bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The father’s role in supporting the son’s business knowledge development process in Vietnamese family businesses
Authors: Pham Thanh Trung , Bell Robin , Newton David
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Many family businesses do not survive into the second generation. A common reason put forward for this is poor succession planning for the second generation. This paper is designed with the aim to explore the role of the father in supporting the son’s business knowledge and development in Vietnamese family businesses.

Design/methodology/approach

This research adopted an inductive qualitative approach using multiple face-to-face semi-structured interviews with five father–son succession pairs. The interview participants were a cross section of Vietnamese family businesses, where the father–son pair was involved in the process of business knowledge transfer and the succession process was at an advanced stage.

Findings

The results suggest that the father plays different roles at different stages of the son’s business knowledge development process. In particular, the father acts as an example during the son’s childhood; a supporter to encourage the son to gain more business knowledge from both formal education and working experience outside the family business; a mentor and trouble-shooter after the son joins the family business as a full-time employee; and as an advisor after the son becomes the leader of the firm.

Originality/value

Most Vietnamese family businesses are still operating under the control of the first generation, and as a result, research into the succession process in Vietnam can help to provide valuable insights. Furthermore, existing research into the role of the predecessor in the whole process from the successor’s childhood until the end of the succession process is ambiguous and requires further research to clarify this research gap.
Optimal bank interest margin under capital regulation: bank as a liquidity provider
Authors: Huang Fu-Wei , Chen Shi , Tsai Jeng-Yan
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a barrier cap option model, i.e. a cap option model where default can occur at any time before the maturity date, to evaluate the equity and the default risk of a bank. The model implies the bank as a liquidity provider that one institution carriers out both lending and deposit-taking functions under the same roof. This paper studies the impacts of demand deposits and capital regulation on the optimal bank interest margin, i.e. the spread between the loan rate and the deposit rate.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper characterizes the bank’s equity value by a barrier cap option framework. In the model, default can occur at any time before the maturity and loan markets are imperfectly competitive.

Findings

This paper has two main results. First, increases in demand deposits reduce the bank’s interest margin and further increase the bank’s default risk. The negative effect on the optimal bank interest margin which ignores the barrier leads to significant overestimation; the positive effect on the default risk which ignores the barrier leads to underestimation. Second, the same pattern of capital regulation as previously applies. Capital regulation as such makes the bank more prone to loan risk-taking, thereby adversely affecting the stability of banking system.

Originality/value

This paper reintroduces the knock-out value and bank interest margin determination within a synergy banking function to the cap option model. The results confirm the need to model bank equity as a barrier cap option and demonstrate its usefulness in capital regulation.
Why are plant–soil feedbacks so unpredictable, and what to do about it?
Authors: De Long Jonathan R. , Fry Ellen L. , Veen G. F. , Kardol Paul
Published: October 2018

The study of feedbacks between plants and soils (plant–soil feedbacks; PSFs) is receiving increased attention. However, PSFs have been mostly studied in isolation of abiotic and biotic drivers that could affect their strength and direction. This is problematic because it has led to limited predictive power of PSFs in “the real world,” leaving large knowledge gaps in our ability to predict how PSFs contribute to ecosystem processes and functions.

Here, we present a synthetic framework to elucidate how abiotic and biotic drivers affect PSFs. We focus on two key abiotic drivers (temperature and soil moisture) and two key biotic drivers (above‐ground plant consumers and below‐ground top‐down control of pathogens and mutualists). We focus on these factors because they are known drivers of plants and soil organisms and the ecosystem processes they control, and hence would be expected to strongly influence PSFs.

Our framework describes the proposed mechanisms behind these drivers and explores their effects on PSFs. We demonstrate the impacts of these drivers using the fast‐ to slow‐growing plant economics spectrum. We use this well‐established paradigm because plants on opposite ends of this spectrum differ in their relationships with soil biota and have developed contrasting strategies to cope with abiotic and biotic environmental conditions.

Finally, we present suggestions for improved experimental designs and scientific inference that will capture and elucidate the influence of above‐ and belowground drivers on PSFs. By establishing the role of abiotic and biotic drivers of PSFs, we will be able to make more robust predictions of how PSFs impact on ecosystem function.

plain language summary is available for this article.
Supporting preterm cardiovascular function
Authors: Lingwood Barbara E. , Eiby Yvonne A. , Bjorkman Stella T. , Miller Stephanie M. , Wright Ian M. R.
Published: October 2018

Preterm infants are at higher risk of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. Inadequate cerebral oxygen delivery resulting from poor cardiovascular function is likely to be a significant contributor to preterm brain injury. In this context, improved support of cardiovascular function is integral to improving preterm outcomes. Many of the treatments used to support preterm cardiovascular function are based on adult physiology and may not be appropriate for the unique physiology of the preterm infant. The preterm heart is structurally immature with reduced contractility and low cardiac output. However, there is limited evidence that inotropic support with dopamine and/or dobutamine is effective in preterm babies. Hypovolemia may also contribute to poor preterm cardiovascular function; there is evidence that capillary leakage results in considerable loss of plasma from the circulation of newborn preterm babies. In addition, the vasoconstrictor response to acute stimuli does not develop until quite late in gestation and is limited in the preterm infant. This may lead to inappropriate vasodilatation adding to functional hypovolemia. The first line treatment for hypotension in preterm infants is volume expansion with crystalloid solutions, but this has limited efficacy in the preterm infant. More effective methods of volume expansion are required. Effective support of preterm cardiovascular function requires better understanding of preterm cardiovascular physiology so that treatments can target mechanisms that are sufficiently mature to respond.
NF‐κB activation mediates LPS‐or zymosan‐induced hypotension and inflammation reversed by BAY61‐3606, a selective Syk inhibitor, in rat models of septic and non‐septic shock
Authors: Sahan‐Firat Seyhan , Temiz‐Resitoglu Meryem , Guden Demet Sinem , Senol Sefika Pinar , Sari Ayse Nihal , Cil Meltem , Unsal Demet , Korkmaz Belma , Tunctan Bahar , Malik Kafait U. , Buharalioglu Cuneyt Kemal
Published: October 2018

