bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The merits of pooling claims revisited
Authors: Gatzert Nadine , Schmeiser Hato
Published: May 2012

Purpose

Definitions of pooling effects in insurance companies may convey the impression that the achieved risk reduction effect will be beneficial for policyholders, since typically lower premiums are paid for the same safety level with an increasing number of insureds, or a higher safety level is achieved for a given premium level for all pool members. However, this view is misleading and the purpose of this paper is to reexamine this apparent merit of pooling from the policyholder's perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

This is achieved by comparing several valuation approaches for the policyholders' claims using different assumptions of the individual policyholder's ability to replicate the contract's cash flows and claims.

Findings

The paper shows that the two considered definitions of risk pooling do not offer insight into the question of whether pooling is actually beneficial for policyholders.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the literature by extending and combining previous work, focusing on the merits of pooling claims (using the two definitions above) from the policyholder's perspective using different valuation approaches.
Testing dominant theories and assumptions in behavioral finance
Authors: Alghalith Moawia , Floros Christos , Dukharan Marla
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically test dominant theories and assumptions in behavioral finance, using data from the Standard & Poor's 500 index.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical analysis has three parts: to test the assumption of risk aversion; to examine the dominant theory that the optimal portfolio depends on risk preferences; and to test prospect theory that decision makers prefer certain outcomes over probable outcomes. Finally, an alternative model to test prospect theory is introduced.

Findings

The proposed model is more flexible than prospect theory since it does not a priori assume what value of the portfolio induces risk aversion/seeking, while it does not a priori preclude linear preferences. Empirical results show that: investors are risk seeking; a change in the sign of preferences does not necessarily imply a change in the sign of wealth/return and vice versa; and the optimal portfolio does not depend on preferences.

Practical implications

These findings are helpful to risk managers dealing with models of behavioural finance.

Originality/value

The contribution of this paper is that it successfully tests fundamental theories and assumptions in behavioral finance by providing a better alternative to prospect theory in several ways.
What has changed? The development of corporate governance in Malaysia
Authors: Alnasser Sulaiman
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a mini review of corporate governance in Malaysia. The paper acts as an introduction to the history of corporate governance in Malaysia, from the starting point until the release of the new Blue Print.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopts a browsing method that takes into consideration the review of the Malaysian Code of Corporate Governance. It also reviews the new blue print of the code of governance in Malaysia.

Findings

An extensive effort is being implemented to improve the corporate governance mechanisms in Malaysia and although Malaysia is following the UK style in designing the corporate governance code, it secured the 4th position among the world's top countries growing in the direction of attracting investors.

Originality/value

This is a review paper based on the guidelines of corporate governance in Malaysia.
‘Mental Health’: A Contested Concept
Authors: Herron Sandy , Mortimer Rebecca
Published: May 2012

The literature reflects a contested view of the concept ‘mental health’. What we ‘know about’ mental health can be translated within the definitions, models, elements of and criteria for mental health and in the language used to discuss ‘mental health’ itself. Although these differing ways of knowing about mental health do not exist in isolation from one another, they can offer a clear, systematic and logical approach to reviewing the concept ‘mental health’. This makes it clear, however, that there is no common consensus as to what is meant by ‘mental health’. The aim of this paper is to present an overview of these different ways of knowing about mental health and to discuss critically the implications of having a contested concept.
Stress in the Workplace: A Risk Assessment Approach to Reduction of Risk
Authors: Lancaster Rebecca , Burtney Elizabeth
Published: May 2012

Mental ill‐health in the workplace is estimated to cost UK employers £6.2b each year in lost working days. This concern to employers and employees alike was recently highlighted by the Health Education Board for Scotland (HEBS) needs assessment study of workplace health promotion, which identified stress as a major issue. A Health and Safety Executive review (1993) of the stress literature proposed the incorporation of stress within the framework of the assessment and control cycle already introduced to minimise physical health and safety risks. This was supported by the HEBS study that identified health and safety as the predominant health‐related culture in Scottish workplaces. It is therefore appropriate to include stress control with other health and safety issues. The Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM) had already developed a risk assessment approach, entitled the Organisational Stress Health Audit (OSHA), and the feasibility of this was tested in the pilot study commissioned by HEBS. This paper presents the background to this organisational approach, its feasibility in controlling stress across different types of organisation and future plans for development of the approach. The views presented are those of the researchers and not the commissioning body.
Weaving the Threads of Mental Health Promotion in South Australia
Authors: Booth Adrian , Burford Angela
Published: May 2012

Mental health promotion is a relatively new, evolving and very exciting area of public health. The challenge for mental health promotion in Australia is ‘weaving its many threads’ through the various areas of mental health policy, programs and service delivery.
Physical Activity and Mental Health Promotion: The Natural Partnership
Authors: Fox Kenneth
Published: May 2012

