bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring factors facilitating and hindering college-university Pathway Program completion
Authors: Percival Jennifer , DiGiuseppe Maurice , Goodman Bill , LeSage Ann , Longo Fabiola , De La Rocha Arlene , Hinch Ron , Samis John , Sanchez Otto , Augusto Rodrigues Anna , Raby Phil
Published: December 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore not only the academic measures such as grade point average of success of college-to-university transfer programs (Pathway Programs), but also the social-cultural facilitators and barriers throughout the students’ Pathway experience.

Design/methodology/approach

– The experience of students and academic advisors moving between Queensdale College and North Star University (NSU) (pseudonyms) were analyzed using a mixed-methods approach including analysis of data from online surveys, secondary data (course performance), and focus group interviews.

Findings

– Students who are able to enter the Pathway Programs at NSU perform on average better than their four-year traditional program peers. There remain a number of social-cultural barrier which need to be addressed to improve the overall experience of these transfer students.

Practical implications

– The results from this study will assist the administrative decision makers in designing Pathways and their associated communication plans in order to meet the needs of the students with tools and supports that are both perceived by the students as valuable and are improving their Pathway experience and ultimately their academic performance.

Originality/value

– The move to develop Pathway Programs in Ontario is a new phenomenon, even in provinces where this is more common, few studies exist which consider the social-cultural aspects of the student journey between the two institutions. This study moves beyond the standard academic performance data and provides insight into the critical role played by the social aspects in higher education experiences.
Parental participation fees in school expenses in Israel
Authors: Shaked Haim
Published: December 2015

Purpose

– Many countries throughout the world provide all children with free education. However, sometimes there are user charges in publically funded schools worldwide. The purpose of this paper is to explore parental participation fees in school expenses in Israel, depicting the current situation and analyzing its implications.

Design/methodology/approach

– Public documents from Israel were explored, such as guidelines of the CEO of the Ministry of education, laws, court rulings, publications of the Central Bureau of Statistics, reports of State Comptroller and reports of various committees. Document analysis was a three-stage process – condensing, coding and categorizing. The analysis was based on interpretation of the documents collected, attempting to detect explicit and implicit meanings concerning the topic at hand.

Findings

– Findings show that the Israeli policy in regard to parental payments has three main characteristics: first, high basic payments; second, payments for learning activities; and third, insufficient enforcement.

Practical implications

– According to the findings of this study, it would be advisable to re-examine the Israeli policy in regard to school charges that parents are required to pay.

Originality/value

– There is not much research to be found on the subject of parental participation fees in school expenses. The findings of this study expand the limited knowledge existing on this topic.
Primary school principals ' job satisfaction and occupational stress
Authors: Darmody Merike , Smyth Emer
Published: December 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the factors associated with occupational stress and job satisfaction among Irish primary school principals. A principal’s job has become increasingly demanding and complex in recent decades. However, there is little current research into their levels of stress and job satisfaction, particularly based on nationally representative data. In order to understand how principals perceive their job and how best to support them, new insights into factors contributing to job satisfaction and stress of school principals are warranted.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper draws on an analysis of Growing up in Ireland data, a national representative study of nine-year-old children in Ireland. In order to explore the simultaneous impact of individual and school factors on stress and job satisfaction of principals in Irish primary schools, multivariate analysis was used. Analyses in this paper are based on responses from principals in 898 schools.

Findings

– The results of the study indicate that a significant number of primary school principals in Ireland are not very satisfied and feel stressed about their job. Regression analysis revealed that job satisfaction and occupational stress were related to a complex set of personal characteristics, working conditions, school context and teacher climate.

Research limitations/implications

– The data are limited to primary school principals. However, this is in itself an advantage since it allows for greater insights into variation across principals in job satisfaction and stress, holding the effect of school level constant.

Originality/value

– This is the first study of its kind in the Irish context that explores the simultaneous effect of a number of factors on school principals’ stress and job satisfaction.
Trade openness and structural vulnerability in developing countries
Authors: Gnangnon Sena Kimm
Published: December 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate how trade openness affects the structural vulnerability of developing countries. The analysis is conducted on both the entire sample of 105 countries as well as two sub-samples, namely least developed countries (LDCs) and non-LDCs.

Design/methodology/approach

– To perform the analysis, the author employs fixed-effects (within) regressions supplemented by instrumental variables technique based on the two-step generalized methods of moments approach.

Findings

– The author finds empirical evidence that although trade policy liberalization reduces the structural vulnerability on the entire sample developing countries, no statistically significant effect of such liberalization is obtained either on LDCs or non-LDCs. However, trade policy liberalization appears to reduce countries’ exposure to shocks, result that applies to the entire sample as well as the two sub-samples. The author also observes that trade policy liberalization exerts no (statistically) significant effect on the size of shocks that affect developing countries, result that applies to both the full sample and the sub-samples of LDCs and non-LDCs.

