bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resilient gender order in entrepreneurship: the case of Swedish welfare industries
Authors: Sköld Birgitta , Tillmar Malin
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this article is to use quantitative empirical data to analyse the degree of resilience, as well as change or reproduction of the gender order, in the era of New Public Management. The propositions are constructed based on liberal- and socialist-feminist perspectives, and discussed in light of the empirical results.

Design/methodology/approach

– We report from a longitudinal quantitative study of female-dominated welfare industries. Data, available from Statistics Sweden, include the total population of entrepreneurs available on the individual level. However, the level of analysis that was used in the study was in accordance with the industry level. Data were processed from an aggregated level to the most detailed level of classification.

Findings

– The findings reveal resilience in the prevailing gender order. The order is being reproduced in the entrepreneurship context, in most of the industries that were studied.

Practical implications

– The results may potentially have profound impact on entrepreneurship policy, equality policy and public sector restructuring.

Originality/value

– This quantitative longitudinal study shows a complex pattern on the detailed industry level, which can be understood in terms of male gender labelling of entrepreneurship. The results thus support previous qualitative studies that have observed this phenomenon. Methodologically, this paper contributes to the field by showing that without breaking down the analysis into the different female-dominated industries on a five-digit level, the various results of the public sector reforms and the attendant gendered effects would not have been revealed.
The effects of healthcare governance and ownership structure on the performance of hospitals in Ghana
Authors: Abor Patience Aseweh
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of health-care governance and ownership structure on the performance of hospitals in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study uses multiple regression models based on a sample of 132 hospitals in Ghana.

Findings

– The results of the study indicate that hospitals with a governing board perform better than those without a governing board. The results of this study also suggest that board characteristics and ownership structure are important in explaining the performance of hospitals in Ghana. The results further indicate that mission-based and private hospitals with effective board governance structures exhibit better performance than public hospitals.

Originality/value

– This study makes a number of new and meaningful contributions to the extant literature and the findings support managerialism, stakeholder and resource dependency theories. The findings also have important implications for the effective governance of hospitals.
Social entrepreneurship in the informal economy: a case study of re-enactment festivals
Authors: Gordin Valery , Dedova Mariya
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– The paper aims to generate new information on the types of entrepreneurial activities at the re-enactment festivals and their importance for the re-enactors.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study consisted of two stages: a content analysis of information available through online open access and a qualitative survey of re-enactors and a qualitative survey of re-enactors was organised and spanned from November 2012 to February 2013.

Findings

– The paper concludes that a specific form of entrepreneurship in the Russian market characterised by creation of social capital, a high level of devotion to engagement and, at the same time, non-profit-related gains has been emerged.

Research limitations/implications

– The socio-cultural phenomenon of entrepreneurship within re-enactment festivals is investigated. The study may be further developed by identifying various cultural events that may be characterised by the existence of an internal festival market.

Originality/value

– This paper highlights social entrepreneurial activities in informal sector by the example of re-enactment festivals.
A value-creating framework for enhancing entrepreneurial learning in networks
Authors: Nieminen Lenita , Lemmetyinen Arja
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to conceptualize and outline the social infrastructure that nurtures and strengthens cooperation in business networks promoting cultural tourism and thereby facilitates entrepreneurial learning. The role of the higher-education (HE) provider is emphasized on different levels of the value-creating framework.

Design/methodology/approach

– To explore and analyze the benefits of cooperation in business networks promoting cultural tourism as perceived by entrepreneurs, participants in the fields of both culture and tourism in two workshops were observed. From the information produced in the workshops, ethnographically oriented data were selected.

Findings

– Benefits that inspired cooperation among the members of the tourism business network were identified, which were categorized as functional, relational and symbolic. On the functional level, the actors involved, the entrepreneurs, considered it important to have an opportunity to meet and discuss in a stimulating atmosphere. The role of the HE provider at this stage was that of a facilitator, in other words, to set the scene. On the level of relational cooperation it was more important to foster relations between the network actors, and the provider’s role changed to that of a matchmaker. On the symbolic level, it is essential that all parties of the cooperation work together to find new business solutions based on common values. At this stage, the role of the HE provider is that of a co-creator.

Research limitations/implications

– As a case study, this research represents the local context of entrepreneurial cooperation in business networks promoting cultural tourism. Further study is needed to develop a framework that encompasses change in the traditional roles of the learning environment.

Practical implications

– Teaching and training approaches derive from the contexts in which micro and small businesses and their networks learn. HE offers students a safe environment in which to experiment and innovate, thereby linking student academic work to “real-life” project performance.

