bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Under entrepreneurial orientation, how does logistics performance activate customer value co-creation behavior?
Authors: Tuan Luu Trong
Published: May 2017

Purpose

For its sustainable growth, an organization should drive customers from the role of consumers of products or services to value co-creators. Logistics performance, which produces value for customers, may activate value co-creation behavior among them. The purpose of this paper is to investigate entrepreneurial orientation (EO) as the determinant and customer value co-creation behavior as the outcome of logistics performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The data for this research came from 328 dyads of logistics managers of chemical manufacturers and purchase managers of their customer companies in Vietnam context. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling approach.

Findings

The research results confirmed the role of EO in predicting logistics performance. Logistics performance was also found to positively influence customer-organization identification, which, in turn promoted customer value co-creation behavior.

Originality/value

Entrepreneurship, logistics, and marketing research streams converge through the research model of the relationship between EO, logistics performance, and customer value co-creation behavior.
How can family winegrowing businesses be sustained across generations?
Authors: Woodfield Paul J. , Shepherd Deborah , Woods Christine
Published: May 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate how family winegrowing businesses can be sustained across generations.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors engaged a multi-level case study approach. In total, 27 semi-structured interviews were conducted with three winegrowing firms in New Zealand. All family members (both senior and next generation) employed in each business were interviewed alongside non-family employees.

Findings

Three key dimensions – knowledge sharing, entrepreneurial characteristics and leadership attributes – were identified that can support successful successions in family winegrowing businesses.

Originality/value

The authors have generated a theory that enables academicians and practitioners to understand how family winegrowing businesses can be successfully sustained across generations. The authors argue that knowledge is a central feature in family firms where previous research combines knowledge with entrepreneurial orientation or the resources and capabilities of a firm.
From start to finish: teenagers on the autism spectrum developing their own collaborative game
Authors: Bossavit Benoît , Parsons Sarah
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how teenagers on the autism spectrum respond to their involvement in the creation of a collaborative game, meeting the curriculum requirements in programming at secondary level in England.

Design/methodology/approach

Two autistic teenagers were involved in participatory design processes to elaborate and develop together a collaborative game of their choice using the visual programming software, Kodu Game Lab.

Findings

With the support of adults (teachers and the researcher), the participants were able to demonstrate and strengthen their participation, problem-solving and programming skills. The participants expressed their preferences through their attitudes towards the tasks. They created a game where the players did not need to initiate any interaction between each other to complete a level. Furthermore, the students naturally decided to work separately and interacted more with the adults than with each other.

Research limitations/implications

This is a small case study and so cannot be generalised. However, it can serve as starting point for further studies that involve students with autism in the development of interactive games.

Practical implications

It has been shown that disengaged students can develop various skills through their involvement in software programming.

Originality/value

Overall, this paper presents the involvement of teenagers on the autism spectrum in the initial design and development of a collaborative game with an approach that shaped, and was shaped by, the students’ interests. Although collaboration was emphasised in the intended learning outcomes for the game, as well as through the design process, this proved difficult to achieve in practice suggesting that students with autism may require stronger scaffolding to engage in collaborative learning.
Governance of old religious orders: Benedictines and Dominicans
Authors: Wirtz Peter
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of the present study is to tentatively contribute to paving the way for interdisciplinary research on the history of governance practices in ancient religious orders and on the significance of such governance for the orders’ performance and long-term survival.

Design/methodology/approach

The principal challenges of and proposed directions for such research on the comparative governance of old religious orders are illustrated through selected historic examples from Benedictine abbeys and Dominican monasteries, as they can be found in the yet scarce literature devoted to religious governance in the management field.

Findings

The authors’ review of research specifically devoted to the corporate governance of Benedictines and Dominicans illustrates the relevance of a hermeneutic grid derived from contemporary management research to better understand the historical dynamics of monastic governance and its relation to sustainability.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first attempt to establish a hermeneutic grid for the systematic and comparative study of the dynamics of governance systems in old religions organisations and their impact on organisational performance and sustainability.
The influence of strategic control and operational control on new venture performance
Authors: Lin Ya-Hui , Chen Chung-Jen , Lin Bou-Wen
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impacts of strategic control and operational control on new venture performance in the China context.

Design/methodology/approach

This study tests the hypotheses in a sample of 83 new ventures that have equity investment by established firms and are founded between 1993 and 2007 that issued initial public offerings while not more than eight years old.

Findings

The results of this study show that: strategic control has a significantly negative relationship with new venture performance; operational control has a significantly positive relationship with new venture performance; industry relatedness between the corporate investor and the new venture and the new venture’s political ties moderate the relationships between the two types of control and new venture performance. The results are robust to alternative measurements of new venture performance.

Practical implications

The management control that the corporate investor exercises over the new venture is a significant determinant of the new venture success. Managers have to distinguish between strategic control and operational control and understand their impacts on new ventures.

