bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of human capital and foreign direct investment in promoting economic growth
Authors: Azam Muhammad , Ahmed Ather Maqsood
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to validate the Endogenous Growth Model by examining the impacts of Human Capital (HK) and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) on economic growth in ten countries from Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

Design/methodology/approach

– For empirical investigation, a linear regression model based on growth theory and panel data set covering the time-period from 1993 to 2011 are used. Fixed and random effects models are applied. On the basis of the Hausman test, the fixed effects model has been preferred over the random effects model.

Findings

– The results support the hypothesis of the study by confirming that HK development is critical for economic growth. Similarly, FDI has been found to have a facilitating role in promoting growth in the former Soviet Republics now comprising Central Asian independent economies. This is despite of the fact that there are country-specific differences across CIS.

Practical implications

– The findings suggest that investment climate in the host countries must be enriched through suitable policies. Improved domestic conditions not only enhance the performance of multinational corporations but also allow host economies to reap greater benefits of FDI inflows. Moreover, the findings demonstrate that investment in both education and health are indispensable. Therefore, improved levels of education and health should be the primary objective running concurrently with other factors in order to stimulate economic growth.

Originality/value

– The choice of CIS has been made because very little research has been found for the region particularly in the area of economic growth despite strong evidence of commonality in terms of landlocked geographical layout and economic and political structures of these economies. The region has gained importance gradually after independence of these states; and it has started to attract foreign funds in the shape of FDI only recently. Thus, there is a need to evaluate the future prospects pertaining to the importance of FDI and HK on growth performance of these economies and will insistently contribute to the literature.
Recent growth experiences of Asian tigers: where does India stand?
Authors: Arora Rashmi Umesh , Ratnasiri Shyama
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The four Asian tigers, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan (also called Four Dragons) experienced miraculous high growth rates in the pre-1990s period and rapidly transformed their economic status from less developed “basket cases” to developed high-income countries gaining entry to the rich OECD club of countries. These countries even in the post-1990s, barring few years, have continued to grow further and are an inspiring role model for the newly emerging economies. The purpose of this paper is to adduce certain trends in these countries since the 1990s and specifically examine role of human capital and knowledge building, productivity convergence and intra-regional trade in the Asian tigers’. The authors examine these in the context of India.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper in a simple descriptive yet analytical approach explores the relevance of above factors in the Indian context.

Findings

– The study observed that India ranks far below the Asian tigers in the knowledge economy index (KEI). The results at the sub-national level showed large disparities across the states in knowledge economy reflecting country’s difficulties in catching up with other countries overall. Regarding labour productivity, the results show that India was moving away from the benchmark country until 1990 (pre-reform period) and started catching up particularly due to physical capital (not necessarily human capital) since 1995 onwards.

Originality/value

– The study is unique due to several reasons. First, it contributes to the literature examining contemporaneous Asian tigers and Indian economies performance as not many studies exist in this area. Second, the study also builds a unique first ever KEI at the sub-national level for India and is, therefore, a contribution in this respect. Finally, the study also contributes to the literature on Indian economic development.
Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) – where do we go from here?
Authors: Lennard Chris
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to give a brief background to the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS), and studies which factors Best Interests Assessors consider when making a judgement on Deprivation of Liberty. It examines some of the reasons why professionals may be under-using DoLS, including lack of knowledge, complex processes and paperwork, and the pejorative nature of the word “deprivation”, and looks at a possible way forward.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper looks at the evidence to the House of Commons and House of Lords Committees on the Mental Health Act and Mental Capacity Act, as well as previous and current research papers. It examines the nuances of difference between restriction and deprivation, and the cumulative impact of several restrictions, which may, in fact, amount to a deprivation, illustrated by case studies from the author's own practice.

Findings

– It makes the case that health and social care professionals should err on the side of caution, by making precautionary DoLS applications, arguing that MCA DoLS is a forerunner of good practice, and that good care planning allied to judicious application of the MCA leads to better, more robust and more defensible decision making.

Originality/value

– And it points the way to a possible future, citing the recommendations of the Select Committee on the MCA for a clearer link between DoLS and the principles underpinning the MCA, and for simplifying and clarifying the legislative provisions and the associated paperwork.
Foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) – its relevance to forensic adolescent services
Authors: Gralton Ernest
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– There needs to be an increased recognition of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) in services that deal with young people with disruptive and offending behavior, not just those services that deal with adolescents with a recognized intellectual disability. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– This is a general review of the current available evidence on FASD and how it is likely to predispose affected young people to have contact with secure mental health services and the criminal justice system.

Findings

– FASD is likely to have become a more common cause of intellectual disability and behavioral disturbance but the history of significant alcohol exposure in utero if often missed. There is evidence that the hyperactivity is less responsive to psychotropic medication and may represent a different condition to conventional ADHD. However the majority of those affected are in the low normal IQ range.

Research limitations/implications

– There is so far very limited research in what is likely to be a relatively common disorder with significant costs to criminal justice, mental healthcare and social services. Epidemiological information from the UK is lacking and urgently needed.

