bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Working capital management, firm performance and financial constraints
Authors: Altaf Nufazil , Shah Farooq
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between working capital management and firm performance for a sample of 437 non-financial Indian companies. In addition, this paper examines the impact of financial constraints on working capital management-performance relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on secondary financial data of 437 non-financial Indian companies obtained from CAPITALINE database, pertaining to a period of ten years. This study employs the two-step generalized method of moments (GMM) technique to arrive at results.

Findings

Results of the study confirm the inverted U-shape relationship between working capital management and firm performance. In addition, the authors also found that the firms that are likely to be more financially constrained have lower optimal working levels.

Originality/value

Unlike prior studies, which found a linear relationship between working capital management and firm performance, this study provides newer evidence for an inverted U-shaped relation between investment in working capital and firm performance in India. In addition, this study also tests the impact of financial constraints on this relationship. In contrast to the prior studies, this study uses GMM to control the potential problems of endogeneity.
Can product-information disclosure increase Chinese consumer’s willingness to pay for GM foods? The case of Fad-3 GM lamb
Authors: Chen Qihui , Liu Gaoshuai , Liu Yumei
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine Chinese consumers’ level of perception of genetically modified (GM) foods and the determinants of their willingness to pay (WTP) for Fad-3 GM lamb, a newly developed GM product.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a randomized choice experiment involving 576 consumers in Beijing, the authors adopt a double-bounded contingent valuation method to estimate consumers’ WTP for Fad-3 GM lamb, as well as the causal impact of (randomized) product-information disclosure on it.

Findings

The econometric result indicates that the randomly disclosed product information describing details about Fad-3 GM lamb, the potential risks associated with the consumption of it, and the related governmental regulation policies raised consumers’ WTP by 6.2 yuan per Jin (or US$2/kilogram).

Originality/value

This paper provides new experimental evidence of the effect of product-information disclosure on consumers’ WTP for a newly developed GM food product.
The value of a novel biotechnology
Authors: Brewin Derek Gerald , Malla Stavroula
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impacts of changing biotechnology and intellectual property rights (IPRs), institutions, and policies for Canadian crop development related to oilseed rape or “canola” as a case study. Implications for China as it considers regulatory and institutional change related to private sector incentives to invest in biotechnology are also discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors assess the effects of introducing biotechnology and IPRs in the Canadian oilseed sector over time. Data on the rate of return on agricultural research in general are presented and then the focus moves to the impacts for farmers in Canada. New data are gathered to estimate recent gains in the benefit of biotechnology advancements for farmers. Furthermore, the evolution of agricultural research in China is briefly presented, and a discussion follows that considers Canadian evidence and the possible applicability of the impacts to China.

Findings

The results support earlier studies identifying gains from agricultural research and show that private sector investments in Canada are now much higher than public sector investments and thus institutional innovations have been a powerful trigger to improve productivity. The gains from biotechnology for farmers are now over CND 1 billion per year in Canada.

Research limitations/implications

The research gains measured are for Canada so should be applied to China’s situation only as a potential for gains.

Practical implications

While more work is needed to identify reasonable institutional incentives to generate private investment in China’s biotechnology industry, the potential impact in the Canadian canola sector highlights the importance of continuing the investment in biotechnology, and the need for appropriate policies and regulations to spur private investment.

Social implications

Biotechnology greatly improved the welfare of farmers in Canada. Much of the gain the authors find was in improved yields and lower herbicide costs that improved farmer profits. Privatization of breeding was a key step in this transformation.

Originality/value

The paper contributes an updated review of Canadian intellectual property institutions related to biotechnology, and an updated measure of gains at the farm level. It also begins the analysis of the applicability of these institutional changes for China.
Global HRM standards as boundary objects: a device to enhance legitimacy and status
Authors: Ulfsdotter Eriksson Ylva
Published: July 2017

Purpose

In 2016, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) introduced new standards for human resource management (HRM). The purpose of this paper is to describe and explain the significance that human resource (HR) professionals attribute to global HRM standards, what outcomes they envisage for the profession and organizations, and what influences engagement in the standardization project.

Design/methodology/approach

The analyses interpret the relationship between standards, professions, and organizations by combining theories of professions with concepts from institutional theory. The study is ethnographic and consists of observations of meetings and interviews with eight participants from the Swedish committee participating in the ISO project.

Findings

HR professionals consider HRM standards positive for the profession’s legitimacy, status, and development, which are also considered beneficial for organizations. However, difficulties in recruiting participants and organizations to the standardization project may prevent positive exchanges for the profession, and point to a weak interest in HRM issues from the HR professionals themselves.

Research limitations/implications

The generalizability of the results is somewhat limited due to the small sample size. Nevertheless, the study provides insights into how HR professionals reason about their profession and professionalization.

Practical implications

Gaining insights into the forthcoming global standards for HRM is important for HR professionals. These standards may be implemented in organizations worldwide and affect how HRM is conducted, and therefore also have a profound effect on the profession.