Originality/value

This study highlights the issue of management of corporate venturing capital relationships from the new venture’s perspective. In addition, this study separates strategic and operational control within management control and examines how they influence new venture performance.
The impacts of brand experiences on brand loyalty: mediators of brand love and trust
Authors: Huang Chao-Chin
Published: May 2017

Purpose

Prior studies on brand relationships tend to overlook the mediator(s) between the relationships between brand experience and brand loyalty. Hence, the main purpose of this paper is to examine these mediating roles of brand love and brand trust on the brand experience and brand loyalty relationships. While the literature does not examine the distinct dimensions of brand experience and brand loyalty, this study fills up this gap and examines their detailed dimensions and effects on brand loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 237 valid questionnaires on mobile phone brands were collected from respondents aged between 18 and 30, and analyzed using the partial least squares method.

Findings

Sensory experience is the major driver of brand love. Sensory experience mainly drives customers’ brand trust, while intellectual experience has no effects on brand trust. Brand love is the main mechanism in developing customers’ behavioral loyalty, so does brand trust in shaping their attitudinal loyalty. Brand love and brand trust have the mediating effects on the relationships between brand experience and brand loyalty.

Originality/value

It demonstrates two mediating roles of brand love and brand trust in the brand experience and brand loyalty relationships, and thus deepens the understanding of the processes in shaping customers’ brand loyalty. It departs from the prior works and examines the distinct dimensions of brand experience and brand loyalty, and thus presents a more detailed examination on these two constructs and their effects, than prior studies. It demonstrates the validities of the brand resonance model, the C-A-B and A-C-B models, key mediating variable model, particularly in mobile phone industry.
Dividend policy and corporate valuation
Authors: Hauser Richard , Thornton Jr John H.
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate an empirical solution to dividend policy relevance.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper combines measures of firm maturity in a logit regression to define a comprehensive life-cycle model of the likelihood of dividend payment. The valuation of firms that conform to the model is compared to the valuation of firms that do not fit the model. Valuation is measured by the market to book (M/B) ratio.

Findings

The analysis indicates that dividend policy is related to firm value. Dividend-paying firms that fit the life-cycle model have a higher median valuation than dividend-paying firms that do not fit the life-cycle model. Similarly, non-paying firms that fit the life-cycle model have a higher median valuation than non-paying firms that do not fit the life-cycle model. The results also provide evidence that the disappearing dividend phenomenon is related to shifts in valuation.

Research limitations/implications

This paper focuses on the payment of dividends. Stock repurchases are not considered.

Practical implications

The results indicate that dividend policy is related to firm value. Approximately 15 percent of sample observations have a dividend policy counter to the life-cycle model.

Originality/value

This paper shows that the relation between a firm’s M/B ratio and dividend policy changes over the firm’s life-cycle. It also shows that the catering motive for dividends is strongest among firms that are outliers in the life-cycle model and firms of intermediate maturity.
Pay-for-performance incentives in the finance sector and the financial crisis
Authors: Jaggia Sanjiv , Thosar Satish
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate executive compensation in the finance sector during the periods surrounding the crisis with a view to determining whether compensation incentives were associated with excessive risk taking.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors compare pay-for-performance sensitivity (PFPS) parameters for the finance sector before, during, and after the financial crisis. The authors also employ the technology sector as a comparison benchmark.

Findings

The authors find that CEO compensation is strongly associated with the accounting-based return on assets performance measure in the finance sector particularly in the pre-crisis period; the relationship is amplified in larger firms. In contrast, the technology sector exhibits PFPS only for the market-based stockholder return measure with smaller firms displaying greater sensitivity.

Originality/value

From a public policy perspective, it is desirable that PFPS for senior executives in the finance sector is muted. This is due to the risk-shifting incentives specific to the sector whereby profits flow to managers/stockholders while catastrophic losses can be socialized through taxpayer funded bailouts. The findings imply that compensation practices in the finance sector remain a potential concern for systemic stability. In addition to academics and practitioners, the paper may be of interest to financial regulators. In the authors opinion they should consider monitoring PFPS in addition to capital ratios, credit default swap spreads, and other metrics in their risk containment strategies.
Market orientation, marketing capabilities and sustainable innovation
Authors: Kamboj Shampy , Rahman Zillur
Published: May 2017

Purpose

This study aims to observe the association between market orientation (MO), marketing capabilities and sustainable innovation and to determine the contributions of marketing capabilities, sustainable consumption and competitive advantage as mediators.

Design/methodology/approach

The data for this study were collected by administering a survey, and well-defined scales were used for quantifying the data. Theories propounded by various authors were used to form the theoretical framework of the study while keeping those theories relevant to the Indian context. The study uses structural equation modelling to empirically test proposed hypothesis and research model of the relationships.

Findings

The results indicated that MO has a positive influence on marketing capabilities, including product development, communication, channel linking and pricing. The study also found, albeit with exceptions, a positive association between marketing capabilities and sustainable innovation. These exceptions were communication capability on technical innovations and channel linking capability on non-technical innovations. In addition, findings reveal that marketing capabilities fully mediate MO to performance link while sustainable consumption partially mediates the relation between sustainable innovation and competitive advantage. Competitive advantage also partially mediates marketing capabilities to performance relationship.

