bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Malaysia Airlines: in search of a sustainable business model
Authors: Tiwari Shalini Rahul , Kainth Jyoti
Published: November 2014

Subject area

Strategic Management/General Management.

Study level/applicability

MBA/Executive MBA.

Case overview

Malaysia Airlines (MAS) was incorporated in 1937 to operate in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Penang. The first period of crisis was witnessed in 1997/1998 due to the Asian Financial Crisis, MAS reported RM 260 million in losses. The airline recovered from the loss and reported profit of RM 461 million in 2004. However, it experienced another loss of RM 1.25 billion in 2005. This lead to implementation of the Business Turnaround Plan 1 in 2006. The Business Transformation Plan 2 was announced in 2008, but the period of losses hit the airline again in 2011. Overall, MAS has witnessed continuous cycle of losses and profits. Despite the turnaround efforts, the airline does not seem to be recovering; is there a safe landing for the troubled airlines?

Expected learning outcomes

The case can be used to illustrate economics and complexities of aviation industry, different business models existing in airline industry, quantitative and qualitative aspects of a turnaround strategy, failure to sustain turnaround efforts, and predicting the future scope for a player in airline industry.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.
Alicia Meneces and the challenges of Aguablanca
Authors: Raufflet Emmanuel , Vera Luz-Dinora
Published: November 2014

Subject area

Urban poverty, mobilization, leadership, communication

Study level/applicability

This case is intended for graduate/postgraduate and MBA courses that discuss management issues in relation to corporate social responsibility, business and society or global issues. This case was successfully tested in an MBA course on sustainable development. These teaching notes result from this in-class experience.

Case overview

The morning of January 22, 2009. Cali, Colombia – Alicia Meneces was a member of the inaugural panel of the Simposio Internacional: Microfinanzas y Construcción de Paz (International Symposium: Microfinance as a Tool for Peacebuilding). The panel was composed of Álvaro Uribe (President of the Republic of Colombia), Enrique Garcia Rodriguez (President of the Development Bank of Latin America-CAF) and Luis Alberto Moreno (President of the Inter-American Development Bank). Her presence contrasted with that of the other panelists on several accounts: she was the only woman, she was the only panelist with direct and daily experience in poor neighborhoods and she was the only one familiar with the everyday processes of community mobilization in relation to microcredit in underprivileged communities. The case focuses on the message that Alicia Meneces intended to deliver to the audience of the Symposium based on her trajectory as a woman, as a community leader, and as the founder of the first Grameen microfinance institution in Colombia.

Expected learning outcomes

After using this case, students will be able to improve their understanding of poverty traps in developing countries; appreciate the challenges of living in poverty and the mechanisms of poverty production; and understand different forms of leadership.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.
Storm – the story of OrangeInc
Authors: Thakurta Rahul , Rao Umesh Hodeghatta
Published: November 2014

Subject area

Information Technology Security.

Study level/applicability

The case adds value for management students at all levels, as well as for practitioners. Work experience is not a requirement, as the case will expose some of the fundamental concepts pertaining to the scenario described. Assignment questions are designed from the perspective of teaching this case to a business student audience. The case could certainly be adjusted to fit the needs of students in more technical disciplines.

Case overview

Set in October 2008, the case begins with the dilemmas facing Mr Ramanuj as he and his team from E-Infra Solutions prepared to address the damages caused by a major virus attach at OrangeInc headquarter at Bangalore, India. The virus attack destroyed all the important organizational documents residing on the computer systems and brought its business to a standstill. The catastrophe indicated the need for a comprehensive information technology (IT) security solution which was earlier overlooked by OrangeInc's management.

Expected learning outcomes

To teach the basic concepts of information security, in particular malware, and its impact on the business. To introduce the concepts and the importance of security awareness program. To teach the importance of IT infrastructure technology, process and procedures.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.
Improving health and wellbeing in women's secure services: physical activity, appearance, self-care and body image
Authors: Long Clive , Mason Fiona
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– Lifestyle change to improve physical health is a significant challenge in secure psychiatric hospitals for women. In addition to factors that contribute to an obesogenic environments body image, self-care, self-esteem, and motivational problems compound efforts to increase physical activity and to lose weight. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– Two elements of a comprehensive programme to improve physical health and mental wellbeing are discussed. The first describes the development of a unique role of self-care and body image therapists and an evaluation of the effects of treatment. The second describes initiatives to assess the environmental and therapeutic milieu contingencies that impact on physical activity and to increase engagement in exercise through motivational strategies.

Findings

– Research within the current settings has resulted in a validation of the role of the self-care and body image therapist. Other evaluations have described the environmental contingencies that impact on physical activity along with strategies to increase exercise participation.

