bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Highly innovative and extremely entrepreneurial individuals: what are these rare birds made of?
Authors: Sandberg Birgitta , Hurmerinta Leila , Zettinig Peter
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to advance and clarify conceptualisations of innovative and entrepreneurial individuals through the analysis of their personality traits.

Design/methodology/approach

This study has elements of both theory testing and theory creation, which led the authors to choose the case study as their research strategy. The “case” is an innovative and entrepreneurial individual, and the authors used extreme‐type empirical cases to develop ideal‐type concepts. The analysis is based on extensive longitudinal data.

Findings

The study makes a contribution to theories of both entrepreneurship and innovation. It adds conceptual clarity in terms of providing evidence that the individuals concerned should not be considered as one characteristic group of actors. The authors propose that highly innovative and entrepreneurial individuals can be further divided to entrepreneurial innovators and innovative entrepreneurs.

Practical implications

This study may enable the colleagues, business partners and competitors of entrepreneurial innovators and innovative entrepreneurs to better understand – and to some extent also to forecast – their behaviour. It also gives some hints regarding cooperation opportunities with both types of individual, and getting the most out of them. The results should also help policy makers and support agencies to recognise these people, who play an important role in the economy.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge this study is the first to analyse the traits of individuals who are both extremely innovative and highly entrepreneurial.
Diversity and inclusion – LGBT inclusion means business
Authors: Fullerton Michelle
Published: April 2013

Purpose

Bank of America Merrill Lynch recognizes that its most valuable asset is its people – who deliver every day for its customers, clients and shareholders. The company values the differences of its people, understanding that diversity and inclusion are good for business and make the company stronger. Diversity means business. The purpose of this paper is to discuss these points.

Design/methodology/approach

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) equality is just one part of the diversity and inclusion strategy. Bank of America Merrill Lynch illustrates its commitment to making its organization one where LGBT employees feel fully valued and included in several ways: through employee‐led LGBT networks around the world; high profile sponsorships; and by promoting an inclusive culture at all levels through the company. This culture is led from the very top, but to be effective, it needs to run throughout all levels of the business.

Findings

A culture where employees can bring their whole selves to work, without the distraction of trying to be something they are not leads to an environment where individuals can be at their most productive and creates cohesive and effective teams.

Originality/value

Bank of America Merrill Lynch's business principles are founded on a culture of respect, equality and inclusion. By encouraging employees to be themselves at work, they are being allowed to reach their true potential and be more productive, and teams can be more innovative and confident to put forward ideas. Diversity and inclusion have a real positive impact on the profitability of a business.
DOJ and the SEC issue much‐anticipated FCPA guidance
Authors: Witten Roger , Parker Kimberly , Holtmeier Jay
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explain the joint guidance on the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA or the Act) published on November 14, 2012 by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) and the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explains the principal provisions of the Act covered in the joint guidance, where the joint guidance sheds light, and where it leaves uncertainty. Key issues covered are jurisdiction; corrupt intent, knowledge and willfulness; the “business purpose” test; gifts, travel and entertainment expenses; charitable contributions; definitions of foreign officials and instrumentalities; third parties; facilitating payments; extortion/duress; successor liability; accounting provisions; compliance programs; compliance monitors; and prosecution, resolution and declination decisions.

Findings

While it is unprecedented in federal law enforcement that the DOJ and SEC have provided the public with such detailed information on their joint FCPA enforcement approach and priorities, the guidance does not break new ground and generally reaffirms positions the agencies have previously espoused in other contexts. The guidance leaves open some difficult issues facing compliance officers and practitioners.

Originality/value

The paper provides expert guidance by experienced financial services lawyers.
Marketing Islamic banking products: Malaysian perspective
Authors: Kamarulzaman Yusniza , Madun Azian
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The rapid growth of Islamic banking in Malaysia warrants banking institutions being more proactive and innovative in marketing their products. The purpose of this paper is to re‐evaluate the progress and achievements of Islamic banking in Malaysia, particularly in the area of sales and marketing of Islamic banking services.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts a comprehensive literature review from various published sources. All related references were discovered through electronic databases, journals and books in the area of the relevant literature in Islamic finance, banking and services marketing.

Findings

The driving force for the growth of Islamic banking and financing products is the corporate clients, and not the Muslim individuals. In fact, the non‐Muslim individuals also use Islamic banking if they find that the service is good and meets their expectations. This paper shows evidence that the marketing activities of Islamic banking products is relatively ineffective compared to the conventional banking products in Malaysia. This paper also discusses the reasons for the ineffectiveness of marketing Islamic banking products at the micro and macro‐level. Depending on religion alone is not the best strategy to attract customers.

