bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enforcement of the purports of binding banking documents in Rastin Banking – Part II
Authors: Bidabad Bijan , Abdollahi Saeid , Sherafati Mahshid
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to facilitate and accelerate the enforcement of binding banking documents and to decrease the enforcement burden of the registration offices, courts and judicial authorities and to transfer it to the banks.

Design/methodology/approach

A new mechanism for “enforcement of the purports of binding banking documents in Rastin Banking” is proposed. In the proposed regulations, a part of the executive path for enforcement of the purports of binding banking documents is transferred into a newly established unit located in every bank. The method considers all financial, legal and executive issues.

Findings

Promotion of practical justice is a main factor to promote social and economic circumstances; the proposed model can prepare a way to improve the social and economic well-being.

Research limitations/implications

Codifying the law and regulations is a highly sophisticated task, and the art of codification can be examined after scrutinizing and executing the full text of the law.

Practical implications

Though this paper presents the concept, the detailed proposed regulations are presented in two drafts of the bill and bylaw for enforcement of the purports of binding banking documents and handling complaints against executive operations in Rastin Banking.

Social implications

This procedure is a model that can be adapted for other countries, especially those countries that have a large number of legal disputes and where the process of dispute settlement is very lengthy and cumbersome.

Originality/value

It fulfils an identified need to solve the practical legal problem in vindication of rights that can lead to positive and important effects towards creating public trust in financial obligations and increasing the speed of collecting demands.
Reforming fire and rescue services: a comparative study of Estonia and Georgia
Authors: Puolokainen Tarmo
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare the systems of fire and rescue services (FRS) in Estonia and Georgia with respect to recent centralization reforms, especially with performance measurement and management in mind, and analyse their prospects for successful implementations.

Design/methodology/approach

A desk study, covering all the main publicly available strategic plans of both countries relevant to FRS was conducted by the author. In addition, a meeting with the Georgian officials from the Emergency Management Agency was held in May 2016 and follow-up inquiries to specify certain aspects were made in the following two months.

Findings

This study demonstrates that Estonia is using performance indicators widely to set the target levels and manage the fire and rescue system, whereas Georgia is still under the process of introducing performance indicators. Therefore, since the systems of both countries are under centralized management in contrast to the typical European system, it would be suitable to learn from the reforms of each country to further understand the best practices.

Research limitations/implications

Since Georgia was in the process of reform in 2016, it does not have many performance indicators or impact evaluations of the reform readily available, which makes the possibilities of comparison limited.

Practical implications

The last reform of the FRS in Estonia and Georgia was similar: the centralization of services to increase the potential of cooperation and standardize the level of service provision. Estonia’s FRS system is eager to implement the reforms based on a data-driven analysis, whereas Georgia, still in the process of reform, does not have many performance indicators. As a result, Georgia and other countries aiming to centralize their FRS system in the near future would have the perfect opportunity to learn from Estonia’s reforms as well as predict and adapt to the possible bottlenecks of the reforms. For a wider audience, an analysis of the possible challenges of centralizing public agencies in transitional countries are of interest.

Originality/value

The public service provision is not widely analysed in the context of transition countries. As the reforms are to some extent the result of the accession process of joining the EU, it is crucial to understand whether the reforms have the planned impact on public services. The current paper analysed the reforms and implementations of public management techniques in the FRS, based on two transitional countries: Estonia and Georgia. FRS has seen relatively few studies analysing and comparing the reforms of different countries.
Challenges and competencies for project management in the Australian public service
Authors: Blixt Carley , Kirytopoulos Konstantinos
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Public sector projects still fail to meet delivery expectations, and the lack of significant project management experience in the Australian public service (APS) has been identified as a contributing factor. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the importance of competencies required for delivering public sector projects, as well as challenges faced by the project managers when operating in a public context.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative semi-structured interviews were used to enlighten the social and operating construct in APS. In parallel, a quantitative survey was used to determine the relative importance of various competencies to effective project delivery.

Findings

The research concludes that communication, accountability, business alignment, scope and deliverables, change, and project and program orientation are the most important competencies in APS project delivery. Furthermore, there is evidence that the operating environment acts as a barrier to successful project delivery, noting that it does not let project management practice deploy its full potential for increased effectiveness and efficiency.

Practical implications

The research findings noted that the specific needs, values and functions of project management in the APS are not well defined, and therefore there were limited criteria against which public sector project management competencies could be designed and measured.

Originality/value

This empirical research contributes to the open dialogue of improving efficiency in project management within the APS context. The findings point to the conflict between the operational nature of APS agencies and their project activities, and how they struggle to define themselves as project organizations rather than lack of appreciation to individual competencies.
Russ Belk, autobiographical reflections
Authors: Belk Russell
Published: March 2017

Purpose

By tracing something of my history in becoming a marketing professor and conducting research, I hope to demonstrate that if I can flourish without compromising my ideals or losing my enthusiasm for research, so can anyone.

Design/methodology/approach

I attempt to show my trajectory, emphasizing the little turns along the way that have sent me in certain directions. I also discuss several of my most cited articles and discuss how they emerged.