Research limitations/implications

– In the absence of a well-established theoretical framework on how trade openness affects the structural vulnerability of developing, the author adopts a pragmatic approach by drawing upon many insights of Loayza and Raddatz (2007) who study the structural determinants of external vulnerability.

Practical implications

– Developing countries in general and LDCs in particular could address their structural weaknesses by making optimal use of their trade policies. In particular, they could better use the flexibilities available to them in provisions of the World Trade Organization (WTO)’ Agreements. In this respect, the international community, notably donors of the developed world has a key role to play.

Originality/value

– This is the first study exploring how trade openness, capturing here through trade policy liberalization affects the structural vulnerability of developing countries.
Can Black Africa afford to be Green Africa?
Authors: Price Gregory N. , Elu Juliet U.
Published: December 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to use a neoclassical factor pricing approach to carbon emissions, and consider whether the productivity of carbon emissions differs in Sub-Saharan Africa relative to the rest of the world.

Design/methodology/approach

– Allowing for possible cross-country dependency and correlation in the effects of the factors of production on the level of gross domestic product per capita, the authors estimate the parameters of a cross-country net production function with carbon emissions as an input.

Findings

– While there is a “Sub-Saharan Africa effect” whereby carbon emissions are less productive as an input relative to the rest of the world; practically it is equally productive relative to all other countries suggesting a unfavorable distributional impact if Sub-Saharan Africa were to implement carbon emissions reductions consistent with the Kyoto Protocol.

Research limitations/implications

– If global warming is not anthropogenic or caused by carbon emissions, the parameter estimates do not inform an optimal and equitable carbon emissions policy based upon Sub-Saharan Africans reducing their short-run living standards.

Practical implications

– Fair and equitable global carbon emissions policies should aim to treat Sub-Saharan African countries in proportion to their carbon emissions, and not unfairly impose emissions constraints on them equal to that of countries in the industrialized west.

Social implications

– As Sub-Saharan Africa has a disproportionate number of individuals in the world living on less than one dollar a day, the results suggest “Black Africa” may not be able to afford being a “Green Africa.”

Originality/value

– The results are the first to quantify the effects of carbon emissions restrictions on output and their distributional implications for Sub-Saharan Africa.
The dynamic response of the rand real exchange rate to fundamental shocks
Authors: Balcilar Mehmet , Gupta Rangan , Jooste Charl
Published: December 2015

Purpose

– The authors analyse the relationship between the South African real exchange rate and economic fundamentals – demand, supply and nominal shocks. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors use a time-varying parameter VAR to study the coherence, conditional volatility and impulse responses of the exchange rate over specific periods and policy regimes. The model is identified using sign-restrictions that allow for some neutrality of impulse responses over contemporaneous and long horizons.

Findings

– The results suggest that the importance of fundamental shocks on the exchange rate is time dependent. Hence there is a loss in information when using standard linear models that average out effects over time. The response of the exchange rate to demand and supply shocks have weakened over the 1994-2010 period.

Research limitations/implications

– The period following financial crisis has strengthened the relationship between supply and demand shocks to the exchange rate, but has weakened the relationship between interest rate shocks and the exchange rate response.

Practical implications

– This paper provides deeper insight as to how the exchange rate responds to fundamental shocks. This should help monetary policy understand the consequences of interest rate decisions on the exchange rate and the indirect effect of inflation on the exchange rate.

Originality/value

– This application is new to the South African literature. The authors propose that the use of interest rates is limited in affecting the value of the rand exchange rate over particular periods. Isolating fundamental shocks to exchange rates over time helps policy makers make clearer and more informed decisions.
Relationship between spicy food intake and chronic uninvestigated dyspepsia in Iranian adults
Authors: Saneei Parvane , Sadeghi Omid , Feizi Awat , Keshteli Ammar Hassanzadeh , Daghaghzadeh Hamed , Esmaillzadeh Ahmad , Adibi Peyman
Published: December 2015

Objective

To assess the association between spicy food consumption and chronic uninvestigated dyspepsia (CUD) in a large sample of Iranian adults.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study we assessed the consumption of spicy foods in 4763 Iranian adults living in Isfahan Province using a dietary habit questionnaire. A modified validated version of the Rome III questionnaire was used to assess CUD‐related symptoms. CUD was defined as having one or more of the following characteristics: distressing postprandial fullness, early satiation and/or epigastric pain or epigastric burning at least often during the past three months. Information on meal regularity, meal frequency, intra‐meal intake of fluid as well as other potential confounders was also collected.

Results

CUD was prevalent in 15% of the participants. The frequent consumption of spicy foods (≥10 times/week) was associated with greater odds of having CUD [odds ratio (OR) 1.64, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.09–2.49, P < 0.05). This relationship was significant even after adjusted for diet‐related practices (OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.01–2.79, P < 0.05). There was a significantly positive association between spicy food consumption and postprandial fullness (OR 1.76, 95% CI 1.29–2.40, P < 0.05) and epigastric pain (OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.30–2.44, P < 0.05). However, no significant relationship was observed between the frequent consumption of spicy foods and early satiation.

