bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corrosion inhibition in copper by isolated bacteria
Authors: Garcia Fernando , Leonor Rivera Lopez Ana , Campos Guillén Juan , Hernández Sandoval Luis , Regalado González Carlos , Castaño Victor
Published: December 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report a study of microbiological influenced corrosion (MIC) of copper due to bacteria strains isolated from potable water pipes and oxidation lagoons using electrochemical noise (EN) analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Design/methodology/approach

Bacteria strains isolated from copper surfaces of potable water pipes and from oxidation lagoons were identified, based on the 16S rDNA gene sequence analysis. Corrosion studies were undertaken over a period of six weeks, placing copper electrodes inside an LB culture media with and without bacteria. The corrosion resistance was obtained using EN analysis. In all the cases, the corrosion type was identified. SEM images of the copper electrodes were taken to evaluate the surface condition.

Findings

The bacteria strains identified were: Pantoea agglomerans, Alcaligenes faecalis, Bacillus cereus, Brucellaceae bacterium, Enterobacter cloacae, Delftia tsuruhatensis, and Pseudochrobactrum asaccharolyticum. EN analysis gave noise resistance values in the range 1,036‐5,040 Ωcm2 for the control samples and in the range of 2,336‐22,573 Ωcm2 for samples that had been inoculated with bacteria. It was found that a decrease in the rate of corrosion took place due to the development of a biofilm by the microorganisms on the copper surface. SEM images corroborated the presence of the biofilm on the copper electrodes.

Practical implications

The isolated bacteria strain reduced the rate of corrosion on the copper electrodes, as shown by the SEM images and EN analysis results, due to the formation of a biofilm that can act as an anticorrosive coating.

Originality/value

Even though MIC is a known phenomenon, it has not been reported that isolated bacteria strains can reduce corrosion on the surface of copper potable water pipes and in oxidation lagoons.
Studies of the conversion coatings formed by combined use of lanthanum salt and benzotriazole on commercial brass
Authors: Fan Hongqiang , Li Shuying , Shi Zhicong , LV Xuefei , Zhao Zongchang
Published: December 2011

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to investigate the synergism effect between lanthanum salt (La(NO3)3) and benzotriazole (BTAH) on the corrosion inhibition of commercial brass and to further study the inhibition mechanism.

Design/methodology/approach

Potentiodynamic polarization curves were carried out on bare brass and brass treated with additions of optimum concentration of BTAH, La salt and La salt+BTAH to the basal deposition solutions in 3.5 wt. percent sodium chloride solution. The inhibition mechanism of the composite conversion coatings on brass obtained in optimal deposition techniques were investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and FT‐IR reflection spectra.

Findings

A “Critical La(NO3)3 content” and “Critical BTAH content” were both observed, at which the coatings prepared performs the highest protectiveness, and La(NO3)3 and BTAH had an excellent synergism effect on the corrosion inhibition of brass. The corrosion mechanisms for uncoated and coated brass are different. A remarkable enhancement of the brass's corrosion protection was obtained by the formation of composite conversion coatings consisted of Cu(I)BTA and La coordinate thing except for Cu2O and La2O3, which acted as a barrier avoiding the release of metal ions and inhibited the diffusion of the oxygen.

Originality/value

The results from this paper showed that La(NO3)3 and BTAH could be used together to prepare the novel composited conversion coatings on commercial brass for the good corrosion inhibition.
A conceptual model for the successful deployment of Lean Six Sigma
Authors: Hilton Roger John , Sohal Amrik
Published: December 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between the successful deployment of Lean Six Sigma and a number of key explanatory variables that essentially comprise the competence of the organization, the competence of the deployment facilitator and the competence of the project leaders.

Design/methodology/approach

The preliminary fieldwork involved interviews with two senior Master Black Belts; then, combined with the results of a literature review, the authors develop a conceptual model. A number of hypotheses are developed and the procedures involved in empirically testing these hypotheses are briefly explained.

Findings

Technical and interpersonal attributes of Black Belts and Master Black Belts are identified as well as the factors for success in deploying Lean Six Sigma. These factors relate to: leadership, communication, behavior and awareness of Six Sigma; policies, culture and organizational support and strategy; education, training and competency of the Six Sigma experts; project improvement teams and project management; and performance evaluations based on quality criteria, information systems, data and measurement.

Originality/value

The paper produces a predictive model for the successful deployment of a continuous improvement program such as Lean Six Sigma.
Are books becoming extinct in academic libraries?
Authors: Dewan Pauline
Published: December 2011

Purpose

Academic librarians who are planning for the future need to be knowledgeable about the short‐ and long‐range outlook for print. They must also consider what will happen if libraries abolish most or all of their books. This paper aims to explore current and future academic e‐book usage, and to suggest ideas for response to collection changes.

