bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Which aspects of CSR predict firm market value?
Authors: Bajic Stevan , Yurtoglu Burcin
Published: May 2018

Purpose

There is evidence that corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices predict higher firm value, but little evidence on which specific aspects of CSR drive this relationship. The purpose of this paper is to study this question in a sample drawn from 35 countries over 2003-2016.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors employ a research design that analyzes observational data with panel data methods including ordinary least squares, firm-random effects, and firm-fixed effects.

Findings

The authors find in a sample drawn from 35 countries over 2003-2016 an economically significant relationship between an overall CSR measure and firm value. The overall CSR score builds on data from Asset4 and is comprised of three indices for environmental, social, and corporate governance aspects of CSR. The authors find that the social index consistently predicts higher market value. The authors also show that the use of particular elements of CSR can lead to substantial omitted variables bias when predicting firm value. The results also suggest a similar bias in studies that focus on a single index, which captures a specific aspect of CSR, but omits the remaining aspects.

Research limitations/implications

The study is subject to limitations common to observational studies.

Practical implications

The authors find robust evidence that CSR predicts market value using a country-benchmarked overall CSR index. The power to predict firm value comes solely from the social dimension of this measure, which captures firm-level practices related to treatment of employees and stakeholder relations including those with customers and the broader community. Three elements drive the social index: customer/product responsibility, human rights, and employment quality. None of the remaining 12 elements significantly predicts firm vale in an empirical setting with firm-FE and extensive covariates. The authors also show that omitted aspects of CSR can easily lead to an omitted variable bias and that the magnitude of this bias is potentially greater with an OLS specification.

Social implications

Among the many dimensions of CSR, only a subset drives firm value. Policies that target to improve the CSR performance of firms adopt a broader definition of CSR.

Originality/value

The authors provide first-hand evidence on which specific aspects of CSR drive firm market value.
Measuring family business performance: research trends and suggestions
Authors: Williams Jr Ralph I.
Published: May 2018

Purpose

Business performance measurement is vital to expanding knowledge of how various strategies and behaviors affect organization outcomes. Given the recent growth of the family business research field, it is appropriate to assess how researchers measure family business performance, seeking to provide thoughts related to how to improve family business performance measurement in research. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applies a systematic approach to review 338 family business performance studies published in peer-reviewed journals from 1980 through 2015.

Findings

Observations are presented from this exhaustive review, including the expansion of the family business research field, types of journals publishing family business studies, research topics, types of measures utilized, and others. In addition, potential gaps are identified and possible solutions are presented.

Originality/value

It appears no review of family business performance measurement in research is available. Observations from this review may assist researchers in measuring a vital metric, family business performance.
Small and medium technology enterprises in Zhongguancun and Silicon Valley
Authors: Trunina Anna , Liu Xielin , Chen Jian
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the understanding of similarities and differences between small and medium technology enterprises of Zhongguancun in China and Silicon Valley in the USA in the following aspects of their activities: scale, diversity and the strength of entrepreneurial networks; quality of collaboration network; reputation in the sense of stakeholders’ perception at the local market; and foreign networks.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a survey method. The analysis of variance statistical technique was applied to each aspect.

Findings

The investigation reveals that Chinese companies have more stakeholders among relatives and friends, government, universities, accounting/law, as well as collaborate more with competitors and suppliers, while the US companies have more and collaborate diverse relations with its clients. In America, companies tend to trust their partners more than they do in China. For Chinese companies, the local government appraises business more than the USA. Employees from the US companies also take more pride in telling others that they are members of the business. Domestic customers positively rate business products. Chinese companies actually have better access to foreign resources than the USA and collaborate more with their foreign stakeholders.

Practical implications

Understanding the distinctive features of each regional system is crucial for the success of small and medium technology enterprises for both Chinese and US entrepreneurs.

Originality/value

This paper is a pioneer in the comparison and analysis of the two regions.
TTO characteristics and university entrepreneurship: a cluster analysis
Authors: Fernandez-Alles Mariluz , Diánez-González Juan Pablo , Rodríguez-González Tamara , Villanueva-Flores Mercedes
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze potentially significant differences in a series of relevant characteristics of universities’ technology transfer offices (TTOs). To this end, TTOs have been classified by the function of their resources assigned to the enhancement of university entrepreneurship. The factors analyzed are the number of academic spin-offs created with the support of TTOs as well as the TTOs’ age, experience, professionalization and relational capital.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors have performed a hierarchical agglomerative cluster analysis to identify the groups of TTOs with homogeneous behavior and features. This multivariate technique allows determining whether it is possible to identify some differentiated conglomerates of TTOs.