Originality/value

– While much has to be learnt about how to translate awareness of the value of a healthy lifestyle for women into positive behaviour change the programme described represents part of a comprehensive and long term attempt to evaluate and improve the physical wellbeing of women in secure care.
Overcoming weight bias: promoting physical activity and psychosocial health
Authors: Lou Watkins Patti , Ebbeck Vicki , S. Levy Susan
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to evaluate Feel WonderFull Fitness (FWF), a program adhering to the Health At Every SizeTM (HAES) paradigm, on larger women's physical activity and psychosocial health. FWF was tailored to overcome barriers based on weight bias.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study compared “overweight” and “obese” women in FWF to those not currently enrolled in formal exercise programs. Controls were divided into low physical activity (LPA) and moderate physical activity (MPA) conditions based on pretest exercise level. Outcome measures were collected at pretest and three months later at posttest.

Findings

– FWF participants had the greatest gains in physical activity and demonstrated significantly greater improvements in depression than the LPA group. FWF and the MPA group showed more improved scores on perceived body attractiveness than the LPA group. Scores on an eating disorders measure improved for all groups, but somewhat more so for the FWF group. Improvements occurred in the absence of weight loss or decreases in body mass index and body fat percentage.

Research limitation

– The study was based on a small, homogenous sample using a quasi-experimental design.

Practical implications

– The study illustrates HAES strategies that practitioners might incorporate into various health and fitness settings.

Social implications

– The study highlights weight bias as a social justice issue and as a barrier to physical activity participation for larger women.

Originality/value

– The study adds to a growing body of literature evaluating HAES approaches, with HAES representing a novel alternative to weight-loss interventions for improving psychosocial health among larger women. It also contributes to the literature on weight bias that has been understudied relative to bias based on other areas of difference.
Training academy puts a shine on Opel
Authors: Pollitt David
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the views of the employees of GM Hellas, the subsidiary of the Opel car manufacturer in Greece, with regard to the training they receive from their employer.

Design/methodology/approach

– It explains that the conclusions are based on the responses of 114 employees and trainees to a survey at Opel’s 22 largest dealers in Greece.

Findings

– It reveals that the training provided by GM Hellas is viewed positively by most employees.

Practical implications

– It indicates that GM Hellas could make greater use of online training, which is both popular and cost-effective.

Social implications

– It highlights how staff development is contributing to the performance of a company that is flourishing, despite the severe economic downturn in Greece.

Originality/value

– Emphasizes the importance of in-company training for business growth and competitiveness.
Deepwater Horizon exposes BP’s PR strengths and weaknesses
Authors: Pollitt David
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The paper aims to examine BP’s communications response to the Deepwater Horizon disaster, which caused 11 deaths and a huge oil spillage in the Gulf of Mexico.

Design/methodology/approach

– It draws on such secondary sources as newspapers, audiovisual material and social-network sites.

Findings

– It claims that BP lacked some of the tools needed for an effective communications response to the disaster and that the company made mistakes in, for example, putting out a series of advertisements during the clean-up operation.

Practical implications

– It puts forward the view that companies ought to have a well-rehearsed crisis-communication strategy that they can easily adapt to the particular circumstances of a given disaster.

Social implications

– It looks at some of the things that BP got right, including its Internet response to the crisis.

Originality/value

– It emphasizes the importance of good communication strategies when disaster strikes.
Revealing the costs and consequences of hidden mental illness
Authors: De Lorenzo Mirella
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to describe how performance management may inadvertently expose employees with a hidden mental illness to disciplinary procedures.

Design/methodology/approach

– It outlines how to manage possible cases of hidden mental illness to ensure HR specialists are providing valuable resources in this area, rather than pursuing a performance-management plan that may be inappropriate and/or ineffectual.

Findings

– It highlights the importance of putting into place policies to deal with the high numbers of employees who make the conscious choice to keep their mental disorder hidden.

Practical implications

– It explains that stigma and shame will often cause employees to remain silent about such illnesses, but when the symptoms of hidden mental disorders affect attendance and/or performance, the organization can consider adopting policies to deal with this area rather than ignoring it.

Social implications

– It reveals that, on average, 20 per cent of employees attend work in any calendar year with a common mental illness.

Originality/value

– It provides useful guidance on dealing with mental illness, which is often hidden.
The importance of clinical leadership in service redesign
Authors: Mulla Abeda , Hewison Alistair , Shapiro Jonathan
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The way change occurred at a strategic level and in four clinical services in three hospitals was examined. The purpose of this paper is to report how the hospitals designed and delivered change at organisational and clinical service level to improve services for patients, and the role of clinical leadership in this process.

Design/methodology/approach

– A comparative case study involving semi-structured interviews was undertaken. These involved a range of senior managers in 2009 (n=77), 2011 (n=21) and 2012 (n=29). Interviews with staff involved directly in service delivery were also carried out in 2011 (n=92). The interviews were recorded digitally, transcribed verbatim, and analysed thematically using the Framework Method.

Findings

– The value of, and approach taken to clinical leadership varied across the hospitals and over time. This was affected by the culture and priorities of the organisation. Some strategies for developing clinical leadership were developed, however they were limited. It was expected that capable clinical leaders would emerge, and be supported. Effective clinical leadership during organisational and service change required direct executive or managerial support and relied on clinical “champions”.