Conclusions

High consumption of spicy foods is associated with greater odds of CUD, frequent postprandial fullness and epigastric pain. Further studies, particularly of a prospective nature, are needed to confirm our findings.
Ammonia threshold for inhibition of anaerobic digestion of thin stillage and the importance of organic loading rate
Authors: Moestedt Jan , Müller Bettina , Westerholm Maria , Schnürer Anna
Published: December 2015

Biogas production from nitrogen‐rich feedstock results in release of ammonia (NH3), causing inhibition of the microbial process. The reported threshold ammonia value for stable biogas production varies greatly between studies, probably because of differences in operating conditions. Moreover, it is often difficult to separate the effect of ammonia inhibition from that of organic loading rate (OLR), as these two factors are often interrelated. This study attempted to distinguish the effects of ammonia and OLR by analysis of two laboratory‐scale biogas reactors operating with thin stillage and subjected to an increase in free ammonia (from 0.30 to 1.1 g L−1) either by addition of an external nitrogen source (urea) or by increasing the OLR (3.2–6.0 g volatile solids L−1 d−1). The results showed that ammonia concentration was detrimental for process performance, with the threshold for stability in both processes identified as being about 1 g NH3‐N L−1, irrespective of OLR. Analysis of the methanogenic community showed limited differences between the two reactors on order level and a clear increase in the abundance of Methanomicrobiales, particularly Methanoculleus sp., in response to increasing ammonia concentration. Further comprehensive molecular analysis revealed that diverse Methanoculleus species dominated in the reactors at a given ammonia level at different OLR. The acetogenic community was clearly affected by both ammonia concentration and OLR, suggesting that the volatile fatty acid load in relation to the higher OLR was important for the dynamics of this community.
Making environmental DNA count
Authors: Kelly Ryan P.
Published: December 2015

The arc of reception for a new technology or method – like the reception of new information itself – can pass through predictable stages, with audiences’ responses evolving from ‘I don't believe it’, through ‘well, maybe’ to ‘yes, everyone knows that’ to, finally, ‘old news’. The idea that one can sample a volume of water, sequence DNA out of it, and report what species are living nearby has experienced roughly this series of responses among biologists, beginning with the microbial biologists who developed genetic techniques to reveal the unseen microbiome. ‘Macrobial’ biologists and ecologists – those accustomed to dealing with species they can see and count – have been slower to adopt such molecular survey techniques, in part because of the uncertain relationship between the number of recovered DNA sequences and the abundance of whole organisms in the sampled environment. In this issue of Molecular Ecology Resources, Evans et al. () quantify this relationship for a suite of nine vertebrate species consisting of eight fish and one amphibian. Having detected all of the species present with a molecular toolbox of six primer sets, they consistently find DNA abundances are associated with species’ biomasses. The strength and slope of this association vary for each species and each primer set – further evidence that there is no universal parameter linking recovered DNA to species abundance – but Evans and colleagues take a significant step towards being able to answer the next question audiences tend to ask: ‘Yes, but how many are there?’
Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater: identifying and mapping paralogs in salmonids
Authors: Dufresne France
Published: December 2015

Many eukaryotic genomes contain a large fraction of gene duplicates (or paralogs) as a result of ancient or recent whole‐genome duplications (Ohno ; Jaillon et al. ; Kellis et al. ). Identifying paralogs with NGS data is a pervasive problem in both ancient polyploids and neopolyploids. Likewise, paralogs are often treated as a nuisance that has to be detected and removed (Everett et al. ). In this issue of Molecular Ecology Resources, Waples et al. () show that exclusion might not be necessary and how we may miss out on important genomic information in doing so. They present a novel statistical approach to detect paralogs based on the segregation of RAD loci in haploid offspring and test their method by constructing linkage maps with and without these duplicated loci in chum salmon, Oncorhynchus keta (Fig. ). Their linkage map including the resolved paralogs shows that these are mostly located in the distal regions of several linkage groups. Particularly intriguing is their finding that these homoeologous regions appear impoverished in transposable elements (TE). Given the role that TE play in genome remodelling, it is noteworthy that these elements are of low abundance in regions showing residual tetrasomic inheritance. This raises the question whether re‐diploidization is constrained in these regions and whether they might have a role to play in salmonid speciation. This study provides an original approach to identifying duplicated loci in species with a pedigree, as well as providing a dense linkage map for chum salmon, and interesting insights into the retention of gene duplicates in an ancient polyploid.
Interpreting the flock algorithm: a reply to Anderson & Barry (2015)
Authors: Duchesne P. , Turgeon J.
Published: December 2015

