bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the efficacy of mediation in cases of workplace bullying
Authors: Lempp Frieder , Blackwood Kate , Gordon Megan
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the extent to which mediation constitutes an appropriate and effective intervention in cases of alleged workplace bullying.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was collected from 25 practising mediators in New Zealand by way of semi-structured interviews. The transcribed data was analysed by way of thematic analysis using the software NVivo11. The features of bullying cases identified as potential concerns for mediation in the literature acted as a coding framework, alongside the analytical framework for assessing dispute resolution processes developed by John Budd and Alexander Colvin.

Findings

A thematic analysis of the data revealed four key features of bullying experiences that mediators believed influenced the efficacy of the mediation process: emotional stability of the parties; power imbalance between the parties; insight and differing interpretations; and the impact of organisational context. Further, the analysis revealed two strategies to overcome barriers to the efficacy of mediation: considering mediation as part of a broader range of dispute resolution processes; and encouraging early low-level mediation intervention.

Research limitations/implications

This study only elicited the views of workplace mediators, many of whom were self-employed. Thus, the participants in the sample were likely to speak positively about the use of mediation. In part, this was helpful because the mediators spoke largely about how they made the process work allowing identification of techniques to improve the efficacy of mediation. However, future research is needed to explore the views of other parties, including parties to a bullying mediation, managers and/or human resources (HR) personnel.

Practical implications

Five recommendations for workplace mediators dealing with bullying cases are suggested: mediators should screen the emotional stability of the parties during the initial stages of the mediation; mediators should discuss with the parties the possibility and potential benefits of bringing along a support person; mediators should view their role more widely to influence the wider organisational contexts in which bullying occurs; informal mediation should take place before the escalation of a bullying experience; and mediators should consider completing an investigation prior to the start of the mediation.

Originality/value

Prior empirical studies on the efficacy of workplace mediation have not specifically investigated the use of mediation for bullying cases. This study addresses this gap in that it provides empirical support for the proposition that mediation in cases of bullying may only be appropriate under certain circumstances and that a flexible approach to mediation is required.
Does inequality benefit growth? New evidence using a panel VAR approach
Authors: Silva Marcelo Eduardo Alves da
Published: January 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the dynamic relationship between economic growth and income inequality, an issue that has not found a clear consensus in the literature.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a Panel VAR approach, using state-level data for Brazil, to assess the dynamic effects of inequality on economic growth and vice versa.

Findings

The paper shows that inequality shocks lead to higher economic growth, therefore supporting the view that, in poor countries, higher inequality does benefit economic growth. The paper also presents evidence that higher growth leads to lower income inequality. The results are robust to different inequality measures and when a measure of human capital accumulation is included in the estimation.

Originality/value

Recent evidence has favored the idea that higher inequality hurts economic growth. This paper shows that this might not be the case when the dynamic relationship between growth and inequality is examined in a developing country with high inequality and capital market imperfections.
Crude oil and GCC stock markets
Authors: Alqahtani Abdullah , Lahiani Amine , Salem Ali
Published: January 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the transmission of international oil prices to the stock market indices of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries over the weekly period from April 07, 2004, to August 15, 2018.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use the augmented Dickey–Fuller (ADF) unit root test to check the order of integration of data series. Afterward, the authors use the ordinary least square method to determine the spillover of international oil prices to the stock markets of GCC countries while accounting for the time-varying volatility of oil and stock market returns through the generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity. Then, the Johansen (1991) cointegration test is used to determine the long-run equilibrium relationship. Finally, the Granger (1969) causality test is used to determine the short-run causal effects between oil and the stock markets returns of GCC countries.

Findings

The findings indicate that the stock markets of GCC countries are efficient and respond significantly to international oil prices and evidence of high volatility associated with oil returns.

Originality/value

Investors and portfolio managers should consider the association between international oil prices and GCC stock returns when allocating their funds for diversification strategy. Moreover, policymakers should better understand the behavior of local stock markets.
Interaction effect of entrepreneurial orientation and stakeholder orientation on the business performance of firms in the steel fabrication industry in Thailand
Authors: Vaitoonkiat Ekawee , Charoensukmongkol Peerayuth
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the interaction effect of entrepreneurial orientation and stakeholder orientation on the business performance of small and medium enterprises. In particular, four components of stakeholder orientation including customer orientation, competitor orientation, employee orientation and shareholder orientation were considered as the moderating factors to analyze the interaction effect between each of these stakeholder groups and the entrepreneurial orientation on firms’ performance. This research used resources-based views of firms and stakeholder theory as an integrated theoretical framework to explain the interaction effect of entrepreneurial orientation and stakeholder orientation on firms’ performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data were collected from 370 small and medium firms in the steel fabrication industry in Thailand using probability sampling. Partial least-squares structural equation modeling was used for model estimation.