Findings

I emphasize reading broadly, working with interesting co-authors, learning from my students and breaking free of narrow disciplinary boundaries as ways that have helped to stimulate and inspire me. The implicit message here is to take a chance and dare to do something different from what seems to be the mainstream.

Practical implications

There is certainly no single way to pursue a successful career. But I hope that by showing how I happened to get to where I am, I may give support and encouragement to those who may feel they are outside the academic mainstream in marketing or that their ideas don’t quite jell with those of colleagues.

Originality/value

The story and opinions here are mine alone. Together with others’ biographies and autobiographies (Shaw and Wilkinson, 2011), hopefully the reader can find a range of possibilities.
ICTs in the context of disaster management, stakeholders, and implications
Authors: Madhavaram Sreedhar , Matos Victor , Blake Ben A. , Appan Radha
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on the role of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in preparation for and management of human and/or nature induced disasters.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing from the phenomenal growth of ICTs, initiatives aimed at disaster management, stakeholder theory, prior research and the successful development and implementation of 9-1-1 (emergency telephone service of the USA), this paper explores ICTs in the context of human and/or nature induced disasters.

Findings

This paper discusses a new ICT for mitigating disaster management, scans, using stakeholder theory, relevant initiatives and prior research to identify the stakeholders relevant for successful preparation for and management of disasters, and draws from the 9-1-1 example to discuss how ICTs can be successfully developed and adopted.

Research limitations/implications

There are opportunities for researchers to develop ICTs that can make countries, developing and developed, more efficient and effective in their preparation for and management of nature and human induced disasters. In addition, researchers can investigate the role of stakeholders in facilitating the adoption of new ICTs developed for disaster management. Researchers could also help public policy in designing the most efficient and effective programs for the adoption of new ICTs.

Practical/implications

As an example of new ICTs that can potentially mitigate the effect of disasters, this paper discusses the E711 text-message mobile phone service (named “I am OK”) and provides a description of how this protocol operates and can be implemented. There are tremendous opportunities to develop new ICTs in the context of disaster management.

Social/implications

This paper argues that ICTs such as E711 can have a major impact on all countries in general and poor and developing nations in particular. Specifically, in the bottom of the pyramid (BOP) markets, developing ICTs for BOP market in the context of managing human and nature induced disasters and ensuring the diffusion of such ICT innovations is both critical and challenging.

Originality/value

This paper discusses the role and importance of ICTs in disaster management, identifies relevant stakeholders, discusses how ICTs can be diffused and implemented and calls on and hopes to provide an impetus to research on ICTs that can aid in the preparation for and the management of disasters.
HRM and employees’ ability to master skills – a burning desire to make a difference that really makes a difference
Authors: Johannessen Dagny , Adriaenssen Daniel Joh. , Johannessen Jon-Arild
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to help managers gain greater insight into issues relating to employees’ sense of mastery to contribute to improved employee performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Conceptual generalization was applied in this paper.

Findings

An analytical model consisting of seven elements that can be applied as a management tool for promoting a sense of mastery among employees was developed.

Research limitations/implications

Managers have little insight into issues relating to employees’ sense of mastery, which can inhibit productivity.

Practical implications

Effective managers focus on the personal strengths of their employees. Managers select and surround themselves with the right people. Successful managers see and understand employees’ need to work on things that they are passionate about.

Originality/value

This paper used cybernetics and systemic thinking to solve mastery issues.
A study of correlation between investor sentiment and stock market based on Copula model
Authors: Yao Can Zhong , Sun Bo Yi , Lin Ji Nan
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to capture tail dependence between sentiment index and Shanghai composite index (SCI) by proposing a sentiment index based on text mining.

Design/methodology/approach

Online text mining and the Copula model were used in this study.

Findings

First, the paper finds herding effect in the expression of investors’ sentiment from online text data, and the usage occurrence frequency of most vocabulary is less correlative with SCI. Second, given these two features, the paper uses weighted divide-and-conquer algorithm to construct a sentiment index. Finally, because of multivariate non-Gaussian joint distribution between them, the paper uses the Copula model to detect their tail dependences, and finds that both upper and lower tail dependences could have a significant influence between positive sentiment and SCI, with a higher probability on the upper one. Additionally, only the upper tail dependence exhibits the significant influence between negative sentiment and SCI.

Originality/value

This paper proposes a framework of constructing investment sentiment index with the weighted conquer-and-divide algorithm, and characterizes tail dependence between sentiment index and SCI. The implication can measure the environment of investment market of China and provide an empirical ground for bandwagon effect and bargain shopper effect.
Wiener and Luhmann on feedback: from complexity to sustainability
Authors: Valentinov Vladislav
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The rise of the general systems theory in the twentieth century would not have been possible without the concept of feedback. Of special interest to the present paper is Niklas Luhmann’s reconstruction and critique of Wiener’s cybernetic approach to the feedback concept. Luhmann has suggested that the operation of the feedback-controlled systems potentially poses problems of sustainability. The purpose of this paper is to explore this suggestion in more detail.