Practical implications

The products offered by the Islamic banking system have to compete with those of the conventional banking system. Hence, a continuous review of marketing strategies for Islamic banking products is crucial in every Islamic financial institution.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils a need to study whether the common methods in marketing conventional banking products would be effective in the context of marketing Islamic banking products.
Occupational therapy in a medium secure intellectual disability and personality disorder service
Authors: Withers Paul , Boulton Natalie , Morrison James , Jones Amanda
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper pertains to the implementation of an occupational therapy service within a newly‐established medium secure service for 16 men with intellectual disabilities and additional diagnosis of personality disorder located in the North West of England.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a general review, providing a descriptive account of the development and implementation of an occupational therapeutic provision for men residing in a medium secure unit with a dual diagnosis of intellectual disability and personality disorder and a service user account of its efficacy.

Findings

The paper seeks to illustrate the efficacy of occupational therapy implemented by a specifically recruited and trained staff team, describing engagement in meaningful, bespoke programmes of occupation used to assist service users to address deficit areas via mutual engagement in activities, serving to facilitate the formation and development of positive and trusting relationships between service users and staff. The impact of the service is described from a service user's perspective.

Originality/value

There is very little literature relating to those with intellectual disability also diagnosed with personality disorder. There appears to be no specific study of occupational therapy amongst those with dual diagnosis of intellectual disability and personality disorder. This paper is therefore unique in its approach and provides an overview of both the process and method used to implement occupational therapy, as well as a service user perspective and an illustration of its efficacy in a medium secure setting.
Preservation of RNA and DNA from mammal samples under field conditions
Authors: Camacho‐Sanchez Miguel , Burraco Pablo , Gomez‐Mestre Ivan , Leonard Jennifer A.
Published: April 2013

Ecological and conservation genetics require sampling of organisms in the wild. Appropriate preservation of the collected samples, usually by cryostorage, is key to the quality of the genetic data obtained. Nevertheless, cryopreservation in the field to ensure RNA and DNA stability is not always possible. We compared several nucleic acid preservation solutions appropriate for field sampling and tested them on rat (Rattus rattus) blood, ear and tail tip, liver, brain and muscle. We compared the efficacy of a nucleic acid preservation (NAP) buffer for DNA preservation against 95% ethanol and Longmire buffer, and for RNA preservation against RNAlater (Qiagen) and Longmire buffer, under simulated field conditions. For DNA, the NAP buffer was slightly better than cryopreservation or 95% ethanol, but high molecular weight DNA was preserved in all conditions. The NAP buffer preserved RNA as well as RNAlater. Liver yielded the best RNA and DNA quantity and quality; thus, liver should be the tissue preferentially collected from euthanized animals. We also show that DNA persists in nonpreserved muscle tissue for at least 1 week at ambient temperature, although degradation is noticeable in a matter of hours. When cryopreservation is not possible, the NAP buffer is an economical alternative for RNA preservation at ambient temperature for at least 2 months and DNA preservation for at least 10 months.
Secondary extinctions in food webs: a Bayesian network approach
Authors: Eklöf Anna , Tang Si , Allesina Stefano
Published: April 2013

Ecological communities are composed of populations connected in tangled networks of ecological interactions. Therefore, the extinction of a species can reverberate through the network and cause other (possibly distantly connected) species to go extinct as well. The study of these secondary extinctions is a fertile area of research in ecological network theory.

However, to facilitate practical applications, several improvements to the current analytical approaches are needed. In particular, we need to consider that (i) species have different ‘a priori’ probabilities of extinction, (ii) disturbances can simultaneously affect several species, and (iii) extinction risk of consumers likely grows with resource loss. All these points can be included in dynamical models, which are, however, difficult to parameterize.

Here we advance the study of secondary extinctions with Bayesian networks. We show how this approach can account for different extinction responses using binary – where each resource has the same importance – and quantitative data – where resources are weighted by their importance. We simulate ecological networks using a popular dynamical model (the Allometric Trophic Network model) and use it to test our method.

We find that the Bayesian network model captures the majority of the secondary extinctions produced by the dynamical model and that consumers’ responses to species loss are best modelled using a nonlinear sigmoid function. We also show that an approach based exclusively on food web structure loses power when species at higher trophic levels are preferentially lost. Because the loss of apex predators is unfortunately widespread, the results highlight a serious limitation of studies on network robustness.
Integrating the teaching, learning and assessment of communication with children within the qualifying social work curriculum
Authors: Lefevre Michelle
Published: April 2013

Qualifying social work education must provide students with a variety of experiential, personalized, participatory, didactic and critically reflective learning opportunities across both the taught curriculum and in practice placements if deep learning of the capabilities needed for effective communication with children and young people is to be ensured. At present, programmes in England are not consistent in the curriculum structures, content and pedagogical approaches they are employing to teach and assess this topic. This paper discusses first how current proposals for the reform of qualifying education in England do not address the ambiguities and discretion in regulatory guidance, which have meant that the place and relevance of this topic within the curriculum remain uncertain and contested. It then draws on a model of the sequencing of students' learning and development in qualifying training, developed through the author's recent empirical research, to present an integrated and coherent approach to the teaching, learning and assessment of this topic. It is proposed that this strategy will enable students to develop the generic, ‘child‐focused’ and ‘applied child‐specialist’ capabilities they need for the ‘knowing’, ‘being’ and ‘doing’ of effective communication with children.
Counting Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder in Australia: The evidence and the challenges
Authors: Burns Lucy , Breen Courtney , Bower Carol , O' Leary Colleen , Elliott Elizabeth Jane
Published: April 2013

Issues.