Anderson & Barry (Molecular Ecology Resources, 2015, 10, 1020–1030) compared a reprogrammed version of flock (Duchesne & Turgeon , Molecular Ecology Resources, 2009, 9, 1333–1344), flockture, to a particular model of structure (Pritchard , Genetics, 2000, 155, 945–959) that they propose is equivalent to flock, a non‐MCMC, non‐Bayesian algorithm. They conclude that structure performs better than flockture at clustering individuals from simulated populations with very low level of differentiation (FST c. 0.008) based on 15 microsatellites or 96 SNPs. We rather consider that both algorithms failed, with proportions of correct allocations lower than 50%. The authors also noted the slightly better performance of flockture with SNPs at intermediate FST values (c. 0.02–0.04) but did not comment. Finally, we disagree with the way the processing time of each program was compared. When compared on the basis of a run leading to a clustering solution, the main output of any clustering algorithm, flock, is, as users can readily experience, much faster. In all, we feel that flock performs at least as well as structure as a clustering algorithm. Moreover, flock has two major assets: high speed and clear, well validated, rules to estimate K, the number of populations. It thus provides a valuable addition to the set of tools at the disposal of the many researchers dealing with real empirical data sets.
The influence of propofol and sevoflurane on intestinal motility during laparoscopic surgery
Authors: Desmet M. , Vander Cruyssen P. , Pottel H. , Carlier S. , Devriendt D. , Van Rooy F. , De Corte W.
Published: December 2015

Background

Volatile anaesthetics have an influence on small bowel peristalsis during laparoscopic surgery. A recent study concluded that desflurane increased intestinal motility compared to sevoflurane. Hence, a desflurane‐based anaesthesia protocol may reduce surgical exposure during intestinal suturing or stapling due to small bowel hyperperistalsis. The effect of propofol on intestinal motility is not well studied. We tested the hypothesis that a propofol–remifentanil anaesthesia increases intestinal contractions in comparison with a sevoflurane–remifentanil anaesthesia.

Methods

Patients scheduled for laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery were randomized in this single blind randomized controlled trial to receive remifentanil combined with sevoflurane or propofol (ISRCTN 12921661). Bispectral index monitoring was used to guide depth of anaesthesia. Visual observation of peristaltic waves was performed during 1 min at the planned site of the jejunostomy. Statistical analysis was performed using Wilcoxon two‐sample test.

Results

After obtaining written informed consent 50 patients were included. Groups were similar for demographic variables, and depth of anaesthesia during the observations. The median number of peristaltic waves was lower in the sevoflurane–remifentanil group compared to the propofol–remifentanil group (0 vs. 6, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Propofol–remifentanil increases intestinal motility compared with sevoflurane–remifentanil during laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery. A sevoflurane‐based protocol can help to avoid disturbing peristalsis.
Can foreign banks compete in China?
Authors: Avkiran Necmi K. , Zhu Yushu , Tripe David W. L. , Walsh Kathleen
Published: December 2015

Foreign banks in China have faced strict regulatory requirements that were not imposed on domestic banks and as such they have performed poorly in profitability rankings. Recent changes in the Chinese regulatory requirements prompt us to consider whether foreign banks are now on an equal footing with the Chinese domestic banks. Using Cobb–Douglas stochastic frontier analysis with total income as the dependent variable, we find no significant performance difference between foreign and domestic banks. However, robustness testing using the individual components of total income as dependent variables reveals that foreign banks need to improve efficiency of their income generation.
The effects of tone at the top and coordination with external auditors on internal auditors’ fraud risk assessments
Authors: Wang Isabel Z. , Fargher Neil
Published: December 2015

Prior research suggests that internal auditors’ judgements are subject to management influence resulting in compromised risk assessments. This study investigates the effects of the tone at the top and coordination with external auditors on internal auditors’ fraud risk assessments. Results of an experiment involving 64 internal auditors indicate that when the tone at the top is poor, rather than favouring management, internal auditors report a higher risk of intentional misstatements and that coordination with external auditors can further reduce expectations of the incidence of intentional misstatements.
Conversion to dementia in mild cognitive impairment diagnosed with DSM‐5 criteria and with Petersen's criteria
Authors: Marcos G. , Santabárbara J. , Lopez‐Anton R. , De‐la‐Cámara C. , Gracia‐García P. , Lobo E. , Pírez G. , Menchón J. M. , Palomo T. , Stephan B. C. M. , Brayne C. , Lobo A. ,   the ZARADEMP Workgroup
Published: December 2015

Objective

In a background of revision of criteria for states of increased risk for progression to dementia, we compare the conversion rate to dementia and Alzheimer's disease (AD) of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) as diagnosed using DSM‐5 (DSM‐5‐MCI) and Petersen's (P‐MCI) criteria.