Findings

The results significantly supported a positive contribution of entrepreneurial orientation to firms’ performance. The moderating effect analysis additionally found that the contribution of entrepreneurial orientation to firms’ performance was positively moderated by customer orientation but negatively moderated by shareholder orientation.

Originality/value

This research extended prior studies on entrepreneurial orientation by using resource-based views of firms and stakeholder theory as an integrated theoretical framework to explain the interaction effect of entrepreneurial orientation and stakeholder orientation on firms’ performance.
Offshore trading activities and audit fees: a textual approach
Authors: Zhang Janus Jian , Ke Yun , Li Shuo , Zhang Yanan
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether and how auditors’ pricing decisions are affected by their clients’ offshore trading activities, which are comprehensively measured through a textual analysis technique.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors identified a sample of 32,264 firm-year observations from publicly listed firms in the US during 2004 to 2015. The authors then used multivariate regressions to examine the effect of offshore trading activities on audit fees. In the regression models, the authors also control for a series of factors that are documented to influence audit pricing.

Findings

The authors find that offshore trading activities are positively associated with audit fees, suggesting that offshore activities are likely to increase a client firm’s business risk and/or the extent of client complexity. The authors also find that auditors charge higher audit fees only to firms purchasing inputs produced by their own assets overseas but not to firms buying inputs produced by local firms overseas. Moreover, the association between offshore trading activities and audit fees is more pronounced for offshore activities that are in countries with high trading centrality, for Big 4 auditors, or for auditors with industry expertise.

Originality/value

This paper extends the literature on the consequences of offshore activities by providing evidence on how auditors react to offshore activities. Moreover, it contributes to the audit fee literature. Prior studies largely focus on client-level determinants, while this study complements this line of literature by identifying firm’s offshore activities as an important risk indicator, which is perceived by auditors in their pricing decisions. A firm’s offshore activity is unique because the risk implication of the offshore activities depends not only on factors within the firm, but also on factors outside the firm in foreign nations.
Female audit committee directorship and audit fees
Authors: Mnif Sellami Yosra , Cherif Imen
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the association between female audit committee representation and audit fees, taking into account their demographic attributes.

Design/methodology/approach

Research hypotheses have been tested by performing both univariate and multivariate analyses based on a sample of 790 firm-year observations from Swedish listed firms, spanning the period 2013-2017.

Findings

Initial finding derived from the empirical analyses provides consistent evidence of a positive association between female audit committee representation and audit fees. Controlling for self-selection bias, this finding holds unchanged. Therefore, female directors are voluntarily appointed to the companies audit committees. Including demographic attributes of women directors sitting in audit committees in the audit fees, models show that increased audit fees is driven by the level of female directors’ professional experience rather than their mere representation. Results from supplementary analysis document that the positive relationship between female audit committee representation and audit fees is more pronounced when the partner in charge of the audit engagement is a female, indicating that women presence on both the demand and supply-side of audit pricing enhance audit quality more importantly than when women are present on only the demand-side position of audit fees.

Originality/value

This study extends beyond recently published literature on the relation between audit committee gender-diversity and audit fees by offering a novel insight on demographic attributes of female directors enabling them to demand higher quality audits, as reflected by increased audit fees.
Antecedents to Indian consumers’ perception of green apparel benefits
Authors: Khare Arpita
Published: January 2020

Purpose

This study aims to examine the influence of past environmental behaviour, green peer influence and green apparel knowledge on the subject of Indian consumers’ evaluation of the perceived benefits of green apparel.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was collected through a mall intercept technique in 10 cities across India.

Findings

Past environmental behaviour, green peer influence and green apparel knowledge had an impact on green apparel perceived benefits. Perceived benefits comprise of product attributes such as awareness of fair trade practices, the perceived value in buying fair trade clothes, and enhancement of self-image.

Research limitations/implications

The research did not examine the impact of demographics and lifestyle on green apparel buying or the influence of product attributes such as quality, price and functional features in predicting consumers’ behaviour towards green apparel.

Practical implications

Green apparel manufacturers should focus on altruistic, physical and aesthetic product attributes. Green apparel can be marketed as a distinct product that communicates environment-friendly commitment. The social influence could be used to spread awareness about green apparel benefits.

Originality/value

There is little research on consumers’ perception of the benefits and value of green apparel in India. The study looks into altruistic and physical product features of green clothing and their role in enhancing an individual’s self-identity.
Development of SPI/AC/PVA nano-composite for air-filtration and purification
Authors: Nallathambi Gobi , Robert Berly , Esmeralda Sharon Preethi , Kumaravel Janani , Parthiban Vinitha
Published: January 2020

Purpose

Development of high efficiency nanofibrous air filter membrane by electrospinning process, to address the air pollution (both the particulate matter and the gaseous components) problem, which has become a major environmental concern.