Originality/value

– Interaction/network theory is combined with the discussion on entrepreneurial learning.
Does Income Inequality Make Us Less Happy?
Authors: Nguyen Jeremy K. , Fleming Christopher M. , Su Jen‐Je
Published: February 2015

This article presents evidence from Australia showing linkages between income inequality in an individual's geographical region and life satisfaction. Higher income inequality is associated with lower self‐rated life satisfaction. In contrast to expectations that inequality may primarily be an issue of concern for poorer individuals, the relationship holds strongly for higher income households, but the evidence for lower income households is less conclusive. Shadow price estimates indicate that, in order to offset the effect of annual changes in inequality over the sample period (2001–2009), an average Australian would require compensatory changes of approximately 3–9 per cent in income each year (about $3,689 in 2009).
The Australian Multi‐Factor Productivity Growth Illusion
Authors: Foster John
Published: February 2015

Over the past decade, Australian multi‐factor productivity growth has been predominantly negative, often leading to the view that there is a ‘productivity problem’. It is shown that it is not a useful measure and is thus misleading. Exploratory econometric investigations suggest that economies of scale are the primary drivers of productivity growth. However, more research needs to be undertaken to understand the determinants of these economies of scale before any new policy to promote productivity growth is designed. There needs to be greater understanding of the underlying process of innovation that gives rise to economies of both scale and scope.
Caustic Ingestion—A Forensic Overview
Authors: Byard Roger W.
Published: February 2015

The ingestion of corrosive substances may produce severe burns to the upper aerodigestive tract and stomach, particularly if the pH is greater than 12 or less than two. There is a biphasic age grouping with adult cases most often involving self‐harm and pediatric cases accidental ingestion. Three cases are reported to demonstrate characteristic features following the ingestion of potassium hydroxide, glacial acetic acid and Lysol®, respectively. All deaths were due to the effects of caustic burns to the upper aerodigestive tract, esophagus and stomach with perforation and/or hemorrhage. The extent of injuries in these cases depends on the nature, amount, and concentration of the agent and on the exposure time. A point to note at autopsy is that tissue damage may also occur from postmortem exposure. Typical injuries involve perioral, limb, and trunk burns, with extensive aerodigestive liquefactive/coagulative necrosis causing hemorrhage and perforation.
Ecological research in Australia: Identifying links versus gaps between hotspots of ecological research and biodiversity
Authors: Kumar Lalit , Khormi Hassan M. , Leis Katrina , Taylor Subhashni
Published: February 2015

Increasing anthropogenic impacts on biodiversity has been a cause for concern in Australia in recent years. Areas that hold high levels of endemic species and also face exceptional threats of destruction have been described as biodiversity hotspots. Ecological research focused on biodiversity hotspots will provide a better understanding of the flora and fauna of these regions and thus inform conservation strategies. Consequently, it is important to understand where biodiversity hotspots are located and how well they have been researched in the past. However, the choice of ecological research sites may be influenced by a variety of factors such as proximity to research institutions. This study utilized a geographic information system to investigate the spatial distribution of ecological research field sites in Australia and its territorial waters, the hotspots of the field sites around research institutions and the proximity of ecological research field sites from the main campus of the research institutions. Furthermore, these hotspots of ecological research were linked to biodiversity hotspots to identify the regions that were commonly depicted in the ecological literature and to identify others that may need more attention. We demonstrated that hotspots of ecological research were concentrated around research institutions, with a large number of field sites being located between 0 km and 500 km from the nearest institution, especially along the eastern coast. This study highlighted areas that have been the focus of much ecological research as well as areas that need more attention from ecologists to add new knowledge to Australian ecological science.
An Australian cohort of 210 patients with multiple invasive squamous cell carcinomas: risk factors and associated increased risk of melanoma and internal malignancies
Authors: Banan Parastoo , Marvi Salman K , McMeniman Erin , De'Ambrosis Brian
Published: February 2015

Background

Patients with a history of non‐melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) have a 50% risk of developing subsequent NMSC.13 Currently there are limited data on the association between multiple squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) and the risk of other cancers, including melanomas.

Objective

To assess the risk factors in a cohort of 210 Australians with a history of multiple invasive SCC, focusing on the association between multiple SCC and other cancers.

Methods

Data were collected from patients of a private practice in south‐east Queensland.

Results

A fair complexion and childhood sun exposure were found to be common in this cohort. Approximately half the patients who had their first SCC at or before the age of 30 years subsequently developed a melanoma. There was also an increased risk of internal cancer, prostate cancer being the commonest, followed by bowel and breast cancer.

Conclusion

Patients with a history of multiple invasive SCC should be aware of their increased risk of future NMSC and of melanomas. The results of thisstudy suggest such patients and their care providers should also consider an appropriate screening for internal malignancies.
Conflict, Cooperation, and Institutional Change on the Commons
Authors: Coleman Eric A. , Mwangi Esther
Published: February 2015

Rational choice scholarship posits two principal theories to explain why political institutions emerge and change: cooperation theory and conflict theory. We evaluate cooperation theory and conflict theory to explain the emergence of common property institutions among a group of Maasai pastoralists in southwestern Kenya. Our empirical results show that the change to common property is best explained by conflict theory.
CD39+ regulatory T cells attenuate allergic airway inflammation
Authors: Li P. , Gao Y. , Cao J. , Wang W. , Chen Y. , Zhang G. , Robson S. C. , Wu Y. , Yang J.
Published: February 2015

Background

The suppressive mechanism of regulatory T cells (Tregs) has remained incompletely clarified. Recent studies found that CD39 expressed by Tregs may participate in the immunoregulatory role of Tregs. CD39‐induced ATP hydrolysis and/or adenosine generation contribute to the suppressive mechanism of Tregs. Previous studies suggested that ATP is involved in allergic airway inflammation by acting on type 2 purinergic (P2) receptors, but the role of CD39 and CD39+Tregs in allergic airway inflammation has not been elaborated.