Practical implications

– Professionals who work with mentally disordered young people need to be more aware of FASD and its potential contribution to the problems and disabilities in their population.

Social implications

– Social workers, foster carers and adoptive parents need to be more aware of FASD and how it can contribute to the breakdown of social care.

Originality/value

– There is currently no other review of FASD and the implications for criminal justice, secure mental health and social care for young people.
Evaluation of product development partners using an integrated AHP-VIKOR model
Authors: Büyüközkan Gülçin , Görener Ali
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– Today, customers are generally perceived to be demanding higher quality and better performing products, in shorter and more predictable development cycle-times and at a lower cost. These market pressures drive firms to collaborate with possible partners in product development (PD) processes. However, the selection of a suitable partner for an effective PD is not an easy decision and is associated with complexity. The purpose of this paper is to propose an integrated multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach to effectively evaluate PD partners.

Design/methodology/approach

– The proposed evaluation procedure consists of several steps. First, based on a literature review and expert validation, the strategic main and sub-criteria of the PD partner selection process that companies consider the most important are identified. After constructing the evaluation criteria hierarchy, the criteria weights are calculated by applying the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method. The VIKOR (a compromise ranking) method is used to obtain the final partner ranking results. A case study is given to demonstrate the potential of the methodology. In the last part of the study, a sensitivity analysis is performed to determine the influence of criteria weights on the decision making process.

Findings

– The PD partner evaluation model contains three main criteria, namely, partner, collaboration and PD-oriented criteria, with 13 sub-criteria. The market position, competency of the partner, compatibility, technical expertise and complementarity are found as the most considerable evaluation criteria for the ABC case company. Results of the sensitivity analysis from different cases demonstrate that the integrated AHP-VIKOR model is quite sensitive to the weights assigned to the evaluation criteria. This finding underlines the importance of forming a capable, qualified group of experts for the decision-making procedure. The results of the empirical study show that the proposed evaluation framework is practical for solving partner selection problems.

Originality/value

– Partner selection is critical to the success of a collaborative PD process. The main contribution of this paper is the definition and development of an effective evaluation framework to guide managers for suitable PD partner selection. In our knowledge, there exists no study in the literature that combines the established AHP VIKOR model for PD partner selection problem. This study can be useful to researchers to better understand PD partner selection problem theoretically, as well as to organizations in designing better satisfying PD partner evaluation systems.
Assessing individual patterns ofEchinococcus multilocularisinfection in urban coyotes: non‐invasive genetic sampling as an epidemiological tool
Authors: Liccioli Stefano , Rogers Sean , Greco Claudia , Kutz Susan J. , Chan Florence , Ruckstuhl Kathreen E. , Massolo Alessandro
Published: January 2015

In epidemiological studies of wildlife parasites, faecal genotyping has been introduced to prevent bias in estimates of parasite prevalence from faecal samples collected in the field. Such an approach could be particularly relevant in the study ofEchinococcus multilocularistransmission in urban settings, where estimates of prevalence and patterns of infection in wild canid hosts are key parameters used in zoonotic risk assessment and management. However, no previous study has evaluated the reliability ofE. multilocularisfaecal prevalence, and individual patterns of infection in definitive hosts remain poorly understood.

We evaluated faecal genotyping as an epidemiological tool, usingE. multilocularisin urban coyotesCanis latransas our study system. Combining parasitological analysis and multilocus individual genotyping of coyote faeces, we compared faecal parasite prevalence with the prevalence obtained from genotyped faecal samples. Furthermore, we assessed patterns of individual infection, such as re‐infection rates and phenology of parasite egg excretion.

Of 425 faeces collected in five urban sites, we genotyped 142 samples (33·4%) corresponding to 60 unique individual coyotes. Number of genotyped samples per coyote ranged between 1 and 10 (mean = 2·3). Genotypes were obtained at 4–6 microsatellite loci and had a mean reliability of 0·9975.

Faecal prevalence ofE. multilocularisin genotyped coyotes was 25·0%, and similar to results previously obtained from non‐genotyped faeces. Faecal genotyping allowed estimating a re‐infection rate of individual coyotes of 57·1% and to observe temporal patterns of parasite infection that were not detected using non‐genotyped faeces.

Synthesis and applications. If compared to independent data obtained through coyote post‐mortem examination, our results suggest that reliable estimates of overall parasite prevalence in definitive host populations can be efficiently obtained through well‐designed field collection and traditional faecal parasitological analysis. However, faecal genotyping allows assessing the dynamics of individual infections, which could otherwise only be estimated by using invasive techniques. Combining faecal genotyping with parasitology has a great potential in assessing zoonotic risk transmission in urban areas, as well as advancing the field of wildlife ecology, disease ecology and conservation.
Shifts in plant functional types have time‐dependent and regionally variable impacts on dryland ecosystem water balance
Authors: Bradford John B. , Schlaepfer Daniel R. , Lauenroth William K. , Burke Ingrid C.
Published: January 2015

Terrestrial vegetation influences hydrologic cycling. In water‐limited, dryland ecosystems, altered ecohydrology as a consequence of vegetation change can impact vegetation structure, ecological functioning and ecosystem services. Shrub steppe ecosystems dominated by big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) are widespread across western North America, and provide a range of ecosystem services. While sagebrush abundance in these ecosystems has been altered over the past century, and changes are likely to continue, the ecohydrological consequences of sagebrush removal and reestablishment remain unclear.

