bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the ethical aspects of Islamic banking
Authors: Gilani Hasan
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to look into the ethical practices of a profit-driven financial institution that is currently adopting Islamic banking and whether it can actually be ethical from an Islamic perspective. The recent decade has seen an upsurge of the increasingly integration of ethical management into operational strategies by businesses across the globe. Like any other religion, Islam wants its followers to be truthful and honest and to be compliant with its teachings and especially in a business transaction. This research paper explores the ethical factors of Islamic banking and how it is perceived by its stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

– Due to the exploratory nature of the research and the fact that it involves in-depth theoretical analysis, a qualitative research method was adopted to explore the details of ethics in Islamic banking sector. The aim of this research was to explore the ethical options of an Islamic bank. This was done by carrying out in-depth interviews with the managers and executives of Islamic banks having authority over the subject of Islamic banking and Shariah finance. Furthermore, a detailed session of interviews was also carried out with the customers of Islamic banking to take their views on the subject issues. The data are analysed through thematic content analysis and matched with the existing theory with the objective of coming up with detailed findings that would contribute to knowledge on the subject of ethical Islamic banking.

Findings

– The paper provides empirical insights about ethical management as a vital part of Islamic banking modus operandi. The findings highlight the involvement of ethics in different procedures, operations and approaches of Islamic banking and how it is perceived by its many stakeholders.

Practical implications

– The motivation of this thesis comes from literature review to explore the ethics of Islamic banking and how it Islamic banking is perceived by stakeholders at an ethical banking practice. This research aims to aid bankers in identifying what practices they can enhance and what practices should be dropped to bring about a more ethical banking system. This research was prompted as a result of the gaps identified in the literature review followed by the observations made of the market by the researcher. It was evident that further research on this topic was required to aid the subject.

Originality/value

– The research is original in its nature, as there have not been many instances where the ethical management theory has been explored within the Islamic banking sector. Given the new literature on corporate branding and customer perception, this research can contribute very positively towards the subject area. This research would pave new research avenues to be explored and enhance academic contribution on the common subjects.
Lean production and leadership attributes – the case of Hungarian production managers
Authors: Gelei Andrea , Losonci Dávid , Matyusz Zsolt
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate leadership attributes that contribute to or inhibit the successful adaptation of lean techniques.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using leadership attributes of the Global Leadership and Organizational Behavior Effectiveness (GLOBE) project, this paper develops an ideal leadership profile of a production manager who aims to develop a lean production system (based on Liker’s seminal work in 2004). Five hypotheses related to contributor and inhibitor leadership behaviors and their associated leadership attributes are analyzed using survey data based on a PLS model.

Findings

– According to the results, the proposed conceptual leadership profile, in which leadership attributes are divided into two sets (contributors and inhibitors), required modification. The authors identified five distinct leadership behaviors (specific interrelated sets of leadership attributes). Two of the five leadership behaviors (communicative and micromanager) for production managers contributed to lean implementation. None of the leadership behaviors were inhibitors. Surprisingly, a theoretical inhibitor type of leadership behavior, namely micromanager, proved to be a contributor.

Practical implications

– The results provide direct guidance for Hungarian managers with leadership behaviors that can contribute to the successful adaptation of lean techniques. However, managers must also consider that although these leadership behaviors may result in short-term gains, the micromanager leadership behavior can undermine the long-term sustainability of lean success and can hinder the development of a lean culture.

Originality/value

– Leaders are frequently considered to be the key drivers of lean management. The empirical paper is unique because it analyzes the relationship among leadership behaviors, leadership attributes, and lean contexts.
Assessment of fitness of a manufacturing organization using fuzzy methods
Authors: Sekar Vinodh , Vinoth Chandra , Sundaram Sarangan
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to develop a comprehensive model for fitness evaluation and to determine fitness index using fuzzy methods.

Design/methodology/approach

– The conceptual model for fitness evaluation was developed by literature review. The case study was conducted in an Indian pump manufacturing company. The assessment of fitness index was done using multi-grade fuzzy and fuzzy logic approaches. The fitness index was computed. The obstacles were identified and analysed for improvements.

Findings

– The fitness index was found to be 6.8724 which revealed that the organization was fit. Euclidean distance method was used to match fitness index with fitness level. The weaker attributes were identified and proposals were derived for improvements.

Research limitations/implications

– The developed model was test implemented in a single manufacturing organization. The study could be extended for other organizations in future.

Practical implications

– The case study was conducted in an Indian pump manufacturing organization. The insights derived from the study have practical propensity.

Originality/value

– The model for fitness evaluation and assessment of fitness index were original and novel contributions of the authors.
Production competence revisited – a critique of the literature and a new measurement approach
Authors: Szász Levente , Demeter Krisztina , Boer Harry
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to seek remedy to two major flaws of the production competence literature, which concern: the way the production competence construct is operationalized and the way its effects on performance are measured.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper proposes to measure production competence as the two-dimensional operational level construct it actually is, and to use Slack’s (1994) importance-performance matrix to study its business level performance effects. The three hypotheses developed are tested using a subsample of the International Manufacturing Strategy Survey database, which includes 465 manufacturing companies from 21 countries.

