bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Post-NPM-style service integration: partnership-based brokerage in elderly care
Authors: Anttiroiko Ari-Veikko , Valkama Pekka
Published: October 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the rationale and functioning of the partnership-based brokerage model as a vehicle of service integration with special reference to its support for information intermediation, learning and service market creation.

Design/methodology/approach

The theoretical framework is built on the tension between New Public Management (NPM) and post-NPM thinking, which frames the analysis of the brokerage model for elderly care services in the city of Tampere, Finland. The empirical data are derived from interviews, evaluation reports and existing case descriptions.

Findings

In the Kotitori model, the broker enhances the capacity building of the city government and the cost-effectiveness of its service provision, provides added value through improved information processes and handles matters relating to subcontracting and the facilitation of the service provider network. The model as a whole reflects the hybridisation of public administration. Even if Kotitori contains many NPM-inspired elements, they are complemented by features derived from New Public Governance and the neo-Weberian local state. The most neglected aspect of post-NPM thinking in the design of Kotitori is citizen centredness.

Originality/value

This paper broadens the perspective on the role of brokers in public service provision and highlights the multi-dimensionality of the brokerage function. It also shows how such partnership-based brokerage model reflects various aspects of both NPM and post-NPM paradigm.
Contribution analysis as an approach to enable public managers to demonstrate public value
Authors: Connolly John
Published: October 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, the paper considers the level of congruence between contribution analysis and public value. Second, based on the Scottish context, the paper examines how contribution analysis can be used as a method to support public managers to demonstrate value within partnership contexts in times of acute governance challenges (including in times of austerity).

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical underpinning of the paper emerges from strands of applied public sector experience and consultancy with national agencies. The author was a public manager (up to 2013) within a national government agency – NHS Health Scotland. The research is also informed by data gathered as an academic consultant in contribution analysis with national partnership-based agencies (Healthcare Improvement Scotland and Education Scotland, 2013-present) through a series of workshops as part of consultancy activity on capacity building in relation to evaluation methodology and practice.

Findings

Based on research and experience with three national public sector agencies in Scotland, the paper demonstrates how public managers, despite difficult challenges, have adopted contribution analysis and how this has served to facilitate public value.

Originality/value

In a time when public managers are facing acute challenges in demonstrating the impact of their programmes and services due to the dynamics of complex governance systems coupled with the pressure of austerity, this research helps to equip public managers with strategies to enable the demonstration of public value in pragmatic terms.
Safeguarding people with learning disabilities from forced marriage: the role of Safeguarding Adult Boards
Authors: Clawson Rachael
Published: October 2016

Purpose

The issue of forced marriage is typically located within debates on violence against women, immigration control and cultural difference and is rarely considered in relation to adults with learning disabilities. The purpose of this paper is to argue that this is an issue which needs to be addressed by Safeguarding Adult Boards.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper draws upon original research undertaken by the author in conjunction with the Ann Craft Trust, a voluntary sector organisation which supports statutory, independent and voluntary sector organisations across the UK to protect adults at risk. The project sought to establish the extent to which the issue of forced marriage of people with learning disabilities is recognised, understood and acted upon by Boards.

Findings

Although many Boards are aware of national policy guidelines, very few had incorporated these guidelines into their local practice. There were two key consequences of this. First, Boards were failing to monitor cases of forced marriage and were unable to plan preventative services. Second, frontline workers were not given necessary training and so were unable to develop effective skills of knowledge. The need for both better recognition of and improved responses to the problem of forced marriage of people with learning disabilities is highlighted, as is the need for the safeguarding workforce to be supported by more effective strategic planning and better training.

Originality/value

This paper draws upon original research which examined how Safeguarding Adult Boards are responding to the issue of forced marriage of people with learning disabilities – a problem currently very much under-represented in existing research and practice literature.
The role of the general practice surgery in safeguarding adults
Authors: Gibson Jeremy C. , Nicol Bill , Ronayne Ed , Grant Michelle
Published: October 2016

Purpose

First, the authors summarise arrangements expected from general practice (GP) surgeries, to optimize their safeguarding adults role. Second, using case-based discussions, the authors present specific safeguarding pathways (through which the authors have produced a downloadable interactive app) that the authors have developed to help Derbyshire GPs respond appropriately to safeguarding adults concerns. Third, the authors present the Derbyshire clinical commissioning Groups’ (CCG) approach to seeking assurance from their GPs that they have effective safeguarding adults arrangements in place. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors have based the paper on relevant current UK legislation and national guidance, the local approach to seeking assurance from GP surgeries; the authors adjusted the pathways on the basis of feedback received from eight out of 103 (7.76 per cent response rate) Derbyshire GP safeguarding leads who responded to an e-mail containing draft pathways.

