bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Complementing a positivist approach to investment analysis with critical realism
Authors: O'Donnell Loretta , Kramar Robin , Dyball Maria 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the challenges in adding a critical realist epistemological perspective to a positivist approach in research on listed companies by equity researchers and other financial services professionals.Design/methodology/approachA purposive sample of publicly available equity research reports was examined to assess the dominant epistemological approach to investment analysis.FindingsIt was found that there is an absence of a critical realist epistemological approach to investment analysis, confirming the dominance of a positivist approach to obtaining and analysing investment information.Research limitations/implicationsThis research drew on a small, purposive sample, and could be followed by more wide‐scale research. Taking a critical realist approach may create a clash of “institutional logics” which will need to be considered by a range of stakeholders.Originality/valueEquity research reports are examined through the lens of critical realism. This exploration allows for an additional epistemological perspective on analysis of firm value.
An investigation of the role of technical analysis in Kuwait
Authors: Almujamed Hesham I. , Fifield Suzanne , Power David 
Published: March 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the technical methods that investors in the Kuwait Stock Exchange use to evaluate ordinary shares. The research examines the extent of investors' use of technical analysis, and the technical indicators and the sources of technical information employed by investors. Further, it compares the valuation methods and the sources of information employed by Kuwaiti investors with those used by investors in other developed and emerging stock markets.Design/methodology/approachA semi‐structured questionnaire guided the interviews with institutional investors, technical analysts and investment analysts in Kuwait.FindingsTechnical analysis is commonly used among research participants, particularly when timing their entry and exit points. The participants use a mixture of trend and pattern seeking; the Moving Average Rule was heavily used in the market but the Filter Rule Approach was not. Interviewees believed that investors did not have complete information about Kuwaiti quoted companies. Investors in Kuwait behave like their counterparts in other developed and emerging stock markets; fundamental analysis is considered the main valuation method among research participants, while technical and risk analyses were ranked second and third, respectively.Practical implicationsInterviewees in Kuwait paid more attention to technical analysis than did investors in developed countries; technical analysts looked at a company's fundamentals before they consulted graphs when deciding to purchase ordinary shares. Further, chartists followed trades of large investors to make profits. This topic needs to be investigated in emerging markets because these markets may be inefficient; trends and patterns may characterise the data from these markets and practitioners may use these techniques to exploit such patterns in returns. Further, the findings in this study may aid the regulators of these markets in their development of a framework that could improve efficiency by increasing the level of disclosure and transparency among listed firms.Originality/valueThis is one of the first studies in Kuwait to report the views of technical analysts and institutional investors about technical approaches to equity investment that are used in the market. Most studies on this topic have been conducted in developed stock markets. The current study considers the case for an emerging stock market, which is important in the Gulf and Middle East region. Further, access to technical analysts has been limited in prior research but this was not an issue in the current investigation.
Focusing a Gender Lens on Emergency Medicine Research: 2012 Update
Authors: McGregor Alyson J. , Greenberg Marna , Safdar Basmah , Seigel Todd , Hendrickson Robert , Poznanski Stacey , Davenport Moira , Miner James , Choo Esther K. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe influence of sex and gender on patient care is just being recognized in emergency medicine (EM). Providers are realizing the need to improve outcomes for both men and women by incorporating sex‐ and gender‐specific science into clinical practice, while EM researchers are now beginning to study novel sex‐ and gender‐specific perspectives in the areas of acute care research. This article serves as an update on the sex differences in a variety of acute clinical care topics within the field of EM and showcases opportunities for improving patient care outcomes and expanding research to advance the science of gender‐specific emergency care.