Research limitations/implications

This study deals with four marketing capabilities only and uses cross-sectional data, instead of longitudinal data, that comprises data of 192 service firms in India.

Originality/value

The study sets forth empirical evidence for the argument that specific marketing capabilities lead to sustainable innovation. The study further clarifies contributions of marketing capabilities, sustainable consumption and competitive advantage as mediators in the proposed research model.
The perception of media messages by preschool children
Authors: Šramová Blandína , Pavelka Jirí
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to ascertain how preschool children consume media, which types of media content they are sensitive to and how children affect the shopping behavior of their parents. In other words, the study aimed at revealing whether distinctions occur among the selection of the media, among preferences of media products and forms, among concepts within advertising, among the attractiveness of media contents, among the types of influence by advertising products and among the means by which boys and girls have impact on their parents.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is focused on the analyses of the perception of advertising messages and media consumption of children aged from two to seven years (N = 55) and their parents (N = 55) in the Czech Republic. The semi-structured interviews with the parents and children were used as the main research method. The children’s drawings focused on popular advertising were used as a supplementary method. The final findings were subjected to qualitative analyses – to thematic content analyses.

Findings

The analyzed interviews have revealed four key factors which frame and express the Czech preschool children’s reception and consumption of the media and their consumer behavior: media, media format and media content choice of preschool children; ritualization of the media consumption processes in preschool children; identification of advertising appeals within the media content in preschool children; and influence of media (and a social and cultural environment) on shopping behavior of preschool children. The findings are summarized in the table and visualized in thematic map.

Research limitations/implications

The sample size is small; therefore, it is not possible to generalize the results to all preschool children.

Originality/value

The study provides an explanation of the perception of media messages by preschool children from a broader perspective, from the children and their parents’ point of view.
A structural model of the antecedents and consequences of Generation Y luxury fashion goods purchase decisions
Authors: Soh Catherine Qian Ying , Rezaei Sajad , Gu Man-Li
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the structural relationships between brand consciousness, perceived quality, social influences, traits of vanity, the need for uniqueness (i.e. antecedents), Generation Y purchase intentions and behaviour (consequences) towards luxury fashion goods.

Design/methodology/approach

An integrative theoretical model is proposed based on social comparison theory, social impact theory, the perceived quality model and theory of uniqueness to predict the antecedents and consequences of Generation Y luxury fashion goods purchase decisions. Using cross-sectional data, a total of 384 sets of valid questionnaires were collected to perform the statistical analysis for the measurement and structural model using the partial least squares path modelling, a variance-based structural equation modelling technique.

Findings

Overall, the structural results imply that the proposed model explains 73.1 and 64 per cent of variances to predict the Generation Y luxury fashion goods purchase decisions. As the several indices for evaluation of goodness of model fit, standardised Root Mean Square Residual, geodesic discrepancy, and unweighted least squares discrepancy show a satisfactory result. The results of two-tailed hypotheses reveal that brand consciousness, perceived quality, social influences, traits of vanity and the need for uniqueness influence Generation Y purchase intention. Moreover, perceived quality and social influences impact purchase behaviour but brand consciousness, traits of vanity and the need for uniqueness do not seem to be significant in explaining the variance in Generation Y purchase behaviour. Furthermore, Generation Y purchase intention is statistically related to purchase behaviour.

Originality/value

There is a lack of empirical evidence and understanding on the influences of consumer purchase intention and behaviour towards luxury fashion goods among the Generation Y. Generation Y is likely to purchase and consume luxury fashion products, and it is important to have a deeper understanding of this market segment.
Aging leads to impaired epicutaneous sensitization that causes attenuated allergy and pulmonary inflammation in mice
Authors: Langier Sheila , Benor Shira , Kadar Laliv , Shani Nir , Etkin Sara , Stark Moshe , Bondar Ekaterina , Aizic Asaf , Kivity Shmuel
Published: May 2017

Aging is associated with altered decreased barrier function in the skin, which can lead to different types of immunoglobulin E (IgE)‐mediated sensitization to environmental allergens. Yet, allergen‐specific respiratory sensitization among the elderly is not well described. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of aging on allergic pulmonary inflammation induced by epicutaneous sensitization of mechanically irritated skin in mice. For this purpose, 6‐week‐, 6‐month‐, and 18‐month‐old female BALB/c mice, underwent epicutaneous sensitization with ovalbumin (OVA) or phosphate buffered saline (PBS), followed by an inhaled OVA challenge. Blood OVA‐specific IgE levels measured after epicutaneous sensitization, as well as, bronchial alveolar lavage fluids (BALF) leucocyte, eosinophil, and cytokine levels measured after OVA inhalation challenge were similar among the 6‐week‐old (young) and 6‐month‐old (adult) groups. However, significantly decreased levels of systemic OVA IgE, and BALF leukocyte, eosinophil and T helper cell type 2 cytokine levels, were measured after OVA inhalation challenge in elderly (18‐month‐old) mice compared to the other groups of mice. In addition, interleukin‐10 (IL‐10), a regulatory suppressor cytokine, was more abundant in the BALF of the elderly group after epicutaneous sensitization and inhalation challenge. Our results suggest that elderly mice have a reduced allergic response to induced sensitization with OVA, possibly regulated by increased IL‐10 levels.
The ACA Medicaid Expansion, Disproportionate Share Hospitals, and Uncompensated Care
Authors: Camilleri Susan
Published: May 2017

