bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Addressing sustainable development through public procurement: the case of local government
Authors: Preuss Lutz 
Published: May 2009

PurposeWhile the contribution of supply chain management to sustainability is receiving increasing attention in the private sector, there is still a scarcity of parallel studies of public procurement. Hence the purpose of this paper is to explore the ways in which local government authorities in England use their procurement function to foster sustainable development.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses an exploratory approach. Based on a review of the existing literature, qualitative research into leading local government authorities is undertaken to draw out the multiple ways in which public procurement can support sustainable development.FindingsAt an aggregate level, local government procurers have adopted a wide range of initiatives to address all three aspects of sustainability. These are condensed into a typology of sustainable supply chain management for the public sector.Research limitations/implicationsThe study highlights the importance of supporting factors, like transparency, organisational culture and strategy as well as leeway in public policy, for sustainable supply chain management in the public sector.Practical implicationsThe experience of the best practice local authorities deserves wider recognition among practitioners, policy makers and academic researchers, not least given the objective of the UK government to be among the leaders in the European Union on sustainable procurement by 2009.Originality/valueThe proposed typology of sustainable supply chain management for the public sector can serve as a basis for future research in this area.
Healthcare supply chain management in Malaysia: a case study
Authors: Haszlinna Mustaffa Noorfa , Potter Andrew 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate inventory management in the private healthcare sector in Malaysia, with a particular focus on the distribution of medicines from a wholesaler to clinics. Currently, there are issues with service levels to clinics that need addressing.Design/methodology/approachThe paper adopts a case study approach, with data collected through process mapping, interviews and data analysis. Data flow diagrams are used to visualise the organization's supply chain current and future process. Interviews are used to identify the main supply chain issues, with triangulation of these opinions through data analysis.FindingsThe findings identify two main issues within the case study company – urgent orders and stock availability at the wholesaler. From this, a future state design of the supply chain is proposed, based around vendor‐managed inventory. Barriers to achieving this are also identified, including consideration of current supply chain management capabilities in Malaysia.Research limitations/implicationsOnly a single case study supply chain is studied, although two echelons are investigated. While this may limit the generalisation of the findings, there is value in demonstrating the benefits modern supply chain management techniques can bring to developing world healthcare supply chains.Practical implicationsThe paper shows that modern supply chain management techniques can bring benefits to healthcare supply chains in developing countries.Originality/valueThe value of the paper arises from providing a detailed analysis of a healthcare supply chain in the developing world. There have been only a small number of other studies published in the literature.
Efficacy of orally disintegrating ondansetron in preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a randomised, double‐blind placebo controlled study
Authors: Grover V. K. , Mathew P. J. , Hegde H. 
Published: May 2009

SummaryPeri‐operative prophylactic anti‐emetics are commonly used parenterally. Orally disintegrating ondansetron is efficacious during chemotherapy. Therefore, we aimed to study the efficacy of orally disintegrating ondansetron for postoperative nausea and vomiting. In a randomised, double‐blind, placebo controlled trial on 109 patients scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy, oral ondansetron was compared to intravenous ondansetron and placebo. The anaesthetic technique was standardised. Mean time (SD) to tolerating oral intake was delayed in the placebo group to 366.1 (77.6) min compared to oral 322.9 (63.7) min and intravenous 322.4 (65.2) min groups. This is corroborated by a higher incidence of nausea and vomiting in the control group during the first 6 h postoperatively (control 44.4%, oral 17.7%, intravenous 18.2%). There was no significant difference between oral and intravenous groups. In conclusion, orally disintegrating ondansetron was as efficacious as intravenous ondansetron in the peri‐operative phase and may be a viable option for prophylaxis of emesis in day care surgery.
Influence of promethazine on cardiac repolarisation: a double‐blind, midazolam‐controlled study
Authors: Owczuk R. , Twardowski P. , Dylczyk‐Sommer A. , Wujtewicz M. A. , Sawicka W. , Drogoszewska B. , Wujtewicz M. 
Published: May 2009

SummaryDrugs used in anaesthesia may provoke torsadogenic changes in cardiac repolarisation. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of promethazine on the parameters of ventricular repolarisation: QTc interval and transmural dispersion of repolarisation. Forty patients were randomly allocated to receive promethazine (25 mg) or midazolam (2.5 mg). Changes in the ECG and arterial blood pressure were recorded. Correction of QT interval was calculated using Bazett’s formula and Fridericia’s correction; transmural dispersion of repolarisation was determined asTpeak–Tendtime. Significant prolongation of QT interval, corrected with both formulae, was detected in patients receiving promethazine, while no change in the QTc value was observed in the midazolam group. There were no significant differences inTpeak–Tendtime either between or within the groups. In conclusion, promethazine induces significant QTc prolongation but the lack of influence on transmural dispersion of repolarisation makes the risk of its torsadogenic action very low.
Systemic capillary leak syndrome resulting in compartment syndrome and the requirement for a surgical airway
Authors: Perry J. , Balasubramanian S. , Imray C. 
Published: May 2009

