bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The use of facilities management in tertiary institutions in Osun State, Nigeria
Authors: Felicia Adegoke Bolanle , Joshua Adegoke Oluseyi
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the use of facilities management in selected tertiary institutions in Osun State, Nigeria. This is with a view to giving needed attention to the built environment in the tertiary institutions in Nigeria in order to make them more conducive for learning.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used purposive sampling technique to select four tertiary institutions out of six in the study area. A total of 60 questionnaires were distributed to obtain information from construction professionals in works and physical planning departments of the selected institutions. The selected institutions are Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile‐Ife, Ladoke Akintola University, Ogbomoso, The Federal Polytechnic, Ede and Osun State College of Technology, Esa Oke. Both descriptive and inferential statistical methods of analysis were used to analyse the data.

Findings

The results revealed that the in‐house maintenance technique, which was mostly used, was found to be inefficient whereas the outsourcing and the one‐site technique, which were scarcely used, were found to be more efficient. Also, it was revealed that outsourcing reduces risk due to reliance on experts and infusion of new technology.

Practical implications

The study concluded that the use of the outsourcing and one‐site techniques should be embraced to upgrade and sustain the built environment for conducive learning.

Originality/value

The study is an attempt to stop the magnitude into which the built environment in the tertiary institutions of Nigeria is deteriorating, before becoming unconducive for learning.
Towards a theory of nonfamily employees' organizational identification and attachment in family firms
Authors: Memili Esra , Welsh Dianne H.B.
Published: April 2013

Purpose

Since non‐family employees form a large portion of employees in many family firms and they play an important role in the transgenerational survival of those firms, the purpose of this paper is to explore how family influence factors affect non‐family employees' organizational identification and then organizational attachment, which can consequently influence their turnover intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

In this conceptual paper, the paper attempts to answer two important research questions: What are the family firm‐specific determinants of nonfamily employees' organizational identification in family firms? How does nonfamily employees' organizational identification affect their tenure in family firms? Thereby, the paper develops a conceptual model linking family influence dimensions (i.e. power, experience, and culture), nonfamily employees' organizational identification, organizational attachment, and turnover intentions within the domain of the stewardship theory.

Findings

The model presented in this paper can help scholars and family business managers better understand the idiosyncratic family influence dimensions that can affect nonfamily employees' perceptions and intentions associated with their tenure in family firms. If family firms can limit the negative effects of family influence factors, make the best use of the positive effects, and integrate key nonfamily employees into the family firm through helping them satisfy their higher‐order needs, they can uninterruptedly move forward toward achieving long‐term competitive advantages and superior performance.

Research limitations/implications

Aside from the antecedents of nonfamily employees' organizational identification that are pointed out in this paper, there may be other determinants that are beyond the scope of this paper. The governance structure and strategic orientations are some of the possibilities constituting avenues for future research.

Social implications

Family firms with great employee care cannot only increase employees' loyalty to their firms, but also help them develop work‐life balance.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the only attempts to use social identity theory to explain non‐family employees' organizational identification and attachment in family firms that can affect their turnover intentions. Not only does this add to our knowledge of family firm human resources management and provide new directions for future research, but it also suggests the usefulness of social identity theory in family business research.
The evolution of social entrepreneurship: what have we learned?
Authors: Welsh Dianne H.B. , Krueger Norris
Published: April 2013

Purpose

If there is one thing that truly characterizes entrepreneurship and especially social entrepreneurship, it is the “engaged scholarship” at their very heart. That is, teaching, outreach/service and research are connected, often tightly. The purpose of this paper therefore is to discuss the evolution of social entrepreneurship and the lessons learned.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reports on the results of a multi‐country survey dealing with social entrepreneurship.

Findings

It is found that a lot of maturing needs to be done in the area of social entrepreneurship work.

Originality/value

This paper provides real value to the literature by showing what is actually done in the teaching of social entrepreneurship.
Stress and depressive symptoms in Latin Americans in Toronto
Authors: Ginieniewicz Jorge , McKenzie Kwame
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The paper's aim is to determine whether the SAFE (acculturative stress), PHQ‐9 (depressive symptoms) and MSPSS (individual social resources) scales are considered acceptable measures to be used in the Spanish‐speaking Latin American immigrant population in Toronto.

Design/methodology/approach

The PHQ9, MSPSS and SAFE were completed by a group of ten Spanish‐speaking Latin Americans recruited through an organization that offers services to immigrants in Toronto. The need for clarification of questions was noted as well as the comments that respondents made to the process.

Findings

Participants felt comfortable responding the questionnaire. There was little duplication when the three scales were used together. The average time to complete the survey was 21 minutes.

