bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of large-area texture/slip surface on journal bearing considering cavitation
Authors: Lin Qiyin , Wei Zhengying , Wang Ning , Chen Wei
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to study the influence of large-area texture/slip surface, especially the area and position of large-area texture surface on journal bearing, and improve the tribological performances of journal bearing.

Design/methodology/approach

– A modified texture/slip numerical boundary condition with double parameters is presented and is applied onto the region where surface textures locate to represent the impact of actual texture/slip surface. A phase change condition is used to analyze cavitation phenomena.

Findings

– The global/cumulative texture effect can be represented by applying texture/slip condition onto the region where it locates. The area and position of texture/slip surface would significantly affect the cavitation and load-carrying capacity. Texture/slip surface would not affect the pressure and load-carrying capacity when it locates at cavitation zone. The effect of texture/slip surface on load-carrying capacity would be beneficial if it locates at the pressure rise region, but its effect would be adverse if it locates at the pressure drop region. Well-designed texture/slip surface can improve tribological performances.

Originality/value

– The developed texture/slip boundary condition can be a suitable and useful tool to analyze the effect of large-area texture/slip surface and especially to optimize the area and position of large-area texture surface. This approach can be complementary to conventional approach which is used to analyze the influence of textures’ real configurations and parameters.
A note on the use of the minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) system in turning
Authors: Carou Diego , Rubio Eva  M. , Davim J Paulo
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide a practical review of the use of the minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) system in turning operations, focussing on the application of the technique in the turning of different kind of materials.

Design/methodology/approach

– The use of the MQL system was analysed by several researchers in the past years. Thus, in the present paper, a relevant sample of the main experimental studies that can be found in the literature was analysed to come up with a review with relevant information for researchers and industry.

Findings

– The use of the MQL system can help to improve the outcomes of the turning process in several issues like surface quality or tool life. However, it was also recognised that in some cases, other cooling/lubricating methods can provide better results than the MQL system. Thus, the decision, whether to use or not the MQL system in a specific process, is of great importance.

Originality/value

– The work is conveniently focussed to serve as a quick reference on the issue. At the same time, the work analysed the use of the turning of some of the main engineering materials that makes it useful for a wider range of researchers and metalworking firms. Finally, the review could be useful to improve the performance of the industry, especially for the metalworking firms in terms of costs, environmental impact and safety.
The Tour de France: corporate sponsorships and doping accusations
Authors: Blumrodt Jens , Kitchen Philip J.
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is show how sponsors in a major sponsored event may react when facing a potential doping affair. The Tour de France cycling competition is a premier global sporting event – broadcast worldwide – and thus attracts very significant sponsorship. Cycling teams are named after their team sponsors. Recent global news has, however, shown that there are doping scandals involved in this event which impact both teams and team sponsors. When a doping scandal occurs in a team, the sponsors have to react rapidly and expeditiously to protect their brand reputation.

Design/methodology/approach

– To ascertain potential reactions, team sponsors are interviewed in depth and their reactions to a doping affair assessed. The sponsors represent different brands and their commitment as team sponsors also varies.

Findings

– Research shows that sponsors react similarly when a doping scandal occurs in their team and adopt similar communication strategies in that situation. While best practice is apparent, doping policies put into place by sponsors nevertheless differ. These practices are more than just preventative in nature, i.e. they anticipate and try to prevent doping affairs.

Practical implications

– The teams and sponsors are engaged in a long-term relationship to build brand heritage. Undoubtedly, doping is taken very seriously, as consequences can be severe. In this sense, the sport, the teams and the sponsors share the same vision and objectives.

Originality/value

– Team sponsors reactions while facing a potential doping affair have not yet been assessed. Best practices become visible which might serve as guidelines in other global sporting events, also generating significant sponsorships.
Review of the evidence for adolescent and young person specific, community-based health services for NHS managers
Authors: Ryan Gemma
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the evidence surrounding the design and delivery of adolescent-specific health services for young people aged 14-25. This aims to make recommendations for National Health Service (NHS) senior management teams on the available literature relating to service design for children’s and young people's services within the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper presents a mini-review carried out in Spring 2013 using EMBASE, BNI, PSYCHinfo, MEDLINE and Google Scholar to systematically search available published and unpublished research papers. Systematic reviews, meta-analyses and evaluations of service models were included within this review. Adapted “GRADE” criteria were used to appraise the evidence.

Findings

– Of 70 papers found, 22 met the inclusion criteria. There were five main service designs found within the literature: hospital-based; school-linked or school-based; community based; combination and integrative; and other methods which did not fit into the four other categories.

Research limitations/implications

– This review is limited to the literature available within the inclusion criteria and search strategy used. It intends to inform management decisions in combination with other parameters and available evidence.

Originality/value

– There is range of research and evidence syntheses relating to adolescent services, but none of these have been conducted with a focus on the UK NHS and the information needs of managers re-designing services in the current climate within England.
Effect of perceived brand environment-friendliness on Indian consumer attitude and purchase intention
Authors: Punyatoya Plavini
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of perceived brand environment-friendliness (PBE) on brand trust and perceived brand value and the subsequent effect on consumer’s environment friendly (EF) brand attitude and EF brand purchase intention. The research also proposes a novel construct PBE.