Findings

– The study offers additional empirical support for production competence theory. Going beyond supporting existing theory, the results give more detailed insight by indicating that low operational performance on even one important competitive factor leads to lower business performance (order-losing effect); excessive investment in increasing operational performance on any less important competitive factor does not necessarily lead to higher business performance.

Practical implications

– Using a large empirical dataset, the study shows that the importance-performance matrix is a useful tool for decision makers to assess and improve their company’s manufacturing strategy: it indicates how to prioritize between improvement efforts to positively contribute to business performance.

Originality/value

– The paper offers a novel approach to operationalize production competence. The importance-performance analysis approach adopted in this study avoids the two major drawbacks of previous production competence studies and offers an appropriate method to assess the impact of production competence on business performance.
Achieving service quality through service innovation exploration – exploitation: the critical role of employee empowerment and slack resources
Authors: Sok Phyra , O'Cass Aron
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to investigate the effects of service innovation exploration – exploitation on financial performance through the delivery of quality services. Additional emphasis is also given to examining the extent to which employee empowerment and slack resources enhance or suppress the performance benefits of service firms engaging in service innovation exploration versus exploitation.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data were drawn from a multi-informant survey of service firms using a drop-and-collect approach. The survey gathered data from managers, customer service employees and customers to test the hypotheses.

Findings

– The results show that excelling at both exploitative and exploratory innovation helps enhance the quality of services, which, in turn, yield superior financial performance. Further, empowering employees enhances the relationship between exploratory and exploitative service innovation and service quality. We also show that the extent managers’ perceived their market to be competitive influences in the pursuit of high levels of both service innovation exploration and exploitation and that this relationship is impacted by the extent they believe they have available slack resources.

Practical implications

– The findings suggest that service firms need to pursue both exploitation and exploration at high levels simultaneously and empower their employees to stay ahead of competitors in delivering quality services, which ultimately contributes to the achievement of superior financial outcomes. Also, the findings highlight the importance of employee empowerment, market competitiveness and slack resources in the pursuit of high levels of both service innovation exploration and exploitation.

Originality/value

– These findings and our theory indicate that this study is the first to empirically examine organizational ambidexterity in the context of service innovation exploration – exploitation adopting the principles of combined and balanced innovation. The study provides insights into the critical role of customers’ perceptions of service quality in contributing to firms’ financial performance. Our insights are unique in that the study incorporates managers, employees and customers in an integrated service innovation model.
Can marketing contribute to sustainable social enterprise?
Authors: Powell Madeline , Osborne Stephen P.
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to explore the role of marketing as a route to sustainability for social enterprises providing public services. It examines the tensions between the economic and social objectives, both of social enterprises and of marketing. It concludes by offering a new model of the role of marketing for sustainable social enterprises.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper used the case study approach which included four cases. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the chief executives of each social enterprise. The cases were classified by age.

Findings

– The paper demonstrates that while marketing potentially has much to offer in terms of organisational resilience for social enterprises, its application is currently undermined by its misunderstanding in practise within a “product-dominant” business logic. Despite this, the study finds a strong element of the unconscious application of marketing by social enterprises.

Originality/value

– The implications of this are discussed in the context of the “public service-dominant” business logic that is currently emerging in public management, and recommendations are made for policy and practice as to how to enhance the contribution of marketing, both to sustainable social enterprises and to public services delivery.
Second-hand clothing shopping among college students: the role of psychographic characteristics
Authors: Yan Ruoh-Nan , Bae Su Yun , Xu Huimin
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The study aims to examine whether and how second-hand clothing shoppers differ from non-shoppers on various psychographic variables, including environmentalism, perception of contamination, price sensitivity and perception of vintage clothing. Additionally, this study hopes to uncover whether and how the aforementioned psychographic variables help predict second-hand clothing shopping behaviour, specifically shopping frequency at second-hand clothing stores.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data were collected through a survey method from 152 college students.

Findings

– Results showed that college students who shopped at second-hand clothing stores were more likely to be environmentally conscious, more sensitive to higher prices and more likely to wear used clothing to express a vintage look and to be “green”, and to perceive used clothing to be less contaminated, as compared to those who did not shop at second-hand clothing stores. This study concluded that, among college students, second-hand clothing shoppers may do so not only for economic reasons but also for creation of style and feeling special about themselves.

Research limitations/implications

– This study suggests that college students who shop at second-hand clothing stores are different from those who do not shop at second-hand stores in terms of their environmental attitudes, perceptions of contamination from used clothing, sensitivity to prices and how they feel about vintage clothing. Further, financial concern (i.e. price sensitivity) is no longer the only reason for second-hand clothing shopping.