We have previously demonstrated that the activation of the spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk)/inhibitory‐κB (IκB)‐α/nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) p65 signalling pathway contributes to hypotension and inflammatory response in a rat models of zymosan (ZYM)‐induced non‐septic shock. The purpose of this study was to further examine the possible mechanism underlying the effect of inhibition of Syk by BAY61‐3606 via NF‐κB activity at the level of nuclear translocation regarding the production of vasodilator and proinflammatory mediators in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (septic)‐ and ZYM (non‐septic)‐induced shock. Administration of LPS (10 mg/kg, ip) or ZYM (500 mg/kg, ip) to male Wistar rats decreased mean arterial pressure and increased heart rate that was associated with an increase in the activities of cyclooxygenase and nitric oxide synthase, tumour necrosis factor‐α, and interleukin‐8 levels, and NF‐κB activation and nuclear translocation in sera and/or cardiovascular and renal tissues. BAY61‐3606 (3 mg/kg, ip), the selective Syk inhibitor, given 1 hour after LPS‐ or ZYM injection reversed all the above‐mentioned effects. These results suggest that Syk contributes to the LPS‐ or ZYM‐induced hypotension and inflammation associated with transactivation of NF‐κB in septic and non‐septic shock.
Multicenter analysis of the efficacy and safety of a non‐standard immunosuppressive therapy with rituximab in children with steroid‐resistant nephrotic syndrome
Authors: Zachwieja Jacek , Silska‐Dittmar Magdalena , Żurowska Aleksandra , Drożyńska‐Duklas Magdalena , Hyla‐Klekot Lidia , Kucharska Grażyna , Stankiewicz Roman , Olszak‐Szot Ilona , Drożdż Dorota , Moczulska Anna , Zwolińska Danuta , Medyńska Anna , Sikora Przemysław , Bieniaś Beata , Tkaczyk Marcin , Rogowska‐Kalisz Anna , Ostalska‐Nowicka Danuta
Published: October 2018

The aim of the study was a multicenter analysis of the efficacy and safety of a non‐standard immunosuppressive therapy with rituximab (Rtx) in children with steroid‐resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) with particular emphasis on the possibility of permanent discontinuation or dose reduction of other immunosuppressive drugs such as glucocorticoids and cyclosporine A after 6 months of observation. The study group consisted of 30 children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome, who were unresponsive to standard immunosuppressive treatment, and hospitalized in the years 2010–2017 in eight paediatric nephrology centres in Poland. The children were administered a single initial infusion of rituximab at the dose of 375 mg/m2 of the body surface area. Proteinuria, the daily supply of glucocorticoids, and cyclosporine were assessed at the moment of the start of the treatment and after 6 months since its commencement. Before Rtx therapy, complete remission was found in 13 patients (43%) and partial remission was found in 8 patients (26%). These numbers increased to 16 (53%) and 12 (40%), respectively. At the start of the treatment 23 patients (76.6%) were treated with cyclosporine A. After 6 months, this number decreased to 15 patients (35%). At the start of the treatment, 18 patients (60%) were treated with prednisone. After 6 months, this number decreased to 8 patients (44%). Children with SRNS may potentially benefit from Rtx treatment despite relative risk of side effects. The benefits may include reduction of proteinuria or reduction of other immunosuppressants.
Brexit: Re‐opening Ireland's ‘English Question’
Authors: Laffan Brigid
Published: October 2018

The outcome of the UK referendum of June 2016 on the question of EU membership had and will continue to have a profound impact on Ireland, its membership of the EU and on British‐Irish relations, given the UK's choice of exit over voice. This paper analyses Brexit from the perspective of the island of Ireland. It adopts three analytic lenses: first, Brexit is analysed from a domestic Irish perspective; second, the negotiations between the EU and the UK and Ireland's position in these negotiations is analysed from a dynamic temporal perspective; third, the paper focuses on the all island dimension of Brexit and its implications for the Irish border. The Irish border will continue to play a pivotal role in the Brexit negotiations and will remain an unsettled issue long after the UK's exit.
Global inequities in dietary calcium intake during pregnancy: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Cormick G , Betrán AP , Romero IB , Lombardo CF , Gülmezoglu AM , Ciapponi A , Belizán JM
Published: October 2018

Background

Evidence shows that adequate calcium intake during pregnancy reduces the risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. In most low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) the daily calcium intake is well below recommendations. Mapping calcium intake during pregnancy worldwide and identifying populations with low calcium intake will provide the evidence base for more targeted actions to improve calcium intake.