Originality/value

The ISO’s targeting of a specific occupation is unique. The paper contributes with the knowledge on how professionals relates to standardization of the given field.
Tax‐Exempt Hospitals' Investments in Community Health and Local Public Health Spending: Patterns and Relationships
Authors: Singh Simone R. , Young Gary J.
Published: July 2017

Objectives

To investigate whether tax‐exempt hospitals' investments in community health are associated with patterns of governmental public health spending focusing specifically on the relationship between hospitals' community benefit expenditures and the spending patterns of local health departments (LHDs).

Study Design

We combined data on tax‐exempt hospitals' community benefit spending with data on spending by the corresponding LHD that served the county in which a hospital was located. Data were available for 2 years, 2009 and 2013. Generalized linear regressions were estimated with indicators of hospital community benefit spending as the dependent variable and LHD spending as the key independent variable.

Principal Findings

Hospital community benefit spending was unrelated to how much local public health agencies spent, per capita, on public health in their communities.

Conclusions

Patterns of local public health spending do not appear to impact the investments of tax‐exempt hospitals in community health activities. Opportunities may, however, exist for a more active engagement between the public and private sector to ensure that the expenditures of all stakeholders involved in community health improvement efforts complement one another.
FOXO3 longevity interactome on chromosome 6
Authors: Donlon Timothy A. , Morris Brian J. , Chen Randi , Masaki Kamal H. , Allsopp Richard C. , Willcox D. Craig , Elliott Ayako , Willcox Bradley J.
Published: July 2017

FOXO3 has been implicated in longevity in multiple populations. By DNA sequencing in long‐lived individuals, we identified all single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in FOXO3 and showed 41 were associated with longevity. Thirteen of these had predicted alterations in transcription factor binding sites. Those SNPs appeared to be in physical contact, via RNA polymerase II binding chromatin looping, with sites in the FOXO3 promoter, and likely function together as a cis‐regulatory unit. The SNPs exhibited a high degree of LD in the Asian population, in which they define a specific longevity haplotype that is relatively common. The haplotype was less frequent in whites and virtually nonexistent in Africans. We identified distant contact points between FOXO3 and 46 neighboring genes, through long‐range physical contacts via CCCTC‐binding factor zinc finger protein (CTCF) binding sites, over a 7.3 Mb distance on chromosome 6q21. When activated by cellular stress, we visualized movement of FOXO3 toward neighboring genes. FOXO3 resides at the center of this early‐replicating and highly conserved syntenic region of chromosome 6. Thus, in addition to its role as a transcription factor regulating gene expression genomewide, FOXO3 may function at the genomic level to help regulate neighboring genes by virtue of its central location in chromatin conformation via topologically associated domains. We believe that the FOXO3 ‘interactome’ on chromosome 6 is a chromatin domain that defines an aging hub. A more thorough understanding of the functions of these neighboring genes may help elucidate the mechanisms through which FOXO3 variants promote longevity and healthy aging.
Use of antibiotics during pregnancy and the risk of major congenital malformations: a population based cohort study
Authors: Muanda Flory T. , Sheehy Odile , Bérard Anick
Published: July 2017

Aims

Few studies have investigated the link between individual antibiotics and major congenital malformations (MCMs) including specific malformations owing to small sample size. We aimed to quantify the association between exposure to gestational antibiotic and the risk of MCMs.

Methods

Using the Quebec pregnancy cohort (1998–2008), we included a total of 139 938 liveborn singleton alive whose mothers were covered by the “Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec” drug plan for at least 12 months before and during pregnancy. Antibiotic exposure was assessed in the first trimester and MCMs were identified within the first year of life.

Results

After adjusting for potential confounders, clindamycin exposure was associated with an increased risk of MCMs (aOR 1.34, 95% CI 1.02–1.77, 60 exposed cases), musculoskeletal system malformations (aOR 1.67, 95% CI 1.12–2.48, 29 exposed cases) and ventricular/atrial septal defect (aOR 1.81, 95% CI 1.04–3.16, 13 exposed cases). Doxycycline exposure increased the risk of circulatory system malformation, cardiac malformations and ventricular/atrial septal defect (aOR 2.38, 95% CI 1.21–4.67, 9 exposed cases; aOR 2.46, 95% CI 1.21–4.99, 8 exposed cases; aOR 3.19, 95% CI 1.57–6.48, 8 exposed cases, respectively). Additional associations were seen with quinolone (1 defect), moxifloxacin (1 defect), ofloxacin (1 defect), macrolide (1 defect), erythromycin (1 defect) and phenoxymethylpenicillin (1 defect). No link was observed with amoxicillin, cephalosporins and nitrofurantoin. Similar results were found when penicillins were used as the comparator group.