Originality/value

– Little research has been conducted to understand second-hand clothing shopping behaviour among college students. This study examined multiple psychographic variables and provided insights into college students’ second-hand shopping behaviour.
Jealous Missionaries on the Pacific Northwest Coast of Canada
Authors: Brock Peggy
Published: April 2015

Most of our knowledge of missions and missionary interactions with the indigenous peoples they evangelised comes from the missionaries' own writings, mainly correspondence and reports to the home society. Rarely do we find an indigenous view of missionaries. In this article I will consider one of these unusual perspectives, the diary of a Tsimshian from the northwest coast of British Columbia, Arthur Wellington Clah, who became a Christian and interacted with several missionaries over many years while retaining independence from missionary oversight. Clah's view of missionaries forms a counterpoint to missionary representations of their own role in religious change. He makes judgments about missionaries' morals and probity, many of which are based on Christian principles learned from the missionaries themselves, while also being informed by Tsimshian values and modes of interaction. The various influences on Clah will be considered through the prism of his use of the descriptor “jealous” as he applied it to his missionary acquaintances. The analysis of his commentary on missionary behaviour and emotions becomes an investigation of cross‐cultural communication and understanding.
Embodied labour in music work
Authors: Pettinger Lynne
Published: April 2015

This paper frames the work of performance as embodied labour in order to understand the contingent production of particular music performances. It is an interdisciplinary account that sits at the intersection of the sociology of work, culture and the body. The concept of embodied labour is developed with reference to the complex account of materiality – of bodies and things – present inTimIngold's account of skill. This material account of skill is used to inform use to develop already of well established conceptualizations of body labour: craft, emotional and aesthetic labour through a reading of how these dimensions of embodied labour make possible the work of performance.
Assessing Psychopathic Traits and Criminal Behavior in a Young Adult Female Community Sample Using the Self‐Report Psychopathy Scale
Authors: Declercq Frédéric , Carter Rachel , Neumann Craig S.
Published: April 2015

This study assessed psychopathic traits in a nonforensic female population (N = 343). Respondents completed theSelf‐ReportPsychopathyScale‐4:ShortForm(SRP‐SF) and also reported on their Criminal Behavior. The results revealed relatively higher scale elevations for theInterpersonal andLifestyleSRP‐SFfacets, compared to theAffective andAntisocial facets. Also, those with a history of Criminal Behavior had significantly higherSRP‐SFfacet scores on all four psychopathy domains, compared to those without such history. Consistent with a number of previous studies, the structural equation modeling results revealed good fit for the four‐factorSRP‐SFmodel. In addition, a super‐ordinateSRP‐SFfactor, which accounted for the majority variance of all fourSRP‐SFfirst‐order factors, also accounted for 50% of the variance in a latent Criminal Behavior factor. Taken together, findings support use of theSRP‐SFto assess psychopathic features in a moderately large sample ofBelgium women.
Inhibition of α‐glucosidase activity by N‐deoxynojirimycin analogs in several insect phloem sap feeders
Authors: Ya'kobovitz Marina Katzman , Butters Terry D. , Cohen Ephraim
Published: April 2015

Secondary metabolites and synthetic iminosugars that structurally resemble monosaccharides are potent inhibitors of α‐glucosidase activity. The enzyme is core in cleaving sucrose in phloem feeding insects and it also plays a crucial role of reducing osmotic stress via the formation of oligosaccharides. Inhibition of hydrolysis by iminosugars should result in nutritional deficiencies and/or disruption of normal osmoregulation. Deoxynojirimycin (DNJ) and 2 N‐alkylated analogs [N‐butyl DNJ (NB‐DNJ) and N‐nonyl DNJ (NN‐DNJ)] were the major iminosugars used throughout the study. The extensive experiments conducted with α‐glucosidase of the whitefly Bemisia tabaci indicated the competitive nature of inhibition and that the hydrophilic DNJ is a potent inhibitor in comparison to the more hydrophobic NB‐DNJ and NN‐DNJ compounds. The same inhibitory pattern was observed with the psyllid Cacopsylla bidens α‐glucosidase. In contrast to the above pattern, enzymes of the aphids, Myzus persicae and Aphis gossypii were more sensitive to the hydrophobic iminosugars as compared to DNJ. In vivo experiments in which adult B. tabaci were fed dietary iminosugars, show that the hydrophilic DNJ was far less toxic than the lipophilic NB‐DNJ and NN‐DNJ. It is proposed that this pattern is attributed to the better accessibility of the hydrophobic NN‐DNJ to the α‐glucosidase membrane‐bound compartment in the midgut. Based on the inhibitory effects of certain polyhydroxy N‐alkylated iminosugars, α‐glucosidase of phloem feeding hemipterans could serve as an attractive target site for developing novel pest control agents.
Bipolar disorder with comorbid attention‐deficit and hyperactivity disorder. Main clinical features and clues for an accurate diagnosis
Authors: Torres I. , Gómez N. , Colom F. , Jiménez E. , Bosch R. , Bonnín C. M. , Martínez‐Aran A. , Casas M. , Vieta E. , Ramos‐Quiroga J. A. , Goikolea J. M.
Published: April 2015

Objective

To study the prevalence of attention‐deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adult patients with bipolar disorder (BD) and identify differential clinical features for a better diagnosis.