Design/methodology/approach

The reconstruction of the arguments of Luhmann and Wiener shows that both scholars approached the feedback concept from the “system-environment” perspective. Luhmann takes system-environment relations to be inherently precarious. Wiener underscores the importance of the sensitivity of the feedback-controlled systems to their environment.

Findings

Drawing on Norbert Wiener’s and Niklas Luhmann’s ideas, the paper shows that every specification of the feedback mechanism implies the drawing of the moral boundary that demarcates those parts of the environment to which the relevant system is sensitive from those to which it is not. A likely outcome of this boundary drawing is the maintenance of intra-systemic complexity at the cost of the deteriorating sustainability of the system in its environment.

Originality/value

Until today, the general system theory has sought to explain organized complexity and rightly underscored the role of feedback in maintaining it, thereby inadvertently creating the chasm between the complexity and sustainability dimensions of human civilization. The present paper pleads for reorienting of the systems-theoretic analysis of the feedback concept toward closing this chasm.
Corporate social responsibility and conflicts of interest in the alcohol and gambling industries: a post‐political discourse?
Authors: Geiger Ben Baumberg , Cuzzocrea Valentina
Published: March 2017

The corporate pursuit of social goals – known as Corporate Social Responsibility or ‘CSR’ – has been subject to critique on a number of grounds. However, a hitherto underexplored potential consequence of CSR has been suggested in a recent paper by C. Garsten and K. Jacobsson (‘Post‐Political Regulation: Soft Power and Post‐political Visions in Global Governance’ (2013), Critical Sociology 39: 421–37). They suggest that CSR is part of an international trend towards ‘post‐political’ governance discourses, where an emphasis on different actors’ common goals obscures conflicts of interest, subverting the open political conflict necessary for a well‐functioning democracy. This paper examines whether such post‐political discourses – including an outright denial of conflict of interest – can be found within the alcohol and gambling industries, where conflicts of interest are likely to be particularly acute given the addictive nature of the goods/services in question. Based on interviews with CSR professionals in these industries in Italy, the UK, and at EU‐level, we do indeed find evidence of a post‐political discourse. In these discourses, alcohol/gambling industry staff deny potential conflicts of interest on the basis that any small benefits from sales to a small number of addicts are seen to be outweighed by the reputational damage that addicts cause. Crucially, however, this coexists with another, less post‐political discourse, where addictions CSR professionals emphasize ‘common ground’ as a basis for CSR, while accepting some instances of possible conflict of interest. Here interviewees make considerable efforts to differentiate good (sustainable) from bad (short‐term) self‐interest in order to stress the genuineness of their own actions. We conclude the paper by considering whether CSR embedded within a ‘common ground’ discourse still hides conflicts of interests and subverts democratic debate, or overcomes the problems identified by Garsten and Jacobsson.
Obstetrical and perinatal complications of twin pregnancies: is there a link with the type of infertility treatment?
Authors: Deltombe‐Bodart Sophie , Deruelle Philippe , Drumez Elodie , Cordiez Sophie , Catteau‐Jonard Sophie , Garabedian Charles
Published: March 2017

Introduction

The aim of this study was to compare the maternal and perinatal data from spontaneous twin pregnancies with twin pregnancies conceived via assisted reproductive technology, and to evaluate the outcomes depending on the type of treatment.

Material and methods

A historical cohort of all twin live births between 1997 and 2014 was used to create two groups: spontaneous pregnancies and pregnancies after infertility treatment (ovulation induction, intrauterine insemination, in vitro fertilization, and intracytoplasmic sperm injection). The population characteristics and pregnancy, childbirth, and neonatal complications were compared, and the data were adjusted for age, parity, chorionicity, and the mother's body mass index to assess only the impact of the infertility treatments.

Results

In total, 1580 twin pregnancies were included, with 575 requiring assisted conception. We did not observe any differences between the assisted conception pregnancies and the spontaneous twin pregnancies with regard to the obstetric and childbirth complications and neonatal outcomes. In addition, there were no statistically significant differences between the types of infertility treatment.

Conclusion

After adjusting for the maternal parameters and chorionicity, the twin pregnancies conceived via assisted reproductive technology were not at an increased risk of obstetric and neonatal complications. Moreover, the type of treatment did not alter the obstetric and neonatal complications. Therefore, the higher complication rate was related to the patient's medical specifics, rather than to the infertility treatment.
Cerebral oxygenation as measured by near‐infrared spectroscopy in neonatal intensive care: correlation with arterial oxygenation
Authors: Hunter Carol Lu , Oei Ju Lee , Lui Kei , Schindler Timothy
Published: March 2017

Aim

To assess correlation between cerebral oxygenation (rScO2), as measured by near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), and arterial oxygenation (PaO2), as measured by arterial blood gases, in preterm neonates.

Methods

Preterm neonates <37 weeks gestation with an indwelling arterial vascular catheter were recruited between April and August 2015 from the neonatal intensive care unit of the Royal Hospital for Women, Randwick NSW, Australia. The NIRS sensor was placed on the frontolateral aspect of the head prior to arterial gas sampling. NIRS, blood gas and clinical observation data were analysed using mixed linear modelling.