Prospective Pilot Derivation of a Decision Tool for Children at Low Risk for Testicular Torsion
Authors: Shah Manish I. , Chantal Caviness A. , Mendez Donna R. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to derive a pilot clinical decision tool with 100% negative predictive value for testicular torsion based on prospectively collected data in children with acute scrotal pain.MethodsThis was a prospective cohort study of a convenience sample of newborn to 21‐year‐old males evaluated for acute (72 hours or less) scrotal pain at an urban children's hospital emergency department (ED). A pediatric emergency medicine fellow or attending physician documented history and examination findings on a standardized data collection form. The study investigators used ultrasound (US), operative reports, or clinical follow‐up to identify patients who had testicular torsion. Pearson's chi‐square test and odds ratios (OR) were used to identify factors associated with the diagnosis of testicular torsion. The authors also used a recursive partitioning model to create a low‐risk decision tool for testicular torsion.ResultsOf the 450 eligible patients, 228 (51%) were enrolled, with a mean (±SD) age of 9.9 (±4.1) years, including 21 (9.2%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 5.8% to 13.7%) with testicular torsion. The derived clinical decision tool consisted of three variables: horizontal or inguinal testicular lie (OR = 18.17, 95% CI = 6.2 to 53.2), nausea or vomiting (OR = 5.63, 95% CI = 2.08 to 15.22), and age 11 to 21 years (OR = 3.9, 95% CI = 1.27 to 11.97). These variables had a sensitivity of 100% (95% CI = 98% to 100%) and negative predictive value of 100% (95% CI = 98% to 100%) for the diagnosis of testicular torsion.ConclusionsBased on a decision tool derived with recursive partitioning, study patients with all of the following characteristics had no risk of testicular torsion: normal testicular lie, lack of nausea or vomiting, and age 0 to 10 years. Future research should focus on externally validating this tool to optimize emergent evaluation when testicular torsion is likely, while minimizing routine sonographic evaluation when patients are unlikely to have a serious condition requiring immediate management.
Isolation of nontuberculous mycobacteria from hospital waters in Turkey
Authors: Genc Gonca Erkose , Richter Elvira , Erturan Zayre 
Published: March 2013

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are ubiquitous in hot and cold water distribution systems. With molecular typing methods it was shown that water can be the source of colonization and infection with NTM. The aim of our study was the investigation of NTM in hot and cold water samples taken from various departments of two hospitals in Istanbul, Turkey. Totally, 160 water samples were examined. The temperature, pH, and free chlorine levels of water samples were measured between 10–41 °C, 6.78–7.98 and <0.3–0.5 mg/L, respectively. NTM were detected in 33 (20.6%) samples. Totally 20 (60.6%), 10 (30.3%) and 3 (9.1%) isolates were identified as Mycobacterium lentiflavum, Mycobacterium gordonae, and Mycobacterium peregrinum, respectively. M. lentiflavum, which was the most frequently isolated NTM, is characterized by multiple resistance to antimycobacterial drugs. Although no infections with this mycobacterium were reported from our country so far, preventive measures may be considered in patients under immunosuppression. Because no significant correlations were found among the presence of NTM or species distribution and water temperature, pH or free chlorine levels, other factors need to be investigated.
Adaptability to hypobaric hypoxia is facilitated through mitochondrial bioenergetics: an in vivo study
Authors: Chitra Loganathan , Boopathy Rathanam 
Published: March 2013

Background and PurposeHigh‐altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPE) experienced under high‐altitude conditions is attributed to mitochondrial redox distress. Hence, hypobaric hypoxia (HH)‐induced alteration in expression of mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamics genes was determined in rat lung. Further, such alteration was correlated with expression of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)‐encoded oxidative phosphorylation (mtOXPHOS) genes. The prophylactic effect of dexamethasone (DEX) in counteracting the HH‐induced mitochondrial distress was used as control to understand adaptation to high‐altitude exposure.Experimental ApproachRats pretreated with DEX were exposed to normobaric normoxia (NN) or HH. HH‐induced injury was assessed as an increase in lung water content, tissue damage and oxidant generation. Mitochondrial number, mtDNA content and mtOXPHOS activities were measured to determine mitochondrial function. The expression of mitochondrial biogenesis, dynamics and mtOXPHOS genes was studied.Key ResultsHH‐induced lung injury was associated with decreased mitochondrial number, mtDNA content and mtOXPHOS activities. HH exposure decreased the nuclear gene oestrogen‐related receptor‐α (ERRα), which interacts with PPAR‐γ coactivator‐1α (PGC‐1α) in controlling mitochondrial metabolism. Consequently, mtOXPHOS transcripts are repressed under HH. Further, HH modulated mitochondrial dynamics by decreasing mitofusin 2 (Mfn2) and augmenting fission 1 (Fis1) and dynamin‐related protein 1 (Drp1) expression. Nevertheless, DEX treatment under NN (i.e. adaptation to HH) did not affect mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamics, but increased mtOXPHOS transcripts. Further, mtOXPHOS activities increased together with reduced oxidant generation. Also, DEX pretreatment normalized ERRα along with mitochondrial dynamics genes and increased mtOXPHOS transcripts to elicit the mitochondrial function under HH.Conclusions and ImplicationsHH stress (HAPE)‐mediated mitochondrial dysfunction is due to repressed ERRα and mtOXPHOS transcripts. Thus, ERRα‐mediated protection of mitochondrial bioenergetics might be the likely candidate required for lung adaptation to HH.