Method

A total of 163 euthymic bipolar out‐patients were screened for ADHD with the ASRS.V1 and the WURS at a BD Unit. Patients with a positive screening were assessed with the CAADID, at an ADHD unit. Sociodemographic and clinical features of the groups with and without ADHD were compared.

Results

Lifetime prevalence of comorbid ADHD was 17.9% (10.5% for adult ADHD and 7.4% for childhood ADHD). The BD + ADHD group showed more suicidal behaviour although less severe. Comorbidity was also more common, especially regarding substance use disorders. Nevertheless, these patients did not show more affective episodes or hospitalizations and suffered more atypical but less melancholic depression. However, they required more treatment with psychotherapy and valproate. One‐third of positive screenings at the ASRS were false; a severe course of BD was the hallmark of this subgroup.

Conclusion

Adult patients with BD and ADHD show differential clinical features, but not a more severe course of BD. Comorbidity with substance abuse is a big issue, deserving special clinical attention. Better screening tools are necessary to avoid overdiagnosis of comorbid ADHD in BD.
Is the use of electronic cigarettes while smoking associated with smoking cessation attempts, cessation and reduced cigarette consumption? A survey with a 1‐year follow‐up
Authors: Brose Leonie S. , Hitchman Sara C. , Brown Jamie , West Robert , McNeill Ann
Published: April 2015

Aims

To use a unique longitudinal data set to assess the association between e‐cigarette use while smoking with smoking cessation attempts, cessation and substantial reduction, taking into account frequency of use and key potential confounders.

Design

Web‐based survey, baseline November/December 2012, 1‐year follow‐up in December 2013.

Setting

Great Britain.

Participants

National general population sample of 4064 adult smokers, with 1759 (43%) followed‐up.

Measurements

Main outcome measures were cessation attempt, cessation and substantial reduction (≥50% from baseline to follow‐up) of cigarettes per day (CPD). In logistic regression models, cessation attempt in the last year (analysis n = 1473) and smoking status (n = 1656) at follow‐up were regressed on to baseline e‐cigarette use (none, non‐daily, daily) while adjusting for baseline socio‐demographics, dependence and nicotine replacement (NRT) use. Substantial reduction (n = 1042) was regressed on to follow‐up e‐cigarette use while adjusting for baseline socio‐demographics and dependence and follow‐up NRT use.

Findings

Compared with non‐use, daily e‐cigarette use at baseline was associated with increased cessation attempts [odds ratio (OR) = 2.11, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.24–3.58, P = 0.006], but not with cessation at follow‐up (OR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.28–1.37, P = 0.24). Non‐daily use was not associated with cessation attempts or cessation. Daily e‐cigarette use at follow‐up was associated with increased odds of substantial reduction (OR = 2.49, 95% CI = 1.14–5.45, P = 0.02), non‐daily use was not.

Conclusions

Daily use of e‐cigarettes while smoking appears to be associated with subsequent increases in rates of attempting to stop smoking and reducing smoking, but not with smoking cessation. Non‐daily use of e‐cigarettes while smoking does not appear to be associated with cessation attempts, cessation or reduced smoking.
Adhesion of the posterior capsule to different intraocular lenses following cataract surgery
Authors: Zhu Xiangjia , He Wenwen , Yang Jin , Hooi Michelle , Dai Jinhui , Lu Yi
Published: April 2015

Purpose

To investigate the prevalence and morphologic and clinical features of posterior capsule–optic inadhesion following cataract surgery.

Methods

In this prospective cohort study, we examined 518 consecutive patients who had undergone uneventful phacoemulsification and posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. They were assigned into five groups based on the type of IOL used: MC X11 ASP, Rayner 920H A, ZCB00, SN60WF and KS‐3Ai. Routine ophthalmic examinations were performed. Patients were followed up at 1 day, 1 week, and 1 and 2 months postsurgery. Anterior segment photography, Scheimpflug imaging and KR‐1W aberrometry were conducted after the patients’ pupils were dilated.

Results

The overall rate of posterior capsule–optic inadhesion on the first day after surgery was 215/518 (41.5%), and it decreased to 37/518 (7.1%) at 2 months postsurgery. Posterior capsule–optic inadhesion can be morphologically classified into five types with three outcomes, of which gradual absorption of the accumulated fluid predominated for all IOLs. The clinical characteristics of patients with inadhesion varied with IOL type. Notably, visual quality data (Strehl ratios and modulation transfer function) were poorer in patients with posterior capsule–optic inadhesion, especially in those with irregular forms of suspension. Four cases of capsular contraction syndrome were identified among the patients with inadhesion.

Conclusions

Posterior capsule–optic inadhesion is a prevalent capsule–IOL interaction following cataract surgery. Although the accumulated fluid is absorbed in the majority of patients, its adverse effects on visual outcomes, especially visual quality in the operated eye(s), must not be underestimated in patients with persistent inadhesion.
Relationships between nicotine and cotinine concentrations in maternal milk and saliva
Authors: Jacob Nelly , Golmard Jean‐Louis , Berlin Ivan
Published: April 2015

Aim

Breastfeeding may be impaired due to nicotine excreted into the milk of smoking mothers. We investigated the relationships between nicotine and cotinine concentrations in maternal milk and saliva among breastfeeding smokers.

