bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
National culture and inter-tier price competition
Authors: Sivakumar K. 
Published: May 2014

Purpose
– This research aims to examine the role of national culture dimensions in the nature of tier competition between high-tier brands and low-tier brands.

Design/methodology/approach
– It starts with a conceptual framework based on prospect theory to explain the asymmetric inter-tier competition. It then describes how the national culture dimensions influence the implications of prospect theory and as a result, the nature of inter-tier competition. The paper uses Hofstede's framework to operationalize national culture and derives a number of research propositions that explicate the role of national culture in inter-tier price competition.

Findings
– The study finds that the extent of asymmetry favouring high-tier brands over low-tier brands depends on the national culture dimensions. Whereas high levels of individualism, power distance, uncertainty avoidance, and masculinity increase the asymmetry favouring high-tier brands, higher long-term orientation decreases asymmetric price competition favouring high-tier brands.

Practical implications
– The findings offer important guidelines for understanding the nature of inter-tier price competition as a function of national culture.

Originality/value
– This is the first study to extend inter-tier price competition in the global setting and also the first study that links national culture with prospect theory to examine the boundary conditions of inter-tier price competition.
Ethical consumers' brand avoidance
Authors: Rindell Anne , Strandvik Tore , Wilén Kristoffer 
Published: May 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to explore ethical consumers' brand avoidance. The study contributes to brand-avoidance research by exploring what role consumers' ethical concerns play in their brand avoidance.Design/methodology/approach– A qualitative approach is adopted by interviewing 15 active members of organizations that represent ethical concerns for the well-being of animals, the environment and humans.Findings– The study indicates that consumers with a strong value-based perspective on consumption (such as ethical consumers) may reject brands in two different but interrelated ways. In essence, the study reveals characteristics of brand avoidance that have not been discussed in earlier research, in terms of two dimensions: persistency (persistent vs temporary) and explicitness (explicit vs latent).Practical implications– The study shows the importance of considering the phenomenon of brand avoidance, as it may reveal fundamental challenges in the market. These challenges may relate to consumer values that have not been regarded as important or that have been thought of as relating only to a specific group of consumers.Originality/value– The ethical consumers' views represent new insights into understanding brand avoidance.
Young people as company stakeholders? Moving beyond CSR…
Authors: de La Ville Valérie-Inés 
Published: May 2014

Purpose
– The case of corporations establishing a relationship with young people – because of the moral responsibility involved – allows us to illustrate the complexities of trying to decide what is morally correct to collectively ensure children's well-being. This paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach
– Applying the “stakeholder theory” to child industries – under which term this paper includes all business activities that establish a commercial relationship involving children, either as the recipient or user of the final product or beneficiary of a specific service, or as a co-decision-maker for purchases within his/her family or social circles – reveals a series of conceptual challenges...

Findings
– The limited understanding of stakeholder theory within the CSR managerial perspective leads companies to overlook some important moral issues about children's well-being, and exposes them to particularly hard criticisms of their actions and marketing policies.

Research limitations/implications
– If children have been overlooked by the stakeholder theory, how may the interests of youth be represented in a stakeholder perspective?

Practical implications
– To deal with some of the dilemmas entailed by considering children's representatives as legitimate spokespersons, the paper suggests drawing on the ethics of care to attempt delineating a corporate social responsibility towards young people.

Originality/value
– This paper emphasises a number of issues relevant to young consumers, including the absence of children in stakeholder theory and how that absence speaks to the presumed extent and boundaries of corporate social responsibility.
Routine labour epidural analgesia versus labour analgesia on request: a randomised non‐inferiority trial
Authors: Wassen MMLH , Smits LJM , Scheepers HCJ , Marcus MAE , Van Neer J , Nijhuis JG , Roumen FJME 
Published: May 2014