Originality/value

There has been no community based quantitative study of mental health in the Spanish‐speaking community in Toronto that has used the SAFE (acculturative stress), PHQ‐9 (depressive symptoms) and MSPSS (individual social resources) scales. This pilot study tested the suitability of these scales with this population. The PHQ9, SAFE and MSPSS are acceptable scales to be used in surveys in the Spanish‐speaking Latin American population in Toronto.
Student perception of higher education quality in Tunisian business schools
Authors: Belhaj Fadoi , Ben‐Ayed Omar , Kammoun Raoudha
Published: April 2013

Purpose

In Tunisia there are 23 business schools, five of which are at the University of Sfax. There are no data in the Tunisian higher education literature regarding the difference between these schools, especially in terms of their performance. The aim of this study is to carry out a first‐hand assessment of the teaching process and form an idea about higher education quality in these schools.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to achieve such an objective a survey is conducted on students’ perception of their learning experience. The data are collected through a questionnaire administered to samples of students from the different business schools at the University of Sfax.

Findings

The assessment investigation reveals some strengths, such as students’ satisfaction about the knowledge they are acquiring. However, there are several weaknesses including the sceptical attitude of the respondents towards the contents of the courses they are taking and the way they are being evaluated. The findings lead to two main conclusions. First, a culture of self‐assessment is needed in higher education institutions in order to improve the teaching process. Second, higher education institutions need to be more process‐oriented.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first work investigating students’ perception of their learning experience in Tunisia.
Research experience of the PhD students in Iran: a case study in Ferdowsi University of Mashhad
Authors: Behzadi Hassan , Reza Davarpanah Mohammad
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the research experience of PhD students of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad and factors influencing this experience.

Design/methodology/approach

The information was gathered through a questionnaire which has been developed based on PREQ questionnaire. The statistical populations of this study consist of those PhD students whose research proposal had been approved by the educational council of their faculty or had defended their dissertation. By using random sampling method, 118 questionnaires were collected.

Findings

The findings showed that there is a significant relationship between all of the research experience factors and significant differences between overall satisfactions of the students on their research experience. Variables such as sex and different stages of research have positive and significant impact on the research experience of the respondents.

Originality/value

The outcomes of this study suggest that among the PhD students of Ferdowsi University, there is a relative satisfaction with factors making up the research experience.
Embedding critique in the university: a new role for critical marketing education?
Authors: Lim Ming , Svensson Peter
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The role of the university as a site of social, cultural and political critique appears to be in terminal decline with the inexorable “commodification” of the university in the UK and elsewhere in Europe. Yet, although scholars have identified the dangers of such a scenario, few attempts have been made to offer a pragmatic solution to preserve, or even rejuvenate, the university as an agent of critique. This paper proposes that a critical marketing education can take over this role in the academy where traditional critical agents like the arts and humanities are widely acknowledged to have failed.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a historical‐critical approach, and conceives of “critique” as a heterogeneous, multidimensional amalgam of both businessandthe humanities.

Findings

The paper shows how a critical marketing education offers a pragmatic means of preparing university students to become activeandcritical voices of society.

Originality/value

Few attempts have been made to offer a pragmatic solution to preserve, or even rejuvenate, the university as an agent of critique. This paper proposes that a critical marketing education can take over this role in the academy.
Paradigms, paradoxes and professionalism
Authors: Bond Emma , Goodchild Tim
Published: April 2013

Purpose

This study aims to examine current key debates on learning technologies in the everyday life of lecturers and explores their experiences of learning technologies.

Design/methodology/approach

The research adopted a mixed method ethnographic approach to explore the perceptions of academics at a new university in the UK. The narrative and image data was collected via 30 interviews and an online forum and then subjected to grounded theory analysis. This study presents the findings of the study and discusses aspects of quality and meaningful engagement by academic staff with learning technologies in a higher education environment.

Findings

Analysis of the data revealed the central concepts of paradigms, paradoxes and professionalism. The diversity of perspectives of staff and students, skills, motivations and capabilities is fundamental to developing, supporting and promoting the innovative use of e‐learning and learning technologies in learning, teaching and assessment.

Originality/value

This study examined the reality of lecturers’ relationships with learning technologies in everyday life and the diversity of those lived experiences in relation to social change and educational ideologies. This study is, therefore, significant and adds to knowledge and understanding of academics’ perspectives which Hanson claims have previously been neglected. This research also contributes to previous studies of e‐learning and Actor Network theory (ANT).
Organizational emotional intelligence: development of a model
Authors: Giorgi Gabriele
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on two research questions. First, how are emotional competencies related? Second, are organizations emotionally intelligent?

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a new instrument (Organizational Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire, ORG‐EIQ) to measure emotional and organizational intelligence competencies of 1,506 employees in 20 Italian organizations. Structural equation modeling, intraclass correlation coefficients and tests of mean differences were used to analyze the research questions.

Findings

This study suggests that organizational emotional intelligence (EI) is an important framework to examine in future research.

Practical implications

Usefulness of the findings for public and private companies is explored.

Originality/value

The study provides preliminary feedback on the possibility of detection of variations in EI levels across organizations and highlights relevant implications accordingly.
A compound index of cultural dimensions: implications and applications
Authors: Yeganeh Hamid
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to offer a compound index of cultural dimensions.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the idea of the compound index is described. Then, by integrating Hofstede's and Inglehart's frameworks, the Compound Culture Index (CCI) is constructed, its scores for different countries are computed, and its robustness is validated. Finally, the theoretical implications and practical applications are discussed and some avenues for future research are pointed out.