The case for physical activity has been established through its impact on reduction in the risk of physical ill‐health such as coronary heart disease. However, there is increasing interest in its potential for a) treating and preventing mental illness and also b) the promotion of mental well‐being in the general public. The topic is now widely studied with over 30 published narrative or meta‐analytic reviews of research into the effect of exercise on constructs such as clinical or subclinical depression or anxiety, self‐esteem, affect and mood, resilience to stress, cognitive function or sleep. This paper provides a summary and appraisal of the evidence for the effect of exercise on mental health and addresses key issues that face the use of exercise as a medium for health promotion.
Integrating Mental Health Promotion and General Health Promotion Strategies
Authors: Tannahill Andrew
Published: May 2012

This paper identifies seven points in favour of integrating mental health promotion and general health promotion strategies: mental, physical and social aspects of health are inextricably inter‐linked; mental health is all too easily overlooked in thought and deed; life circumstances affect mental, social and physical health; mental, social and physical health have intertwined and shared roots; we need concerted action on these intertwined and shared roots; even topic‐specific action needs to be co‐ordinated and the promotion of mental health is a foundation for the promotion of general health. Attention is then focused on how such integration can be achieved, with reference to the Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion and the ‘arenas’ approach to programmes. The paper concludes by widening out the notion of integration to that of health promotion as an integral part of our collective way of life, advocating the idea of ‘a healthy mind in a healthy body in a healthy society’.
The importance of theory in social enterprise research
Authors: Haugh Helen
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to review the importance of theory in social enterprise research.

Design/methodology/approach

The article presents and relates previous work on theory borrowing, theory extension and theory generation to social enterprise research.

Findings

Theoretical embeddeness and social relevance are important for the legitimacy of social enterprise research.

Research limitations/implications

Social enterprise research offers a promising array of opportunities for theory extension and development.

Practical implications

In the social sciences, practical relevance is important for good theory development. Better theories have the potential to improve practice.

Originality/value

The article applies previous research on theory borrowing, extension and development to the context of social enterprise research.
The Garnaut Review
Authors: Lodhia Sumit , Martin Nigel
Published: May 2012

Purpose

Following the Australian Government's Garnaut Climate Change Review (CCR), the implementation of a joint business and climate change agenda is weighing heavily on the minds of those executives whose firms fit within the Emissions‐Intensive Trade‐Exposed Industry (EITEI) sectors. The purpose of this paper is to analyse and explain the major concerns that confront EITEI firms as the government moves Australia towards a low carbon economy.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopts an economic regulation perspective that focuses on public and private interests, coupled with the leximancer software package, which was used to analyse submissions made by EITEI firms to the Garnaut CCR.

Findings

The authors observed that the impact of costs on business and trade performance, future emissions trading schemes, investment in low emissions technologies, world greenhouse gas production levels in emissions‐intensive industries, and conflicting government policies form the foundations of serious corporate‐level concerns and uncertainties.

Research limitations/implications

The paper highlights that private interests, as expressed in the analysed submissions, intersect with the public interest and need to be addressed seriously.

Practical implications

Suggestions for a cooperative approach to addressing climate change that would involve businesses and governments are also put forward.

Originality/value

The paper utilises an economic regulation perspective to explain a practical issue and has implications for future climate change policy development.
Enhancement and obfuscation through the use of graphs in sustainability reports
Authors: Cho Charles H. , Michelon Giovanna , Patten Dennis M.
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the use of graphs in corporate sustainability reports and attempt to determine, first, whether the use of graphs appears to be associated with attempts at impression management, and second, whether differences across three levels of reporting regulatory structure are associated with differences in the level of impression management.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a sample of 120 sustainability reports issued by firms from six different countries, the authors empirically test for differences in presentation of favourable, as opposed to unfavourable, items (enhancement) and for differences in the direction of materially distorted graphs (obfuscation).

Findings

For the overall sample, substantial evidence was found of both enhancement and obfuscation in the graph displays. Also, more limited evidence was found that impression management differs across companies facing different regulatory structures.

Research limitations/implications

The authors investigate graph use for only one year's reports and for a sample of large companies from only six different countries. Further, the enhancement findings are not evidence that the companies are necessarily providing misleading information. However, the results show that the way information is being provided in corporate sustainability reports appears to be manipulated by the firms to enhance a positive image and to obfuscate negative trends. The reports may thus be less about increasing corporate accountability across the social and environmental domains than about managing impressions. Hence, it may be beneficial for advocate organizations, such as the Global Reporting Initiative, to provide additional guidance on “how” information gets portrayed in sustainability reports.