Originality/value

– The paper demonstrates that despite the importance of clinical leadership being widely recognized in policy and research, there were no established programmes in place at the hospitals that were studied to support it. Rather there was a reliance on clinical staff coming forward to take on leadership roles as part of organizational efforts to bring about change.
Life cycle and performance among SMEs: Swedish empirical evidence
Authors: Yazdanfar Darush , Öhman Peter
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– This study aims to empirically examine the applicability of the life cycle model of firm performance to growth and profitability among Swedish small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Design/methodology/approach

– Using analysis of variance, multiple analysis of variance and three-stage least square modelling, this study analyses a longitudinal data set covering 26,721 Swedish SMEs in six industries from 2008 to 2011.

Findings

– The empirical results indicate a clear life cycle performance pattern among the sampled SMEs, and that a six-stage life cycle model is applicable in predicting the performance pattern in terms of growth and profitability. On average, younger SMEs tend to display better performance in terms of growth and profitability than do their older and larger counterparts; moreover, larger SMEs tend to achieve better performance than do smaller ones.

Practical implications

– The findings help SME managers understand how their decision-making style, strategy and structure can be related to various life cycle stages. Such an understanding may help them improve firm performance over time. Policymakers may find the results useful in coordinating SME support in line with various life cycle stages.

Originality/value

– To the authors’ knowledge, this study is one of only a few using two performance variables to test the applicability of the life cycle model in a longitudinal and cross-industrial sample.
Characteristics and development of corporate and sovereign CDS
Authors: Bannier Christina E. , Heidorn Thomas , Vogel Heinz-Dieter
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to provide an overview of the market for corporate and sovereign credit default swaps (CDS), with particular focus on Europe. It studies whether the subprime crisis of 2007/2008 and, particularly, the European debt crisis 2009/2010 led to a differential development on corporate and sovereign CDS markets and investigates the primary use (speculative risk-trading or risk-hedging) of the two markets in recent years.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors use aggregate market data on the size of the respective markets and on the structure of market participants and their changes over time to assess the main research question. They enhance existing data from public sources such as the Bank for International Settlements and Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation with their own statistics on European sovereign CDS and combine their conclusions with observations regarding standardisation efforts and regulatory changes in the CDS market.

Findings

– The authors show that after the subprime crisis 2007/2008 and the European debt crisis 2009/2010, the corporate and sovereign CDS markets developed quite differently. They provide evidence that since mid-2010, market participants started to use the sovereign CDS market more strongly for speculative purposes than for risk-hedging. This shows both in the shift of risk-quality of sovereign CDS contracts and in the changing structure of market participants. The ongoing standardisation and regulation in the CDS market – leading to further increases in transparency and reductions in transaction costs – may be expected to trigger a similar change also for corporate CDS.

Originality/value

– Based on a broad variety of market infrastructure data, the authors show a diverging development of corporate and sovereign CDS markets in Europe in recent years. Particularly the sovereign CDS market appears to have shifted from a risk-hedging instrument to being used more strongly for speculative risk-trading. The authors combine their findings with recent regulatory action and market standardisation schemes and draw conclusions for the future development of CDS markets.
A window into Eve Online
Authors: Steinke Adam , Millage Phil
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to study Eve Online. Most people use their computers to surf the Web, check e-mails, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or various other social networking sites. Although computer gaming has been around for years, only in the past 10-15 years has it really taken off as a primary use for a desktop.

Design/methodology/approach

– Individuals use computers as a tool, to relax and get away and, in the case of Massive Multilayer Online games (MMOs), they use computers as a gateway to a virtual world. MMOs are fairly new to the gaming world, yet the concept is simple. Combine all the game players and throw them into a single intractable game, where they can deal with other players on a daily basis, essentially creating a metaverse.

Findings

– Eve Online is unlike any MMO out there on the market today. Created by the company CCP that is based in Iceland, Eve Online is the world’s only true sandbox game. A sandbox game is a game that allows the player to do whatever they want with no or few restrictions.

Originality/value

– Everyone that plays Eve Online is put on a single server called Tranquility. However, there is a separate server for people who play in the People’s Republic of China because of legal reasons imposed by the government. We examine Eve Online and make suggestions for future research to examine country differences with China.
Understanding and overcoming business etiquette differences in Japan, Turkey, and the United States of America
Authors: Eckard Marchiori Brooke , E. Carraher Charles , Stiles Kristi
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to utilize both Forsythe’s Ethics position questionnaire and the Big-5 Mini-Markers ten-item personality scale to analyze their relevance in determining business etiquette differences in three nations.

Design/methodology/approach

– Samples from Japan (n = 73), Turkey (n = 95) and the USA (n = 128) were surveyed using these two resources. Generally, the results of these surveys support the research presented in this paper characterizing the USA as idealistic with a focus on individualism, while Japan stresses respect and agreeableness.