Design/methodology/approach

By exploiting the advantage of active sites on soy protein isolate (SPI), the very high surface area of micro-pore rich activated carbon (AC) and the biocompatibility and biodegradable nature of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The authors have developed a SPI/AC/PVA hybrid membrane. Spun-bond nonwoven substrate was used as the support material to enhance the mechanical properties and also the filter handling properties. The properties of nanofibrous membrane including morphology, air permeability, filtration efficiency and formaldehyde absorption test were carried out as per standard test methods.

Findings

SPI-based membrane offers a great potential in air filtration/purification applications. Its potential to capture glancing pollutants at the molecular level is because of the presence of numerous functional groups on the soy protein surface, which enhances the adsorption of particulate matter and toxic gases, even bacteria and viruses to its surface.

Originality/value

The results are anticipated to provide a potential method to promote the development of a nanofibrous membrane, which can act as a high performance, dual function and eco-friendly air filter/purifier.
A linear computationally efficient Kalman filter for robust attitude estimation from horizon measurements and GNSS observations
Authors: Liu Changhua , Qian Jide , Wang Zuocai , Wu Jin
Published: January 2020

Purpose

For fixed-wing micro air vehicles, the attitude determination is usually produced by the horizon/Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) in which the GNSS provides yaw estimates, while roll and pitch are computed using horizon sensors. However, the attitude determination has been independently obtained from the two sensors, which will result in insufficient usage of data. Also, when implementing attitude determination algorithms on embedded platforms, the computational resources are highly restricted. This paper aims to propose a computationally efficient linear Kalman filter to solve the problem.

Design/methodology/approach

The observation model is in the form of a least-square optimization composed by GNSS and horizontal measurements. Analytical quaternion solution along with its covariance is derived to significantly speed up on-chip computation.

Findings

The reconstructed attitude from Horizon/GNSS is integrated with quaternion kinematic equation from gyroscopic data that builds up a fast linear Kalman filter. The proposed filter does not involve coupling effects presented in existing works and will be more robust encountering bad GNSS measurements.

Originality/value

Electronic systems are designed on a real-world fixed-wing plane. Experiments are conducted on this platform that show comparisons on the accuracy and computation execution time of the proposed method and existing representatives. The results indicate that the proposed algorithm is accurate and much faster computation speed in studied scenarios.
Over 80 years without major disturbance, late‐successional Białowieża woodlands exhibit complex dynamism, with coherent compositional shifts towards true old‐growth conditions
Authors: Brzeziecki Bogdan , Woods Kerry , Bolibok Leszek , Zajączkowski Jacek , Drozdowski Stanisław , Bielak Kamil , Żybura Henryk
Published: January 2020

Controversies about successional dynamics of woodland communities have a long history, dating back to the classical debates between Clements and Gleason and continuing into the present. These debates have largely concerned the predictability or convergence of forest developmental trends as well as the relative importance of different mechanisms and forces driving forest succession. However, opportunities for rigorous testing of competing hypotheses are limited, mainly because plot‐based studies of forest vegetation spanning more than a decade are scarce and even fewer concern late‐successional stands.

We exploit a unique long‐term dataset from mesic temperate forests of eastern Poland, spanning c. 80 years (1936–2012) in strictly protected, late‐successional woodlands assigned to seven different ‘structural types’. We use non‐metric multidimensional scaling to assess the stability of species composition over the study period. We examine the predictability of composition and change trajectories over time using Mantel statistics, and we examine the changes in distributions of dissimilarity indices to assess convergence or divergence at the examined time and spatial scales.

Tree communities in Białowieża Forest have changed substantially over the last eight decades. Several species (aspen, birch, pine, oak, ash, maple and spruce) exhibited large decreases in density, while a few other species (especially hornbeam and lime) have increased in importance across a wide range of initial compositional types. Forest types recognized in earlier periods have become much less distinguishable. Metrics do not yet show clear successional convergence, mainly due to (a) decline in the previously broadly distributed spruce and (b) persistence of large individuals of intermediate, long‐lived species (even though these species lack significant regeneration).

Synthesis. Late‐successional woodland communities of Białowieża Forest are clearly dynamic and do not show quasi‐equilibrial properties often assumed of old‐growth forests. Forest types previously recognized as distinct have become progressively less differentiated. Plausible explanations invoke alteration in competitive relationships due to complex changes in environment, including warming climate, N deposition, natural and human disturbance, and ungulate herbivory over 80 years. Hornbeam and lime have been favoured over spruce, pine, oak and birch, although potential successional convergence is far from complete at this time. In the absence of major disturbance, we expect future decades to show continued successional homogenization.
Network measures in animal social network analysis: Their strengths, limits, interpretations and uses
Authors: Sosa Sebastian , Sueur Cédric , Puga‐Gonzalez Ivan
Published: January 2020

We provide an overview of the most commonly used social network measures in animal research for static networks or time‐aggregated networks.

For each of these measures, we provide clear explanations as to what they measure, we describe their respective variants, we underline the necessity to consider these variants according to the research question addressed, and we indicate considerations that have not been taken so far.