Results

Twenty‐two neonates between 24 and 31 weeks gestation (mean 27.6 weeks) were recruited, and 75 readings obtained. No significant correlation was identified between cerebral oxygenation (rScO2) and arterial oxygenation (PaO2) (p = 0.37). There was also no significant correlation between rScO2 and clinically relevant parameters of SaO2 (p = 0.06), SpO2 (p = 0.44) and PaCO2 (p = 0.79).

Conclusion

This study did not demonstrate any correlation between NIRS values and arterial oxygenation in clinically stable preterm infants. These results highlight some of the difficulties in clinical interpretation of NIRS values in neonatal intensive care, and further evaluation is needed to determine the applicability of NIRS to management of preterm infants.
Rigid catheters reduced duration of less invasive surfactant therapy procedures in manikins
Authors: Rigo V , Debauche C , Maton P , Broux I , Van Laere D
Published: March 2017

Aim

Different catheters can be used for less invasive surfactant therapy (LIST): feeding tubes inserted with or without Magill forceps, different angiocatheters and centre specific devices, such as umbilical catheters affixed to a stylet. This study compared the effectiveness of LIST devices and endotracheal tubes (ETT).

Methods

Video recordings of 20 neonatologists simulating different LIST techniques on two manikin heads were analysed. Procedural effectiveness was evaluated by the duration of procedures and failure rates. Ease of use was scored.

Results

The median procedure time for the Neonatal Intubation Trainer was significantly longer with feeding tubes without Magill forceps. For the more difficult ALS Baby Trainer, successful procedures lasted a median of 24 (17–32) seconds with ETT, 24 (15–36) seconds with stylet‐guided catheters and 34 (27–46) seconds and 37 (29–42) seconds with 13‐cm and 30‐cm angiocatheters, respectively. Both methods using feeding tubes were statistically slower than ETT intubation, lasting 32 (25–44) seconds and 39 (27–95) seconds with or without Magill forceps. Failure rates (7–20%) were no different between the LIST methods. Techniques using feeding tubes were rated as more difficult.

Conclusion

Only rigid or stylet‐guided catheters required tracheal catheterisation times similar to those of endotracheal intubation and neonatologists found them easier.
Effects of melatonin on maturation, histone acetylation, autophagy of porcine oocytes and subsequent embryonic development
Authors: Chen Zhen , Zuo Xiaoyuan , Li Hui , Hong Renyun , Ding Biao , Liu Chengxue , Gao Di , Shang Hui , Cao Zubing , Huang Weiping , Zhang Xiaorong , Zhang Yunhai
Published: March 2017

Melatonin (MLT) is an endogenous hormone with roles in animal germ cell development. However, the effect of MLT on porcine oocyte maturation and its underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here, we investigated the effects of exogenous MLT on oocyte maturation, histone acetylation, autophagy and subsequent embryonic development. We found that 1 nmol/L MLT supplemented in maturation medium was the optimal concentration to promote porcine oocyte maturation and subsequent developmental competence and quality of parthenogenetic embryos. Interestingly, the beneficial effects of 1 nmol/L MLT treatment on porcine oocyte maturation and embryo development were mainly attributed to the first half period of in vitro maturation. Simultaneously, MLT treatment could also improve maturation of small follicle‐derived oocytes, morphologically poor (cumulus cell layer ≤1) and even artificially denuded oocytes and their subsequent embryo development. Furthermore, MLT treatment not only could decrease the levels of H3K27ac and H4K16ac in metaphase II (MII) oocytes, but also could increase the expression abundances of genes associated with cumulus cell expansion, meiotic maturation, histone acetylation and autophagy in cumulus cells or MII oocytes. These results indicate that MLT treatment can facilitate porcine oocyte maturation and subsequent embryonic development probably, through improvements in histone acetylation and autophagy in oocytes.
Allogeneic stem cell transplantation in patients with atypical chronic myeloid leukaemia: a retrospective study from the Chronic Malignancies Working Party of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation
Authors: Onida Francesco , de Wreede Liesbeth C. , van Biezen Anja , Eikema Diderik‐Jan , Byrne Jenny L. , Iori Anna P. , Schots Rik , Jungova Alexandra , Schetelig Johannes , Finke Jürgen , Veelken Hendrik , Johansson Jan‐Erik , Craddock Charles , Stelljes Matthias , Theobald Matthias , Holler Ernst , Schanz Urs , Schaap Nicolaas , Bittenbring Jörg , Olavarria Eduardo , Chalandon Yves , Kröger Nicolaus
Published: March 2017