To characterize the immediate and medium‐term patterns of water cycling and availability following sagebrush plant community alteration, we applied the SOILWAT ecosystem water balance model to 898 sites across the distribution of sagebrush ecosystems, representing the three primary sagebrush ecosystem types: sagebrush shrublands, sagebrush steppe and montane sagebrush. At each site, we examined three vegetation conditions representing intact sagebrush, recently disturbed sagebrush and recovered but grass‐dominated vegetation.

Transition from shrub to grass dominance decreased precipitation interception and transpiration and increased soil evaporation and deep drainage. Relative to intact sagebrush vegetation, simulated soils in the herbaceous vegetation phases typically had drier surface layers and wetter deep layers.

Our simulations suggested that alterations in ecosystem water balance may be most pronounced in vegetation representing recently disturbed conditions (herbaceous vegetation with low biomass) and only modest in conditions representing recovered, but still grass‐dominated vegetation. Furthermore, the ecohydrological impact of simulated sagebrush removal depended on climate; while short‐term changes in water balance were greatest in wet areas represented by the montane sagebrush ecosystem type, medium‐term impacts were greatest in dry areas of sagebrush shrublands and sagebrush steppe.

Synthesis. This study provides a novel, regional‐scale assessment of how plant functional type transitions may impact ecosystem water balance in sagebrush‐dominated ecosystems of North America. Results illustrate that the ecohydrological consequences of changing vegetation depend strongly on climate and suggest that decreasing woody plant abundance may have only limited impact on evapotranspiration and water yield.
The use of coaching in occupational therapy: An integrative review
Authors: Kessler Dorothy , Graham Fiona
Published: January 2015

Background/aim

Coaching has been identified as a core enablement skill of occupational therapists. Occupational therapists have begun to embrace the use of coaching as a therapeutic tool to promote client‐centeredness in their practice. As the use of coaching becomes more popular it is important to examine and evaluate coaching use in occupational therapy practice to clarify what is meant by coaching and inform future research and practice in this area.

Methods

An integrative literature review was conducted to examine how coaching is being used by occupational therapists, identify the similarities and differences between coaching interventions and to identify the empirical evidence for the use of coaching in occupational therapy.

Results

The literature search resulted in 24 articles describing 11 different interventions that reported use of coaching methods by occupational therapists with various populations. Similarities among interventions included goal setting, problem solving and an educational component. Differences in the directiveness of the occupational therapist were evident. The level of research evidence for individual interventions ranges from low to moderate.

Conclusions

Differences are evident in the coaching theories and methods used in occupational therapy. While evidence of effectiveness of these interventions is promising, study designs used to date are vulnerable to bias and have had small sample sizes, limiting the strength of evidence. More research using clear descriptions of the coaching approach and more robust research methods is needed to better inform clinical practice.
Assessing early communication skills at 12 months: a retrospective study of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Swain Nathaniel Robert , Eadie Patricia Ann , Prior Margot Ruth , Reilly Sheena
Published: January 2015

Background

Early identification of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is currently limited by the absence of reliable biological markers for the disorder, as well as the reliability of screening and assessment tools for children aged between 6 and 18 months. Ongoing research has demonstrated the importance of early social communication skills in differentiating children later diagnosed with ASD from their typically developing (TD) peers, but researchers have not yet investigated whether these differences can be detected using community‐ascertained systematic observation data as early as 12 months.

Aims

To investigate whether differences in early social communication skills can be detected at 12 months of age, comparing children later diagnosed with ASD, and TD peers; and to determine whether differences remain when groupings are based on age of subsequent ASD diagnosis.

Methods & Procedures

From a prospective community‐ascertained sample, we collected data on children in early life, then conducted retrospective analyses for those children who were later diagnosed with ASD by the age of 7 years, compared with matched TD peers. We analysed standardized observational data of early communication skills, collected using the Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scales—Developmental Profile (CSBS‐DP) Behavior Sample, when participants were 12 months of age.

Outcomes & Results

Children in the ASD group exhibited significantly lower social communication skills than the TD group, including on the Total score and Social and Symbolic Composite scores of the CSBS‐DP Behavior Sample. Differences on the Total score and Social Composite were also detected for both early and late ASD diagnosis groups when compared with the TD group.