Design/methodology/approach

– The current research involves a pretest to select a perceived EF brand. Then a survey is conducted among 223 Indian consumers. Structural equation modelling is used to analyse the data and to test the proposed integrated model.

Findings

– The results show that PBE is positively associated with brand trust and perceived brand value. High trust in the EF brand and high consumer perceived brand value lead to favourable attitude towards the brand. Consumers with positive EF brand attitude have significantly higher intention to purchase the brand.

Practical implications

– The paper provides interesting insights about Indian consumers’ evaluation of EF brands. These useful insights would enable both international and national marketers to develop more focused strategies catering to the Indian consumers.

Originality/value

– The paper empirically demonstrates that, when Indian consumers perceive a brand as EF, it leads to favourable attitude towards the brand and significantly positive purchase intention. There has been a little research focused on India in this field. So, the current paper offers vital guidelines to international marketers, who are planning to introduce their EF brands to Indian market.
Brandscapes: contrasting corporate-generated versus consumer-generated media in the creation of brand meaning
Authors: Shao Wei , Jones Richard Gyrd , Grace Debra
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to add to the growing literature addressing whether, and to what extent, brand meaning is determined by corporate and consumer-generated processes. To do this, the authors compared the expression of brand meaning across three key sources i.e. first, brand strategy (i.e. traditional marketing mix); second, corporate-generated media (i.e. web site); and third, consumer-generated media (Facebook).

Design/methodology/approach

– To address the research question of this study, the authors conducted an in-depth investigation into consumer co-creation experiences in the context of Facebook brand communities. The authors then interpreted the findings in relation to the brand strategy (i.e. marketing mix) and brand meaning expressed via corporate-generated online media (i.e. corporate web site). The authors achieved this by applying a narrative discourse analysis to textual data. To effectively handle the high quantity of textual data spawned via consumer-generated media (i.e. Facebook), the authors used a computer-assisted content analysis application (i.e. Leximancer).

Findings

– In the analyses the authors found that brand expressions varied considerably across the chosen retail brands, but in all cases strong integration and alignment were present between the corporate and consumer-generated media. Specifically, the authors found that Facebook interactions echoed the brand meanings espoused on the corporate web sites. The findings indicate that online marketers can define the nature of brand co-creation, especially in the context of Facebook interactions.

Practical implications

– For marketers who are eager to take advantage of Web 2.0 to build their brand, the findings of this research are highly significant. The authors showed that the brands developed their own interaction profiles, which allowed them to align the Facebook content with their core brand values. The results indicate that sound brand governance is articulated through the effective management of social media touchpoints by providing interactive, content rich, and relevant Facebook sites that echo core brand values.

Originality/value

– Even though businesses have now started to penetrate the online social networks and offer direct links from corporate web sites to social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter, little is known regarding the relationship between social media and traditional media in brand building. This research addresses this gap by undertaking an exploratory study of Facebook brand communities with implications for brand co-creation and brand governance.
Managing adversity: understanding some dimensions of organizational resilience
Authors: Sawalha Ihab Hanna Salman
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– This study aims to explore how insurance organisations interpret organisational resilience; to identify potential objectives, elements and practices of organisational resilience within insurance organisations; and to investigate the impact of culture on resilience.

Design/methodology/approach

– An empirical study in the insurance industry in Jordan was undertaken. The population consists of all 28 insurance companies registered at the Amman Stock Exchange. Data were collected via a survey questionnaire followed by three semi-structured interviews.

Findings

– Results revealed that respondents understand the meaning of organisational resilience differently. Various factors constitute organisational resilience in Jordanian insurance organisations. Nevertheless, some key factors that have the potential to improve organisational resilience were missing. Culture influenced the level of organisational resilience considerably.

Practical implications

– This study provides insights into the factors that enable organisations to withstand future risks, which, in turn, ensures long-term survival. It also reveals how culture affects the level of organisational resilience. This paper provides a basis for policymakers in Jordan to start actively considering existing resources and cultural trends to introduce new frameworks for improving resilience in the insurance sector.

Originality/value

– This study is made in the context of an emerging economy; Jordan. It uses quantitative and qualitative research approaches. It is also one of the few studies to discuss resilience in relation to culture and within the insurance sector.
The relative predictive ability of earnings and cash flows
Authors: Dawar Varun
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the relative predictive abilities of current earnings (and its components) and cash flows for next period cash flows in case of Shariah-compliant companies in India.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study uses the list of CRISIL NSE Index (CNX) Nifty Shariah Index companies as its sample for a period of 10 years for conducting the analysis. The study utilizes the cash flow prediction models to examine the relative predictive abilities of current earnings (and its components) and cash flows for next period cash flows.