Originality/value

The paper expands prior research into corporate manipulation of graphs to the domain of sustainability reporting and adds further evidence that the reporting needs to be carefully assessed.
Assurance of sustainability reports
Authors: Simnett Roger
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) is currently in the process of revising International Standard on Assurance Engagements (ISAE) 3000. The purpose of this paper is to review the implications of this revision process for providing assurance on sustainability reports, and identify policy‐related research opportunities associated with this review.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the form of a conceptual and critical review of standards development, and archival analysis of ISAE 3000 exposure draft responses.

Findings

In the revision of ISAE 3000, concerns have been expressed by a number of parties around the distinction between reasonable and limited assurance, the procedures necessary in properly undertaking a limited assurance engagement and the structure and content of a limited assurance report. These concerns can be addressed by appropriate research initiatives which can inform these policy issues.

Research limitations/implications

Research opportunities are identified, in particular the use of experimental design to examine implications of changing the requirements of the procedures for limited assurance on assurance practitioners and of changing aspects of the assurance report on the level of assurance conveyed by limited assurance reports.

Practical implications

The paper contains a review of the standard‐setting process and has implications for assurance providers of sustainability reports, standard setters and regulators.

Originality/value

The paper provides an update of relevant standards for assurers of sustainability reports and review and appraisal of issues raised in the recent revision process of ISAE 3000.
On the topic of responsibility
Authors: Pesqueux Yvon
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the notion of “responsibility”.

Design/methodology/approach

Discussing the notion of “responsibility” according to two main philosophers (Paul Ricoeur and Hans Jonas) and its legal conception.

Findings

In philosophy, the issue of responsibility appears as a second‐level question, thus pointing up the first‐level ones (e.g. action, liberty, causality, autonomy). As such, responsibility necessarily reduces the philosophical field, otherwise the issue becomes unmanageable – if the issue ever was manageable! The concept of responsibility is both recent and fuzzy. The most commonly associated word is obligation. The notion of responsibility raises the problem of its conditions of possibility with the issue of imputation and the binary: imputation and sanction. Self‐referentiality and the circumstances surrounding calculation (of sanctions) are key aspects.

Research limitations/implications

The question arises: What is hidden behind the notion?

Practical implications

Beware of the performative aspects linked to the notion of “responsibility”.

Social implications

The current meaning of responsibility is embedded in today's political ideology (the “liberal moment”).

Originality/value

The paper takes into account the philosophical background of a notion currently used in management.
Aspects of responsibility: how we handle actions and consequences
Authors: Widell Gill
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss aspects of responsibility in relation to organizational contexts, the main focus being responsibility for consequences we cannot reach. Responsibility is a major underpinning of business administration and management and also an aspect of everyday life. Responsibility is about responding, to act as an answer to previous action/s, but we never know all consequences of our actions.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature from management, HRM studies and from philosophy scholars is used to discover different perspectives of responsibility and a typology of responsibility handling is developed.

Findings

In total, three types of responsibility are suggested and discussed in relation to managerial and organizational practices. The main contribution is the typology of responsibility combined with the relational focus of managerial and organisational processes. Imagining, fantasy and care are shown as important for the developing of responsibility.

Research limitations/implications

The suggested typology is theoretically developed without empirical studies behind.

Practical implications

A conclusion is that valuing of long‐term survival of humanity and nature must be built into our judgments and our assessments processes in everyday organizational life, if we should be able to act responsibly.

Originality/value

The concept of responsibility is currently intensively discussed, because of successes and disappointments of the CSR movements, because of global economy, and because of climate changes, etc. The suggestion of three types of responsibility in this paper can contribute to sorting out theoretical and practical possibilities in different contexts.
Responsibility in a globalised environment: a charter of human responsibilities
Authors: Opdebeeck Hendrik
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how one can prevent the flaws or dark sides of the globalisation process from leading to ever‐greater decay of responsibility. By decay of responsibility, is meant the threat that globalisation poses to what is referred to by philosophers such as David Harvey, John McMurtry and Paul Ricoeur, as the longing for being and solidarity with the other(s).

Design/methodology/approach

To put a stop to the decay of responsibility, the urgency of a broader ethical dimension in globalisation is more apparent than ever before. The threat the globalisation process poses to the longing for being and solidarity with the other(s), increasingly necessitates an appropriate responsible global institution.

Findings

Of central importance are the principles of merit and need as possible basis of a responsible institution. The intrinsic logic of the merit principle incorporated in the growth process of globalisation, induces a series of impermissible side effects. Therefore, the traditional correction of democracy giving priority to the principle of need instead of merit, no longer appears to counteract the market economy to be able to provide guarantees for a responsible globalisation process.

Research limitations/implications

Politics needs to assure the survival of the social community, all the more so if its future is under considerable threat. The acceptance of responsibility implies also the care for the most fragile.