Design/methodology/approach

This article examines a wide range of studies and comments on this timely topic.

Findings

The disparity between the reception of e‐books in the general population and the adoption of them in the academic world suggests that print is still important to faculty and students. Given the advances in e‐book technology, the increasing popularity of online/distance education courses, the adoption of the new EPUB 3 format, and the ubiquity of mobile devices, e‐books are expected increasingly to replace print volumes in academic libraries.

Originality/value

What has received little attention in the literature is the complexity of the issue of e‐book reception in the academic world. This article looks at current and future e‐book usage from the perspective of several large studies on diverse aspects of academic life, including students' perceptions of libraries, their information‐seeking behaviors, faculty research habits and information needs, students' reading habits, and the impact of emerging technologies on teaching and learning. Providing insight into current and future academic e‐book trends, this article suggests practical ways to respond to these trends.
Towards a conceptual framework for user‐driven semantic metadata interoperability in digital libraries
Authors: Alemu Getaneh , Stevens Brett , Ross Penny
Published: December 2011

Purpose

With the aim of developing a conceptual framework which aims to facilitate semantic metadata interoperability, this paper explores overarching conceptual issues on how traditional library information organisation schemes such as online public access catalogues (OPACs), taxonomies, thesauri, and ontologies on the one hand versus Web 2.0 technologies such as social tagging (folksonomies) can be harnessed to provide users with satisfying experiences.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviews works in relation to current metadata creation, utilisation and interoperability approaches, focusing on how a social constructivist philosophical perspective can be employed to underpin metadata decisions in digital libraries. Articles are retrieved from databases such as EBSCO host and Emerald and online magazines such as D‐Lib and Ariadne. Books, news articles and blog posts that are deemed relevant are also used to support the arguments put forward in this paper.

Findings

Current metadata approaches are deeply authoritative and metadata deployments in digital libraries tend to favour an objectivist approach with focus on metadata simplicity. It is argued that unless information objects are enriched with metadata generated through a collaborative and user‐driven approach, achieving semantic metadata interoperability in digital libraries will remain difficult.

Practical implications

In this paper, it is indicated that the number of metadata elements (fields) constituting a standard has a direct bearing on metadata richness, which in turn directly affects semantic interoperability. It is expected that this paper will contribute towards a better understanding of harnessing user‐driven metadata.

Originality/value

As suggested in this paper, a conceptual metadata framework underpinned by a social constructivist approach substantially contributes to semantic interoperability in digital libraries.
Librarians and faculty collaboration – partners in student success
Authors: Massis Bruce E.
Published: December 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this column is to discuss the importance of faculty/librarian collaboration in establishing a base of reference support to serve as an underpinning for each course across the college curriculum.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature review and commentary on this topic that has been addressed by colleagues.

Findings

It is imperative that librarians collaborate with and support the faculty on a college campus to reinforce overall academic success.

Originality/value

The value in addressing this issue is to discuss the importance of the librarian/faculty collaboration in a college and suggest the value to the students in such collaboration.
Institutional repositories in India: a preliminary study
Authors: Sawant Sarika
Published: December 2011

Purpose

This study aims to explore the various aspects of the development of institutional repositories (IRs), and especially the timeline involved beginning with planning, pilot testing, system implementation, exploratory activities conducted before implementation of the IR and its anticipated benefits.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey research method was used. The data collection tool applied for the study was an online questionnaire, which was created with the help of software provided by surveymonkey.com.

Findings

It has found that all institutions had done planning and pilot testing before implementation of an IR. “Attending institutional repository software implementation training and workshops” and “Demonstrating an operational institutional repository to my institution’s decision‐makers” were the most exercised exploratory activities. All respondents agreed on the benefit that an IR provides “Better service to contributors and institution’s learning community”. “Contributor’s lack of knowledge” was the most important inhibitor that impedes the web administrator’s ability to set up a successful institutional repository.

Research limitations/implications

Only Indian institutional repositories were studied.

Originality/value

This is one of the preliminary studies focusing the development of IRs in India. Paper type Research paper
A spectral‐homotopy analysis method for heat transfer flow of a third grade fluid between parallel plates
Authors: Sibanda Precious , Motsa Sandile , Makukula Zodwa
Published: December 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the steady laminar flow of a pressure driven third‐grade fluid with heat transfer in a horizontal channel. The study serves two purposes: to correct the inaccurate results presented in Siddiqui et al., where the homotopy perturbation method was used, and to demonstrate the computational efficiency and accuracy of the spectral‐homotopy analysis methods (SHAM and MSHAM) in solving problems that arise in fluid mechanics.