Findings

The results of the cluster analysis allow concluding that the number of academic spin-offs created with the support of TTOs, the age and degree of professionalization of these TTOs, the experiences of their employees in matters related to entrepreneurship and their relationships with market actors explain the different levels of commitment of TTOs toward the enhancement of university entrepreneurship. In contrast with the expected results, the relationship between TTOs and academic actors does not seem to explain such differences.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the identification of the particular design characteristics that TTOs should exhibit to promote the entrepreneurial performance of universities, offering important recommendations to academic institutions regarding the efficient design of TTOs to manage university ambidexterity and to build TTOs’ entrepreneurial identity.
Cyber security assurance process from the internal audit perspective
Authors: Bozkus Kahyaoglu Sezer , Caliyurt Kiymet
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyze the cybersecurity assurance approaches to determine the key issues and weaknesses within the internal audit and risk management perspective. Organizations increasingly rely on digital data to drive their growth and they are interconnected in a complex web to a multitude of stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, cybersecurity is defined, and cybersecurity assurance model is explained based on the relevant literature. In addition, the role of internal auditing is introduced within this new business landscape. Finally, recommendations are made to provide best practices for stakeholders.

Findings

There are four major cyber-focused standards and frameworks in the current literature, namely, Control Objectives for Information and Related Technology, International Organization for Standardization, The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and National Institute of Standards and Technology. In addition, there are many mechanisms in existence and operation currently which support cybersecurity assurance to prevent major threats. These include risk assessment, risk treatment, risk management, security assurance and auditing.

Research limitations/implications

Cyber risk is not something that can be avoided; instead, it must be managed. Hence, it is very important to maintain formal documentation on related cyber controls. Internal audit should be an integral part of cybersecurity assurance process, as internal audit have a unique position to look across organizations. The contribution of internal audit also provides comfort to the Board and Audit Committee.

Practical implications

A model is introduced how the internal audit and information security functions could work together to support organizations accomplish a cost-effective level of information security. The key issues and approaches are explained for how to become a trusted cybersecurity advisor and a sample cybersecurity awareness program checklist is provided at Appendix 1.

Social implications

Considering cybersecurity threats grow with speed, complexity, and impact, organizations are no longer satisfied with an answer to a question like “are we secure?” instead, they need the answer for such a question like “how to give a reasonable assurance that our business will be secure enough?”. In that respect, the role of internal audit is discussed based on the relevant literature and the current condition of the business environment.

Originality/value

A model is introduced how the internal audit and information security functions could work together to support organizations accomplish a cost-effective level of information security. The key issues and approaches are explained for how to become a trusted cybersecurity advisor and a sample cybersecurity awareness program checklist is provided at Appendix 1.
Materiality disclosure in sustainability reporting: fostering stakeholder engagement
Authors: Ngu Sie Bing , Amran Azlan
Published: May 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to illustrate that stakeholder engagement is a fundamental step of the sustainability reporting process, as it assists in defining the materiality and relevance of the information communicated and enhances greater transparency and greater accountability to stakeholders.

Findings

In today’s corporate world, the role of stakeholder engagement has been recognized as being significant in completing the process for materiality disclosure in sustainability reporting, and it has become one of the vital elements in advancing sustainable development in the corporate sector. The materiality approach has been recommended as the instrument for scoping and defining the content for sustainability reporting or reports that only disclose issues that are considered material from the perspective of the stakeholders. This is relevant to both businesses and stakeholders.

Practical implications

The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the leading global companies in preparing their sustainability reports.
Psychological and physiological stress variations through casual and serious leisure
Authors: Kim Byung-Gook , Lee Sang-Kyung
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to identify the role of two kinds of leisure activities (i.e. casual and serious leisure) in reducing psychological and physiological stresses and, specifically, to investigate the differences between pre- and post-psychological and physiological stresses.

Design/methodology/approach

The data analyses were conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 20.0 program. Descriptive analyses were calculated to identify the characteristics of the sample, including gender, education and age. Because of the small sample size (n < 30), this study uses a nonparametric test. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to examine the differences between pre- and post-stresses of psychological and physiological approaches. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to examine the differences of stresses between the casual and serious leisure groups. In addition, the Kendall rank correlation coefficient was used to measure the association between leisure experiences and stresses.

Findings

The findings from this study indicated that pre-overall affective stress was significantly higher than post-overall affective stress. There were significant differences between pre- and post-physiological stresses during serious leisure. Research findings also suggested that serious leisure experiences have a significant and negative relationship with cognitive stress and physiological stress.

Research limitations/implications

The data were obtained from two different types of leisure setting, and hence, the generalizability of the study findings to other regions needs to be explored in future studies. Research across other leisure settings also might permit the validation of more stable relationships between leisure and stresses. Future research is needed to investigate other important antecedents of individuals’ psychological and physiological stresses in the leisure setting and may identify the complex nature of leisure participants’ perceptions and their relationships with experiences.