Chemical atopy
Authors: Puangpet Pailin , Lai‐Cheong Joey , McFadden John P. 
Published: March 2013

Background. Although atopic disease is associated with protein allergy, its relationship with chemicals (haptens/contact allergens and irritants) is less clearly defined. The ‘hapten–atopy’ hypothesis, whereby significant hapten and irritant exposure during times of natural T helper (Th)2 bias (pregnancy and first year of life) promotes the development of atopy and atopic disease in the resulting child, has been previously proposed. Supporting evidence includes the practice of repeated cutaneous application of haptens in generating animal models of atopic dermatitis, and the observation of a significant increase in atopic disease in children born to mothers with occupations associated with high chemical exposure during pregnancy.Objectives. To observe the relationship between personal chemical exposure and atopic disease in a particular case series.Methods. We report a case series of exacerbation of atopic dermatitis after repeated cutaneous chemical exposure.Results. Most of the patients had atopic dermatitis in young childhood that had resolved. However, after repeated chemical exposure, either occupationally as an adult or after starting to use cosmetics as a teenager, there was clear exacerbation of atopic dermatitis. Patch tests gave negative results in most cases.Conclusions. We propose that repeated exposure to chemicals in patients with an atopic background can occasionally lead to reactivation of atopic dermatitis.
Finding the optimal patch test material and test concentration to detect contact allergy to geraniol
Authors: Hagvall Lina , Karlberg Ann‐Therese , Christensson Johanna B. 
Published: March 2013

Background. Geraniol is a commonly used fragrance terpene, and is tested in the baseline series in fragrance mix I. Geraniol is a pro‐hapten and a pre‐hapten, and sensitizers are formed in the autoxidation and skin metabolism of geraniol. Previous patch testing with air‐exposed (oxidized) geraniol has suggested that oxidized geraniol could be a better marker for contact allergy to geraniol than pure geraniol.Objectives. To find the optimal patch test substance and concentration for detecting contact allergy to geraniol.Patients and methods. Six hundred and fifty‐five patients were patch tested with pure and oxidized geraniol at 4.0%, 6.0% and 11.0% in petrolatum. Before patch testing, the irritant properties of pure and oxidized geraniol were studied in 27 patients at 2.5%, 5.0%, 10.0% and 20.0% pet.Results. Pure geraniol detected positive reactions in 0.15–1.1% of the patients, and oxidized geraniol detected positive reactions in 0.92–4.6% of the patients. Reactions to pure geraniol in patients not reacting to oxidized geraniol indicated metabolic activation of geraniol. Neither pure nor oxidized geraniol gave significant irritant reactions.Conclusions. Increasing the test concentrations of pure and oxidized geraniol enables the detection of more cases of contact allergy. Oxidized geraniol detects more patients than pure geraniol, but patch testing with only oxidized geraniol does not detect all cases of contact allergy to geraniol.