Findings

– Interestingly, members of the Turkey sample found it inappropriate to reveal views on ethics, and failed to answer several questions. In turn, the 0.069 level of significance of the regression formula for the Turkey analyses did not meet the less than or equal to 0.05 level to declare a relationship as significant.

Research limitations/implications

– This research discusses whether Forsythe or the Big-5 Mini-Markers surveys provide relevant information to companies that are looking to educate employees on challenges when interacting in a global market. By looking at several aspects to the typical business meeting – from the initial handshake to how to properly exchange business cards – each country has developed a specific set of cultural norms. By incorporating the results of Forsythe and Big-5 Mini-Markers surveys, a comprehensive approach is being used to present the differences.

Originality/value

– The resulting paper is a detailed analysis focusing on the behavioral and ethical reasons why a particular nation might stress certain business etiquette procedures more than another. A business that understands these core differences gains a worldly perspective and the power to succeed in the international market.
Research of ethics, values and cross-cultural differences on China, Mexico or the United States
Authors: Villatoro Jonny , Chang John , Lane Samuel
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to study ethics, values and cross-cultural differences in China, Mexico or the United States. Three distinct and unique nations, the USA, Mexico and China, have different political structures, historical backgrounds and economical systems. While each of these nations can be considered an integral part to the world economy, each nation has their own distinct ethics, values and culture which serve as the backbone of the particular region. To be successful in international business, knowledgeable as an expatriate and culturally or ethically aware of key nations in the global market, individuals need to have researched information pertaining to the ethics, cultures and values of the USA, Mexico or China to blend in and succeed with the foreign cultural environment.

Design/methodology/approach

– This research paper will focus extensively on the impact values, ethics and cultural differences (based majorly and solely on the Rokeach Values Survey, Forsyth Studies and Hofsteade’s Model) have on the societies of the USA, Mexico or China. A review of the empirical studies will demonstrate the importance values, ethics and culture have on individual life or business environment for the USA, Mexico or China.

Findings

– Culture can be a factor which heavily influences a region or nation’s ethics and values.

Research limitations/implications

– When discussing culture, there are many factors such as values, religion, societal norms, customs, beliefs or deeply rooted faiths which can impact a nation’s overall collective culture. As a result, cross-cultural differences among a variety of nations, countries, regions or sub-regions may vary when compared with one another. Through more empirical investigation, research or study of a nation’s cultural values may there be a more profound, detailed and legitimate basis for assessing a nation’s ethical constructs.

Practical implications

– Understanding the differences of ethics, values and culture of the USA, China or Mexico can impact an individual’s experience if serving as an expatriate at the particular location. Each nation has its own distinct and unique social, business and cultural environment. To successfully accomplish international business or to operate a multinational corporation in a global market, individuals need to have a prior understanding of varying cultures, ethical standards or values in a particular region.

Originality/value

– This research paper will present and deliver pertinent information to individuals interested in serving as an expatriate in the USA, China or Mexico. Individuals can also read this paper to understand, comprehend or consume more general knowledge of the ethics, values and culture of the researched locations.
Alliance Medical bosses get a taste of life at the sharp end
Authors: Pollitt David
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– Describes how senior managers and central support office staff at Alliance Medical – a company that provides health scans – visited front-line employees to get a flavor of how they operate.

Design

– /

methodology

/

approach

Explores the reasons for the initiative and its outcomes. Also describes how the company is meeting the increasing demand for scanning services.

Findings

– Explains that the day-in-the-life initiative provided all parties with a better understanding of how the different functions work together to ensure a high-quality imaging service for patients.

Practical implications

– Describes how the company has extended the hours of operation at its busiest sites, reduced waiting times and improved the level of care.

Social implications

– Reveals that, with the number of magnetic-resonance-imaging scans increasing by around 10 per cent a year, there is a strong financial case for extending hours and improving productivity through the most efficient use of scanning services. The Alliance Medical experience highlights one way in which this can be achieved.

Originality

– /

value

Emphasizes the importance of key performance indicators including hours of uptime and the number of patients scanned per hour. These statistics are reported daily right up to board level.
Market‐based conservation: Aligning static theory with dynamic systems
Authors: Woodward Richard T. , Stronza Amanda , Shapiro‐Garza Elizabeth , Fitzgerald Lee A.
Published: November 2014

This paper provides a broad evaluation of the implications of market‐based conservation (MBC) strategies from economic, social and ecological perspectives. After reviewing the economic theory that underlies MBC initiatives, we develop a list of approaches that have been labeled as “market‐based”, and categorize them according to the degree to which they are free‐standing markets or require the intervention of the state. A multidisciplinary critique reveals the potential problems and pitfalls of MBC are due to a lack of ability to deal with dynamic systems in the real world. The dynamics of these three systems can undermine the intended goals of MBC.
Seasonal Survey of Contaminants (Cd and Hg) and Micronutrients (Cu and Zn) in Edible Tissues of Cephalopods from Tunisia: Assessment of Risk and Nutritional Benefits
Authors: Rjeibi Moncef , Metian Marc , Hajji Tarek , Guyot Thierry , Ben Chaouacha‐Chekir Rafika , Bustamante Paco
Published: November 2014