Design/methodology/approach

Exact and approximate analytical series solutions of the non‐linear equations that govern the flow of a steady laminar flow of a third grade fluid through a horizontal channel are constructed using the homotopy analysis method and two new modifications of this method. These solutions are compared to the full numerical results. A new method for calculating the optimum value of the embedded auxiliary parameter ∼ is proposed.

Findings

The “standard” HAM and the two modifications of the HAM (the SHAM and the MSHAM) lead to faster convergence when compared to the homotopy perturbation method. The paper shows that when the same initial approximation is used, the HAM and the SHAM give identical results. Nonetheless, the advantage of the SHAM is that it eliminates the restriction of searching for solutions to the nonlinear equations in terms of prescribed solution forms that conform to the rule of solution expression and the rule of coefficient ergodicity. In addition, an alternative and more efficient implementation of the SHAM (referred to as the MSHAM) converges much faster, and for all parameter values.

Research limitations/implications

The spectral modification of the homotopy analysis method is a new procedure that has been shown to work efficiently for fluid flow problems in bounded domains. It however remains to be generalized and verified for more complicated nonlinear problems.

Originality/value

The spectral‐HAM has already been proposed and implemented by the authors in a recent paper. This paper serves the purpose of verifying and demonstrating the utility of the new spectral modification of the HAM in solving problems that arise in fluid mechanics. The MSHAM is a further modification of the SHAM to speed up converge and to allow for convergence for a much wider range of system parameter values. The utility of these methods has not been tested and verified for systems of nonlinear equations. For this reason as much emphasis has been placed on proving the reliability and validity of the solution techniques as on the physics of the problem.
The Nominal Group Technique: an aid to Brainstorming ideas in research
Authors: Boddy Clive
Published: December 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present and discuss a technique called the Nominal Group Technique (NGT) for possible use in the types of market research or management research where it is desirable to generate as many ideas as possible.

Design/methodology/approach

The benefits of the NGT were researched in a literature review. After this, qualitative research among research practitioners who have used the technique in Australia was conducted. One focus group of five researchers and three in‐depth interviews were conducted. Some of these responses are presented verbatim, in this paper, to order to illustrate the positive evaluations of the technique by researchers.

Findings

The research practitioners in this research were generally very positive about the NGT as a technique for idea generation. The conclusion from the research reported on in this paper is that the use of techniques such as Brainstorming, and the NGT have very beneficial roles to play in management and market research.

Practical implications

Brainstorming techniques and the NGT are discussed as fruitful methods for use in market research. The productive role of silence in idea generation research is also commented on.

Originality/value

Results from the literature review and the original research were compared, and were found to have a high level of congruence. This has implications for research practitioners because while many researchers are aware of Brainstorming techniques, fewer are aware of the potential of the NGT in market research.
An empirical investigation of customer dependence in interpersonal buyer‐seller relationships
Authors: Abdul Waheed Kareem , Gaur Sanjaya S.
Published: December 2011

Purpose

In the current highly competitive marketing environment, there are few situations in which customers attempt to build and maintain relationships with marketers. In large‐format retail situations, customers maintain a non‐personal association with the store and personal relationships with salespersons. By contrast, many customers in developing countries such as India build and maintain long‐term relationships directly with the small‐scale retailers, who happen to be the owners as well as the salespersons of the store. The purpose of this paper is to focus on customer dependence on the retailer, a rare phenomenon which is evident in rural areas of India even today.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on an empirical study of a buyer‐seller relationship between a farmer and a chemical fertilizer retailer, which is a common interpersonal business constellation in India.

Findings

The paper identifies the determinants of customer dependence as customer perceived market uncertainty, product importance and product familiarity. The paper also explains the positive effects of customer dependence on customer trust.

Originality/value

Traditionally, customer dependence is viewed as a structural constraint in relationship outcomes. The effect of customer dependence on power, control and opportunistic behavior in the buyer‐seller relationship context is well researched. This paper applies an interpersonal trust‐development perspective and views customer dependence as a positive relationship construct and fills an apparent gap in research on customer dependence in the context of the interpersonal buyer‐seller relationship.
The development of the Outcomes Star: a participatory approach to assessment and outcome measurement
Authors: MacKeith Joy
Published: December 2011

Purpose

This paper seeks to describe the development process for the Outcomes Stars as a suite of tools which are designed to simultaneously measure and support change when working with vulnerable people as service users. It describes the original process of development of the first Star, in homelessness services in the UK, and subsequent roll out to other client groups and in other countries. The paper indicates the theoretical and philosophical under‐pinning of an approach which aims to embody both research and values‐based practice in empowerment and respect for the individual.

Design/methodology/approach

As a case study of development by the development team, the paper is based on first‐hand knowledge but builds upon extensive consultations with practitioners and users and relates these to the needs and strengths of service users, the contemporary policy framework, and wider research in the field.