Alcohol exposure in utero is associated with a range of adverse outcomes in pregnancy and can cause long‐term disability. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term to describe a range of effects from prenatal alcohol exposure including fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). Determining the prevalence of FASD is challenging.

Approach.

This narrative review collates information on the prevalence of FASD in Australia and documents the various methods used for attaining estimates and the limitations of the available data.

Key Findings.

Birth prevalence of FASD is most commonly measured through clinic‐based studies, passive surveillance systems and active case ascertainment. Alcohol use in pregnancy and FAS in Australia is predominantly monitored through passive surveillance systems and under‐ascertainment of cases is likely. State‐ and territory‐based studies have reported birth prevalence rates of FAS of between 0.01 and 0.68 per 1000 live births. Prevalence rates of FASD have not been estimated in Australia. As reflected in the international data, Australian studies have found higher rates of FAS among some Indigenous communities. This likely reflects patterns of alcohol use and other socioeconomic risk factors.

Implications.

Under‐recognition of FASD reflects incomplete and inconsistent data collections recording alcohol use in pregnancy, lack of awareness among health professionals and a lack of diagnostic and support services.

Conclusion.

Accurate measurement of FASD prevalence is crucial to inform policy, resource and service development in the areas of health, education, justice and community. There is a need for consensus on the collection and best use of data. [Burns L, Breen C, Bower C, O' Leary C, Elliott EJ. Counting fetal alcohol spectrum disorders in Australia: the evidence and the challenges. Drug Alcohol Rev 2013;32:461–467]
Endoscopic double stenting for the treatment of malignant biliary and duodenal obstruction due to pancreatic cancer
Authors: Tonozuka Ryosuke , Itoi Takao , Sofuni Atsushi , Itokawa Fumihide , Moriyasu Fuminori
Published: April 2013

Background

The purpose of the present study was to retrospectively evaluate endoscopic double stenting by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography‐guided biliary drainage (ERCP‐BD) and by endoscopic ultrasonography‐guided biliary drainage (EUS‐BD) for the treatment of non‐resectable malignant biliary and duodenal obstruction.

Patients and Methods

Medical records of 11 patients that underwent endoscopic double stenting from January 2008 to September 2012 were analyzed retrospectively.

Results

Technical success rate was 100%, clinical success rate was 100%, early complication rate was 0% and late complication rate was 27.3% (cholangitis: two, perforation: one). Mean survival time from double stenting was 76.5 ± 67.8 days, mean patent period of the duodenal stent was 73.5 ± 69.7 days, and mean patent period of the biliary stent was 62.6 ± 60.4 days. Three (27.3%) patients were discharged (mean duration of hospitalization, 21.3 days). All patients could take food orally, and meanGastric Outlet Obstruction Scoring System score after double stenting was 2.2 ± 0.9 points. ERCP‐BD and EUS‐BD were done in three and eight patients, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between ERCP‐BD and EUS‐BD in terms of success rate and complication rate.

Conclusion

Our study revealed that endoscopic double stenting appears to be feasible and useful for the treatment of non‐resectable malignant biliary and duodenal obstruction. In terms of selection criteria of ERCP‐BD patients and EUS‐BD patients, further prospective studies are mandatory.
Otaru consensus on biliary stenting for unresectable malignant hilar biliary obstruction
Authors: Katanuma Akio , Irisawa Atushi , Itoi Takao
Published: April 2013

Biliary stenting for unresectable malignant biliary strictures is widely accepted and is routinely done as an effective palliation therapy. However, a consensus among experts is still far from being reached on the selection of stents, placement procedures etc. In 2012, the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy reported guidelines for biliary stenting. At the Endoscopic Forum Japan 2012, a consensus meeting was held to examine seven statements that had been prepared based on these guidelines.Herein, we report the contents and the results of the examination of three of these statements on biliary stenting for hilar strictures.
Usefulness of chromoendoscopy and magnifying narrow band imaging endoscopy for diagnosis of demarcation of adenocarcinoma in Barrett's esophagus
Authors: Yamashina Takeshi , Uedo Noriya , Matsui Fumi , Ishihara Ryu , Tomita Yasuhiko
Published: April 2013

