bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk of Abdominal Surgery in Pregnancy Among Women Who Have Undergone Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Stuart Andrea , Källen Karin
Published: April 2017

OBJECTIVE:

To compare the rates of abdominal surgery during pregnancy among women with previous bariatric surgery (women in the case group) and women with first-trimester body mass index (BMI) greater than 35 and no previous bariatric surgery (women in the control group).

METHODS:

We conducted a national cohort study, merging data from the Swedish Medical Birth Registry and the Swedish National Patient Registry, comparing women who had bariatric surgery from 1987 to 2011 with women in a control group with first-trimester BMI greater than 35 who had not had bariatric surgery. Primary outcome variables were diagnosis and surgical procedure codes grouped as five outcome categories: 1) intestinal obstruction, 2) gallbladder disease, 3) appendicitis, 4) hernia, and 5) diagnostic laparoscopy or laparotomy without the presence of a diagnosis or surgical code for outcomes in outcome categories 1–4. Odds ratios were computed using multivariate linear regression analysis for each separate pregnancy. For all pregnancies in a given woman, general estimating equations with robust variance estimation were used. Adjustment was made for smoking, year of delivery, maternal age, and previous abdominal surgery.

RESULTS:

During the first pregnancy after bariatric surgery, the rate of surgery for intestinal obstruction was 1.5% (39/2,543; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1–2.0%) in women in the case group compared with 0.02% (4/21,909; 95% CI 0.0–0.04%) among women in the control group (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 34.3, 95% CI 11.9–98.7). Similarly, the rate of diagnostic laparoscopy or laparotomy was 1.5% (37/2,542; 95% CI 1.0–1.9%) among women in the case group compared with 0.1% (18/21,909; 95% CI 0.0–0.1%) among women in the control group (adjusted OR 11.3, 95% CI 6.9–18.5).

CONCLUSION:

Bariatric surgery is associated with an increased risk of abdominal surgery during pregnancy.
Surgical approach for elastic stable intramedullary nail in pediatric radius shaft fracture: a systematic review
Authors: Nørgaard Sandra L. , Riber Sara S. , Danielsson Frederik B. , Pedersen Niels W. , Viberg Bjarke
Published: April 2017

When using elastic stable intramedullary nailing in children’s distal radius shaft fractures, the surgical approach can either be lateral or dorsal. The aim of this article was to carry out a systematic review of the literature comparing the two types of approaches in terms of complications. An electronic search of databases was performed. Titles of articles were screened, and abstracts and full text were read. Data were extracted in terms of demographics and complications. The dorsal approach had a 2.6% rate of extensor pollicis longus tendon rupture, whereas the lateral approach had a 2.9% rate of transient superficial radial nerve palsy and 0.3% rate of permanent damage. These complications should be considered when deciding between the two surgical approaches.
Oncological Outcomes of Lateral Pelvic Lymph Node Metastasis in Rectal Cancer Treated With Preoperative Chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Ishihara Soichiro , Kawai Kazushige , Tanaka Toshiaki , Kiyomatsu Tomomichi , Hata Keisuke , Nozawa Hioaki , Morikawa Teppei , Watanabe Toshiaki
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUND:

Oncological outcomes of lateral pelvic lymph node metastasis in rectal cancer treated with preoperative chemoradiotherapy remain to be elucidated.

OBJECTIVE:

The purpose of this study was to clarify the therapeutic effect of chemoradiotherapy on lateral pelvic lymph node metastasis, the risk factors of lateral pelvic lymph node metastasis, and oncological outcomes of lateral pelvic lymph node dissection after chemoradiotherapy.

DESIGN:

This was a nonrandomized, retrospective study.

SETTINGS:

The study was conducted at a tertiary referral university hospital.

PATIENTS:

Patients with rectal cancer treated with chemoradiotherapy and radical surgery from 2003 to 2015 (N = 222) were included.

INTERVENTIONS:

Radiation (total, 50.4 Gy in 28 fractions) with concomitant fluorouracil-based chemotherapy was administered. Lateral pelvic lymph nodes with a diameter of ≥8 mm before chemoradiotherapy were selectively dissected.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

Frequency and risk factors of lateral pelvic lymph node metastasis were examined.

RESULTS:

Lateral pelvic lymph node dissection was performed in 31 patients (14.0%), and 16 (51.6%) of these patients were pathologically diagnosed as positive for metastasis. Among the patients treated with total mesorectal excision alone (n = 191), 2 (0.9%) had recurrence in the lateral pelvic lymph node area, which was pathologically confirmed after salvage R0 resection. T category downstaging (73.3% vs 12.5%; p < 0.01) and high histological regression of the primary lesion (73.3% vs 18.8%; p < 0.01) were more frequent in patients with pathologically negative lateral pelvic lymph nodes than in those with positive lateral pelvic lymph nodes. Young age, short distance from the anal verge, and enlarged lateral pelvic lymph node before chemoradiotherapy were associated with lateral pelvic lymph node metastasis.