Method

A population representative cohort of 4057 dementia‐free individuals 55+ years of age was followed up at 2.5 and 4.5 years in Zaragoza, Spain (ZARADEMP). Using the Geriatric Mental State‐ AGECAT for assessment, research psychiatrists diagnosed DSM‐5‐MCI and P‐MCI following operationalized criteria. ‘Conversion rate’ (CR), ‘annual conversion rate’ (ACR), and incidence rate (IR) were calculated along with incidence rate ratio (IRR) to compare the performance of the intermediate cognitive definitions.

Results

At 4.5‐year follow‐up, in individuals aged 65+ years, ACRs for non‐cases, P‐MCI, and DSM‐5‐MCI were 0.8, 1.9 and 3.4, respectively, for global dementia. The IRRs were 2.9 and 5.3 for P‐MCI and DSM5‐MCI, respectively, being the non‐cases the reference category. The corresponding values were slightly lower for AD.

Conclusion

Conversion rate to dementia and AD was higher using DSM‐5‐MCI criteria than using Petersen's criteria. However, prediction of the construct still has some way to go, as most MCI individuals did not convert at 4.5‐year follow‐up.
Kimberley Indigenous mental health: An examination of metabolic syndrome risk factors
Authors: Stanley Susanne H. , Laugharne Jonathan D.E. , Chapman Murray , Balaratnasingam Sivasankaran
Published: December 2015

Objective

There is an increased risk of physical health comorbidities in people with a mental illness. This paper examines the metabolic syndrome parameters for the general population, indigenous Australians and people with a mental illness, and compares them to a sample of predominantly indigenous adults with mental health problems.

Design

A longitudinal (24 month) audit of patient medical records was conducted between February 2011 and March 2013.

Setting

The Kimberley Mental Health and Drug Service in Broome, Western Australia.

Participants

Largely indigenous adults with a mental illness. Sample numbers increased from 56 at baseline (80% indigenous) to 136 at 18 months (70% indigenous).

Main outcome measures

Waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting lipids, and fasting blood glucose.

Results

Preliminary assessment of the data indicates a high percentage of abnormalities at baseline and at the 18 month period on all four parameters, yet not all patients were assessed on a regular basis.

Conclusions

Abnormalities in metabolic profiles consistent with the non‐Indigenous mental health population were found. There are considerable challenges to implementing regular monitoring of physical and metabolic profiles of indigenous people in rural and remote communities.
Chemoprevention of colorectal neoplasia
Authors: Wakeman Chris , Keenan Jacqueline , Eteuati Jimmy , Hollington Paul , Eglinton Tim , Frizelle Frank
Published: December 2015

Background

Colorectal cancer is a common and often fatal malignancy. Currently, the modifications that alter disease outcome include early symptom recognition, population screening as well as improved surgical and adjuvant treatments. Preventative strategies have been limited with little evidence that lifestyle changes significantly alter risk. There is however a growing awareness of a potential role for chemoprevention in some patient groups. This study aimed to review the literature associated with chemoprevention in colorectal cancer.

Methods

An electronic literature search of MEDLINE and Embase databases was performed on PubMed for studies detailing the use of chemoprevention agents in colon and rectal cancer. The search was limited to clinical trials on adult humans (>16 years of age) published in English since 1990.

Results

The strongest evidence is for non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs slowing polyp progression, notably Sulindac and aspirin in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis and hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer, respectively. There is also increasing evidence that continuing use of low‐dose aspirin reduces long‐term incidence of colorectal cancers. Cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitors also have a potential role but cardiac toxicity currently limits their use. Folic acid, statins, antioxidants, calcium and 5‐aminosalicylic acid lack evidence to support their use at present.

Conclusions

Currently, there is not enough evidence to support the implementation of a chemopreventative agent for general use. However, there appears to be a role for aspirin in selected subgroups.
Beak and feather disease virus genotypes in Australian parrots reveal flexible host‐switching
Authors: Sarker S , Forwood JK , Ghorashi SA , Peters A , Raidal SR
Published: December 2015

Objective

To discover beak and feather disease virus (BFDV) genotypes in Australian parrots that might threaten vulnerable and endangered psittacine bird species.

Methods

Phylogenetic analyses of new DNA sequence data from Australian birds including the Rep gene (n = 55) and nine whole genomes, were compared with all available published BFDV genomes to assess host‐ and geographically‐based divergence as well as probable host‐switch events.

Results

Strong support for flexible host‐switching and recombination was detected, indicating active cross‐species transmission in various subpopulations.