Objective

To assess dietary calcium intake during pregnancy worldwide.

Search strategy

MEDLINE and EMBASE (from July 2004 to November 2017).

Selection criteria

Cross‐sectional, cohort, and intervention studies reporting calcium intake during pregnancy.

Data collection and analysis

Five reviewers working in pairs independently performed screening, extraction, and quality assessment. We reported summary measures of calcium intake and calculated the weighted arithmetic mean for high‐income countries (HICs) and LMICs independently, and for geographic regions, among studies reporting country of recruitment, mean intake, and total number of participants. When available, inadequate intakes were reported.

Main results

From 1880 citations 105 works met the inclusion criteria, providing data for 73 958 women in 37 countries. The mean calcium intake was 948.3 mg/day (95% CI 872.1–1024.4 mg/day) for HICs and 647.6 mg/day (95% CI 568.7–726.5 mg/day) for LMICs. Calcium intakes below 800 mg/day were reported in five (29%) countries from HICs and in 14 (82%) countries from LMICs.

Conclusion

These results are consistent with a lack of improvement in calcium dietary intake during pregnancy and confirm the gap between HICs and LMICs, with alarmingly low intakes recorded for pregnant women in LMICs. From the public health perspective, in the absence of specific local data, calcium supplementation of pregnant women in these countries should be universal.

Tweetable abstract

Despite dietary recommendations, women in LMICs face pregnancy with diets low in calcium.
An evaluation of empathic tendencies of dietitians working in Ankara
Authors: Yildiz Ayşin , Ercan Aydan , Müftüoğlu Selen
Published: October 2018

Aim

This study was carried out to determine the level of empathic tendencies of dietitians working in Ankara, Turkey.

Methods

The study was conducted between February and June 2016 on 175 dietitians aged between 20 and 60 who worked in Ankara, Turkey and volunteered to participate in the study. The Empathic Tendency Scale (ETS) and the Empathic Skill Scale (ESS) were used as data collection tools in the study.

Results

The median of ETS scores of male dietitians was found to be lower than that of female dietitians (P < 0.05). The differences between the median values of ETS and ESS were determined to be statistically significant in terms of the age groups and the 20–24 age range was found to be the age group with the lowest ETS and ESS (P < 0.05). In this study, it was found that the ETS and ESS median scores of married dietitians were higher, those of the dietitians with no children were lower, and that the ETS median score of the dietitians who had higher level of education was higher (P < 0.05). A positive relationship was found between the working environment satisfaction of the dietitians and empathic behaviours variable (r = 0.133, P = 0.008).

Conclusions

The empathic skill of the healthcare staff is an important part of the relationship that they establish with patients. When this is assessed from a nutritional point of view, dietitians need to be able to use communication skills effectively, especially empathy, in order to increase the effectiveness of nutrition education they provide.
Characterization of the Volatile Compounds in Raw and Roasted Georgia Pecans by HS‐SPME‐GC‐MS
Authors: Gong Yi , Kerrihard Adrian L. , Pegg Ronald B.
Published: October 2018

Volatile compounds are responsible for the characteristic aroma of raw and roasted pecans. Yet, much is unknown about the specific effects of roasting on pecan volatiles. In this study, the volatiles of raw “Desirable” pecans from Georgia and 3 roasted pecan samples (175 °C for 5, 10, and 15 min) were determined by HS‐SPME coupled to GC‐MS using stable deuterium‐labeled volatiles as internal standards for quantitation. As expected, roasting markedly impacted the volatile profile of pecans: a total of 63 flavor‐active compounds were identified in roasted samples, including 9 compounds not detected in raw “Desirable” pecans. Pyrazines, notable indicators of the Maillard reaction, were found only in roasted samples and demonstrated continual increases throughout observed roasting times. Furthermore, it was noted that hydrocarbon derivatives showed substantial increases with roasting, likely a result of the degradation of nonvolatile lipids. The observed changes correspond well to prior sensory investigations concerning the impact of roasting on pecan flavor, and explain increases in intensity for roasted, nutty, buttery, and sweet sensory traits.

Practical Application

The results of this study document the volatile constituents generated during the roasting of pecans, and this may help formulators, who are trying to develop natural and artificial pecan flavors in new food products.
Disability and health‐related quality of life in Chinese patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Zhou Yunshan , Wang Xiuru , An Yuan , Zhang Xiaoying , Han Shuling , Li Xiaofeng , Wang Lizhi , Wang Caihong , Wang Yongfu , Yang Rong , Wang Guochun , Lu Xin , Zhu Ping , Chen Lina , Liu Jinting , Jin Hongtao , Liu Xiangyuan , Sun Lin , Wei Ping , Wang Junxiang , Chen Haiying , Cui Liufu , Shu Rong , Zhang Zhuoli , Li Guangtao , Li Zhenbin , Yang Jing , Li Junfang , Jia Bin , Zhang Fengxiao , Tao Jiemei , Lin Jinying , Wei Qiumei , Liu Xiaomin , Ke Dan , Hu Shaoxian , Ye Cong , Yang Xiuyan , Li Hao , Huang Cibo , Gao Ming , Li Xingfu , Song Lijun , Wang Yi , Wang Xiaoyuan , Mu Rong , Su Yin , Li Zhanguo
Published: October 2018

Aim

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) on physical function and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in China.