Originality/value

Despite the growth of stress and leisure research, physiological-based analyses in this area are limited. Numerous studies have focused on leisure coping with negative life events based on social psychological perspectives. The finding of this study would be helpful to leisure practitioners to manifest the strengths and opportunities of experiences and performances associated with the leisure activity.
Decision-making participation eulogizes probability of behavioral output; job satisfaction, and employee performance (evidence from professionals having low and high levels of perceived organizational support)
Authors: Shahzad Imran Ahmed , Farrukh Muhammad , Kanwal Nagina , Sakib Ali
Published: May 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test social exchange in the presence of perception about organizational support theory.

Design/methodology/approach

Data have been collected through a questionnaire survey at a primary level and were analyzed primarily by smartPLS.

Findings

Results show that all relationships among study variables are highly responsive to the perception about organizational support. Nonmonetary rewards create reciprocity of employee performance (EP), but their magnitudes get affected where practioners need to pay specific attention on employee perception about organizational discretionary arrangements.

Research limitations/implications

The sample size for this study was taken only 10 percent from the top ten banking organizations and these organizations were selected from three big cities only including two provincial capitals. Purposive/judgmental sampling technique is being used for the data collection purpose. As moving out from these cities earning opportunities, langue and behaviors are different; so, the results cannot be generalized to the entire country and other industries.

Practical implications

All managers who are intended and assigned for the increase in overall firms’ performances can achieve their targets and goals by focusing on decision-making participation (DMP) through job satisfaction. Further to this, in order to increase the strength of exchange relationship where firms can introduce DMP to increase employees’ performance, perception about organizational support (if it is to be focused) to its workers well-being can yield and induce employees to perform more.

Originality/value

This study ensures researchers not to forget to check the impact of perceived organizational support during a discussion on social exchange and more specifically nonmonetary part of the exchange. This study suggests the way to increase employee outcomes is by focusing on the employee perception about the organizational care about them and involving them in DMP which does not involve any monetary benefits and ultimately managers and organizations can concentrate on these points to have the overall increase in EP, while keeping themselves in limited or available budgets/resources.
Effects of Psidium guajava leaf extract on secretion systems of gram‐negative enteropathogenic bacteria
Authors: Nakasone Noboru , Ogura Yasunori , Higa Naomi , Toma Claudia , Koizumi Yukiko , Takaesu Giichi , Suzuki Toshihiko , Yamashiro Tetsu
Published: May 2018

In this study, 672 plant‐tissue extracts were screened for phytochemicals that inhibit the function of the type III secretion system (T3SS) of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) and enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC). Among candidates examined, an extract from the leaves of Psidium guajava (guava) was found to inhibit secretion of EPEC‐secreted protein B (EspB) from EPEC and EHEC without affecting bacterial growth. Guava extract (GE) also inhibited EPEC and EHEC from adhering to, and injecting EspB into, HEp‐2 cells. GE seemed to block translocation of EspB from the bacterial cells to the culture medium. In addition, GE also inhibited the T3SS of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. After exposure to GE, Y. pseudotuberculosis stopped secreting Yersinia outer proteins and was unable to induce apoptosis of mouse bone marrow‐derived macrophages. S. typhimurium exposed to GE stopped secreting Sip proteins and was unable to invade HEp‐2 cells. GE inhibited secretion of EspC, the type V secretion protein of EPEC, but not secretion of Shiga toxin 2 from EHEC. Thus, our results suggest that guava leaves contain a novel type of antimicrobial compound that could be used to treat and prevent gram‐negative enteropathogenic bacterial infections.
Assessing the temporal dynamics of aquatic and terrestrial litter decomposition in an alpine forest
Authors: Yue Kai , García‐Palacios Pablo , Parsons Scott A. , Yang Wanqin , Peng Yan , Tan Bo , Huang Chunping , Wu Fuzhong
Published: May 2018

Litter decomposition supplies nutrients and energy within and among aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. It is driven by several biotic and abiotic factors, the relative importance of which may change during litter decay. However, to date, very few studies have addressed the temporal dynamics of such factors across aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, which limits our understanding of litter decomposition process.

To assess the temporal dynamics of major abiotic and biotic litter decomposition drivers, we conducted a 2‐year field experiment to evaluate the losses of foliar litter carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) in alpine streams, riparian zones and forest floors. Environmental (soil, water and climatic) factors were continuously monitored, and incubated plant litter was sampled over time to assess temporal changes in litter chemistry and microbial diversity.

We analysed sequential litter decomposition stages based on mass‐loss intervals and used structural equation modelling to disentangle the relative importance of each biotic and abiotic driver.

Our results suggested that across the aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, litter C and N loss was generally controlled by a common hierarchy of drivers: (a) Environment and initial litter quality regulated C and N loss via both direct and indirect effects, and their total effects were mainly significant in the early and late decomposition stages, respectively; (b) changes in litter chemistry significantly influenced litter decomposition throughout the decomposition process, mainly via direct effects; and (c) microbial diversity per se showed minimal effects on litter C and N loss.