Findings

– The study report that contrary to Financial Accounting Standard Board assertion, current cash flows have superior predictive ability of next period cash flows than current aggregate earnings in case of Shariah-compliant companies in India. The results further show that there are no gains from decomposing earnings into accruals and cash flows in predicting future cash flows. There is no increase in explanatory power (measured by adjusted R2) when aggregate earnings are disaggregated into accruals and cash flows to predict next period cash flows.

Practical implications

– The empirical findings of the study will enable the Shariah compliant investors to understand the role of current earnings (and its components) and cash flows in predicting next period cash flows in case of Shariah-compliant companies in India.

Originality/value

– To the best of author’s knowledge, this is the first study which examines the relative predictive abilities of current earnings (and its components) and cash flows for next period cash flows in case of Shariah-compliant companies in India.
Forest management adaptation to climate change: a Cornelian dilemma between drought resistance and soil macro‐detritivore functional diversity
Authors: Henneron Ludovic , Aubert Michaël , Bureau Fabrice , Dumas Yann , Ningre François , Perret Sandrine , Richter Claudine , Balandier Philippe , Chauvat Matthieu
Published: April 2015

Global warming induces new constraints on forest ecosystems and requires forest management adaptation. The reduction in stand density is currently debated as a potential tool to face increasing summer drought risk by improving forest resistance to climate change‐induced tree mortality. However, few studies have yet assessed the impacts of this management change on soil biodiversity.

We conducted a large‐scale, multi‐site assessment of the response of soil macro‐detritivore assemblages and soil functioning to experimental manipulations of stand density. A total of 33 stands were studied covering a wide gradient of stand density, that is stand basal area from 2·5 to 43·7 m2 ha−1, stand age, that is 18–171 years old, and local abiotic context.

We observed contrasting responses as a function of both taxonomic and functional groupings. Exploratory analysis using causal diagrams, that is path analysis, highlights that these changes were mainly related to alterations in understorey vegetation, microclimatic and soil pH conditions. The response of soil macro‐detritivore assemblages to stand density manipulation was consistent over the gradient of stand ages.

Among the litter‐dwelling macro‐detritivores, millipede abundance and diversity decreased with stand density reduction, while woodlice and epigeic earthworms were unaffected. Further, a shift in soil‐dwelling earthworm community composition was observed in mull stands. Endogeic earthworm abundance showed a sharp increase with stand density reduction, which translated into an increase in soil respiration. In contrast, anecic earthworm abundance decreased and was strongly associated with a decline of the rate of forest floor turnover.

Synthesis and applications. Our study provides strong evidence that reductions of stand density will have substantial impacts on soil macro‐detritivore assemblages and cascading effects on soil functioning, particularly in mull stands. Managing stand density of oak forests at an intermediate level, that is 25 m2 ha−1, appears to be best to optimize the trade‐off between improving forest resistance to climate change and ensuring the conservation of functional diversity to preserve forest ecosystem functioning and stability.
The role of Krüppel‐like factor 4 in transforming growth factor‐β–induced inflammatory and fibrotic responses in human proximal tubule cells
Authors: Mreich Ellein , Chen Xin‐Ming , Zaky Amgad , Pollock Carol A , Saad Sonia
Published: April 2015

Krüppel‐like factor 4 (KLF4) is known to mitigate inflammation in several cell types. Using human proximal tubule cells, the present study aimed to investigate the role of KLF4 in regulating transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1 induced inflammatory and fibrotic responses. Human kidney proximal tubular cells were exposed to high glucose, or TGF‐β1 and KLF4 expressions were determined. Cells were then transfected with empty vector or KLF4 and exposed to 2‐ng/mL TGF‐β1 for up to 72 h. Inflammatory proteins (macrophage migration inhibitory factor and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1) and pro‐fibrotic proteins (fibronectin and collagen IV) were measured after 72 h by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and western blot, respectively. To determine the relevance to in vivo models of chronic kidney disease, KLF4 protein expression in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic mice was determined. Krüppel‐like factor 4 messenger RNA (mRNA) levels were significantly reduced in high glucose‐treated human kidney proximal tubular cells. High glucose increased TGF‐β1 mRNA expression, which significantly increased migration inhibitory factor and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 protein secretion. Transforming growth factor‐β1 significantly increased fibronectin and collagen IV protein expression. The overexpression of KLF4 significantly reduced TGF‐β–mediated increases in migration inhibitory factor and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 but had no effect on TGF‐β–mediated fibronectin and collagen IV mRNA and protein expression. The levels of KLF4 mRNA were significantly reduced in the diabetic kidney, and diabetic animals had a significant reduction in renal tubular expression of KLF4 proteins. This data suggest that KLF4 reduces inflammation induced by TGF‐β1, suggesting a therapeutic role for KLF4 in diabetic nephropathy.
Pharmacological characterization of mechanisms involved in the vasorelaxation produced by rosuvastatin in aortic rings from rats with a cafeteria‐style diet
Authors: López‐Canales Jorge Skiold , Lozano‐Cuenca Jair , López‐Canales Oscar Alberto , Aguilar‐Carrasco José Carlos , Aranda‐Zepeda Lidia , López‐Sánchez Pedro , Castillo‐Henkel Enrique Fernando , López‐Mayorga Ruth Mery , Valencia‐Hernández Ignacio
Published: April 2015