Method

A cross‐section survey was conducted in 21 general hospitals in China. Eight hundred and seven patients were recruited. Data on demographics, clinical data, physical function (Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index, HAQ‐DI) and HRQoL (Study Short Form 36 Health Survey, SF‐36) were collected on site.

Results

In our cohort, physical function was impaired in 77.6% of patients (HAQ‐DI >0). The median (interquartile range, IQR) of HAQ‐DI was 0.750 (0.125, 1.500). Rated by HAQ‐DI 0‐1, >1‐2, and >2‐3, percentage of patients with mild, moderate and severe disability was 61.0%, 25.4%, and 13.6%, respectively. Older age, long disease duration, presence of extra‐articular manifestations, tender joint count (TJC), overall status (assessed by patient Global Visual Analogue Scale [G‐VAS] and physician G‐VAS) and lacking disease‐modifying anti‐rheumatic drugs were identified as predictive factors for worse physical function (P < .05). The composite scores of SF‐36 in the observed patients were: physical component summary 40.4 (IQR 27.4, 60.3), and mental component summary 49.0 (IQR 33.6, 70.9). Impaired physical health may be predicted by low income, presence of extra‐articular manifestations, TJC, patient G‐VAS and high HAQ‐DI. Predictors for suboptimal mental health were low income, physical labor, married status, increased swollen joint count (SJC), physician G‐VAS and high HAQ‐DI.

Conclusion

Rheumatoid arthritis has profound effects on physical function and HRQoL in Chinese patients. Patients with identified predictive factors for poor outcome should be closely monitored.
Back to the basics: Understanding joint swelling and tenderness at the wrist in rheumatoid arthritis through the use of ultrasonography
Authors: Tan York Kiat , Moorakonda Rajesh Babu , Allen John Carson , Chew Li‐Ching , Thumboo Julian
Published: October 2018

Aim

To compare ultrasound‐detected inflammation with clinical manifestations at the wrist in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Method

Wrists assessed serially by assessors blinded to ultrasound findings were categorized into 4 groups: 1 = S0T0 (not swollen; not tender); 2 = S0T1 (not swollen; tender); 3 = S1T0 (swollen; not tender); 4 = S1T1 (swollen; tender). Ultrasound synovitis and tenosynovitis were graded semi‐quantitatively (0‐3) and dichotomously (0 or 1), respectively. The (a) power Doppler (PD), gray‐scale (GS) and combined (PD + GS) ultrasound (CUS) scores and (b) their positivity (score > 0) were analyzed using a general linear repeated measures mixed model (a) assuming Gaussian errors and (b) with binary distribution and logit link, respectively. Pairwise comparisons among wrist groups were performed within context of the models.

Results

In 122 wrist assessments (baseline = 64; 3 months = 58) from 32 treated RA patients (87.5% female; mean disease duration 42.8 months), significant differences among groups for (a) scores were: 4 vs 1 (PD, P = 0.0031; GS, P = 0.0159; CUS, P = 0.0045), 4 vs 2 (PD, P = 0.0176; GS, P = 0.0160; CUS, P = 0.0074), and 4 vs 3 (CUS, P = 0.0374); and (b) positivity were: 4 vs 1 (PD, P = 0.0007), 4 vs 2 (PD, P = 0.0234), and 3 vs 1 (PD, P = 0.0202). No significant differences in results were found for groups 2 vs 1. No significant effects were attributable to differences in wrist side or follow‐up visit.

Conclusion

Ultrasound detected substantial inflammation when wrist joint swelling and tenderness are both present. Joint swelling without tenderness is associated with significantly more frequent PD detection. Without swelling, joint tenderness is not associated with a significantly greater degree of ultrasound‐detected inflammation.
Using propensity scores for causal inference in ecology: Options, considerations, and a case study
Authors: Ramsey David S. L. , Forsyth David. M. , Wright Elaine , McKay Meredith , Westbrooke Ian
Published: October 2018

Applied ecologists are often interested in understanding the effects of management on ecological systems. If management (treatment) is applied nonrandomly, as in observational studies, then analysis must account for the potential confounding caused by variables that could have influenced both treatment assignment and the outcome of interest. Methods that do not adjust for all confounding variables can only estimate associations between treatment and outcome, not treatment effects.

Data collected in observational studies are usually analysed with linear or generalized linear models, which can estimate treatment effects by adjusting for confounding variables. However, if there is little overlap in the distributions of confounding variables among the treatment groups then conventional regression extrapolates to areas of the covariate space where at least one of the treatment groups was unlikely to be observed.

An alternative procedure for assessing treatment effects is to use the propensity score, which is the probability of treatment assignment given potential confounding variables. The propensity score can be used to reduce systematic differences in confounding variables among the treatment groups, ensuring that data more closely resemble that expected under a randomized experiment. The propensity score also identifies situations where treatment inferences must rely on strong assumptions.

We used Monte Carlo simulation to examine the properties of commonly used propensity score methods for estimating treatment effects in the presence of nonrandom allocation of treatments. We then illustrated their application in a case study estimating the effects of invasive herbivore management on tree condition.