Methods

The 41 mothers reported their cigarette consumption between waking up and milk and saliva sampling. The median sampling time took place four days after delivery. Nicotine and cotinine concentrations were determined by liquid chromatography and UV detection, after a single‐step saliva or three‐step milk liquid‐to‐liquid extraction.

Results

The median (interquartile range) concentrations in milk and saliva were 7 (6–22) and 27 (4–207) μg/L for nicotine and 24 (5–111) and 22 (4–120) μg/L for cotinine, respectively. Milk cotinine was positively associated with saliva cotinine (p < 0.0001) and cigarette consumption (p = 0.039) and inversely associated with the time since the last cigarette (p = 0.0004, model R2 = 0.90). Milk nicotine was associated with saliva nicotine concentration (p = 0.0017) and cigarette consumption (p = 0.0023, model R2 = 0.63).

Conclusion

Saliva nicotine concentration was not a very good estimate of milk nicotine concentration in breastfeeding mothers. Saliva cotinine concentration may be used instead of milk cotinine concentration to estimate tobacco or nicotine exposure among breastfed neonates or infants.
Systematic review with meta‐analysis: the association between the use of calcium channel blockers and gastrointestinal bleeding
Authors: He Y. , Chan E. W. , Leung W. K. , Anand S. , Wong I. C. K.
Published: April 2015

Background

Due to their potential anti‐platelet effect, it is suggested that calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are associated with gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB). However, results from previous studies are conflicting.

Aim

To conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies to clarify the association between CCBs and GIB.

Methods

We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane library and Trial Register databases up to January 2015. Studies that evaluated exposure to CCBs reporting GIB outcomes were included in the meta‐analysis. The inverse variance method with random effects model was used to calculate the pooled estimates.

Results

Seventeen studies (four RCTs, eleven case–control and two cohort studies) were included in the meta‐analysis. The summary risk ratio (RR) for GIB was 1.17 (95% CI 1.01–1.36) for CCB users vs. non‐users. Subgroup analysis showed that CCB use was associated with a moderately higher risk of lower GIB (RR = 1.83, 95% CI 1.17–2.84) but not upper GIB. However, data from four RCTs did not support association between CCBs and GIB (RR = 0.93, 95% CI 0.82–1.05). Subgroup analyses further showed that the increased risk of GIB among CCB users was only observed in studies that failed to adjust for prior history of GIB (RR = 1.67, 95% CI 1.34–2.08) or use of anti‐ulcer drugs (RR = 1.40, 95% CI 1.19–1.65).

Conclusion

Our meta‐analysis showed a marginal association between calcium channel blocker use and the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. This association is of dubious clinical significance, as the effects of different comparators or adjustment for confounding factors render this association nonsignificant.
Can a research film be considered a stand‐alone academic publication? An assessment of the film Climate Change, Voices of the Vulnerable: The Fishers' Plight
Authors: Baptiste April Karen
Published: April 2015

While widely used as a form of data collection, the use of film as a stand‐alone medium for the dissemination of research has not been fully realized in the social sciences. The hesitation on the part of many scholars to produce video is based on the lack of criteria for what constitutes a research‐film. Each academic publication has underlying research‐reporting characteristics. If these characteristics are evident then the medium of dissemination should not matter. This article argues that a research‐film can serve as an academic publication because it reflects the reporting of research that contributes to new knowledge or theories in a particular discipline(s). Taking a reflective approach, this article uses the film Climate Change, Voices of the Vulnerable: The Fishers' Plight, which advances knowledge in the fields of Environmental Studies and Geography, to critically assess the research‐reporting characteristics of research films. The film, based on fishers' perceptions to climate change in Trinidad and Tobago, meets some of the characteristics of research‐reporting through the representation of the theoretical framework and demographic sample data, a clear representation of the findings and analysis through thematic transition slides, and presentation of a conclusion. However it falls short through a lack of systematic representation of the sampling process and a well‐grounded theoretical frame with cited studies. The findings suggest that research‐films can stand‐alone as an output for academic research‐reporting as the short‐falls can be easily remedied in order to satisfy the characteristics of research‐reporting. The article concludes by raising the opportunities and challenges for social researchers who use this method for disseminating academic research, including the lack of outlets to provide peer‐reviews of research‐films in the published literature.
Factors attributable for the prevalence of dental caries in Queensland children
Authors: Do Loc Giang , Ha Diep Hong , Spencer A. John
Published: April 2015

Background

Dental caries is a multifactorial condition, prevention of which requires comprehensive understanding of both contextual and compositional determinants and their population impact.

Aims

To investigate contextual and compositional factors associated with the prevalence of dental caries in children and to estimate the population impact of those factors.