Findings

A Compound Culture Index (CCI) on the basis of Hofstede's and Inglehart's frameworks is conceptualized, computed, and validated.

Research limitations/implications

Culture is a very complex concept and cannot be fully grasped by a few dimensions or a dichotomous index. Hofstede's and Inglehart's models have some theoretical/operational differences and correspond to dissimilar time frames that may make their integration imperfect. Due to lack of data, Hofstede's fifth dimension (Timer Orientation) was not included in the calculation of the CCI.

Practical implications

The CCI bridges Hofstede's and Inglehart's cultural frameworks and offers an integrative measure of national culture. In addition, the CCI represents a robust measure that can be conveniently employed in empirical research.

Originality/value

The CCI offers a methodologically novel, theoretically defensible, and operationally robust approach to measuring national cultures.
Mergers and acquisitions in the hightech industry: a literature review
Authors: Rossi Matteo , Yedidia Tarba Shlomo , Raviv Amos
Published: April 2013

Purpose

As a result of the impressive wave of mergers and acquisitions (M&As) in recent years, operations that were traditionally considered to be extraordinary have become common business development options. M&As have produced mixed results for their stakeholders, which resulted in extensive economics debate, albeit without a systemic vision. As a result, the M&A literature has not yet developed a paradigm and the purpose of this paper is to present a review of the existing literature.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors carried out a review of literature on M&As in technology‐driven sectors.

Findings

The critical examination of the innovation and value creation processes in M&As in hightech industry provides new insights for incumbent executives and can better plan and implement M&As deals.

Originality/value

Since 1990 there has been a major expansion of M&As in high‐tech sectors, many involving the acquisition of small and young start‐ups. To address this important topic the authors present here a review of literature on M&As in technology‐driven sectors.
Soil metatranscriptomics for mining eukaryotic heavy metal resistance genes
Authors: Lehembre Frédéric , Doillon Didier , David Elise , Perrotto Sandrine , Baude Jessica , Foulon Julie , Harfouche Lamia , Vallon Laurent , Poulain Julie , Da Silva Corinne , Wincker Patrick , Oger‐Desfeux Christine , Richaud Pierre , Colpaert Jan V. , Chalot Michel , Fraissinet‐Tachet Laurence , Blaudez Damien , Marmeisse Roland
Published: April 2013

Heavy metals are pollutants which affect all organisms. Since a small number of eukaryotes have been investigated with respect to metal resistance, we hypothesize that many genes that control this phenomenon remain to be identified. This was tested by screening soil eukaryotic metatranscriptomes which encompass RNA from organisms belonging to the main eukaryotic phyla. Soil‐extracted polyadenylated mRNAs were converted into cDNAs and 35 of them were selected for their ability to rescue the metal (Cd or Zn) sensitive phenotype of yeast mutants. Few of the genes belonged to families known to confer metal resistance when overexpressed in yeast. Several of them were homologous to genes that had not been studied in the context of metal resistance. For instance, the BOLA ones, which conferred cross metal (Zn, Co, Cd, Mn) resistance may act by interfering with Fe homeostasis. Other genes, such as those encoding 110‐ to 130‐amino‐acid‐long, cysteine‐rich polypeptides, had no homologues in databases. This study confirms that functional metatranscriptomics represents a powerful approach to address basic biological processes in eukaryotes. The selected genes can be used to probe new pathways involved in metal homeostasis and to manipulate the resistance level of selected organisms.
Reassortment of CRISPR repeat‐spacer loci in Sulfolobus islandicus
Authors: Held Nicole L. , Herrera Alfa , Whitaker Rachel J.
Published: April 2013

Virus–host interactions are a key factor shaping population dynamics of microbial species. The CRISPR‐Cas adaptive immune system confers sequence‐specific immunity to viral infection and has the potential to dramatically shape coevolutionary interactions between viruses and their microbial hosts. To assess evolutionary dynamics of CRISPR loci, we have sampled a population of closely related Sulfolobus islandicus strains from Kamchatka, Russia at two time points, 10 years apart. Sequence analysis of the conserved trailer sequences reveals that alleles are reassorted among three CRISPR spacer loci into combinatorial genotypes. Reassortment provides the evolutionary independence of CRISPR loci from one another as demonstrated by the differential change in allele frequencies between two time points. Genome sequences of 12 strains from this population also reveal very recent horizontal gene transfer of novel, divergent cas gene cassettes. The evolutionary independence of CRISPR loci from each other and of the cas genes that control their function are consistent with the evolutionary expectation that reassortment increases the efficiency of adaptation at these loci that are likely under strong selection by lytic viruses.
Prebiotics, faecal transplants and microbial network units to stimulate biodiversity of the human gut microbiome
Authors: Van den Abbeele Pieter , Verstraete Willy , El Aidy Sahar , Geirnaert Annelies , Van de Wiele Tom
Published: April 2013