Conclusions

Clindamycin, doxycycline, quinolones, macrolides and phenoxymethylpenicillin in utero exposure were linked to organ‐specific malformations. Amoxicillin, cephalosporins and nitrofurantoin were not associated with MCMs.
Effects of gastric inhibitory polypeptide, glucagon‐like peptide‐1 and glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists on Bone Cell Metabolism
Authors: Hansen Morten S. S. , Tencerova Michaela , Frølich Jacob , Kassem Moustapha , Frost Morten
Published: July 2017

The relationship between gut and skeleton is increasingly recognized as part of the integrated physiology of the whole organism. The incretin hormones gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) are secreted from the intestine in response to nutrient intake and exhibit several physiological functions including regulation of islet hormone secretion and glucose levels. A number of GLP‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1RAs) are currently used in treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. However, GIP and GLP‐1 cognate receptors are widely expressed suggesting that incretin hormones mediate effects beyond control of glucose homeostasis, and reports on associations between incretin hormones and bone metabolism have emerged. The aim of this MiniReview was to provide an overview of current knowledge regarding the in vivo and in vitro effects of GIP and GLP‐1 on bone metabolism. We identified a total of 30 pre‐clinical and clinical investigations of the effects of GIP, GLP‐1 and GLP‐1RAs on bone turnover markers, bone mineral density (BMD), bone microarchitecture and fracture risk. Studies conducted in cell cultures and rodents demonstrated that GIP and GLP‐1 play a role in regulating skeletal homeostasis, with pre‐clinical data suggesting that GIP inhibits bone resorption whereas GLP‐1 may promote bone formation and enhance bone material properties. These effects are not corroborated by clinical studies. While there is evidence of effects of GIP and GLP‐1 on bone metabolism in pre‐clinical investigations, clinical trials are needed to clarify whether similar effects are present and clinically relevant in humans.
Risk and Adversity, Parenting Quality, and Children's Social‐Emotional Adjustment in Families Experiencing Homelessness
Authors: Labella Madelyn H. , Narayan Angela J. , McCormick Christopher M. , Desjardins Christopher D. , Masten Ann S.
Published: July 2017

A multimethod, multi‐informant design was used to examine links among sociodemographic risk, family adversity, parenting quality, and child adjustment in families experiencing homelessness. Participants were 245 homeless parents (Mage = 31.0, 63.6% African American) and their 4‐ to 6‐year‐old children (48.6% male). Path analyses revealed unique associations by risk domain: Higher sociodemographic risk predicted more externalizing behavior and poorer teacher–child relationships, whereas higher family adversity predicted more internalizing behavior. Parenting quality was positively associated with peer acceptance and buffered effects of family adversity on internalizing symptoms, consistent with a protective effect. Parenting quality was associated with lower externalizing behavior only when sociodemographic risk was below the sample mean. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Effectiveness of a novel highly flexible‐tip guidewire on selective biliary cannulation compared to conventional guidewire: Randomized controlled study
Authors: Park Jin‐Seok , Jeong Seok , Lee Don Haeng
Published: July 2017

Background and Aim

Endoscopic access to the common bile duct remains difficult in 10% of cases undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). In the current study, we evaluated the effectiveness of a stiff‐shaft and flexible‐tip guidewire (Visiglide2®) for selective biliary access.

Methods

We conducted a prospective, randomized controlled study in a single center involving patients with a naïve papilla who required biliary cannulation. We randomly allocated the patients to the Visiglide 2 group (group V) or to the conventional guidewire group (group C). Primary success rate of biliary cannulation, cannulation time, number of papillary attempts, number of pancreatic duct cannulations, total procedure time and final success rate were recorded during the endoscopic procedure.

Results

Total of 100 patients were enrolled and assigned to groups V (n = 50) and C (n = 50). Primary selective biliary cannulation of group V tended to show a higher success rate than that of group C (group V, 96% (48/50); group C, 86% (43/50); P = 0.08). Final success rate for biliary cannulation was 100% in both groups. Mean times for biliary cannulation were 174.9 s for group V and 363.5 s for group C (P = 0.04). Number of papillary attempts for cannulation was significantly fewer in group V (1.84) than in group C (3.44; P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Use of Visiglide 2 guidewire might facilitate selective biliary cannulation compared to conventional guidewire in terms of reducing cannulation time and papilla attempts.
Memory in 3‐month‐old infants benefits from a short nap
Authors: Horváth Klára , Hannon Benjamin , Ujma Peter P. , Gombos Ferenc , Plunkett Kim
Published: July 2017

A broad range of studies demonstrate that sleep has a facilitating role in memory consolidation (see Rasch & Born, ). Whether sleep‐dependent memory consolidation is also apparent in infants in their first few months of life has not been investigated. We demonstrate that 3‐month‐old infants only remember a cartoon face approximately 1.5–2 hours after its first presentation when a period of sleep followed learning. Furthermore, habituation time, that is, the time to become bored with a stimulus shown repetitively, correlated negatively with the density of infant sleep spindles, implying that processing speed is linked to specific electroencephalographic components of sleep. Our findings show that without a short period of sleep infants have problems remembering a newly seen face, that sleep enhances memory consolidation from a very early age, highlighting the importance of napping in infancy, and that infant sleep spindles may be associated with some aspects of cognitive ability.
Influence of mean stress and notches on the very high cycle fatigue behaviour and crack initiation of a low‐pressure steam turbine steel
Authors: Ritz F. , Beck T.
Published: July 2017