We provide a guideline indicating how to use them depending on the data collection protocol, the social system studied and the research question addressed. Finally, we inform about the existent gaps and remaining challenges in the use of several variants and provide future research directions.
Where's the wine? Heavy social drinkers show attentional bias towards alcohol in a visual conjunction search task
Authors: Pennington Charlotte R. , Shaw Daniel J. , Adams Jennifer , Kavanagh Phoebe , Reed Holly , Robinson Madeleine , Shave Emily , White Hollie
Published: January 2020

Background and Aims

Research indicates that high consumers of alcohol exhibit attentional bias (AB) towards alcohol‐related cues, suggestive of a cognitive mechanism that might drive substance seeking. Many tasks that measure AB (e.g. visual probe, addiction Stroop), however, are limited by their reliance on non‐appetitive control cues, the serial presentation of stimuli and their poor internal reliability. The current study employed a visual conjunction search (VCS) task capable of presenting multiple alcoholic and non‐alcoholic appetitive cues simultaneously to assess whether social drinkers attend selectively to alcoholic stimuli. To assess the construct validity of this task, we examined whether alcohol consumption and related problems, subjective craving and drinking motives predict alcohol‐specific AB.

Design and setting

A VCS task was performed in a laboratory setting, which required participants to detect the presence of appetitive alcoholic (wine, beer) and non‐alcoholic (cola, lemonade) targets within arrays of matching and non‐matching distractors.

Participants

Data from 99 participants were assessed [meanage = 20.77, standard deviation (SD) = 2.98; 64 (65%) females], with 81.8% meeting the threshold for harmful alcohol consumption (meanAUDIT = 12.89, SD = 5.79).

Measurements

Self‐reports of alcohol consumption and related problems [Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT)], subjective craving (Alcohol Craving Questionnaire Short Form) and drinking motives (Drinking Motives Questionnaire Short Form) were obtained, and the VCS task measured response times for the correct detection of alcoholic and non‐alcoholic targets.

Findings

Participants were significantly quicker to detect alcoholic relative to non‐alcoholic appetitive targets (P < 0.001, dz = 0.41), which was predicted positively by AUDIT scores (P = 0.013, R2 = 0.06%). The VCS task achieved excellent reliability (α > 0.79), superior to other paradigms.

Conclusions

The visual conjunction search task appears to be a highly reliable method for assessing alcohol‐related attentional bias, and shows that heavy social drinkers prioritize alcoholic cues in their immediate environment.
The effects of vaping electronic cigarettes on periodontitis
Authors: Karaaslan F , Dikilitaş A , Yiğit U
Published: January 2020

Background

Electronic cigarettes (E‐cigs) have been gaining popularity, increasingly used to help reduce or cease smoking traditional cigarettes (T‐cigs). Although E‐cigs are considered a far less harmful alternative to T‐cigs, there is not enough information regarding the effects of vaping E‐cigs on periodontal health.

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of vaping E‐cigs, smoking T‐cigs and smoking cessation on oxidative stress markers, proinflammatory cytokines levels and periodontal clinical parameters in patients with periodontitis.

Methods

The study included a total of 57 individuals who were divided into three groups: T‐cig smokers (Group I, n = 19), E‐cig vapers (Group II, n = 19) and former smokers (Group III, n = 19). Full‐mouth clinical periodontal parameters were recorded and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples were collected.

Results

The mean interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) level of Group I (70.47 ± 2.76) was significantly lower than in Groups II and III. The mean tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) level of Group I (4.20 ± 0.14) was significantly higher than in Groups II and III.

Conclusions

T‐cigs and vaping E‐cigs had the same unfavourable effects on the markers of oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines.
Palliative care needs of direct care workers caring for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Authors: Gray Jennifer A. , Kim Jinsook
Published: January 2020

Accessible summary

Palliative care is a holistic model of care that lessens suffering and improves quality of life for individuals who are very sick.

As people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (PWIDD) get very sick, direct care workers (DCWs) are more likely to provide palliative care.

Researchers need to know more about what palliative care training DCWs need.

One hundred and forty‐nine (149) DCWs filled out surveys about their palliative care training needs.

The research showed that DCWs need more training in certain areas, such as cultural competence, effective communication, post‐death logistics and legal matters.

Background

Direct care workers (DCWs) caring for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (PWIDD) provide palliative care, but research indicates DCWs are ill‐equipped to do so. This study aimed to assess DCWs’ palliative care experience and training and their perceived training needs.

Materials and Methods

Staff trained as DCWs (n = 149) in organisations that serve PWIDD were surveyed in suburban and rural areas of a U.S. Midwestern state. Descriptive statistics were run, including t tests, analysis of variance, Scheffe's tests for pairwise comparison, Pearson's correlation, Fisher's exact tests and chi‐square tests.