Atypical chronic myeloid leukaemia (aCML) is an aggressive malignancy for which allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT) represents the only curative option. We describe transplant outcomes in 42 patients reported to the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) registry who underwent allo‐HSCT for aCML between 1997 and 2006. Median age was 46 years. Median time from diagnosis to transplant was 7 months. Disease status was first chronic phase in 69%. Donors were human leucocyte antigen (HLA)‐identical siblings in 64% and matched unrelated (MUD) in 36%. A reduced intensity conditioning was employed in 24% of patients. T‐cell depletion was applied in 87% and 26% of transplants from MUD and HLA‐identical siblings, respectively. According to the EBMT risk‐score, 45% of patients were ‘low‐risk’, 31% ‘intermediate‐risk’ and 24% ‘high‐risk’. Following allo‐HSCT, 87% of patients achieved complete remission. At 5 years, relapse‐free survival was 36% and non‐relapse mortality (NRM) was 24%, while relapse occurred in 40%. Patient age and the EBMT score had an impact on overall survival. Relapse‐free survival was higher in MUD than in HLA‐identical sibling HSCT, with no difference in NRM. In conclusion, this study confirmed that allo‐HSCT represents a valid strategy to achieve cure in a reasonable proportion of patients with aCML, with young patients with low EBMT risk score being the best candidates.
Predictive value of the 2014 International Society of Urological Pathology grading system for prostate cancer in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy with long‐term follow‐up
Authors: Grogan Judith , Gupta Ruta , Mahon Kate L. , Stricker Phillip D. , Haynes Anne‐Maree , Delprado Warick , Turner Jennifer , Horvath Lisa G. , Kench James G.
Published: March 2017

Objective

To assess the relationship between the International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) 2014 grading system, biochemical recurrence (BCR) and clinical recurrence (CLR) after radical prostatectomy (RP), to determine whether the 2014 ISUP grading system is a better predictor of survival compared with the previous Gleason scoring systems, and to investigate whether incorporation of the tertiary pattern/grade into the ISUP scoring system significantly improves its efficacy.

Patients and Methods

A total of 635 RP cases (1991–1999) were identified from a database at a single institution. A histopathology review was performed to re‐grade the cases as per the ISUP 2014 grading system. All relevant clinicopathological data and clinical follow‐up (median [range] 15.25 [0.3–26] years) were obtained. Log‐rank, Kaplan–Meier, Cox regression and Harrell's concordance c‐indices analyses were performed.

Results

At a median follow‐up of 15 years, 276 patients (44%) had BCR and 41 (7%) had CLR. Grade Groups 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 were seen in 112 (18%), 307 (48%), 129 (20%), 33 (5%) and 54 patients (9%), respectively: 337 (53%) were upgraded, while 70 (11%) were downgraded compared with the 1992 Gleason system. Grade Group (hazard ratio [HR] 4.9; P < 0.001) and preoperative prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level (HR 1.4; P < 0.001) were independent predictors of BCR. Only Grade Group 5 (HR 12.3; P = 0.02), preoperative PSA (HR 1.6; P < 0.001), stage pT3b (HR 3.1; P = 0.03) and pT4 (HR 12.4; P < 0.001) independently predicted CLR. Harrell's c‐indices showed that the 2014 ISUP grading system was a significantly better predictor of BCR and CLR as well as prostate cancer‐specific death, compared with the 2005 ISUP modified Gleason system. The replacement of the secondary pattern by the tertiary pattern did not alter the prognostic efficacy of the ISUP 2014 grading system.

Conclusions

The ISUP 2014 grading system is a significant independent predictor of both BCR and CLR, outperforming the 2005 ISUP modified Gleason system. This classification system has the potential to influence clinical decision‐making after RP.
Propofol induces excessive vasodilation of aortic rings by inhibiting protein kinase Cβ2 and θ in spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Wang Yan , Zhou Quanhong , Wu Bin , Zhou Huixuan , Zhang Xiaoli , Jiang Wei , Wang Li , Wang Aizhong
Published: March 2017

Background and Purpose

Exaggerated hypotension following administration of propofol is strongly predicted in patients with hypertension. Increased PKCs play a crucial role in regulating vascular tone. We studied whether propofol induces vasodilation by inhibiting increased PKC activity in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and, if so, whether contractile Ca2+ sensitization pathways and filamentous–globular (F/G) actin dynamics were involved.

Experimental Approach

Rings of thoracic aorta, denuded of endothelium, from normotensive Wistar‐Kyoto (WKY) rats and SHR were prepared for functional studies. Expression and activity of PKCs in vascular smooth muscle (VSM) cells were determined by Western blot analysis and elisa respectively. Phosphorylation of the key proteins in PKC Ca2+ sensitization pathways was also examined. Actin polymerization was evaluated by differential centrifugation to probe G‐ and F‐actin content.

Key Results

Basal expression and activity of PKCβ2 and PKCθ were increased in aortic VSMs of SHR, compared with those from WKY rats. Vasorelaxation of SHR aortas by propofol was markedly attenuated by LY333531 (a specific PKCβ inhibitor) or the PKCθ pseudo‐substrate inhibitor. Furthermore, noradrenaline‐enhanced phosphorylation, and the translocation of PKCβ2 and PKCθ, was inhibited by propofol, with decreased actin polymerization and PKCβ2‐mediated Ca2+ sensitization pathway in SHR aortas.