Objective

To estimate the effect of the first full year of theACAMedicaid expansion on hospital provision of uncompensated care, with special attention paid to hospitals that treat a disproportionate share of low‐income patients.

Data Sources

Data from a balanced panel of short‐term, general, nonfederal, Medicare‐certified hospitals were obtained from Medicare cost reports from 2011 to 2014.

Study Design/Study Setting

A series of difference‐in‐differences analyses were performed using hospitals in nonexpansion states as the control group. The dependent variable is hospital provision of uncompensated care.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

The data were downloaded from the National Bureau of Economic Research website.

Principal Findings

The Medicaid expansion significantly reduced hospital provision of uncompensated care in 2014. In particular, within expansion states,DSHhospitals saw reductions beyond those experienced by non‐DSHhospitals.

Conclusions

Evidence from this study indicates that the Medicaid expansion served to widen an already broad gap in provision of uncompensated care between hospitals in expansion and nonexpansion states. In addition, within expansion states, variation in uncompensated care between hospitals that treat a disproportionate share of low‐income patients and those that do not was reduced, with the former experiencing significantly larger reductions. Lawmakers considering expanding Medicaid and those deciding appropriate levels ofDSHpayments should consider these findings.
Racial/Ethnic and Gender Disparities in Health Care Use and Access
Authors: Manuel Jennifer I.
Published: May 2017

Objective

To document racial/ethnic and gender differences in health service use and access after the Affordable Care Act went into effect.

Data Source

Secondary data from the 2006–2014 National Health Interview Survey.

Study Design

Linear probability models were used to estimate changes in health service use and access (i.e., unmet medical need) in two separate analyses using data from 2006 to 2014 and 2012 to 2014.

Data Extraction

Adult respondents aged 18 years and older (N = 257,560).

Principal Findings

Results from the 2006–2014 and 2012–2014 analyses show differential patterns in health service use and access by race/ethnicity and gender. Non‐Hispanic whites had the greatest gains in health service use and access across both analyses. While there was significant progress among Hispanic respondents from 2012 to 2014, no significant changes were found pre–post‐health care reform, suggesting access may have worsened before improving for this group. Asian men had the largest increase in office visits between 2006 and 2014, and although not statistically significant, the increase continued 2012–2014. Black women and men fared the worst with respect to changes in health care access.

Conclusions

Ongoing research is needed to track patterns of health service use and access, especially among vulnerable racial/ethnic and gender groups, to determine whether existing efforts under health care reform reduce long‐standing disparities.
Association of body mass index with mortality in Chinese patients after percutaneous coronary intervention: A large single‐center data
Authors: Wang Huanhuan , Gao Zhan , Zhao Xueyan , Qiao Shubin , Yang Yuejin , Gao Runlin , Xu Bo , Yuan Jinqing
Published: May 2017

Background

Although numerous studies, to date, have demonstrated a specific phenomenon called the “obesity paradox” in patients after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), studies performed in China thus far have consistently shown an absence of this phenomenon.

Hypothesis

“Obesity paradox” does exist in Chinese PCI patients.

Methods

10 724 consecutive Chinese patients who had undergone PCI treatment at a single center from January 2013 to December 2013 were prospectively recruited. Patients were divided into four groups: underweight (body mass index [BMI<18.5 kg/m2]), normal weight (18.5 kg/m2≤BMI<24.0 kg/m2), overweight (24.0 kg/m2≤BMI<28.0 kg/m2), and obese (BMI≥28.0 kg/m2). Two‐year clinical outcomes were compared across the groups.

Results

Overall, mean (±SD) BMI of all the patients was 25.9±3.2 kg/m2. The 2‐year mortality across underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese patients in different BMI groups was 2.2%, 1.7%, 1.1%, and 1.0%, respectively (P=.035). Kaplan‐Meier curves revealed that normal weight patients had higher incidence of all‐cause mortality than overweight and obese (P=.015 and P=.020, respectively). Multivariable Cox regression analysis indicated that overweight was an independent predictor of all‐cause mortality compared with normal weight (HR 0.64, 95% CI 0.41‐0.98, P=.042).