Results

Participants reported limited experience in legal matters, yet had substantial experience in assisting PWIDD with pain, distress and bereavement. Training was inadequate but desired for cultural competence, effective communication, post‐death logistics and legal matters. Rural DCWs reported less palliative care experience and training than suburban counterparts.

Conclusions

The results demonstrate the need for specific types of palliative care training among DCWs caring for PWIDD and that such training should be prioritised in rural agencies. Future research can explore ways to maximise training effectiveness.
A value‐based healthcare approach: Health‐related quality of life and psychosocial functioning in women with Turner syndrome
Authors: van den Hoven Allard T. , Bons Lidia R. , Dykgraaf Ramon H. M. , Dessens Arianne B. , Pastoor Hester , de Graaff Laura C. G. , Metselaar Mick R. , Kneppers‐ Swets Annemiek , Kardys Isabella , Mijnarends Hester , Zweerus Frank , Hazelzet Jan A. , Utens Elisabeth M. W. J. , van den Bosch Annemien E. , Roos‐Hesselink Jolien W.
Published: January 2020

Objective

As part of the value‐based healthcare programme in our hospital, a set of patient‐reported outcome measures was developed together with patients and implemented in the dedicated Turner Syndrome (TS) outpatient clinic. This study aims to investigate different aspects of health‐related quality of life (HR‐QoL) and psychosocial functioning in women with TS in order to establish new possible targets for therapy.

Design/Participants

A comprehensive set of questionnaires (EQ‐5D, PSS‐10, CIS‐20, Ferti‐QoL, FSFI) was developed and used to capture different aspects of HR‐QoL and psychosocial functioning in a large cohort of adult women with Turner syndrome. All consecutive women, ≥18 years, who visited the outpatient clinic of our tertiary centre were eligible for inclusion.

Results

Of the eligible 201 women who were invited to participate, 177 women (age 34 ± 12 years, mean ± SD) completed at least one of the validated questionnaires (88%). Women with TS reported a lower health‐related quality of life (EQ‐5D: 0.857 vs 0.892, P = .003), perceived more stress (PSS‐10:14.7 vs 13.3; P = .012) and experienced increased fatigue (CIS‐20: P < .001) compared to the general Dutch population. A relationship between noncardiac comorbidities (eg diabetes, orthopaedic complaints) and HR‐QoL was found (R = .508).

Conclusions

We showed that TS women suffer from impaired HR‐QoL, more perceived stress and increased fatigue compared to healthy controls. A relationship between noncardiac comorbidities and HR‐QoL was found. Especially perceived stress and increased fatigue can be considered targets for improvement of HR‐QoL in TS women.
The 5.8S pre‐rRNA maturation factor, M‐phase phosphoprotein 6, is a female fertility factor required for oocyte quality and meiosis
Authors: Peng Rui‐Rui , Wang Li‐Li , Gao Wen‐Yi , Zhu Feng‐Yu , Hu Fan , Zeng Wen‐Tao , Shi Li‐Ya , Chen Xi‐Chen , Cai Jing‐Yang , Zhang Dong , Xia Zheng‐Rong , Yang Zhi‐Xia
Published: January 2020

Objectives

M‐phase phosphoprotein 6 (MPP6) is important for 5.8S pre‐rRNA maturation in somatic cells and was screened as a female fertility factor. However, whether MPP6 functions in oocyte meiosis and fertility is not yet known. We aimed to address this.

Materials and Methods

Mouse oocytes with surrounded nucleus (SN) or non‐surrounded nucleus (NSN) were used for all experiments. Peptide nanoparticle‐mediated antibody transfection was used to deplete MPP6. Immunofluorescence staining, immunohistochemistry and live tracker staining were used to examine MPP6 localization and characterize phenotypes after control or MPP6 depletion. High‐fidelity PCR and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were used to examine the localization and level of 5.8S rRNAs. Western blot was used to examine the protein level. MPP6‐EGFP mRNA microinjection was used to do the rescue.

Results

MPP6 was enriched within ovaries and oocytes. MPP6 depletion significantly impeded oocyte meiosis. MPP6 depletion increased 5.8S pre‐rRNA. The mRNA levels of MPP6 and 5.8S rRNA decreased within ageing oocytes, and MPP6 mRNA injection partially increased 5.8S rRNA maturation and improved oocyte quality.

Conclusions

MPP6 is required for 5.8S rRNA maturation, meiosis and quality control in mouse oocytes, and MPP6 level might be a marker for oocyte quality.
Endothelial function and plasma matrix metalloproteinase‐2 levels and their association with the size and elastic properties of the ascending aorta in first‐degree relatives of bicuspid aortic valve patients
Authors: Li Yang , Wang Yi‐Bin , Zhang Ying , Zhao Shuai , Jin Peng , Li Lin , Du Huan , Sun Yi‐Xue
Published: January 2020

Purpose

To explore endothelial function and plasma matrix metalloproteinase‐2 levels and their association with the size and elastic properties of the ascending aorta in the first‐degree relatives (FDRs) with tricuspid aortic valve (TAV) of individuals with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV).