LIMITATIONS:

The study was limited by its retrospective nature and small study population.

CONCLUSIONS:

The incidence of lateral pelvic lymph node metastasis after chemoradiotherapy was estimated to be 8.1% (18/222). Young age, short distance from the anal verge, and enlarged lateral pelvic lymph node before chemoradiotherapy were risk factors of lateral pelvic lymph node metastasis after chemoradiotherapy.
Predictors of Anastomotic Leak in Elderly Patients After Colectomy: Nomogram-Based Assessment From the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Program Procedure-Targeted Cohort
Authors: Rencuzogullari Ahmet , Benlice Cigdem , Valente Michael , Abbas Maher A. , Remzi Feza H. , Gorgun Emre
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUND:

Elderly patients undergoing colorectal surgery have increasingly become under scrutiny by accounting for the largest fraction of geriatric postoperative deaths and a significant proportion of all postoperative complications, including anastomotic leak.

OBJECTIVE:

This study aimed to determine predictors of anastomotic leak in elderly patients undergoing colectomy by creating a novel nomogram for simplistic prediction of anastomotic leak risk in a given patient.

DESIGN:

This study was a retrospective review.

SETTINGS:

The database review of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program was conducted at a single institution.

PATIENTS:

Patients aged ≥65 years who underwent elective segmental colectomy with an anastomosis at different levels (abdominal or low pelvic) in 2012–2013 were identified from the multi-institutional procedure-targeted database.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

We constructed a stepwise multiple logistic regression model for anastomotic leak as an outcome; predictors were selected in a stepwise fashion using the Akaike information criterion. The validity of the nomogram was externally tested on elderly patients (≥65 years of age) from the 2014 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program colectomy-targeted database.

RESULTS:

A total of 10,392 patients were analyzed, and anastomotic leak occurred in 332 (3.2%). Of the patients who developed anastomotic leak, 192 (57.8%) were men (p < 0.001). Based on unadjusted analysis, factors associated with an increased risk of anastomotic leak were ASA score III and IV (p < 0.001), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (p = 0.004), diabetes mellitus (p = 0.003), smoking history (p = 0.014), weight loss (p = 0.013), previously infected wound (p = 0.005), omitting mechanical bowel preparation (p = 0.005) and/or preoperative oral antibiotic use (p < 0.001), and wounds classified as contaminated or dirty/infected (p = 0.008). Patients who developed anastomotic leak had a longer length of hospital stay (17 vs 7 d; p < 0.001) and operative time (191 vs 162 min; p < 0.001). A multivariate model and nomogram were created.

LIMITATIONS:

This study was limited by its retrospective nature and short-term follow-up (30 d).

CONCLUSIONS:

An accurate prediction of anastomotic leak affecting morbidity and mortality after colorectal surgery using the proposed nomogram may facilitate decision making in elderly patients for healthcare providers.
Short-term Variability of Repolarization Is Superior to Other Repolarization Parameters in the Evaluation of Diverse Antiarrhythmic Interventions in the Chronic Atrioventricular Block Dog
Authors: Bossu Alexandre , Varkevisser Rosanne , Beekman Henriette D. M. , Houtman Marien J. C. , van der Heyden Marcel A. G. , Vos Marc A.
Published: April 2017

Short-term variability (STV), to quantify beat-to-beat variability of repolarization, is a surrogate parameter that reliably identifies proarrhythmic risk in preclinical models. Examples include not only the use in the chronic atrioventricular block (CAVB) dog model whereby it was developed but also in vulnerable patients with heart failure or drug-induced long QT syndrome. In the CAVB dog model, STV can specifically distinguish between safe and unsafe drugs in proarrhythmic screening. Conversely, this dog model also offers the possibility to evaluate antiarrhythmic strategies in a setting of Torsades de Pointes (TdP) induction with a standard IKr inhibitor. The different antiarrhythmic interventions studied in suppression and prevention of drug-induced TdP in vivo in the CAVB dog model and in vitro in canine ventricular cardiomyocytes are described in this overview. We provide evidence that STV predicts the magnitude of antiarrhythmic effect against TdP better than other repolarization parameters in both suppression and prevention conditions. Moreover, suppression and prevention experiments revealed the same level of antiarrhythmic efficacy, whereas cellular experiments seem more sensitive in comparison with drug testing in vivo. Together, these observations suggest that STV could be used as a consistent indicator to rank efficacy of antiarrhythmic interventions in a number of conditions.
Aripiprazole Once-Monthly in the Treatment of Acute Psychotic Episodes in Schizophrenia
Authors: Ismail Zahinoor , Peters-Strickland Timothy , Miguelez Maia , Baker Ross A. , Hertel Peter , Eramo Anna , Jin Na , Perry Pamela , Sanchez Raymond , McQuade Robert D. , Kane John M.
Published: April 2017

Background

Long-acting injectable antipsychotics are treatment options for acute and long-term treatment of patients with schizophrenia. In a previously published 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of patients with schizophrenia experiencing an acute psychotic episode, aripiprazole once-monthly 400 mg (AOM 400) produced significantly greater improvement than placebo on the primary endpoint, Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) total score at week 10.