Concentrations of cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), mercury (Hg), and zinc (Zn) were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry in the muscle tissues (arms and mantle) of 3 commercial cephalopods (Loligo vulgaris, Octopus vulgaris, and Sepia officinalis) caught in 3 different Tunisian coastal regions. The highest concentrations found correspond to the essential elements Cu and Zn. Octopuses and cuttlefish showed the highest levels of those elements whereas squid presented with significantly higher values of Hg in both muscular tissues. This may be related to different feeding behavior and detoxification processes among benthic and pelagic cephalopods. Variation of element concentrations between seasons was different between species and seemed to be mostly dependent on the sampling site. From a public health standpoint, average concentrations of Cd, Cu, Hg, and Zn measured in edible tissues of cephalopods from this study did not reveal, in general, any risk for consumers. The estimated target hazard quotients for Cd and Hg for consumers of the selected species were below 1 and within the safety range for human health. Moreover, their consumption could provide in an important contribution to the daily dietary intake of Cu for the Tunisian population, especially regarding the consumption of octopus and cuttlefish muscles.
The Effects of Norms on Investor Reactions to Derivative Use
Authors: Koonce Lisa , Miller Jeffrey , Winchel Jennifer
Published: November 2014

Prior research indicates that a firm's use of derivatives to manage business risks is viewed favorably by investors. However, these studies do not consider a potentially key factor in this setting—namely, the typical behavior (or norms) regarding derivatives by other firms in the industry or the firm itself. In this paper, we report the results of multiple experiments that test whether norms are influential in affecting investors’ evaluations of firms’ derivatives choices. Our results show that the generally favorable reactions to derivative use actually reverse and become unfavorable when firms’ derivative decisions are inconsistent with industry or firm norms. Somewhat surprisingly, though, we find that industry and firm norms are not viewed similarly by investors. These results expand our understanding of how investors respond to firm's derivative use decisions and demonstrate the role of norms as factors that influence investors’ judgments in financial reporting settings. Our results have implications for firm managers making decisions about derivative use.
Loss of function mutations in RPL27 and RPS27 identified by whole‐exome sequencing in Diamond‐Blackfan anaemia
Authors: Wang RuNan , Yoshida Kenichi , Toki Tsutomu , Sawada Takafumi , Uechi Tamayo , Okuno Yusuke , Sato‐Otsubo Aiko , Kudo Kazuko , Kamimaki Isamu , Kanezaki Rika , Shiraishi Yuichi , Chiba Kenichi , Tanaka Hiroko , Terui Kiminori , Sato Tomohiko , Iribe Yuji , Ohga Shouichi , Kuramitsu Madoka , Hamaguchi Isao , Ohara Akira , Hara Junichi , Goi Kumiko , Matsubara Kousaku , Koike Kenichi , Ishiguro Akira , Okamoto Yasuhiro , Watanabe Kenichiro , Kanno Hitoshi , Kojima Seiji , Miyano Satoru , Kenmochi Naoya , Ogawa Seishi , Ito Etsuro
Published: November 2014

Diamond‐Blackfan anaemia is a congenital bone marrow failure syndrome that is characterized by red blood cell aplasia. The disease has been associated with mutations or large deletions in 11 ribosomal protein genes including RPS7, RPS10, RPS17, RPS19, RPS24, RPS26, RPS29, RPL5, RPL11, RPL26 and RPL35A as well as GATA1 in more than 50% of patients. However, the molecular aetiology of many Diamond‐Blackfan anaemia cases remains to be uncovered. To identify new mutations responsible for Diamond‐Blackfan anaemia, we performed whole‐exome sequencing analysis of 48 patients with no documented mutations/deletions involving known Diamond‐Blackfan anaemia genes except for RPS7, RPL26, RPS29 and GATA1. Here, we identified a de novo splicing error mutation in RPL27 and frameshift deletion in RPS27 in sporadic patients with Diamond‐Blackfan anaemia. In vitro knockdown of gene expression disturbed pre‐ribosomal RNA processing. Zebrafish models of rpl27 and rps27 mutations showed impairments of erythrocyte production and tail and/or brain development. Additional novel mutations were found in eight patients, including RPL3L, RPL6, RPL7L1T, RPL8, RPL13, RPL14, RPL18A and RPL31. In conclusion, we identified novel germline mutations of two ribosomal protein genes responsible for Diamond‐Blackfan anaemia, further confirming the concept that mutations in ribosomal protein genes lead to Diamond‐Blackfan anaemia.
Melatonin–sulforaphane hybridITH12674 induces neuroprotection in oxidative stress conditions by a ‘drug–prodrug’ mechanism of action
Authors: Egea Javier , Buendia Izaskun , Parada Esther , Navarro Elisa , Rada Patricia , Cuadrado Antonio , López Manuela G , García Antonio G , León Rafael
Published: November 2014

Background and Purpose

Neurodegenerative diseases are a major problem afflicting ageing populations; however, there are no effective treatments to stop their progression. Oxidative stress and neuroinflammation are common factors in their pathogenesis. Nuclear factor (erythroid‐derived 2)‐like 2 (Nrf2) is the master regulator of oxidative stress, and melatonin is an endogenous hormone with antioxidative properties that reduces its levels with ageing. We have designed a new compound that combines the effects of melatonin withNrf2 induction properties, with the idea of achieving improved neuroprotective properties.