Our results indicate that propensity score methods can be robust to model misspecification, allowing the estimation of average causal effects and resulting in more reliable inferences. We discuss key considerations for using propensity score methods for analysing ecological data.
Honey Bees (Apis mellifera) Show a Preference for the Consumption of Ethanol
Authors: Mustard Julie A. , Oquita Ramiro , Garza Paulina , Stoker Alexander
Published: October 2018

Background

Alcohol abuse and alcoholism are significant global issues. Honey bees are excellent models for learning and other complex behaviors; furthermore, they share many behavioral responses to ethanol (EtOH) with humans and animal models. We develop a 2‐feeder choice assay to determine whether honey bees will self‐administer and preferentially consume solutions containing EtOH.

Methods

Gustatory responsiveness to EtOH is determined using the proboscis extension reflex and consumption assays. A 2‐feeder choice assay is used to examine preference for the consumption of EtOH. Survival assays assess the metabolic and toxic effects of EtOH consumption.

Results

Honey bees find the taste of EtOH to be aversive when in water, but addition of sucrose masks the aversive taste. Even though the taste of EtOH is not appetitive, honey bees preferentially consume sucrose solutions containing 1.25 to 2.5% EtOH in a dose‐dependent manner. Based on survival assays, honey bees may not be able to derive caloric value from EtOH, and EtOH concentrations of 2.5% or higher lead to significant increases in mortality.

Conclusions

Honey bees will self‐administer EtOH and show a preference for consuming solutions containing EtOH. Bees may not be able to efficiently utilize EtOH as an energy source, but EtOH‐dependent increases in mortality complicate separating the effects of caloric value and toxicity.
Surgical or endoscopic management of malignant colon polyps
Authors: Samuolis Nikas , Samalavicius Narimantas E. , Dulskas Audrius , Markelis Rytis , Lunevicius Raimundas , Mickys Ugnius , Ringeleviciute Ugne
Published: October 2018

Background

To evaluate indications for colectomy in T1 polyps and possible risk factors for lymph node metastasis.

Methods

Between 2004 and 2017, 40 patients underwent colectomy after endoscopic removal of malignant polyps with T1 carcinoma. Resection was done based on at least one of the unfavourable histopathological criteria. We collected and prospectively studied histopathologic features, short‐term results and the benefit–risk balance. Complications were assessed by Clavien–Dindo classification.

Results

Twenty‐five patients (62.5%) underwent laparoscopic bowel resection. Twenty‐nine patients (63.0%) had more than two unfavourable criteria in the polyp that justified colorectal resection. Thirty‐five patients (76%) had G2 (moderately differentiated) cancer, 11 (24%) had G1 (well‐differentiated). Five patients (12.5%) had lymph node metastases and one (2.5%) had residual adenocarcinoma. All five patients with lymph node metastasis had G2 cancer. Nine patients (22.5%) had residual adenoma. Overall complications were identified in six (15.0%) patients. Oncologic benefit (or risk factors for lymph node metastasis) was significantly associated with polyp size ≥18 mm (P = 0.006), lymphovascular invasion (P = 0.05) and budding (P = 0.02).

Conclusions

Female gender, lymphovascular invasion, desmoplastic reaction, criteria for surgery ≥2 and polyp size ≥18 mm were all in complex significant risk factors for lymph node metastasis in T1 colorectal cancer. Acting as a single factor, these variables had no effect to increased risk of metastasis.
Analysis of social media use among Australian and New Zealand otolaryngologists
Authors: Baird Samantha M. , Marsh Philip A. , Lawrentschuk Nathan , Smart Philip , Chow Zenia
Published: October 2018

Background

Social media's rapid worldwide growth has permeated surgical practice. To date, no study has evaluated social media use amongst Australian and New Zealand otolaryngologists.

Methods

Cross‐sectional study of all members of the Australian and New Zealand Societies of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery with comprehensive searches of websites and social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, ResearchGate and Instagram) was performed.

Results

A total of 498 otolaryngologists were identified with 81.7% working in Australia; 79.1% had some form of online presence – either professional website or activity on ≥1 social media platform and 53.0% of otolaryngologists had a professional website and mean number of social media profiles averaged 1.35 per surgeon. LinkedIn was the most widely used social media platform (51.6%). 38.8% of otolaryngologists had Facebook accounts with 11.9% of those ‘public’ accounts used for business purposes. Otolaryngologists with a research and authorship interest had the highest mean number of social media accounts (1.78) and were more likely to be associated with ResearchGate, LinkedIn and website ownership. Facial plastic surgeons averaged the second highest mean number of social media accounts per surgeon (1.71) and were most active on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. There was a linear decline in the mean number of social media accounts per surgeon and rate of professional website ownership with increasing years in practice.

Conclusion

Social media uptake amongst otolaryngologists appears consistent with colleagues in other surgical specialties. Otolaryngologists with fewer years in practice and specialty interests in facial plastic surgery and authorship and research are significantly more active on social media.
A national surveillance approach to monitor incidence of eclampsia: The Netherlands Obstetric Surveillance System
Authors: Schaap Timme P. , van den Akker Thomas , Zwart Joost J. , van Roosmalen Jos , Bloemenkamp Kitty W. M.
Published: October 2018

Introduction

There have been many efforts in the last decade to decrease the incidence of eclampsia and its related complications in the Netherlands, such as lowering thresholds for treatment of hypertension and mandatory professional training. To determine the impact of these policy changes on incidence and outcomes, we performed a nationwide registration of eclampsia, 10 years after the previous registration.