Findings

Primary care staff are ideally placed to identify safeguarding adults issues and to act to protect those who are at risk of abuse or neglect.

Originality/value

The authors are unaware of any other paper that does all of the following: summarises policies GP surgeries should implement regarding safeguarding adults; details core competencies required of GPs regarding safeguarding adults; presents how CCGs can seek assurance from GP surgeries regarding safeguarding adults; and presents straightforward pathways for specific safeguarding adults scenarios. In one paper, now published in the British Journal of General Practice, the authors presented a generic safeguarding adults pathway.
Does this fit my style? The role of self-congruity in young women’s repurchase intention for intimate apparel
Authors: Vigolo Vania , Ugolini Marta Maria
Published: October 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of actual and ideal congruity in predicting the repurchase intentions of young women in relation to inconspicuous fashion items.

Design/methodology/approach

The research focussed on a non-luxury intimate apparel brand, typical of daily use and private consumption. Regression analyses were conducted on a sample of 308 young female consumers to identify the effect of actual and ideal congruity in determining repurchase intentions. A cluster analysis based on actual self-concept was employed to develop a typology for consumers.

Findings

Unexpectedly, the findings revealed that ideal congruity is a stronger predictor of repurchase intentions than actual congruity. Further, based on actual self-concept, three profiles of young women emerged: active romantics, self-assureds and reliables. The clusters differed in relation to perceptions of brand personality and the effect of self-congruity on repurchase intentions.

Research limitations/implications

This study was conducted using participants from one university in Northern Italy. Thus, the main limitations of this study relate to sample size and selection. Additionally, this study only investigated the perceptions of young women.

Practical implications

This study suggests that non-luxury intimate apparel items, typical of daily use, are not merely functional purchases, but reflect young women’s self-expression motives. Accordingly, fashion marketers should focus on consumers’ ideal self-concepts to develop effective promotion strategies. Further, specific dimensions of brand personality should be considered in relation to the different clusters.

Originality/value

This study shows that repurchase intentions towards inconspicuous non-luxury fashion items are explained more by self-esteem motives (i.e. ideal congruity) than self-consistency motives (i.e. actual congruity).
Examining hedonic and utilitarian motivations for m-commerce fashion retail app engagement
Authors: Parker Christopher J. , Wang Huchen
Published: October 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the motivations of consumers engage with fashion retail applications (apps) from a consumer motivation perspective to inform the design for fashion retail apps. This is an area with increasing economic significance, yet of limited academic research to date.

Design/methodology/approach

Through 18 in-depth qualitative interviews, utilitarian stimuli was identified as primary motivating factor to attract customers to shop for fashion garments through m-commerce retail apps.

Findings

Results from thematic analysis identified that the utilitarian elements of “efficiency” and “convenience” were two of the most important motivators for engagement, with “personalized services”, and “convenient operation process” also dominant functions to attract customers to shop on m-commerce retail apps. While “Social” shopping was shown to be a motivating factor for consumer behaviour, participants showed greater preference to interpersonal communications channels than to social media.

Research limitations/implications

Findings from this study reveal the utilitarian focus of fashion retail apps within an industry often focussed on experiential interactions, and provide a focus for fashion retail m-commerce app designers to tailor their products for higher consumer engagement. Future apps should be designed specifically with this in mind to increase the chance of consumer engagement.

Originality/value

This paper provides original insight into the hedonic and utilitarian value motivations most prevalent to users of m-commerce fashion retail apps. This is distinct from previous research that has focussed on physical retail environments or general e-commerce interactions (e.g. non-fashion web stores accessed through a PC/laptop).
Perceptual and behavioural dimensions: measuring brand equity consumer based
Authors: Rodrigues Paula , Martins Francisco Vitorino
Published: October 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a brand equity measurement model in the consumers’ mind. The measurement model separates the perceptual component of the behaviour component of individuals in their preferences for brands. That is, as a result of a set of perceptions, consumers create a brand equity that will be realised in loyal behaviour and in their willingness to pay a premium price for a brand.

Design/methodology/approach

A measurement model of brand equity using the methodology of SEM is proposed. Two samples were used, one for the estimation and another one for the validation of the proposed model, with 272 observations each. The sample is constituted by consumers of five denim clothing brands that have their own chain of stores in Portugal.

Findings

Results show that the model is statistically valid and that perceptual aspects should be separated from behavioural aspects in brand equity measurement based on consumers’ mind.

Originality/value

The originality of the model is the division of constructs into perceptual constructs (inputs), and of behaviour constructs (outputs) of brand equity. By doing this, the model tries to answer two important aspects of entrepreneurial management: which are the explanatory variables of brand equity and how could that be translated into an answer, for the consumer.
Evaluation of absolute luxury
Authors: Bhaduri Gargi , Stanforth Nancy
Published: October 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of product description cues as a way to differentiate luxury products for the absolute luxury consumer and the effect of individual traits such as need for uniqueness, product involvement, and product knowledge on consumers’ perceptions of expected price.