The identified common hierarchy of biotic and abiotic drivers and their direct and indirect effects on C and N loss at different decomposition stages across aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems indicates the possibility of integrating aquatic and terrestrial decomposition into a single framework for future construction of models accounting for temporal dynamics of litter decomposition.

A plain language summary is available for this article.
Individual variation, population‐specific behaviours and stochastic processes shape marine migration phenologies
Authors: Freshwater Cameron , Trudel Marc , Beacham Terry D. , Gauthier Stéphane , Johnson Stewart C. , Neville Chrys‐Ellen , Juanes Francis
Published: May 2018

The phenology of long‐distance migrations can influence individual fitness, moderate population dynamics and regulate the availability of ecosystem services to other trophic levels. Phenology varies within and among populations, and can be influenced by conditions individuals experience both prior to departure and encounter en route.

Assessing how intrinsic and extrinsic factors (e.g., individual physical condition vs. environmental conditions) interact to influence variation in migratory phenologies across ecological scales is often limited due to logistical constraints associated with tracking large numbers of individuals from multiple populations simultaneously.

We used two natural tags, DNA and otolith microstructure analysis, to estimate the relative influence of individual traits (life‐history strategy, body size at departure and growth during migration), population‐specific behaviours and interannual variability on the phenology of marine migrations in juvenile sockeye salmon Oncorhynchus nerka.

We show that the timing and duration of juvenile sockeye salmon migrations were correlated with both life‐history strategy and body size, while migration duration was also correlated with departure timing and growth rates during migration. Even after accounting for the effect of individual traits, several populations exhibited distinct migration phenologies. Finally, we observed substantial interannual and residual variation, suggesting stochastic environmental conditions moderate the influence of carry‐over effects that develop prior to departure, as well as population‐specific strategies.

Migratory phenologies are shaped by complex interactions between drivers acting at multiple ecological and temporal scales. Given evidence that intraspecific diversity can stabilize ecological systems, conservation efforts should seek to maintain migratory variation among populations and preserve locally adapted phenotypes; however, variation within populations, which may buffer systems from environmental stochasticity, should also be regularly assessed and preserved.
Bumble‐BEEHAVE: A systems model for exploring multifactorial causes of bumblebee decline at individual, colony, population and community level
Authors: Becher Matthias A. , Twiston‐Davies Grace , Penny Tim D. , Goulson Dave , Rotheray Ellen L. , Osborne Juliet L.
Published: May 2018

World‐wide declines in pollinators, including bumblebees, are attributed to a multitude of stressors such as habitat loss, resource availability, emerging viruses and parasites, exposure to pesticides, and climate change, operating at various spatial and temporal scales. Disentangling individual and interacting effects of these stressors, and understanding their impact at the individual, colony and population level are a challenge for systems ecology. Empirical testing of all combinations and contexts is not feasible. A mechanistic multilevel systems model (individual‐colony‐population‐community) is required to explore resilience mechanisms of populations and communities under stress.

We present a model which can simulate the growth, behaviour and survival of six UK bumblebee species living in any mapped landscape. Bumble‐BEEHAVE simulates, in an agent‐based approach, the colony development of bumblebees in a realistic landscape to study how multiple stressors affect bee numbers and population dynamics. We provide extensive documentation, including sensitivity analysis and validation, based on data from literature. The model is freely available, has flexible settings and includes a user manual to ensure it can be used by researchers, farmers, policy‐makers, NGOs or other interested parties.

Model outcomes compare well with empirical data for individual foraging behaviour, colony growth and reproduction, and estimated nest densities.

Simulating the impact of reproductive depression caused by pesticide exposure shows that the complex feedback mechanisms captured in this model predict higher colony resilience to stress than suggested by a previous, simpler model.

Synthesis and applications. The Bumble‐BEEHAVE model represents a significant step towards predicting bumblebee population dynamics in a spatially explicit way. It enables researchers to understand the individual and interacting effects of the multiple stressors affecting bumblebee survival and the feedback mechanisms that may buffer a colony against environmental stress, or indeed lead to spiralling colony collapse. The model can be used to aid the design of field experiments, for risk assessments, to inform conservation and farming decisions and for assigning bespoke management recommendations at a landscape scale.
Resilience of a peatland in Central Sumatra, Indonesia to past anthropogenic disturbance: Improving conservation and restoration designs using palaeoecology
Authors: Hapsari Kartika Anggi , Biagioni Siria , Jennerjahn Tim C. , Reimer Peter , Saad Asmadi , Sabiham Supiandi , Behling Hermann
Published: May 2018

Tropical peatlands, which provide important functions such as biodiversity provisioning and carbon (C) storage, are currently threatened by land‐use conversions. Thus, conservation and restoration efforts are needed to maintain their functions. Conservation concepts aiming to separate human from ecosystems are no longer conceivable. Therefore, understanding peatland resilience to human disturbance, that is the ability of peatland ecosystems to maintain their structure and function despite perturbations and to return to their predisturbance states, can assist with integrating human needs into conservation strategies and improving restoration effectiveness.