Experimental Approach

CompoundITH12674 is a hybrid of melatonin and sulforaphane designed to exert a dual drug–prodrug mechanism of action. We obtained the proposed hybrid in a single step. To test its neuroprotective properties, we used differentin vitromodels of oxidative stress related to neurodegenerative diseases and brain ischaemia.

Key Results

ITH12674 showed an improved neuroprotective profile compared to that of melatonin and sulforaphane.ITH12674 (i) mediated a concentration‐dependent protective effect in cortical neurons subjected to oxidative stress; (ii) decreased reactive oxygen species production; (iii) augmentedGSHconcentrations in cortical neurons; (iv) enhanced theNrf2–antioxidant response element transcriptional response in transfectedHEK293Tcells; and (v) protected organotypic cultures of hippocampal slices subjected to oxygen and glucose deprivation and re‐oxygenation from stress by increasing the expression of haem oxygenase‐1 and reducing free radical production.

Conclusion and Implications

ITH12674 combines the signalling pathways of the parent compounds to improve its neuroprotective properties. This opens a new line of research for such hybrid compounds to treat neurodegenerative diseases.
Δ9Tetrahydrocannabinol attenuates Staphylococcal enterotoxin B‐induced inflammatory lung injury and prevents mortality in mice by modulation of miR‐17‐92 cluster and induction of T‐regulatory cells
Authors: Rao R , Nagarkatti P S , Nagarkatti M
Published: November 2014

Background and Purpose

Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) is a potent activator of Vβ8+T‐cells resulting in the clonal expansion of ∼30% of the T‐cell pool. Consequently, this leads to the release of inflammatory cytokines, toxic shock, and eventually death. In the current study, we investigated if Δ9tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a cannabinoid known for its anti‐inflammatory properties, could prevent SEB‐induced mortality and alleviate symptoms of toxic shock.

Experimental Approach

We investigated the efficacy of THC against the dual administration (intranasal and i.p.) of SEB into C3H/HeJ mice based on the measurement of SEB‐mediated clinical parameters, including cytokine production, cellular infiltration, vascular leak, and airway resistance. In addition, the molecular mechanism of action was elucidated in vitro by the activation of splenocytes with SEB.

Key Results

Exposure to SEB resulted in acute mortality, while THC treatment led to 100% survival of mice. SEB induced the miRNA‐17‐92 cluster, specifically miRNA‐18a, which targeted Pten (phosphatase and tensin homologue), an inhibitor of the PI3K/Akt signalling pathway, thereby suppressing T‐regulatory cells. In contrast, THC treatment inhibited the individual miRNAs in the cluster, reversing the effects of SEB.

Conclusions and Implications

We report, for the first time a role for the miRNA 17–92 cluster in SEB‐mediated inflammation. Furthermore, our results suggest that THC is a potent anti‐inflammatory compound that may serve as a novel therapeutic to suppress SEB‐induced pulmonary inflammation by modulating critical miRNA involved in SEB‐induced toxicity and death.
Low within‐ and between‐day variability in exposure to new insulin glargine 300 U/ml
Authors: Becker R. H. A. , Nowotny I. , Teichert L. , Bergmann K. , Kapitza C.
Published: November 2014

Aims

To characterize the variability in exposure and metabolic effect of insulin glargine 300 U/ml (Gla‐300) at steady state in people with type 1 diabetes (T1DM).

Methods

A total of 50 participants with T1DM underwent two 24‐h euglycaemic clamps in steady‐state conditions after six once‐daily administrations of 0.4 U/kg Gla‐300 in a double‐blind, randomized, two‐treatment, two‐period, crossover clamp study. Participants were randomized to receive Gla‐300 as a standard cartridge formulation in the first treatment period, and as a formulation with enhanced stability through polysorbate‐20 addition in the second treatment period, or vice versa. This design allowed the assessment of bioequivalence between formulations and, subsequently, within‐ and between‐day variability.

Results

The cumulative exposure and effect of Gla‐300 developed linearly over 24 h, and were evenly distributed across 6‐ and 12‐h intervals. Diurnal fluctuation in exposure (within‐day variability) was low; the peak‐to‐trough ratio of insulin concentration profiles was <2, and both the swing and peak‐to‐trough fluctuation were <1. Day‐to‐day reproducibility of exposure was high: the between‐day within‐subject coefficients of variation for total systemic exposure (area under the serum insulin glargine concentration time curve from time 0 to 24 h after dosing) and maximum insulin concentration were 17.4% [95% confidence interval (CI) 15–21] and 33.4% (95% CI 28–41), respectively. Reproducibility of the metabolic effect was lower than that of exposure.