Practical implications

The paper explains the need of an ethics of responsibility that transcends the excessive ego‐centric globalised society. Therefore, participatory or responsible justice is considered to be of the utmost importance. Participation should be broadly interpreted and include policy makers, environmentalists, scientists, economists, lawyers, ethicists, consumers, farmers and other representatives of civil society.

Originality/value

The present worldwide economic, social and ecological crises have created fertile ground for claiming the need for an internationally recognized charter setting out human responsibilities. The concept of a Charter of Human Responsibilities can be an original elaboration of the concern with institutionalising responsibility.
Clozapine use in women with borderline personality disorder and co‐morbid learning disability
Authors: Fajumi Tolulope , Manzoor Maryam , Carpenter Katie
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The aim of this study is to test the hypothesis that Clozapine reduces rates of self injury and the use of restraint in a medium secure setting in female patients who have a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder (BPD) and mild learning disability.

Design/methodology/approach

A retrospective method of data collection was used with a requirement of six months baseline data on rates of self injury and the use of restraint. Patients were required to remain on Clozapine for a minimum of six months.

Findings

The mean number of incidents of self injury in the six months prior to Clozapine was 20.75 (SD 8.8) and 13.5 (SD 4.51) in the six months following Clozapine, a reduction of 35 per cent. The mean number of incidents of restraint in the six months prior to Clozapine was 17.75 (SD 6.86) compared with 9.25 (SD 4.96) in the six months following commencement of Clozapine therapy, a reduction of 48 per cent. The results were analysed using the paired t‐test and the difference between the means (self injury and use of restraint) was not statistically significant. This study demonstrates a reduction in the rates of self injury and use of restraint in women with a diagnosis of BPD when treated with Clozapine which was clinically significant although not statistically significant.

Originality/value

The authors are not aware of any published articles on the use of Clozapine in women with BPD and co‐morbid learning disability.
The development and accreditation of a treatment model for prisoners with a learning disability and personality disorder
Authors: Taylor Jon , MacKenzie Judy , Bowen Julie , Turner Kirk
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The paper's aim is to describe the development of a therapeutic community for prisoners with a learning disability and suggested methods for increasing responsivity of the programme for this population.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a technical paper providing a descriptive account of the development of a new service provision for prisoners with a learning disability.

Findings

No research findings are presented, but the paper seeks to illustrate that programme responsivity can be enhanced by incorporating flexibility into the design and delivery of programmes.

Originality/value

With the exception of the adapted sex offender treatment programme there have been few available interventions for offenders with a learning disability in the criminal justice system. This paper provides an overview of both the process of accreditation and the development of the current accredited TC model for this population.
Employability skills development in Greek higher education institutions (HEIs)
Authors: Panagiotakopoulos Antonios
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to look at the employability skills development efforts of Greek higher education institutions (HEIs) and recommend ways to help them create the employable graduate.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on extensive secondary data analysis.

Findings

It is revealed that HEIs in Greece have failed, so far, to integrate key skills into their curriculum and as a result graduates are not equipped with a range of skills designed to be of practical value in the world of work. The paper argues that there is an immediate need for policy makers to develop a national policy on key skills in HE, in order to help students secure employment, as well as help domestic firms meet their skill needs.

Practical implications

The paper indicates that the role of HEIs in the country remains undermined. In this context it is suggested that a graduate apprenticeship scheme needs to be developed to prepare graduates for the world of employment and that stand‐alone modules around key skills should be incorporated into each program of study. Additionally, deans, departmental leaders and teaching staff should commit themselves towards skills initiatives and should work towards developing a skills‐based curriculum that would equip students with marketable skills.

Originality/value

The paper informs the existing literature about the employability development efforts of HEIs in the context of an advancing country, where the current understanding is very limited.
The prestige of the Doctor of Ministry among Roman Catholic priests, deacons, and directors of religious education
Authors: Roszkowski Michael J. , Berna Francis J.
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the prestige of the Doctor of Ministry (DMin) among Roman Catholics in leadership positions, who may be a potential market for this degree.

Design/methodology/approach

In a mail survey employing a comparative rating scale, respondents rated the prestige of the DMin relative to six other doctorates: PhD, EdD, PsyD, DBA, MD, and JD.