The present study aimed to investigate the possible influence of several inhibitors and blockers on the vascular effect produced by the acute in vitro application of rosuvastatin to phenylephrine‐precontracted aortic rings from rats with a semi‐solid, cafeteria‐style (CAF) diet. It also aimed to examine the effects of rosuvastatin on the expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), inducible nitric oxide synthase, constitutive cyclooxygenase, and inducible cyclooxygenase in aortic rings from rats with a CAF diet. From comparisons of the effect on phenylephrine‐precontracted aortic rings extracted from rats with two different diets (a standard and a CAF diet), it was found that 10−9–10−5‐mol/L rosuvastatin produced lower concentration‐dependent vasorelaxation on rings from the CAF diet group. The vasorelaxant effect was unaffected by the vehicle, but it was significantly attenuated by 10−5‐mol/L NG‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester, 10−2‐mol/L tetraethylammonium, 10−3‐mol/L 4‐aminopyridine, 10−7‐mol/L apamin plus 10−7‐mol/L charybdotoxin, 10−5‐mol/L indomethacin, or 10−5‐mol/L cycloheximide. Moreover, in aortic rings from rats with a CAF diet, rosuvastatin enhanced the expression of eNOS, inducible nitric oxide synthase, constitutive cyclooxygenase, and inducible cyclooxygenase. The acute in vitro application of rosuvastatin to phenylephrine‐precontracted aortic rings from rats with a CAF diet had a vasorelaxant effect. Overall, the present results suggest that the stimulation of eNOS, the opening of Ca2+‐activated and voltage‐activated K+ channels, the stimulation of prostaglandin synthesis and enhanced protein levels of eNOS, inducible nitric oxide synthase, constitutive cyclooxygenase, and inducible cyclooxygenase are involved in this relaxant effect.
Increased brain l‐arginine availability facilitates cutaneous heat loss induced by running exercise
Authors: Wanner Samuel Penna , Leite Laura Hora Rios , Guimarães Juliana Bohnen , Coimbra Cândido Celso
Published: April 2015

The effects of increased brain availability of l‐arginine (l‐arg), a precursor for nitric oxide synthesis, on core body temperature (Tcore) and cutaneous heat loss were evaluated in running rats. One week prior to the experiments, adult male Wistar rats received the following implants: a chronic guide cannula in the lateral cerebral ventricle and a temperature sensor in the abdominal cavity. On the day of the experiments, the rats were assigned to receive a 2‐μL intracerebroventricular injection of either NaCl (0.15 mol/L) or l‐arg solution (0.825, 1.65 or 3.30 mol/L); Tcore and tail skin temperature were measured while the rats ran at a speed of 18 m/min until they were fatigued. l‐arginine induced a dose‐dependent reduction in the threshold Tcore required for cutaneous heat loss (38.09 ± 0.20°C for 3.30‐mol/L l‐arg vs 38.61 ± 0.10°C for saline; P < 0.05), which attenuated the exercise‐induced hyperthermia. Although the rats treated with l‐arg presented a lower Tcore at the end of exercise (~0.7°C lower after treatment with the highest dose), no changes in the time to fatigue were observed relative to the control trial. These results suggest that brain l‐arg controls heat loss during exercise, most likely by modulating the sympathetic vasoconstrictor tonus to skin vessels. Furthermore, despite facilitating cutaneous heat loss mechanisms, increased brain l‐arg availability did not enhance physical performance.
Transformative Use of an Improved All‐Payer Hospital Discharge Data Infrastructure for Community‐Based Participatory Research: A Sustainability Pathway
Authors: Salemi Jason L. , Salinas‐Miranda Abraham A. , Wilson Roneé E. , Salihu Hamisu M.
Published: April 2015

Objective

To describe the use of a clinically enhanced maternal and child health (MCH) database to strengthen community‐engaged research activities, and to support the sustainability of data infrastructure initiatives.

Data Sources/Study Setting

Population‐based, longitudinal database covering over 2.3 million mother–infant dyads during a 12‐year period (1998–2009) in Florida. Setting: A community‐based participatory research (CBPR) project in a socioeconomically disadvantaged community in central Tampa, Florida.

Study Design

Case study of the use of an enhanced state database for supportingCBPRactivities.

Principal Findings

A federal data infrastructure award resulted in the creation of anMCHdatabase in which over 92 percent of all birth certificate records for infants born between 1998 and 2009 were linked to maternal and infant hospital encounter‐level data. The population‐based, longitudinal database was used to supplement data collected from focus groups and community surveys with epidemiological and health care cost data on importantMCHdisparity issues in the target community. Data were used to facilitate a community‐driven, decision‐making process in which the most important priorities for intervention were identified.