Methods

Children in one Australian state were selected through stratified random sampling selection in 2010–2011. Oral epidemiological examinations provided individual‐level outcomes: prevalence of dental caries in the primary (among 5‐ to 8‐year‐olds) and permanent dentitions (9‐ to 14‐year‐olds). Socioeconomic status, oral health behaviours and practices and dietary patterns were explanatory factors at the individual‐level, school‐level and area‐level fluoridation status. Three‐level multilevel multivariable models were sequentially specified for the prevalence of dental caries to estimate prevalence ratios (PR) associated with explanatory factors, adjusting for covariates and between‐ and within‐group variances. Population attributable fraction (PAF) was estimated as the population impact of the statistically significant explanatory factors.

Results

Data from 2214 5‐ to 8‐year‐olds and 3186 9‐ to 14‐year‐olds from 207 schools in 16 areas were analysed. The prevalence of dental caries in the primary and the permanent dentitions was 47.1% (43.9–50.4) and 38.8% (36.1–41.6), respectively. The highest prevalence of dental caries was observed in the nonfluoridated areas. In bivariate associations, factors at three levels were associated with prevalence of dental caries. In the full models, children in the nonfluoridated areas had significantly higher prevalence of dental caries [PR for the primary: 1.29 (1.11–1.50); PR for the permanent 1.49 (1.01–2.21)] compared with children in fluoridated areas, controlling for other factors. PAF estimates indicated that lack of water fluoridation attributed to 21% and 31% of primary and permanent dental caries, respectively in this child population.

Conclusion

A multitude of factors had significant population impact on the prevalence of dental caries in children. Water fluoridation has a significant population impact on dental caries experience in this child population.
Informed consumer or unlucky visitor? A profile of German patients who received dental services abroad
Authors: Panteli Dimitra , Augustin Uta , Röttger Julia , Struckmann Verena , Verheyen Frank , Wagner Caroline , Busse Reinhard
Published: April 2015

Objectives

A common characteristic of sending countries in cross‐border dental care is that of high costs and/or high copayments for dental services. This study aims to provide an insight into the characteristics of German patients receiving planned and emergency (unplanned) dental care abroad and their satisfaction with received services.

Methods

The Europabefragung is a postal survey carried out by Techniker Krankenkasse for patients who are treated in EU/EEA countries. This study uses data from the Europabefragung 2012. The survey was sent to 45 189 individuals; descriptive statistics for the subset of respondents who received emergency (unplanned) or planned dental treatment are presented.

Results

There were 18 339 responses to the questionnaire, out of which 17 543 were deemed valid; 1416 respondents had received emergency (unplanned) (78%) or planned (22%) dental care and were included in the analysis. There were clear differences between unplanned and planned treatments regarding country and type of treatment as well as satisfaction with different aspects of treatment and the need for follow‐up care. Overall, satisfaction with treatment was high for both groups; individuals who had received planned treatment were more satisfied on all aspects of care and reported a need for follow‐up care less frequently.

Conclusions

While German patients who received both emergency (unplanned) and planned services abroad are mostly satisfied with their experience, some concerns arise with regard to continuity of care. Types of information provided to patients seeking care abroad and dissemination modalities should be carefully planned.
The improved efficacy of a fixed‐dose combination of fluticasone furoate and levocabastine relative to the individual components in the treatment of allergic rhinitis
Authors: Murdoch R. D. , Bareille P. , Ignar D. , Miller S. R. , Gupta A. , Boardley R. , Zieglmayer P. , Zieglmayer R. , Lemel P. , Horak F.
Published: April 2015

Background

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common chronic disease, which has significant detrimental effect on well‐being and quality of life as well as substantial socio‐economic impact. Combination pharmacotherapy is utilized by 40–50% of patients to treat their symptoms.

Objective

To compare the effects of intranasal fluticasone furoate (FF)/levocabastine (LEVO) fixed‐dose combination (FDC) with each component alone on allergen‐induced nasal and ocular symptoms.

Methods

A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, three‐way, incomplete block, cross‐over, proof‐of‐concept study in 71 patients with AR, evaluated FF 100 μg, LEVO 200 μg and FDC (FF 100/LEVO 200 μg), once daily via intranasal spray for 8 days. On days 1 and 8, total nasal symptom score (TNSS) and total ocular symptom score (TOSS) were assessed every 15 min during a 4‐h allergen exposure in the Vienna Challenge Chamber. The primary endpoint was Day 8 weighted mean TNSS.