It is often difficult to accurately delineate the borders and extent of early‐stage esophageal adenocarcinoma in patients with Barrett's esophagus using conventional white light endoscopy. Chromoendoscopy enhances the characteristics of the mucosa and improves detection and delineation of small or flat lesions difficult to identify by conventional endoscopy. Magnifying endoscopy with narrow‐band imaging (NBI) is a novel endoscopic imaging technology that contrasts the vascular architecture and surface structure of the superficial mucosa. As magnifying NBI can view only a narrow area of the mucosa, this method cannot determinethe circumference of the lesion and evaluate its complete extent. Indigocarmine chromoendoscopy is useful for delineating the extent of Barrett's adenocarcinoma. Chromoendoscopy and magnifying NBI are complementary methods, with both being required for the accurate diagnosis of tumor extent in patients with superficial Barrett's esophageal adenocarcinoma.
Necessity for endoscopic sphincterotomy for biliary stenting in cases of malignant biliary obstruction
Authors: Okano Naoki , Igarashi Yoshinori , Kishimoto Yui , Mimura Takahiko , Ito Ken
Published: April 2013

Endoscopic biliary stenting is a useful way to treat distal malignant biliary strictures that are not eligible for surgery. A 10‐Fr plastic or metal stent is used for stenting. Typically, endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) has often been carried out as a way to prevent pancreatitis after stent placement given the ease of stent insertion, but EST has flaws such as bleeding and stent migration.The present study describes the need for EST prior to stent placement.
Management of endoscopic complications, in particular perforation
Authors: Paramasivam Rajesh Kumar , Angsuwatcharakon Phonthep , Soontornmanokul Tanassanee , Rerknimitr Rungsun
Published: April 2013

Management of endoscopic complications is a pertinent aspect of patient care that has received great attention in the past decade due to advancements and increases in complexity of therapeutic endoscopy. Working groups from various institutions such as American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) and European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy have devised detailed guidelines and management algorithms. Three main factors that contribute to endoscopic complications are patient, operator, and type of procedure. No one rule suits all;hence endoscopic complication management must be customized to individual patients. Comprehensive knowledge of patient, machine/device, and its interrelationship must be in place to manage endoscopic complications.
Preliminary feasibility study using a novel narrow‐band imaging system with dual focus magnification capability in Barrett's esophagus: Is the time ripe to abandon random biopsies?
Authors: Singh Rajvinder , Shahzad Muhammad Asif , Tam Willam , Goda Kenichi , Yu Lawrence Ho Khek , Fujishiro Mitsuhiro , Uedo Noriya , Ruszkiewicz Andrew
Published: April 2013

This preliminary feasibility study assessed the utility of a novel narrow‐band imaging (NBI) system (Olympus Exera III; 190 series) both as a detection and as a characterization tool in patients undergoing surveillance endoscopy for Barrett's esophagus (BE). Two hundred and twenty‐one areas in 40 patients with BE were examined prospectively. The BE segment was initially evaluated with NBI overview as a ‘red flag’ technique. Abnormal areas identified with NBI overview were then further interrogated with NBI and a dual focus (DF) magnification system (NBI‐DF) in order to aid characterization. Normal areas on NBI overview were also systematically assessed with NBI‐DF systematically (four quadrants every 2 cm). A confidence system was utilized when each area was assessed with NBI‐DF. All areas on NBI‐DF were classified into three easily distinguishable mucosal patterns: (i) regular pits with regular microvasculature (no dysplasia); (ii) irregular pits with irregular microvasculature (early cancer/high‐grade dysplasia [HGD]); and (iii) equivocal, where the endoscopist was not sure about the pattern (this could be areas with increased brownish discoloration on NBI overview and dilated vasculature but no change in caliber on NBI‐DF [likely inflammation or low‐grade dysplasia: LGD]). Corresponding biopsies of each area were then taken. The sensitivity (Sn), specificity (Sp), positive predictivevalue (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of both modes (NBI overview and NBI‐DF) were then compared with the final histopathological diagnosis. One hundred and eighty‐three of 221 areas (82.8%) did not exhibit any dysplasia on final histopathological assessment. NBI overview and NBI‐DF accurately called all these areas as non‐dysplastic. The 38 areas that appeared suspicious on NBI overview were also further assessed with NBI‐DF: seven of seven were accurately predicted as harboring no dysplasia; nine areas were predicted as irregular, of which four harbored early cancer, one HGD, three LGD and one inflammation on final histopathology assessment. Twenty‐two areas were deemed to be equivocal (final histology: 18 LGD and four inflammation). The Sn, Sp, PPV and NPV for the prediction of dysplasia/early cancer using NBI overview and NBI‐DF were thus 100%, 93.8%, 68.6%, 100% and 100%, 86.2%, 73.3%, 100%, respectively. If NBI‐DF was used in addition to NBI overview, biopsies would have been avoided in 190 areas (86%). In addition, all early cancers and HGD could be accurately identified.
Follow up after endoscopic resection in submucosal invasive colorectal cancers
Authors: Ikematsu Hiroaki , Singh Rajvinder , Yoda Yusuke , Matsuda Takahisa , Saito Yutaka
Published: April 2013