An international multicentre study on the allergenic activity of air‐oxidized R‐limonene
Authors: Bråred Christensson Johanna , Andersen Klaus E. , Bruze Magnus , Johansen Jeanne D. , Garcia‐Bravo Begoña , Giménez‐Arnau Ana , Goh Chee‐Leok , Nixon Rosemary , White Ian R. 
Published: March 2013

Background. Limonene is a common fragrance terpene that, in its pure form, is not allergenic or is a very weak allergen. However, limonene autoxidizes on air exposure, and the oxidation products can cause contact allergy. Oxidized R‐limonene has previously been patch tested in multicentre studies, giving 2–3% positive patch test reactions in consecutive patients.Objectives. To investigate whether oxidized R‐limonene 3.0% in petrolatum, with a stable concentration of the main haptens, limonene hydroperoxides (Lim‐OOHs), could be a useful tool for the detection of contact allergy in an international setting.Methods. Oxidized R‐limonene 3.0% (Lim‐OOHs 0.33%) pet. was tested in 2900 consecutive dermatitis patients in Denmark, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, and Australia.Results. Overall, 5.2% (range 2.3–12.1%) of the patients showed a positive patch test reaction to oxidized R‐limonene. Doubtful reactions were found in 7.0% of the patients (range 0–24%). Few irritant reactions were seen.Conclusions. Oxidized R‐limonene at 3.0% pet. with a specified content of Lim‐OOHs 0.33% is a standardized and useful tool for the detection of contact allergy in dermatitis patients. Many patients showing positive patch test reactions to oxidized R‐limonene would not be informed of their fragrance allergy if this specific test had not been performed.
Photopatch testing: recommendations for a European photopatch test baseline series
Authors: Gonçalo Margarida , Ferguson James , Bonevalle Annie , Bruynzeel Derk P , Giménez‐Arnau Ana , Goossens An , Kerr Alastair , Lecha Mario , Neumann Norbert , Niklasson Bo , Pigatto Paolo , Rhodes Lesley E. , Rustemeyer Thomas , Sarkany Robert , Thomas Pierre , Wilkinson Mark 
Published: March 2013

In order to establish a consensus recommendation for performing photopatch testing, a photopatch test taskforce group was established under the joint umbrella of the European Society for Contact Dermatitis and the European Society for Photodermatology in 2000. After proposing the most adequate methodology in 2004 and completing a European multicentre photopatch test study in 2011, this taskforce is recommending a list of photoallergens that should form part of a baseline series for photopatch testing in Europe. It contains mainly ultraviolet filters and drugs, mostly non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs. The choice of chemicals was based on the results of a recent multicentre study, previous published cases of photoallergy, and use of the substances in the European market.It is suggested that an extended list of photoallergens should be photopatch tested in selected cases, along with patients' own products. Two contact allergens, cinnamyl alcohol and decyl glucoside, should be simultaneously patch tested in order to clarify photopatch and patch test reactions, respectively, to ketoprofen and methylene bis‐benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol (Tinosorb M™).
Does functional type vulnerability to multiple threats depend on spatial context in Mediterranean‐climate regions?
Authors: Syphard Alexandra D. , Regan Helen M. , Franklin Janet , Swab Rebecca M. , Bonebrake Timothy C. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAimConservation efforts in Mediterranean‐climate regions are complicated by species' variability in response to multiple threats. Functional type classifications incorporating life history traits with disturbance response strategies provide a framework for predicting groups of species' response to fire, but it is unclear whether these classifications will be useful when species are exposed to multiple threats or differ in spatial context. We evaluate whether species of the same fire‐response functional type exhibit similar responses to disturbance relative to, and in combination with, climate and land‐use change and whether the dominant threat depends on spatial context.LocationMediterranean southern California.MethodsWe developed species distribution models under current and future climate conditions for two fire‐obligate seeding native shrub species that differ in geographical location and area of occupancy. Dynamic habitat maps representing alternative scenarios of climate change and urban growth were coupled with population models and simulated stochastic fire regimes.ResultsThe disturbance that defines their classification, fire, is projected to be the most serious threat to both species when fire frequency is high. At longer fire return intervals, however, the projected ranking of threats differed between the species, and spatial context played an important role in defining vulnerability.Main conclusionsConsidering ongoing increases in fire frequency in Mediterranean‐climate regions worldwide, functional type classification based on disturbance response may continue to provide a useful framework for biodiversity conservation efforts, but spatial context should also be accounted for. It may be most useful to consider the distribution of vulnerable species with regard to urban development patterns, areas of ‘high‐velocity’ climate shifts, and places where altered fire regimes are likely to interact with other threats.