Understanding ecosystem resilience is often impeded by a lack of long‐term data, which can be obtained from palaeoecological studies. Located close to the archaeological remains of the Malayu Empire, the Sungai Buluh peatland in Sumatra, Indonesia provides an opportunity to study the resilience of a tropical peatland to past human disturbance. We subjected a 250‐cm‐long peat core to palynological, charcoal and C content analyses to delineate the anthropogenic impact on the peatland and the ecosystem’s response.

The results revealed that extensive human activities in Sungai Buluh such as logging, grazing/cut‐and‐carry, and wild‐harvesting started soon after humans occupied the vicinity of the peatlandc. 1,000 cal yrbp. Even without fire use and cultivation, these activities were able to alter vegetation composition and decrease the peatland’s C sequestration capacity.

Following site abandonment after the demise of the Malayu Empire atc. 600 cal yrbp, the palaeoecological record suggests that the Sungai Buluh peatland recovered in terms of both floristic composition and C sink function, with the latter recovering faster (c. 60 years) than the former (c. 170 years).

Synthesis. The palaeoecological record from Sungai Buluh provides the first evidence of tropical peatland recovery following human disturbance, which can help improve present peatland conservation/restoration strategies. The design of peatland wise‐use strategies can mimic the “resilience‐friendly” human activities identified in this study. Consideration should also be given to selecting rapidly regenerating taxa for cost‐and‐effort‐efficient restoration strategies. Additionally, the 170‐year recovery time of the Sungai Buluh peatland suggests that the 60‐year timeframe currently allocated in most tropical peatland restoration projects may be insufficient.
A licence to drive? Neurological illness, loss and disruption
Authors: Stepney Melissa , Kirkpatrick Susan , Locock Louise , Prinjha Suman , Ryan Sara
Published: May 2018

The sense of freedom and independence that being able to drive generates may be taken for granted by many until it is threatened by illness. Drawing on the ‘mobility turn’ in social sciences that emphasises the social and emotional significance of the car (Sheller and Urry , ), this article presents secondary analysis of narratives of driving and its significance across four neurological conditions (epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, transient ischaemic attack and motor neurone disease). Taking an interactionist approach we explore how the withdrawal of a driving licence can represent not just a practical and emotional loss of independence, but also loss of enjoyment; of a sense and feeling of ‘normal’ adulthood and social participation; and of an identity (in some cases gendered) of strength and power. Conversely the ability to keep driving can maintain an unbroken thread of narrative, for example enabling people with speech difficulties to feel and look normal behind the wheel. Moments of pleasure and normality illuminate the importance of examining the micro‐strands of disruption illness can cause.
Split‐dose 4‐L polyethylene glycol regimen for patients with previous colorectal surgery in bowel preparation before colonoscopy: A randomized, controlled, single‐blind study
Authors: Liu Zhu , Li Yue Yue , Luo Xue Ting , Guo Chuan Guo , Zhang Ming Ming , Li Zhen , Li Li Xiang , Zhang Yan , Li Yan Qing
Published: May 2018

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to investigate the efficacy of a split‐dose 4‐L polyethylene glycol (PEG) regimen for the quality of bowel preparation in Asian patients with previous colorectal surgery for colorectal cancer (CRC).

METHODS

This was a prospective, single‐center, randomized controlled, endoscopist‐blinded study. Patients with previous colorectal surgery for CRC were randomly allocated to a routine, morning‐only 2‐L PEG (2‐MO) group or a split‐dose 4‐L PEG (4‐SD) group. The primary outcome was a successful bowel preparation rate. Secondary outcomes were polyp detection rate (PDR), adenoma detection rate (ADR), patient compliance, satisfaction, tolerance, willingness to repeat the preparation and difficulty of the bowel preparation process.

RESULTS

In total, 187 patients were included (93 in the 2‐MO group, 94 in the 4‐SD group) in this study. The rate of successful bowel preparation in the 4‐SD group was higher than in the 2‐MO group (89.4% vs 66.7%, P < 0.001) in an intention‐to‐treat analysis according to the Aronchick score. Patients’ satisfaction with the bowel preparation process in the 4‐SD group was superior to that in the 2‐MO group (93.4% vs 82.2%, P = 0.021). No significant differences were detected in PDR, ADR, patient compliance, tolerance, willingness to repeat the preparation or difficulty of the bowel preparation process.