Submucosal invasive colorectal cancers (SM‐CRC) have approximately a 10% chance of lymph node metastasis, which requires surgical resection including lymph node dissection for curative treatment. It is important to optimally survey patients after curative resection for SM‐CRC in order to detect early recurrence. In the present report, we principally show the long‐term outcomes after follow up of SM‐CRC resected endoscopically based on a report of the literature and our experience in Japan. The long‐term outcomes of low‐risk SM‐CRC endoscopically resected alone or high‐risk SM‐CRC with additional surgical resection with lymph node dissection are excellent. However, the risk of local recurrence of endoscopic resection alone in patients with high‐risk submucosal invasive cancer was significantly higher in rectal cancer as compared to similar colonic cancer. Patients with submucosal rectal cancer showing high‐risk pathological features are, therefore, strongly recommended to undergo additional treatment. We consider that longer follow up is required for patients with SM‐CRC because recurrence occurred relatively later in SM‐CRC compared to advanced colorectal cancer.
Impulsivity and seizure frequency, but not cognitive deficits, impact social adjustment in patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy
Authors: Moschetta Sylvie , Valente Kette D.
Published: April 2013

Purpose

Despite growing evidence on the occurrence of poor psychosocial adjustment, to the moment there is no formal assessment of social adjustment (SA) using a validated instrument developed and standardized for this purpose in patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME). We aimed to: (1) verify social adjustment in patients with JME with an objective scale and; (2) identify whether clinical variables, impulsiveness, and neuropsychological profile are associated with worse social adjustment.

Methods

We prospectively evaluated 42 patients with an unequivocal diagnosis of JME and 42 controls. The inclusion criteria for patients and controls included age range from 16 to 40 years and an estimated intelligence quotient (IQ) ranging from 85 to 110. One trained neuropsychologist administered the scales and tests in a standard sequence. Social Adjustment was evaluated by The Self‐Report Social Adjustment Scale (Weissman & Bothwell, ), a 42‐item scale, measuring performance in seven major areas: work; social and leisure activities; relationship with extended family; marital role as a spouse; parental role; membership in the family unit; and economic adequacy. Impulsivity was assessed by using the Temperament and Character Inventory (Cloninger, ). Patients with JME and control subjects were evaluated with a comprehensive battery of neuropsychological tests evaluating executive and memory functions. We evaluated the age at onset; time from onset to seizure control with antiepileptic drugs (duration of epilepsy); seizure control; frequency of myoclonic seizures; frequency of generalized tonic–clonic GTC seizures; frequency of absence seizures; family history of epilepsy; family history of psychiatric disorders; and personal history of psychiatric disorders.

Key Findings

The score on Global Social Adjustment was worse than controls (p = 0.001), especially on the factors: Work (p = 0.032); Extended Family (p = 0.005). Higher Novelty Seeking (NS) scores were significantly correlated with worse on Global (p = 0.002); Work (p = 0.001) and Leisure (p = 0.003). There was no correlation between cognitive performance and Social Adjustment Scale (SAS) factors. Higher seizure frequency—myoclonic (p = 0.005) and GTC (p = 0.035)—were correlated with higher scores on factor Work of SAS.

Significance

Our findings suggest that patients with JME have worse social adjustment in two relevant aspects of their lives—work and familiar relationship. In this series of patients with JME, higher seizure frequency and impulsive traits, but not cognitive performance, were correlated with worse social adjustment.
From seizures to epilepsy and its substrates:Neurocysticercosis
Authors: Singh Gagandeep , Burneo Jorge G. , Sander Josemir W.
Published: April 2013

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is the main risk factor for late‐onset seizures in manyTaenia soliumendemic countries and is also increasingly recognized in high income countries, where it was once thought to have been eliminated. The course and outcome ofNCC‐associated seizures and epilepsy are poorly understood. Substrates underlyingNCC‐associated seizures and epilepsy are unknown. Another unknown is if there is an association betweenNCCand hippocampal sclerosis (HS) and if it leads to intractable epilepsy. We review evidence regarding the structural basis of seizures and epilepsy inNCCand its association withHS. There are only a limited number of prospective studies ofNCC‐associated seizures and epilepsy. From these, it can be inferred that the risk of seizure recurrence is high following a first seizure, even though seizures are well‐controlled with antiepileptic drugs. The single most important risk factor for ongoing or recurrent seizures is the persistence of either degenerating or residual calcified cysticercus cysts in the brain parenchyma on follow‐up imaging studies. Medically intractable epilepsy requiring surgical treatment appears to be rare in people withNCC. In few cases that have been operated, gliosis around the cysticerci is the principal pathologic finding. Reports of the association betweenNCCandHSmight be categorized into those in which the calcified cysticercus is located within the hippocampus and those in which the calcified cysticercus is located remote from the hippocampus. The former are convincing cases of medically intractable epilepsy with good seizure control following hippocampal resection. In the remaining, it is unclear whether a dual pathology relationship exists betweenHSand the calcified cysticercus. Carefully planned, follow‐up studies incorporating high‐resolution and quantitative imaging are desirable in order to clarify the outcome, the structural basis ofNCC‐associated epilepsy, and also its association withHS.
Clinical spectrum of early onset epileptic encephalopathies caused by KCNQ2 mutation
Authors: Kato Mitsuhiro , Yamagata Takanori , Kubota Masaya , Arai Hiroshi , Yamashita Sumimasa , Nakagawa Taku , FujII Takanari , Sugai Kenji , Imai Kaoru , Uster Tami , Chitayat David , Weiss Shelly , Kashii Hirofumi , Kusano Ryosuke , Matsumoto Ayumi , Nakamura Kazuyuki , Oyazato Yoshinobu , Maeno Mari , Nishiyama Kiyomi , Kodera Hirofumi , Nakashima Mitsuko , Tsurusaki Yoshinori , Miyake Noriko , Saito Kayoko , Hayasaka Kiyoshi , Matsumoto Naomichi , Saitsu Hirotomo
Published: April 2013