ObjectiveTo assess the effect on mode of delivery of the routine use of labour epidural analgesia (EA) compared with analgesia on request.DesignRandomised non‐inferiority trial.SettingOne university and one non‐university teaching hospital in The Netherlands.PopulationWomen with a singleton pregnancy in cephalic presentation beyond 36 + 0 weeks' gestation.MethodsParticipants were randomly allocated to receive either routine EA or analgesia on request. Intention‐to‐treat (ITT) and per‐protocol (PP) analyses were performed, with confidence intervals (CI) calculated for the differences in percentages or means.Main outcome measuresRate of operative delivery (instrumental vaginal or caesarean), labour characteristics, and adverse labour and neonatal outcomes.ResultsA total of 488 women were randomly allocated to the routine EA (n = 233) or analgesia on request group (n = 255). In the routine EA group, 89.3% (208/233) received EA. According to ITT analysis, 34.8% (81/233) women in the routine EA group had an operative delivery, compared with 26.7% (68/255) in the analgesia on request group (difference 8.1%, 95% CI −0.1 to 16.3). The difference in rate of operative deliveries according to the PP analysis was statistically significant (difference 8.9%, 95% CI 0.4 to 17.4). Inferiority of EA could not be rejected, as in both analyses the upper bound of the confidence interval exceeded the pre‐specified inferiority criterion of +10%. Women in the routine EA group had more adverse effects, including hypotension (difference 9.5%, 95% CI 4.2 to 14.9), and motor blockade (difference 6.8%, 95% CI 1.1 to 12.5).ConclusionNon‐inferiority of routine EA could not be demonstrated in this trial. Routine EA use is likely to lead to more operative deliveries and more maternal adverse effects. The results of our study do not justify routine use of EA.
The effect of intra‐operative passive movement therapy on non‐surgical site pain after breast reconstructive surgery: a preliminary study
Authors: Bidd H. , Dulai R. , Edelman N. , Giles J. , Patel C. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryPain distant to an operative site is under‐reported but sometimes more severe than pain from the surgical site. Intra‐operative passive movement could possibly reduce this pain. This preliminary study was designed to assess the practicalities of conducting a randomised controlled trial of this therapy in anaesthetised patients. The study design was pragmatic. Forty‐two patients undergoing breast reconstruction were randomly assigned to receive either intra‐operative passive movement or standard care. Twenty‐four hours after surgery, median (IQR [range]) morphine consumption was 33 (11–42 [0–176]) mg in the passive movement group compared with 74 (15–118 [0–238]) mg with standard care (p = 0.126), while participants reported median (IQR [range]) visual analogue scores in areas distant from the surgical site of 0 (0–4 [0–34]) mm in the passive movement group compared with 10 (2–30 [0–57]) mm in those receiving standard care (p = 0.002). A full trial of intra‐operative passive movement therapy to reduce postoperative is feasible and warranted.
Environmental and genetic risk factors for retinal angiomatous proliferation
Authors: Caramoy Albert , Ristau Tina , Lechanteur Yara T. , Ersoy Lebriz , Müller Sebastian , Gelisken Faik , Hoyng Carel B. , Kirchhof Bernd , den Hollander Anneke I. , Fauser Sascha 
Published: May 2014