Conclusions

Overweight patients have lower risk of mortality after PCI treatment; therefore, the phenomenon of “obesity paradox” also seems to exist in Chinese PCI patients.
Comparing post‐deployment mental health services utilization in soldiers deployed to Balkan, Iraq and Afghanistan
Authors: Madsen T. , Sadowa Vedtofte M. , Nordentoft M. , Ravnborg Nissen L. , Bo Andersen S.
Published: May 2017

Objective

Insight on how different missions have impacted rates of mental health service (MHS) utilization is unexplored. We compared postdeployment MHS utilization in a national cohort of first‐time deployed to missions in Balkan, Iraq, and Afghanistan respectively.

Methods

A prospective national cohort study of 13 246 first‐time deployed in the period 1996 through 2012 to missions in Balkan area, Iraq, or Afghanistan respectively. Soldiers ‘MHS utilization was also compared with a 5:1 sex‐, age‐, and calendar year‐matched never‐deployed background population. Postdeployment utilization of MHS was retrieved from national coverage registers. Using Cox survival analyses, participants were followed and compared with regard to receiving three different types of psychiatric services: (i) admission to psychiatric hospital, (ii) psychiatric outpatient contact, and (iii) prescriptions of psychotropics.

Results

Utilizing of psychiatric outpatient services and psychotropics was significantly higher in first‐time deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan compared with deployed to Balkan. However, the rate of postdeployment admission to psychiatric hospital did not differ between missions. Postdeployment rates of psychiatric admission and psychiatric outpatient treatment were significantly higher in Afghanistan‐deployed personnel compared with the background population.

Conclusions

Utilization of MHS differed significantly between mission areas and was highest after the latest mission to Afghanistan.
Correlates and prevalence of hypogonadism in patients with early‐ and late‐onset type 2 diabetes
Authors: Li Y. , Zhang M. , Liu X. , Cui W. , Rampersad S. , Li F. , Lin Z. , Yang P. , Li H. , Sheng C. , Cheng X. , Qu S.
Published: May 2017

This study aims to compare the prevalence of hypogonadism between male patients with early‐onset type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and late‐onset type 2 diabetes. A total of 122 male patients with early‐onset T2DM (diagnosis age ≤40 years) and 100 male patients with late‐onset T2DM (diagnosis age >40 years) were recruited from our in‐patient department between 1 January 2013 and 28 December 2015. Serum FSH, LH, testosterone, lipid profile, uric acid, HbA1c, and beta‐cell function were determined in blood samples. The diagnosis of hypogonadism was based on the levels of LH, FSH, and total testosterone. The mean onset age was 29.86 ± 6.31 and 54.47 ± 9.97 years old in the early‐onset group and late‐onset group, respectively. Compared with late‐onset T2DM, those with early‐onset T2DM had a higher proportion of new‐onset diabetes, were more likely to be obese, and had worse glycemic control, lipid control, and lower sex hormone‐binding globulin (SHBG). The prevalence of hypogonadism was much higher in the early‐onset group than in the late‐onset group (48.0% vs. 26.7%, p < 0.05). The rate of secondary hypogonadism in the early‐onset group and late‐onset group were 44.3% and 25.0%, respectively (p < 0.05). Obesity, waist circumference, and SHBG were significantly associated with serum total testosterone level in all, early‐onset, and late‐onset T2DM. Both all and early‐onset T2DM groups had positive correlations between total testosterone and fasting C‐peptide, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and uric acid. Our results indicate that in a population of admission to a large urban hospital in China, the prevalence of hypogonadism was higher in the patients with early‐onset T2DM than that of late‐onset T2DM. This prevalence might be attributable to greater obesity, worse lipid control, and lower SHBG levels in those patients.
Risk factors for pedicled flap necrosis in hand soft tissue reconstruction: a multivariate logistic regression analysis
Authors: Gong Xu , Cui Jianli , Jiang Ziping , Lu Laijin , Li Xiucun
Published: May 2017

Background

Few clinical retrospective studies have reported the risk factors of pedicled flap necrosis in hand soft tissue reconstruction. The aim of this study was to identify non‐technical risk factors associated with pedicled flap perioperative necrosis in hand soft tissue reconstruction via a multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Methods

For patients with hand soft tissue reconstruction, we carefully reviewed hospital records and identified 163 patients who met the inclusion criteria. The characteristics of these patients, flap transfer procedures and postoperative complications were recorded. Eleven predictors were identified. The correlations between pedicled flap necrosis and risk factors were analysed using a logistic regression model.

Results

Of 163 skin flaps, 125 flaps survived completely without any complications. The pedicled flap necrosis rate in hands was 11.04%, which included partial flap necrosis (7.36%) and total flap necrosis (3.68%). Soft tissue defects in fingers were noted in 68.10% of all cases. The logistic regression analysis indicated that the soft tissue defect site (P = 0.046, odds ratio (OR) = 0.079, confidence interval (CI) (0.006, 0.959)), flap size (P = 0.020, OR = 1.024, CI (1.004, 1.045)) and postoperative wound infection (P < 0.001, OR = 17.407, CI (3.821, 79.303)) were statistically significant risk factors for pedicled flap necrosis of the hand.