Findings

Ratings were provided by 184 priests, 73 deacons, and 95 directors of religious education (69 lay, 26 sisters). The DMin carried the least prestige with priests and the most with religious educators, particularly the sisters. In all groups, the DMin fared best on prestige when compared to the professional doctorates (DBA, EdD, PsyD) and worst relative to the traditional degrees (MD, JD, and PhD). When submitted to a cluster analysis, three groups emerged, corresponding to negative (46 percent), neutral (38 percent), and positive (16 percent) impressions of the prestige of the DMin. The majority of the priests (44 percent) were in the negative cluster whereas the largest proportion of deacons (45 percent) and most lay religious educators (71 percent) fell into the neutral cluster. In contrast, the largest proportion of the religious educators who were sisters by background went into the positive cluster (40 percent). With the exception of the sisters, the percentage of each group falling into the positive cluster was quite small and approximately the same size across the remaining three groups (16 percent, 15 percent, and 13 percent). A discriminant analysis of the clusters identified two discriminating functions; the primary function involved perceptions of the DMin relative to the traditional degrees (MD, JD, and PhD), whereas the very minor second function involved how the DMin is perceived in comparison to the newer practice doctorates (EdD, DBA, and PsyD).

Research limitations/implications

The response rate was low.

Practical implications

Currently, owing to its low prestige, the DMin probably does not have a sizable potential market among Roman Catholic priests, but it may appeal more to religious educators.

Social implications

The DMin may be subject to the same concerns and prejudices as raised about other professional doctorates.

Originality/value

Roman Catholics are a non‐traditional audience for the DMin. This degree's perceived prestige was not previously studied in this emerging market.
An examination, evaluation and analysis of work‐based learning leadership within a higher education setting
Authors: Nikolou‐Walker Elda , Curley Hugh
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine, evaluate and analyse the degree to which effective leadership can contribute to the success of any business including, in this instance, a specific higher educational institution (HEI).

Design/methodology/approach

The current challenging economic climate views most leaders within the public and private sectors, as having to manage in an époque of heightened uncertainty. Thus, the majority of businesses today seek ways in which they can work smarter within the perimeters of their valuable, but, nonetheless, limited, resources. The paper argues a successful work‐based learning (WBL) leader can improve the learners’ performances by instilling a degree of purpose and value into the learning process, achieved through mentoring and coaching of students, thus enabling their rapport to identify what is of importance, or value to themselves during their individual period of study.

Findings

The HEI examined, with its hierarchical structure and traditional learning programmes, seems appropriate to adapt to the challenges of the external environment whilst appreciating and recognising its internal assets. Within WBL, the leadership role is not “clear‐cut” as its collegial approach enhances the knowledge transfer process as it is at a pace set and agreed to the ability of the WBL students, who adopt responsibility for their own learning. Leadership and teacher development, through the concept of “Distributive Leadership”, can support an environment of “calculated risk”, to advance the HEI's reputation and corporate social responsibilities to its surrounding community.

Originality/value

The paper discusses the concept of leadership and how the WBL approach to learning/teaching, within HEIs, has helped to develop and advance this concept. It illustrates how WBL enhances the performance of an HEI, and the teaching/learning experience, through considering the role of the head teacher, teachers and students. All these elements are discussed against a backdrop of the challenges that an uncertain business environment presents; the main impact being that many HEIs are having to operate like a business and find practical methods to meet these challenges to attract new business and secure its existence.
Tuning in to race equality in mental health
Authors: Davie Edward
Published: May 2012

Purpose

The aim is to examine the current state of black and minority ethnic (BME) service user involvement in mental health policy making and commissioning of services, identifying barriers to participation, and potential strategies to enhance BME involvement and ensure more culturally sensitive services.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides an overview of the Dancing To Our Own Tunes report and more recent review which assess progress towards achieving improved BME mental health service user involvement.

Findings

There are a number of barriers affecting the relationships between statutory bodies and user involvement initiatives. These include a lack of BME representation on groups that influence mental health policy and commissioning, along with spending cuts that disproportionately impact on BME mental health service users.

Research limitations/implications

The original report was based upon a consultation with a relatively small number of participants.

Practical implications

Increasing the involvement of diverse service users in policy making and in the design and delivery of mental health services will lead to better quality, more effective and efficient services.

Originality/value

The area of BME service user involvement in the design and delivery of mental health services has hitherto received little attention in the literature.
Removal of the stylet from the tracheal tube: effect of lubrication
Authors: Taylor A. M. , Hung O. R. , Kwofie K. , Hung C. R. , Hung D. R. , Guzzo A.
Published: May 2012