CONCLUSIONS

The 4‐SD PEG regimen was superior to a routine, morning‐only 2‐L PEG preparation for bowel preparation in an Asian population with previous colorectal surgery.
National Kidney Foundation Spring Clinical Meetings 2018
Authors: Carracher Ann M. , Marathe Payal H. , Close Kelly L.
Published: May 2018

Ann M. Carracher, Payal H. Marathe, and Kelly L. Close are of Close Concerns (http://www.closeconcerns.com), a healthcare information company focused exclusively on diabetes and obesity care. Close Concerns publishes Closer Look, a periodical that brings together news and insights in these areas. Each month, the Journal of Diabetes includes this News feature, in which Carracher, Marathe, and Close review the latest developments relevant to researchers and clinicians.
Massive hemothorax after computed tomography‐guided lung tumor biopsy: An unusual but disastrous complication
Authors: Huang Wei‐Ming , Lin Hui‐Chen , Chen Chia‐Hung , Chen Chien‐Wen , Wang Chih‐Hsin , Huang Chung‐Yao , Wang Ching‐Che , Huang Chun‐Chao
Published: May 2018

Intercostal artery injury during transthoracic puncture is rare but is accompanied by high rates of morbidity and mortality. We report a case with metachronous double primary esophageal cancers and development of multiple lung nodules. Tissue proof for the lung nodules is required to guide the following treatment protocol. Our patient died soon after computed tomography‐guided lung tumor biopsy was performed, as a result of procedure‐related massive and uncontrolled hemothorax. The cause is likely intercostal artery injury related to the transthoracic puncture. After review of our case and the wide variation in intercostal artery courses, we identify several considerations that should be included in procedural planning to further decrease the risk of intercostal artery injury during transthoracic puncture, including avoiding choosing target lesions at the posterior lung, keeping the puncture needle as close to the superior rib margin as possible, and checking the density of new pleural fluid. In addition, it is important to inform clinical doctors when the risk of periprocedural vascular injury is high.
Effects of alcohol exposure on the glutamatergic system: a combined longitudinal 18F‐FPEB and 1H‐MRS study in rats
Authors: de Laat Bart , Weerasekera Akila , Leurquin‐Sterk Gil , Gsell Willy , Bormans Guy , Himmelreich Uwe , Casteels Cindy , Van Laere Koen
Published: May 2018

To study the role of the glutamatergic system in alcohol abuse disorders, we conducted a longitudinal study of alcohol exposure in rats. Rats were followed with 1H‐magnetic resonance spectroscopy during a baseline, exposure and abstinence phase to measure prefrontal glutamate and glycine concentrations. Additionally, 18F‐FPEB PET was used to assess metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) availability before and after exposure to alcohol or saccharin. Finally, individual anxiety levels were assessed with an open field test at baseline. We found that the total distance traveled in the open field test and mGluR5 availability in the nucleus accumbens were associated with future alcohol preference (P = 0.02). Furthermore, prefrontal glutamate concentration decreased significantly during alcohol exposure (> −1.25 ± 0.55 mmol/L, P = 0.038), but normalized during abstinence. Finally, 18F‐FPEB PET showed that self‐administration of alcohol resulted in decreased mGluR5 availability in the hippocampus (>14 ± 3 percent, pCluster = 0.047) and amygdala (>16 ± 2 percent, pCluster = 0.004), whereas saccharin induced decreases in the prefrontal cortex (>11 ± 1 percent, pCluster = 0.035) and hippocampus (>15 ± 2 percent, pCluster = 0.003). A direct comparison of both groups showed differences in mGluR5 availability in the bilateral striatum (−2 ± 4 percent versus +2 ± 2 percent, pCluster = <0.0001) and hippocampus (−16 ± 4 percent versus −5 ± 4 percent, pCluster = <0.0001). In conclusion, this study corroborates the anxiolytic effect of alcohol and provides evidence for mGluR5 downregulation in the amygdala as potential underlying mechanism. Saccharin and alcohol differentially affect prefrontal glutamate concentrations, but both induce an mGluR5 decrease, potentially to modulate the dopamine release elicited by these drugs.
Not all exotic pollinator introductions are bad: an introduced buzz‐pollinating bee Amegilla pulchra (Hymenoptera: Apidae) in Fiji indicates little potential for enhancing the spread of weeds
Authors: Groutsch Julia K , Miller Nicole C , Tuiwawa Marika , Hayes Sarah , Stevens Mark I , Schwarz Michael P
Published: May 2018

The Australian buzz pollinating bee Amegilla pulchra (Anthophorini) is now widespread in Fiji and represents a potentially major change to plant‐pollinator networks. The introduction of a buzz pollinator into the Fijian ecosystem, which has no native buzz pollinators, may have especially important consequences because many pan‐tropical weed species are from the Solanaceae and usually require buzz pollination for effective seed set. We examined floral visitations of three introduced bees, A. pulchra, Apis mellifera, Braunsapis puangensis and one native bee Homalictus fijiensis at 16 sites across Viti Levu, covering a total of 27 plant species and 165 bee–plant interactions. We did not observe any visits by A. pulchra to any solanaceous plants, but it was a frequent visitor to several introduced plants that do not require buzz pollination. Our results contradict recent studies that suggested that A. pulchra may enhance the spread of solanaceous weeds in Fiji. The majority of plants, however, received more visits from exotic bees combined than from the native H. fijiensis and indicate that exotic bees in Fiji may increase weediness of multiple exotic plants. Our results indicate the need to explore pollination networks to understand exotic pollinator influences on the spread of potential weeds.
Understanding mucosal and microbial functionality of the female reproductive tract by metaproteomics: Implications for HIV transmission
Authors: Berard Alicia R. , Perner Michelle , Mutch Sarah , Farr Zuend Christina , McQueen Peter , Burgener Adam D.
Published: May 2018