The aim of the present work is to investigate the influence of different stress concentration factors (1.09, 1.31, and 2.42) and several R‐values on the fatigue behaviour of martensitic steel X10CrNiMoV12‐2‐2 up to 2 · 109 load cycles at ambient temperature. The tests were performed using an ultrasonic fatigue testing system developed at the authors' institute. The S‐N curves of specimens with the lowest investigated stress concentration factor of 1.09 show for both R = −1 and R = 0.5 a flat slope with transition from surface to volume crack initiation at about 1–2 · 107 load cycles. The maximum number of load cycles where fracture occurs increases with increasing R‐value. The √area approach by Murakami describes lifetime behaviour within about 4 decades of lifetime and a wide range of load ratios. In case of internal crack initiation at R = −1, the fracture surface contains a fine granular area (FGA) around the inclusion within the typical “fish‐eye” fracture. With increasing notch factor, the fatigue strength up to 2 · 109 load cycles decreases and the slope of the S‐N curve becomes steeper in the low cycle fatigue and high cycle fatigue regime, especially for αk = 2.42. In this case, damage at internal defects is suppressed and fatigue cracks are generally initiated at the notch root.
Development of a unified creep‐fatigue equation including heat treatment
Authors: Liu Dan , Pons Dirk John
Published: July 2017

Background

Creep and fatigue damages in metals are known to interact and then lead to aggregated damage. While models exist for fatigue, creep and creep‐fatigue, no models cover all 3 load regimes. Also, a heat treatment–related parameter is not well included in most creep‐fatigue models.

Need

There is a need to develop a creep‐fatigue equation, which covers the full loading regime from pure fatigue to pure creep, and creep‐fatigue. Also needed is inclusion of a heat treatment–related parameter.

Approach

The unified creep‐fatigue equation was started from the Coffin‐Manson equation and integrated with the Manson‐Haferd parameter. This equation was validated on Inconel 718.

Outcomes

The method of deriving the coefficients and the formula of the creep function are demonstrated, and the resulting equation shows a good ability to describe the grain‐size effect and the fully integrated characteristics.

Originality

Original contributions of this work are the development of a new formulation to represent creep, fatigue and creep‐fatigue in metals. Also the inclusion of grain size—which is a proxy for heat treatment—in the formulation of this equation and in a proposed modified Manson‐Haferd parameter.
Targeted next‐generation sequencing using a multigene panel in myeloid neoplasms: Implementation in clinical diagnostics
Authors: Maes B. , Willemse J. , Broekmans A. , Smets R. , Cruys B. , Put N. , Madoe V. , Janssen M. , Soepenberg O. , Bries G. , Vrelust I. , Achten R. , Van Pelt K. , Buvé K. , Theunissen K. , Peeters V. , Froyen G.
Published: July 2017

Introduction

Detection of mutations in patients with myeloid neoplasms (MNs) has shown great potential for diagnostic and prognostic purposes. Next‐generation sequencing (NGS) is currently implemented for the diagnostic profiling of the four major MN subgroups.

Methods

First, we validated the targeted NGS approach using the TruSight Myeloid panel. Next, we screened 287 patients with a clinical suspicion of MN and 61 follow‐up patients with documented MN.

Results

Validation of the NGS workflow resulted in maximal precision, accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity for gene variants with an allele frequency of at least 5% and a minimal read depth of 300. In our diagnostic screen, we identified at least one somatic mutation in 89% of patients with proven MN. Of the 155 newly diagnosed MN cases, 126 (81%) showed at least one mutation, confirming clonality. Moreover, the co‐occurrence of mutated genes in the different MN subentities facilitates their classification and justifies the diagnostic use of a pan‐myeloid panel. Furthermore, several of these mutations provide additional prognostic information independently of traditional prognostic scoring systems.

Conclusion

Pan‐myeloid targeted NGS fits elegantly in the routine diagnostic approach of MNs allowing for an improved diagnosis, subclassification, and prognosis.
Migration, Small Farming and Food Security in the Caribbean: Jamaica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Authors: Thomas‐Hope Elizabeth
Published: July 2017

Long‐term and short‐term (seasonal) migrations from Caribbean countries have been strategies for enhancing the livelihoods and assets of individuals and families for many decades. The greatest challenges to food security are felt by the populations below the poverty level, most of whom are rural dwellers. Taking two Caribbean countries – Jamaica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, this article assesses whether in rural, characteristically small‐farming areas, the financial and social remittances resulting from migration are used to improve food security, through either supporting agricultural production or providing money to purchase food. The findings show the contrast between Jamaica and St. Vincent. Whereas migration generally benefits small‐scale farming and domestic food production, increasing food accessibility in Jamaica, migration has been variously used by the rural poor in St. Vincent to replace farming. Food security in St. Vincent is heavily dependent on purchasing food and, in this regard, migrant remittances play an important role.
Residential Remittances and Food Security in the Upper West Region of Ghana
Authors: Atuoye Kilian N. , Kuuire Vincent Z. , Kangmennaang Joseph , Antabe Roger , Luginaah Isaac
Published: July 2017

