between ICUs of Australia and New Zealand with Alice Springs.

Results

There were 1163 episodes of acute pancreatitis with an annual incidence of 275 per 100 000. Of importance, 114 patients had SAP of whom 42 developed pancreatic necrosis. Eleven patients required surgical intervention. Five patients had decompressive laparotomies for ACS and six patients had laparotomies for IPN. The mortality of patients with SAP was 0%.

Conclusions

The two subsets of patients with either ACS or early IPN require early surgical intervention either by decompressive laparotomy or open necrosectomy with laparostomy. The authors attribute improved survival in this cohort due to these interventions.
Epidemiology and outcomes in refractive lens exchange surgery
Authors: Westin Oscar , Koskela Timo , Behndig Anders
Published: May 2014

Purpose

To assess demographics and refractive outcomes in patients undergoing refractive lens exchange surgery (RLE), with a population of cataract patients as a reference.

Methods

A RLE cohort from a private eye clinic (n = 675) and a cataract cohort from the outcome registration of the Swedish National Cataract Register were studied and compared from an epidemiological perspective regarding age, gender, preoperative refraction and postoperative refractive outcome.

Results

The RLE patients were younger (52.1 ± 7.7 versus 73.84 ± 9.32 years) with a smaller percentage of women (45.28% versus 60.46%; p < 0.001) and were more often myopic than the cataract patients. Astigmatism and hyperopia did not differ between the cohorts. Uncorrected visual acuity after RLE equalled the best corrected visual acuity in best cases after cataract surgery. The absolute biometry prediction was more accurate in RLE (0.17 ± 0.27 D versus 0.40 ± 0.58 D; p < 0.001), particularly in patients given a customized toric IOL (0.12 ± 0.27 D; p < 0.05). In cataracts, the Haigis' formula showed higher accuracy than the SRK/T formula (0.39 ± 0.53 D versus 0.43 ± 0.61 D; p < 0.01). Postoperatively after RLE, Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis was performed in 9.04% and Yttrium Aluminium Garnet capsulotomy in 7.41% of the eyes. Other reoperations were performed in three cases, and five postoperative retinal detachments occurred after RLE.

Conclusion

Compared with patients undergoing cataract surgery, we see many similarities, but also many interesting differences in patients undergoing RLE. Basic information about the growing population choosing to undergo RLE can help us plan future ophthalmic care.
How the modified Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score can identify treatment failure and avoid overusing antibiotics in ventilator‐associated pneumonia
Authors: da Silva Paulo Sérgio Lucas , de Aguiar Vânia Euzébio , Fonseca Marcelo Cunio Machado
Published: May 2014

Aim

Although the modified Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score (CPIS) has been used to guide treatment decisions in adults with ventilator‐associated pneumonia (VAP), paediatric studies are lacking. We assessed a modified CPIS tool to define VAP resolution and identify treatment failure at an early stage.

Methods

We identified 70 mechanically ventilated children with VAP according to the Center for Disease Control criteria. Modified CPIS was initially measured at VAP onset and then three and five days afterwards. Children were defined as low risk or high risk based on a cut‐off score of six.

Results

There were 50 high‐risk and 20 low‐risk patients. Culture results were positive in 64% of the high‐risk patients and just 10% of the low‐risk patients. Patients on adequate therapy significantly improved their CPIS scores by day three, regardless of the likelihood of VAP. A lack of score improvement demonstrated sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 83% when it came to detecting treatment failure. The area under the receiver operating curve was 0.92.

Conclusion

Serial modified CPIS measurements showed that low‐risk patients with negative cultures at day three should be considered for a short course of antibiotics. In contrast, high‐risk patients with no score improvement were potentially failing their treatment.
Adjuvant Anticholinesterase Therapy for the Management of Epilepsy‐Induced Memory Deficit: A Critical Pre‐clinical Study
Authors: Mishra Awanish , Goel Rajesh Kumar
Published: May 2014