Findings

The Outcomes Star draws on the core principles of Action Research and Participatory Action Research and extends them beyond research into assessment and outcome measurement. As yet there has been no formal research on the usefulness of the Star approach; but, there is a rapid take up of this approach within the UK and further afield. The paper argues that the approach has proved popular, because the Outcomes Star is rooted in a philosophy that is more in tune with that of people delivering services and more closely reflects the reality of those receiving services, compared to traditional measurement techniques.

Practical implications

The paper aims to stimulate further thought and effective practice in measuring outcomes for vulnerable people, and on the most useful means to engage and support people in the co‐production of their own futures.

Originality/value

Although the development and take‐up of the Outcomes Star approach has been rapid in practice, this is the first paper in which these more theoretical and philosophical roots have been outlined and explored in such depth. It will be of use to service providers, to deepen their awareness, and to commissioners, policy makers and regulatory bodies wishing to promote practical approaches to quality assurance of evidence‐based and evidence‐generating practice. It will also be of interest to moral philosophers and others wishing to understand the translation of values into social practice.
The first documents of emancipated African American management
Authors: Jones Nicole , Novicevic Milorad M. , Hayek Mario , Humphreys John H.
Published: December 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to trace the historical roots of African American management by examining managerial practices and experiences described in the letters of Benjamin Thornton Montgomery, a former slave who eventually became manager and, ultimately, owner of the Hurricane plantation.

Design/methodology/approach

The method used is the historical archival method of analysis, primarily the examination of a series of letters written by Montgomery during the 1865‐1870 time periods. These letters, which document the foundation and emergence of African American management during the Emancipation age, are for the first time presented as a source of management history.

Findings

Contrary to traditional thoughts of the insignificance of the plantation era to the history of management, the analysis indicates that Montgomery's management practices were quite sophisticated as they incorporated classical management principles of planning, delegation, leadership, and control.

Practical implications

This paper provides insights concerning the historical roots of management practices during the African American Emancipation period which could provide contemporary managers with a more realistic foundation of management practice.

Originality/value

The principal contribution of this investigation is the historical awareness of the documented roots of African American management represented by Montgomery's competence and perseverance to manage effectively while withstanding impeding racial attacks.
Reading between the lines: gender, work and history
Authors: Hartt Chris , Helms Mills Jean , Mills Albert J.
Published: December 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of history in the creation of gender dynamics at work.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on an ANTi‐history – which draws on actor‐network theory (ANT) – and critical sensemaking framework, the authors analyze a written history of a teachers' union to examine how historically contextualized networks of actors shape notions of gender.

Findings

The findings support the notion of history as socially constructed story telling, which serves to shape rather than describe gendered relations at work.

Research limitations/implications

The research is limited to archival materials as the participants are not available as direct informants. Archives by their nature are incomplete and some accounts are summaries.

Practical implications

Understanding the socially constructed role of history will help management educators and practitioners to examine historical accounts as part of the problem of gendered relations. The paper reinforces the notion that understanding of discrimination may be lost as power imbalances are written out of historical accounts in the attempt to be politically correct.

Originality/value

The paper's contribution to research lies in its application of new methods of historical analysis (namely, ANTi‐history and critical sensemaking) and a focus on history as a powerful sensemaking device that shapes on‐going sensemaking.
Young Malaysians' chocolate brand familiarity: the effect of brand's country of origin and consumer consumption level
Authors: Poh Chuin Teo , Mohamad Osman
Published: December 2011

Purpose

Consumer brand familiarity influences product judgment and the purchase decision. This study aims to examine consumer familiarity towards local and foreign chocolate brands and how it is related to brands' country of origin and their consumption level.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology was convenience sampling collected from a 100‐student sample.

Findings

The findings indicate that a chocolate brand's country of origin is related to a young consumer's chocolate brand familiarity level. Other than that, the finding demonstrate that the consumer's chocolate brand familiarity level is positively related to their consumption level.

Research limitations/implications

This study has implications for marketers, where they need to take account of the effects of a brand's country of origin, gender and consumption level on brand familiarity in designing marketing strategies.

Originality/value

This study help market practitioners to design market strategies that involve a brand's country of origin information, especially when targeting young consumers.
Repositioning strategy in the ecotourism industry: a case of Bario
Authors: Lo May‐Chiun , Azlan Mohamad Abang , Songan Peter , Yeo Alvin
Published: December 2011

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to examine service quality dimensions and their impact on a rural tourism destination.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted in Bario, a highland settlement in the state of Sarawak, Malaysia. It attempts to add to the scant research and to bridge the gap between service quality and tourists' satisfaction in rural destinations. The service quality dimensions for this study are places of interest, sceneries, outdoor activities, atmosphere, and motives interest.

Findings

The results of this study show that places of interest, outdoor activities and atmosphere are the important dimensions to enhance tourist satisfaction.