AbstractPurposeTo identify genetic and environmental risk factors in patients with retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP), a clinical subtype of age‐related macular degeneration (AMD).MethodsIn this case–control study, 108 AMD cases with RAP, 258 AMD patients with choroidal neovascularization (CNV) without RAP and 443 healthy controls were evaluated. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in age‐related maculopathy susceptibility 2 (ARMS2) and complement factor H (CFH) and various environmental risk factors were analysed. Statistical analysis was performed by univariate and multivariate regression analysis.ResultsHigh age, female sex and genetic variants in CFH and ARMS2 were identified as risk factors for developing any CNV. In RAP patients, arterial hypertension was also identified as a risk factor (OR 2.39; p = 0.0005). Compared with the ‘non‐RAP’ CNV group, the association with high age (OR 1.05; p = 0.008) and arterial hypertension (OR 1.82; p = 0.02) was significantly higher in RAP patients, while the association with CFH risk alleles (homozygous OR 0.40; p = 0.003) was significantly lower, which was confirmed in a multivariate analysis (OR 0.41; p = 0.03 for the heterozygous risk allele and OR 0.38; p = 0.03 for the homozygous risk allele).ConclusionThe association with the CFH Y402 risk allele was less pronounced in RAP patients than in ‘non‐RAP’ CNV patients, while the association with high age and arterial hypertension appeared to be stronger. These findings stress the importance of detailed phenotyping in AMD to identify homogeneous AMD subtypes and their different risk factors and disease mechanisms.
Systematic review with meta‐analysis: the effects of rifaximin in hepatic encephalopathy
Authors: Kimer N. , Krag A. , Møller S. , Bendtsen F. , Gluud L. L. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryBackgroundRifaximin is recommended for prevention of hepatic encephalopathy (HE). The effects of rifaximin on overt and minimal HE are debated.AimTo perform a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on rifaximin for HE.MethodsWe performed electronic and manual searches, gathered information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Home Page, and obtained unpublished information on trial design and outcome measures from authors and pharmaceutical companies. Meta‐analyses were performed and results presented as risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and the number needed to treat. Subgroup, sensitivity, regression and sequential analyses were performed to evaluate the risk of bias and sources of heterogeneity.ResultsWe included 19 RCTs with 1370 patients. Outcomes were recalculated based on unpublished information of 11 trials. Overall, rifaximin had a beneficial effect on secondary prevention of HE (RR: 1.32; 95% CI 1.06–1.65), but not in a sensitivity analysis on rifaximin after TIPSS (RR: 1.27; 95% CI 1.00–1.53). Rifaximin increased the proportion of patients who recovered from HE (RR: 0.59; 95% CI: 0.46–0.76) and reduced mortality (RR: 0.68, 95% CI 0.48–0.97). The results were robust to adjustments for bias control. No small study effects were identified. The sequential analyses only confirmed the results of the analysis on HE recovery.ConclusionsRifaximin has a beneficial effect on hepatic encephalopathy and may reduce mortality. The combined evidence suggests that rifaximin may be considered in the evidence‐based management of hepatic encephalopathy.
Innovations in Practice: DISCOVER CBT workshops for 16–18‐year‐olds: development of an open‐access intervention for anxiety and depression in inner‐city youth
Authors: Sclare Irene , Michelson Daniel , Malpass Liz , Coster Fay , Brown June 
Published: May 2014

BackgroundAnxiety and depression are common in adolescence but access to effective intervention is limited.MethodOpen‐access CBT workshops were developed in consultation with 16–18‐year‐olds. Rates of uptake, pre‐post outcomes and acceptability of workshops were assessed in an uncontrolled study.ResultsParticipants (N = 31) were predominantly from black and minority ethnic groups and three quarters had not previously sought psychological support. Improvements were observed in self‐reported anxiety, depression and self‐esteem at 12‐week follow‐up. High levels of satisfaction were reported along with suggestions for further programme development.ConclusionsCommunity‐based CBT workshops show promise in terms of accessibility and acceptability for older adolescents who may not otherwise engage in mental health services.
Isothiazolinones in commercial products at Danish workplaces
Authors: Friis Ulrik Fischer , Menné Torkil , Flyvholm Mari‐Ann , Bonde Jens Peter Ellekilde , Lepoittevin Jean‐Pierre , Le Coz Christophe J. , Johansen Jeanne Duus 
Published: May 2014