Epilepsy is one of the major neurological disorders still awaiting safer drugs with improved antiepileptic effect and lesser side effects. Apart from epilepsy itself, AEDs also have been shown to induce cognitive impairment in patients with epilepsy. There are limited data for the treatment of this menace. As cholinergic approach has widely been practiced for the restoration of memory in various neurodegenerative disorders, this study was envisaged to evaluate add on effect of acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (tacrine) with phenytoin in pentylenetetrazole‐kindling‐induced learning and memory deficit in mice. In this study, mice were kindled using subconvulsive dose of pentylenetetrazole (35 mg/kg, i.p.; at interval of 48 ± 2 hr) and successfully kindled animals were divided into different groups and treated with vehicle, phenytoin and phenytoinin in combination with tacrine (0.3 mg/kg), atropine (1 mg/kg) and tacrine + atropine. Effect of different interventions on learning and memory was evaluated using elevated plus maze and passive shock avoidance on days 5, 10, 15 and 20. Phenytoin‐treated kindled animals were associated with learning and memory deficit, while tacrine supplementation improved memory deficit with increased seizure severity score. Atropine treatment significantly reversed the protective effect of tacrine. Neurochemical findings also support the behavioural finding of the study. Our results suggest the use of anticholinesterases, with better seizure tolerance, for the management of cognitive impairment of epilepsy, as adjunct therapy.
Combining biomarkers to optimize patient treatment recommendations
Authors: Kang Chaeryon , Janes Holly , Huang Ying
Published: May 2014

Markers that predict treatment effect have the potential to improve patient outcomes. For example, the has some ability to predict the benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy over and above hormone therapy for the treatment of estrogen‐receptor‐positive breast cancer, facilitating the provision of chemotherapy to women most likely to benefit from it. Given that the score was originally developed for predicting outcome given hormone therapy alone, it is of interest to develop alternative combinations of the genes comprising the score that are optimized for treatment selection. However, most methodology for combining markers is useful when predicting outcome under a single treatment. We propose a method for combining markers for treatment selection which requires modeling the treatment effect as a function of markers. Multiple models of treatment effect are fit iteratively by upweighting or “boosting” subjects potentially misclassified according to treatment benefit at the previous stage. The boosting approach is compared to existing methods in a simulation study based on the change in expected outcome under marker‐based treatment. The approach improves upon methods in some settings and has comparable performance in others. Our simulation study also provides insights as to the relative merits of the existing methods. Application of the boosting approach to the breast cancer data, using scaled versions of the original markers, produces marker combinations that may have improved performance for treatment selection.
Help or hindrance: young people's experiences of predictive testing for Huntington's disease
Authors: Forrest Keenan K. , McKee L. , Miedzybrodzka Z.
Published: May 2014

A growing number of young people (YP) are requesting predictive testing (PT) for Huntington's disease (HD), yet there is little research in this area. The aim of this study was to explore YP's experiences of PT for HD, the impact of their result and any gaps in information or support. In‐depth interviews were conducted with YP who sought PT for HD from nationally funded Genetics Services. Participants were recruited through the Grampian Genetics Service or Scottish Huntington's Association. Twelve female participants aged 17–26 years were recruited (seven below 20 years). Pre‐ and post‐test interviews were conducted where possible. A qualitative thematic analysis suggests three main testing experiences, regardless of test result. Testing may be: (i) a journey of empowerment, (ii) an ambivalent process or (iii) a poor experience. In pre‐test counselling, gaps in emotional support were highlighted. The post‐test period was particularly difficult if there were unanticipated changes in family dynamics or an individual's result contradicted what they expected ‘deep down’. YP's experiences of PT for HD are generally similar to those of adults, but testing may help or interfere with key issues related to this age and stage. Implications for clinical practice are outlined.
Silver deposition on titanium surface by electrochemical anodizing process reduces bacterial adhesion of Streptococcus sanguinis and Lactobacillus salivarius
Authors: Godoy‐Gallardo Maria , Rodríguez‐Hernández Ana G. , Delgado Luis M. , Manero José M. , Javier Gil F. , Rodríguez Daniel
Published: May 2014

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine the antibacterial properties of silver‐doped titanium surfaces prepared with a novel electrochemical anodizing process.

Material and methods

Titanium samples were anodized with a pulsed process in a solution of silver nitrate and sodium thiosulphate at room temperature with stirring. Samples were processed with different electrolyte concentrations and treatment cycles to improve silver deposition. Physicochemical properties were determined by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, contact angle measurements, white‐light interferometry, and scanning electron microscopy. Cellular cytotoxicity in human fibroblasts was studied with lactate dehydrogenase assays. The in vitro effect of treated surfaces on two oral bacteria strains (Streptococcus sanguinis and Lactobacillus salivarius) was studied with viable bacterial adhesion measurements and growth curve assays. Nonparametric statistical Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U‐tests were used for multiple and paired comparisons, respectively. Post hoc Spearman's correlation tests were calculated to check the dependence between bacteria adhesion and surface properties.