Objective

To investigate the role and underlying mechanism of CD39 expression by Tregs in allergic airway inflammation.

Methods

A model of allergic asthma was developed with ovalbumin–alum in female Cd39 wild type (Cd39+/+) and deficient (Cd39−/−) C57BL/6 mice. Foxp3‐GFP knock‐in Cd39+/+ and Cd39−/− mice were used to sort CD4+GFP+cells (Tregs) for exploring the role of CD39 expression by Tregs in allergic asthma. The effects of modulating CD39 activity with ARL67156 (inhibitor) or apyrase were also observed.

Results

ARL67156 greatly worsened airway inflammation including increased lung inflammatory cells infiltration, goblet cell hyperplasia, and higher levels of Th2 and Th17 cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), accompanied by an increment in transcription factor (GATA‐3 and RORγt) and P2R (P2Y2, P2Y4 and P2Y6) mRNA expression in lungs. This potentiating effect was rescued by intratracheal injection of apyrase. Airway inflammation was markedly increased in Cd39−/− mice compared to Cd39+/+ mice. In contrast to CD39−Tregs, CD39+Tregs showed stronger suppressive effects on airway inflammation. In vitro suppression assay suggested that CD39+Tregs have more potent suppressive effect on cytokines secretion from CD4+CD25− responder T cells and the inhibitory effects were reduced by addition of adenosine A2A receptor antagonist.

Conclusion

CD39 expressed on Tregs participates in the regulation of limiting allergic airway inflammation by regulating extracellular ATP and/or adenosine. CD39 may represent a new therapeutic target for asthma.
A comparison of youth resilience across seven South African sites
Authors: van Breda Adrian D.
Published: February 2015

The resilience of children and youth is an increasingly important area of research. Young people growing up in distressed communities, characterized by poverty, crime and family troubles, are particularly vulnerable. Resilience can assist these young people in navigating through these challenges towards independent living, particularly as they transition out of adolescence and into young adulthood. Children in South Africa are almost universally vulnerable, but children growing up in residential care facilities and children from poverty‐stricken communities are particularly in need of resilience. This quantitative study of 575 South African children compared their resilience in terms of individual, family and community protective factors across seven sites, including child and youth care centres, schools in poor communities and schools in middle‐class suburban communities. Contrary to expectations, the study found that children in one of the children's homes and one of the poor communities had the highest levels of resilience. Moreover, all but one of the sites scored very high on at least one of the resilience variables, suggesting unique profiles of resilience across the sites. Practice implications for child and family social work are discussed.
Esthetic Evaluation of Implant Crowns and Peri‐Implant Soft Tissue in the Anterior Maxilla: Comparison and Reproducibility of Three Different Indices
Authors: Tettamanti Sandro , Millen Christopher , Gavric Jelena , Buser Daniel , Belser Urs C , Brägger Urs , Wittneben Julia‐Gabriela
Published: February 2015

Background

A successful implant reconstruction with optimal esthetics consists of a visually pleasing prosthesis and complete and healthy surrounding soft tissue. In the current literature, numerous indices used to qualitatively assess esthetics have been described. However, studies comparing the indices and their reproducibility are scarce.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to compare three different esthetic indices for the evaluation of single implant‐supported crowns.

Materials and Methods

A total of 10 prosthodontists (P), 10 orthodontists (O), 10 general dentists (G), and 10 lay people (L) independently performed the same assessment using 30 photographs and corresponding casts with three different esthetic indices (Peri‐Implant and Crown Index [PICI], Implant Crown Aesthetic Index [ICAI], “Pink Esthetic Score/White Esthetic Score [PES/WES]) and repeated the evaluations 4 weeks later.

Results

The PES/WES and the PICI showed significantly higher esthetic scores (pink, white, total) and clinical acceptance compared with the ICAI in all four groups and in both assessments. The highest intraobserver agreement was achieved using the PES/WES and the least with the ICAI. The mean Kappa per group ranged from 0.18 (group L with ICAI) to 0.63 (group G with PICI).

Conclusion

In comparison with the ICAI, the PES/WES and PICI were more reproducible. Therefore, PES/WES and PICI seem to be more suitable as esthetic indices for single implant crowns.
Volumetric analysis of remodelling pattern after ridge preservation comparing use of two types of xenografts. A multicentre randomized clinical trial
Authors: Barone Antonio , Toti Paolo , Quaranta Alessandro , Alfonsi Fortunato , Cucchi Alessandro , Calvo‐Guirado Jose L. , Negri Bruno , Di Felice Roberto , Covani Ugo
Published: February 2015

Objectives

The aim of this randomized clinical trial was to analyse and compare the volumetric changes after ridge preservation procedures using two different biomaterials and to evaluate associations between outcome variables and pristine three‐dimensional aspects of the ridges.