Design/methodology/approach

An adult sample of 253 female US consumers were recruited for an online survey.

Findings

Consumers’ need for uniqueness was related to their level of clothing involvement, which in turn was related to clothing knowledge. Fashion clothing involvement was positively related to participants’ product knowledge which in turn positively influenced participants’ perceived change in expected price of products in response to various product descriptors or cues related to absolute luxury products. In addition, younger consumers were found to be more involved in fashion clothing than older consumers.

Originality/value

This study extends the research into the luxury market and identifies elements of the marketing mix which might be manipulated to better inform potential customers about the luxury product. The study further emphasizes that product descriptors or cues can have an impact on price judgments, especially for highly involved and knowledgeable consumers. This is especially important to academicians as well as marketers since high fashion involved consumers have often been seen as drivers, influential, and legitimists of the fashion adoption process.
Building a learning health system using clinical registers: a non-technical introduction
Authors: Ovretveit John , Nelson Eugene , James Brent
Published: October 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe how clinical registers were designed and used to serve multiple purposes in three health systems, in order to contribute practical experience for building learning healthcare systems.

Design/methodology/approach

Case description and comparison of the development and use of clinical registries, drawing on participants’ experience and published and unpublished research.

Findings

Clinical registers and new software systems enable fact-based decisions by patients, clinicians, and managers about better care, as well as new and more economical research. Designing systems to present the data for users’ daily work appears to be the key to effective use of the potential afforded by digital data.

Research limitations/implications

The case descriptions draw on the experience of the authors who were involved in the development of the registers, as well as on published and unpublished research. There is limited data about outcomes for patients or cost-effectiveness.

Practical implications

The cases show the significant investments which are needed to make effective use of clinical register data. There are limited skills to design and apply the digital systems to make the best use of the systems and to reduce their disadvantages. More use can be made of digital data for quality improvement, patient empowerment and support, and for research.

Social implications

Patients can use their data combined with other data to self-manage their chronic conditions. There are challenges in designing and using systems so that those with lower health and computer literacy and incomes also benefit from these systems, otherwise the digital revolution may increase health inequalities.

Originality/value

The paper shows three real examples of clinical registers which have been developed as part of their host health systems’ strategies to develop learning healthcare systems. The paper gives a simple non-technical introduction and overview for clinicians, managers, policy-advisors and improvers of what is possible and the challenges, and highlights the need to shape the design and implementation of digital infrastructures in healthcare services to serve users.
The influence of corporate social responsibility on employee satisfaction
Authors: Barakat Simone R. , Isabella Giuliana , Boaventura João Maurício Gama , Mazzon José Afonso
Published: October 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the association between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and employee satisfaction. The study proposes and empirically tests two hypotheses: that CSR is positively associated with employee satisfaction, and that organizational image mediates the relationship between CSR and employee satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

The hypotheses were tested through regression analyses, using data from 85,167 questionnaires completed by employees at 381 Brazilian companies, as well as data pertaining to the “breadth” of CSR engagement of those same companies.

Findings

The results of this study provide evidence that CSR-oriented actions undertaken by companies will lead to a better organizational image, and this, in turn, will lead to greater employee satisfaction.

Practical implications

Because employee behaviour influences organizational outcomes and higher job satisfaction may lead to greater employee commitment to organizational goals and values, understanding the impact of CSR on employee satisfaction is relevant to corporate performance.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the body of empirical research on CSR by investigating the underlying mechanisms linking CSR with employee behaviour. Scholars in the area of CSR regularly explore the outcomes and impacts of CSR actions on internal and external stakeholders. However, the impacts of CSR for a critical group of stakeholders – namely, employees – and its underlying mechanisms are understudied in the CSR literature.
Entrepreneur’s paternalistic leadership style and creativity
Authors: Dedahanov Alisher Tohirovich , Lee Do Hyung , Rhee Jaehoon , Yoon Junghyun
Published: October 2016

Purpose

Despite the number of studies on employee voice much remains unknown regarding the mediating role of employee voice in the link between entrepreneur’s paternalistic leadership style and creativity. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of authoritarian, benevolent and moral leadership on creativity via employee voice.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilized structured equation modeling to evaluate the data from 387 highly skilled employees in Republic of Korea.

Findings

The findings suggested that authoritarian leadership style reduces employee voice which in turn impacts on creativity and moral leadership facilitates creativity via employee voice.