Originality/value

Past studies show that good service quality often leads to a better performance and a higher satisfaction level; however, most studies examine this from the context of urban tourist destinations. This study extends the span by looking at a rural tourist destination.
Impacts of company size and culture on quality management practices in manufacturing organisations
Authors: Fai Pun Kit , Jaggernath‐Furlonge Surujdaye
Published: December 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impacts of company sizes and culture on quality management practices (QMP) in manufacturing organisations based in Trinidad and Tobago (T&T).

Design/methodology/approach

Empirical data were collected via a questionnaire survey, and 65 manufacturers in four different sizes were studied. The analysis of survey data was performed with the aid of SPSS.

Findings

The study signified five core dimensions of culture that would facilitate QMP implementation, and their relative importance would be dependent on varying company size. Organisation size appears to affect only the culture dimension of Low Power Distance.

Research limitations/implications

This research has its limitations due to the fact that the samples were selected manufacturers with varying sizes in T&T. Direct measurements of the impacts of varying company size on culture and QMP were not included in the study.

Originality/value

The findings provided some insights in diagnosing the cultural dimensions and in developing quality culture in manufacturing organisations of T&T.
The limits of regionalism in Indonesian higher education
Authors: Welch Anthony
Published: December 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine key challenges to effective regionalism for Indonesian higher education (HE), including charting its international engagement in regional HE networks and associations, and links to China and the Islamic world.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on empirical and documentary analysis, the article examines key challenges to effective regionalism for Indonesian HE.

Findings

As a leading stakeholder within ASEAN, Indonesia could be expected to play a major role in such regional networks as ASEAN Universities Network (AUN) as well as APRU, SEAMEO RIHED, and the like. Yet, even relative to some of its regional neighbours, (Singapore, Malaysia, and the somewhat anomalous Australia and New Zealand), the Indonesian HE system is peripheral, with a relatively minor presence in the international knowledge system.

Research limitations/implications

The world's most populous Muslim‐majority nation, and a rising regional power, including within ASEAN, nonetheless Indonesia confronts key challenges in its HE system, both national and international. The rising demand for HE cannot be filled by public sector HEIs alone, while the proliferation of private sector HEIs, some unaccredited, poses significant issues for quality control and governance. Adding to this are external challenges, including the monitoring of international programmes and partnerships. Financing of HE is a further significant constraint, while corruption is also a major influence in Indonesian society, including in HE (thus further raising the governance stakes).

Originality/value

The two examples cited – of Islamic higher education, and of China‐Indonesia relations – each demonstrate the extent, and the limits, of regionalism in Indonesian HE.
Diagnosis of limited adenocarcinoma of the prostate
Authors: Epstein Jonathan I
Published: December 2011

Epstein J I  (2012) Histopathology60, 28–40Diagnosis of limited adenocarcinoma of the prostate

This article provides an overview of the diagnosis of limited prostate cancer on needle biopsy. A few of the more common mimickers of prostate cancer, such as adenosis, partial atrophy, and high‐grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia, are also covered. A systematic approach to diagnosing prostate cancer by evaluating architectural, nuclear, intraluminal and ancillary features is presented. The use of immunohistochemistry, including its pitfalls and limitations, is described and illustrated. By the use of a systematic diagnostic approach as outlined in this article, the threshold for diagnosing limited carcinoma of the prostate can be decreased. If a pathologist is not comfortable in diagnosing carcinoma in a particular small focus, this review will help them to recognize these foci as atypical and suspicious for carcinoma, so that further workup might lead to a more definitive diagnosis. Some of the more common situations leading to an atypical diagnosis have also been presented to help prevent the overdiagnosis of prostatic malignancy.
Handling of radical prostatectomy specimens
Authors: Egevad Lars
Published: December 2011

Egevad L  (2012) Histopathology 60, 118–124

Handling of radical prostatectomy specimens

Accurate reporting of radical prostatectomy specimens is becoming more important as we gain insights into how cancer therapy should be tailored according to risk categories. Adjuvant therapy after radical prostatectomy is now given more commonly to patients with pathological findings indicating a high risk of disease recurrence. The handling of these specimens must therefore be standardized, enabling the correct identification of histopathological risk factors for poor outcome. Several efforts have been made in recent years to reach consensus on the handling of radical prostatectomy specimens. Some of the recommendations are summarized in this review, including guidelines for gross description, biobanking of fresh tissue, fixation and cutting.
Precursors of prostate cancer
Authors: Bostwick David G , Cheng Liang
Published: December 2011

Bostwick D G & Cheng L  (2012) Histopathology 60, 4–27  Precursors of prostate cancer