Conclusions & Implications

These findings give further support for the importance of social communication in assessing children at risk of ASD as early as 12 months of age. Future research could evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of direct observation of these early communication skills as diagnostic indicators for ASD at 12 months, and investigate whether it is possible to distinguish between ASD and other high‐risk groups (e.g. developmental delay) at this age.
ADHD, parent perspectives and parent–teacher relationships: grounds for conflict
Authors: Gwernan‐Jones Ruth , Moore Darren A. , Garside Ruth , Richardson Michelle , Thompson‐Coon Jo , Rogers Morwenna , Cooper Paul , Stein Ken , Ford Tamsin
Published: January 2015

Educational policy and the school effectiveness movement often involve rhetoric about the benefit of parent involvement in schools, but high‐quality relationships between parents and teachers are not always straightforwardly achieved, and this may be particularly true in the case of parents of children presenting with academic problems and/or social, emotional and behavioural difficulties. A systematic review of qualitative research was conducted to explore the school‐related experiences of parents of pupils diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Six studies reported in seven papers met the inclusion criteria. High‐quality parent–teacher relationships were found to be the exception, with mothers feeling silenced and criticised. Findings show commonalities with wider research about parents, but identify additional grounds for conflict resulting from parental blame for pupils' disruptive behaviour, and the ambivalent nature of the concept of ADHD.
Isaac Watts and the Dimensions of Child Interiority
Authors: Wakely‐Mulroney Katherine
Published: January 2015

The pedagogy of Isaac Watts, a self‐styled devotee of Locke, is defined by a preoccupation with the dimensions and relative accessibility of human interiority. His instructional texts for children and adults centre on the transmission of information between the reader's interiorised self and the external world. While Watts's texts for adults stress the voluntary nature of this transmission, his texts for children suggest that the conduit between interior and exterior may be wilfully obstructed. Using the figure of the lying child, I explore the possibility that child interiority was, for Watts, an object of fear.
Characterisation of antagonistic Bacillus and Pseudomonas strains for biocontrol potential and suppression of damping‐off and root rot diseases
Authors: Khabbaz S.E. , Zhang L. , Cáceres L.A. , Sumarah M. , Wang A. , Abbasi P.A.
Published: January 2015

Novel strains of rhizobacteria, Pseudomonas fluorescens Pf 9A‐14, Pseudomonas sp. Psp. 8D‐45 and Bacillus subtilis Bs 8B‐1, showed broad‐spectrum antagonistic activity and provided suppression of Pythium damping‐off and root rot of cucumber. Their biocontrol potential was further investigated for suppression of additional seedling diseases of cucumber (Phytophthora capsici) and radish (Rhizoctonia solani). Bacterial strains were also characterised for production of antibiotics, metabolites, volatiles, phytohormones and lytic enzymes. Seed and pre‐plant applications of all three antagonistic bacteria as cell suspension and talc or irradiated peat formulations to the infested potting mix provided overall high level of suppression of Phytophthora damping‐off and root rot of cucumber (66–85% healthy seedlings) and relatively low level of suppression of Rhizoctonia damping‐off of radish (18–38% healthy seedlings). Bacterial treatments also resulted in higher plant fresh masses. Seed coating with irradiated peat formulation of a mixture of three bacteria resulted in superior control of Phytophthora damping‐off and root rot of cucumber and much higher plant fresh masses. The presence of genes for biosynthesis of phenazine‐1‐carboxylic acid, 2,4‐diacetylphloroglucinol, pyrrolnitrin and pyoluteorin was confirmed in Pseudomonas strains, and that of fengycin, bacillomycin, bacilysin, surfactin and iturin A in B. subtilis Bs 8B‐1. All three strains produced HCN, salicylic acid, indole‐3‐acetic acid, protease and β‐1,3‐glucanase. Both Pseudomonas strains produced siderophores and only P. fluorescens Pf 9A‐14 showed phosphate solubilisation and chitinase activity. All three strains inhibited pathogen growth by producing volatiles, and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis revealed eight compounds in Pf 9A‐14, 10 in Bs 8B‐1 and 4 in Psp 8D‐45, some with known antifungal activity. The antagonistic and plant‐growth promotion activities of these strains might be due to production of antibiotics, metabolites, lytic enzymes or phytohormones.
Towards soil management with Zn and Mn: estimates of fertilisation efficacy of Citrus trees
Authors: Hippler F.W.R. , Boaretto R.M. , Quaggio J.A. , Azevedo R.A. , Mattos D.
Published: January 2015