Conclusions

Integrating statewide all‐payer, hospital‐based databases intoCBPRcan empower underserved communities with a reliable source of health data, and it can promote the sustainability of newly developed data systems.
Fatal Wounds by “Manja” to a Motorbike Rider in Motion
Authors: Borkar Jaydeo Laxman , Tumram Nilesh Keshav , Ambade Vipul Namdeorao , Dixit Pradeep Gangadhar
Published: April 2015

“Kite fights” are quite popular throughout Asia. Most kite variations, including the fighter kites of India, Pakistan, and Japan, are small, flat, roughly diamond‐shaped kites composed of paper, with a tapered bamboo spine and a balanced bow. They are flown with the help of a “Manja,” which is a thread made of cotton or nylon, and coated with fine glass powder using glue and other chemical adhesives to cut down opponent's kite string. The nylon “Manja” is particularly more dangerous, as it not only cuts down opponent's kite string but also causes bodily injuries to humans, which may be at times fatal. The pattern of injuries by Manja is underreported in literature. In the present case, the deceased had encountered fatal injuries by “Manja” while riding on his motorbike. This case discusses the pattern of injuries caused by Manja when the victims are in motion on their two‐wheelers.
Climate Change Mitigation Options in the Italian Livestock Sector
Authors: Coderoni Silvia , Valli Laura , Canavari Maurizio
Published: April 2015

According to official figures, estimated using the UNFCCC methodology, the agricultural sector is responsible for around 10 per cent of EU‐15 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. However, these figures rise substantially if we consider the lifecycle of a product, from the cradle to the farm gate. This study investigates six livestock products in Italy, in order to estimate their carbon footprint and to explore their mitigation potential. The products analysed were fresh milk, milk for Parmigiano‐Reggiano cheese, beef, pork, eggs and poultry. Their carbon footprint was estimated using a Life Cycle Assessment approach. Although mitigation measures on the supply side are the focus of European agricultural and climate policies, the study shows that the potential of each individual action is quite limited, due to technical constraints. Nevertheless, some mitigation options can also reduce production costs, generating a win–win situation between public and private benefits. Dissemination programmes, which will be examined in 2015, are important to raise awareness among farmers about climate change scenarios in the agricultural sector and to build capacity for cost‐saving mitigation options. The demand side is also being explored in 2015 to evaluate the mitigation potential, through experimental auctions, of consumer willingness to pay for livestock products with a carbon footprint label.
Greenhouse Gas Abatement in Agriculture – Is there a Conflict with Food Security?
Authors: Blandford David , Gaasland Ivar , Vårdal Erling
Published: April 2015

Norway has indicated its desire to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) from its domestic agricultural production. At the same time, it stresses the importance of food security as a policy objective and interprets this in terms of maintaining the supply of food calories for consumption from domestic production. Self‐sufficiency in major agricultural products is pursued through high levels of support to farmers and import protection. We use a model of Norwegian agriculture to examine the simultaneous pursuit of a reduction in GHG emissions and the food security objective. With a continuation of a self‐sufficiency policy, the reduction in emissions would lead to a major reduction in red meat consumption from extensive beef cattle and sheep production. If a production target is combined with a more trade‐friendly approach through a reduction in tariffs, the shift away from red meat would be more pronounced. Consumers would gain from lower domestic prices, despite the imposition of a substantial carbon tax. We conclude that commodities that generate the highest GHG emissions are those that are currently the most heavily subsidised, while also representing an economically inefficient way to supply calories, which is the focus of the food security objective in Norway.
Food Security and Climate Change: The Role of Sustainable Intensification, the Importance of Scale and the CAP
Authors: Rickard Sean
Published: April 2015

Food security, the depletion of the world's natural capital and climate change form a trilemma for EU agriculture. This article argues that while reducing food waste and meat consumption can make a contribution, only the widespread adoption of sustainable intensification (SI) – to achieve a step‐change in natural resource productivity (NRP) growth – can deliver the necessary increase in output while reducing the industry's demands on the environment and GHG emissions. Maximising the growth of NRP depends not only on advances in plant and animal breeding but also a general transition to precision farming. This transition critically involves expensive investment and in this respect, larger‐scale farms that benefit from economies of scale have an inherent advantage: they are more likely to be profitable, have greater access to investment funds and also a larger volume of output over which to spread the cost. Within the EU, production is only slowly being concentrated on larger‐scale farms and for approximately two thirds of farms, direct support payments serve only to augment incomes and are insufficient to generate a surplus to fund performance improving investment. Phasing out direct payments would speed‐up the EU agricultural industry's rate of structural change thereby helping it more rapidly to address the trilemma while minimising the impact on food prices.
Healthy food intentions fail to lead to healthy consumption at an Australian festival
Authors: Ferguson Renee , Davies Christina , Lester Leanne , Rosenberg Michael
Published: April 2015

Aim

To investigate healthy food purchasing intentions and behaviours among patrons attending a large festival and any associations with healthy eating attitudes, social norms or perceived behavioural control.