In recent years, out migration from the Upper West Region to the southern belt of Ghana for farming has become commonplace. The natural question that has arisen is: what is the potential impact of remittances from this migration pattern on food security in the region? Using multivariate ordered logistic regression this study assesses the linkage between remittances and household food security (derived using the HFIAS) among urban and rural households (n=1,438) in the region. The findings show that urban remittance‐receiving households and rural remittance and non‐remittance receiving households were more likely (OR=2.44, p<0.05; OR=2.46, p<0.001; and OR=1.49, p<0.1, respectively) to report being more severely food‐insecure than urban non‐remittance receiving households. The findings demonstrate that household strategies such as migration and remittances on their own are not sufficient to ameliorate the precarious food insecurity situation of the region. The study calls for development of alternative livelihoods in the region.
Towards relational recovery: Nurses’ practices with consumers and families with dependent children in mental health inpatient units
Authors: Foster Kim , Isobel Sophie
Published: July 2017

Facilitating parent–child and family connections during parental hospitalization provides important opportunities for mental health services to support individual and family recovery. Nurses are often the primary point of contact for families in the inpatient context. They play an integral role in the care provision of consumers and families and in supporting consumers’ recovery. The aim of the present qualitative study was to explore nurses’ practice with families in inpatient mental health settings in the context of designated family rooms. Three themes were derived from the thematic analysis of semistructured interviews with 20 nurses from four mental health inpatient units. Nurses experienced tensions within their roles in balancing safety and risk, a lack of confidence in family‐focused practices in relation to role expectations, and challenges in juggling nursing care ideals with the contemporary realities of inpatient practice. A family‐centred relational recovery approach is recommended for mental health services, which is underpinned by family‐focused policies and processes, and supported at an organizational, managerial, and local‐unit level. At an individual level, nurses need professional development on the models of care they practice in, explicit role clarity on their practice with families, and education on evidence‐based brief family interventions.
Protein kinase D exerts neuroprotective functions during oxidative stress via nuclear factor kappa B‐independent signaling pathways
Authors: Liliom Hanna , Tárnok Krisztián , Ábrahám Zsófia , Rácz Bence , Hausser Angelika , Schlett Katalin
Published: July 2017

Members of the protein kinase D (PKD) family of serine/threonine kinases are known to exert diverse roles in neuronal stress responses. Here, we show the transient activation and nuclear translocation of endogenous PKD upon oxidative stress induced by H2O2 treatment in primary neuronal cultures. Using pharmacological inhibition, we show that PKD activity protects neurons from oxidative stress‐induced cell death. Although members of the canonical nuclear factor kappa‐light‐chain‐enhancer of activated B cells (NF kappaB) pathway were phosphorylated upon H2O2 treatment, it was found that the neuronal response to oxidative stress is not executed through the nuclear translocation and activity of RelA. On the other hand, we demonstrate for the first time in neuronal cells, the association of green fluorescent protein‐tagged kinase inactive PKD1 with mitochondrial membranes in vivo and the presence of PKD activity in the close vicinity of mitochondria in vitro. Our findings thus support the notion that the neuroprotective role of PKD is exerted independently from NF kappaB signaling and suggest a potential mitochondrial function for PKD in cultured neurons.

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Potential emerging treatment in vitiligo using Er:YAG in combination with 5FU and clobetasol
Authors: Mokhtari Fatemeh , Bostakian Anis , Shahmoradi Zabihollah , Jafari‐Koshki Tohid , Iraji Fariba , Faghihi Gita , Hosseini Sayed Mohsen , Bafandeh Behzad
Published: July 2017

Background

Vitiligo is a pigmentary disorder of skin affecting at least 1% of the world population of all races in both sexes. Its importance is mainly due to subsequent social and psychological problems rather than clinical complications. Various treatment choices are available for vitiligo; however, laser‐based courses have shown to give more acceptable results.

Objective

The aim of this trial was to evaluate the efficacy of Er:YAG laser as a supplementary medicine to topical 5FU and clobetasol in vitiligo patients.

Methods

Two comparable vitiligo patches from 38 eligible patients were randomized to receive topical 5FU and clobetasol in control group and additional Er:YAG laser in intervention group. Major outcomes of interest were the size of patch and pigmentation score at randomization and 2 and 4 months after therapy.

Results

Final sample included 18 (47%) male patients and age of 35.66±8.04. The performance Er:YAG group was superior in all sites. Reduction in the size of patches was greater in Er:YAG group (p‐value=.004). Also, this group showed a higher pigmentation scores in the trial period than control group (p‐value<.001).