Methods

To examine the efficacy of AOM 400 across a broader representation of schizophrenia symptoms, including agitation, a post hoc analysis of this trial was carried out to assess the change in PANSS Marder factor domains (positive symptoms, negative symptoms, disorganized thought, uncontrolled hostility/excitement, and anxiety/depression) and the PANSS excited component (equivalent to Marder factor domain uncontrolled hostility/excitement plus the tension item) by comparing differences in change from baseline between AOM 400 and placebo using a mixed model for repeated measures.

Results

The differences between treatment and placebo for all factors were statistically significant, with improvements seen as early as week 1 or 2, and maintained through week 12. Thus, AOM 400, supplemented with oral aripiprazole in the first 2 weeks, showed significantly greater efficacy versus placebo in acutely ill patients with schizophrenia in all 5 Marder illness domains, as well as in agitation as conceptualized by the PANSS excited component score.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that AOM 400 is efficacious across the spectrum of schizophrenia symptoms in acutely ill patients, with implications for both short-term and, by extension, long-term patient outcomes.
The Path to Advanced Practice Licensure for Clinical Nurse Specialists in Washington State
Authors: Schoonover Heather
Published: April 2017

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to provide a review of the history and process to obtaining advanced practice licensure for clinical nurse specialists in Washington State. Before 2016, Washington State licensed certified nurse practitioners, certified nurse midwives, and certified nurse anesthetists under the designation of an advanced registered nurse practitioner; however, the state did not recognize clinical nurse specialists as advanced practice nurses. The work to drive the rule change began in 2007.

Description of the Project:

The Washington Affiliate of the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists used the Power Elite Theory to guide advocacy activities, building coalitions and support for the desired rule changes.

Outcome:

On January 8, 2016, the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission voted to amend the state's advanced practice rules, including clinical nurse specialists in the designation of an advanced practice nurse. Since the rule revision, clinical nurse specialists in Washington State have been granted advanced registered nurse practitioner licenses.

Conclusions:

Driving changes in state regulatory rules requires diligent advocacy, partnership, and a deep understanding of the state's rule-making processes. To be successful in changing rules, clinical nurse specialists must build strong partnerships with key influencers and understand the steps in practice required to make the desired changes.
Orienting and Onboarding Clinical Nurse Specialists
Authors: Garcia Mayra G. , Watt Jennifer L. , Falder-Saeed Karie , Lewis Brennan , Patton Lindsey
Published: April 2017

Purpose:

Clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) have a unique advanced practice role. This article describes a process useful in establishing a comprehensive orientation and onboarding program for a newly hired CNS.

Description:

The project team used the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists core competencies as a guide to construct a process for effectively onboarding and orienting newly hired CNSs. Standardized documents were created for the orientation process including a competency checklist, needs assessment template, and professional evaluation goals. In addition, other documents were revised to streamline the orientation process.

Outcome:

Standardizing the onboarding and orientation process has demonstrated favorable results. As of 2016, 3 CNSs have successfully been oriented and onboarded using the new process.

Conclusion:

Unique healthcare roles require special focus when onboarding and orienting into a healthcare system. The use of the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists core competencies guided the project in establishing a successful orientation and onboarding process for newly hired CNSs.
The Thrombolytic Effect of Diagnostic Ultrasound–Induced Microbubble Cavitation in Acute Carotid Thromboembolism
Authors: Porter Thomas R. , Xie Feng , Lof John , Powers Jeffry , Vignon Francois , Shi William , White Matthew
Published: April 2017

Background

Acute ischemic stroke is often due to thromboembolism forming over ruptured atherosclerotic plaque in the carotid artery (CA). The presence of intraluminal CA thrombus is associated with a high risk of thromboembolic cerebral ischemic events. The cavitation induced by diagnostic ultrasound high mechanical index (MI) impulses applied locally during a commercially available intravenous microbubble infusion has dissolved intravascular thrombi, especially when using longer pulse durations. The beneficial effects of this in acute carotid thromboembolism is not known.

Materials and Methods

An oversized balloon injury was created in the distal extracranial common CA of 38 porcine carotid arteries. After this, a 70% to 80% stenosis was created in the mid common CA proximal to the injury site using partial balloon inflation. Acute thrombotic CA occlusions were created just distal to the balloon catheter by injecting fresh autologous arterial thrombi. After angiographic documentation of occlusion, the common carotid thrombosis was treated with either diagnostic low MI imaging alone (0.2 MI; Philips S5-1) applied through a tissue mimicking phantom (TMP) or intermittent diagnostic high MI stable cavitation (SC)–inducing impulses with a longer pulse duration (0.8 MI; 20 microseconds' pulse duration) or inertial cavitation (IC) impulses (1.2 MI; 20 microseconds' pulse duration). All treatment times were for 30 minutes. Intravenous ultrasound contrast (2% Definity; Lantheus Medical) was infused during the treatment period. Angiographic recanalization in 4 intracranial and extracranial vessels downstream from the CA occlusion (auricular, ascending pharyngeal, buccinator, and maxillary) was assessed with both magnetic resonance 3-dimensional time-of-flight and phase contrast angiography. All magnetic resonance images were interpreted by an independent neuroradiologist using the thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) scoring system.