Conclusions

Gla‐300 provides predictable, evenly distributed 24‐h coverage as a result of low fluctuation and high reproducibility in insulin exposure, and appears suitable for effective basal insulin use.
The safety/security nexus and the humanitarianisation of border enforcement
Authors: Williams Jill M
Published: November 2014

This article contributes to the existing literature on the securitisation and militarisation of national borders through an examination of the humanitarianisation of contemporary border enforcement efforts. Drawing on discourse and policy analysis and ethnographic fieldwork at the southern border of the United States, I argue that humanitarian discourse and rationality have been integrated into the way in which border enforcement efforts are both framed and justified. I term the resulting discursive configuration the safety/security nexus to draw attention to the way in which migrant safety and border security are seemingly reconciled in official state discourse and policy. I then employ a feminist geopolitical framework to unpack the political and ideological significance of this process. In doing so, I argue that the humanitarianisation of border enforcement has three primary effects: it works to counter the challenges of transnational human rights organisations and constituencies that argue that border enforcement policies violate transnational human rights; it justifies the continued militarisation and securitisation of national borders; and it upholds the territorialised logic of sovereignty and rights upon which state efforts to secure, fortify, and regulate transnational mobility are founded. In turn, this article illustrates that understanding contemporary regimes of border governance necessitates attending to the entangled relationship between militarisation, securitisation, and humanitarianism.
Comparative Study of Addition of Amorphous Nanosilica Particles with Different Grades of Cement Mortar
Authors: Palanivelu Rajagounder , Rajendran Venkatachalam , Dhineshbabu Nattanmai Raman , Palanisamy Thangaraju , Balasubramanian Sankaranarayanan
Published: November 2014

The effects of addition of amorphous nanosilica particles to three grades of cement mortars Portland pozzolana cement 33, ordinary Portland cement 43, and 53 are investigated. The nanosilica particles are used as a partial replacement of cement by 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.00, and 1.25 wt.%. The tests of cement mortars are carried out in water for 3rd, 14th, 28th, and 90th day. Addition of nanosilica reduces the setting time and in turn increases the compressive strength and saturated water absorption, and its digestion of calcium hydroxide crystals leads to a decrease in the size of crystals accumulated at the interface.
Efficacy of intralesional bleomycin for the treatment of plantar hard corns
Authors: Lee Woo Jin , Lee Sang Min , Won Chong Hyun , Chang Sung Eun , Lee Mi Woo , Choi Jee Ho , Moon Kee Chan
Published: November 2014

Background

Intralesional bleomycin is effective for the treatment of various dermatologic conditions. However, the efficacy of intralesional bleomycin for the treatment of corns has not been established.

Methods

A total of 50 patients with plantar corns were recruited and equally divided between groups A and B. Groups A and B were then treated with intralesional bleomycin (1 mg/ml) after paring the hyperkeratotic tissue and simple paring, respectively. The patients visited our clinic at 3‐week intervals and were treated for a maximum of 10 sessions.