Material and methods

Cases of eclampsia were prospectively collected using the Netherlands Obstetric Surveillance System (NethOSS; 2013‐2016) in all hospitals with a maternity unit in the Netherlands. Complete case file copies were obtained for comparative analysis of individual level data with the previous cohort (2004‐2006). Primary outcome measure was incidence of eclampsia; main secondary outcomes were antihypertensive and magnesium sulfate use, and maternal and perinatal mortality.

Results

NethOSS identified 88 women with eclampsia. The incidence decreased from 6.2/10 000 in 2004‐2006 to 1.8/10 000 births (relative risk [RR] 0.28, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.22‐0.36). Increases in the use of antihypertensive medication (61/82 vs 35/216; RR 18.4, 95% CI 9.74‐34.70) and magnesium sulfate treatment (82/82 vs 201/216; RR 1.08, 95% CI 1.04‐1.12) were observed. There was one intrauterine death following termination of pregnancy. No cases of neonatal mortality were reported in NethOSS compared with 11 in the LEMMoN. Maternal death occurred in one woman compared vs three in the previous registration.

Conclusions

There has been a strong reduction of eclampsia and associated perinatal mortality in the Netherlands over the last decade. Management changes and increased awareness may have contributed to this reduction.
Semi‐automated kinetic perimetry: Comparison of the Octopus 900 and Humphrey visual field analyzer 3 versus Goldmann perimetry
Authors: Bevers Claudia , Blanckaert Gauthier , Van Keer Karel , Fils Jean‐François , Vandewalle Evelien , Stalmans Ingeborg
Published: October 2018

Purpose

To evaluate the clinical usefulness and reproducibility of (semi‐)automated kinetic perimetry of the Octopus 900 and Humphrey field analyzer 3 (HFA3) compared to Goldmann perimetry as reference technique.

Methods

A prospective interventional study of two study groups, divided into three subgroups. The first study group consisted of 28 patients, performing one visual field examination on each of the three devices. A second group of 30 patients performed four examinations, one on Goldmann and three on Octopus 900 with the following testing strategies: (1) with reaction time (RT) vector, no headphone; (2) without RT vector, no headphone; and (3) without RT vector, with headphone. Comparisons for V4e and I4e stimuli were made of the mean isopter radius (MIR) and of the distances of the isopter to the central visual axis in four directions. Statistical analysis was made with the R software version 3.2.2.

Results

For V4e stimuli, the mean isopter radius showed no statistic significant difference comparing Goldmann to HFA3 [p‐value = 0.144; confidence interval (CI) −0.152 to 0.019] and comparing Goldmann to Octopus 900 without RT vector, either with (p‐value = 0.347; CI −0.023 to 0.081) or without headphone (p‐value = 0.130; CI −0.011 to 0.095). Octopus 900 with RT vector produced a significantly larger MIR for V4e stimuli in comparison to Goldmann (p‐value < 0.001). I4e stimuli produced statistically significantly larger visual field areas when comparing HFA3 and Octopus 900 to Goldmann perimetry.

Conclusion

Humphrey field analyzer 3 and Octopus 900 without RT vector are promising successors of Goldmann perimetry.
Board Turnover and Reorganisation Outcomes: Evidence from Voluntary Administration
Authors: Chapple Larelle , Routledge James
Published: October 2018

This paper examines the relation between board turnover and the likelihood that a company that enters voluntary administration will conclude a deed of company arrangement with its creditors, which provides stakeholders with a better outcome than would be achieved by liquidation. We examine director turnover generally, as well as turnover of specific board personnel including the CEO or managing director and the board chairperson. A significant positive relation is found between a deed outcome and the percentage of director turnover and turnover of a CEO or managing director. We interact board turnover variables and company size and find that the turnover benefit is reduced as company size increases and the complexity of the administration becomes greater. The results inform a controversial and largely unanswered question as to whether board turnover leads to better outcomes for insolvent companies. Moreover, the results have implications for the Australian voluntary administration legislation because they suggest that there are difficulties applying it to large and complex corporate insolvencies.
Prospective assessment of urinary neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipoprotein in living kidney donors: toward understanding differences between chronic kidney diseases of surgical and medical origin
Authors: Yoon Young Eun , Lee Hyung Ho , Na Joon Chae , Han Woong Kyu
Published: October 2018

Objectives

To evaluate the clinical implications of postoperative urinary neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipoprotein (NGAL) changes and the association between urinary NGAL (uNGAL) and renal function in living kidney donors.

Subjects, Patients and Methods

We included 76 healthy adults who underwent donor nephrectomy between December 2013 and November 2014. Perioperative serum creatinine (sCr), uNGAL, serum NGAL (sNGAL), and urinary microalbumin were prospectively measured until 6 months postoperatively. Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) due to medical disorders who visited our outpatient clinic during the same period were included for comparison.

Results

The mean (SD) preoperative uNGAL of donors was 5 (5.17) ng/mL. uNGAL (corrected for urinary creatinine) was maximal at 1–2 days postoperatively, decreased on postoperative day 3, and stabilised by 7 days after surgery. Postoperative uNGAL was not associated with sex, age, or preoperative renal function. When corrected for sNGAL to compensate for the systemic increase in NGAL with major surgery, uNGAL on days 1–3 postoperatively was negatively correlated with sCr. Postoperatively, donor uNGAL remained higher than preoperatively for up to 6 months but was significantly lower than in patients with medical CKD with similar glomerular filtration rates.