Originality/value

The study is the first to discover the mediating role of employee voice on the association between authoritarian, moral leadership and creativity.
Social responsibility, corporate giving and the tide
Authors: Catalão-Lopes Margarida , Pina Joaquim P. , Branca Ana S.
Published: October 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address firms’ decisions on corporate social responsibility (CSR) as a function of the economic environment. The paper focuses on corporate giving, a CSR dimension that is especially important in an economic downturn such as the one experienced by many European economies since 2007-2008.

Design/methodology/approach

A theoretical framework comprising product differentiation and market competition is proposed. The paper investigates whether adverse economic conditions refrain corporate giving or, alternatively, stimulate it as a differentiation and demand enhancing instrument. Econometric empirical testing on the business cycle properties of giving at an aggregate level is also conducted.

Findings

According to theoretical results, firms seem to refrain giving under adverse economic conditions in the short run. Empirically, the paper concludes for a pro cyclical contemporaneous relation of corporate giving with real gross domestic product, supporting the theoretical finding. In a dynamic perspective, however, giving causes revenues and firms tend to donate more than a few years after the downturn.

Originality/value

The paper examines the behaviour of an under researched component of corporate social responsibility, which is especially important in economic downturns - giving. It considers continuous degrees of market competition and differentiation.
Structure and temporal dynamics of the bacterial communities associated to microhabitats of the coral Oculina patagonica
Authors: Rubio‐Portillo Esther , Santos Fernando , Martínez‐García Manuel , de los Ríos Asunción , Ascaso Carmen , Souza‐Egipsy Virginia , Ramos‐Esplá Alfonso A. , Anton Josefa
Published: October 2016

Corals are known to contain a diverse microbiota that plays a paramount role in the physiology and health of holobiont. However, few studies have addressed the variability of bacterial communities within the coral host. In this study, bacterial community composition from the mucus, tissue and skeleton of the scleractinian coral Oculina patagonica were investigated seasonally at two locations in the Western Mediterranean Sea, to further understand how environmental conditions and the coral microbiome structure are related. We used denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis in combination with next‐generation sequencing and electron microscopy to characterize the bacterial community. The bacterial communities were significantly different among coral compartments, and coral tissue displayed the greatest changes related to environmental conditions and coral health status. Species belonging to the Rhodobacteraceae and Vibrionaceae families form part of O. patagonica tissues core microbiome and may play significant roles in the nitrogen cycle. Furthermore, sequences related to the coral pathogens, Vibrio mediterranei and Vibrio coralliilyticus, were detected not only in bleached corals but also in healthy ones, even during cold months. This fact opens a new view onto unveiling the role of pathogens in the development of coral diseases in the future.
Genomic diversification of marine cyanophages into stable ecotypes
Authors: Marston Marcia F. , Martiny Jennifer B. H.
Published: October 2016

Understanding the structure and origin of natural bacteriophage genomic diversity is important in elucidating how bacteriophages influence the mortality rates and composition of their host communities. Here, we examine the genetic structure and genomic diversification of naturally occurring bacteriophages by analyzing the full genomic sequences of over 100 isolates of Synechococcus‐infecting cyanophages collected over 15 years from coastal waters of Southern New England, USA. Our analysis revealed well‐supported cyanophage genomic clusters (genome‐wide average nucleotide identity (ANI) >93%) and subclusters (genome‐wide ANI >98%) that remained consistent for a decade or longer. Furthermore, by combining the genomic data with genetic analysis of an additional 800 isolates and environmental amplicon sequence data both genomic clusters and subclusters were found to exhibit clear temporal and/or spatial patterns of abundance, suggesting that these units represent distinct viral ecotypes. The processes responsible for diversification of cyanophages into genomic clusters and subclusters were similar across genetic scales and included allelic exchange as well as gene gain and loss. Isolates belonging to different subclusters were found to differ in genes that encoded auxiliary metabolic functions, restriction modification enzymes, and virion structural proteins, although the specific traits and selection pressures responsible for the maintenance of distinct ecotypes remain unknown.
Brexit: Where once was an empire
Authors: Hart Keith
Published: October 2016

In this guest editorial the author offers his opinions on the outcome of the Brexit referendum.
The robot intermediary: Mechanical analogies and autism
Authors: Richardson Kathleen
Published: October 2016

The article explores the use of social robots as therapeutic agents for helping children with autism. I explore the circulation and use of mechanical analogies to describe autism, extended by psychiatrists and autism experts and adopted by robotic scientists interested in developing robots as social agents and in developing robots as therapeutic agents.
Sustainability Reporting by Australian Universities
Authors: Gamage Pandula , Sciulli Nick
Published: October 2016