Results

After 8 days, FDC resulted in both statistically and clinically significant reductions in mean TNSS compared with FF and LEVO alone [adjusted mean differences (95% CI): FDC vs. FF: −2.26 (−2.90, −1.62); FDC vs. LEVO: −2.57 (−3.21, −1.93)]. All active treatments were significantly superior to placebo [adjusted mean difference (95% CI) from placebo: FDC: −4.1 (−4.86, −3.34); FF: −1.84 (−2.66, −1.03); LEVO: −1.53 (−2.34, −0.72)]. Onset of action was rapid following FDC and LEVO treatment with an approximate two unit reduction in mean TNSS from pre‐dose levels by 30 min and 1 h. Mean TOSS was also reduced following all active treatments relative to placebo (range 0.6–0.8 unit reduction). All treatments were equally well tolerated.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

These results suggest that once daily FF/LEVO FDC could provide a clinical therapeutic advantage to existing standard monotherapies in the treatment of moderate‐to‐severe AR, and support progression to evaluation in larger phase III clinical studies.
Muscarinic modulation of TREK currents in mouse sympathetic superior cervical ganglion neurons
Authors: Rivas‐Ramírez P. , Cadaveira‐Mosquera A. , Lamas J. A. , Reboreda A.
Published: April 2015

Muscarinic receptors play a key role in the control of neurotransmission in the autonomic ganglia, which has mainly been ascribed to the regulation of potassium M‐currents and voltage‐dependent calcium currents. Muscarinic agonists provoke depolarization of the membrane potential and a reduction in spike frequency adaptation in postganglionic neurons, effects that may be explained by M‐current inhibition. Here, we report the presence of a riluzole‐activated current (IRIL) that flows through the TREK‐2 channels, and that is also inhibited by muscarinic agonists in neurons of the mouse superior cervical ganglion (mSCG). The muscarinic agonist oxotremorine‐M (Oxo‐M) inhibited the IRIL by 50%, an effect that was abolished by pretreatment with atropine or pirenzepine, but was unaffected in the presence of himbacine. Moreover, these antagonists had similar effects on single‐channel TREK‐2 currents. IRIL inhibition was unaffected by pretreatment with pertussis toxin. The protein kinase C blocker bisindolylmaleimide did not have an effect, and neither did the inositol triphosphate antagonist 2‐aminoethoxydiphenylborane. Nevertheless, the IRIL was markedly attenuated by the phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor ET‐18‐OCH3. Finally, the phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase/phosphatidylinositol‐4‐kinase inhibitor wortmannin strongly attenuated the IRIL, whereas blocking phosphatidylinositol 4,5‐bisphosphate (PIP2) depletion consistently prevented IRIL inhibition by Oxo‐M. These results demonstrate that TREK‐2 currents in mSCG neurons are inhibited by muscarinic agonists that activate M1 muscarinic receptors, reducing PIP2 levels via a PLC‐dependent pathway. The similarities between the signaling pathways regulating the IRIL and the M‐current in the same neurons reflect an important role of this new pathway in the control of autonomic ganglia excitability.
Methods for studying the zebrafish brain: past, present and future
Authors: Wyatt Cameron , Bartoszek Ewelina M. , Yaksi Emre
Published: April 2015

The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is one of the most promising new model organisms. The increasing popularity of this amazing small vertebrate is evident from the exponentially growing numbers of research articles, funded projects and new discoveries associated with the use of zebrafish for studying development, brain function, human diseases and screening for new drugs. Thanks to the development of novel technologies, the range of zebrafish research is constantly expanding with new tools synergistically enhancing traditional techniques. In this review we will highlight the past and present techniques which have made, and continue to make, zebrafish an attractive model organism for various fields of biology, with a specific focus on neuroscience.
Post‐transcriptional regulation of dopamine D1 receptor expression in caudate‐putamen of cocaine‐sensitized mice
Authors: Tobón Krishna E. , Catuzzi Jennifer E. , Cote Samantha R. , Sonaike Adenike , Kuzhikandathil Eldo V.
Published: April 2015

The dopamine D1 receptor is centrally involved in mediating the effects of cocaine and is essential for cocaine‐induced locomotor sensitization. Changes in D1 receptor expression have been reported in various models of cocaine addiction; however, the mechanisms that mediate these changes in D1 receptor expression are not well understood. Using preadolescent drd1a‐EGFP mice and a binge cocaine treatment protocol we demonstrate that the D1 receptor is post‐transcriptionally regulated in the caudate‐putamen of cocaine‐sensitized animal. While cocaine‐sensitized mice express high levels of steady‐state D1 receptor mRNA, the expression of D1 receptor protein is not elevated. We determined that the post‐transcriptional regulation of D1 receptor mRNA is rapidly attenuated and D1 receptor protein levels increase within 30 min when the sensitized mice are challenged with cocaine. The rapid increase in D1 receptor protein levels requires de novo protein synthesis and correlates with the cocaine‐induced hyperlocomotor activity in the cocaine‐sensitized mice. The increase in D1 receptor protein levels in the caudate‐putamen inversely correlated with the levels of microRNA 142‐3p and 382, both of which regulate D1 receptor protein expression. The levels of these two microRNAs decreased significantly within 5 min of cocaine challenge in sensitized mice. The results provide novel insights into the previously unknown rapid kinetics of D1 receptor protein expression which occurs in a time scale that is comparable to the expression of immediate early genes. Furthermore, the results suggest a potential novel role for inherently labile microRNAs in regulating the rapid expression of D1 receptor protein in cocaine‐sensitized animals.
Environmental variation and population responses to global change
Authors: Lawson Callum R. , Vindenes Yngvild , Bailey Liam , van de Pol Martijn
Published: April 2015