Accumulating evidence demonstrates the intimate association between human hosts and the gut microbiome. Starting at birth, the sterile gut of the newborn acquires a diverse spectrum of microbes, needed for immunological priming. However, current practices (caesarean sections, use of formula milk) deprive newborns from being exposed to this broad spectrum of microbes. Unnecessary use of antibiotics and excessive hygienic precautions (e.g. natural versus chlorinated drinking water) together with the Western diet further contribute to a decreased microbial diversity in the adult gut. This has been correlated with recurrent Clostridium difficile infection, inflammatory bowel diseases and obesity, among others. A healthy gut microbiome is thus characterized by a diverse network of metabolically interacting microbial members. In this context, we review several existing and novel approaches to manage the gut microbiome. First, prebiotic compounds should be re‐defined in the sense that they should enhance the ecological biodiversity rather than stimulating single species. Recent studies highlight that structurally different polysaccharides require specific primary degraders but also enhance a similar network of secondary degraders that benefit from cross‐feeding. A faecal transplantation is a second approach to restore biodiversity when the microbiota is severely dysbiosed, with promising results regarding C. difficile‐associated disease and obesity‐related metabolic syndromes. A final strategy is the introduction of key microbial network units, i.e. pre‐organized microbial associations, which strengthen the overall microbial network of the gut microbiome that supports human health.
New methods for the isolation and characterization of biofilm‐persistent mutants in Pseudomonas putida
Authors: López‐Sánchez Aroa , Jiménez‐Fernández Alicia , Calero Patricia , Gallego Laura D. , Govantes Fernando
Published: April 2013

Here we describe two new methods for the genetic characterization of bacterial biofilm development. First, we have designed a microtitre dish‐based approach for high‐throughput screening of Pseudomonas putida mutants showing increased biofilm under dispersal conditions. Using this method, nine such biofilm‐persistent mutants, bearing transposon insertions in four loci: lapG, bifA, mvaB and dksA, were isolated. Second, we have developed a serial dilution‐based scheme to monitor biofilm development and dispersal in microtitre dish wells in a simple, time‐efficient and reproducible manner. Using this method, we showed that (i) mutants in bifA and dksA do not undergo starvation‐induced biofilm dispersal in LB or minimal medium, (ii) a mvaB mutant does not disperse the biofilm in LB, but shows a normal dispersal response in minimal medium, and (iii) unlike the lapG mutant, the bifA, mvaB and dksA mutants do not show an increase in biofilm production. The procedures shown here are useful tools for the identification of previously uncharacterized biofilm‐related genes and considerably simplify the characterization of biofilm growth phenotypes.
Insight change in psychosis: relationship with neurocognition, social cognition, clinical symptoms and phase of illness
Authors: Quee P. J. , van der Meer L. , Krabbendam L. , de Haan L. , Cahn W. , Wiersma D. , van Beveren N. , Pijnenborg G. H. M. , Mulder C. L. , Bruggeman R. , Aleman A.
Published: April 2013

Objective

Impaired insight is an important and prevalent symptom of psychosis. It remains unclear whether cognitive disturbances hamper improvements in insight. We investigated the neurocognitive, social cognitive, and clinical correlates of changes in insight.

Method

One hundred and fifty‐four patients with a psychotic disorder were assessed at baseline (T0) and after three years (T3) with the Birchwood Insight Scale, the Positive And Negative Syndrome Scale, measures of neurocognition and social cognition. Linear regression analyses were conducted to examine to what extend neurocognition, social cognition, clinical symptoms and phase of illness could uniquely predict insight change. Subsequently, changes in these factors were related to insight change.

Results

Better neurocognitive performance and fewer clinical symptoms at baseline explained insight improvements. The additional effect of clinical symptoms over and above the contribution of neurocognition was significant. Together, these factors explained 10% of the variance. Social cognition and phase of illness could not predict insight change. Changes in clinical symptoms, but not changes in neurocognitive performance were associated with insight change.

Conclusion

Neurocognitive abilities may predict, in part, the development of insight in psychosis.
Systematic review of non‐transportation rates and outcomes for older people who have fallen after ambulance service call‐out
Authors: Mikolaizak A Stefanie , Simpson Paul M , Tiedemann Anne , Lord Stephen R , Close Jacqueline CT
Published: April 2013

Aim

To review the evidence regarding non‐transported older people who have fallen in relation to non‐transportation rates, outcomes and impact of alternate care pathways.

Method

Electronic databases and reference lists of included studies (up to December 2011) were systematically searched. Studies were eligible if they included data on non‐transportation rates, information on outcomes or alternate care pathways for older people who have fallen.

Results

Twelve studies were included. Non‐transportation rates following a fall ranged from 11% to 56%. Up to 49% of non‐transported people who have fallen had unplanned health‐care contact within 28 days of the initial incident. Attendance by specially trained paramedics and individualised multifactorial interventions significantly reduced adverse events including subsequent falls, emergency ambulance calls, emergency department attendance and hospital admission.