There is continuing debate about the consequences of climate change and an increasing emphasis placed on the disclosure of social and environmental indicators by organisations. Universities have been traditionally known as places where intellectual inquiry and advances in knowledge are paramount. Therefore, there is an expectation that universities would place much emphasis on sustainability reporting to fulfil the needs of a range of stakeholders. The objective of this study is to investigate the nature and extent of sustainability disclosures reported by Australian universities in stand‐alone sustainability reports. The findings suggest significant differences in the nature and extent of sustainability disclosures. This study has implications for policy‐makers and university administrators and is a call to senior university leaders to take up the challenge and contribute to the global conversation with regard to sustainability reporting.
Suicide on Death Row
Authors: Tartaro Christine , Lester David
Published: October 2016

Despite the level of supervision of inmates on death row, their suicide rate is higher than both the male prison population in the United States and the population of males over the age of 14 in free society. This study presents suicide data for death row inmates from 1978 through 2010. For the years 1978 through 2010, suicide rates on death row were higher than that for the general population of males over the age of 15 and for state prisons for all but 2 years.
The cephalic labial gland secretions of two socially parasitic bumblebees Bombus hyperboreus (Alpinobombus) and Bombus inexspectatus (Thoracobombus) question their inquiline strategy
Authors: Brasero Nicolas , Martinet Baptiste , Lecocq Thomas , Lhomme Patrick , Biella Paolo , Valterová Irena , Urbanová Klára , Cornalba Maurizio , Hines Heather , Rasmont Pierre
Published: October 2016

Social parasitic Hymenopterans have evolved morphological, chemical, and behavioral adaptations to overcome the sophisticated recognition and defense systems of their social host to invade host nests and exploit their worker force. In bumblebees, social parasitism appeared in at least 3 subgenera independently: in the subgenus Psithyrus consisting entirely of parasitic species, in the subgenus Alpinobombus with Bombus hyperboreus, and in the subgenus Thoracobombus with B. inexspectatus. Cuckoo bumblebee males utilize species‐specific cephalic labial gland secretions for mating purposes that can impact their inquiline strategy. We performed cephalic labial gland secretions in B. hyperboreus, B. inexspectatus and their hosts. Males of both parasitic species exhibited high species specific levels of cephalic gland secretions, including different main compounds. Our results showed no chemical mimicry in the cephalic gland secretions between inquilines and their host and we did not identify the repellent compounds already known in other cuckoo bumblebees.
‘Residual diversity estimates’ do not correct for sampling bias in palaeodiversity data
Authors: Sakamoto Manabu , Venditti Chris , Benton Michael J.
Published: October 2016

It is widely accepted that the fossil record suffers from various sampling biases – diversity signals through time may partly or largely reflect the rock record – and many methods have been devised to deal with this problem. One widely used method, the ‘residual diversity’ method, uses residuals from a modelled relationship between palaeodiversity and sampling (sampling‐driven diversity model) as ‘corrected’ diversity estimates, but the unorthodox way in which these residuals are generated presents serious statistical problems; the response and predictor variables are decoupled through independent sorting, rendering the new bivariate relationship meaningless.

Here, we use simple simulations to demonstrate the detrimental consequences of independent sorting, through assessing error rates and biases in regression model coefficients.

Regression models based on independently sorted data result in unacceptably high rates of incorrect and systematically, directionally biased estimates, when the true parameter values are known. The large number of recent papers that used the method are likely to have produced misleading results and their implications should be reassessed.

We note that the ‘residuals’ approach based on the sampling‐driven diversity model cannot be used to ‘correct’ for sampling bias, and instead advocate the use of phylogenetic multiple regression models that can include various confounding factors, including sampling bias, while simultaneously accounting for statistical non‐independence owing to shared ancestry. Evolutionary dynamics such as speciation are inherently a phylogenetic process, and only an explicitly phylogenetic approach will correctly model this process.
A systematic review of trial registration and selective outcome reporting in psychotherapy randomized controlled trials
Authors: Bradley H. A. , Rucklidge J. J. , Mulder R. T.
Published: October 2016

Objective

Selective outcome reporting poses serious implications on our evidence base for best practice. The extent to which selective outcome reporting and trial registration occurs in the wider psychotherapy literature needs to be investigated.

Method

Randomized controlled psychotherapy trials published between 2010 and 2014 were selected from the five highest impact factor journals in clinical psychology that publish clinical trials. Data on primary and secondary outcomes, funding, and participant numbers were extracted from the article and registry and compared.

Results

From 112 trials, 67 (59.8%) were registered, 27 (24.1%) were prospectively registered, and only 13 (11.6%) were correctly registered and reported. Seven of these 13 trials showed evidence of selective outcome reporting, of which four had discrepancies favoring significant outcomes. One of the remaining six trials changed their primary outcomes during participant enrollment. Overall, only five (4.5%) trials were free from selective outcome reporting. Three of these five trials had more than a 10% change between planned and achieved sample size. Funding was not associated with correct registration or reporting.