Results

X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy results confirmed the presence of silver on treated samples and showed that treatments with higher silver nitrate concentration and more cycles increased the silver deposition on titanium surface. No negative effects in fibroblast cell viability were detected and a significant reduction on bacterial adhesion in vitro was achieved in silver‐treated samples compared with control titanium.

Conclusions

Silver deposition on titanium with a novel electrochemical anodizing process produced surfaces with significant antibacterial properties in vitro without negative effects on cell viability.
Methamphetamine self‐administration results in persistent dopaminergic pathology: implications for Parkinson's disease risk and reward‐seeking
Authors: Kousik Sharanya M. , Carvey Paul M. , Napier T. Celeste
Published: May 2014

Methamphetamine (Meth) abuse may be a risk factor for Parkinson's disease (PD); a problematic event as approximately 33 million people abuse Meth worldwide. The current study determined if a mild form of PD‐like nigrostriatal pathology occurred following forced abstinence in Meth self‐administering rats. The average daily intake of self‐administered Meth was 3.6 ± 0.2 mg/kg/3 h over 14 sessions. Subsequently, animals were killed and the brains harvested at 1, 7, 28 or 56 days of abstinence. Post mortem, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunostaining in the dorsal striatum progressively decreased throughout abstinence, reaching a 50% loss at 56 days. In the substantia nigra, there was marked reduction of TH+ cells, and Fluorogold (retrograde tracer) transport from the striatum to the nigra, at 28 and 56 days after Meth. Thus, Meth‐induced progressive nigrostriatal damage occurred retrogradely, similar to PD pathology. The mesolimbic dopamine pathway [i.e. ventral tegmental area (VTA) and nucleus accumbens (NAc)], critical for Meth‐induced reward, was also evaluated. TH immunostaining was decreased in the NAc‐core at 28 and 56 days of forced abstinence, while staining in the dorsomedial NAc‐shell was preserved. Accordingly, TH+ cell loss was evident in the lateral VTA, the origin of projections to the NAc‐core, but not the medial VTA where NAc‐shell projections originate. Thus, after Meth‐taking ceased, a time‐dependent, progressive degeneration occurred within nigrostriatal projections that eventually engulfed lateral mesolimbic projections. This pathological pattern is consistent with a trajectory for developing PD; therefore, these findings provide preclinical support for Meth abuse to increase vulnerability to developing PD.
Patient involvement in research programming and implementation
Authors: Abma Tineke A. , Pittens Carina A.C.M. , Visse Merel , Elberse Janneke E. , Broerse Jacqueline E.W.
Published: May 2014

Background

The Dialogue Model for research agenda‐setting, involving multiple stakeholders including patients, was developed and validated in the Netherlands. However, there is little insight into whether and how patient involvement is sustained during the programming and implementation of research agendas.

Aim

To understand how the Dialogue Model can be optimised by focusing on programming and implementation, in order to stimulate the inclusion of (the perspectives of) patients in research.

Methods

A responsive evaluation of the programming and implementation phases of nine agenda‐setting projects that had used the Dialogue Model for agenda‐setting was conducted. Fifty‐four semi‐structured interviews were held with different stakeholders (patients, researchers, funding agencies). Three focus groups with patients, funding agencies and researchers (16 participants) were organized to validate the findings.

Results

Patient involvement in programming and implementation of the research agendas was limited. This was partly related to poor programming and implementation, partly to pitfalls in earlier phases of the agenda‐setting. Optimization of the Dialogue Model is possible by attending to the nature of the agenda and its intended use in earlier phases. Attention should also be given to the ambassadors and intended users of agenda topics. Support is needed during programming and implementation to organize patient involvement and adapt organizational structures like review procedures. In all phases the attitude to patient involvement, stakeholder participation, especially of researchers, and formal and informal relationships between parties need to be addressed to build a strong relationship with a shared goal.

Conclusion

Patient involvement in agenda‐setting is not automatically followed by patient involvement in programming and implementation. More attention should be paid, in earlier stages, to the attitude and engagement of researchers and funding agencies.
Spectrum of histopathological changes encountered in stented colorectal carcinomas
Authors: Fryer Eve , Gorissen Kim J , Wang Lai Mun , Guy Richard , Chetty Runjan
Published: May 2014

Aims

Self‐expanding metallic stents (SEMS) are increasingly being used in obstructing colorectal cancer (CRC) as a ‘bridge to surgery’, allowing conversion of potentially high‐risk emergency resections to elective procedures. Stenting may cause a wide array of histological changes. We present the largest series to date of stented CRC, performed and reported at a single institution.