Nutrient management recommendations for fruit crops lack the understanding of the efficiency of soil fertilisation with manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn), which could substitute, in part, the traditional foliar applications. Fruit yield of trees in response to Zn and Mn supply via soil may be limited either by sorption reactions with soil colloids or low solubility of fertilisers. We investigated the effects of fertiliser sources and rates of Mn and Zn applied to soils with different sorption capacities on nutrient uptake, biochemical responses and biomass of Citrus. Two experiments were carried out with 2‐year‐old sweet orange trees that received applications of Mn or Zn. The first experiment evaluated the application of Mn fertilisers (MnCO3 and MnSO4) at three levels of the nutrient (0, 0.7 and 3.5 g plant−1 of Mn) in two types of soil (18.1% and 64.4% of clay, referred to as sandy loam and clay soils, respectively). The second experiment, likewise, evaluated Zn fertilisers (ZnO and ZnSO4) and nutrient levels (0, 1.0 and 5.0 g plant−1 of Zn). Application of Mn and Zn increased nutrient availability in the soils as well as leaf nutrient concentrations in the trees. The lowest rates, 0.7 g plant−1 of Mn and 1.0 g plant−1 of Zn, both as sulphate, were sufficient to supply these micronutrients to sufficient levels in leaves, flowers and fruits. Metal toxicity to plants occurred with higher doses of both nutrients and to a large extent in the sandy soil. In this case, protein bands lower than 25 kDa were observed as well a decrease on leaf chlorophyll content. In the clay soil, despite increased micronutrient concentrations in the plant, responses were less pronounced because of higher adsorption of metals in the soil. Superoxide dismutase (SOD, EC 1.15.1.1) isoenzyme activity was determined by non‐denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). The Cu/Zn‐SOD isoenzymes increased with increased Zn rates, but in contrast, when Mn was applied at the highest rate, the activity of Cu/Zn‐SODs decreased. The SOD activity pattern observed indicated increased production of superoxide and consequently an oxidative stress condition at the highest rates of Zn and Mn applied. The results demonstrated that the soil application of Mn and Zn can supply nutrient demands of orange trees, however the low solubility of fertilisers and the high sorption capacity of soils limit fertilisation efficiency. On the contrary, application of sulphate source in sandy soils may cause excess uptake of Mn and Zn and oxidative stress, which impairs the photosynthetic apparatus and consequently tree growth.
Emergency Department–triggered Palliative Care in Advanced Cancer: Proof of Concept
Authors: Kistler Emmett A. , Sean Morrison R. , Richardson Lynne D. , Ortiz Joanna M. , Grudzen Corita R.
Published: January 2015

Background

The American College of Emergency Physicians and the American Society of Clinical Oncology recommend early palliative care consultation for patients with advanced, life‐limiting illnesses, such as metastatic cancer.

Objectives

The objectives were to assess the process of early referral from the emergency department (ED) to palliative care for patients with advanced, incurable cancer as part of a randomized controlled trial and to compare the proportion and timing of consultation to a care as usual group.

Methods

A single‐blind randomized controlled trial (ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT01358110) compared early, ED‐based referrals to palliative care for patients admitted with advanced, incurable cancer to physician‐driven consultation (i.e., care as usual). Participants had to speak English or Spanish and have no history of palliative care consultation. They were randomized via balanced block randomization to the intervention or control group. Each intervention subject was referred by a research staff member to the palliative care team for consultation. The usual care group received palliative care only if requested by the admitting physician. Analysis was based on intention to treat. A chart review was performed to assess proportion and timing of palliative care consults during the index admission, defined as: 1) completed palliative care consult documented in the chart and 2) days from admission to palliative care consult.

Results

A total of 134 participants were enrolled and randomized. For patients in the intervention group, 88% (60 of 68) had documented palliative care consultations during their index admissions (95% confidence interval [CI] = 80.5 to 95.5), compared to 18% (12 of 66) in the control group (95% CI = 8.8 to 27.5; p < 0.01). The 60 intervention patients received palliative care consultations on average 1.48 days from admission (95% CI = 1.19 to 1.76), compared to 2.9 days from admission in the 12 control patients (95% CI = 1.03 to 4.79; p = 0.15).

Conclusions

This study documented a low baseline rate of palliative care involvement as part of usual care in patients with advanced cancer being admitted from the ED. Early referral to palliative care in the context of a research study significantly increased the likelihood that patients received a consult, thus meriting further investigation of how to generalize this approach.
Morphology of Coronary Ostia in Domestic Shorthair Cat
Authors: Barszcz K. , Kupczyńska M. , Klećkowska‐Nawrot J. , Skibniewski M. , Janczyk P.
Published: January 2015

Diagnosis and treatment of heart diseases due to changes in the coronary vascularization need a detailed knowledge on the morphology and possible variations of the aortic valves and coronary ostia. This study was performed to clarify details on morphology of these structures in domestic cats. The tricuspid aortic valve was examined in 65 domestic shorthair cats. The location of coronary ostia was determined either inferior to (26 and 20%, left and right coronary ostium –LCOandRCO), at (65 and 66%) or superior to the intercommissural line (9 and 14%). In 13 cats (20%), accessory ostia were found either for left, right or both coronary arteries (LCAandRCA). Their position varied between specimens. They were located beyond the main ostium, at its edge, or inside just below the edge. In one cat, no main trunk of theLCAwas found. In one cat, two accessory ostia next to theRCOwere observed. Coronary ostia in cats show anatomical variants and morphological anomalies. This study provides basic data useful for, for example, angiography performed for diagnosis of cardiac diseases and as a basis for surgical interventions.
Rural palliative care transitions from home to hospital: Carers' experiences
Authors: Hatcher Isabelle , Harms Louise , Walker Brigid , Stokes Suzanne , Lowe Alison , Foran Kellie , Tarrant Jacqui
Published: January 2015

Objective

To document carer perceptions of patients' transitions from community to hospital‐based palliative care in a rural setting.