Conclusions

The proportion of psychotherapy randomized controlled trials correctly registered and transparently reported is poor. Psychologists should consider the impact these results have on public confidence in reported outcomes.
5α‐Dihydrotestosterone negatively regulates cell proliferation of the periurethral ventral mesenchyme during urethral tube formation in the murine male genital tubercle
Authors: Suzuki H. , Matsushita S. , Suzuki K. , Yamada G.
Published: October 2016

Androgen is an essential factor involved in masculinization of external genitalia. Failure of the exposure to 5α‐dihydrotestosterone (DHT) causes a hypoplastic penile size and urethral abnormality. The main pathology of hypospadias is defective urethral closure on the ventral side of the penis. Hormone‐dependent genes are suggested as the causative factors. However, the detailed mechanisms of DHT functions on urethral tube formation remain unknown. Androgen is both a positive and negative regulator of cell proliferation. The roles of locally converted DHT in cell proliferation at the periurethral mesenchyme have not been elucidated. We revealed the expression pattern of 5α‐reductase type 2 mRNA (Srd5a2) and local DHT distribution by direct measurement in this study. We also analyzed periurethral mesenchymal cell proliferation status using systematic three‐dimensional (3D) reconstruction analyses. A prominent Srd5a2 expression and localized DHT distribution on the ventral side of the genital tubercle were detected. Cell proliferation was reduced in this mesenchymal region during urethral formation. The current results suggest the presence of the possible negative regulation of cell proliferation by DHT. Moreover, cell proliferation related to urethral tube formation was revealed to be DHT dose dependent. These data are expected to contribute to the understanding of the mode of regulation of cell proliferation related to urethral tube formation by DHT. These findings may also offer insight into the understanding of human hypospadias and related hormone‐dependent factors.
Maternal and fetal characteristics affect discrepancies between pregnancy‐dating methods: a population‐based cross‐sectional register study
Authors: Kullinger Merit , Wesström Jan , Kieler Helle , Skalkidou Alkistis
Published: October 2016

Introduction

Gestational age is estimated by ultrasound using fetal size as a proxy for age, although variance in early growth affects reliability. The aim of this study was to identify characteristics associated with discrepancies between last menstrual period‐based (EDD‐LMP) and ultrasound‐based (EDD‐US) estimated delivery dates.

Material and methods

We identified all singleton births (n = 1 201 679) recorded in the Swedish Medical Birth Register in 1995–2010, to assess the association between maternal/fetal characteristics and large negative and large positive discrepancies (EDD‐LMP earlier than EDD‐US and 10th percentile in the discrepancy distribution vs. EDD‐LMP later than EDD‐US and 90th percentile). Analyses were adjusted for age, parity, height, body mass index, smoking, and employment status.

Results

Women with a body mass index >40 kg/m2 had the highest odds for large negative discrepancies (−9 to −20 days) [odds ratio (OR) 2.16, 95% CI 2.01–2.33]. Other factors associated with large negative discrepancies were: diabetes, young maternal age, multiparity, body mass index between 30 and 39.9 kg/m2 or <18.5 kg/m2, a history of gestational diabetes, female fetus, shorter stature (<−1 SD), a history of preeclampsia, smoking or snuff use, and unemployment. Large positive discrepancies (+4 to +20 days) were associated with male fetus (OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.77–1.83), age ≥30 years, multiparity, not living with a partner, taller stature (>+1 SD), and unemployment.

Conclusions

Several maternal and fetal characteristics were associated with discrepancies between dating methods. Systematic associations of discrepancies with maternal height, fetal sex, and partly obesity, may reflect an influence on the precision of the ultrasound estimate due to variance in early growth.
Ground transport stress affects bacteria in the rumen of beef cattle: A real‐time PCR analysis
Authors: Deng Lixin , He Cong , Zhou Yanwei , Xu Lifan , Xiong Huijun
Published: October 2016

Transport stress syndrome often appears in beef cattle during ground transportation, leading to changes in their capacity to digest food due to changes in rumen microbiota. The present study aimed to analyze bacteria before and after cattle transport. Eight Xianan beef cattle were transported over 1000 km. Rumen fluid and blood were sampled before and after transport. Real‐time PCR was used to quantify rumen bacteria. Cortisol and adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) were measured. Cortisol and ACTH were increased on day 1 after transportation and decreased by day 3. Cellulolytic bacteria (Fibrobacter succinogenes and Ruminococcus flavefaciens), Ruminococcus amylophilus and Prevotella albensis were increased at 6 h and declined by 15 days after transport. There was a significant reduction in Succinivibrio dextrinosolvens, Prevotella bryantii, Prevotella ruminicola and Anaerovibrio lipolytica after transport. Rumen concentration of acetic acid increased after transport, while rumen pH and concentrations of propionic and butyric acids were decreased. Body weight decreased by 3 days and increased by 15 days after transportation. Using real‐time PCR analysis, we detected changes in bacteria in the rumen of beef cattle after transport, which might affect the growth of cattle after transport.
Probiotics, fibre and herbal medicinal products for functional and inflammatory bowel disorders
Authors: Currò Diego , Ianiro Gianluca , Pecere Silvia , Bibbò Stefano , Cammarota Giovanni
Published: October 2016