Methods

Food consumption intention and behaviour were measured via pre (upon entry)‐post (prior to exit) surveys among West Australian adults at the Perth Royal Show (n = 100; 66 female and 34 male). Attitude, social norm and perceived control were measured via 5‐point Likert scales. McNemar chi‐squared tests were conducted on the pre‐post measures, an anova was conducted for continuous variables, and a path analysis with bootstrapping was performed to examine the relationships from healthy eating attitudes, social norms and perceived control to intentions and behaviours.

Results

Upon entry, 71% intended to purchase food; however, significantly more participants (84%, P < 0.05) actually bought food. Of those who intended to buy food, 82% anticipated buying unhealthy food and 44% healthy food. On exiting, significantly more patrons purchased unhealthy foods (97%, P < 0.01) and significantly fewer bought healthy foods (22%, P < 0.01). There were no significant associations between intentions, behaviours, healthy eating attitudes, social norms or perceived control.

Conclusions

Overall, most patrons intended and actually purchased unhealthy foods. However, among patrons who did not intend to purchase food, or planned to buy healthy food, they too bought mostly unhealthy foods. Additional efforts to promote and provide healthy choices are required.
Stress ulcer prophylaxis in the intensive care unit: an international survey of 97 units in 11 countries
Authors: KRAG M. , PERNER A. , WETTERSLEV J. , WISE M. P. , BORTHWICK M. , BENDEL S. , MCARTHUR C. , COOK D. , NIELSEN N. , PELOSI P. , KEUS F. , GUTTORMSEN A. B. , MOLLER A. D. , MØLLER M. H. ,   the SUP‐ICU Collaborators
Published: April 2015

Background

Stress ulcer prophylaxis (SUP) may decrease the incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding in patients in the intensive care unit (ICU), but the risk of infection may be increased. In this study, we aimed to describe SUP practices in adult ICUs. We hypothesised that patient selection for SUP varies both within and between countries.

Methods

Adult ICUs were invited to participate in the survey. We registered country, type of hospital, type and size of ICU, preferred SUP agent, presence of local guideline, reported indications for SUP, criteria for discontinuing SUP, and concerns about adverse effects. Fisher's exact test was used to assess differences between groups.

Results

Ninety‐seven adult ICUs in 11 countries participated (eight European). All but one ICU used SUP, and 64% (62/97) reported having a guideline for the use of SUP. Proton pump inhibitors were the most common SUP agent, used in 66% of ICUs (64/97), and H2‐receptor antagonists were used 31% (30/97) of the units. Twenty‐three different indications for SUP were reported, the most frequent being mechanical ventilation. All patients were prescribed SUP in 26% (25/97) of the ICUs. Adequate enteral feeding was the most frequent reason for discontinuing SUP, but 19% (18/97) continued SUP upon ICU discharge. The majority expressed concern about nosocomial pneumonia and Clostridium difficile infection with the use of SUP.

Conclusions

In this international survey, most participating ICUs reported using SUP, primarily proton pump inhibitors, but many did not have a guideline; indications varied considerably and concern existed about infectious complications.
Negotiating the responsibilities of collaborative undergraduate fieldcourses
Authors: Bhakta Amita , Dickinson Jen , Moore Kate , Mutinda David , Mylam Anna , Upton Caroline
Published: April 2015

Undergraduate fieldcourses to destinations in the global South have received much critical scholarly and pedagogic attention. This article reflects on a third‐year Geography fieldcourse toKenya, which aimed to collaborate with local partners in providing an immersive and co‐constitutive learning environment that transcended the politics of knowledge production defining the global South as a distanciated object of study. We shape our reflections on this fieldcourse through a conceptualisation of responsibility as a relational, inter‐subjective achievement borne out of negotiation and encounter. Focusing in particular on the trade‐offs that are required when taking into account different staff, students and partner organisations' positionalities, expectations and experiences, we argue that scholarship concerning the responsibilities of geographers' engagements with the global South needs to account for the emotional, embodied and affective challenges inherent in practising collaborative academic endeavour.
Spontaneous and tetracosactide‐induced anti‐ACTH antibodies in man
Authors: Gan Earn H. , MacArthur Katie , Mitchell Anna L. , Joshi Abhijit , Crock Patricia , Pearce Simon H. S.
Published: April 2015

Context

During a clinical trial of regular tetracosactide depot injections, four of 13 patients with autoimmune Addison's disease (AAD) developed adverse reactions immediately following tetracosactide injections. We wished to investigate whether these adverse effects could be due to the production of circulating antitetracosactide (ACTH1–24) antibodies.

Design

Anti‐ACTH binding activity was investigated using immunoblotting and ELISA on sera from participants in the trial (n = 13; baseline and after tetracosactide exposure), 131 unrelated patients with AAD, 92 patients with Graves’ disease (GD), 15 patients with isolated ACTH deficiency and 102 controls. Immunohistochemistry of human pituitary tissue sections was also performed using pooled sera.