Results

By phase contrast angiography, at least mild recanalization (TICI 2a or higher) was seen in 64% of downstream vessels treated with SC impulses compared with 33% of IC treated and 29% of low MI alone treated downstream vessels (P = 0.001), whereas moderate or complete recanalization (TICI 2b or higher) was seen in 39% of SC treated vessels compared with 10% IC treated and 21% of low MI alone treated vessels (P = 0.001).

Conclusions

High MI 20-microsecond pulse duration impulses during a commercial microbubble infusion can be used to recanalize acutely thrombosed carotid arteries and restore downstream flow without anticoagulants. However, this effect is only seen with SC-inducing impulses and not at higher mechanical indices, when a paradoxical reversal of the thrombolytic effect is observed. Diagnostic ultrasound–induced SC can be a nonsurgical method of dissolving CA thrombi and preventing thromboembolization.
The role ofCdx2as a lineage specific transcriptional repressor for pluripotent network during trophectoderm and inner cell mass specification
Authors: Huang Daosheng , Han Xiaoping , Yuan Ping , Ralston Amy , Sun Lingang , Huss Mikael , Mistri Tapan , Pinello Luca , Hui Ng Huck , Yuan Guocheng , Ji Junfeng , Rossant Janet , Robson Paul , Guo Guoji
Published: April 2017

The first cellular differentiation event in mouse development leads to the formation of the blastocyst consisting of the inner cell mass (ICM) and an outer functional epithelium called trophectoderm (TE). The lineage specific transcription factor CDX2 is required for proper TE specification, where it promotes expression of TE genes, and represses expression ofPou5f1(OCT4) by inhibiting OCT4 from promoting its own expression. However its downstream network in the developing early embryo is not fully characterized. Here, we performed high-throughput single embryo qPCR analysis inCdx2null embryos to identify components of the CDX2-regulated networkin vivo. To identify genes likely to be regulated by CDX2 directly, we performed CDX2 ChIP-Seq on trophoblast stem (TS) cells, derived from the TE. In addition, we examined the dynamics of gene expression changes using an inducible CDX2 embryonic stem (ES) cell system, so that we could predict which CDX2-bound genes are activated or repressed by CDX2 binding. By integrating these data with observations of chromatin modifications, we were able to identify novel regulatory elements that are likely to repress gene expression in a lineage-specific manner. Interestingly, we found CDX2 binding sites within regulatory elements of key pluripotent genes such asPou5f1andNanog, pointing to the existence of a novel mechanism by which CDX2 maintains repression of OCT4 in trophoblast. Our study proposes a general mechanism in regulating lineage segregation during mammalian development.
Thermodynamic projection of the antibody interaction network: the fountain energy landscape of binding
Authors: Prechl József
Published: April 2017

The complexity of the adaptive immune system in humans is comparable to that of the central nervous system in terms of cell numbers, cellular diversity and the network of interactions between components. While the application of molecular biological methods and bioinformatics has brought about an ever deepening and sharpening static description of the molecular and cellular components of the system, a unifying theoretical understanding of the laws governing the dynamics of the system is still lacking.

We have recently developed a quantitative model for the description of antibody homeostasis as defined by the dimensions of antigen concentration, antigen-antibody interaction affinity and antibody concentration. In this paper we develop the concept of a novel thermodynamic representation of multiple molecular interactions in a system, the fountain energy landscape of binding. We show that the hypersurface of the binding fountain corresponds to the antibody-antigen interaction network projected onto an energy landscape defined by conformational entropy and free energy of binding. We demonstrate that thymus independent and thymus dependent antibody responses show distinct patterns of changes in the energy landscape. Overall, the binding fountain energy landscape concept allows a systems biological, thermodynamic perception of the functioning of the clonal humoral immune system.
Niche characteristics and potential distribution ofThelocactusspecies, a Mexican genus of globular cacti
Authors: Mosco Alessandro
Published: April 2017

Aim

Although Mexican Cactaceae are a significative component of Mexican flora and have a relevant economic and ornamental value, the knowledge of the environmental factors characterising their niche is still quite incomplete. This study was aimed at defining the potential distribution and ecological niche ofThelocactusspecies.

Methods

Climatic and environmental variables constraining the distribution ofThelocactusspecies were identified by means of environmental niche models (ENM) and ordination techniques, and used to generate potential distribution maps. The constructed ENMs were compared to assess the similarities of the ecological niche ofThelocactusspecies and to know if they share the same ecological niche space.