Materials and Methods

Twenty‐eight patients subjected to single‐tooth alveolar ridge preservation were enrolled in the present multicentre, single‐blind, prospective and randomized clinical trial. Fourteen sites were randomly allocated to each experimental group. The experimental sites were grafted with pre‐hydrated collagenated cortico‐cancellous porcine bone (coll group) or with a cortical porcine bone (cort group) and a collagen membrane; a secondary soft tissue healing was obtained for all experimental sites. Plaster casts were scanned (preoperative, at 1 and 3 months postoperative). Analysis of volumes and areas was performed, and all measured variables were statistically compared.

Results

Intragroup analyses at 3 months revealed that when examining changes related to three‐dimensional features of remodelling patterns (volume, surfaces, height and shape), the two biomaterials showed similar behaviours with a minor loss in volume and ridge surface. Intergroup analysis at 3‐month survey revealed that volume resorption of the coll group (244 mm3) was significantly lower (P = 0.0140) than that of the cort group (349 mm3). The reduction for basal surface appeared significantly different between the two groups at 1‐month survey only (P = 0.0137), while the final basal surface reduction was 4.9 and 12.2 mm2 for coll and cort group, respectively. The superior surface reduction was 40.8 mm2 for coll and 50.7 mm2 for cort group, with no significant difference between the two groups.

Conclusion

At the 3rd month analysis, coll group showed a significantly lower reduction of ridge volume and a significantly smaller shrinkage of the basal area when compared to the cort group; moreover, the coll group experienced a smaller superior surface shrinkage when compared to the cort group, even though no significance was evaluated.
Optimal Digital Rights Management with Uncertain Piracy
Authors: Sun Daewon , Easley Robert , Kim Byung Cho
Published: February 2015

Many firms that sell digital copies of copyrighted materials online face a common dilemma: the use of digital rights management (DRM) to impede pirates can impose restrictions on legitimate use. We introduce a two‐period model in which the use of DRM in the first period affects the probability that a consumer finds a pirated copy in the second period; the threat of legal action reduces consumers’ consumption of pirated copies; and firms choose whether to sell, and at what prices, either strongly or weakly DRM‐protected products, or both. Furthermore, we incorporate the role of uncertainty concerning future levels of piracy. Using a two‐period model with uncertainty, we investigate a firm's optimal DRM strategies and present the optimal pricing strategy as well as product launch strategy under different market conditions. We find that one important characteristic of the optimal strategy is that it is optimal to maintain the same product line configuration strategy for both periods. We also characterize the conditions under which each strategy is optimal.
Giant Purulent Pericarditis with Cardiac Tamponade Due to Streptococcus intermedius Rapidly Progressing to Constriction
Authors: Tigen Elif T. , Sari Ibrahim , Ak Koray , Sert Sena , Tigen Kursat , Korten Volkan
Published: March 2015

Purulent pericardial effusion, although rare, is a life‐threatening condition usually produced by the extension of a nearby bacterial infection locus or by blood dissemination in the immune‐suppressed subjects or in the course of cardiothoracic surgery. Because clinical features of purulent pericardial effusion are often nonspecific, it can cause delay in diagnosis. Therefore, a high index of suspicion is required for timely diagnosis and management. Herein, we describe a case of giant purulent pericardial effusion due to Streptococcus intermedius with the history of bronchiectasis and pneumonia, which was successfully treated with pericardiocentesis via parasternal approach, appropriate antibiotics, and pericardiectomy.
HIV‐associated pulmonary arterial hypertension: from bedside to the future
Authors: Correale Michele , Palmiotti Giuseppe Antonio , Lo Storto Maria Maddalena , Montrone Deodata , Foschino Barbaro Maria Pia , Di Biase Matteo , Lacedonia Donato
Published: February 2015

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a life‐threatening complication ofHIVinfection. The prevalence ofHIV‐associatedPAH(HIV‐PAH) seems not to be changed over time, regardless of the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). In comparison with the incidence of idiopathicPAHin the general population (1–2 per million),HIV‐infected patients have a 2500‐fold increased risk of developingPAH.HIV‐PAHtreatment is similar to that for allPAHconditions and includes lifestyle changes, general treatments and specific treatments.
Rapid detection of Fusarium circinatum propagules on trapped pine beetles
Authors: Fourrier C. , Antoine S. , Piou D. , Ioos R.
Published: February 2015