Results

Bands at approximately 4 and 6 kDa, corresponding to ACTH1–24 and full‐length ACTH1–39, respectively, were found in 10 of 13 (77%) of sera from trial patients exposed to tetracosactide, including all those who had an adverse reaction. This is in contrast with healthy control sera, which showed no binding. The same 10 subjects also showed high levels of binding to tetracosactide by ELISA, along with 21% of patients with AAD, 14% of patients with GD (both P < 0·001 compared to controls) and 1 isolated ACTH deficiency patient (7% of 15). These sera also recognized native ACTH in human pituitary sections.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that repeated administration of depot tetracosactide can lead to anti‐ACTH1–24 autoreactivity. In addition, a significant number of patients with AAD and GD also had similar, spontaneous, anti‐ACTH reactivity. The presence of these antibodies could mediate some of the adverse effects or explain the well‐described phenomenon of resistance to chronic ACTH therapy.
Long‐Term Outcome of Implant Rehabilitations in Patients with Systemic Disorders and Smoking Habits: A Retrospective Clinical Study
Authors: Maló Paulo , de Araújo Nobre Miguel , Gonçalves Yolande , Lopes Armando
Published: April 2015

Background

There is a need for more studies investigating the outcome of implant‐supported rehabilitations in patients with systemic disorders.

Materials and Methods

This retrospective clinical study included 721 patients with systemic disorders or smoking habits (422 females; 299 males), with an average age of 51 years, rehabilitated with 3,998 implants and followed for 3–17 years (average 8 years). Outcome measures were: implant survival rates calculated based on implant function through life tables and using the patient (first implant failure censored) and implant as units of analysis; marginal bone levels measured at 1, 5, and 10 years; and the incidence of biological complications (peri‐implant pathology, abscess formation, fistula formation, and suppuration).

Results

Eighty‐seven patients were lost to follow‐up (12%). Forty‐five patients experienced prosthetic failure rendering a 94.3% survival rate. One hundred seventy‐three implants failed in 98 patients, rendering an 83.5% (patient level) and 94.6% (implant level) cumulative survival rate. The average marginal bone levels were 1.18 mm, 1.56 mm, and 1.47 mm at 1, 5, and 10 years, respectively. Biological complications occurred in 86 patients (11.9%).

Conclusions

Implant rehabilitations in patients presenting systemic disorders or smoking habits are possible with good outcomes. Nevertheless, different impacts on implant rehabilitations were registered according to the type of systemic disorder.
A systematic review of the effectiveness of school‐based obesity prevention programmes for First Nations, Inuit and Métis youth in Canada
Authors: Godin K. , Leatherdale S. T. , Elton‐Marshall T.
Published: April 2015

First Nations, Inuit and Métis (FNIM) youth are disproportionately affected by obesity and represent known a high‐risk group in Canada. School‐based prevention programmes may have the potential to effectively influence obesity‐related health behaviours (i.e. healthy eating and physical activity) among this population. We conducted a systematic review of nine electronic databases (2003–2014) to identify studies that describe school‐based programmes that have been developed to improve obesity‐related health behaviours and outcomes among FNIM youth in Canada. The objectives of this review were to identify and evaluate the effectiveness of these programmes and assess the strength of the methodologies used to evaluate them. Fifteen studies, representing seven distinct interventions, met our inclusion criteria. The majority of these programmes did not result in significant improvements in outcomes related to obesity, healthy eating, or physical activity among FNIM youth. The studies varied in design rigour and use of evaluation activities. The lack of literature on effective school‐based programmes for FNIM youth in Canada that target obesity‐related outcomes highlights a priority area for future intervention development, evaluation and dissemination within the peer‐reviewed literature. Further research is needed on interventions involving Métis and Inuit youth, secondary school‐aged FNIM youth and FNIM youth living in urban settings.
Rectal enema is an alternative to full mechanical bowel preparation for primary rectal cancer surgery
Authors: Pittet O. , Nocito A. , Balke H. , Duvoisin C. , Clavien P. A. , Demartines N. , Hahnloser D.
Published: April 2015

Aim

According to the French GRECCAR III randomized trial, full mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) for rectal surgery decreases the rate of postoperative morbidity, in particular postoperative infectious complications, but MBP is not well tolerated by the patient. The aim of the present study was to determine whether a preoperative rectal enema (RE) might be an alternative to MBP.

Methods

An analysis was performed of 96 matched cohort patients undergoing rectal resection with primary anastomosis and protective ileostomy at two different university teaching hospitals, whose rectal cancer management was comparable except for the choice of preoperative bowel preparation (MBP or RE). Prospective databases were retrospectively analysed.

Results

Patients were well matched for age, gender, body mass index and Charlson index. The surgical approach and cancer characteristics (level above anal verge, stage and use of neoadjuvant therapy) were comparable between the two groups. Anastomotic leakage occurred in 10% of patients having MBP and in 8% having RE (P = 1.00). Pelvic abscess formation (6% vs 2%, P = 0.63) and wound infection (8% vs 15%, P = 0.55) were also comparable. Extra‐abdominal infection (13% vs 13%, P = 1.00) and non‐infectious abdominal complications such as ileus and bleeding (27% and 31%, P = 0.83) were not significantly different. Overall morbidity was comparable in the two groups (50% vs 54%, P = 0.83).