Results

The distribution ofThelocactusspecies was mostly limited by a combination of two environmental factors, isothermality and precipitation of wettest quarter. The null hypothesis of the niche equivalency test was rejected for all paired comparisons between allThelocactusspecies except between the pairThelocactus leucacanthus-Thelocactus hastifer. The results of the niche similarity tests were quite varied, for some species pairs the niche similarities were higher than expected by chance, for others the null hypothesis was rejected, while in other species pairs niches were more similar than expected by chance, but only in one direction.

Main conclusions

The differences in habitat requirements were well documented by the significative differences in the niche ecological space as shown by the equivalency test, while the high percentage of niches that were more similar than expected by chance suggest a high degree of niche conservatism amongThelocactusspecies. The spatial predictions could serve to improve field design sampling to discover new populations, while niche characteristics could be relevant for improving preservation actions and guiding reintroduction programs for a better conservation ofThelocactusspecies.
The dynamic upper limit of human lifespan
Authors: Newman Saul , Simon Easteal
Published: April 2017

We respond to claims by Donget al. that human lifespan is limited below 125 years. Using the log-linear increase in mortality rates with age to predict the upper limits of human survival we find, in contrast to Donget al., that the limit to human lifespan is historically flexible and increasing. This discrepancy can be explained by Donget al.’suse of data with variable sample sizes, age-biased rounding errors, and log(0) instead of log(1) values in linear regressions. Addressing these issues eliminates the proposed 125-year upper limit to human lifespan.
The duration of global agri-food export competitiveness
Authors: Bojnec Štefan , Fertő Imre
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the pattern, duration and country-level determinants of global agri-food export competitiveness of 23 major global agri-food trading countries.

Design/methodology/approach

A large panel data set is compiled to facilitate assessment of the pattern, duration and country-level determinants of global agri-food export competitiveness using a revealed comparative advantage index.

Findings

The results suggest that the duration of revealed comparative advantage is heterogeneous at the agri-food product level. Long-term survival rates as revealed by the comparative advantage indices are among the highest for the Netherlands, France, Belgium, the USA, Argentina and New Zealand. The level of economic development, the share of agricultural employment, subsidies to agriculture and differentiated consumer agri-food products increase the likelihood of failure in the duration of comparative advantage, while the abundance of agricultural land and export diversification reduce that likelihood.

Originality/value

The framework is conceptually innovative in how it models the likelihood of failure in the duration of comparative advantage and assesses implications. Export competitiveness is a crucial factor in long-term global farm business survival as it fosters opportunities for business prosperity on global markets.
Withdrawal of overseas subsidiaries from Asia: the case of the Japanese food industry
Authors: Takahashi Daisuke , Chang Tsaiyu
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the factors that have influenced the withdrawal of Japanese overseas food industry subsidiaries from Asia.

Design/methodology/approach

The data refer to Asian subsidiaries of Japanese companies engaged in food production activities. The data set covers 545 overseas subsidiaries from 2003 to 2014, and the total number of observations is 3,513. A linear probability model examines the factors influencing the probability of a subsidiary withdrawing.

Findings

The results show that strong relationships between parent companies and overseas subsidiaries, specifically in terms of personnel and capital, reduce the likelihood of withdrawal. The number of years in business has a positive effect on withdrawal. Additionally, investment aims, such as the establishment of an international production network and acquisition of host country markets, affect the probability of withdrawal. The results are similar for subsidiaries in China and other countries, but there are differences regarding subsidiaries’ histories and investment aims.

Originality/value

There is limited research on food companies withdrawing from overseas markets. This study bridges the gap in the literature by compiling micro-level data and conducting a quantitative analysis of such withdrawals from overseas markets. The originality of this study is that it shows the effects of investment aims on subsidiary withdrawal, representing various aspects of overseas subsidiaries, and compares the estimation results with the recent trends in food markets in Asia.
Effect of householder characteristics, production, sales and safety awareness on farmers’ choice of vegetable marketing channels in Beijing, China
Authors: Zhang Biao , Fu Zetian , Wang Jieqiong , Tang Xiaolin , Zhao Yousen , Zhang Lingxian
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Farmers’ selection of vegetable marketing channels directly affects their income and is important to stable vegetable supply and food control. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the farmers’ selection behavior of vegetable marketing channels, and to determine the key factors which affected farmer’ decision making.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 191 valid questionnaires were collected from 50 villages in seven main vegetable production districts in Beijing urban areas from September to December 2015, yielding a response rate of 86.8 percent. The multinomial logit model was used for analysis in this study.

Findings

The results revealed that the farmers mainly selected farmers’ market, cooperative, and wholesaler to sell their vegetables, which comprised 96.57 percent of total vegetable sales. Estimation results showed that cooperative, vegetable acreage, price satisfaction, and slow sales were most important factors which influence positively the probability of opting to sell vegetables at a cooperative rather than at the farmer’s market. For wholesalers, gender of the household head and cooperative had most significantly negative effect, and age had a positive impact on farmer’s choice of market channels.