We compared the work needed to retract a non‐lubricated and a lubricated stylet from a tracheal tube over 24 h. Stylets were lubricated with sterile water, silicone fluid, lidocaine spray, lidocaine gel, MedPro® lubricating gel or Lacri‐Lube®. The mean (SD) work in joules needed to retract the stylet by 5 cm from the tracheal tube was recorded immediately (time 0), at 5 and 30 min and at 1, 3 and 24 h. At time 0 lubrication with sterile water (0.53 (0.09); p = 0.001), silicone fluid (0.43 (0.10); p < 0.001), lidocaine gel (0.60 (0.15); p = 0.01) and MedPro gel (0.57 (0.07); p = 0.005), were better than no lubrication (0.94 (0.28)). Where a tracheal tube is pre‐loaded with a stylet for use at an indeterminate time, silicone fluid was the best choice of lubricant as it performed consistently well up to 24 h. At 24 h only silicone fluid (0.49 (0.01)) outperformed no lubrication (0.77 (0.24); p = 0.04).
Phase 1 dose‐escalation trial of clofarabine followed by escalating dose of fractionated cyclophosphamide in adults with relapsed or refractory acute leukaemias
Authors: Zeidan Amer M. , Ricklis Rebecca M. , Carraway Hetty E. , Yun Hyun D. , Greer Jacqueline M. , Smith B. Douglas , Levis Mark J. , McDevitt Michael A. , Pratz Keith W. , Showel Margaret M. , Gladstone Douglas E. , Gore Steven D. , Karp Judith E.
Published: May 2012

The prognosis of patients with relapsed and refractory acute leukaemia (RRAL) is very poor. Forty patients with RRAL were enroled [28 acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), 12 acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL)] in this Phase 1 dose‐escalation trial of daily‐infused clofarabine (CLO) followed by cyclophosphamide (CY) for four consecutive days (CLO‐CYx4). The median age was 48·5 years. The median number of prior regimens was 2 (range 1–5), and 6/40 patients (15%) had prior allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplant. 28/40 patients (70%) had adverse genetic features. 6/40 patients (15%) died within 60 d of induction (two infections, four progressive disease). The average time to neutrophil recovery (absolute neutrophil count ≥0·5 × 109/l was 34 d, (range, 17–78). The overall response rate (ORR) was 33% (13/40), with seven complete remissions (18%), four complete remissions with incomplete recovery of blood counts (10%), and two partial remissions (5%). ORR was 25% (7/28), and 50% (6/12), for AML and ALL respectively. Notably, the clinical responses were independent of dose level. 7/17 patients (41%) exhibited CLO‐mediated enhancement of CY‐induced DNA, which was associated with, but not necessary for, improved clinical outcomes. In summary, the CLO‐CYx4 regimen was well tolerated and had activity in patients with RRAL, especially relapsed ALL. Therefore, CLO‐CYx4 can be considered a salvage therapy for adults with RRALs, and warrants further investigations.
Evidence of pathway‐specific basophil anergy induced by peanut oral immunotherapy in peanut‐allergic children
Authors: Thyagarajan A. , Jones S. M. , Calatroni A. , Pons L. , Kulis M. , Woo C. S. , Kamalakannan M. , Vickery B. P. , Scurlock A. M. , Wesley Burks A. , Shreffler W. G.
Published: May 2012

Background

In Westernized countries, over 1% of the population is allergic to peanuts or tree nuts, which carries a risk of severe allergic reactions. Several studies support the efficacy of peanut oral immunotherapy (OIT) for reducing the clinical sensitivity of affected individuals; however, the mechanisms of this effect are still being characterized. One mechanism that may contribute is the suppression of effector cells, such as basophils. Basophil anergy has been characterized in vitro as a pathway‐specific hyporesponsiveness; however, this has not been demonstrated to occur in vivo.

Objective

To evaluate the hypothesis that basophil anergy occurs in vivo due to chronic allergen exposure in the setting of a clinical oral immunotherapy trial.

Methods

Samples of peripheral blood were obtained from subjects during a placebo‐controlled clinical trial of peanut OIT. Basophil reactivity to in vitro stimulation with peanut allergen and controls was assessed by the upregulation of activation markers, CD63 and CD203c, measured by flow cytometry.

Results

The upregulation of CD63 following stimulation of the IgE receptor, either specifically with peanut allergen or non‐specifically with anti‐IgE antibody, was strongly suppressed by active OIT. However, OIT did not significantly suppress this response in basophils stimulated by the distinct fMLP receptor pathway. In the subset of subjects with egg sensitization, active peanut OIT also suppressed CD63 upregulation in response to stimulation with egg allergen. Allergen OIT also suppressed the upregulation of CD203c including in response to stimulation with IL‐3 alone.

Conclusion

Peanut OIT induces a hyporesponsive state in basophils that is consistent with pathway‐specific anergy previously described in vitro. This suggests the hypothesis that effector cell anergy could contribute to clinical desensitization.
Above‐ and below‐ground nutrient and alkaloid dynamics inColchicum autumnale: optimal mowing dates for population control or low hay toxicity
Authors: JUNG L S , ECKSTEIN R L , OTTE A , DONATH T W
Published: May 2012

JungLS,EcksteinRL,OtteA&DonathTW (2012). Above‐ and below‐ground nutrient and alkaloid dynamics inColchicum autumnale: indications for optimal mowing dates for population control or low hay toxicity.Weed Research52, 348–357.