Pitch canker is a destructive disease of pine caused by the fungus Fusarium circinatum. This taxon is listed as a quarantine fungus for several regional plant protection organizations throughout the world. Whereas long‐distance spread of the disease is made possible through the trade of infected pine seeds, local spread is caused by aerial dispersion or insect transportation of the fungal conidia. Developing a reliable and efficient tool to detect of F. circinatum in insects would be very useful to monitor the local spread of the pathogen. This tool would also provide the means to assess the range of insect species that could serve as potential vector of the fungus. A DNA extraction protocol was optimized and combined with a real‐time PCR test to detect F. circinatum on pine beetles. Using artificially contaminated Ips sexdentatus, it was shown that the test was able to detect down to 10 F. circinatum conidia per individual, and 20 conidia per batch of 10 insects, which is below the lowest inoculum load occurring in nature. With this technique, several batches of up to 10 insects may be analysed simultaneously, with a timescale for analysis reduced to <5 h and without the need for expertise in Fusarium taxonomy. This tool may be useful to monitor potential spread of the pathogen across regions. Using this method, to date, despite F. circinatum foci occurred in Northern Spanish regions across the border in France, the pathogen was not found on I. sexdentatus.
Burnout in early course psychosis caregivers: the role of illness beliefs and coping styles
Authors: Onwumere Juliana , Lotey Gursharan , Schulz Joerg , James Gareth , Afsharzadegan Roya , Harvey Raythe , Chu Man Lai , Kuipers Elizabeth , Raune David
Published: February 2015

Aims

In occupational settings, burnout is a common response to chronic exposure stressors and has been frequently documented in formal caregivers (i.e. paid psychiatric staff). However, the literature is limited on reports of burnout among informal caregivers and particularly within early psychosis groups. The current study sought to investigate reports of burnout in carers of young adults treated within a specialist early psychosis service and links with key appraisals reported about the illness and coping.

Methods

Seventy‐two carers completed the Maslach Burnout Inventory along with self‐report measures of coping styles and illness beliefs.

Results

Seventy‐eight per cent of carers reported high burnout in at least one of the three key burnout markers (i.e. emotional exhaustion, depersonalization or low personal accomplishment). Seven per cent of carers met full criteria for high burnout across all the three domains. A carer's belief about the negative consequences of the illness for themselves was a significant predictor of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization. Low personal accomplishment was linked to a carer's less optimistic beliefs about the illness timeline and fewer reports of adaptive coping.

Conclusions

The results provide preliminary support for the importance of asking carers in the early illness phase about their experiences of caregiving. Targeted assessment may serve as a helpful tool to identify and intervene with carers in need of additional support with stress management, use of adaptive coping strategies, and balanced recovery focused information about psychosis.
SCN8A mutations in Chinese children with early onset epilepsy and intellectual disability
Authors: Kong Weijing , Zhang Yujia , Gao Yang , Liu Xiaoyan , Gao Kai , Xie Han , Wang Jingmin , Wu Ye , Zhang Yuehua , Wu Xiru , Jiang Yuwu
Published: February 2015

Objective

Mutations in SCN8A, a voltage‐gated sodium‐channel type VIII alpha subunit gene, have recently been recognized as one of the pathogenic mechanisms leading to epilepsy and intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDDs). The aim of this study was to detect SCN8A mutations in Chinese patients with epilepsy of unknown etiology and ID/DD.

Methods

We used targeted next‐generation sequencing to identify SCN8A mutations in Chinese patients with epilepsy of unknown etiology and IDDs. A filter process was performed to prioritize rare variants of potential functional significance. Sanger sequencing confirmed the variants and determined the parental origin. We followed all patients with SCN8A mutations in our cohort and analyzed their clinical data.

Results

Five de novo SCN8A mutations were identified, including four novel mutations (p.Ala890Thr, p.Leu407Phe, p.Arg850Gln, and p.Ser1596Cys) and one reported (p.Arg1617Gln). Polyphen2 and SIFT software predicted that all five mutations probably damaged Nav1.6 protein function; Mutation Taster indicated that all mutations were disease‐causing. Three of these five patients were controlled well by sodium channel blockers (SCBs). Two of these three patients remained seizure free for 6 and 1.5 months, respectively. One patient had sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) at the age of 1 year and 4 months.

Significance

Five SCN8A mutations were first reported in Chinese patients with epilepsy and ID/DD, expanding the phenotype and mutation spectrum of SCN8A mutations. Although three of these patients were controlled well by SCBs in our study, the effectiveness of SCBs should be validated in more patients with epilepsy caused by SCN8A mutations in the future. One of our five patients had sudden unexpected death in epilepsy SUDEP, suggesting that we should pay more attention to SUDEP in epileptic patients with SCN8A mutations.
Becoming Human in the Face of God: Gregory of Nyssa's Unending Search for the Beatific Vision
Authors: Boersma Hans
Published: February 2015

This article seeks to effect a ressourcement of the theology of the beatific vision through reflection on Gregory of Nyssa's engagement with biblical passages that he believes speak of this vision. Through attention to Nyssen's sixth homily on the Beatitudes, commentary on The Life of Moses and Homilies on the Song of Songs, I argue that, for him, human persons find their telos when in union with Christ they become ever purer, in an ever‐increasing growth in the beatific vision. Gregory maintains that the perfection of human personhood consists of the soul always remaining in search of greater fulfilment of its desire to see God in Christ.
What explains frontline workers' views on poverty? A comparison of three types of welfare sector institutions
Authors: Blomberg Helena , Kallio Johanna , Kroll Christian , Niemelä Mikko
Published: February 2015