Functional bowel disorders (FBD), mainly irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional constipation (FC, also called chronic idiopathic constipation), are very common worldwide. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, although less common, has a strong impact on patients' quality of life, as well as being highly expensive for our healthcare. A definite cure for those disorders is still yet to come. Over the years, several therapeutic approaches complementary or alternative to traditional pharmacological treatments, including probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, fibre and herbal medicinal products, have been investigated for the management of both groups of diseases. However, most available studies are biased by several drawbacks, including small samples and poor methodological quality. Probiotics, in particular Saccharomyces boulardii and Lactobacilli (among which Lactobacillus rhamnosus), synbiotics, psyllium, and some herbal medicinal products, primarily peppermint oil, seem to be effective in ameliorating IBS symptoms. Synbiotics and fibre seem to be beneficial in FC patients. The probiotic combination VSL#3 may be effective in inducing remission in patients with mild‐to‐moderate ulcerative colitis, in whom Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 seems to be as effective as mesalamine in maintaining remission. No definite conclusions can be drawn as to the efficacy of fibre and herbal medicinal products in IBD patients due to the low number of studies and the lack of randomized controlled trials that replicate the results obtained in the individual studies conducted so far. Thus, further, well‐designed studies are needed to address the real role of these therapeutic options in the management of both FBD and IBD.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Principles of Pharmacological Research of Nutraceuticals. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.11/issuetoc
Age and gender differences in self‐control and its intergenerational transmission
Authors: Wang L. , Fan C. , Tao T. , Gao W.
Published: October 2016

Background

Few studies have been conducted in people of Asian descent that have reported to demonstrate the distinct developmental trends in good self‐control and poor control. To fill this gap, we conducted a national cross‐sectional survey among adolescents and young adults in China to further clarify the age and gender differences in self‐control from a dual‐systems perspective.

Methods

A total of 2910 adolescents (female, n = 1698) and their parents from five different provinces in China were surveyed using the Dual‐Modes of Self‐Control Scale (DMSC‐S) and the Parents' Perceived Self‐Control Scale. The mean age of the adolescent sample was 17.47 years (ranging from 12.50 to 25.42 years).

Results

Boys exhibited greater good self‐control than girls. Poor control increased between 12 and 17 years of age and declined thereafter; however, good self‐control increased over the entire study period. Both good self‐control and poor control in student participants were significantly associated with parents' perceived self‐control; moreover, the association between good self‐control and parental self‐control was mediated by SES.

Conclusion

The roles of age, gender, parental self‐control and SES varied in a dual‐systems model of self‐control: good self‐control and poor control. Implications of these results are discussed.
DNA methylation alterations in the pathogenesis of lupus
Authors: Chen S H , Lv Q L , Hu L , Peng M J , Wang G H , Sun B
Published: October 2016

Although lupus is, by definition, associated with genetic and immunological factors, its molecular mechanisms remain unclear. The up-to-date research findings point out that various genetic and epigenetic factors, especially gene-specific and site-specific methylation, are believed to contribute to the initiation and development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This review presents and summarizes the association between abnormal DNA methylation of immune-related cells and lupus-like diseases, as well as the possible mechanisms of immune disorder caused by DNA methylation, aiming at a better understanding of the roles of aberrant DNA methylation in the initiation and development of certain forms of lupus and providing a new insight into promising therapeutic regimens in lupus-like diseases.
Circulating immune cells in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Jones A P , Kermode A G , Lucas R M , Carroll W M , Nolan D , Hart P H
Published: October 2016