Conclusion

Limited but promising evidence shows that appropriate interventions can improve health outcomes of non‐transported older people who have fallen. Further studies are needed to explore alternate care pathways and promote more efficient use of health services.
Mycocoenologic study of the macrofungi on the forest of Jbel elbir (Aïn Draham, Jendouba, Tunisia)
Authors: Ben Hassine Ben Ali Mourad , Aschi‐Smiti Samira
Published: April 2013

Macrofungi have important functions in forest ecosystems. It is essential to have information about these species to ensure proper management of such ecosystems. Due to the importance of forestry in Tunisia and the lack of information on fungal communities, this study was conducted in North Western of Tunisia. The objective was to enumerate macrofungal diversity in relation to various environmental factors. In total, 158 fruiting bodies were collected and 60 species were identified. Among them, 39 species are mycorrhizal. A fruiting body is the first visible appearance of the spore‐bearing surface until its disintegration. More fruiting bodies were found on the eastern slopes than on the western slopes. This reflects the distribution of tree species and soil type. Almost all fungal species were collected from soils of moderate acidity (pH 4–pH 5), 5 species from soils with low acidity (pH 5–pH 6.8), and only 3 species from soils with high acidity (pH < 4). The majority of fruiting bodies occurred in soils with a percentage of organic matter ranging from 1 to 5 and a phosphorus content ranging from 15.1 to 20 ppm.
Directors are Rewarded for Past Failure and Future Success
Authors: Ting* Hsiu‐I
Published: April 2013

The compensation of boards of directors and supervisors is higher in firms with lower earnings, than that of boards of directors and supervisors in corresponding industries with higher earnings. Using firm‐level panel data of Taiwan Stock Exchange listed firms over the period 1999–2008, this study investigates the reasons for this phenomenon of rewarding failure. The result provides evidence that rewarding failure is due to an asymmetric reward scheme and human capital retention, and it encourages the board to make aggressive decisions.
Corporate Governance and Analyst Behavior: Evidence from an Emerging Market
Authors: Lin Ji‐Chai , Tai Vivian W.
Published: April 2013

This study examines how analysts would recommend poorly governed firms to their clients in an emerging market where information asymmetry tends to be high and shareholder rights are not well protected by legal systems. Given that analysts have incentives to access managers and to help their brokerage houses win investment banking deals, we hypothesize that poor corporate governance reveals a firm's preference for upward‐bias recommendations, while good corporate governance reveals its preference for more accurate information, and that analysts are inclined to give what the firm prefers. We examine 55 652 recommendations on firms listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange and find evidence consistent with our hypothesis. Our study implies that analysts' buy recommendations on firms with poorer corporate governance are less reliable. Furthermore, improving corporate governance not only can reduce agency problems within firms, but can also enhance information quality produced by analysts and reduce information risk faced by investors.
Analyst Tipping on Neglected Firms: Evidence from the Korean Stock Market
Authors: Kim Kyung Soon , Park Yun Woo , Park Jin Woo
Published: April 2013

Using data from the Korean stock market (1,907 firm‐years for the 2005–2010 period), we extend the study of analyst tipping first documented by Irvine et al (Review of Financial Studies, 20, 2007 pp. 741–768), who show evidence that brokerage firms tip institutional investors in order to maximize the brokerage firms' profits. First, we find that individual investors respond to reports on neglected firms while institutional investors do not. We then document that tipping inferred from abnormal trading responses is concentrated on neglected firms characterized by low analyst coverage. Furthermore, we find that it is primarily institutional investors who are on the receiving end of the tipping as measured by pre‐release abnormal returns and pre‐release net purchase position. Finally, brokerage firms appear to tip domestic institutional investors when reports are positive while they tip foreign institutional investors when reports are negative. Specifically, domestic institutional investors increase their net pre‐release purchase volume when reports are positive while foreign institutional investors reduce their net pre‐release purchase volume when reports are negative. These findings are consistent with brokerage firms tipping clients who can contribute the most to the firms' trading commission revenues. We make a contribution to the literature by finding evidence that analyst tipping is primarily a wealth transfer from individual investors to domestic institutional investors.
Fund Size and Performance in a Market Crowded with Many Small Funds
Authors: Ban Juil , Choe Hyuk
Published: April 2013

In a market crowded with many small funds, a fund manager is likely to manage more than one fund. We hypothesize and confirm that, in this situation, fund managers tend to neglect very small funds by simply holding cash rather than investing because of their limited time and efforts. By examining the Korean fund market, where one fund manager simultaneously manages about ten funds on average, we find that the cash holding ratio monotonically decreases with fund size. While small funds perform worse than large funds in appearance, the negative relationship between size and performance disappears after being controlled for the cash holding ratio.
Synemin is expressed in reactive astrocytes and Rosenthal fibers in Alexander disease
Authors: Pekny Tulen , Faiz Maryam , Wilhelmsson Ulrika , Curtis Maurice A. , Matej Radoslav , Skalli Omar , Pekny Milos
Published: April 2013