Conclusion

Soft tissue defect site, flap size and postoperative wound infection were risk factors associated with pedicled flap necrosis in hand soft tissue defect reconstruction.
Dynamics of big bubble formation in deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty by the big bubble technique: in vitro studies
Authors: Dua Harminder S , Faraj Lana A , Kenawy Mohamed B , AlTaan Saief , Elalfy Mohamed S , Katamish Tarek , Said Dalia G
Published: May 2017

Purpose

To examine the movement of air injected in the cornea in simulated deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK), from the needle tip to the formation of different types of big bubbles (BB) and to ascertain how air travels through the stroma and pre‐Descemet's layer [Dua's layer (PDL)] to create a type‐1 (air between PDL and deep stroma) and type‐2BB (air between PDL and Descemet's membrane).

Methods

Air was injected in 57 sclerocorneal discs and the passage recorded. Leaking points and sites of commencement of type‐1 and type‐2BB were examined by scanning electron microscopy. Stromal distribution of air pockets was studied by light microscopy. Uninjected corneas served as controls.

Results

Injected air followed a consistent pattern, initially as radial tracks to the limbus, then as circumferential bands along the limbus and finally centripetally to create predominantly a type‐1BB. Type‐2BB started at the periphery, by air emerging through clusters of tiny fenestrations discovered in the periphery of PDL. Fifteen to 20 such clusters were also seen in control samples on either side of the Descemet's attachment. Type‐1BB was formed by air emerging through wide spaces between lamellae of deep stroma. Histologically, the circumferential band revealed an aggregation of air pockets in the mid‐stroma.

Conclusion

The consistent pattern of passage of air is indicative of the architecture and microanatomy of the corneal stroma where collagen lamellae are orthogonally arranged centrally and as a circular annulus at the periphery. The novel peripheral fenestrations explain the peripheral commencement of a type‐2BB and the escape of air into the anterior chamber during DALK.
The influence of CYP2C19 polymorphisms on exacerbating effect of rabeprazole in celecoxib‐induced small bowel injury
Authors: Nuki Y. , Umeno J. , Washio E. , Maehata Y. , Hirano A. , Miyazaki M. , Kobayashi H. , Kitazono T. , Matsumoto T. , Esaki M.
Published: May 2017

Background

Simultaneous use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) has been shown to increase the risk of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID)‐induced small bowel injury.

Aim

To investigate whether polymorphisms of the cytochrome P450 2C19 gene (CYP2C19), encoding a key metabolising enzyme for PPIs, are associated with small bowel injury induced by celecoxib in combination with the PPI rabeprazole.

Methods

Study participants included 55 healthy Japanese volunteers, who participated in the PPI‐NSAID Kyushu University Study using video capsule endoscopy. For 2 weeks, 26 subjects were treated with celecoxib plus rabeprazole (rabeprazole group), and 29 subjects received celecoxib plus placebo (placebo group). All subjects were genotyped for CYP2C19 using real‐time fluorescent polymerase chain reaction. Subjects were sub‐classified as poor metabolizers or extensive metabolizers. The incidence and number of small bowel injuries were compared between poor metabolizers and extensive metabolizers in each group.

Results

In the rabeprazole group, the incidence of small bowel injuries was significantly higher in poor metabolizers than in extensive metabolizers (85.7% vs 31.6%, P=.026). The number of mucosal injuries in the rabeprazole group was also significantly higher in poor metabolizers compared with extensive metabolizers (median [range] 3 [0‐31] vs 0 [0‐7], P=.01). In addition, we found a significant interaction between CYP2C19 genotype and concomitant use of rabeprazole in subjects at risk for celecoxib‐induced small bowel injury.

Conclusions

The CYP2C19 genotype might be associated with the risk of small bowel injury when celecoxib is combined with rabeprazole.
Cutting edge genomics reveal new insights into tumour development, disease progression and therapeutic impacts in multiple myeloma
Authors: Dutta Ankit K. , Hewett Duncan R. , Fink J. Lynn , Grady John P. , Zannettino Andrew C. W.
Published: May 2017

Multiple Myeloma (MM) is a haematological malignancy characterised by the clonal expansion of plasma cells (PCs) within the bone marrow. Despite advances in therapy, MM remains a largely incurable disease with a median survival of 6 years. In almost all cases, the development of MM is preceded by the benign PC condition Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS). Recent studies show that the transformation of MGUS to MM is associated with complex genetic changes. Understanding how these changes contribute to evolution will present targets for clinical intervention. We discuss three models of MM evolution; the linear, the expansionist and the intraclonal heterogeneity models. Of particular interest is the intraclonal heterogeneity model. Here, distinct populations of MM PCs carry differing combinations of genetic mutations. Acquisition of additional mutations can contribute to subclonal lineages where “driver” mutations may influence selective pressure and dominance, and “passenger” mutations are neutral in their effects. Furthermore, studies show that clinical intervention introduces additional selective pressure on tumour cells and can influence subclone survival, leading to therapy resistance. This review discusses how Next Generation Sequencing approaches are revealing critical insights into the genetics of MM development, disease progression and treatment. MM disease progression will illuminate possible mechanisms underlying the tumour.
Risk of histological transformation and therapy‐related myelodysplasia/acute myeloid leukaemia in patients receiving radioimmunotherapy for follicular lymphoma
Authors: Epperla Narendranath , Pham Anthony Q. , Burnette Brian L. , Wiseman Gregory A. , Habermann Thomas M. , Macon William R. , Ansell Stephen M. , Inwards David J. , Micallef Ivana N. , Johnston Patrick B. , Markovic Svetomir N. , Porrata Luis F. , Colgan Joseph P. , Ristow Kay M. , Nowakowski Grzegorz S. , Witzig Thomas E.
Published: May 2017