Design

A qualitative study using an interview method at two time points.

Setting

Rural palliative care providers: Kyneton District Health Service and the Macedon Ranges Palliative Care Service, Victoria

Participants

Six adult caregivers of six palliative care patients who had cancer were interviewed, three of whom were male and three female.

Main outcome measures

Semistructured interviews were conducted exploring the caregivers' decisions to transition to hospital‐based care and their perceptions of the transition to hospital and the hospital‐based care these patients received.

Results

Thematic analysis revealed that carers made the decision for the patient in their care to transfer from home to hospital care. Carers experienced the transition to hospital care positively, particularly in relation to the communication of the patient's care needs. While communication issues arose while in hospital, they were not related to the transitional aspects of the palliative care service.

Conclusions

The findings from this small, exploratory study suggest that these carers benefited from the new model of rural palliative care service provision. A large‐scale, mixed‐method study would enable more generalisable findings to be established.
Falls in rural and remote community dwelling older adults: A review of the literature
Authors: Boehm Jackie , Franklin Richard C. , King Jemma C.
Published: January 2015

Objective

Falls in older adults represent a significant challenge in Australia; however, the focus is often on urban‐dwelling older adults. The aim of this review was to explore the literature on falls epidemiology and falls prevention interventions (FPI).

Design

A literature review was conducted searching Medline, Scopus, Social Sciences Citation Index, Google Scholar, Google and the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare publication catalogue.

Setting

Rural and remote Australia.

Participants

Rural and remote community dwelling Australians aged 50 years and older.

Intervention

Literature review.

Main outcome measures

Falls epidemiology and effective falls prevention interventions.

Results

Twenty references were identified: 14 related to falls epidemiology and 7 to FPI. No significant differences were found between rural, remote and major cities residents in relation to falls hospitalisation, falls mortality or fall‐related injuries sustained. There are a wide assortment of health professionals and non‐health professionals who are involved in providing FPI in rural and remote Australia. However, there was limited information on the effectiveness of these interventions in influencing falls outcomes.

Conclusion

Few studies explored falls and their prevention in rural and remote Australia. The limited literature on the topic suggests that a change in focus to one that utilises existing services and resources will be required to create sustainable outcomes. Four areas are proposed for concentrated effort to reduce the impact of fall‐related injury in rural and remote Australia: integration and collaboration among health professionals, promotion of physical activity across the lifespan, community involvement and ownership of interventions, and evaluation and publication of findings.
A comparison of fibreoptic‐guided tracheal intubation through the Ambu®Aura‐i™, the intubating laryngeal mask airway and the i‐gel™: a manikin study
Authors: de Lloyd L. J. , Subash F. , Wilkes A. R. , Hodzovic I.
Published: January 2015

We compared the Aura‐i™, intubating laryngeal mask airway and i‐gel™ as conduits for fibreoptic‐guided tracheal intubation in a manikin. Thirty anaesthetists each performed two tracheal intubations through each device, a total of 180 intubations. The median (IQR [range]) time to complete the first intubation was 40 (31–50 [15–162]) s, 37 (34–48 [25–75]) s and 28 (22–35 [14–59]) s for the Aura‐i, intubating laryngeal mask airway and i‐gel, respectively. Tracheal intubation through the i‐gel was the quickest (p < 0.01). Resistance to railroading of the tracheal tube over the fibrescope was significantly greater through the Aura‐i compared with the intubating laryngeal mask airway and the i‐gel (p = 0.001). There were no failures to intubate through the intubating laryngeal mask airway or the i‐gel but six intubation attempts through the Aura‐i were unsuccessful, in five owing to a railroading failure and in one owing to accidental oesophageal intubation. We conclude that the Aura‐i does not perform as well as the intubating laryngeal mask airway or the i‐gel as an adjunct for performing fibreoptic‐guided tracheal intubation.
Dark Personality in the Workplace: Introduction to the Special Issue
Authors: Schyns Birgit
Published: January 2015

This introduction to the Special Issue on Dark Personality in the Workplace outlines the nature of dark personality and why it is relevant in the workplace. In addition, it reviews the articles of the special issue in terms of both their findings and the lessons that can be drawn from them in order to enhance our understanding of dark personality in the workplace. Finally, suggestions are made concerning future directions for research on dark personality in the workplace
A comparative study of reduced dose alemtuzumab in matched unrelated donor and related donor reduced intensity transplants
Authors: Jardine Laura , Publicover Amy , Bigley Venetia , Hale Geoff , Pearce Kim , Dickinson Anne , Jackson Graham , Collin Matthew
Published: January 2015