Methods and results

Stented CRC specimens received in January 2006 to December 2011 were identified from our pathology database. Slides for each case were independently reviewed by two pathologists, and a consensus was reached. A total of 72 CRCs were identified, 15 at or proximal to the splenic flexure, and 57 left‐sided. Thirty‐six were stage pT3 and 36 were stage pT4. Perforation was observed in 14 cases. The effects of stenting on the tumour included tumour necrosis (100%) and flat ulceration (77.8%). The spectrum of changes in the background bowel included mimics of inflammatory bowel disease, tumour regression post‐neoadjuvant therapy, and ischaemia.

Conclusions

Given the inclusion of stenting of CRC as a bridge to surgery in the current NICE guidelines, we expect to see increasing numbers of such cases. In our study, a range of changes were encountered that mimic other bowel diseases, from simple fissuring to chronic inflammatory bowel disease and neoadjuvant regression change.
Effects of MgO on Crystallization and Microwave Dielectric Properties of MgO‐Al2O3‐SiO2‐TiO2‐La2O3 Glass‐Ceramics
Authors: Wang Hui‐Juan , Li Bo‐Tao , Lin Hui‐Xing , Chen Wei , Luo Lan
Published: May 2014

A new glass‐ceramic material with dielectric constant εr~9–12 and optimum quality factor Q × f~29000 GHz was fabricated from xMgO‐1.2Al2O3‐2.8SiO2‐1.2TiO2‐0.4La2O3 (x = 1.0, 1.4, 1.8 and 2.2) system. The effects of MgO on crystallization, microstructure, and dielectric properties of the material were investigated by differential scanning calorimeter(DSC), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), and network analyzer. The results show that the glass‐ceramic consists of multicrystalline phases, including perrierite, cordierite, magnesium aluminotitanate (MAT), rutile, and spinel (MgAl2O4). Rising MgO content promotes the formation of MAT with compositions richer in magnesia, stabilizes spinel at high temperature, and at the same time suppresses the existence of rutile in the material. Quality factor Q × f value of the material is significantly improved with increasing MgO, which is mainly attributed to the existence of more MAT and spinel, while the drop of dielectric constant is related to the decrease in rutile.
Experiences of patients with borderline personality disorder with the brief admission intervention: A phenomenological study
Authors: Helleman Marjolein , Goossens Peter J. J. , Kaasenbrood Ad , van Achterberg Theo
Published: May 2014

Brief admission is a crisis intervention for patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD), and refers to a clinical admission at a psychiatric hospital for a period of 1–5 nights. Patients formulate a treatment plan together with their community mental health nurse about the maximum frequency allowed for these brief admissions. The purpose of the study was to describe the lived experiences of patients with BPD with use of the brief admission intervention. The study used a phenomenological approach. Inclusion criteria were a diagnosis of BPD, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders–IV criteria; experience with brief admission, and sufficient understanding of the Dutch language. A total of 16 female patients and one male patient participated in the study. Thematic analysis of the transcripts of the interviews revealed four major meaning units: (i) organization of the brief admission; (ii) contact with a nurse; (iii) time out from daily life; and (iv) experienced value for the patient. Patients highlighted the quality of the contact with a nurse as the most important aspect of the brief admission. Nurses should be aware of the importance of connecting with patients who have BPD during a brief admission, particularly in light of the interpersonal hypersensitivity that characterizes these patients.
Implementing a major stream in mental health nursing: Barriers to effectiveness
Authors: Happell Brenda , McAllister Margaret
Published: May 2014

Changes to the educational preparation of the nursing workforce in mental health continue to have profound effects on the availability of sufficient numbers of skilled graduates willing to work in this field. The longevity of the problem has focused attention on possible solutions. Introducing a major stream in mental health nursing in undergraduate Bachelor of Nursing programmes was proposed and supported as a potentially beneficial strategy, adopted by some Australian universities. Despite the promise invested in this strategy, systematic evaluations to determine the effectiveness or otherwise of this approach were not initiated. A qualitative exploratory study was undertaken with Australian universities, which had implemented the major stream, regarding their experiences and observed outcomes. In‐depth interviews were conducted with a mental health nurse academic from each university. The barriers to the effectiveness of the major in mental health nursing are the specific focus of this paper. Thematic data analysis revealed three main barriers: clinical placements, lack of support from other academics, and integrated curricula. These barriers substantially limited the effectiveness of this strategy – in some instances, leading to the programme's termination – and must be assertively addressed to maximize the potential of the major in mental health nursing.
How clinicians manage access to opioid replacement therapy
Authors: Harlow Warren , Happell Brenda , Browne Graeme
Published: May 2014