Alexander disease (AxD) is a neurodegenerative disorder with prominent white matter degeneration and the presence of Rosenthal fibers containing aggregates of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and small stress proteins HSP27 and αB‐crystallin, and widespread reactive gliosis. AxD is caused by mutations in GFAP, the main astrocyte intermediate filament protein. We previously showed that intermediate filament protein synemin is upregulated in reactive astrocytes after neurotrauma. Here, we examined immunohistochemically the presence of synemin in reactive astrocytes and Rosenthal fibers in two patients with AxD. There was an abundance of GFAP‐positive Rosenthal fibers and widespread reactive gliosis in the white matter and subpial regions. Many of the GFAP‐positive reactive astrocytes were positive for synemin, and synemin was also present in Rosenthal fibers. We show that synemin is expressed in reactive astrocytes in AxD, and is also present in Rosenthal fibers. The potential role of synemin in AxD pathogenesis remains to be investigated.
Chloride intracellular channel 1 is overexpression in hepatic tumor and correlates with a poor prognosis
Authors: Zhang Sheng , Wang Xiao‐Min , Yin Zhen‐Yu , Zhao Wen‐Xiu , Zhou Jian‐Yin , Zhao Bi‐Xin , Liu Ping‐Guo
Published: April 2013

Chloride intracellular channel 1 (CLIC1) is expressed in many human tissues and has been reported to be involved in the regulation of cell cycle, cell proliferation, and differentiation. Its roles in human hepatic tumor, however, remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinicopathological significance and expression pattern of CLIC1 in human primary hepatic tumors. We examined the expression pattern of CLIC1 mRNA and protein in hepatic tumors using real‐time quantitative RT‐PCR and Western blot, respectively. CLIC1 protein and mRNA levels were significantly higher in cancerous tissues compared with corresponding normal tissue. In 85 hepatic tumor tissues, CLIC1 was significantly higher in 69 cases (81.2%), as determined by immunohistochemical staining. Increased CLIC1 expression was correlated with tumor size (p = 0.021), distant metastasis (p = 0.025), pathological TNM (pTNM) stage (p = 0.023), and poor survival (25.11 ± 2.27 vs 45.29 ± 4.28 months, p = 0.001). Our data show that increased CLIC1 protein expression is associated with clinicopathological factors and a poor prognosis of hepatic tumors, and suggest that CLIC1 might represent a valuable prognostic marker for human hepatic tumors.
Depression and coping in adults undergoing dialysis for end‐stage renal disease
Authors: Ibrahim Norhayati , Chiew‐Thong Norella Kong , Desa Asmawati , Razali Rosdinom
Published: April 2013

Introduction

Research on depression in local patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) is sparse. Thus, this study aims to examine the frequency and severity of depression among ESRD patients and relate depression with their coping skills.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study using universal sampling method was conducted at several dialysis centers in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Johor, Malaysia. The Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI‐II) and the Brief COPE scale were used to measure depression and coping skill, respectively.

Results

The study involved 274 ESRD patients, comprising of 183 hemodialysis and 91 continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients. The result showed that 21.1% of the patients experienced moderate to severe depression. Several components of coping skill were associated with depression. However, only two components in the Brief COPE (behavioral disengagement and self‐blame) were identified as predictors.

Discussion

This study showed that depression is common in ESRD patients and is related to the types of coping skills adopted by patients. Hence, this study provides some insight into ESRD patients with depression. Appropriate counseling should be given to these patients to empower them to cope with the illness so as to enhance their quality of life.
Knowledge and attitude on sex among medical students of a Malaysian university: A comparison study
Authors: Sidi Hatta , Loh Sit Fong , Mahadevan Raynuha , Puteh Sharifah Ezat Wan , Musa Ramli , Wong Chia Yee , Hadi Ammar Amsyar Abdul , Sa'aid Siti Hajara , Amali Zulfahmi , Abidin Murnira , Das Srijit , Saharom Mohamed Hatta , Zakaria Hazli
Published: April 2013

Introduction

The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between clinical/socio‐demographic factors with knowledge and attitude on sex among medical students of the National University of Malaysia (UKM).

Methods

A cross‐sectional study assessing 452 students using a self‐administered questionnaire of knowledge and attitude was performed and had a response rate of 80%.

Results

The majority of respondents were Malays (56%), females (57.5%), lived in urban areas (66.4%), had a median family income of RM3000 and perceived themselves as moderately religious (60%). The overall score on knowledge about sex was 21.7 of 35 (a higher score indicates better knowledge about sex). It was noted that 73.2% of students felt that they did not receive adequate training in medical school to deal with patients' sexuality and sexual problems, while 51.5% felt uncomfortable talking to patients about these issues. Students in the clinical year were more knowledgeable than those in pre‐clinical years (22.67 versus 20.71, P < 0.001). No significant differences were found in terms of their backgrounds, such as being from urban or rural areas (P = 0.349) and between genders (P = 0.286). Only 54.9% of students had a satisfactory level of knowledge on sex (>22 marks [median score]).