Conclusion

The data suggested that all endangered Australian psittacine bird species are equally likely to be infected by BFDV genotypes from any other close or distantly related host reservoir species.
Humanity and Justice in Global Health: Problems with Venkatapuram's Justification of the Global Health Duty
Authors: Kollar Eszter , Laukötter Sebastian , Buyx Alena
Published: December 2015

One of the most ambitious and sophisticated recent approaches to provide a theory of global health justice is Sridhar Venkatapuram's recent work. In this commentary, we first outline the core idea of Venkatapuram's approach to global health justice. We then argue that one of the most important elements of the account, Venkatapuram's basis of global health duties, is either too weak or assumed implicitly without a robust justification. The more explicit grounding of the duty to protect and promote health capabilities is based on Martha Nussbaum's version of the capability approach. We argue that this foundation gives rise to humanitarian duties rather than duties of justice proper. Venkatapuram's second argument from the social determinants of health thesis is instead a stronger candidate for grounding duties of justice. However, as a justificatory argument, it is only alluded to and has not yet been spelled out sufficiently. We offer plausible justificatory steps to fill this gap and draw some implications for global health action. We believe this both strengthens Venkatapuram's approach and serves to broaden the basis for future action in the area of global health.
A survey of fertility and sexual health following allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Dyer Gemma , Gilroy Nicole , Bradford Jennifer , Brice Lisa , Kabir Masura , Greenwood Matt , Larsen Stephen R. , Moore John , Hertzberg Mark , Kwan John , Brown Louisa , Hogg Megan , Huang Gillian , Tan Jeff , Ward Christopher , Kerridge Ian
Published: December 2015

Four hundred and twenty‐one adult allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) survivors participated in a cross‐sectional study to assess sexual dysfunction and infertility post‐transplant. Survey instruments included the Sydney Post‐Blood and Marrow Transplant (BMT) Survey, Functional Assessment of Cancer Treatment (FACT) – BMT, the Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scales (DASS 21), the Chronic Graft‐versus‐Host Disease (cGVHD) Activity Assessment‐ Patient Self Report (Form B), the Lee cGVHD Symptom Scale and The Post‐Traumatic Growth Inventory. Most HSCT survivors reported sexual difficulties (51% of males; 66% of females). Men reported erectile dysfunction (79%) and decreased libido (61·6%) and women reported loss of libido (83%), painful intercourse (73%) and less enjoyment of sex (68%). Women also commonly reported vaginal dryness (73%), vaginal narrowing (34%) and vaginal irritation (26%). Woman had much higher rates of genital cGvHD than men (22% vs. 5%). Age and cGVHD were significantly associated with sexual dysfunction. Few survivors had children following transplant (3·3%). However, for those of reproductive age at HSCT, 22% reported trying to conceive, with 10·3% reporting success. This study is the largest to date exploring sexual function in survivors of allo‐HSCT. This data provides the basis for health service reform to better meet the needs of HSCT survivors, including evidence to support counselling and education both pre‐ and post‐transplant.
A prospective multicentric international study on the surgical outcomes and patients’ satisfaction rates of the ‘sliding’ technique for end‐stage Peyronie's disease with severe shortening of the penis and erectile dysfunction
Authors: Rolle Luigi , Falcone Marco , Ceruti Carlo , Timpano Massimiliano , Sedigh Omid , Ralph David J. , Kuehhas Franklin , Oderda Marco , Preto Mirko , Sibona Mattia , Gillo Arianna , Garaffa Giulio , Gontero Paolo , Frea Bruno
Published: December 2015

Objectives

To report the results from a prospective multicentric study of patients with Peyronie's disease (PD) treated with the ‘sliding’ technique (ST).

Patients and Methods

From June 2010 to January 2014, 28 consecutive patients affected by stable PD with severe penile shortening and end‐stage erectile dysfunction (ED) were enrolled in three European PD tertiary referral centres. The validated International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire, the Sexual Encounter Profile (SEP) Questions 2 and 3, and the Peyronie's disease questionnaire (PDQ) were completed preoperatively by all patients. At the follow‐up visits (at 3, 6 and 12 months), the IIEF, the SEP Questions 2 and 3, the PDQ, and the Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction (EDITS) were completed. The outcome analysis was focused on penile length restoration, and intra‐ and postoperative complications classified according the Clavien–Dindo Classification.

Results

The mean (range) follow‐up was 37 (9–60) months. A malleable penile prosthesis (PP) was implanted in seven patients, while an inflatable three‐pieces PP was placed in the remainder. In the case of inflatable PP implantation, porcine small intestinal submucosa and acellular porcine dermal matrix were used to cover the tunical defects. While in patients undergoing malleable PP implantation, collagen‐fibrin sponge was used. The mean operative time was 145 min in the inflatable PP group and 115 min in the malleable PP group. There were no intraoperative complications. Postoperative complications included profuse bleeding requiring a blood transfusion in one patient (3.5%) on anticoagulation therapy for a mechanical heart valve (Grade II) and PP infection requiring the removal of the device (7%) (Grade III). There were no late recurrences of the shaft deformation. The postoperative functional data showed a progressive improvement in the score of all questionnaires, peaking at 12 months postoperatively. The mean (range) penile lengthening was 3.2 (2.5–4) cm and no patient reported recurrence of the curvature.