Originality/value

The results and implications obtained in the present study could help policymakers to establish a scientific-based and reasonable policy to encourage vegetable producers to participate in the circulation of vegetables in Beijing and guarantee their income in vegetable supply chain. The suggestions of this study could also be used for the improvement of the vegetable sector in other cities facing similar issues.
Reliability and relative validity of short-food frequency questionnaire
Authors: Nikniaz Leila , Tabrizi Jafarsadegh , Sadeghi-Bazargani Homayoun , Farahbakhsh Mostafa , Tahmasebi Sanaz , Noroozi Soheila
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe reliability and relative validity of the short-food frequency questionnaire (SH-FFQ) used for assessing food groups and nutrient intakes of Iranian adults.

Design/methodology/approach

The food list used in the SH-FFQ was elaborated based on a dietary survey of a sample of 60 individuals aged between 15 and 65 years. A total of 180 subjects (93 males and 87 females) were included in the study. All participants completed two SH-FFQs with one month interval, a single 24 hours recall (24hR) and two food records for three non-consecutive days.

Findings

No significant differences were observed in the mean daily intakes of energy, food groups and most of the nutrients between the reference tools and the two semi-quantitative SH-FFQs (p>0.05). The mean energy-adjusted reliability coefficients for all variables were 0.54 and 0.55 in men and women. The mean energy-adjusted and deattenuated correlation coefficients for all items between the SH-FFQ and reference tools were 0.54. Also, the mean percent misclassified into opposite quartiles for all food groups and nutrients was 12.6 percent.

Originality/value

The designed SH-FFQ developed for the Life style Promotion Project has reasonable reliability and relative validity for food groups and nutrient in Iranian adults.
Psychologically informed environments for homeless people: resident and staff experiences
Authors: Phipps Catriona , Seager Martin , Murphy Lee , Barker Chris
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Many homeless people have significant levels of early adverse experiences and consequent mental health difficulties. The purpose of this paper is to examine the experiences of residents and staff living and working in a psychologically informed environment (PIE), a new model of hostel for homeless people which aims to update and make more flexible the principles of the therapeutic community, thereby meeting the psychological and emotional needs of residents.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were carried out with nine residents, ten staff and five psychotherapists at two PIE hostels in London. The data were analysed using thematic analysis with a phenomenological epistemological approach.

Findings

Analysis generated 18 themes for residents and staff combined, organised into five domains: what makes a home, resident needs, managing relationships, reflective practice and theory vs practice of PIEs. The study suggests that PIEs broadly meet their aim in providing a different type of environment from standard hostels. Efforts to build relationships with residents are particularly prioritised. This work can be challenging for staff and reflective practice groups provide a supportive forum. There are limits to the extent to which the theoretical PIE can be put into practice in the current political and economic climate.

Originality/value

This is one of the first qualitative studies of PIEs. It provides perspectives on their theoretical background as well as how they operate and are experienced in practice. It may be informative to services intending to establish a PIE and to commissioners in assessing appropriate resources.
Public procurement as a policy tool: using procurement to reach desired outcomes in society
Authors: Grandia Jolien , Meehan Joanne
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the special issue and outline its major themes and challenges, their relevance and the research opportunities the field presents.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews prior literature and outlines the need to view public procurement as a policy tool to introduce the contributions to this special issue.

Findings

Public procurement has been consistently used to further public policies in a wide range of fields. The collection of articles in this special issue contributes to a broader understanding of the role and potential of public procurement in delivering desired policy outcomes in society. The articles show that public procurement largely has strategic aspirations, and its potential to deliver on wider societal issues is attractive to policy makers. The issues raised in this collection of articles, however, also demonstrate that public procurement often lacks strategic maturity and critical issues, notably around how to demonstrate and evaluate its impact and “success”.

Research limitations/implications

This paper aims to stimulate interdisciplinary research into the role of public procurement as a policy tool and its ability to achieve public value.

Originality/value

This paper discusses theoretical and empirical findings that highlight the importance of public procurement for achieving public value. The special issue examines the interdisciplinary literature on public procurement and shows how it is being used to achieve public value.
Public procurement policy for small and medium enterprises in developing countries
Authors: Patil Kapil
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Increasing the share of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in public procurement through targeted support policies is often fraught with organisational and institutional challenges as can be seen from the experiences of many developed countries. This has profound implications for emulating such policies in developing countries where administrative capacities may be low for efficient policy management. The purpose of this paper is to widen the canvass of SME procurement policy discourse by exploring a developing country context.

Design/methodology/approach

The study provides qualitative assessment using insights from policy implementation-related theories. Due to limited reporting of target data on SME participation in India, the study conducts analysis based on key informant interviews with 20 public sector enterprises.