In Australia, people wait to access opioid replacement therapy (ORT). The aim of this study was to examine how clinicians (n = 35) prioritize consumers for opioid replacement therapy (ORT). The study used a methodology informed by a constructivist approach to grounded theory. Based on a scenario related to two consumers seeking admission to opioid replacement therapy (ORT), participants were asked to prioritize one for preferential admission and questioned about their decision‐making. Clinicians were neither confident nor unanimous in their decision‐making. Team involvement and work experience influenced their judgment. Differences between clinicians in regard to understanding risks and protective factors were identified. To support uniformity in managing treatment requests, clearer policy direction to gui clinician practice, and further exploration of how models of care and team involvement influence consumer outcomes, are recommended.
Research participation by people with intellectual disability and mental health issues: An examination of the processes of consent
Authors: Taua Chris , Neville Christine , Hepworth Julie
Published: May 2014

Balancing the demands of research and ethics is always challenging, and even more so when recruiting vulnerable groups. Within the context of current legislation and international human rights declarations, it is strongly advocated that research can and must be undertaken with all recipients of health‐care services. Research in the field of intellectual disability presents particular challenges in regards to consenting processes. This paper is a reflective overview and analysis of the complex processes undertaken, and events that occurred in gaining informed consent from people with intellectual disability to participate in a study exploring their experiences of being an inpatient in mental health hospitals within Aotearoa/New Zealand. A framework based on capacity, information, and voluntariness is presented, with excerpts from the field provided to explore consenting processes. The practical implications of the processes utilized are then discussed in order to stimulate debate regarding clearer and enhanced methods of gaining informed consent from people with intellectual disability.
Combining biased randomization with iterated local search for solving the multidepot vehicle routing problem
Authors: Juan Angel A. , Pascual Iñaki , Guimarans Daniel , Barrios Barry
Published: May 2014

This paper proposes a hybrid approach for solving the multidepot vehicle routing problem (MDVRP) with a limited number of identical vehicles per depot. Our approach, which only uses a few parameters, combines “biased randomization”—use of nonsymmetric probability distributions to generate randomness—with the iterated local search (ILS) metaheuristic. Two biased‐randomized processes are employed at different stages of the ILS framework in order to (a) assign customers to depots following a randomized priority criterion—this allows for fast generation of alternative allocation maps and (b) improving routing solutions associated with a “promising” allocation map—this is done by randomizing the classical savings heuristic. These biased‐randomized processes rely on the use of the geometric probability distribution, which is characterized by a single and bounded parameter. Being an approach with few parameters, our algorithm does not require troublesome fine‐tuning processes, which tend to be time consuming. Using standard benchmarks, the computational experiments show the efficiency of the proposed algorithm. Despite its hybrid nature, our approach is relatively easy to implement and can be parallelized in a very natural way, which makes it an interesting alternative for practical applications of the MDVRP.
Chemical Expansion Due to Hydration of Proton‐Conducting Perovskite Oxide Ceramics
Authors: Andersson Annika K. E. , Selbach Sverre M. , Knee Christopher S. , Grande Tor
Published: May 2014

The crystal structures of proton‐conducting BaZr1−xYxO3−x/2 (BZY05–BZY20) and BaCe0.8Y0.2O2.9 (BCY20) during hydration/dehydration has been studied by in situ high‐temperature X‐ray diffraction and thermal analysis. A contraction/expansion of the crystal lattice associated with dehydration/hydration was observed for all materials at elevated temperatures and the polymorphic phase transition temperatures of BaCe0.8Y0.2O2.9 were depressed by lowering the vapor pressure of water. A thermodynamic formalism is introduced to describe the chemical expansion associated with the hydration of oxygen vacancies in acceptor‐doped oxides. A conventional point defect model was applied to describe the lattice strain associated with the hydration. The chemical expansion is discussed with respect to the available volumetric data on the hydration of proton‐conducting oxide materials and its likely impact on ceramic fuel cells/hydrogen separation membranes utilizing a proton‐conducting electrolyte.
Low‐Temperature Sintering and Microwave Dielectric Properties of CaMoO4‐Based Temperature Stable LTCC Material
Authors: Pang Li‐Xia , Zhou Di , Liu Wei‐Guo
Published: May 2014