Conclusion and Implications

Propofol suppressed increased PKCβ2 and PKCθ activity, which was partly responsible for exaggerated vasodilation in SHR. This suppression results in inhibition of actin polymerization, as well as that of the PKCβ2‐ but not PKCθ‐mediated, Ca2+ sensitization pathway. These data provide a novel explanation for the unwanted side effects of propofol.
High School Dropout in Proximal Context: The Triggering Role of Stressful Life Events
Authors: Dupéré Véronique , Dion Eric , Leventhal Tama , Archambault Isabelle , Crosnoe Robert , Janosz Michel
Published: March 2017

Adolescents who drop out of high school experience enduring negative consequences across many domains. Yet, the circumstances triggering their departure are poorly understood. This study examined the precipitating role of recent psychosocial stressors by comparing three groups of Canadian high school students (52% boys; Mage = 16.3 years; N = 545): recent dropouts, matched at‐risk students who remain in school, and average students. Results indicate that in comparison with the two other groups, dropouts were over three times more likely to have experienced recent acute stressors rated as severe by independent coders. These stressors occurred across a variety of domains. Considering the circumstances in which youth decide to drop out has implications for future research and for policy and practice.
Guided bone regeneration of non‐contained mandibular buccal bone defects using deproteinized bovine bone mineral and a collagen membrane: an experimental in vivo investigation
Authors: Sanz Mariano , Ferrantino Luca , Vignoletti Fabio , de Sanctis Massimo , Berglundh Tord
Published: March 2017

Aim

The aim of this pre‐clinical in vivo study was to analyse different stages of wound healing after guided bone regeneration in non‐contained mandibular buccal bone defects.

Materials and methods

Eighteen female beagle dogs, between 1.5 and 2 years old, were used. Buccal bone defects were created in the mandible following extraction of the mesial roots of M1, P4, the distal root of P3 and booth roots of P2. Augmentation procedures of the healed defects were performed 3 months later using a bone replacement graft (T1), an absorbable collagen membrane (T2) or a combination of both procedures (T3). Using a randomized block study design, four stages of healing in two groups of dogs were examined (4 days, 2, 6 weeks and 3 months). The animals were euthanized, and biopsies obtained at the end of each of the study periods were prepared for histological examination.

Results

The different reconstructive procedures resulted in regenerated tissue compartments of varying size that contained newly formed bone, non‐mineralized tissue and bone augmentation biomaterial when a bone replacement graft was used. While the proportions of mineralized tissue increased and non‐mineralized tissue decreased over time in the three groups, the changes in proportions of the DBBM material were small. Initial defect depth, healing time and treatment group significantly influenced the percentage of mineralized tissue obtained. The multivariate multilevel analysis showed that significantly larger area proportions of mineralized tissue were obtained when the T2 sites were compared with T1 and T3 sites, what highlights the importance of the barrier membrane effect for attaining new bone formation. Only in the larger size defects (M1) total ROI at T3 and T1 sites was significantly larger than at T2, what highlights the importance of using a bone replacement graft as a space maintenance scaffold.

Conclusion

It is suggested that healing following augmentation of non‐contained buccal bone defects was characterized by a gradual shift in the relative proportions of non‐mineralized and mineralized tissue components.
Type 2 diabetes remission rates 1‐year post‐Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass and validation of the DiaRem score: the Ontario Bariatric Network experience
Authors: Honarmand K. , Chetty K. , Vanniyasingam T. , Anvari M. , Chetty V. T.
Published: March 2017

Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is associated with the remission of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). There are a number of scoring systems available that help predict type 2 diabetes remission rates after bariatric surgery; however, relatively few have been validated externally. The DiaRem score, comprised of four preoperative variables (age, haemoglobin A1c [HbA1c], sulfonylurea and insulin‐sensitizing agent use and insulin use), allows for the identification of patients who are most likely to have DM remission following RYGB. Our primary objective was to determine the variables predictive of DM remission 1 year post‐RYGB, determine how well the DiaRem score predicts DM remission 1 year post‐RYGB and identify the optimal cut‐off DiaRem score. The study is based on results of RYGB performed across multiple centres in Ontario, Canada, overseen by the Centre for Surgical Invention and Innovation in Hamilton, with direction from the Ontario Bariatric Network. Regression analysis was used to determine the predictive value of demographic and clinical variables and that of the DiaRem score. The optimal DiaRem cut‐off score was determined using sensitivity and specificity analysis. Of 3874 patients in the Ontario Bariatric Registry between January 2010 and February 2015, 915 had complete 1‐year follow‐up data. Among these, 15 were not classified as having DM at baseline and were excluded. Of the remaining 900 patients with type 2 diabetes and who underwent RYGB surgery, 333 (37.0%) had DM remission at 1‐year follow‐up. Three of four DiaRem variables (age, HbA1c, insulin use), in addition to use of any hypoglycaemic agent, were associated with DM remission. DiaRem score had moderate predictive value. A DiaRem score cut‐off of <5 had a sensitivity of 71.8% and specificity of 71.3%. This study provides guidance to clinicians in using the DiaRem score to inform the selection and prioritization of patients to ensure timely access to bariatric surgery for those who are likely to benefit the most.
Exploring synthetic heroin: Accounts of acetyl fentanyl use from a sample of dually diagnosed drug offenders
Authors: Miller J. Mitchell , Stogner John M. , Miller Bryan Lee , Blough Scott
Published: March 2017

Introduction and Aims

Acetyl fentanyl, a fentanyl analogue emerging onto the recreational drug scene, has been responsible for numerous recent fatal overdoses in the USA, Europe and Russia. Studies reporting acetyl fentanyl use are presently limited to case studies and mortality reports. This study explores the nature of acetyl fentanyl use through the collection of first‐hand qualitative data from users to inform public health and drug control policy responses.