Species' responses to environmental changes such as global warming are affected not only by trends in mean conditions, but also by natural and human‐induced environmental fluctuations. Methods are needed to predict how such environmental variation affects ecological and evolutionary processes, in order to design effective strategies to conserve biodiversity under global change. Here, we review recent theoretical and empirical studies to assess: (1) how populations respond to changes in environmental variance, and (2) how environmental variance affects population responses to changes in mean conditions. Contrary to frequent claims, empirical studies show that increases in environmental variance can increase as well as decrease long‐term population growth rates. Moreover, environmental variance can alter and even reverse the effects of changes in the mean environment, such that even if environmental variance remains constant, omitting it from population models compromises their ability to predict species' responses to changes in mean conditions. Drawing on theory relating these effects of environmental variance to the curvatures of population growth responses to the environment, we outline how species' traits such as phylogenetic history and body mass could be used to predict their responses to global change under future environmental variability.
An assessment of Putative Sexually Antagonistic Traits in a Freshwater Amphipod Species
Authors: Cothran Rickey D. , French Beverly J. , Relyea Rick A.
Published: April 2015

Sexual conflict can result in an ‘evolutionary arms race’ between males and females, with the evolution of sexual antagonistic traits used to resolve the conflict in favor of one sex over the other. We assessed the resolution of sexual conflict in a Hyalella amphipod species by manipulating putative sexually antagonistic traits in males and females and used mate‐guarding duration as our metric of conflict resolution. We discovered that large male posterior gnathopod size increased mate‐guarding duration, which suggests that it is a sexually antagonistic trait in this species. In contrast, female and male body size did not significantly affect mate‐guarding duration. Given that male posterior gnathopods show heightened condition dependence, future investigations should explore the interactive effects of sexual conflict and ecological context on trait evolution, phenotypic divergence, and speciation to elucidate the complex mechanisms involved in the evolution of biological diversity.
The evolutionary legacy of size‐selective harvesting extends from genes to populations
Authors: Uusi‐Heikkilä Silva , Whiteley Andrew R. , Kuparinen Anna , Matsumura Shuichi , Venturelli Paul A. , Wolter Christian , Slate Jon , Primmer Craig R. , Meinelt Thomas , Killen Shaun S. , Bierbach David , Polverino Giovanni , Ludwig Arne , Arlinghaus Robert
Published: April 2015

Size‐selective harvesting is assumed to alter life histories of exploited fish populations, thereby negatively affecting population productivity, recovery, and yield. However, demonstrating that fisheries‐induced phenotypic changes in the wild are at least partly genetically determined has proved notoriously difficult. Moreover, the population‐level consequences of fisheries‐induced evolution are still being controversially discussed. Using an experimental approach, we found that five generations of size‐selective harvesting altered the life histories and behavior, but not the metabolic rate, of wild‐origin zebrafish (Danio rerio). Fish adapted to high positively size selective fishing pressure invested more in reproduction, reached a smaller adult body size, and were less explorative and bold. Phenotypic changes seemed subtle but were accompanied by genetic changes in functional loci. Thus, our results provided unambiguous evidence for rapid, harvest‐induced phenotypic and evolutionary change when harvesting is intensive and size selective. According to a life‐history model, the observed life‐history changes elevated population growth rate in harvested conditions, but slowed population recovery under a simulated moratorium. Hence, the evolutionary legacy of size‐selective harvesting includes populations that are productive under exploited conditions, but selectively disadvantaged to cope with natural selection pressures that often favor large body size.
Cellular processes associated with LRRK2 function and dysfunction
Authors: Wallings Rebecca , Manzoni Claudia , Bandopadhyay Rina
Published: April 2015

Mutations in the leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2)‐encoding gene are the most common cause of monogenic Parkinson's disease. The identification of LRRK2 polymorphisms associated with increased risk for sporadic Parkinson's disease, as well as the observation that LRRK2‐Parkinson's disease has a pathological phenotype that is almost indistinguishable from the sporadic form of disease, suggested LRRK2 as the culprit to provide understanding for both familial and sporadic Parkinson's disease cases. LRRK2 is a large protein with both GTPase and kinase functions. Mutations segregating with Parkinson's disease reside within the enzymatic core of LRRK2, suggesting that modification of its activity impacts greatly on disease onset and progression. Although progress has been made since its discovery in 2004, there is still much to be understood regarding LRRK2′s physiological and neurotoxic properties. Unsurprisingly, given the presence of multiple enzymatic domains, LRRK2 has been associated with a diverse set of cellular functions and signalling pathways including mitochondrial function, vesicle trafficking together with endocytosis, retromer complex modulation and autophagy. This review discusses the state of current knowledge on the role of LRRK2 in health and disease with discussion of potential substrates of phosphorylation and functional partners with particular emphasis on signalling mechanisms. In addition, the use of immune cells in LRRK2 research and the role of oxidative stress as a regulator of LRRK2 activity and cellular function are also discussed.