Conclusions

Greater reduction in the size and increase in pigmentation score was seen in Er:YAG group especially for short periods after therapy and repeating laser sessions may help improving final outcomes. Er:AYG could help in reducing complications of long‐term topical treatments, achieving faster response, and improving patient adherence.
Patients' and their family members' experiences of participation in care following an acute exacerbation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A phenomenological‐hermeneutic study
Authors: Andersen Ingrid Charlotte , Thomsen Thora Grothe , Bruun Poul , Bødtger Uffe , Hounsgaard Lise
Published: July 2017

Aim and objectives

To explore the experiences of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and their family members relating both to participation in care during hospitalisation for an acute exacerbation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and to the subsequent day‐to‐day care at home.

Background

When recovering from an exacerbation, the challenges associated with an unpredictable health condition dominate everyday life for patients and can involve their family members. Proper patient and family participation in care during discharge and follow‐up can help patients to improve self‐management. However, knowledge of the significance of patient and family participation for recovery and subsequent everyday life is still limited.

Design

This study adopted a longitudinal design informed by ethnographic fieldwork principles.

Methods

Participant observations and interviews with 15 patients and 12 family members were conducted on a Danish hospital ward and twice at the participants' homes. A phenomenological‐hermeneutic approach inspired by Ricoeur's theory of interpretation guided the data analysis.

Results

Participation in care was perceived as valuable, but could be associated with tensions and increased uncertainty. While patients mostly demonstrated a reactive approach to care, family members strived to be more proactive. In hospital, preparing for discharge included an effort to find a balance between powerlessness and influence during interactions with healthcare professionals. At home, managing further recovery and self‐management were characterised by navigating between mutual pressure and consideration within the family.

Conclusion

Family members play an important role in ensuring that patients are seen, heard and understood, but want to be acknowledged more by healthcare professionals. Appropriate interactions with healthcare professionals are crucial in order to support discharge and daily self‐management.

Relevance to clinical practice

Knowledge of the challenges that patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and their family members face in participating in care activities could inform future development of family‐centred care approaches tailored to individual needs.
Measuring the outcomes of nursing practice: A Delphi study
Authors: Sim Jenny , Crookes Patrick , Walsh Kenneth , Halcomb Elizabeth
Published: July 2017

Aims and objective

To develop nursing‐sensitive patient indicators to measure the outcomes of nursing practice.

Background

Nurses play an important role in the healthcare system, yet there is no consensus on how the impact of nursing work should be evaluated. Limited research has previously examined the views of clinical nurses on the important concepts for measuring nursing practice.

Design

A four‐round modified Delphi survey sought opinions from patients and nurses about the relevant concepts and their relative priority as indicators of quality nursing practice.

Method

Round 1 comprised semi‐structured interviews with patients and nurses to identify key concepts. Nurses were then asked to participate in three rounds of Delphi survey to identify and rate key concepts from which indicators were developed. Thematic analysis and descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data.

Results

By the end of Round 4, the process had generated 103 concepts and participants had agreed on eight overarching constructs, namely care and caring; communication; coordination and collaboration; safety; patient characteristics; workload; Nurses work environment; and organisational characteristics.

Conclusions

Consensus was achieved between nurses on the most important concepts, which can provide the basis for measuring the quality and safety of nursing practice in a comprehensive and holistic way.

Relevance to clinical practice

The identification of concepts that patients and nurses consider important for measuring nursing practice will guide the development of methods for evaluating nursing in the future. Ensuring that nursing practice is rigorously evaluated has the potential to identify opportunities to improve nursing quality, patient safety and improve health outcomes.
The Gibraltar Sign: An Anatomic Landmark for Predicting Transverse Sinus Dominance Laterality on Conventional MRI
Authors: Pettersson David R. , McLouth Joel D. , Addicott Benjamin , Pollock Jeffrey M. , Barajas Ramon F.
Published: July 2017

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Physiologic asymmetry of transverse sinus (TS) caliber is common and can lead to misinterpretation of magnetic resonance venography (MRV) studies of the brain. This retrospective study assesses the ability of multiple anatomic features on axial noncontrast T1‐weighted images (T1WIs) of the brain to predict congenital TS dominance.

METHODS

One hundred consecutively acquired combined MRI‐MRV studies of the brain were reviewed. On noncontrast axial T1WI, each reviewer measured (1) inclination of the groove for the superior sagittal sinus (SSS), (2) angulation of the posterior falx, (3) laterality of the SSS flow void, and (4) laterality of the inferior‐most occipital lobe. TS cross‐sectional area was measured on noncontrast sagittal 2‐dimensional time‐of‐flight MRV images and served as the reference standard.