High‐grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) is the only accepted precursor of prostatic adenocarcinoma, according to numerous studies of animal models and man; other proposed precursors include atrophy and malignancy‐associated changes (with no morphologic changes). PIN is characterized by progressive abnormalities of phenotype and genotype that are intermediate between benign prostatic epithelium and cancer, indicating impairment of cell differentiation and regulatory control with advancing stages of prostatic carcinogenesis. The only method of detection of PIN is biopsy because it does not significantly elevate serum prostate‐specific antigen concentration and cannot be detected by ultrasonography. The mean incidence of PIN in biopsies is 9% (range, 4%–16%), representing about 115 000 new cases of isolated PIN diagnosed each year in the United States. The clinical importance of PIN is its high predictive value as a marker for adenocarcinoma, and its identification warrants repeat biopsy for concurrent or subsequent carcinoma, especially when multifocal or observed in association with atypical small acinar proliferation (ASAP). Carcinoma develops in most patients with PIN within 10 years. Androgen deprivation therapy and radiation therapy decrease the prevalence and extent of PIN, suggesting that these forms of treatment may play a role in prevention of subsequent cancer. Multiple clinical trials to date of men with PIN have had modest success in delaying or preventing subsequent cancer.
Non‐epithelial neoplasms of the prostate
Authors: Paner Gladell P , Aron Manju , Hansel Donna E , Amin Mahul B
Published: December 2011

Paner G P, Aron M, Hansel D E & Amin M B  (2012) Histopathology 60, 166–186

Non‐epithelial neoplasms of the prostate

Non‐epithelial prostatic neoplasms are infrequent and cover a broad array of entities that include both benign and highly aggressive tumours. Because they are very infrequent, there is often limited understanding of them, and the recognition of these entities, when encountered, may pose a diagnostic challenge, owing to histological overlap between them or their rarity. Most lesions in this category are mesenchymal in origin, such as prostatic stromal tumours arising from specialized prostatic stroma, smooth muscle tumours, both benign and malignant, and solitary fibrous tumours. Less commonly occurring tumours include neural, germ cell and melanocytic tumours that may be derived from cells not normally present in the prostate. Some tumours have well‐established extraprostatic counterparts and, when encountered, are more commonly extraprostatic/secondary in origin; these include gastrointestinal stromal tumours and most haematopoietic tumours. The majority of tumours are characterized by a spindle cell pattern with significant overlap in morphological features. In this setting, appropriate use of immunohistochemistry and molecular studies are often necessary for accurate diagnosis, prognosis, or prediction for therapy. This review addresses and updates the clinicopathological features of the entire spectrum of non‐epithelial tumours with an approach to the histological diagnosis.
Staging of prostate cancer
Authors: Cheng Liang , Montironi Rodolfo , Bostwick David G , Lopez‐Beltran Antonio , Berney Daniel M
Published: December 2011

Cheng L, Montironi R, Bostwick D G, Lopez‐Beltran A & Berney D M  (2012) Histopathology 60, 87–117  Staging of prostate cancer

Prostatic carcinoma (PCa) is a significant cause of cancer morbidity and mortality worldwide. Accurate staging is critical for prognosis assessment and treatment planning for PCa. Despite the large volume of clinical activity and research, the challenge to define the most appropriate and clinically relevant staging system remains. The pathologically complex and uncertain clinical course of prostate cancer further complicates the design of staging classification and a substaging system suitable for individualized care. This review will focus on recent progress and controversial issues related to prostate cancer staging. The 2010 revision of the American Joint Committee on Cancer/Union Internationale Contre le Cancer (AJCC/UICC) tumour, node and metastasis (TNM) system is the most widely used staging system at this time. Despite general acceptance of the system as a whole, there is controversy and uncertainty about its application, particularly for T2 subclassification. The three‐tiered T2 classification system for organ‐confined prostate cancer is superfluous, considering the biology and anatomy of PCa. A tumour size‐based substaging system may be considered in the future TNM subclassification of pT2 cancer. Lymph node status is one of the most important prognostic factors for prostate cancer. Nevertheless, clinical outcomes in patients with positive lymph nodes are variable. Identification of patients at the greatest risk of systemic progression helps in the selection of appropriate therapy. The data suggest that the inherent aggressiveness of metastatic prostate cancer is closely linked to the tumour volume of lymph node metastasis. We recommend that a future TNM staging system should consider subclassification of node‐positive cancer on the basis of nodal cancer volume, using the diameter of the largest nodal metastasis and/or the number of positive nodes.
Follicular cholangitis and pancreatitis – clinicopathological features and differential diagnosis of an under‐recognized entity
Authors: Zen Yoh , Ishikawa Akira , Ogiso Seiji , Heaton Nigel , Portmann Bernard
Published: December 2011

Zen Y, Ishikawa A, Ogiso S, Heaton N & Portmann B  (2012) Histopathology 60, 261–269  Follicular cholangitis and pancreatitis – clinicopathological features and differential diagnosis of an under‐recognized entity

Aims:  Biliary and pancreatic ductal systems can be involved in several lymphoplasmacytic inflammatory conditions, including primary sclerosing cholangitis, immunoglobulin G (IgG) 4‐related cholangitis and autoimmune pancreatitis. Here in we describe an unusual pancreatocholangitis whose features suggest a distinct disease entity.