The study analysed views on poverty among Finnish frontline workers in three welfare sector institutions. Two different institutional logics, universal and selective, and two sectors, the public and the voluntary, were represented. A nationwide survey among social security officials, municipal social workers and diaconal workers was utilised (N = 2,124). The methods applied included factor analysis, the examination of means and multivariate analysis of variance. Frontline workers were found to support structural reasons for poverty regardless of institutional affiliation. Analyses, however, also revealed significant differences between the institutions, but not of the kind expected. Social security officials, working in a universal institution, were less likely to endorse structural factors and more likely to endorse individualistic poverty explanations than were social and diaconal workers. Type of education and personal political ideology, respectively, were also found to be of significant importance for poverty perceptions, independent of institutional logic.
Comparing the Meggitt‐Wagner and the University of Texas wound classification systems for diabetic foot ulcers: inter‐observer analyses
Authors: Santema Trientje B , Lenselink Ellie A , Balm Ron , Ubbink Dirk T
Published: February 2015

Accurate classification of diabetic foot ulcers is essential for inter‐clinician communication, assessment of healing tendency and determination of treatment options. The aim of this study was to assess the inter‐observer agreement (IOA) of the most commonly used classification systems for diabetic foot ulcers; the Meggitt‐Wagner (MW) and the University of Texas (UT) systems. In this study, 95 clinicians judged digital photographs of diabetic foot ulcers in various stages of healing. Wound depth was classified along the grades of the MW and the UT systems. IOA of the MW and UT systems was only moderate among the clinicians. This moderate agreement demonstrates that the MW and the UT systems appear not to be useful as single instrument and should always be used in combination with additional clinical information to avoid erroneous interpretations.
Adiponectin Genotype, Blood Pressures, and Arterial Stiffness: The Cardiometabolic Risk in Chinese (CRC) Study
Authors: Liang Jun , Qiu Qinqin , Gong Ying , Liu Xuekui , Dou Lianjun , Zou Caiyan , Wang Yu , Qi Lu
Published: February 2015

The authors examined whether the adiponectin gene (ADIPOQ) variant was associated with blood pressure and arterial stiffness in Chinese adults. A genome‐wide association study of the adiponectin variant rs864265 in the ADIPOQ gene was genotyped in a total of 2364 participants. After adjustment for sex, age, body mass index (BMI), fasting glucose, and lipids, participants carrying the T allele of rs864265 showed a greater increase in carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) and systolic blood pressure (SBP). Further adjustment for blood pressure did not appreciably change the association with cfPWV. The authors found significant interactions between rs864265 and BMI, waist circumference, body fat percentage, and SBP in relation to cfPWV (P for interaction = .035, .001, .003, .013, respectively). The T allele of rs864265 was associated with high blood pressure and arterial stiffness. BMI, body fat percentage, waist circumference, and SBP might modify the effects of genetic polymorphism on arterial stiffness.
Drug survival of cyclosporine in the treatment of hand eczema: a multicentre, daily use study
Authors: Christoffers W.A. , Politiek K. , Coenraads P.J. , van der Schaft J. , de Bruin‐Weller M.S. , Schuttelaar M.L.A.
Published: March 2015

Background

Hand eczema is a common condition; it is often chronic and can be difficult to treat. Cyclosporine is used off‐label to treat severe hand eczema; however, the evidence for this treatment is scarce.

Objective

To examine the drug survival of cyclosporine in a daily practice cohort of patients with chronic hand eczema.

Methods

This retrospective daily use study included hand eczema patients who were treated with cyclosporine between 01‐06‐1999 and 01‐06‐2014 in two Dutch university hospitals. Patient and treatment characteristics were retrospectively collected from medical charts. First treatment episodes were analysed by means of Kaplan–Meier drug survival curves. Possible determinants of drug survival were analysed by Cox regression models. Treatment effectiveness was analysed with a retrospective physician's global assessment.

Results

A total of 102 patients were treated with cyclosporine. The median drug survival rate was 0.86 years (10.3 months). The overall drug survival rate after 6 months, 1, 2 and 3 years were 61.7%, 45.2%, 18.6% and 13.9% respectively. Main reasons for discontinuation were adverse events, especially early in treatment, and ineffectiveness. After 3 months, a good response to treatment was recorded in 62.9% of the patients.