Results

Patients in groups A and B were treated for 35 and 29 corns, respectively. The curative rates of the patients in groups A and B were 37% (13 of 35) and 7% (three of 29), respectively. The proportions of lesions in groups A and B that demonstrated a decrease in size by >50% were 80% (28 of 35) and 38% (11 of 29), respectively. The total number of patients that demonstrated excellent symptomatic improvement in group A was 15 of 22. Excellent responses were achieved within a small number of treatment sessions, ranging from one to four sessions (average: 2.6). Statistical differences in terms of the degree of size reduction and pain relief were noted between the two groups.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence that intralesional bleomycin (1 mg/ml) injection could be one of the ideal treatments for corn. Intralesional bleomycin is particularly useful for reducing lesional pain and size within a short period.
DO PRE‐ AND POSTCHALLENGE SMALL INTESTINAL BIOPSIES HELP TO DIAGNOSE COW'S MILK PROTEIN INTOLERANCE?
Authors: BERG N. O. , JAKOBSSON I. , LINDBERG T.
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACT. Berg, N. O., Jakobsson, I. and Lindberg, T. (Department of Paediatrics, Malmö General Hospital, and Department of Pathology, University of Lund, Sweden). Do pre‐ and postchallenge small intestinal biopsies help to diagnose cow's milk protein intolerance? Acta Paediatr Scand, 68: 657, 1979.—Twelve infants suspected of cow's milk protein intolerance were challenged with cow's milk after at least one month of cow's milk‐free diet. The challenge was clinically positive in seven. Small intestinal biopsies were taken with a multipurpose capsule both pre‐ and postchallenge (at 24 h) in eight, prechallenge in three, and postchallenge in one. Two or three biopsy specimens were taken at the same time in 15 of the 20 biopsy occasions. The morphology of the mucosa could vary from normal to slight damage at the same biopsy occasion. No difference was found in morphology judged by light microscopy between pre‐ and postchallenged biopsies. Light microscopy of small intestinal biopsies taken before and at 24 h after milk challenge seems of doubtful value as a routine diagnostic means in cow's milk protein intolerance.
SENSORY NERVE CONDUCTION VELOCITY AND VIBRATORY SENSIBILITY IN JUVENILE DIABETICS
Authors: LUDVIGSSON J. , JOHANNESSON G. , HEDING L. , HÄGER A. , LARSSON Y.
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACT. Ludvigsson, J., Johannesson, G., Heding, L., Häger, A. and Larsson, Y. (Departments of Paediatrics and Neurophysiology, University Hospital Linköping, Sweden and Novo Research Institute, Bagsvaerd, Denmark). Sensory nerve conduction velocity and vibratory sensibility in juvenile diabetics. Relationship to endogenous insulin. Acta Paediatr Scand, 68: 739, 1979.—Sensory nerve conduction velocity (NCV) and the vibratory sense (biothesiometry) were determined in 67 children and adolescents with insulin dependent diabetes. Age at onset of diabetes varied between 1–14 years (mean ±S.D. 6.5±3.6) and the duration of diabetes between 4–17 years (7.7±3.4). Within ±3 months of the nerve function tests blood was drawn for determination of C‐peptide and insulin antibodies (IgG and IRI). A low NCV (<50 m/s) in the sural nerve and/or an abnormal vibratory sense (≥1.0 microns) were found in 34 patients (50.7%). Measurable fasting serum C‐peptide 0.04–0.60 pmol/ml (0.17±0.15) was found in 16 patients (23.9%). All but one patients had insulin antibodies with IgG 0.130–11.029 mU/ml (2.957±2.509) and total IRI 10–9120 μU/ml (1204±1723). In multiple regression analysis we did not find any correlation between nerve function and sex, age, or age at onset of diabetes, and there was only a weak relationship between NCV and duration. However, there was a positive correlation between NCV and C‐peptide (p<0.001). Vibration sense was also better among patients with C‐peptide (p<0.05). The results support the view that insulin deficiency contributes to peripheral diabetic neuropathy.
LOCALIZED SCLERODERMA FOLLOWING VARICELLA IN A THREE‐YEAR‐OLD GIRL WITH IgA DEFICIENCY
Authors: SPIRER Z. , ILIE B. , PICK I. A. , YARON M.
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACT. Spirer, Z., Ilie, B., Pick, I. A. and Yaron, M. (Departments of Pediatrics, Physical Medicine and Rheumatology, Pathology and the Section of Clinical Immunology, Rokach (Hadassah) and Ichilov Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Beilinson Medical Center, Petah Tiqva, and the Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel). Localized scleroderma following varicella in a three‐year‐old girl with IgA deficiency. Acta Paediatr Scand, 68: 783, 1979.—A three‐year‐old girl with isolated IgA deficiency developed localized scleroderma immediately after varicella infection. Physiotherapy was started without any drug therapy. Only a minimal clinical improvement was achieved. The connection between IgA deficiency, viral infection and collagen diseases is discussed.
Implications for human adipose‐derived stem cells in plastic surgery
Authors: Banyard Derek A. , Salibian Ara A. , Widgerow Alan D. , Evans Gregory R. D.
Published: November 2014

Adipose‐derived stem cells (ADSCs) are a subset of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that possess many of the same regenerative properties as other MSCs. However, the ubiquitous presence of ADSCs and their ease of access in human tissue have led to a burgeoning field of research. The plastic surgeon is uniquely positioned to harness this technology because of the relative frequency in which they perform procedures such as liposuction and autologous fat grafting. This review examines the current landscape of ADSC isolation and identification, summarizes the current applications of ADSCs in the field of plastic surgery, discusses the risks associated with their use, current barriers to universal clinical translatability, and surveys the latest research which may help to overcome these obstacles.
Fatty‐acid profiles of white muscle and liver in stream‐maturing steelhead trout Oncorhynchus mykiss from early migration to kelt emigration
Authors: Penney Z. L. , Moffitt C. M.
Published: November 2014

The profiles of specific fatty acids (FA) in white muscle and liver of fasting steelhead trout Oncorhynchus mykiss were evaluated at three periods during their prespawning migration and at kelt emigration in the Snake–Columbia River of Washington, Oregon and Idaho, to improve the understanding of energy change. Twenty‐seven FAs were identified; depletion of 10 of these was positively correlated in liver and white muscle of prespawning O. mykiss. To observe relative changes in FA content more accurately over sampling intervals, the lipid fraction of tissues was used to normalize the quantity of individual FA to an equivalent tissue wet mass. Saturated and monounsaturated FAs were depleted between upstream migration in September and kelt emigration in June, whereas polyunsaturated FAs were more conserved. Liver was depleted of FAs more rapidly than muscle. Three FAs were detected across all sampling intervals: 16:0, 18:1 and 22:6n3, which are probably structurally important to membranes. When structurally important FAs of O. mykiss are depleted to provide energy, physiological performance and survival may be affected.