Conclusions

The present series suggests that, in the hands of experienced high‐volume surgeons, penile length restoration with the use of the ST represents an effective option for end‐stage PD associated with ED and severe shortening of the shaft. Larger series and longer follow‐up will be required to fully establish the efficacy of this procedure.
Impact of frailty on complications in patients undergoing common urological procedures: a study from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement database
Authors: Suskind Anne M. , Walter Louise C. , Jin Chengshi , Boscardin John , Sen Saunak , Cooperberg Matthew R. , Finlayson Emily
Published: December 2015

Objectives

To evaluate the association of frailty, a measure of diminished physiological reserve, with both major and minor surgical complications among patients undergoing urological surgery.

Materials and Methods

Using data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) from 2007 to 2013, we identified all urological cases that appeared > 1000 times in the dataset among patients aged ≥40 years. Frailty was measured using the NSQIP frailty index (FI), a validated measure that includes 11 impairments, such as decreased functional status and impaired sensorium. We created multivariable logistic regression models using the NSQIP FI to assess major and minor complications after surgery.

Results

We identified 95 108 urological cases representing 21 urological procedures. The average frequency of complications per individual was 11.7%, with the most common complications being hospital readmission (6.2%), blood transfusion (4.6%) and urinary tract infection (3.1%). Major and minor complications increased with increasing NSQIP FI. Frailty remained strongly associated with complications after adjustment for year, age, race, smoking status and method of anaesthesia (adjusted odds ratio 1.74 [95% confidence interval 1.64, 1.85] for an NSQIP FI ≥0.18). Increasing NSQIP FI was associated with increasing frequency of complications within age groups (by decade) up to age 81 years and across most procedures.

Conclusion

Frailty strongly correlates with risk of postoperative complications among patients undergoing urological surgery. This finding is true within most age groups and across most urological procedures.
PUBLIC GOODS AND THE DISSOLUTION OF STATES
Authors: Ellis Christopher , Friedrich Silke
Published: December 2015

We present a simple model of the dissolution of states. We combine elements of the literature on the break‐up and integration of states based on models in the fiscal federalism tradition, with elements of the literature that explains the determination of a state's political institutions as a means to credibly promise redistributions in the face of costly, perhaps violent, redistributive conflict. We are able to characterize when the equilibrium involves the dissolution of a country, and when it involves continued unity. We are also able to explore some aspects of the linkages between political institutions and the determination of national boundaries.
High‐skilled immigrants—low‐skilled jobs: Challenging everyday health
Authors: Subedi Rajendra Prasad , Rosenberg Mark Warren
Published: December 2015

Key Messages

Many skilled new immigrants in Canada are underutilizing their knowledge, skills, and experience.

Working in a low‐skilled job can produce a significant amount of stress for a skilled immigrant.

Occupational status, lifestyles, and health behaviour are the key determinants of immigrant health.
The Antecedents of Individual Innovative Behaviour in Temporary Group Innovation
Authors: Nisula Anna‐Maija , Kianto Aino
Published: December 2015

This study examines the antecedents of individual innovative behaviour in short‐term innovation camp conditions. Innovation is increasingly a joint activity conducted in various kinds of temporary settings that collect widely diverse people together for a brief time to work on a particular problem. As innovativeness of interplaying individuals is key for the success of collaborative innovation, it is important to study what factors enhance individual innovative behaviour in temporary settings. Data from 103 innovation camp participants were the basis of PLS‐SEM analysis. Results show that individual creative self‐efficacy, perceived task orientation and experimentation have significant effects on individual innovative behaviour. In contrast, participative safety, support for innovation, and vision are not associated with individual innovativeness. These findings suggest that the antecedents of individual innovativeness in temporary settings differ from those identified in conventional groups, pointing to a new field for future research.
Desiccating stress-induced disruption of ocular surface immune tolerance drives dry eye disease
Authors: Guzmán M , Keitelman I , Sabbione F , Trevani A S , Giordano M N , Galletti J G
Published: December 2015

Dry eye is an allegedly autoimmune disorder for which the initiating mechanisms and the targeted antigens in the ocular surface are not known, yet there is extensive evidence that a localized T helper type 1 (Th1)/Th17 effector T cell response is responsible for its pathogenesis. In this work, we explore the reconciling hypothesis that desiccating stress, which is usually considered an exacerbating factor, could actually be sufficient to skew the ocular surface's mucosal response to any antigen and therefore drive the disease. Using a mouse model of dry eye, we found that desiccating stress causes a nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB)- and time-dependent disruption of the ocular surface's immune tolerance to exogenous ovalbumin. This pathogenic event is mediated by increased Th1 and Th17 T cells and reduced regulatory T cells in the draining lymph nodes. Conversely, topical NF-κB inhibitors reduced corneal epithelial damage and interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 levels in the ocular surface of mice under desiccating stress. The observed effect was mediated by an augmented regulatory T cell response, a finding that highlights the role of mucosal tolerance disruption in dry eye pathogenesis. Remarkably, the NF-κB pathway is also involved in mucosal tolerance disruption in other ocular surface disorders. Together, these results suggest that targeting of mucosal NF-κB activation could have therapeutic potential in dry eye.
Urinary symptoms and neurological disabilities are differentially correlated between multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica
Authors: Yamamoto Tatsuya , Mori Masahiro , Uzawa Akiyuki , Uchiyama Tomoyuki , Sakakibara Ryuji , Yanagisawa Mitsuru , Kuwabara Satoshi
Published: December 2015

Objective

It is well‐known that bladder dysfunction is common in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Voiding dysfunction is remarkable in neuromyelitis optica (NMO). However, the difference in the urinary symptoms between MS and NMO remain unknown. We planned to elucidate the differences between the two conditions using a urinary symptoms questionnaire.