The CaMoO4–xY2O3–xLi2O ceramics were prepared by the solid‐state reaction method. The sintering behavior, phase evolution, microstructure, and microwave dielectric properties were investigated. CaMoO4 solid solution was obtained when x = 0.030, and two‐phase system including tetragonal CaMoO4 phase and cubic Y2O3 phase formed when 0.066 ≤ x ≤ 1.417. A temperature stable CaMoO4‐based microwave dielectric ceramic with ultralow sintering temperature (775°C) was obtained in the CaMoO4–xY2O3–xLi2O system when x = 0.306, which showed good microwave dielectric properties with a low permittivity of 9.5, a high Qf value of 63 240 GHz, and a near‐zero temperature coefficient of resonant frequency of +7.2 ppm/°C.
Characterization of Mechanical Loss in Piezoelectric Materials Using Temperature and Vibration Measurements
Authors: Shekhani Husain N. , Uchino Kenji
Published: May 2014

In this research, a unique approach for characterizing mechanical loss in piezoelectric materials is developed. Instead of characterizing mechanical loss through electrical measurements, thermal and mechanical measurements are used. A comprehensive heat transfer model has been developed to describe the temperature rise due to heat generation in piezoelectric materials in resonance conditions. Using this model, along with experimental temperature and vibration measurements, the mechanical quality factor can be calculated. Advantages of this method over electrical impedance methods include high sensitivity to change in losses due to precise temperature and vibration measurements and evaluation of losses from a single frequency (versus a frequency sweep). This method has been applied to a hard PZT ceramic at several frequencies near its fundamental resonance at a tip vibration velocity of 300 mm/s RMS. In these high power conditions, the standard deviation of the mechanical quality factor resulting from the impedance data was 15%, while those resulting from the new method are less than 2.5%. The results from the impedance measurements using a constant vibration velocity sweep agree with the magnitude of the quality factor calculated from new method, giving evidence to its validity.
Infancy predictors of hyperkinetic and pervasive developmental disorders at ages 5–7 years: results from the Copenhagen Child Cohort CCC2000
Authors: Elberling Hanne , Linneberg Allan , Olsen Else Marie , Houmann Tine , Rask Charlotte Ulrikka , Goodman Robert , Skovgaard Anne Mette
Published: May 2014

Background

Epidemiological studies infancy predictors of mental disorders are scarce.

Methods

The study is part of a longitudinal birth‐cohort study, The Copenhagen Child Cohort CCC2000. Infant mental health and development and mother‐infant relations were assessed by community health nurses from birth to age 10 months. Data on the perinatal period were obtained from Danish National Registers. Mental health outcome at age 5–7 years was investigated in 1,585 children who were assessed by the Developmental and Well‐Being Assessment (DAWBA) and diagnosed according to the ICD‐10.

Results

Predictors of autism spectrum disorders were problems of oral‐motor development OR 5.02 (95% CI: 1.63–15.42) and overall development OR 4.24 (95% CI: 1.35–13.33). A deviant pattern of activity and interests were predictive of autism spectrum disorder, OR 5.34 (95% CI 1.45–19.70) and hyperkinetic disorder, OR 4.71 (95% CI: 1.28–17.39). Hyperkinetic disorder was furthermore predicted by mother‐infant relationship problems, OR 8.07 (95% CI: 2.90–22.47). The significant associations between infant developmental problems and autism spectrum disorders persisted in multiple logistic regression analyses controlled for maternal psychological problems and mother‐infant relationship problems, OR 3.21 (95% CI: 1.09–9.45). Mother‐infant relationship problems remained strongly associated to hyperkinetic disorders in the multivariate analyses controlled for child development problems and maternal psychological problems, OR 5.20 (95% CI: 1.55–17.47). No significant infancy predictors were found regarding emotional and behavioural disorders at age 5–7 years.

Conclusion

Predictors of autism spectrum/pervasive developmental disorders and hyperkinetic disorders at child age 5–7 years were identified between birth and child age 10 months in community health settings. The study results suggest potential areas of early preventive intervention, which have to be further explored regarding the psychometric qualities of the identification of infants at risk, and concerning methods to handle and intervene towards these children in the general child health surveillance.