Purpose

KCNQ2 mutations have been found in patients with benign familial neonatal seizures, myokymia, or early onset epileptic encephalopathy (EOEE). In this study, we aimed to delineate the clinical spectrum of EOEE associated with KCNQ2 mutation.

Methods

A total of 239 patients with EOEE, including 51 cases with Ohtahara syndrome and 104 cases with West syndrome, were analyzed by high‐resolution melting (HRM) analysis or whole‐exome sequencing. Detailed clinical information including electroencephalography (EEG) and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were collected from patients with KCNQ2 mutation.

Key Findings

A total of nine de novo and one inherited mutations were identified (two mutations occurred recurrently). The initial seizures, which were mainly tonic seizures, occurred in the early neonatal period in all 12 patients. A suppression‐burst pattern on EEG was found in most. Only three patients showed hypsarrhythmia on EEG; eight patients became seizure free when treated with carbamazepine, zonisamide, phenytoin, topiramate, or valproic acid. Although the seizures were relatively well controlled, moderate‐to‐profound intellectual disability was found in all except one patient who died at 3 months.

Significance

De novo KCNQ2 mutations are involved in EOEE, most of which cases were diagnosed as Ohtahara syndrome. These cases showed distinct features with early neonatal onset, tonic seizures, a suppression‐burst EEG pattern, infrequent evolution to West syndrome, and good response to sodium channel blockers, but poor developmental prognosis. Genetic testing for KCNQ2 should be considered for patients with EOEE.
What is the role of antimicrobial peptides (AMP) in acne vulgaris?
Authors: Harder Jürgen , Tsuruta Daisuke , Murakami Masamoto , Kurokawa Ichiro
Published: April 2013

Acne vulgaris is the most common disorder of the pilosebaceous unit leading to inflamed skin characterized by the formation of comedones, papules, pustules and scarring. There is increasing evidence that the abundance of Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) in the inflamed acne lesions triggers inflammation. Therefore, in addition to treatment with retinoids, the use of antimicrobial agents has been established as a treatment option for acne. This indicates that antimicrobial mechanisms to control the growth of P. acnes may have an important influence on the severity of inflammatory acne. One import antimicrobial innate defense system comprises the production of antimicrobial peptides (AMP), small molecules with a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity as well as immunomodulatory properties. Although the role of AMP in acne is still emerging, there is increasing evidence that AMP may be of importance in acne. The aim of this viewpoint is to provide some hypotheses about the potential function of AMP in the pathogenesis of acne and to discuss potential AMP‐based therapies for the treatment of acne.
Visceral fat predominance is associated with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease in Japanese women with metabolic syndrome
Authors: Sogabe Masahiro , Okahisa Toshiya , Tsujigami Koji , Fukuno Hiroshi , Hibino Shingo , Yamanoi Akira
Published: April 2013

Aim

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is likely to be associated with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The prevalence of NAFLD in visceral fat type MS (V‐type MS) is known to be higher than in subcutaneous fat type MS (S‐type MS) in men with MS, and a larger subcutaneous fat area is reported to be not associated with NAFLD in women. We elucidated differences between V‐type S‐type MS in Japanese women with MS.

Methods

The subjects were 276 women with MS who underwent a medical checkup including abdominal ultrasonography. We examined for the prevalence of fatty liver and investigated biochemical parameters, and we also made a distinction between V‐type and S‐type MS.

Results

Triglyceride, uric acid, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), γ‐glutamyltransferase, the frequency of fatty liver and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) were significantly higher in V‐type MS than in S‐type MS. On logistic regression analysis with NAFLD (in our study, fatty liver with ALT ≥31 IU/L was defined as NAFLD) as a dependent variable, body mass index, dyslipidemia, AST and V‐type MS were significant predictors of an increased prevalence of NAFLD (odds ratios [OR] = 18.85, 3.119, 59.77 and 3.205; 95% confidence intervals [CI] = 3.585–99.15, 1.195–8.142, 18.03–198.2 and 1.198–8.573; P < 0.001, <0.05, <0.001 and <0.05, respectively).