Conclusion

Acute kidney injury due to hyperfiltration of remnant kidney after donor nephrectomy was maximal within 1–2 days postoperatively. The rise in uNGAL during this period in donors was negatively correlated with postoperative sCr levels. Decreased renal function after nephrectomy differs from that of medical CKD.
Label‐free molecular probe based on G‐quadruplex and strand displacement for sensitive and selective detection and naked eye discrimination of exon 2 deletion of AIMP2
Authors: Zang Ruimin , Wang Xin , Zhu Yanyan , Yao Tianming , Shi Shuo
Published: October 2018

Exon 2 deletion of aminoacyl tRNA synthetase complex‐interacting multifunctional protein 2 (AIMP2) is a genetic deletion related to various cancers, for instance ovarian and lung cancers. It can be worked as an indicator of cancer for diagnosis of diseases. Here, we developed a label‐free method based on the formation of split G‐quadruplex in the presence of target DNA combined with strand displacement to detect exon 2 deletion of AIMP2 (DE2) sensitively and selectively. This method is easy‐operating and cost‐saving. Moreover, it has observed discrimination of gene deletion from wild‐types by naked eyes. The results demonstrate that this strategy can be further used for the detection of different gene deletions to achieve early diagnosis of diseases and allow better prognosis.
Autism‐Related Variation in Reciprocal Social Behavior: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Wagner Rachael E. , Zhang Yi , Gray Teddi , Abbacchi Anna , Cormier Deporres , Todorov Alexandre , Constantino John N.
Published: October 2018

Deficits in reciprocal social behavior are a characterizing feature of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Autism‐related variation in reciprocal social behavior (AVR) in the general population is continuously distributed and highly heritable—a function of additive genetic influences that overlap substantially with those which engender clinical autistic syndromes. This is the first long‐term prospective study of the stability of AVR from childhood through early adulthood, conducted via serial ratings using the Social Responsiveness Scale, in a cohort‐sequential study involving children with ASD, other psychiatric conditions, and their siblings (N = 602, ages = 2.5–29). AVR exhibits marked stability throughout childhood in individuals with and without ASD.
Recruitment of activated neutrophils correlates with disease severity in adult Crohn’s disease
Authors: Therrien A , Chapuy L , Bsat M , Rubio M , Bernard G , Arslanian E , Orlicka K , Weber A , Panzini B-P , Dorais J , Bernard E-J , Soucy G , Bouin M , Sarfati M
Published: October 2018

Neutrophils are detected in inflamed colon in Crohn’s disease (CD). However, whether the frequency and/or activation of circulating or gut tissue neutrophils correlate with endoscopic severity remains to be investigated. A cohort of 73 CD patients was prospectively enrolled according to endoscopic severity and treatment history. Individuals with active disease were stratified using the Montreal classification. Harvey–Bradshaw Index (HBI) and Simple Endoscopic Score for Crohn’s Disease (SES-CD) were performed at the time of ileocolonoscopy. Frequency of neutrophils and their expression of CD66b and CD64 were assessed in paired blood and colonic biopsies using flow cytometry. The percentage of neutrophils increased in inflamed colon and correlated with SES-CD in the entire cohort of patients examined, as well as in the subgroup with inflammatory (B1) active disease. SES-CD further correlated with neutrophil CD66b expression in mucosa but not blood and, conversely, with neutrophil CD64 expression in blood but not mucosa. However, the evaluation of neutrophil activation in mucosa when compared to blood reflected disease activity more clearly. Finally, a neutrophil activation power index (CD66b in mucosa X CD64 in blood) that correlated with SES-CD discriminated between patients with mild and severe disease. In conclusion, the frequency and activation of colonic neutrophils correlated with SES-CD, highlighting that mucosal neutrophils are associated with disease severity in CD.
Laparoscopic hand‐assisted adrenalectomy for tumours larger than 5 cm
Authors: Buxton Jennifer , Vun Shen H. , van Dellen David , Wadsworth Richard , Augustine Titus
Published: October 2018

Objective

Adrenal surgery remains a distinct surgical challenge. Technical challenges associated with laparoscopic adrenalectomy are tumour size, haemorrhage control and oncological compromise. Hand‐assisted laparoscopic (HAL) adrenalectomy, utilizing a hand‐port device, offers minimally invasive surgery with the advantages and safety of tactile feedback. We aimed to assess the efficacy of HAL for patients requiring adrenalectomy for tumours over 5 cm in size.

Context

Hand‐assisted laparoscopic surgery is used in several surgical specialities over totally laparoscopic surgery to manage sizeable pathology, reduce operating time and conversion rates. HAL adrenalectomy is demonstrated in this series as a safe alternative to laparoscopic adrenalectomy for large adrenal tumours.

Design

A retrospective analysis of all HAL adrenalectomies performed over 8 years (October 2006‐May 2015) by a single surgeon was performed. This case series is the largest study of this technique.

Patients

All patients who were fit for surgery with adrenal tumours (over 5 cm) were included.