In vivo T cell depletion with 100 mg alemtuzumab prevents graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) in reduced intensity conditioned transplants but is associated with delayed immune reconstitution, a higher risk of infection and relapse. De‐escalation studies have shown that a reduced dose of 30 mg is as effective as 100 mg in preventing GVHD in matched related donor (MRD) transplants. Dose reduction in matched unrelated donor (MUD) transplants is feasible but the comparative efficacy of alemtuzumab in this setting is not known and opinions vary widely concerning the optimal level of GVHD prophylaxis that should be achieved. Through retrospective analysis we made an objective comparison of MUD transplants receiving an empirically reduced dose of 60 mg, with MRD transplants receiving a 30 mg dose. We observed proportionate levels of alemtuzumab according to dose but an inverse relationship with body surface area particularly in MRD transplants. MUD transplants experienced more acute and chronic GVHD, higher T cell chimerism, more sustained use of ciclosporin and less need for donor lymphocyte infusion than MRD transplants. Thus, doubling the dose of alemtuzumab to 60 mg did not provide equivalent prevention of GVHD after MUD transplant although there was no difference in non‐relapse mortality or survival compared with MRD transplants.
Tweeting about sexism: The well‐being benefits of a social media collective action
Authors: Foster Mindi D.
Published: January 2015

Although collective action has psychological benefits in non‐gendered contexts (Drury et al., 2005, Br. J. Soc. Psychol., 44, 309), the benefits for women taking action against gender discrimination are unclear. This study examined how a popular, yet unexplored potential form of collective action, namely tweeting about sexism, affects women's well‐being. Women read about sexism and were randomly assigned to tweet or to one of three control groups. Content analyses showed tweets exhibited collective intent and action. Analyses of linguistic markers suggested public tweeters used more cognitive complexity in their language than private tweeters. Profile analyses showed that compared to controls, only public tweeters showed decreasing negative affect and increasing psychological well‐being, suggesting tweeting about sexism may serve as a collective action that can enhance women's well‐being.
Pattern of invasion is the most important prognostic factor in patients with penile cancer submitted to lymph node dissection and pathological absence of lymph node metastasis
Authors: Aita Giuliano , da Costa Walter Henriques , de Cassio Zequi Stenio , da Cunha Isabela Werneck , Soares Fernando , Guimaraes Gustavo Cardoso , Lopes Ademar
Published: January 2015

Objectives

To identify prognostic factors in a cohort of patients with penile carcinoma with pathological absence of lymph node metastasis (pN0), as penile carcinoma is a rare neoplasm in European countries, in which the presence of lymph node metastasis is the most important prognostic factor but few studies have examined patients with penile carcinoma with histologically negative nodes (pN0).

Patients and Methods

Of patients with penile carcinoma, 101 met the inclusion criteria; 47 (46.5%) underwent bilateral inguinal lymph node dissection (LND) and 54 (53.5%) underwent bilateral inguinopelvic LND. Variables that had a prognostic impact on survival rates in univariate analysis were selected for multivariate survival analysis.

Results

The cohorts cancer‐specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS) rates were 88.1% and 52.5%, respectively. Histological grade and pattern of invasion were the only features to significantly impact survival rates in the univariate analysis. The CSS and OS rates in patients with ‘pushing’ vs ‘infiltrating’ patterns of invasion were 98.0% vs 78.4% (P = 0.003) and 70.0% vs 35.3% (P = 0.005), respectively. Pattern of invasion was the only independent predictor of survival. Patients with infiltrating invasion had a higher probability of death from cancer (hazard ratio [HR] 11.5, P = 0.019) and overall death (HR 2.3, P = 0.007) compared with those with a pushing invasion pattern.

Conclusions

The presence of an infiltrating pattern of invasion is the most important predictor of survival in patients with penile carcinoma. We encourage other centres to confirm our findings that the pattern of invasion is an important prognostic factor in patients with penile carcinoma and pN0 disease.
Looking into laminin receptor: critical discussion regarding the non‐integrin 37/67‐kDalaminin receptor/RPSAprotein
Authors: DiGiacomo Vincent , Meruelo Daniel
Published: January 2015

The 37/67‐kDalaminin receptor (LAMR/RPSA) was originally identified as a 67‐kDabinding protein for laminin, an extracellular matrix glycoprotein that provides cellular adhesion to the basement membrane.LAMRhas evolutionary origins, however, as a 37‐kDa RPS2family ribosomal component. Expressed in all domains of life,RPS2proteins have been shown to have remarkably diverse physiological roles that vary across species. Contributing to laminin binding, ribosome biogenesis, cytoskeletal organization, and nuclear functions, this protein governs critical cellular processes including growth, survival, migration, protein synthesis, development, and differentiation. Unsurprisingly given its purview,LAMRhas been associated with metastatic cancer, neurodegenerative disease and developmental abnormalities. Functioning in a receptor capacity, this protein also confers susceptibility to bacterial and viral infection.LAMRis clearly a molecule of consequence in human disease, directly mediating pathological events that make it a prime target for therapeutic interventions. Despite decades of research, there are still a large number of open questions regarding the cellular biology ofLAMR, the nature of its ability to bind laminin, the function of its intrinsically disordered C‐terminal region and its conversion from 37 to 67kDa. This review attempts to convey an in‐depth description of the complexity surrounding this multifaceted protein across functional, structural and pathological aspects.
Testing the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease Hypothesis for Psychopathology Using Family‐Based, Quasi‐Experimental Designs
Authors: Donofrio Brian , Class Quetzal , Lahey Benjamin , Larsson Henrik
Published: January 2015