Histological transformation (HT) of follicular lymphoma (FL) to an aggressive lymphoma after chemotherapy remains a key issue. The incidence of HT after radioimmunotherapy (RIT) is unknown. This single institution study analysed the risk of HT in FL after treatment with yttrium‐90 ibritumomab tiuxetan in 115 consecutive patients treated during 1987–2012. RIT was administered for progressive FL in 111 (97%) patients and as first‐line therapy in the remaining 4. 28% (n = 32) had HT, occurring at a median of 60 months from diagnosis and 20 months after RIT. 48% (12/25) of patients who received fludarabine developed HT. The estimated 10‐year risk of HT in the fludarabine and non‐fludarabine groups was 67% and 26% respectively (P = 0·015). Only prior fludarabine was significantly associated with predicting the risk of HT after RIT. 8% (9/115) of patients developed therapy‐related myelodysplastic syndrome/acute myeloid leukaemia (tMDS/AML) at a median of 41·4 months (range, 5–89). The estimated 10‐year risk of tMDS/AML in non‐fludarabine treated patients (n = 90) versus fludarabine treated (n = 25) was 13% and 29%, respectively. The estimated overall risk of FL undergoing HT at 10 years without fludarabine exposure appears similar to patients reported in the literature that have not received RIT. Patients with prior purine‐analogue therapy are at significantly higher risk of HT.
Clinical and genetic predictors of renal dysfunctions in sickle cell anaemia in Cameroon
Authors: Geard Amy , Pule Gift D. , Chetcha Chemegni Bernard , Ngo Bitoungui Valentina J. , Kengne Andre P. , Chimusa Emile R. , Wonkam Ambroise
Published: May 2017

Micro‐albuminuria and glomerular hyperfiltration are primary indicators of renal dysfunctions in Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), with more severe manifestations previously associated with variants in APOL1 and HMOX1 among African Americans. We have investigated 413 SCD patients from Cameroon. Anthropometric variables, haematological indices, crude albuminuria, albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio (ACR) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were measured. Patients were genotyped for 3·7 kb alpha‐globin gene (HBA1/HBA2) deletion, and for variants in APOL1 (G1/G2; rs60910145, rs73885319, rs71785313) and HMOX1 (rs3074372, rs743811). The median age was 15 years; the majority presented with micro‐albuminuria (60·9%; n = 248), and approximately half with glomerular hyperfiltration (49·5%; n = 200). Age, male sex, haemoglobin level, leucocyte count, mean corpuscular volume, blood pressure, body mass index and creatinine levels significantly affected albuminuria and/or eGFR. Co‐inheritance of alpha‐thalassaemia was protective against macro‐albuminuria (P = 0·03). APOL1 G1/G2 risk variants were significantly associated with the ACR (P = 0·01) and borderline with eGFR (P = 0·07). HMOX1 ‐ rs743811 was borderline associated with micro‐albuminuria (P = 0·07) and macro‐albuminuria (P = 0·06). The results revealed a high proportion of micro‐albuminuria and glomerular hyperfiltration among Cameroonian SCD patients, and support the possible use of targeted genetic biomarkers for risks assessment.
Comparison of allografts and xenografts used for alveolar ridge preservation. A clinical and histomorphometric RCT in humans
Authors: Serrano Méndez Carlos Alberto , Lang Niklaus Peter , Caneva Martina , Ramírez Lemus Gloria , Mora Solano Gerardo , Botticelli Daniele
Published: May 2017

Background

Several types of bone grafts are used in ridge preservation procedures.

Purpose

To compare the healing of allografts and xenografts applied for alveolar ridge preservation.

Materials and Methods

Twenty volunteers in need of extraction of a single‐rooted tooth prior to implant installation were randomized into two groups. One group received a deproteinized cancellous bovine bone xenograft embedded in a 10% collagen matrix and the other a demineralized freeze‐dried cortical bone allograft. A collagen membrane was used to cover the grafts, flaps were sutured. At baseline and 6 months later, clinical measurements including vertical and horizontal bone dimensions were taken. Histomorphometric analysis was performed.