Conclusion

Women with V‐type MS are more likely to have fatty liver, IGT and liver dysfunction than those with S‐type MS. V‐type MS is one of the significant predictors for NAFLD in Japanese women with MS.
Women's perspectives are required to inform the development of maternal obesity services: a qualitative study of obese pregnant women's experiences
Authors: Heslehurst Nicola , Russell Sarah , Brandon Helene , Johnston Camilla , Summerbell Carolyn , Rankin Judith
Published: April 2013

Background

Increasing maternal obesity trends and accompanying risks have led to the development of guidelines internationally. However, the evidence‐base is poor for effective intervention, and there is a lack of representation from the perspective of obese pregnant women in guidelines. Women's engagement with weight management support services is low.

Objective

To explore obese pregnant women's experiences to better understand factors which need to be considered when developing services that women will find acceptable and utilize.

Population

Obese women referred to an antenatal dietetic service in the Northeast of England, UK.

Methods

Low‐structured depth‐interviews allowed women to freely discuss their own experiences. Discussion prompts were included; however, issues that women raised were explored thoroughly. Women summarized what they considered most important to ensure the analyses placed appropriate emphasis on factors women perceived as important. Thematic analysis identified common themes. Saturation was confirmed after 15 interviews.

Results

Key issues included: women's weight; families; experience of negativity; and priorities and desired outcomes. These combined represented women's perspectives of issues which they considered important and integral to their lived experience of being obese and pregnant. The theme incorporates women's pregnancy‐related experiences, as well as life experiences which contributed to how they felt about their weight during pregnancy.

Conclusions

There are strong associations with women's lived experiences and engagement with antenatal weight management services. Incorporating women's perspectives in the development of these services could encourage engagement by focussing on women's priorities and motivations, while taking into consideration their socially related experiences in addition to their clinical health needs.
Achieving peace and harmony in life: Thai Buddhists living with HIV/AIDS
Authors: Balthip Quantar , Petchruschatachart Usanee , Piriyakoontorn Siriwan , Boddy Julie
Published: April 2013

This study aimed to reveal the process of achieving peace and harmony in life by Thai Buddhists living with HIV/AIDS in Southern Thailand. Data were gathered from 28 Thai Buddhist participants aged 18 years or older, who had lived with HIV/AIDS for 5 years or more. Purposive, snowball and theoretical sampling techniques were used to recruit the participants. Data collection, using in‐depth interviews, was carried out over a 7 month period between 2011 and 2012. Grounded theory was used to guide the process of data analysis. Two categories emerged to describe the core category ‘Achieving Peace and Harmony in life’: (i) understanding and accepting that nothing is permanent and (ii) living life with contentment. Findings are valuable for health professionals in enhancing peace and harmony for their patients.
Psychological and physical self‐management of people with schizophrenia in community psychiatric rehabilitation settings: A qualitative study
Authors: Katakura Naoko , Matsuzawa Kazumasa , Ishizawa Kazue , Takayanagi Chikako
Published: April 2013

This study had three objectives: to explore the psychological and physical self‐management behaviours of people with mental illness; to identify their motivations for their self‐management behaviours; and to develop a framework to understand the generative processes of healthy vs. unhealthy conditions. The participants were eight persons with schizophrenia who were attending psychiatric rehabilitation centres. We conducted semi‐structured interviews with the participants on their observations regarding public health nurses' counselling with them. The data were analysed qualitatively. Six categories of health self‐management behaviours were identified. The primary motivations that led to the participants' behaviours were ‘getting a job in the near future’ or ‘maintaining my current level of living’. The use of their own methods caused unhealthy conditions when health management was excessively strict or there was a discrepancy between their and care providers' recognition of the appropriate level of self‐management.
Patient with adult‐onset type II citrullinemia beginning 2 years after operation for duodenal malignant somatostatinoma: Indication for liver transplantation
Authors: Tazawa Ko‐ichi , Yazaki Masahide , Fukushima Kazuhiro , Ogata Satoshi , Makuuchi Masatoshi , Morita Katsuo , Hiraishi Hideyuki , Iwasaki Yoshimi , Kita Junji , Kubota Keiichi , Ikeda Shu‐ichi
Published: April 2013

We report a 51‐year‐old female patient with adult‐onset type II citrullinemia (CTLN2) who had a history of pancreatoduodenectomy for duodenal somatostatinoma with metastases to regional lymph nodes at age 49 years, paying special attention to indications for liver transplantation. At age 50 years, she developed hepatic encephalopathy with elevation of plasma ammonia and citrulline levels. A diagnosis of CTLN2 was made by DNA analysis of the SLC25A13 gene and treatment with conservative therapies was begun, including a low‐carbohydrate diet and supplementation with arginine and sodium pyruvate. However, despite these treatments, frequent attacks of encephalopathy occurred with markedly elevated plasma ammonia levels. While we were apprehensive regarding the risk of recurrence of somatostatinoma due to immunosuppressive therapy after liver transplantation, the patient was in a critical condition with CTLN2 and it was decided to perform living‐donor liver transplantation using a graft obtained from her son. Her postoperative clinical course was uneventful and she has had an active life without recurrence of somatostatinoma for 2 years. This is the first case of CTLN2 with somatostatinoma. As the condition of CTLN2 patients with rapidly progressive courses is often intractable by conservative therapies alone, liver transplantation should be considered even after surgery for malignant tumors in cases with neither metastasis nor recurrence.
Monitoring the t → m Martensitic Phase Transformation by Photoluminescence Emission in Eu3+‐Doped Zirconia Powders
Authors: Marin Riccardo , Sponchia Gabriele , Zucchetta Enrico , Riello Pietro , Enrichi Francesco , De Portu Goffredo , Benedetti Alvise
Published: April 2013