The mucosal surface of the female genital tract contains physiological, immunological, and microbial components that collectively comprise a functioning “mucosal system” that is critical for reproductive health. Alterations or imbalances to any of these components can have significant consequences for susceptibility to sexually transmitted infections, such as HIV. In recent years the advent of advanced systems biology technologies, such as metaproteomics, has provided new toolsets to studying mucosal systems. Studies have linked an altered mucosal proteome to many HIV risk factors including mucosal inflammation, bacterial vaginosis, hormonal contraceptives, and reduced efficacy of antiretroviral drugs for HIV prevention. Herein we will discuss how metaproteomics has been used to study mucosal system components, including epithelial barriers, inflammation, and the microbiome, with a focus on what alterations may contribute to increased HIV transmission risk in women.
Does power boost happiness? The relative importance of personal versus social power in two cultures
Authors: Park Jiyoung , Suh Eunkook M.
Published: May 2018

Researchers have revealed that power has both independent and interdependent aspects, and how the two dimensions are activated depends on contextual goals and values. In the present study, we tested the differential effects of power on happiness in two cultures that differ in their relative emphasis of social relations. We hypothesized that in an interdependent culture (South Korea), power based on interpersonal connectedness (i.e., social power) would enhance happiness more than would power that stems from independence from others (i.e., personal power). In contrast, in an independent culture (America), we examined whether personal power would bring more happiness than would social power. Findings showed that social power increased life satisfaction but personal power decreased affective well‐being among Korean participants. In contrast, American participants' personal power enhanced their subjective well‐being, but their well‐being did not differ by levels of social power. Implications of these findings for types of power, happiness, and culture are discussed.
Esophageal IgG4 levels correlate with histopathologic and transcriptomic features in eosinophilic esophagitis
Authors: Rosenberg C. E. , Mingler M. K. , Caldwell J. M. , Collins M. H. , Fulkerson P. C. , Morris D. W. , Mukkada V. A. , Putnam P. E. , Shoda T. , Wen T. , Rothenberg M. E.
Published: May 2018

Background

Recent data associate eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) with IgG4 rather than IgE, but its significance and function have not been determined. Our aims were to measure esophageal IgG4 levels and to determine functional correlations as assessed by histologic and transcriptome analyses.

Methods

This case‐control study included pediatric subjects with EoE (≥15 eosinophils/HPF) and non‐EoE controls. Protein lysates were analyzed for IgA, IgM, and IgG1‐IgG4 using the Luminex 100 system; IgE was quantified by ELISA. Esophageal biopsies were scored using the EoE histology scoring system. Transcripts were probed by the EoE diagnostic panel, designed to examine the expression of 96 esophageal transcripts.

Results

Esophageal IgG subclasses, IgA, and IgM, but not IgE, were increased in subjects with EoE relative to controls. The greatest change between groups was seen in IgG4 (4.2 mg/g protein [interquartile range: 1.0‐13.1 mg/g protein] vs 0.2 mg/g protein [0.1‐0.9]; P < .0001). Tissue IgG4 levels correlated with esophageal eosinophil counts (P = .0006); histologic grade (P = .0011) and stage (P = .0112) scores; and IL4, IL10, IL13, but not TGFB1, expression and had strong associations with a subset of the EoE transcriptome. Esophageal IgG4 transcript expression was increased and correlated with IgG4 protein levels and IL10 expression.

Conclusion

These findings extend prior studies on IgG4 in adult EoE to the pediatric population and provide deeper understanding of the potential significance and regulation of IgG4, demonstrating that IgG4 is a relevant feature of the disease; is closely related to esophageal eosinophil levels, type 2 immunity and T regulatory cytokines; and is likely produced locally.
New European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology definition on pollen season mirrors symptom load for grass and birch pollen‐induced allergic rhinitis
Authors: Karatzas K. , Katsifarakis N. , Riga M. , Werchan B. , Werchan M. , Berger U. , Pfaar O. , Bergmann K.‐C.
Published: May 2018

Background

The use of allergen immunotherapy (AIT) for allergic rhinitis and its clinical efficacy in clinical trials depends on the effective determination of pollen allergen exposure time periods. We evaluate pollen data from Germany to examine the new definitions on pollen season and peak pollen period start and end as proposed by the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) in a recently published Position Paper. The aim was to demonstrate the ability of these definitions to mirror symptom loads for grass and birch pollen‐induced allergic rhinitis based on real‐life data.