Conclusion

Cyclosporine had a median drug survival of 10.3 months. Especially patients with recurrent vesicular hand eczema showed a good treatment response.
Spatial and temporal variation in artisanal catches of dolphinfish Coryphaena hippurus off north‐eastern Brazil
Authors: Nóbrega M. F. , Kinas P. G. , Lessa R. , Ferrandis E.
Published: February 2015

The sampling of fish from the artisanal fleet operating with surface lines off north‐eastern Brazil was carried out between 1998 and 2000. Generalized linear models (GLMs) were used to standardize mean abundance indices using catch and fishing effort data on dolphinfish Coryphaena hippurus and to identify abundance trends in time and space, using 1215 surface line deployments. A standard relative abundance index (catch per unit effort, CPUE) was estimated for the most frequent vessels used in the sets, employing factors and coefficients generated in the GLMs. According to the models, C. hippurus catches are affected by the operating characteristics and power of different fishing vessels. These differences highlight the need for standardization of catch and effort data for artisanal fisheries. The highest mean abundance values for C. hippurus were off the state of Rio Grande do Norte, with an increasing tendency in areas with greater depths and more distant from the coast, reaching maximal values in areas whose depths range from 200 to 500 m. The highest mean abundance values occurred between April and June. The higher estimated abundance of C. hippurus in this period off the state of Rio Grande do Norte and within the 200–500 m depth range may be related to a migration pattern of food sources, as its main prey, the flying fish Hirundichthys affinis, uses floating algae as refuge and to deposit its pelagic eggs.
Predicting early post‐partum depressive symptoms among older primiparous Japanese mothers
Authors: Iwata Hiroko , Mori Emi , Tsuchiya Miyako , Sakajo Akiko , Maehara Kunie , Ozawa Harumi , Morita Akiko , Maekawa Tomoko , Aoki Kyoko , Makaya Miyuki , Tamakoshi Koji
Published: February 2015

Aim

The number of older primiparas is increasing in Japan. These women have been shown to be more vulnerable to post‐partum depression. This study aimed to identify factors for predicting post‐partum depressive symptoms during hospitalization after childbirth in Japanese primiparas aged 35 years and over.

Methods

The present authors used the data of 479 primiparas aged 35 years and over from a prospective cohort study. Data were collected using self‐report questionnaires on the day before hospital discharge. The questionnaire consisted of: demographics and background information; depressive symptoms; fatigue; maternal confidence and maternal satisfaction; child‐care values; physical symptoms; perceptions of daily life during hospitalization; concerns about child care and daily life; and infant feeding. Additionally, vital records data were obtained from the hospitals. A stepwise logistic regression analysis was performed on the binary outcome variable of depressive symptoms, measured by the Japanese version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Women who scored 9 or more were considered to be at high risk for post‐partum depression. The authors obtained informed consent from all participants and institutional ethics approvals before initiating the study.

Results

The following six variables reliably predicted the risk of post‐partum depression: emergency cesarean section, lower satisfaction with birth experience, higher physical burden in daily life, long‐term complications with the newborn, more concerns about newborn caretaking after discharge, and more concerns about one's own life after discharge.

Conclusion

Recognition of women with these factors will help nurses to identify those at risk for developing post‐partum depression and to provide appropriate care during hospitalization after childbirth.
Pathogenic immunity in systemic lupus erythematosus and atherosclerosis: common mechanisms and possible targets for intervention
Authors: Wigren M. , Nilsson J. , Kaplan M. J.
Published: February 2015

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder that primarily affects young women and is characterized by inflammation in several organs including kidneys, skin, joints, blood and nervous system. Abnormal immune cellular and humoral responses play important roles in the development of the disease process. Impaired clearance of apoptotic material is a key factor contributing to the activation of self‐reactive immune cells. The incidence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD) is increased up to 50‐fold in patients with SLE compared to age‐ and gender‐matched controls, and this can only partly be explained by traditional risk factors for CVD. Currently, there is no effective treatment to prevent CVD complications in SLE. Traditional preventive CVD therapies have not been found to significantly lower the incidence of CVD in SLE; therefore, there is a need for novel treatment strategies and increased understanding of the mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of CVD complications in SLE. The pathogenic immune responses in SLE and development of atherosclerotic plaques share some characteristics, such as impaired efferocytosis and skewed T‐cell activation, suggesting the possibility of identifying novel targets for intervention. As novel immune‐based therapies for CVD are being developed, it is possible that some of these may be effective for the prevention of CVD and for immunomodulation in SLE. However, further understanding of the mechanisms leading to an increased prevalence of cardiovascular events in SLE is critical for the development of such therapies.
Regional variations in percutaneous absorption of methimazole: an in vitro study on cat skin
Authors: Hill K. E. , Chambers J. P. , Jones B. R. , Bolwell C. F. , Aberdein D. , Mills P. C.
Published: February 2015