In this work, we demonstrate that the martensitic t → m phase transformation of ZrO2 powder stabilized with Eu3+ and Eu3+/Y3+ ions, can be effectively monitored by photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. As the luminescent properties of Eu3+ from within a host lattice are strongly influenced by the coordination geometry of the ion, we used the emission spectrum to monitor structural changes of ZrO2. We synthesized Eu3+‐doped and Eu3+/Y3+‐codoped samples via the coprecipitation method, followed by calcination. We promoted the martensitic transformation by applying mechanical compression cycles with an increasing pressure, and deduced the consequential structural changes from the relative intensities of the 5D0 → 7F2 hypersensitive transitions, centered, respectively, at 606 and 613 nm whether the Eu3+ is in the eightfold coordinated site of the tetragonal phase or in the sevenfold coordinated site of the monoclinic phase. We suggest that the unique emission profile for Eu3+ ions in different symmetry sites can be exploited as a simple analytical tool for remote testing of mechanical components that are already mounted and in use. The structural changes observed by PL spectroscopy were corroborated by X‐ray powder diffraction (XRPD), with the phase compositions and volume fractions being determined by Rietveld analysis.
Friendship Quality in Adolescents with and without an Intellectual Disability
Authors: Tipton Leigh A. , Christensen Lisa , Blacher Jan
Published: April 2013

Background

High friendship quality is often defined by high levels of intimacy, companionship, closeness and low levels of conflict. Quality friendships develop over time and may be influenced by both behaviour problems and social skills.

Materials and methods

Participants were 103, 13‐year‐old adolescents with or without intellectual disabilities in the United States. Adolescents and their mothers participated in an open‐ended interview of friendship quality and completed measures of social skills and behaviour problems. This study addressed differences in friendship quality between children with and without intellectual disabilities and explored early indicators of friendship development.

Results

Adolescents with intellectual disabilities (ID) had friendships characterized by significantly lower levels of warmth/closeness and positive reciprocity than their typically developing peers. Likewise, adolescents with ID spent less time with friends outside of school and were less likely to have a cohesive group of friends. Social skills and behaviour problems at age 9 predicted friendship quality at age 13 above and beyond disability status, with higher levels of social skills and lower levels of behaviour problems related to higher ratings on measures of friendship quality.

Conclusions

It appears that adolescents with intellectual disabilities have friendships that are characterized by less warmth/closeness and less positive reciprocity than the friendships of their typically developing peers. This discrepancy appears to be impacted by early social skills and behaviour problems in addition to the presence of the intellectual disability.
First evidence for interspecific hybridization between invasive goby speciesNeogobius fluviatilisandNeogobius melanostomus(Teleostei: Gobiidae: Benthophilinae)
Authors: Lindner K. , Cerwenka A. F. , Brandner J. , Gertzen S. , Borcherding J. , Geist J. , Schliewen U. K.
Published: April 2013

Two hybrids between the monkey gobyNeogobius fluviatilisand the round gobyNeogobius melanostomusfrom the Rhine River were identified by genotyping and morphological comparison. These are the first records of goby‐hybrids outside the parent species' native ranges worldwide.
Infectious pancreatic necrosis virus in fish by‐products is inactivated with inorganic acid (pH 1) and base (pH 12)
Authors: Myrmel M , Modahl I , Nygaard H , Lie K M
Published: April 2013

The aquaculture industry needs a simple, inexpensive and safe method for the treatment of fish waste without heat. Microbial inactivation by inorganic acid (HCl) or base (KOH) was determined using infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV) as a model organism for fish pathogens. Salmonella and spores of Clostridium perfringens were general hygiene indicators in supplementary examinations. IPNV, which is considered to be among the most chemical‐ and heat‐resistant fish pathogens, was reduced by more than 3 log in 4 h at pH 1.0 and pH 12.0. Salmonella was rapidly inactivated by the same treatment, whereas spores of C. perfringens were hardly affected. The results indicate that low and high pH treatment could be particularly suitable for fish waste destined for biogas production. pH treatment at aquaculture production sites could reduce the spread of fish pathogens during storage and transportation without disturbing the anaerobic digestion process. The treatment could also be an alternative to the current energy‐intensive steam pressure sterilization of fish waste to be used by the bioenergy, fertilizer and soil improver industries.