Design and Methods

A series of focus group interviews within a correctional setting—Delaware County (Ohio) Jail, USA. Participants were 102 individuals in one of two US Bureau of Justice Assistance Second Chance Act substance use treatment initiatives participating in at least one focus group session. Five of these individuals reported acetyl fentanyl use. Semi‐structured qualitative focus group sessions queried subjects' drugs of choice and nature of drug use. Responses were explored through follow‐up organic discourse.

Results

Acetyl fentanyl users were generally unaware that they had administered the substance until after use (initially believing that they were administering heroin). They described the effects of acetyl fentanyl as stronger and qualitatively different from heroin. These individuals showed no interest in using acetyl fentanyl again describing it as unpleasant and more risky, both because of potency and the threat of a ‘bad batch’.

Discussion and Conclusions

Acetyl fentanyl is reaching heroin users, some of which administer it unknowingly. Regulation of acetyl fentanyl is recommended in all countries as is increasing public awareness that the substance is distinct from and being sold as heroin. [Miller JM, Stogner JM, Miller BL, Blough S. Exploring synthetic heroin: Accounts of acetyl fentanyl use from a sample of dually diagnosed drug offenders. Drug Alcohol Rev 2018;37:121–127]
Efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in patients with radiation‐induced rectal ulcers: Report of five cases
Authors: Yoshimizu Shoichi , Chino Akiko , Miyamoto Yuji , Tagao Fuyuki , Iwasaki Susumu , Ide Daisuke , Tamegai Yoshiro , Igarashi Masahiro , Saito Shoichi , Fujisaki Junko
Published: March 2017

For decades, hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been considered a treatment option in patients with chronic radiation‐induced proctitis after pelvic radiation therapy. Refractory cases of chronic radiation‐induced proctitis include ulceration, stenosis, and intestinal fistulas with perforation. Appropriate treatment needs to be given. In the present study, we assessed the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in five patients with radiation‐induced rectal ulcers. Significant improvement and complete ulcer resolution were observed in all treated patients; no side‐effects were reported. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has a low toxicity profile and appears to be highly effective in patients with radiation‐induced rectal ulcers. However, hyperbaric oxygen therapy alone failed to improve telangiectasia and easy bleeding in four of the five patients; these patients were further treated with argon plasma coagulation (APC). Although hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be effective in healing patients with ulcers, it seems inadequate in cases with easy bleeding. Altogether, these data suggest that combination therapy with hyperbaric oxygen therapy and APC may be an effective and safe treatment strategy in patients with radiation‐induced rectal ulcers.
The risk of healing complications in primary teeth with extrusive or lateral luxation—A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Lauridsen Eva , Blanche Paul , Yousaf Nadia , Andreasen Jens O.
Published: March 2017

Background/Aim

Traumatic dental injuries (TDI) in the primary dentition occur frequently. Long‐term complications may potentially cause damage to the permanent successor. The aim of this study was to report the risk of pulp necrosis (PN), pulp canal obliteration (PCO), infection‐related resorption (IRR), ankylosis‐related resorption (ARR) and premature tooth loss (PTL) in primary teeth following extrusion or lateral luxation and to identify risk factors for PN and PTL.

Material and Methods

This was a retrospective study of 24 patients with 26 extruded primary teeth and 242 patients with 331 primary teeth with lateral luxation. Laterally luxated teeth were left without treatment. Extruded teeth were repositioned. Follow up included examination after 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 6 months, 1 year and when the patients were 6 years old. The minimum follow up was 1 year or until tooth loss. Kaplan‐Meier and Aahlen‐Johansson tests were used along with Cox regression analysis. The level of significance was 5%.

Results

Risk estimated after 3 years—Extrusion: PCO 39.8% (95% CI: NA), PN 15.6% (95% CI: 1.5‐29.7), IRR 3.8% (95% CI: 0‐11.2) and PTL 43.3% (95% CI: 25.5‐61.2). All cases of PN and PTL occurred within the first year. Lateral luxation: PCO 41.3% (CI: 95% 35.7‐46.9), PN 19.8% CI: 95% (15.3‐24.2), IRR 7.0% (95% CI: 4.1‐9.8), ARR 1.4% (95% CI: 0‐3.3) and PTL 24.8% (95% CI: 18.8‐30.8). Risk factors for PN: concomitant crown fracture and patient aged 4 years or more. Nearly all teeth (95%) realigned spontaneously within the first year. Nearly all cases of PN and PTL (95.7%) occurred within the first year.