SummaryBackgroundIn recent years, a steep increase in the frequency of occupational contact allergy to isothiazolinones has been reported from several European countries.ObjectiveTo examine the extent and occurrence of isothiazolinones in different types of product at Danish workplaces.MethodsSeven different isothiazolinones were identified in the Dictionary of Contact Allergens: Chemical Structures, Sources, and References from Kanerva's Occupational Dermatitis. By use of the chemical names and Chemical Abstracts Service numbers for these chemicals, information on products registered in the Danish Product Register Database (PROBAS) was obtained.ResultsAll seven isothiazolinones were registered in PROBAS. The top three isothiazolinones registered were: benzisothiazolinone (BIT), registered in 985 products, methylisothiazolinone (MI), registered in 884 products, and methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI)/MI, registered in 611 products. The concentration ranges were 0.01 ppm to 45% for BIT, 0.01 ppm to 10% for MI, and 0.01 ppm to 14.1% for MCI/MI. The most common product type was ‘paint and varnish’; five of the seven isothiazolinones were registered in this type of product.ConclusionIsothiazolinones are present in multiple products registered for use at workplaces, and may occur in high concentrations.
Palladium‐based dental alloys are associated with oral disease and palladium‐induced immune responses
Authors: Muris Joris , Scheper Rik J. , Kleverlaan Cornelis J. , Rustemeyer Thomas , van Hoogstraten Ingrid M. W. , von Blomberg Mary E. , Feilzer Albert J. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryBackgroundPalladium (Pd) and gold (Au) based dental alloys have been associated with oral disease.ObjectivesThis study was designed to explore possible associations between the presence of Au‐based and Pd‐based dental alloys, and oral lesions, systemic complaints, and specific in vivo and in vitro immune responses.MethodsThe investigated population consisted of three groups: 26 non‐metal‐allergic volunteers, 25 metal‐allergic patients, and 20 oral disease patients. Medical histories were taken, oral examinations were carried out, and compositions of all dental alloys were determined. Then, Au and Pd patch tests and in vitro assays were performed, revealing cytokine production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells [T helper (Th)1, interferon‐γ; Th2, interleukin (IL)‐5 and IL‐13] and lymphocyte proliferation (LTT‐MELISA®).ResultsNon‐plaque‐related gingivitis was associated with the presence of Pd‐based dental alloys, and Pd‐positive patch tests and in vitro assays. Collectively, participants with Pd‐based dental alloys showed increased Pd patch test reactivity (p < 0.05) and lymphoproliferation (p < 0.05). In contrast, oral lichenoid lesions were associated with Au‐based alloys (p < 0.05), but this was not reflected by Au‐specific immunoreactivity.ConclusionsOral lesions and Pd‐induced immune responses are associated with the presence of dental alloys. However, most oral disease patients did not show positive patch test results or in vitro signs of specific immunoreactivity, suggesting local toxic reactions or the involvement of innate immune responses.
Idiopathic intracranial hypertension in childhood: pitfalls in diagnosis
Authors: Krishnakumar Deepa , Pickard John D , Czosnyka Zofia , Allen Louise , Parker Alasdair 
Published: May 2014

AimIdiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is prone to misdiagnosis. Our aim was to identify the reasons for this in children in our region referred for suspected IIH.MethodWe reviewed the records of all children referred with symptoms and/or signs consistent with raised intracranial pressure (ICP) and normal magnetic resonance imaging of the brain to our tertiary neurology unit over 4 years. IIH was confirmed after expert ophthalmology including ultrasound/tomography and advanced cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure studies.ResultsOf 15 children (six males, nine females; median age 12y, range 3–15y), six (five females, one male) were confirmed to have IIH. All weighed above the 91st centile and were over 10 years old. Four of the six had raised ICP secondary to other causes. Four had been misdiagnosed locally with papilloedema, three had drusen, and one had ‘crowded discs’. Two had raised CSF pressures on standard lumbar puncture, but 20‐minute steady state and infusion studies were normal, with symptoms settling after therapy was withdrawn.InterpretationMisdiagnosis of IIH was frequent, but could be reduced by (1) expert ophthalmological fundoscopy, orbital ultrasound, and optical coherence tomography; (2) expert neuroradiology; and (3) assessment of steady state CSF pressure rather than standard opening pressure in centimetres of water.
The Symbol Digit Modalities Test as sentinel test for cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Van Schependom J. , D'hooghe M. B. , Cleynhens K. , D'hooge M. , Haelewyck M.C. , De Keyser J. , Nagels G. 
Published: May 2014