The Developmental Origin of Health and Disease (DOHaD) hypothesis is a broad theoretical framework that emphasizes how early risk factors causally influence psychopathology. Researchers have raised concerns about the causal interpretation of statistical associations between early risk factors and later psychopathology because most studies have been unable to rule out the possibility of environmental and genetic confounding. In this article, we illustrate how family‐based, quasi‐experimental designs can test the DOHaD hypothesis by ruling out alternative hypotheses. We review the logic underlying sibling‐comparison, cotwin control, offspring of siblings/twins, adoption, and in vitro fertilization designs. We then present results from studies using these designs focused on broad indices of fetal development (low birth weight and gestational age) and a particular teratogen, smoking during pregnancy. The results provide mixed support for the DOHaD hypothesis for psychopathology, illustrating the critical need to use designs that rule out unmeasured confounding.
Chemerin and prediction of Diabetes mellitus type 2
Authors: Bobbert Thomas , Schwarz Franziska , Fischer‐Rosinsky Antje , Maurer Lukas , Möhlig Matthias , Pfeiffer A.F.H. , Mai Knut , Spranger Joachim
Published: January 2015

Objective

Insulin resistance and subclinical inflammation are characteristics in the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The adipokine chemerin has been associated with both factors. The aim of this study was to analyse whether chemerin predicts T2DM.

Design

Blood samples of 440 participants of the Metabolic‐Syndrome Berlin‐Potsdam (MesyBepo) follow‐up study without diabetes at baseline were available for chemerin measurement. Mean follow‐up of participants was 5·3 years. Glucose metabolism was analysed using oral glucose tolerance test including insulin measurements. Chemerin was measured using a commercially available ELISA.

Results

Thirty‐five individuals developed T2DM during follow‐up. Chemerin predicted incident T2DM (Chemerin 1. Tertile: reference, 2. Tertile: OR 2·33 [0·68–7·95]; Chemerin 3. Tertile: OR 3·42 [1·01–11·58] after adjustment for age, sex, BMI, follow‐up time, HbA1c, HOMA‐IR and WHR). In a secondary analysis, chemerin also predicted worsening of fasting glucose and HbA1c (adjusted for age, sex, BMI, time of follow‐up, WHR, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides).

Conclusions

Our data suggest that chemerin is a weak predictor of T2DM.
Lebensqualität und psychosoziale Folgen der vernarbenden und der nicht‐vernarbenden Alopezie bei Frauen
Authors: Katoulis Alexandros C. , Christodoulou Christos , Liakou Aikaterini I. , Kouris Anargyros , Korkoliakou Panagiota , Kaloudi Eythymia , Kanelleas Antonios , Papageorgiou Charalabos , Rigopoulos Dimitrios
Published: January 2015

Hintergrund

Die Alopezie ist eine häufige dermatologische Erkrankung mit zumeist kosmetischen Folgen, jedoch einem wesentlichen psychologischen und psychosozialen Einfluss.

Ziel

Vergleichende Erhebung des Einflusses einer vernarbenden und einer nicht‐vernarbenden Alopezie auf die Lebensqualität und verschiedene psychologische Bereiche bei erwachsenen Griechinnen.

Patientinnen und Methoden

Vierundvierzig Frauen im Alter zwischen 18 und 70 Jahren mit vernarbender (n = 19) oder nicht‐vernarbender (n = 25) Alopezie wurden eingeschlossen. Bei allen Patientinnen wurden der Dermatologische Lebensqualitätsindex (Dermatology Life Quality Index, DLQI), die Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), die Rosenberg Self‐esteem Scale (RSES) und die UCLA Loneliness Scale (UCLA‐LS) erhoben.

Ergebnisse

Frauen mit vernarbender Alopezie hatten höhere DLQI‐, HADS‐ und UCLA‐LS‐Werte und niedrigere RSES‐Werte im Vergleich zu Frauen mit nicht‐vernarbender Alopezie. Statistisch signifikante Unterschiede zwischen den Gruppen bestanden bei DLQI (p = 0,0067), HADS (p = 0,0008) und den HADS‐Angst (HADS‐A) (p < 0,05) sowie HADS‐Depression (HADS‐D) (p < 0,01) – Subskalen.

Schlussfolgerungen

Bei vernarbender Alopezie ist die psychologische Belastung der Patientinnen schwerer und die Lebensqualität stärker eingeschränkt als bei nicht‐vernarbender Alopezie, was wahrscheinlich die schlechtere Prognose der vernarbenden Alopezie widerspiegelt.