Methods and results:  The study group consists of five adult patients, three with predominantly hilar bile duct stricture and two with a bulky pancreatic head. Four patients were treated surgically for suspected malignancy and one patient underwent liver transplantation with a clinical diagnosis of primary sclerosing cholangitis. Histological examination revealed extensive lymphoplasmacytic inflammation centred on large biliary or pancreatic ducts. Many lymphoid follicles with germinal centres were noted around the affected ducts. Whipple specimens from two patients with a pancreatic head mass showed similar follicular inflammation histologically around bile ducts. In contrast to autoimmune pancreatitis, diffuse infiltration of IgG4+ plasma cells, granulocytic epithelial lesions and obliterative phlebitis were not identified. The postoperative course was uneventful, without evidence of recurrence (follow‐up period 17–65 months).

Conclusions:  This study suggests that a disease entity which can be named follicular cholangitis and pancreatitis exists and may be under‐recognized. The disease mainly affects the hilar bile ducts and pancreatic head in adults.
Elder mistreatment in a rural area in Egypt
Authors: Abdel Rahman Tomader T , El Gaafary Maha M
Published: December 2011

Aim:  Mistreatment of the elderly is a hidden problem frequently cloaked under the shroud of family secrecy. The aim of the present study was to determine the extent of mistreatment of older people living at their homes in the rural area of Mansoura city, Dakahlia governorate, Egypt.

Methods:  The present cross‐sectional study was carried out on 1106 respondents, 518 men (mean age 67.6 ± 6.3 years) and 588 women (mean age 68.5 ± 8.4 years), who answered face‐to‐face survey questionnaires. The questionnaires used were; Questionnaire to elicit elder abuse, Actual abuse tool, Elder Assessment Instrument, Risk of abuse tool, Katz index and Geriatric depression scale 15 items.

Results:  Of the respondents, 43.7% reported mistreatment by family members. The predominant type of reported mistreatment was neglect (42.4%) followed by physical abuse (5.7%), psychological abuse (5.1%) and financial abuse (3.8%).

Conclusions:  The independent risk factors for overall mistreatment of the elderly were older age, insufficient pension and caregiver other than spouse. Although being dependent, the number of children being three or less and caregiver other than spouse were significant independent attributes for “neglect” as a form of elder mistreatment. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2012; 12: 532–537.
Safety of ESWL in elderly: Evaluation of independent predictors and comorbidity on stone‐free rate and complications
Authors: Polat Fazlı , Yeşil Süleyman , Ak Esat , Farahvash Amirali , Karaoğlan Üstünol , Biri Hasan , Bozkırlı İbrahim
Published: December 2011

Aim:  Urinary stone disease affects people of all ages. With its satisfactory efficacy ranges in all age groups and lack of side‐effects, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) has become the preferred treatment modality for uncomplicated renal and proximal calculi ≤20 mm. In the present study, we aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of the ESWL treatment in elderly patients.

Methods:  A retrospective study was carried out on patients aged over 65 years who underwent shock wave lithotripsy at our Department from 2009 to 2011, with a Siemens Lithostar electromagnetic shockwave lithotripter. A total of 231 patients (157 males, 74 females) out of 1694 (13.6%) were studied. The patients were divided into two groups (group 1 = 65–70; group 2 >70). The effect of age and other possible predicting factors (sex, stone localization and stone size) were investigated. Concomitant diseases and related complications were also evaluated.

Results:  An overall stone‐free rate (SFR) of 82.2% was found. The influence of sex on SFR was non‐significant. There was no significant difference when comparing SFR between the age groups. When patients were divided into those with renal and ureteral stones, the SFR were 94.4% and 67.6% (P < 0.01), respectively. The SFR of the stone size groups, ≤10 mm and >10 mm were 80% and 84.4%, respectively. Comorbidity was present in 148 patients. Complications were noted in 56 of 231 patients. Of 56 patients, 43 had minor complications and 13 major complications.

Conclusion:  ESWL seems to be an effective first‐line treatment choice for urinary stones in elderly patients with careful patient selection and personalized preparation. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2012; 12: 413–417.
Early computed tomography signs as early predictors of hemorrhagic transformation under heparinization in patients with cardiogenic embolism
Authors: Terao Takeshi , Mishina Masahiro , Takumi Ichiro , Komaba Yuichi , Mizunari Takayuki , Kobayashi Shiro , Yoshida Daizo , Teramoto Akira
Published: December 2011

Aim:  Early computed tomography (CT) signs are crucial to predict the onset of hemorrhagic transformation (HT) and are preventive to avoid a fatal hematoma after thrombolysis. In the present study, we retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of patients receiving heparinization to investigate the correlation between early CT signs and the frequency of HT.