Background and purposeCognitive impairment (CI) is found in about half of the multiple sclerosis (MS) population and is an important contributor to employment status and social functioning. CI is encountered in all disease stages and correlates only moderately with disease duration or Expanded Disability Status Scale scores. Most present neuropsychological test batteries are time‐demanding and expensive. The Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) has been suggested as a screening tool for CI in MS. In this paper, we aim to assess the performance of the SDMT in predicting the outcome of an extensive battery.MethodsNeuropsychological test results from 359 patients were assessed in a multidisciplinary MS center (National MS Center Melsbroek, Belgium). Using receiver operating characteristic curves, the performance of the SDMT in predicting the general cognitive outcome of the extensive Neuropsychological Screening Battery for MS (NSBMS) could be assessed. The performance of the SDMT was assessed for different levels of CI and compared with other cognitive tests. Finally, useful covariates were included in a logistic regression model.ResultsAt a specificity of 0.60 a high sensitivity (0.91) was obtained indicating the potential of the SDMT as a sentinel test for CI in MS. The SDMT outperformed the individual tests included in the NSBMS, used as benchmark. As the logistic regression model did not result in a relevant improvement, it is concluded that most clinical variables influence both the SDMT and the NSBMS in a similar way. Excluding patients with possible practice effects, an optimal cutoff of 40 was found for the SDMT.ConclusionAs the SDMT is an easy, low‐cost and fast test, this result may help to detect CI in everyday clinical practice.
Revisiting the spectrum of lower motor neuron diseases with snake eyes appearance on magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Lebouteux M.‐V. , Franques J. , Guillevin R. , Delmont E. , Lenglet T. , Bede P. , Desnuelle C. , Pouget J. , Pascal‐Mousselard H. , Pradat P.‐F. 
Published: May 2014

Background and purposeThe ‘snake eyes’ sign refers to bilateral hyperintensities of the anterior horns on axial spinal cord imaging. Based on sporadic reports, it has been associated with a range of lower motor neuron (LMN) syndromes, such as spondylotic amyotrophy and Hirayama disease, as well as spinal cord infarction. The objective of our study was to comprehensively characterize the full diagnostic spectrum of LMN syndromes with this radiological clue and discuss potential aetiological factors.MethodsA large patient cohort with snake eyes sign and upper limb LMN degeneration was recruited from three French neuromuscular units. Patients underwent detailed electrophysiological, radiological, clinical and anamnestic profiling.ResultsTwenty‐nine patients were ascertained and followed up for 9.5 ± 8.6 years. The majority of the patients were male (86.2%) with a mean age of 37.3 ± 14.4 years. Symptoms were bilateral in most cases (86.2%). Patients with predominantly proximal and distal deficits were equally represented (44.8% and 55.2%, respectively). A history of preceding trauma or intense physical activity was confirmed in 58.6% of the cases; 27.6% of the patients were given an initial clinical diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and 51.7% were originally suspected to have multifocal motor neuropathy. None of the patients developed ALS on longitudinal follow‐up.ConclusionThe snake eyes sign on magnetic resonance imaging is associated with a wide spectrum of neurological conditions and is more common in young men with a history of strenuous activity or antecedent trauma. The recognition of this syndrome is crucial as many of these patients are initially misdiagnosed with ALS.
The case for medical marijuana in epilepsy
Authors: Maa Edward , Figi Paige 
Published: May 2014

SummaryCharlotte, a little girl with SCN1A‐confirmed Dravet syndrome, was recently featured in a special that aired on CNN. Through exhaustive personal research and assistance from a Colorado‐based medical marijuana group (Realm of Caring), Charlotte's mother started adjunctive therapy with a high concentration cannabidiol/Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (CBD:THC) strain of cannabis, now known as Charlotte's Web. This extract, slowly titrated over weeks and given in conjunction with her existing antiepileptic drug regimen, reduced Charlotte's seizure frequency from nearly 50 convulsive seizures per day to now 2–3 nocturnal convulsions per month. This effect has persisted for the last 20 months, and Charlotte has been successfully weaned from her other antiepileptic drugs. We briefly review some of the history, preclinical and clinical data, and controversies surrounding the use of medical marijuana for the treatment of epilepsy, and make a case that the desire to isolate and treat with pharmaceutical grade compounds from cannabis (specifically CBD) may be inferior to therapy with whole plant extracts. Much more needs to be learned about the mechanisms of antiepileptic activity of the phytocannabinoids and other constituents of Cannabis sativa.