Findings

The evidence drawn from India mainly shows uneven performance among the procurers in achieving the SME procurement targets, and reveals serious policy implementation shortcomings. These findings correspond and complement the earlier studies on SME procurement in the developed world. The Indian case additionally reveals barriers which may be common to other developing countries such as the lack of policy-administrative capacity compounded by the prevalence of “efficiency syndrome” on the part of procurers.

Originality/value

By providing an in-depth developing country-specific assessment, the study helps informing assumptions underpinning SME-oriented procurement policies. The study, therefore, fills a gap in the literature on SME-oriented public procurement policy-making and its execution.
Performance monitoring by managerial teams
Authors: Liang Pierre Jinghong , Rajan Madhav , Ray Korok
Published: April 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the design of management teams when the critical task facing individual managers is monitoring the performance of worker teams and producing performance measures under uncertain information environments.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use a multi-agent LEN framework – linear contract, exponential utility and normal density – to model the incentive provision and organizational design.

Findings

The main lesson is that the use of performance measures under uncertainty is greatly affected by the potential for free-riding in the very monitoring activities which generate the measures to begin with. Accordingly, the value of having a management team, that is the incremental benefit of having a second manager, depends on the monitoring technology. Of particular importance are the potential free-riding in monitoring effort among multiple managers and synergies gained from having more than one manager, such as correlation among the performance measures produced or improvement due to splitting workers pool into separate groups for each manager to monitor separately.

Originality/value

The paper pushes this line of research further by explicitly modeling the endogenous process of signal generation within a rich economic environment. In this environment, number of workers being evaluated and number of managers who produce the signals are both endogenous. Furthermore, both workers and managers are subject to moral hazard problem. In particular, the managers suffer from potential free-riding problems but may benefit from synergistic forces due to team monitoring.
An exploration of US-made clothing in China
Authors: Shen Dong , Wang Qiuyue
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine Chinese consumers’ perception of US-made clothing and purchase intention to US-made clothing; to explore the role of brand in the relationship between country of origin (COO) and consumer perception and purchase intention; and to investigate whether China is a potential market for US-made clothing.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted among college students in three cities in China. A 2×3 within-subjects design with two countries and three brands was performed.

Findings

For Chinese consumers, country equity of China is significantly higher than the USA. However, Chinese consumers hold significantly higher perceived quality and perceived price of product for US-made clothing for all American brands. Chinese consumers have significantly higher purchase intention for US-made clothing for popular American brands with average price points.

Research limitations/implications

Further research could sample different groups which are better representative of the whole population. Different COOs and industrial sectors will be worth of studying. Future research also needs to quantify the potential price increase.

Practical implications

The conclusions can be applied to business practices by American companies identifying their brand category before developing effective sourcing strategies.

Social implications

This study sheds light on policy making by bringing a new approach to position US-made products in China and address the trade imbalance between the two countries.

Originality/value

This study deeply examines how different brands affect Chinese consumers’ perception of US-made clothing and purchase intention to US-made clothing.
Changes in lipid profile of rats fed with Agaricus bisporus (white button) mushroom
Authors: Goyal Rajni , Grewal Rajbala
Published: April 2017

Purpose

White button (Agaricus bisporus) mushroom (WBM) is a good source of fiber, protein and unsaturated fatty acids and is considered an effective food for the treatment of hyperlipidemia.

Design/methodology/approach

Male Wistar strain rats (28) were divided into four groups, two control and two experimental, which were fed a semi-synthetic diet containing 1 per cent cholesterol and supplemented with 5 and 10 per cent dried mushroom for a period of 42 days. At the end of the experiment, the rats were anesthetized and blood samples were taken. The serum and liver were analyzed for total lipids, triglycerides and phospholipids.

Findings

Serum total lipid and triglyceride levels were reduced significantly in rats fed on 5 and 10 per cent WBM. However, serum phospholipid levels were decreased only in rats fed on 10 per cent WBM. The deposition of total lipids and triglycerides in liver decreased significantly in the experimental rats. However, no significant differences were observed in liver phospholipid levels in any experimental group of rats.

Originality/value

Hyperlipidemia is one of the leading medical problems nowadays, and it represents a major concern because of the associated death rates occurring in different communities. The study results indicate that this problem can be reduced through the consumption of A. bisporus mushrooms.
Hypocholesterolaemic and antioxidant efficiency of chickpea (Cicer arietinum) protein hydrolysates depend on its degree of hydrolysis in cholesterol-fed rat
Authors: Yahia Sanaa , Benomar Souhila , Dehiba Faiza , Allaoui Amine , Guillen Natalia , Rodriguez-Yoldi Maria Jesús , Osada Jesús , Boualga Ahmed
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of chickpea (Cicer arietinum) protein hydrolysates prepared at two degrees of hydrolysis (DH) on lipoprotein profile and on oxidant status in cholesterol-fed rats.