Circulating T and B lymphocytes contribute to the pathogenesis of the neuroinflammatory autoimmune disease, multiple sclerosis (MS). Further progress in the development of MS treatments is dependent upon a greater understanding of the immunological disturbances that underlie the disease. Analyses of circulating immune cells by flow cytometry have revealed MS-associated alterations in the composition and function of T and B cell subsets, including temporal changes associated with disease activity. Disturbances in circulating immune populations reflect those observed in the central nervous system and include skewing towards proinflammatory CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and B cells, greater proportions of follicular T helper cells and functional defects in the corresponding T and B regulatory subsets. Utilizing the analytical power of modern flow cytometers, researchers are now well positioned to monitor immunological changes associated with disease activity or intervention, describe immunological signatures with predictive value and identify targets for therapeutic drug development. This review discusses the contribution of various T and B lymphocyte subsets to MS pathogenesis, provides current and relevant phenotypical descriptions to assist in experimental design and highlights areas of future research.
Using a choice experiment and birder preferences to guide bird‐conservation funding
Authors: Steven Rochelle , Smart James C. R. , Morrison Clare , Castley J. Guy
Published: October 2016

Conservation of biodiversity, including birds, continues to challenge natural‐area managers. Stated‐preference methods (e.g., choice experiment [CE]) are increasingly used to provide data for valuation of natural ecosystems. We used a CE to calculate birders’ willingness to pay for different levels of bioecological attributes (threatened species, endemic species, and diversity) of birding sites with hypothetical entry fees. The CE was delivered at popular birding and avitourism sites in Australia and the United Kingdom. Latent‐class modeling results revealed heterogeneous preferences among birders and correspondingly variable willingness to pay. Four clear groups were apparent: quantity‐driven birders, special‐birds seekers, confused respondents, and price‐is‐no‐object birders. Quantity‐driven birders were attracted to sites that deliver high levels of diversity and endemic species for which they were willing to pay $135 and $66 to visit, respectively, above what they were willing to pay to visit a site with low levels of diversity and few endemic and threatened species . Special‐bird seekers valued threatened species and high levels of endemic species most (willingness to pay $45 and $46, respectively). Confused respondents’ preferences were difficult to determine, but they were the most sensitive to the hypothetical entry fees, unlike the price‐is‐no‐object birders, who were not at all sensitive to cost. Our findings demonstrate that birders are amenable to paying for their preferred birding experience. These payments could provide an alternative source of funding in some avitourism sites on both public and private land. Such alternative revenue streams should be explored and given full consideration in increasingly competitive conservation‐financing environments.
Effects of leukotriene D4 and histamine nasal challenge on airway responsiveness and inflammation in persistent allergic rhinitis patients
Authors: Zhu Zheng , Xie Yanqing , Guan Weijie , Gao Yi , Xia Shu , Huang Rongquan , Zhong Nanshan , Zheng Jinping
Published: October 2016

Background

Both histamine and leukotrienes are implicated in the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis (AR), although the pattern and severity of the nasal response to these two potent inflammatory mediators may differ, which has not been adequately studied in patients with persistent AR.

Objective

We sought to compare the differential effects of nasal challenge with leukotriene D4 (LTD4) and histamine on the airway response and inflammation in patients with AR.

Methods

An open‐label, crossover study was performed in 25 persistent AR patients (AR group) and 16 healthy subjects (control group). Participants randomly underwent histamine and LTD4 nasal provocation within a two‐week interval. Nasal symptoms according to a visual analogue scale (VAS), fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO), nasal lavage, induced sputum, and spirometry were evaluated before and after nasal challenge.

Results

Nasal airway resistance (NAR) increased significantly after both LTD4 and histamine nasal challenge in AR patients (P < .05). The potency of LTD4 was 142‐fold higher than that of histamine in increasing NAR (P < .001). The nasal symptom score induced by histamine challenge was significantly higher than that triggered by LTD4 (3.42 ± 0.83 vs. 1.16 ± 0.94, P < .05) in the AR group. LTD4 and histamine nasal challenge led to a significant increase in neutrophils in the nasal lavage and induced sputum (P < .05) in AR patients. There were no significant differences in the changes of eosinophils before and after LTD4 and histamine nasal challenges in nasal lavage and induced sputum. No significant changes in NAR, the induced symptom score, or inflammatory cells in the nasal lavage and sputum were found in the control group.

Conclusions

LTD4 and histamine nasal challenge caused different patterns and severities of nasal symptoms, which correlated with symptoms (TSS) that affect patient's daily life. LTD4 was far more potent than histamine at increasing the NAR, while histamine nasal challenge induced more sneezing and nasal discharge. These results may guide the prescription of anti‐histamine or anti‐leukotriene agents for treating different AR phenotypes.
CSF cytology diagnosis of NRAS‐mutated primary leptomeningeal melanomatosis with neurocutaneous melanosis
Authors: Kolin D. L. , Geddie W. R. , Ko H. M.
Published: October 2016

Primary leptomeningeal melanomatosis is an extremely rare, diffuse, malignant melanocytic neoplasm without a localised mass. In this case, both immunocytochemistry and molecular testing were successfully completed using a CSF sample, allowing confirmation of the diagnosis and determination of the mutational status of the melanoma.