Methods

Data coming from four pollen monitoring stations in the Berlin and Brandenburg area in Germany and for 3 years (2014‐2016) were used to investigate the correlation of season definitions, birch and grass pollen counts and total nasal symptom and mediation scores as reported by patients in “Patients Hay fever Diaries” (PHDs). After the identification of pollen periods on the basis of the EACCI criteria, a statistical analysis was employed, followed by a detailed graphical investigation.

Results

The analysis revealed that the definitions of pollen season as well as peak pollen period start and end as proposed by the EAACI are correlated to symptom loads for grass and birch pollen‐induced allergic rhinitis reported by patients in PHDs.

Conclusion

Based on our analysis, the validity of the EAACI definitions on pollen season is confirmed. Their use is recommended in future clinical trials on AIT as well as in daily routine for optimal patient care.
Survival after secondary cytoreductive surgery and chemotherapy compared with chemotherapy alone for first recurrence in patients with platinum‐sensitive epithelial ovarian cancer and no residuals after primary treatment. A registry‐based study
Authors: Szczesny Witold , Langseth Hilde , Myklebust Tor Å. , Kærn Janne , Tropé Claes , Paulsen Torbjørn
Published: May 2018

Introduction

The aim of this study was to investigate whether secondary cytoreductive surgery and platinum‐based chemotherapy improved survival among patients with recurrent, platinum‐sensitive epithelial ovarian cancer compared with those who received platinum‐based chemotherapy alone, and to identify possible predictors for selection to secondary cytoreductive surgery.

Material and methods

We included 397 patients who had a primary diagnosis of FIGO stage I–IV epithelial ovarian cancer recorded in the Cancer Registry of Norway between 1 January 2002 and 31 December 2012, received primary surgery with no residuals followed by platinum‐based chemotherapy, had first recurrence six or more months after completion of primary platinum‐based chemotherapy, and received secondary treatment with either secondary cytoreductive surgery and platinum‐based chemotherapy (secondary cytoreductive surgery+platinum‐based chemotherapy group) or platinum‐based chemotherapy alone (platinum‐based chemotherapy group). Outcomes were progression‐free survival to second recurrence or death and overall survival. Hazard ratios were estimated using multivariable Cox regression.

Results

There were 75 patients in the secondary cytoreductive surgery+platinum‐based chemotherapy group in whom complete resection was achieved for 60 (80%), and 322 patients in the platinum‐based chemotherapy group. Both progression‐free survival (hazard ratio 0.45, 95% confidence interval 0.32–0.62) and overall survival (hazard ratio 0.50, 95% confidence interval 0.32–0.70) were improved in the secondary cytoreductive surgery+platinum‐based chemotherapy compared with the platinum‐based chemotherapy group. A survival benefit was only seen in patients with no residuals at secondary cytoreductive surgery.

Conclusions

In selected epithelial ovarian cancer patients with no residuals after primary surgery and a recurrent, platinum‐sensitive tumor, the complete resection of recurrent tumor at secondary cytoreductive surgery improves progression‐free survival and overall survival. Our results suggest that a long treatment‐free interval and non‐disseminated lesions (three or fewer lesions) on radiological images could be useful predictors for complete resection at secondary cytoreductive surgery.
Termination of pregnancy following a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome: A qualitative study of the decision‐making process of pregnant couples
Authors: Lou Stina , Carstensen Kathrine , Petersen Olav Bjørn , Nielsen Camilla Palmhøj , Hvidman Lone , Lanther Maja Retpen , Vogel Ida
Published: May 2018

Introduction

In Denmark, first trimester screening has a very high uptake (>90%). If Down syndrome is diagnosed, termination rates are high (>95%). The aim of this study was to investigate the timing of the decision to terminate pregnancy following a diagnosis of Down syndrome and the factors influencing this decision.

Material and methods

Semi‐structured, qualitative interview study with 21 couples who had received a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome and decided to terminate the pregnancy. Participants were recruited from obstetric departments between February 2016 and July 2017. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results

Five themes were identified: “initial decision‐making”, “consolidating the decision”, “reasons and concerns shaping the termination of pregnancy decision”, “the right decision is also burdensome”, and “perceived influences in decision‐making”. For most couples, the initial decision to terminate pregnancy was made before or during the diagnostic process, but it was re‐addressed and consolidated following the actual diagnosis. Imagining a family future with a severely affected Down syndrome child was the main factor influencing the termination of pregnancy decision. The decision was articulated as “right” but also as existentially burdensome for some, due to fear of regret and concern about ending a potential life. The decision to terminate pregnancy was considered a private matter between the couple, but was refined through interactions with clinicians and social networks.

Conclusion

All couples made an initial decision prior to receiving the Down syndrome diagnosis. Knowledge of the couple's initial decision may facilitate patient‐centered communication during and after the diagnostic process. Couples may benefit from counseling to deal with grief and existential concerns.