Results

Both groups showed shrinkage of bone dimensions. At mesial, center and distal sites, the vertical changes in dimension were −0.6, 0.5, and −0.1 mm for the allograft and −1.1, −0.4, and −0.9 mm for the xenograft. The horizontal changes in dimensions were −1.4 mm for the allograft and −2.6 mm for the xenograft. New bone and residual graft material were 25.5 ± 10.1% and 33.8 ± 9.4% at the allograft and 35.3 ± 16.8% and 22.2 ± 13.4% at the xenograft sites. None of the differences was statistically significant.

Conclusion

Both grafting materials are suitable for the preservation of the alveolar ridge.
Does osteoporosis influence the marginal peri‐implant bone level in female patients? A cross‐sectional study in a matched collective
Authors: Wagner Florian , Schuder Krisztian , Hof Markus , Heuberer Simone , Seemann Rudolf , Dvorak Gabriella
Published: May 2017

Background/purpose

Osteoporosis, being a homeostatic imbalance, affects the remodeling of bone. Whether this catabolic bone disease influences peri‐implant marginal bone remodeling remains unknown so far. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of osteoporosis on peri‐implant marginal bone loss (MBL) in postmenopausal women.

Materials and methods

In a matched collective, radiographic peri‐implant bone level (at baseline and at follow‐up examinations) was compared in healthy and osteoporotic women. General health and behavioral history of the patients were recorded using a printed questionnaire.

Results

A best fit matching procedure generated a sample of 48 women with a total of 204 implants matched at patient and implant level that was further statistically analyzed. The mean mesial MBL—statistically corrected to report the first year—was −0.6 ± 1.2 mm (range: −5.1 to 2.2) in the healthy control group and −1.1 ± 1.3 mm (range: −5.3 to 2.2) in the osteoporotic group. Similarly, the mean distal MBL was −0.5 ± 1.3 mm (range: −5.1 to 4.8) in the healthy control group and −1.2 ± 1.3 mm (range: −4.7 to 1.6) in the osteoporotic group, respectively. The base linear regression models including solely osteoporosis and time without any other confounders revealed a significant influence of osteoporosis and time since implant placement on the MBL at the mesial and the distal implant aspect. The significance of osteoporosis on bone loss did not change incorporating the confounders: bone level at implantation, smoking, jaw, location, surface, concrement, plaque, augmentation, edentulism in opposing and implant jaw, bisphosphonates, vitamin D, fixed versus removable prosthetics, connection type.

Conclusions

There is no contraindication to place dental implants in osteoporotic patients. This study implicates to respect the bone level at implant placement and not to place the implant below bone level if possible.
Why do financial inclusion policies fail in mobilizing savings from the poor? Lessons from rural south India
Authors: Goedecke Jann , Guérin Isabelle , D'Espallier Bert , Venkatasubramanian Govindan
Published: May 2017

Combining multivariate and qualitative analyses, this micro‐level study suggests an explanation for the persistence of informal savings in rural south India despite publicly run large‐scale programmes to promote bank savings. Gold, in particular, but also Rotating Saving and Credit Associations (ROSCAs) and private lending, remain the dominant forms of savings. We argue that cultural norms and social institutions, such as social class and caste, shape the nature of savings, and also the propensity and opportunities to save. Gold serves multiple purposes, financial, economic, socio‐cultural and political. Furthermore, we find that the preference of Dalits (the lowest caste) for gold illustrates a relative emancipation, which contrasts with the persistence of caste‐related prohibitions preventing them investing in other assets, such as land.
Distribution of strain patterns in children with dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: den Boer Susanna L. , du Marchie Sarvaas Gideon J. , Klitsie Liselotte M. , van Iperen Gabriëlle G. , Tanke Ronald B. , Helbing Willem A. , Backx Ad P.C.M. , Rammeloo Lukas A.J. , Dalinghaus Michiel , ten Harkel Arend D.J.
Published: May 2017

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the predicting value of quantitative and qualitative dyssynchrony parameters as assessed by two‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) on outcome in children with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Furthermore, the reproducibility of these parameters was investigated.

Background

In previous studies in adults with heart failure, several dyssynchrony parameters have been shown to be a valuable predictor of clinical outcome.

Methods

This multicenter, prospective study included 75 children with DCM and 75 healthy age‐matched controls. Using STE, quantitative (time to global peak strain and parameters describing intraventricular time differences) and qualitative dyssynchrony parameters (pattern analysis) of the apical four‐chamber, three‐chamber, two‐chamber views, and the short axis of the left ventricle were assessed. Cox regression was used to identify risk factors for the primary endpoints of death or heart transplantation. Inter‐observer and intra‐observer variability were described.

Results

During a median of 21 months follow‐up, 10 patients (13%) reached an endpoint. Although quantitative dyssynchrony measures were higher in patients as compared to controls, the inter‐observer and intra‐observer variability were high. Pattern analysis showed mainly reduced strain, instead of dyssynchronous patterns.

Conclusions

In this study, quantitative dyssynchrony parameters were not reproducible, precluding their use in children. Qualitative pattern analysis showed predominantly reduced strain, suggesting that in children with DCM dyssynchrony may be a minor problem.