RESULTS

The bony groove for the SSS sloped down to the right in 65 of 100 patients and correctly predicted right TS dominance in 63 of 65 cases (97% positive predictive value [PPV]). The groove sloped down to the left in 24 of 100 patients and correctly predicted left TS dominance in 22 of 24 cases (92% PPV). Laterality of the SSS flow void, laterality of the inferior‐most occipital lobe, and angulation of the posterior falx had 91% PPV, 82% PPV, and 74% PPV for predicting TS dominance, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple anatomic features seen on conventional axial T1WI can be used to predict the laterality of congenital TS dominance and can help inform the interpretation of MRV studies of the brain.
Sympathetic introspection as method and practice: Cooley's contributions to critical qualitative inquiry and the theory of mind debate
Authors: Gunderson Ryan
Published: July 2017

In the work of Charles H. Cooley, sympathy is (1) a central subject matter of sociology and social psychology (as the faculty humans use to acquire knowledge of other humans), (2) a descriptive and explanatory method similar to “interpretive understanding,” and (3) an evaluative method used for social critique and arguments for social reforms (as the basis for making moral judgments). The latter feature of the value‐orienting qualitative method of sympathetic introspection is pertinent in light of discussions regarding the development of a critical qualitative methodology. The uniqueness of Cooley's method, when compared to value‐neutral approaches in the interpretive tradition, is its theoretically‐ and methodologically‐grounded license for social scientific thinking to cultivate concern for the people it studies, with the following practical implication: arguments for social reforms rooted in a form of knowledge that embeds individuals in the social whole. Further, Cooley's notion of sympathy contributes to the theory of mind debate by theorizing both a philosophical‐anthropological and sociological foundation for attributing mental states to others in order to participate in social action.
Comparative analysis of storage conditions and homogenization methods for tick and flea species for identification by MALDI‐TOF MS
Authors: NEBBAK A. , EL HAMZAOUI B. , BERENGER J.‐M. , BITAM I. , RAOULT D. , ALMERAS L. , PAROLA P.
Published: July 2017

Ticks and fleas are vectors for numerous human and animal pathogens. Controlling them, which is important in combating such diseases, requires accurate identification, to distinguish between vector and non‐vector species. Recently, matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF‐MS) was applied to the rapid identification of arthropods. The growth of this promising tool, however, requires guidelines to be established. To this end, standardization protocols were applied to species of Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Ixodida: Ixodidae) Latreille and Ctenocephalides felis felis (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) Bouché, including the automation of sample homogenization using two homogenizer devices, and varied sample preservation modes for a period of 1–6 months. The MS spectra were then compared with those obtained from manual pestle grinding, the standard homogenization method. Both automated methods generated intense, reproducible MS spectra from fresh specimens. Frozen storage methods appeared to represent the best preservation mode, for up to 6 months, while storage in ethanol is also possible, with some caveats for tick specimens. Carnoy's buffer, however, was shown to be less compatible with MS analysis for the purpose of identifying ticks or fleas. These standard protocols for MALDI‐TOF MS arthropod identification should be complemented by additional MS spectrum quality controls, to generalize their use in monitoring arthropods of medical interest.
Influence of Morphine and Naloxone on Pain Modulation in Rheumatoid Arthritis, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Fibromyalgia, and Controls: A Double‐Blind, Randomized, Placebo‐Controlled, Cross‐Over Study
Authors: Hermans Linda , Nijs Jo , Calders Patrick , De Clerck Luc , Moorkens Greta , Hans Guy , Grosemans Sofie , Roman De Mettelinge Tine , Tuynman Joanna , Meeus Mira
Published: July 2017

Background

Impaired pain inhibitory and enhanced pain facilitatory mechanisms are repeatedly reported in patients with central sensitization pain. However, the exact effects of frequently prescribed opioids on central pain modulation are still unknown.

Methods

A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled cross‐over trial was carried out. Ten chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)/fibromyalgia (FM) patients, 11 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and 20 controls were randomly allocated to the experimental (10 mg morphine or 0.2 mg/mL Naloxone) and placebo (2 mL Aqua) group. Pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) and temporal summation at the Trapezius and Quadriceps were assessed by algometry. Conditioned pain modulation (CPM) efficacy and deep tissue pain pressure were assessed by adding ischemic occlusion at the opposite upper arm.

Results

Deep tissue pain pressure was lower and temporal summation higher in CFS/FM (P = 0.002 respectively P = 0.010) and RA patients (P = 0.011 respectively P = 0.047) compared to controls at baseline. Morphine had only a positive effect on PPTs in both patient groups (P time = 0.034). Accordingly, PPTs increased after placebo (P time = 0.015), and no effects on the other pain parameters were objectified. There were no significant effects of naloxone nor nocebo on PPT, deep tissue pain, temporal summation or CPM in the control group.