Discussion

The students' attitude on sex was considered conservative as the majority of them disagreed on premarital sex, masturbation, abortion, homosexuality and oral sex. Gender and religiosity have a large influence on attitudes on controversial sexual issues, whereas clinical status plays a small role. Knowledge on sex among UKM medical students is inadequate and their attitudes on sex are considered conservative. Integration of sexual medicine and health modules in the medical curriculum is crucial for students to more effectively address patients' sexual problems and promote non‐judgmental attitudes towards patients.
Quality of life in Malaysian colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Wan Puteh Sharifa Ezat , Saad Natrah Mohd. , Aljunid Syed Mohd , Abdul Manaf Mohd Rizal , Sulong Saperi , Sagap Ismail , Ismail Fuad , Muhammad Annuar Muhd Azrif
Published: April 2013

Introduction

The rapidly increasing of incidence colorectal cancer (CRC) in Malaysia and the introduction of new treatments that prolong survival advocating treatment outcome measures such as patients' quality of life (QOL) are evaluated in this study. The study aims to determine QOL in CRC patients according to cancer stage and age.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was performed from June to December 2011 at four public tertiary hospitals. The European Organization for Research and Treatment in Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire Core‐30 (EORTC QLQ C‐30) questionnaire was used through face‐to‐face interview and the medical records of 160 respondents were reviewed.

Results

The mean age of respondents was 58.47 ± 12.04 years with 57.5% of respondents being male and 42.5% female. The majority of respondents were in CRC stages III and IV. Median global health status (GHS) score was 83.33 (IQR 16.67). Sikhs and Indians had a higher median GHS score compared to other ethnicities (Kruskal–Wallis, χ2 = 12.12, p = 0.007). Emotional, cognitive and social functions were higher in respondents with earlier stage of disease (Kruskal‐Wallis, χ2 = 6.06, 6.36, 10.58, p = 0.048, 0.042, 0.005). Median pain, dyspnea, diarrhea and financial implication scores were significantly higher in advanced stage of disease (Kruskal‐Wallis, χ2 = 9.31, 6.26,6.77, 7.28, p = 0.010, 0.044,0.034,0.026). Median diarrhea score (p = 0.012) was significantly different between age groups.

Discussion

Emotional, cognitive and social functions deteriorate with advanced stage of disease. Patients with advanced stage disease experience more pain, dyspnea, diarrhea and financial implications. A systematic screening program to detect cases as early as possible is essential nationwide.
Reliability and validity of theMalay version of Attitudes toward Lesbians and Gay Men (MVATL/MVATG): A study on a group of medical students inMalaysia
Authors: Ng Chong Guan , Tan Lee Khing , Gill Jesjeet Singh , Koh Ong Hui , Jambunathan Stephen , Pillai Subash Kumar , Sidi Hatta
Published: April 2013

Introduction

This study aims to examine the validity and reliability of theMalay version of Attitudes toward Lesbians and Gay Men (MVATL/MVATG) among a group of medical students inMalaysia.

Methods

It is a cross‐sectional study of 173 medical students in the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kuala Lumpur,Malaysia. The participants were given theMVATL/MVATG, Index of Attitudes toward Homosexuals (IATH), Homosexuality Attitude Scale (HAS) and the English version of Attitude toward Lesbians and Gay Men. Two weeks later, these students were given theMVATLGagain.

Results

Significant correlation was found between the individual scores ofMVATLandMVATGwithIATHandHASin the results. The scale was able to differentiate Muslim and Non‐Muslim subjects. The internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) of both theMVATLandMVATGwere good, at 0.76 and 0.82, respectively. The parallel form reliability (Pearson's correlation) ofMVATLwas 0.0.73 and 0.74 forMVATG. The test‐retest reliability ofMVATL/MVATGwas good (Intraclass correlation coefficient,ICC = 0.67 forMVATLand 0.60 forMVATG).

Discussion

TheMVATLGdemonstrated good psychometric properties in measuring attitudes toward homosexuality among a group of medical students inMalaysia and it could be used as a simple instrument on young educated Malaysian adults.
Loneliness and depression among the elderly in an agricultural settlement: Mediating effects of social support
Authors: Wan Mohd Azam Wan Mohd Yunus , Din Normah Che , Ahmad Mahadir , Ghazali Shazli Ezzat , Ibrahim Norhayati , Said Zaini , Ghazali Ahmad Rohi , Shahar Suzana , Razali Rosdinom , Maniam T.
Published: April 2013

Introduction

Loneliness has long been known to have strong association with depression. The relationship between loneliness and depression, however, has been associated with other risk factors including social support. The aim of this paper is to describe the role of social support in the association between loneliness and depression.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study examined the mediating effects of social support among 161 community‐based elderly in agricultural settlement of a rural area in Sungai Tengi, Malaysia. Subjects were investigated with De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale, Geriatric Depression Scale and Medical Outcome Survey Social Support Survey. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation, linear and hierarchical regression.