Methods

Twenty‐six patients with BAV without significant valvular dysfunction, 35 FDRs with TAV, and 29 matched healthy controls were analyzed. Two‐dimensional echocardiography and high‐resolution ultrasound were applied to evaluate the size and elasticity of the ascending aorta and the flow‐mediated vasodilation (FMD) of the brachial artery in response to hyperemia.

Results

The aortic diameter was larger in the BAV patients than in the FDRs and controls, and the aortic elastic properties showed larger decreases in the BAV patients. The FDRs had a larger aortic diameter and more impaired elastic properties than the controls. The BAV patients had a significantly lower FMD than the FDRs and controls (P < .001), while the FMD was lower in the FDRs than in the controls (P < .001). The plasma MMP‐2 levels were significantly higher in the BAV patients than in the FDRs (P = .001) and controls (P < .001). Additionally, the FDRs had higher plasma MMP‐2 levels than the controls (P < .001). Pearson correlation analysis revealed that the aortic diameter, distensibility, stiffness index, and strain were significantly associated with FMD and plasma MMP‐2 levels.

Conclusion

Aortic enlargement and impaired elasticity in the FDRs with TAV were associated with impaired endothelial function and increased plasma MMP‐2 concentrations.
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of clodronate disodium evaluated in plasma, synovial fluid and urine
Authors: Krueger Clarisa R. , Mitchell Colin F. , Leise Britta S. , Knych Heather K.
Published: January 2020

Background

Clodronate is a non‐nitrogenated bisphosphonate approved for use in horses. There are no peer‐reviewed published reports describing the pharmacokinetics or evaluating renal health indices and urinary excretion patterns in conjunction with plasma and synovial fluid concentration following the systemic administration of clodronate to horses.

Objectives

Describe clodronate concentrations in plasma, urine and synovial fluid and evaluate the effects on renal indices after intramuscular administration to healthy horses.

Study design

Experimental study with repeated measures.

Methods

Six healthy adult horses received a single intramuscular dose of clodronate (1.8 mg/kg). Blood, synovial fluid and urine were collected prior to and after administration of clodronate up to 72, 48 and 168 hours respectively. Drug concentrations were measured using LC‐MS/MS and noncompartmental pharmacokinetic analysis was performed. Renal function indices were also evaluated.

Results

Clodronate was quantifiable for up to 24 hours in plasma and 48 hours in synovial fluid and detected at all time points in urine. Maximum plasma concentration of clodronate 210 ± 68.2 ng/mL occurred at approximately 34.8 ± 0.2 minutes after administration, while peak synovial concentration (57.7 ± 32.8 ng/mL) occurred at 2.67 ± 2.32 hours after administration and peak urine concentration (88 358.2 ± 79 521.4 ng/mL) occurred at 2.67 ± 2.58 hours post administration. Terminal half‐life in plasma was 3.32 ± 1.25 and was 4.8 ± 3.05 hours in synovial fluid. Creatinine concentrations rose significantly after treatment but remained within normal adult reference ranges at all times.

Main limitations

Limited number of animals and sampling times and the absence of urine collection for determination of concentration beyond 7 days.

Conclusions

Clodronate is rapidly cleared from the blood and synovial fluid. It has variable and biphasic urinary excretion. While significant increase in blood creatinine concentrations was present after a single intramuscular dose of clodronate, values were never above the normal reference range. Further studies are warranted in horses undergoing exercise and those undergoing multiple dosing schemes.
Coherency strain induced hardening in bulk polycrystalline ceramics: A case study with MgO‐based “ceramic alloys”
Authors: Gurnani Luv , Kumar Udit , Mukhopadhyay Amartya
Published: January 2020

The role of coherency strain at the matrix/precipitate interface toward hardening of bulk polycrystalline “ceramic alloys” has been established here. Formation of “near ideal” bulk polycrystalline ceramic microstructure characterized by the presence of uniformly distributed coherent “ultra‐fine” MgCr2O4 particles (size: ~25 nm) within matrix (MgO) grains was achieved via solid‐state precipitation during aging treatment of bulk supersaturated MgO–Cr2O3 solid solutions (formed during pressureless sintering in air, followed by fast cooling). The as‐aged MgO–MgCr2O4 “ceramic alloys” exhibited hardness increment by ~73% over that of phase pure bulk MgO upon aging for just 10 hours at 1000°C in air. Evidences toward the presence of significant coherency strains across the MgO/MgCr2O4 coherent interfaces were obtained with transmission electron microscopy. Analysis based on hardening mechanisms and comparisons with MgO–MgFe2O4 system, having lesser hardening due to lower misfit strain at MgO/MgFe2O4 coherent interfaces (despite greater content of second‐phase particles), confirm the dominant role of coherency strains toward hardness enhancement in “ceramic alloys.”
Association between clinical specialty setting and disease management in patients with psoriatic arthritis: results from LOOP, a cross‐sectional, multi‐country, observational study
Authors: Boehncke W.H. , Horváth R. , Dalkiliç E. , Lima S.A.L. , Okada M. , Hojnik M. , Ganz F. , Lubrano E.
Published: January 2020

Background

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic and debilitating disease that can be managed by different clinical specialists.