Analysis

Primary endpoints were overall mortality, operating time, hospital stay, complications and conversion to open surgery.

Results

A total of 56 patients underwent the procedure. A total of 43 had unilateral and 13 bilateral lesions. Most lesions (45) were histologically benign. These included functioning and non‐functioning tumours. Median tumour size was 8 cm (range 5‐19 cm). There was one (1.8%) intra‐operative conversion and no peri‐operative mortality. Postoperative complications occurred in 8 (14%) patients, all self‐limiting. The median length of stay was 6 days (range 2‐21). There was one recurrence of pathology with repeat surgery.

Conclusion

Hand‐assisted laparoscopic surgery offers a safe reproducible approach to adrenal surgery combining minimally invasive surgery with tactile integration. Although previously described in small numbers, this represents the largest case series to date. HAL is a safe minimally invasive surgical option for larger tumours, including malignancies. The HAL technique may additionally offer a shorter learning curve for trainee adrenal surgeons.
Accuracy of flapless immediate implant placement in anterior maxilla using computer‐assisted versus freehand surgery: A cadaver study
Authors: Chen Zhaozhao , Li Junying , Sinjab Khaled , Mendonca Gustavo , Yu Haiyang , Wang Hom‐Lay
Published: October 2018

Objective

To compare the accuracy of computer‐guided surgery and freehand surgery on flapless immediate implant placement (IIP) in the anterior maxilla.

Material and Methods

In this split‐mouth design, 24 maxillary incisors in eight human cadaver heads were randomly divided into two groups: computer‐guided surgery (n = 12) and freehand surgery (n = 12). Preoperatively, cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were acquired, and all implants were planned with a software (Blue Sky Plan3). Then, two types of surgeries were performed. To assess any differences in position, the postoperative CBCT was subsequently matched with the preoperative planning. For all the implants, the angular, global, depth, bucco‐lingual, and mesio‐distal deviations between the virtual and actual implant positions were measured.

Results

A significant lower mean angular deviation (3.11 ± 1.55°, range: 0.66–4.95,p = 0.002) and the global deviation at both coronal (0.85 ± 0.38 mm, range: 0.42–1.51,p = 0.004) and apical levels (0.93 ± 0.34 mm, range: 0.64–1.72,p < 0.001) were observed in the guided group when compared to the freehand group (6.78 ± 3.31°, range: 3.08–14.98; 1.43 ± 0.49 mm, range: 0.65–2.31, and 2.2 ± 0.79 mm, range: 1.01–4.02). However, the accuracy of these two approaches was similar for the depth (p = 0.366). In the buccal direction, the mean deviations of both groups showed a general tendency of implants to be positioned facially, occurring more in implants of the freehand group.

Conclusion

In flapless IIP, computer‐guided surgery showed superior accuracy than freehand surgery in transferring the implant position from the planning. However, even with the help of a guide, the final fixture position tends to shift toward a facial direction.
Report of National Kidney Foundation Consensus Conference to Decrease Kidney Discards
Authors: Cooper Matthew , Formica Richard , Friedewald John , Hirose Ryutaro , O’Connor Kevin , Mohan Sumit , Schold Jesse , Axelrod David , Pastan Stephen
Published: October 2018

The organ shortage is one of the major challenges in the field of organ transplantation, yet the percentage of kidneys procured and discarded prior to transplantation has continued to rise to twenty percent. The causes of organ discard are complex, yet an urgent need exists for collaborative efforts to maximize the utilization of all potentially transplantable renal allografts. The National Kidney Foundation convened a meeting of experts to identify factors contributing to reduced organ utilization, and to propose actionable solutions to decrease the rate of kidney discards.
An update on Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in adults
Authors: Abad Cybele Lara R. , Razonable Raymund R.
Published: October 2018

Background

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) is common worldwide, but is rarely reported after hematopoietic transplantation (HSCT). We reviewed all TB cases among HSCT since 2010 to provide an update on its epidemiology, clinical presentation, management and outcome.

Methods

Several databases were reviewed from January 1, 2010 to June 30, 2018 using key words tuberculosis and hematopoietic transplantation.

Results

The 47 cases of TB were reported during the study period. The highest TB frequency was reported from India (2.9%), with a median frequency of 2% (range, 0.18%‐2.9%). The majority were recipients of allogeneic transplants (45/47, 95.7%). Pulmonary TB was the most common clinical presentation (20/47, 42.6%). The median time to clinical presentation was 4.6 (range, 3‐12.9) and 2.4 (range, 0.6‐5) months, based on cohort data and case reports, respectively. Fever was reported in 87.5% (14/16) of patients. First‐line quadruple drug therapy was frequently used (29/35, 82.9%), with a median length of 12 and 9 months for cohorts and case reports, respectively. All‐cause and attributable mortality was 27.6% (13/47), and 8.5% (4/47), respectively.

Conclusions

Mycobacterium tuberculosis presents early after HSCT, most commonly as fever. A high index of suspicion is needed for early diagnosis and treatment, to prevent TB‐attributable mortality.
Colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection with a combination of a snare and endoclips
Authors: Zhang Qiang
Published: October 2018

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Effect of ankle–foot orthoses on motor performance in cerebral palsy
Authors: Degelaen Marc
Published: October 2018

This commentary is on the original article by Ries and Schwartz on pages 219–225 of this issue.