The use of transdermal gel medications in cats has become popular in veterinary medicine due to the ease of administration compared to oral medication. The research to support systemic absorption of drugs after transdermal gel administration and the preferred skin region to apply these drugs in cats is limited. The aim of this study was to characterize the effect of different skin regions on the percutaneous absorption pharmacokinetics of a commercially available transdermal methimazole after a finite dose was applied to feline skin in vitro. A commercial formulation of methimazole (10 mg) was applied to four skin regions (the inner stratum corneum of the ear, groin, neck, and thorax regions) from six cats. The receptor medium was sampled up to 36 h postapplication, and methimazole concentrations were measured using high‐performance liquid chromatography. Methimazole was absorbed more completely across the pinnal skin, compared to the groin, neck, and thorax (P < 0.001), which justifies application to the pinna to maximize efficacy and also to minimize the effects of grooming.
Birth order and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in chronic carriers of hepatitis B virus: a case–control study in The Gambia
Authors: Shimakawa Yusuke , Lemoine Maud , Bottomley Christian , Njai Harr Freeya , Ndow Gibril , Jatta Abdoulie , Tamba Saydiba , Bojang Lamin , Taal Makie , Nyan Ousman , D'Alessandro Umberto , Njie Ramou , Thursz Mark , Hall Andrew J.
Published: February 2015

Background & Aims

Early age at infection with Hepatitis B virus (HBV) increases the risk of chronic infection. Moreover, early HBV infection may further independently increase the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) beyond its effect on chronicity.

Methods

The distribution of birth order, a proxy for mode and timing of HBV transmission, was compared in The Gambia between hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)‐positive HCC cases recruited from hospitals (n = 72) and two HBsAg‐positive control groups without HCC: population‐based controls from a community HBV screening (n = 392) and hospital‐based controls (n = 63).

Results

HCC risk decreased with increasing birth order in the population‐based case–control analysis. Using first birth order as the reference, the odds ratios were 0.52 (95% CI: 0.20–1.36), 0.52 (0.17–1.56), 0.57 (0.16–2.05) and 0.14 (0.03–0.64) for second, third, fourth and greater than fourth birth order respectively (P = 0.01). A similar inverse association was observed in the hospital‐based case–control comparison (P = 0.04).

Conclusions

Compared to controls, HCC cases had earlier birth order, a proxy for young maternal age and maternal HBV viraemia at birth. This finding suggests that in chronic HBV carriers perinatal mother‐to‐infant transmission may increase HCC risk more than horizontal transmission. Providing HBV vaccine within 24 h of birth to interrupt perinatal transmission might reduce the incidence of HCC in The Gambia.
The Predicament of Modern Law: Parker's History of a Law Without a History that Matters
Authors: Constable Marianne
Published: February 2015

Kunal Parker's Common Law, History, and Democracy in America, 1790–1900: Legal Thought Before Modernism shows how nineteenth‐century thinkers thought about law and history differently than do post‐Holmesian modernist sociolegal scholars, whose ahistorical law appears contingent on politics, power, or will. Understanding time and history to be essential to law, nineteenth‐century jurists conceived of a common law that was able to work with and to shape democracy, Parker argues. Contra modernist histories then, Parker claims that the common law was not a reactionary force that stood in the way of democracy and economy. His history of legal thought before modernism suggests, further, the predicament of antifoundationalist modern law and modernist scholars: stripped of time and without its own history, how can law be anything other than politics, power, or will?
Toward a New Legal History of Capitalism and Unfree Labor: Law, Slavery, and Emancipation in the American Marketplace
Authors: Axtell Matthew A.
Published: February 2015

New work on the “history of capitalism” reveals how the personal freedom enjoyed by people living within the liberal capitalist mainstream is often purchased by coerced labor at the social margins. Walter Johnson's book River of Dark Dreams: Slavery and Empire in the Cotton Kingdom makes this argument with force, utilizing the concept of “slave racial capitalism” to suggest how race‐based slavery constituted a necessary component of early American economic expansion. Using Johnson's framework as a starting point, this essay argues that the legal institutions of property and contract, institutions underwriting a genuinely “slave racial capitalist” regime, also contained certain subversive possibilities within themselves, eventually challenging unfree labor as a modality of rule within the modernizing United States.
Phylogeography of the bluespotted cornetfish, Fistularia commersonii: a predictor of bioinvasion success?
Authors: Jackson Alexis M. , Tenggardjaja Kimberly , Perez Gerardo , Azzurro Ernesto , Golani Daniel , Bernardi Giacomo
Published: February 2015

Biological invasions result in huge ecological and economic impacts; therefore, a great amount of effort is dedicated to predicting the potential success of newly established or candidate bioinvaders. Thus far, over 90 species of fish have entered the Mediterranean Sea via the Suez canal, the so‐called Lessepsian bioinvaders. The bluespotted cornetfish, Fistularia commersonii, is remarkable in its ability to disperse within the Mediterranean and has been dubbed ‘the Lessepsian sprinter’. In just a few years, starting in 2000, it expanded over the entire area, from the Suez Canal to Gibraltar. Theoretical predictions correlate the dispersal capabilities of an invader in its native range (using the population genetic metrics, Fst, as a proxy) with its dispersal capability in its invading area (continuous extent of spread, CES). Here, we estimated the population genetic characteristics of Indo‐Pacific native populations of F. commersonii in order to determine if this Lessepsian ‘sprinter’ fits the predictive model of dispersal. Indeed, we found that even in the case of such a very rapid range expansion, the predicted relationship between Fst and CES is fulfilled in F. commersonii.