Objectives

The objective of the LOOP study was to evaluate the impact of clinical specialty setting on the time to diagnosis and treatment of patients with PsA. Clinical disease activity and disease burden were also compared between clinical settings.

Methods

LOOP was a cross‐sectional, multicentre, observational study conducted in 17 countries in Western and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Latin America and Asia. Adult patients (≥18 years) with a suspected or established diagnosis of PsA who were routinely visiting a rheumatologist, dermatologist or non‐rheumatology/non‐dermatology physician were enrolled. All patients were assessed by both a rheumatologist and a dermatologist.

Results

Of 1483 enrolled patients, a total of 1273 had a confirmed diagnosis of PsA. There was no significant difference in the median time from onset of inflammatory musculoskeletal symptoms to PsA diagnosis between patients enrolled by rheumatologists and dermatologists (6.0 vs. 3.9 months). However, the median time from diagnosis to first treatment with a conventional synthetic disease‐modifying anti‐rheumatic drug (csDMARD) was significantly shorter in the rheumatology setting compared with the dermatology setting (0 vs. 2.0 months; P < 0.001). In addition, disease activity was significantly higher in the dermatology setting compared with the rheumatology setting.

Conclusions

Differences in the management and clinical status of patients with PsA were observed between the rheumatology and dermatology settings. Importantly, median time from diagnosis to first csDMARD was significantly shorter in the rheumatology setting, and patients in the dermatology setting had higher disease activity. These data show the importance of improved collaboration between rheumatologists and dermatologists.
Second opinions, multiple physician appointments, and overlapping prescriptions in the paediatric population: A systematic literature review
Authors: Biernikiewicz Małgorzata , Germain Nicola , Toumi Mondher
Published: January 2020

Objectives

Doctor shopping, double doctoring, and overlapping prescriptions are often used as synonyms for multiple physician appointments in the same disease episode. Such behaviours translate into poor patient satisfaction and patient‐doctor communication as well as abuse or misuse of drugs, increasing health care costs and resulting in negative health consequences. This systematic review of the literature was conducted to identify factors that drive doctor‐shopping behaviour in children's caregivers.

Methods

The search was conducted in PubMed and grey literature and was based on the following search terms: included doctor or physician shopping, drug seeking, double doctoring, children, and combinations of those. Overall, 500 records were identified, of which 11 were selected for qualitative synthesis. Data extracted considered definitions of doctor shopping, co‐morbidities, and target population characteristics.

Results

Definitions of doctor shopping were inconsistent. The frequency of doctor shopping was high for acute illnesses and ranged from 53% in children with a fever in Hong Kong to 18% at an emergency department in Canada. The incidence of this phenomenon was low when taking into account addictive drugs and was rated at 0.02% to 0.3% in the full paediatric population. This phenomenon was more prevalent in children younger than 1 year, in children with attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and co‐morbid psychiatric conditions, and in those whose caregivers themselves had psychiatric conditions. It was more frequent in cases with an acute disease (eg, fever, gastroenteritis, and urinary tract infection) than a chronic disease (eg, asthma).

Conclusions

The knowledge about doctor shopping by children's caregivers is limited, despite that this is a frequent behaviour. There is a need for further research covering a broader range of diseases. The causes and consequences of doctor shopping should be sought as well to investigate its relation to health care regulations and possibility to reduce unnecessary medical resource utilization.
Terminal ileum intubation is not associated with colonoscopy quality measures
Authors: Leiman David A , Jawitz Nicole G , Lin Li , Wood Richard K , Gellad Ziad F
Published: January 2020

Background and Aim

Intubation of the terminal ileum (TI) demonstrates a complete colonoscopy, but its clinical value during screening exams is unknown. We aimed to determine whether TI intubation during screening colonoscopy is associated with colonoscopy quality measures or identifies subclinical pathology.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study examining average‐risk screening colonoscopies performed at an academic health system between July 2016 and October 2017. Data were extracted from an internal colonoscopy quality registry and the electronic health record. Appropriate statistical tests were used for group comparisons, to correlate TI intubation rate (TIIR) with measures of colonoscopy quality and to examine factors associated with the likelihood of TI intubation.

Results

There were 7799 colonoscopies performed with adequate prep quality by 28 gastroenterologists. Most patients were female (56.4%) with a median age of 58. The median TIIR was 37.0%, with significant variability among physicians (2–93%). The detection rates for all polyps, adenomas, and sessile serrated polyps were 62.1%, 45.5%, and 7.2%, respectively, and none correlated with TIIR. Intubation of the TI was associated with significantly longer withdrawal times. In a random 10% sample of cases with TI intubation, no clinically significant pathology was found.