Methods

We recruited 34 patients with MS and 14 patients with NMO, who were examined at the Department of Neurology, Chiba University Hospital. We administered the following urinary symptom questionnaires: (i) Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS); and (b) International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). Neurological (Evaluation of the Expanded Disability Status Scale) and neuroradiological examinations were also carried out.

Results

The mean score of OABSS and IPSS tended to be higher in patients with NMO without statistical significance. The score of IPSS quality of life was significantly higher in patients with NMO. A positive correlation was found between the Evaluation of the Expanded Disability Status Scale and IPSS scores in patients with MS, whereas a negative correlation was found between the Evaluation of the Expanded Disability Status Scale and IPSS scores in patients with NMO. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the presence of a cervical spinal cord lesion and the central lesion involving gray matter was associated with the severity of urinary symptoms.

Conclusions

The urinary symptoms tended to be more severe in patients with NMO as compared with patients with MS. The urinary symptoms and neurological disabilities seemed to be differentially correlated between patients with MS and those with NMO.
Controlling fibrillation – experiences of the dyeing and finishing of lyocell fibres
Authors: Taylor Jim
Published: December 2015

This review centres on the development of dyeing and finishing technologies for lyocell (TENCEL®) fibres since they were introduced onto the market in 1992. Initially, it will look at the reason for starting manufacture of the fibre and its manufacturing technology. An overview of basic dyeing performance is followed by a critical assessment of the fibre's introduction into the commercial world and the problems that ensued from its fibrillation property. The review then outlines the pioneering process development efforts made in Japan. Dye machinery manufacturers also played an important role in developing processing routes, particularly, but not exclusively, Then, Thies, and Krantz. Courtaulds Tencel formed an alliance with Sir T & A Wardles of Courtaulds Textiles, setting up a project to demonstrate successful jet processing of lyocell fabrics. Investment in jet dyeing machines and personnel was critical: the review explains how it was done and results that were achieved. It also considers how to control fabric behaviour in relation to creasing and fibrillation. The latter phenomenon held the fibre back from knitted applications. Both Courtaulds and Lenzing developed non‐fibrillating versions of the fibres. This review covers these advances, as well as how new markets have been developed for the fibre, such as workwear and bed sheeting. It concludes by looking at the key market segments today and how Lenzing sees the lyocell market evolving.
Indications, diagnostic yield, and complication rate of balloon‐assisted enteroscopy during the first decade of its use in Korea
Authors: Hong Sung Noh , Kim Eun Ran , Ye Byong Duk , Jang Hyun Joo , Jeon Seong Ran , Park Soo Jung , Im Jong Pil , Kim Jeong Hwan , Choi Chang Hwan , Choi Hwang , Chang Dong Kyung ,   Small Intestine Research Group of the Korean Association for the Study of Intestinal Diseases (KASID)
Published: December 2015

Background and Aim

Previous studies that addressed the outcome of balloon‐assisted enteroscopy (BAE) were based on its early experience. The accumulated BAE experience over the last decade might affect its pattern of use and outcome. In order to evaluate the changes of BAE practice over time, we compared the indications, diagnostic yield, and complication rate between the early and late stages of BAE implementation.

Methods

This multicenter study analyzed BAE‐related factors of 1108 BAE procedures carried out in 860 patients and compared BAE done at an earlier stage (January 2004–August 2008) to those carried out at a later stage (September 2008–February 2013).

Results

The most common indication for BAE was obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (58.3%). In the early stage, BAE to assess unexplained symptoms/signs was more common (18.8% vs 9.7%), whereas BAE to confirm abnormal findings of imaging studies was more common in the late stage (9.4% vs 18.8%, P < 0.001). Overall diagnostic yield of BAE was 74.6% (95% CI, 72.0–77.1%). There was no significant difference in the diagnostic yield between the early and late stages (72.2% vs 77.0%, P = 0.073). BAE‐associated complications occurred in 12 procedures (1.1%; 95% CI, 0.6–1.9%). The complication rate decreased significantly in the late stage compared to that during in the early stage (1.8% vs 0.4%, P = 0.020).

Conclusion

BAE is a safe and useful tool for the diagnosis and management of small bowel disease. With time, the indications for BAE have become more specific and the BAE‐associated complication rate has decreased.