Conclusion

A simple RE before rectal surgery seems not to be associated with more postoperative infectious complications nor a higher overall morbidity than MBP.
Between‐species facilitation by male fig wasps in shared figs
Authors: WANG RONG , SEGAR SIMON T. , HARPER MAXIMILIAN , YU HUI , QUINNELL RUPERT J. , COMPTON STEPHEN G.
Published: April 2015

1. Facilitation is recorded from diverse plant–insect interactions, including pollination and herbivory.

2. The significance of facilitation resulting from the behavior of males of multiple fig wasp species inside figs was investigated. Female fig wasps emerge from natal figs via exit holes dug by males, especially male pollinators. When no males are present, the females struggle to escape and may die.

3. Ficus microcarpa L. is a widely‐established invasive fig tree from Southeast Asia. Its pollinator is absent in South Africa, so the tree cannot reproduce, but two Asian non‐pollinating fig wasps (NPFW) Walkerella microcarpae and Odontofroggatia galili occupy its figs. Abundance patterns of the two NPFW and the proportion of male‐free figs in South Africa, Spain (where the pollinator is introduced), and in China, where the native fig wasp community is diverse, were compared to determine the consequences of reduced species richness for insect survival.

4. Female fig wasps in male‐free figs were found to be trapped, and small clutch sizes contributed to the absence of males in both species. The presence of pollinators in Spain allowed most NPFW to develop in figs containing males. Far more male‐free figs were present in South Africa, elevating mortality rates among female NPFW. Facilitation of female release by males of other NPFW species nonetheless benefitted the rarer species.

5. Selection pressures in South Africa currently favour greater aggregation of NPFW offspring and/or less female biased sex ratios.
Comparison of high‐resolution melting analysis with direct sequencing for the detection of recurrent mutations in DNA methyltransferase 3A and isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 and 2 genes in acute myeloid leukemia patients
Authors: Gorniak Patryk , Ejduk Anna , Borg Katarzyna , Makuch‐Lasica Hanna , Nowak Grazyna , Lech‐Maranda Ewa , Prochorec‐Sobieszek Monika , Warzocha Krzysztof , Juszczynski Przemyslaw
Published: April 2015

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells harbor frequent mutations in genes responsible for epigenetic modifications. Increasing evidence of clinical role of DNMT3A and IDH1/2 mutations highlights the need for a robust and inexpensive test to identify these mutations in routine diagnostic work‐up. Herein, we compared routinely used direct sequencing method with high‐resolution melting (HRM) assay for screening DNMT3A and IDH1/2 mutations in patients with AML. We show very high concordance between HRM and Sanger sequencing (100% samples for IDH2‐R140 and DNMT3‐R882 mutations, 99% samples for IDH1‐R132 and IDH2‐R172 mutations). HRM method reported no false‐negative results, suggesting that it can be used for mutations screening. Moreover, HRM displayed much higher sensitivity in comparison with DNA sequencing in all assessed loci. With Sanger sequencing, robust calls were observed when the sample contained 50% of mutant DNA in the background of wild‐type DNA. In marked contrast, the detection limit of HRM improved down to 10% of mutated DNA. Given the ubiquitous presence of wild‐type DNA background in bone marrow aspirates and clonal variations regarding mutant allele burden, these results favor HRM as a sensitive, specific, labor‐, and cost‐effective tool for screening and detection of mutations in IDH1/2 and DNMT3A genes in patients with AML.
Somatotopy and temporal dynamics of sensorimotor interactions: evidence from double afferent inhibition
Authors: Tamè Luigi , Pavani Francesco , Braun Christoph , Salemme Romeo , Farnè Alessandro , Reilly Karen T.
Published: April 2015

Moving and interacting with the world requires that the sensory and motor systems share information, but while some information about tactile events is preserved during sensorimotor transfer the spatial specificity of this information is unknown. Afferent inhibition (AI) studies, in which corticospinal excitability (CSE) is inhibited when a single tactile stimulus is presented before a transcranial magnetic stimulation pulse over the motor cortex, offer contradictory results regarding the sensory‐to‐motor transfer of spatial information. Here, we combined the techniques of AI and tactile repetition suppression (the decreased neurophysiological response following double stimulation of the same vs. different fingers) to investigate whether topographic information is preserved in the sensory‐to‐motor transfer in humans. We developed a double AI paradigm to examine both spatial (same vs. different finger) and temporal (short vs. long delay) aspects of sensorimotor interactions. Two consecutive electrocutaneous stimuli (separated by either 30 or 125 ms) were delivered to either the same or different fingers on the left hand (i.e. index finger stimulated twice or middle finger stimulated before index finger). Information about which fingers were stimulated was reflected in the size of the motor responses in a time‐constrained manner: CSE was modulated differently by same and different finger stimulation only when the two stimuli were separated by the short delay (P = 0.004). We demonstrate that the well‐known response of the somatosensory cortices following repetitive stimulation is mirrored in the motor cortex and that CSE is modulated as a function of the temporal and spatial relationship between afferent stimuli.