Conclusions

There is wide variability in TIIR among endoscopists. Except to provide photodocumentation of exam extent when other images may be difficult to obtain, the lack of correlation between TI intubation and meaningful clinical outcomes together with the associated time costs suggest routine TI intubation during screening colonoscopy may not be warranted.
A study of proximal esophageal baseline impedance in identifying and predicting laryngopharyngeal reflux
Authors: Chen Songfeng , Liang Mengya , Zhang Mengyu , Tan Niandi , Lin Yuqing , Cao Peixian , Xiao Yinglian
Published: January 2020

Background and Aim

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is caused by the reflux of gastric contents beyond the esophagus into the larynx and pharynx. However, upper esophageal sphincter (UES) motility and proximal esophagus reflux parameters are poorly studied. This study aims to explore the characteristics of UES motility and reflux parameter among LPR patients.

Methods

Patients with laryngopharyngeal symptoms only (L), patients with laryngopharyngeal symptoms and typical esophageal symptoms (L + E), patients with typical esophageal symptoms only (E), and healthy controls (H) were retrospectively included. Physiological profiles were studied and compared among groups using both high‐resolution manometry and pH–impedance monitoring, including UES basal pressure, residual pressure, relaxation duration time, recovery time, the time to nadir pressure, UES length, proximal contractile integral, and proximal mean nocturnal baseline impedance (MNBI). Patients' symptom outcomes were also analyzed.

Results

A total of 242 patients were included. Proximal MNBI was significantly lower in patients with both laryngopharyngeal and esophageal symptoms (17 cm above low esophageal sphincter [LES]: L vs L + E vs E vs H = 3689.7 vs 2500.0 vs 3073.0 vs 3996.0; 15 cm above LES: L vs L + E vs E vs H = 3155.9 vs 2553.4 vs 3198.9 vs 2985.2; P < 0.001). Patients responded to proton pump inhibitor treatment also had lower proximal MNBI than those who did not (17 cm above LES: 1834.0 vs 3500.0; 15 cm above LES: 1946.5 vs 3432.6; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Decreased proximal MNBI can not only identify LPR patients but also predict patients' symptom outcomes.
Comparison of immediate versus delayed streak plate inoculation on urine bacterial culture and susceptibility testing in dogs and cats
Authors: Coffey Emily L. , Little Kim , Seelig Davis M. , Rendahl Aaron K. , Granick Jennifer L.
Published: January 2020

Background

Quantitative bacterial culture and susceptibility testing is the gold standard diagnostic for determining bacterial urinary tract infection. Transport of samples to external reference laboratories is common practice in veterinary medicine.

Objective

To compare bacterial culture and susceptibility results from clinical urine samples when streak plate inoculation is performed immediately after sample collection versus after transport to a reference laboratory. To determine the clinical implications of discrepant culture results.

Animals

One hundred and ninety‐four canine and 45 feline urine samples that were submitted for urinalysis and urine culture and susceptibility testing.

Methods

This was a prospective, cross‐sectional study. Streak plate inoculations were performed on urine samples immediately after collection and also after transport to a reference laboratory. Samples were stored in plain sterile tubes and refrigerated up to 24 hours before transport. Culture results were compared, and discordant results were evaluated for clinical relevance. Signalment, comorbidities, lower urinary tract signs, and antimicrobial history were recorded.

Results

Kappa coefficient for agreement between plating methods was 0.884. Twenty‐two (71%) of 31 discrepant results were determined to have no clinical impact. Though 35% of clean midstream samples had discrepant culture results, only 8% of these had clinical impact. Conversely, 8.6% from cystocentesis were discrepant, but 41% of these had clinical impact.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Provided urine samples are stored and transported appropriately, the immediate preplating of urine for culture and susceptibility testing is unnecessary in the majority of cases. Despite more discrepancies in plating methods for midstream samples, the minority were of clinical importance.
Presence of congenital anomalies in three dog litters
Authors: Ortega‐Pacheco Antonio , Lezama‐García Mildred A. , Colín‐Flores Rafael , Jiménez‐Coello Matilde , Acevedo‐Arcique Carlos , Gutiérrez‐Blanco Eduardo
Published: January 2020

This report describes multiple congenital malformations found in three dog litters delivered by emergency caesarean section. In all of the litters, some puppies were born alive but were euthanized because of the seriousness of their malformations and low probability of survival. In two litters, gastroschisis was associated with amelia of the right anterior limb. Other malformations such as anencephaly were also found in three puppies among the different litters. This report describes the morphological findings of the affected puppies, discusses the most appropriate terminologies for each case and highlights the importance of an epidemiological survey to identify potential factors associated with the cases.