High single‐session success rate of endoscopic bilateral stent‐in‐stent placement with modified large cell Niti‐S stents for malignant hilar biliary obstruction
Authors: Kogure Hirofumi , Isayama Hiroyuki , Nakai Yousuke , Tsujino Takeshi , Matsubara Saburo , Yashima Yoko , Ito Yukiko , Hamada Tsuyoshi , Takahara Naminatsu , Miyabayashi Koji , Mizuno Suguru , Mohri Dai , Kawakubo Kazumichi , Sasaki Takashi , Yamamoto Natsuyo , Hirano Kenji , Sasahira Naoki , Tada Minoru , Koike Kazuhiko 
Published: March 2013

BackgroundEndoscopic bilateral self‐expandable metallic stent (SEMS) placement in a stent‐in‐stent method for malignant hilar biliary obstruction is technically challenging. Technical difficulties in the initial placement and reinterventions for stent occlusion are disadvantages inherent to this stent‐in‐stent method. We previously reported the feasibility of Niti‐S large cell D‐type biliary stents (LCD). This multicenter prospective consecutive study evaluated the efficacy of bilateral SEMS placement using modified LCD with large and uniform cells, a slimmer delivery system and high radial force.Patients and MethodsFrom July 2010 to June 2011, 26 consecutive patients with unresectable malignant hilar biliary obstruction underwent endoscopic bilateral placement of modified LCD in a stent‐in‐stent method at three tertiary hospitals. Ten patients had gallbladder cancer, eight had cholangiocarcinoma, four had lymph node metastasis, two had intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, and two had liver metastasis.ResultsSingle‐session and final technical success rate was 96% and 100%, respectively. Functional success rate was 89%. Stent occlusion occurred in 11 patients (42%) because of sludge (n = 7) or tumor ingrowth (n = 4). Endoscopic bilateral reintervention was technically easy and successful: six patients had stent clearance by balloon sweeping and five had plastic stent placement. According to Kaplan–Meier analysis, median survival and stent patency were 220 days and 157 days, respectively.ConclusionsModified LCD achieved a high technical success rate both in the initial stent‐in‐stent placement and in bilateral reinterventions in patients with malignant hilar biliary obstruction.
Biliary sphincterotomy is not required for bile duct stent placement
Authors: Wilcox C. Mel , Kim Hwasoon , Ramesh Jayapal , Trevino Jessica , Varadarajulu Shyam 
Published: March 2013

BackgroundThe aim of the present study was to assess the success and outcome of bile duct stent placement without the use of endoscopic biliary sphincterotomy (EBS).Patients and MethodsOver a period of 10 years and 9 months, all patients undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) were prospectively identified. Bile duct stent placement was routinely done without EBS unless additional therapy (stone removal, multiple stenting) was anticipated.ResultsOf 5020 patients who underwent ERCP, bile duct stents were placed in 1668 patients. After excluding those requiring additional endoscopic therapy, 1112 patients (89.5%) had ERCP and stent placement without a sphincterotomy and 130 patients (10.5%) had ERCP and stent placement with asphincterotomy. Deployed endoprostheses were self‐expandable metallic stents in 15.7% and plastic in 77.5%. Caliber of plastic stents was 10 Fr in 78.9% and <10 Fr in 21.1%. All stents were successfully placed in these 1112 patients without the need for EBS. Comparing patients undergoing bile duct stenting with and without sphincterotomy, no difference was seen in rates of pancreatitis (1.54% vs 2.07%, P > 0.9999).ConclusionSingle bile duct stents, both plastic and metal, can be deployed without EBS.