Conclusion

The healing potential for laterally luxated teeth was high and more than half of the extruded teeth, which were repositioned after injury, showed long‐term survival.
The risk of healing complications in primary teeth with intrusive luxation: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Lauridsen Eva , Blanche Paul , Yousaf Nadia , Andreasen Jens O.
Published: March 2017

Background/Aims

Intrusive luxation is a frequent injury in the primary dentition. Complications such as ankylosis or pulp necrosis (PN) and infection with periapical inflammation may affect the developing permanent tooth if not diagnosed and treated in time. The aim of this study was to report the risk of PN, pulp canal obliteration (PCO), infection‐related resorption (IRR), ankylosis‐related resorption (ARR) and premature tooth loss (PTL) in primary teeth following intrusive luxation, and to identify possible risk factors for PN and PTL.

Materials and method

A retrospective analysis of a cohort comprising 149 patients 194 intruded primary incisors. No treatment was performed. The follow‐up programme included examination after 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 6 months, 1 year, and at 6 years of age. The minimum follow‐up period was 1 year or until time of tooth loss. Statistics: The Kaplan‐Meier and Aalen‐Johansen methods were employed along with Cox regression analysis. The level of significance was 5%.

Results

Risks estimated after 3 years: PCO 38.9% (95% CI: 31.8‐46.0), PN 24.2% (95% CI: 17.7‐30.6), IRR 8.8% (95% CI: 4.5‐13.1), ARR 3.6% (95% CI: 1.0‐6.2) and PTL 39.4% (95% CI: 31.2‐47.5). Most teeth (83.7%) spontaneously re‐erupted within the first year. Most complications were diagnosed within the first year. The risk of PN was lowest in patients less than 2 years of age. The degree of intrusion or a concomitant crown fracture did not affect the risk of PN or PTL.

Conclusions

Over 80% of the intruded primary teeth re‐erupted spontaneously. However, nearly one‐third of the teeth showed complications such as pulp infection/periapical inflammation or ankylosis, which could potentially affect the development of the permanent incisor. Therefore, patients should be monitored regularly, especially during the first year after injury, to diagnose and treat complications in time.
A general framework for effectiveness concepts in mutualisms
Authors: Schupp Eugene W. , Jordano Pedro , Gómez José María
Published: March 2017

A core interest in studies of mutualistic interactions is the ‘effectiveness’ of mutualists in providing benefits to their partners. In plant‐animal mutualisms it is widely accepted that the total effect of a mutualist on its partner is estimated as (1) a ‘quantity’ component multiplied by (2) a ‘quality’ component, although the meanings of ‘effectiveness,’ ‘quantity,’ and ‘quality’ and which terms are applied to these metrics vary greatly across studies. In addition, a similar quantity × quality = total effect approach has not been applied to other types of mutualisms, although it could be informative. Lastly, when a total effect approach has been applied, it has invariably been from a phytocentric perspective, focussing on the effects of animal mutualists on their plant partner. This lack of a common framework of ‘effectiveness’ of mutualistic interactions limits generalisation and the development of a broader understanding of the ecology and evolution of mutualisms. In this paper, we propose a general framework and demonstrate its utility by applying it to both partners in five different types of mutualisms: pollination, seed dispersal, plant protection, rhizobial, and mycorrhizal mutualisms. We then briefly discuss the flexibility of the framework, potential limitations, and relationship to other approaches.
Decline of a giant salamander assessed with historical records, environmental DNA and multi‐scale habitat data
Authors: Pitt Amber L. , Shinskie Jamie L. , Tavano Joseph J. , Hartzell Sean M. , Delahunty Tina , Spear Stephen F.
Published: March 2017

Freshwater species are declining rapidly but more complete data are needed for determining the extent and cause(s) of population declines and extirpations. Integrating newer survey techniques, freely available data, and traditional field work may allow for more effective assessment of population decline.

We used detailed historical species records and environmental DNA (eDNA) survey methods to identify changes in population distribution of a long‐lived, imperiled stream salamander, the eastern hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis: Cryptobranchidae). We used logistic regression with Bayesian inference to test whether selected environmental variables may be good predictors of hellbender population persistence and extirpation.

Hellbenders persisted in only 42% of the 24 historical record sites. The best fit model indicated electrical conductivity (EC) was the strongest predictor of hellbender population persistence (EC < 278 μS/cm) and extirpation. Conductivity was strongly negatively correlated with canopy cover within the total watershed (r = −0.83, n = 21, p < 0.001) and riparian buffer of the watershed (r = −0.77, n = 21, p < 0.001).

Electrical conductivity tends to increase following deforestation, and may inhibit sperm motility and thus limit recruitment of hellbenders and other aquatic vertebrate species with external fertilisation.

By integrating historical data, eDNA, field data, and freely available high resolution remote sensing data, our study design allowed for rapid assessment of predictors of and changes in hellbender distribution over a relatively broad geographic area. This cost‐ and time‐effective approach may be used for evaluating other rare aquatic species.