In some Central European regions, the conservation of seminatural grasslands is jeopardised by management intensification or abandonment, caused by high densities of the toxic weedColchicum autumnale. We investigated two possibilities to deal withC. autumnale: (i) reducing population densities by mowing when nutrient contents are high in leaves and capsules and low in the storage organs, that is, when the ratio between both is highest, or (ii) reducing alkaloid content in hay by mowing when alkaloid content of leaves and capsules ofC. autumnaleis low. To identify the optimal mowing point, we analysed the dynamics of nutrients, starch and alkaloids of naturally grown plants in two biogeographical regions. In the colder region, the maximum nutrient ratio between above‐ground and storage organs, as well as alkaloid content in leaves and capsules, occurred significantly later. Compared with the common first mowing date (15 June), alkaloid content decreased significantly until 5 July in both regions. On both dates, it was on average 1.8 times higher in the colder region. Our results suggest the following time for the two management options: (i) mowing at about 25 cm plant height (late April/early May) to reduceC. autumnaledensities or (ii) delayed mowing in late June/early July when the plant has turned brown and dry and alkaloid content has declined.
Solid organ donation in a child after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, orthotopic heart transplantation, and ventricular assist device support
Authors: Gupta Punkaj , Blanco Carlos , Madigan Melissa , Dodgen Andrew , Hanson Mari , Frazier Elizabeth A. , Bhutta Adnan T. , Fiser William P.
Published: May 2012

Gupta P, Blanco C, Madigan M, Dodgen A, Hanson M, Frazier EA, Bhutta AT, Fiser WP. Solid organ donation in a child after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, orthotopic heart transplantation, and ventricular assist device support.

Abstract:  Use of high‐risk or marginal donors is the most viable short‐term means to boost the organ supply and bridge the widening gap between the number of patients on the waiting list for organ transplantation and the insufficient numbers of organ donors. Expansion of the donor pool requires an understanding of the impact on survival likely to result from extending one or more high risk factors. Use of extended donor pool results in shorter waiting list times and limits the morbidity and mortality associated with long‐term mechanical support needed to support diseased organs. In this report, we present one such example of expanding donor pool in which a pediatric patient donated a solid organ after two heart transplants and successful use of ECMO and VAD.
Up‐Regulation of Insulin‐Like Growth Factor I and Uteroglobin in In Vivo‐Developed Parthenogenetic Embryos
Authors: Naturil‐Alfonso C , Vicente JS , Peñaranda DS , Marco‐Jiménez F
Published: May 2012

Contents

Parthenote embryos are being considered as an alternative source of embryonic stem cells. However, as there is still a dearth of knowledge of this kind of embryos, a better understanding of their biology is needed for their application. In this work, we studied the differences and similarities between parthenotes and normal embryos at the blastocyst stage in vivo developed. We analysed the expression of factor OCT‐4, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), insulin‐like growth factor I (IGF‐I) and uteroglobin (UG) by real‐time PCR. To do so, oocytes were recovered and after activation procedure were transferred by ventral middle laparoscopy to receptive does to undergo completely in vivo development. Does were slaughtered 6 days post‐ovulation induction, and parthenote and normal embryos were recovered for mRNA expression analysis. Our results reported that parthenotes and normal embryos showed similar mRNA expression for OCT‐4 and VEGF. However, IGF‐I and UG showed to be over‐expressed in parthenote embryos. Thus, our study highlights that despite the in vivo development of parthenotes, they still seem to have an altered expression and, therefore, to be different to normal embryos. The altered expression pattern of parthenote embryos suggests that these embryos should be studied carefully before future application.
Enacting death: contested practices in the organ donation clinic
Authors: Hadders Hans , Alnæs Anne Hambro
Published: May 2012

Based on the fieldwork at two Norwegian Intensive Care Units, we wish to discuss the sometimes inconsistent manner in which death is handled, determined and made real by nurses and other healthcare personnel in high‐tech hospital situations. These discrepancies draw our attention towards different ways of attending to the dying and dead and views about appropriate or inappropriate codes of professional behaviour. As we will argue below, the analytical tools developed by Annemarie Mol are useful for sharpening our understanding of the enactment of multiple ontologies of death as they are enacted within the ICU. Annemarie Mol and John Law’s notion of ‘ontological politics’ increases our awareness about the non‐arbitrary way some but not other practices are considered self‐evident whereas others are denigrated as muddled and illogical.
Regularizing Extraction in Andean Peru: Mining and Social Mobilization in an Age of Corporate Social Responsibility
Authors: Himley Matthew
Published: May 2012