Methods:  We reviewed 96 patients with cardiogenic cerebral embolism. These patients were admitted within 24 h of the onset and were subsequently given 5000–15 000 units of heparin per day for 3 days. Owing to CT on admission, early CT changes were evaluated. Patient characteristics were also estimated, including evidence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, coronary heart disease and history of smoking. The probability of hemorrhagic transformation, or good outcome and independence was assessed by backward stepwise logistic regression analysis based on the maximum likelihood ratio.

Results:  Higher baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, early CT signs and absence of hyperlipidemia diversely correlated with the occurrence of HT. Also, the presence or absence of early CT signs was significantly related to HT classification (χ2‐test; P < 0.05). It was statistically significant that a higher baseline NIHSS score (OR 8.51; 95% CI 3.11–27.75) affected the outcome without showing a significant relationship to early CT signs.

Conclusions:  Presence of early CT signs correlated more strongly with HT than with the interval from symptom onset to hospital arrival. We might extend the therapeutic time for thrombolytic therapy, only if the early CT sign does not appear. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2012; 12: 418–424.
Interactions of household composition and required care level with functional and cognitive status among disabled Japanese elderly living in a suburban apartment complex
Authors: Murayama Hiroshi , Nishinaga Masanori , Sugawara Ikuko , Goto Jun , Hirose Yuichi , Senuma Tomohiro , Shinkai Shoji , Akiyama Hiroko , Tsuji Tetsuo , Kamata Minoru
Published: December 2011

Aim:  In the forthcoming super‐aging society, the appropriate assessment of functional and cognitive conditions of disabled elderly people will become increasingly significant in providing care services. Care level and household composition would be key factors to assess function. There might also be an interaction between the two factors with the function. The present study examined the associations of household composition and care level with functional and cognitive status among the disabled elderly living in a suburban apartment complex with a high rate of aged residents (39% in 2009).

Methods:  Participants were 190 disabled elderly persons aged 65 years and over who lived in the apartment complex. Cross‐sectional data were collected between May 2009 and August 2010, including care level, household composition, basic activities of daily living (BADL), instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) and the independence level in relation to cognitive status. Lower scores meant less independence in BADL and IADL, and as determined by the cognitive/independence scale.

Results:  Approximately half of the participants lived alone. Generalized linear model procedure showed significant interactions with the BADL score and cognitive/independence scale between household composition and care level. Scores for BADL and the cognitive/independence scale in groups receiving a higher care level were lower; however, the slope of the trend for the elderly living alone was more gradual than for the elderly living with others.

Conclusion:  It is important for health‐care providers to assess in detail the status of the disabled elderly considering both their household composition and care level in planning and providing assistance for them. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2012; 12: 538–546.
Clustering of multiple healthy lifestyles among older Korean adults living in the community
Authors: Lee Yunhwan , Back Joung Hwan , Kim Jinhee , Byeon Haewon , Kim Seihee , Ryu Mikyung
Published: December 2011

Aim:  Despite the predictive value of combined healthy lifestyles in maintaining physical and cognitive functioning in late life, little is known about the clustering patterns of healthy lifestyle behaviors in older people. The aim of the present study was to examine the prevalence, clustering and population characteristics of adherence to multiple health behaviors in community‐dwelling older Korean adults.

Methods:  The study population consisted of a nationally representative sample of 4165 Korean adults aged 65 years and older in 2006. Healthy lifestyles, defined as adherence to recommended guidelines, included non‐smoking, no heavy drinking, physical activity and healthy weight. Combinations of behavioral patterns and prevalence odds ratios for pairwise clusters were analyzed. Multinomial logistic regression was used to identify demographic and health‐related characteristics associated with the number of adherence to guideline recommendations.

Results:  Those who adhered to all four guideline recommendations constituted the minority (11.7%). More women than men engaged in a higher number of healthy lifestyles. Clustering was more pronounced in men for whom no heavy alcohol drinking and physical activity centered around non‐smoking. In women, clustering patterns were less obvious. Men, those with low levels of education, income and wealth, and the functionally impaired were less likely to adhere to multiple healthy lifestyles.

Conclusion:  Clustering of healthy lifestyles, especially among older men, supports the potential benefit of a multiple behavior change approach. Health promotion efforts should target the socially disadvantaged and functionally compromised segment of the older population presenting low adherence to recommended behaviors. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2012; 12: 515–523.