Results

Results indicated that social support partially mediated the relationship between loneliness and depression.

Discussion

This suggests that social support affects the linear association between loneliness and depression in the elderly.
Relationships between social support and depression, and quality of life of the elderly in a rural community in Malaysia
Authors: Ibrahim Norhayati , Din Normah Che , Ahmad Mahadir , Ghazali Shazli Ezzat , Said Zaini , Shahar Suzana , Ghazali Ahmad Rohi , Razali Rosdinom
Published: April 2013

Introduction

This study aimed to examine the role of social support and depression in predicting the quality of life among the elderly living in a rural Federal Land Development Authority (FELDA) community in Malaysia.

Methods

A total of 162 elderly settlers of FELDA Sungai Tengi, aged 60 years and above, were selected by universal sampling method in this cross‐sectional study. Three standardized instruments – the 12‐item Short Form (SF‐12), 15‐item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS‐15) and Medical Outcome Study Social Support (MOS‐Social Support) – were used to assess for quality of life, depression and social support.

Results

Quality of life of the elderly people in this community was high, especially in terms of physical components as compared to mental components. The mean scores for emotional role in the SF‐12 was relatively the highest (90.74 ± 21.59) with social functioning being the lowest (30.35 ± 22.29). The results also showed that the mean value was higher for physical component summary (74.40) as compared to mental component summary (51.51). Approximately 23.5% suffered mild depression and only 2.5% had severe depression.

Discussion

This study showed that the elderly FELDA settlers have a high quality of life, mainly on the physical components of life and low rate of severe depression, a positive indicator of their psychological well‐being. Social support in the form of emotional/informational support, and depression were significant factors related to their good quality of life.
Externalizing and internalizing syndromes in relation to school truancy among adolescents in high‐risk urban schools
Authors: Nik Jaafar Nik Ruzyanei , Tuti Iryani Mohammad Daud , Wan Salwina Wan Ismail , Fairuz Nazri Abdul Rahman , Kamal Nor Azlin , Prakash Reddy Jaya , Shah Shamsul Azhar
Published: April 2013

Introduction

To examine the relationship between externalizing/internalizing syndromes and school truancy among Form Four (10th grade) students attending “high‐risk” schools in Kuala Lumpur.

Methods

This is a cross‐sectional study conducted upon 16‐year‐old adolescents attending three high‐risk schools in Kuala Lumpur. A total of 373 students completed self‐administered questionnaires on the sociodemographic variables and externalizing/internalizing syndromes. The number of truant‐days per student during the study period was obtained from the school records.

Results

The mean internalizing score, externalizing score and total problem score of those who were truant were found to be significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those who were non‐truant. Multiple logistic regressions showed externalizing syndrome (odds ratio [OR] = 1.044; confidence interval [CI] = 1.012–1.078, P = 0.018) significantly predicts truancy but not the internalizing syndrome. Two other psychosocial factors, namely, having divorced parents (OR = 2.495, CI = 1.058–5.886, P = 0.037) and did not understand or were uncertain of the purpose of schooling (OR = 2.621, CI = 1.265–5.433, P = 0.010) were also showed to be stronger predictors of truancy compared to externalizing/internalizing syndromes.

Discussion

Truancy has significant association to externalizing syndrome, in addition to other significant psychosocial variables like parental and schooling factors. This finding indicated the need for comprehensive assessment of students presenting with truant behavior, including the identification of associated psychological and behavioral problems which highlights the roles of mental health professionals in tackling truancy.
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of ponesimod, a selective S1P1 receptor modulator, in the first‐in‐human study
Authors: Brossard Patrick , Derendorf Hartmut , Xu Jian , Maatouk Haidar , Halabi Atef , Dingemanse Jasper
Published: April 2013

Aims

This study investigated the tolerability, safety, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of ponesimod, a novel oral selective sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P1) receptor modulator in development for the treatment of auto‐immune diseases.

Methods

This was a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, ascending, single‐dose study. Healthy male subjects received doses of 1–75 mg or placebo control.

Results

Ponesimod was well tolerated. Starting with a dose of 8 mg, transient asymptomatic reductions in heart rate were observed. Ponesimod pharmacokinetics were dose proportional. The median time to maximal concentration ranged from 2.0 to 4.0 h, and ponesimod was eliminated with a mean half‐life varying between 21.7 and 33.4 h. Food had a minimal effect on ponesimod pharmacokinetics. Doses of ≥8 mg reduced total lymphocyte count in a dose‐dependent manner. Lymphocyte counts returned to normal ranges within 96 h. A pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic model was developed that adequately described the observed effects of ponesimod on total lymphocyte counts.

Conclusions

Single doses of ponesimod up to and including 75 mg were well tolerated. The results of this ascending single‐dose study indicate an immunomodulator potential for ponesimod and a pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic profile consistent with once‐a‐day dosing.