Conclusions

This study revealed anti‐hyperalgesia effects of morphine in CFS/FM and RA patients. Nevertheless, these effects were comparable to placebo. Besides, neither morphine nor naloxone influenced deep tissue pain, temporal summation or CPM. Therefore, these results suggest that the opioid system is not dominant in (enhanced) bottom‐up sensitization (temporal summation) or (impaired) endogenous pain inhibition (CPM) in patients with CFS/FM or RA.
Specialized stomatal humidity responses underpin ecological diversity in C3 bromeliads
Authors: Males Jamie , Griffiths Howard
Published: July 2017

The Neotropical Bromeliaceae display an extraordinary level of ecological variety, with species differing widely in habit, photosynthetic pathway and growth form. Divergences in stomatal structure and function, hitherto understudied in treatments of bromeliad evolutionary physiology, could have been critical to the generation of variety in ecophysiological strategies among the bromeliads. Because humidity is a key factor in bromeliad niches, we focussed on stomatal responses to vapour pressure deficit (VPD). We measured the sensitivity of stomatal conductance and assimilation rate to VPD in eight C3 bromeliad species of contrasting growth forms and ecophysiological strategies and parameterised the kinetics of stomatal responses to a step change in VPD. Notably, three tank‐epiphyte species displayed low conductance, high sensitivity and fast kinetics relative to the lithophytes, while three xeromorphic terrestrial species showed high conductance and sensitivity but slow stomatal kinetics. An apparent feedforward response of transpiration to VPD occurred in the tank epiphytes, while water‐use efficiency was differentially impacted by stomatal closure depending on photosynthetic responses. Differences in stomatal responses to VPD between species of different ecophysiological strategies are closely linked to modifications of stomatal morphology, which we argue has been a pivotal component of the evolution of high diversity in this important plant family.
Transcriptional profiling of mechanically and genetically sink‐limited soybeans
Authors: Brown Anne V. , Hudson Karen A.
Published: July 2017

The absence of a reproductive sink causes physiological and morphological changes in soybean plants. These include increased accumulation of nitrogen and starch in the leaves and delayed leaf senescence. To identify transcriptional changes that occur in leaves of these sink‐limited plants, we used RNAseq to compare gene expression levels in trifoliate leaves from depodded and ms6 male‐sterile soybean plants and control plants. In both sink‐limited tissues, we observed a deferral of the expression of senescence‐associated genes and a continued expression of genes associated with leaf maturity. Gene Ontology‐terms (GO‐terms) associated with growth and development and storage proteins were over‐represented in genes that were differentially expressed in sink‐limited tissues. We also identified basic helix‐loop‐helix, auxin response factor, and squamosa binding protein transcription factors expressed in sink‐limited tissues, and the senescing control leaves expressed WRKY and NAC transcription factors. We identified genes that were not expressed during normal leaf development but that were highly expressed in sink‐limited plants, including the SGR3b “non‐yellowing” gene. These differences highlighted several metabolic pathways that were involved in distinct modes of resource partitioning of leaves with the “stay green” phenotype.
Drawing a Line between European Waste and Chemicals Regulation
Authors: Alaranta Joonas , Turunen Topi
Published: July 2017

This article analyses the fine line between the application of waste legislation and the application of chemicals regulation. If a substance or object ceases to be waste, or is originally a by‐product, how is chemicals regulation applied to the non‐waste material? The article also examines the effects that provisions of chemicals legislation can have with respect to waste legislation and the regulatory possibilities to exclude substances or objects from the concept of waste. The regulation of the residual materials is successful when it promotes the reuse and recovery, reduces the detrimental health and environmental effects of those residual materials, and reduces the costs and environmental harm incurred by the obtaining of the raw materials. Combining the diverging objectives of waste and chemical legislation is challenging but necessary to achieve the transition to a circular economy and the best overall outcome in terms of sustainability.
Australian Law to Combat Illegal Logging in Indonesia: A Gossamer Chain for Transnational Enforcement of Environmental Law
Authors: Rose Gregory
Published: July 2017

Two countries’ combined crime‐fighting ability might be greater than the sum of their individual capacities where their capabilities complement each other. This article investigates transnational coordination against environmental crime. Australian utilization of mutual legal assistance and anti‐money laundering mechanisms to prosecute offences related to illegal logging in Indonesia are examined as a case study. In theory, interrupting the transfer of proceeds of environmental crime across national borders enhances transnational law enforcement. The case study demonstrates that difficult legal obstacles can obstruct practical cooperation between neighbouring countries combating transnational environmental crime in the timber sector. Therefore, international harmonization of environmental crime laws is needed.
Towards Effective Implementation of the EU Environmental Crime Directive? The Case of Illegal Waste Management and Trafficking Offences
Authors: Pereira Ricardo
Published: July 2017

The adoption of the European Union (EU) Environmental Crime Directive in 2008 marks a significant step in the EU's process of integration. The Directive is unique in creating a supranational legal framework for harmonizing environmental criminal law. Yet there are a number of deficiencies in the Directive which may compromise its effective implementation and enforcement by the Member States. Particularly noteworthy is that the Directive does not define specific types and levels of penalties or any rules on prosecution or jurisdiction. This article analyses the main features of the illegal waste management and trafficking offences and penalties under the Environmental Crime Directive, and surveys the implementation of those offences by specific EU Member States. It aims to make a broader assessment of the consistency and effectiveness of the implementation of the Directive, assessing the implications that it may have on the enforcement of environmental law in the Member States.