Design/methodology/approach

Eighteen male Wistar rats (220 ± 10 g) were divided into three groups and fed for 30 days a diet containing 20 per cent casein supplemented with 1 per cent cholesterol and 0.5 per cent cholic acid. During the experimentation, the first and the second groups received daily by gavage 250 mg of chickpea protein hydrolysates/rat at DH = 8 per cent (CPH8) and DH = 17 per cent (CPH17), respectively. The third group, named control group (CG), received water under the same conditions.

Findings

Serum total cholesterol concentrations were reduced in CPH8 (p < 0.0073) and CPH17 (p < 0.0004) groups versus CG. This reduction corresponded to a lower very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)-cholesterol (p < 0,0019). CPH17 reduced low-density lipoprotein- and high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol (p < 0.0001) but increased apolipoprotein A4 (p < 0.002) concentrations and lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase activity (p < 0.0001). APOA1 remained unchanged in the treated groups. Liver total and esterified cholesterol contents were twofold lower in both treated groups versus CG. CPH8 increased triacylglycerols and phospholipids (p < 0.0001) contents, while CPH17 decreased those of unesterified cholesterol (p < 0.0016). Compared with CG, CPH8 and CPH17 reduced serum (p < 0.0001) and lipoprotein hydroperoxides by stimulating paraoxonase activity (p < 0.0001). However, only CPH17 treatment reduced serum, VLDL- and HDL-malondialdehyde contents and improved glutathione peroxidase activity (p < 0.061).

Originality/value

Thus, chickpea protein hydrolysates and especially hydrolysed at DH = 17 per cent may have a great potential for use as a nutraceutical to reduce hypercholesterolaemia and, by consequence, oxidative stress. Therefore, the degree of enzymatic hydrolysis has a significant influence on the production of potent bioactive peptides.
Nutritional status of celiac and non-celiac children from Rajasthan, India
Authors: Chishty Sadia , Monika Monika , Singh Nimali
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The aim of the study was to compare the nutritional status of children having celiac disease (CD) with those not having the disease in the age group of 7-12 years. Children not having CD were from first- and second-degree siblings of the children affected to match for family and environment. In Indian celiac pediatric population, studies on nutritional status of celiac children and comparisons with their siblings as reference have not been reported.

Design/methodology/approach

Children with CD (n= 50) and without CD (n= 25) were matched for age and were purposively selected. Nutritional assessment included anthropometry, biochemical, clinical and nutrient intake. Weight and height measurements were recorded as per the standardized techniques. Biochemical investigations were done by skilled technicians. A two-day 24-h dietary recall method was used for calculation of nutrient intake. The observations were categorized as celiac and non-celiac children and pre-adolescents in age group of 7-9 years and 10-12 years.

Findings

The issues of being underweight and of low height according to age among celiac children were rampant. The non-celiac children were comparatively taller than children with CD. The hemoglobin and serum iron were significantly lower in celiac than non-celiac group (p< 0.01). Energy intake was significantly higher (p< 0.05) in celiac pre-adolescents as compared to non-celiac children (7-9 years). The protein intake was higher in non-celiac children, and the difference was highly significant (p< 0.01). The fat consumption was higher in celiac pre-adolescents. The nutritional status of celiac children was poor as compared to non-celiac children.

Originality/value

The present study is an attempt to compare the nutritional status of celiac children with their siblings.
Antioxidant activity of polyphenols from larch wood: an amperometric study
Authors: Yashin Alexander Y. , Yashunsky Dmitry V. , Vedenin Aleksander N. , Nifantiev Nikolay E. , Yashin Yakov I. , Nemzer Boris V.
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the antioxidant activity of natural polyphenols from larch wood by the amperometric method.

Design/methodology/approach

Direct measurements of antioxidant activity were carried out by the amperometric method in an oxidizing mode with glassy carbon as a working electrode, set potential +1.3V and using a flow-injection system with 2.2 mM phosphoric acid as the mobile phase with a flow rate of 1.2 ml/min.

Findings

The reported results show the following values of antioxidant activity for the tested compounds: (−)-secoisolariciresinol – 0.199 ± 0.002 mg/L (p < 0.05); isolariciresinol – 0.196 ± 0.002 mg/L (p < 0.05); lariciresinol - 0.222 ± 0.001 mg/L (p < 0.05); O-isopropylidene derivative of (−)-secoisolariciresinol - 0.143 ± 0.002 mg/L (p < 0.05); (+)-dihydroquercetin – 0.153 ± 0.002 mg/L (p < 0.05); and quercetin – 0.521 ± 0.001 mg/L (p < 0.05). The last product was tested as the reference of a widely used current antioxidant. General tendencies of determined values of antioxidant activity for studied compounds are in good correlation with published data as determined by the t-BuOOH-initiated lipid peroxidation method.

Practical implications

Described results show practical applicability of the amperometric method as being faster and cheaper in comparison to other methods, including oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay or 2,2′diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) reagent based assay.

Originality/value

The described results show the first-time application of the amperometric method for the evaluation of the antioxidant activity of phenolic compounds from larch wood.