Abstract:  This paper examines the new forms of regulation and resistance accompanying the expanding extractive frontier in Andean Peru. It does so through an analysis of a process of community mobilization at the Pierina gold mine in the region of Ancash that was aimed at transforming the conditions under which area residents labored at the mine. The article documents the complex ways in which the emergence of neoliberalized forms of resource governance has affected the terrain of mining‐related sociopolitical struggle at Pierina, both allowing the mining firm to consolidate authority in the arena of mine–community relations, while also establishing certain conditions for residents to pursue their interests collectively. An analysis of the Pierina case suggests that efforts to forge more just and equitable political economies of mineral development must not only challenge the neoliberalization of resource governance, but also confront the underlying socio‐ecological contradictions of contemporary capitalist resource development.
Early sucking and swallowing problems as predictors of neurodevelopmental outcome in children with neonatal brain injury: a systematic review
Authors: SLATTERY JUSTINE , MORGAN ANGELA , DOUGLAS JACINTA
Published: May 2012

Aim  Early sucking and swallowing problems may be potential markers of neonatal brain injury and assist in identifying those infants at increased risk of adverse outcomes, but the relation between early sucking and swallowing problems and neonatal brain injury has not been established. The aim of the review was, therefore, to investigate the relation between early measures of sucking and swallowing and neurodevelopmental outcomes in infants diagnosed with neonatal brain injury and in infants born very preterm (<32wks) with very low birthweight (<1500g), at risk of neonatal brain injury.

Method  We conducted a systematic review of English‐language articles using CINAHL, EMBASE, and MEDLINE OVID (from 1980 to May 2011). Additional studies were identified through manual searches of key journals and the works of expert authors. Extraction of data informed an assessment of the level of evidence and risk of bias for each study using a predefined set of quality indicators.

Results  A total of 394 abstracts were generated by the search but only nine studies met the inclusion criterion. Early sucking and swallowing problems were present in a consistent proportion of infants and were predictive of neurodevelopmental outcome in infancy in five of the six studies reviewed.

Limitations  The methodological quality of studies was variable in terms of research design, level of evidence (National Health and Medical Research Council levels II, III, and IV), populations studied, assessments used and the nature and timing of neurodevelopmental follow‐up.

Conclusions  Based upon the results of this review, there is currently insufficient evidence to clearly determine the relation between early sucking and swallowing problems and neonatal brain injury. Although early sucking and swallowing problems may be related to later neurodevelopmental outcomes, further research is required to delineate their value in predicting later motor outcomes and to establish reliable measures of early sucking and swallowing function.
Stationary cycling for children with cerebral palsy: does it get them anywhere?
Authors: TAYLOR NICHOLAS F
Published: May 2012

This commentary is on the original article by DeMuth et al. on pages 654‐661 of this issue
Divergent introduction histories among invasive populations of the delicate skink (Lampropholis delicata): has the importance of genetic admixture in the success of biological invasions been overemphasized?
Authors: Chapple David G. , Miller Kimberly A. , Kraus Fred , Thompson Michael B.
Published: May 2012

Aim

Invasive species are predicted to experience a reduction in genetic diversity during the introduction process because of founder effects, yet they are able to successfully establish in new regions and outcompete the native biota. Admixture has been proposed as a potential solution to this genetic paradox. We adopted a phylogeographic approach to investigate the invasion history of the delicate skink (
Lampropholis delicata) in the Pacific region and test the hypothesis that admixture is important for the success of biological invasions.

Location

Eastern Australia and the Pacific region (Lord Howe Island, New Zealand, Hawaii).

Methods

We obtained mitochondrial DNA sequence data (
ND2, ND4) from across the native Australian range (238 samples, 120 populations) and 371 samples from the introduced range of
L. delicata. Genetic distances and Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) were used to examine the level of genetic variation across the native and introduced ranges.

Results

Fourteen haplotypes were evident in the introduced range (1 in Hawaii, 7 in New Zealand, 7 in Lord Howe Island), with a shared haplotype present in both New Zealand and Lord Howe Island. Five source regions were identified (Brisbane, Tenterfield, Border Ranges, Yamba‐Coffs Harbour, Sydney) from across four distinct native‐range genetic lineages. The Hawaiian population stems from a single introduction from Brisbane, whereas one or more introductions from the Tenterfield region led to the New Zealand populations. Multiple introductions from across all five source regions have resulted in extreme admixture (up to 8.3% sequence divergence) within Lord Howe Island.

Main Conclusions

L. delicata introductions are capable of being successful both in the presence and absence of admixture. Contrary to the predictions of the sequential two‐step model, the presence of admixture was not related to the time since initial introduction. We suggest that the importance of admixture in determining the success of biological invasions has been overemphasized.