SummaryWe report on a case of systemic capillary leak syndrome associated with a monoclonal band on plasma electrophoresis. In our patient hospital admission was precipitated by ischaemic pain in the left lower limb, associated with polycythaemia, renal failure and hypovolaemic shock. Fluid resuscitation, venesection and renal replacement therapy were instituted but a compartment syndrome developed necessitating surgery. Failure of tracheal intubation resulted in the requirement for a surgical airway. Despite surgical and resuscitative efforts the outcome was fatal from hypovolaemia and hyperkalaemia. We aim to highlight the difficulties in managing this condition and to remind healthcare workers to include it in the differential diagnoses for patients presenting with polycythaemia; in particular polycythaemic patients with a monoclonal band on plasma electrophoresis.
Bacterial contamination of stethoscopes on the intensive care unit
Authors: Whittington A. M. , Whitlow G. , Hewson D. , Thomas C. , Brett S. J. 
Published: May 2009

SummaryWe assessed how often bedside stethoscopes in our intensive care unit were cleaned and whether they became colonised with potentially pathogenic bacteria. On two separate days the 12 nurses attending the bedspaces were questioned about frequency of stethoscope cleaning on the unit and the bedside stethoscopes were swabbed before and after cleaning to identify colonising organisms. Twenty‐two health care providers entering the unit were asked the same questions and had their personal stethoscopes swabbed. All 32 non‐medical staff cleaned their stethoscopes at least every day; however only three out of the 12 medical staff cleaned this often. Out of 24 intensive care unit bedside stethoscopes tested, two diaphragms and five earpieces were colonised with pathogenic bacteria. MRSA cultured from one earpiece persisted after cleaning. Three out of the 22 personal stethoscope diaphragms and five earpieces were colonised with pathogens. After cleaning, two diaphragms and two earpieces were still colonised, demonstrating the importance of regular cleaning.
rFV11a and paediatric open‐heart surgery: thrombosis in the cardiopulmonary bypass circuit in spite of adequate markers of anticoagulation
Authors: Chambers N. A. , Andrews D. , Frew E. , Kelly R. , Cole C. 
Published: May 2009

SummaryRecombinant activated factor V11 (rFV11a) is a relatively new procoagulant agent and its place in surgical practice continues to be investigated. We report the use of rFV11a to help manage bleeding in the operating theatre in a neonate, following weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass for arterial switch procedure, when bleeding continued in spite of maximal medical therapy and apparent exclusion of a surgical cause of bleeding. In this patient administration of rFV11a failed to facilitate haemostasis and cardiopulmonary bypass was re‐instituted allowing location and repair of a small awkward surgical source. Separation from this additional 20 min of bypass was successful but a large thrombus was noted in the membrane oxygenator of the extracorporeal circuit in spite of the presence of adequate ‘laboratory’ markers of anticoagulation in the pump blood. No adverse sequelae to the patient occurred.
Interleukin 21 up‐regulates perforin‐mediated cytotoxic activity of human intra‐epithelial lymphocytes
Authors: Ebert Ellen C. 
Published: May 2009

SummaryHuman intra‐epithelial lymphocytes (IELs) are predominantly T‐cell receptor‐αβ+ (TCR‐αβ+) CD8+ CD45RO+ memory T cells located between intestinal epithelial cells. They respond to a greater extent to stimulation with interleukin (IL)‐15 than to CD3/TCR triggering, suggesting that they react to the cytokine milieu in their local environment rather than to cognate antigen. A newly described member of the γc cytokine family, IL‐21, has potent antitumor effects. As IELs resemble lymphocytes infiltrating neoplastic lesions, their response to IL‐21 may be relevant in vivo. Here, IL‐21 was shown to increase perforin‐mediated cytotoxicity and serine esterase release by IELs. This IL‐21‐mediated up‐regulation occurred without changes in IEL survival or cell division. Interestingly, the effects of IL‐21 occurred without increased phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)1, STAT3, STAT4, STAT5, extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK), or p38. IL‐21 had no effect on Fas ligand (FL)‐ or tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α)‐mediated cytotoxicity, but it down‐regulated IL‐15‐stimulated expression of CD25 and CD94, indicating that it has both positive and negative actions. This functional profile is unique to human IELs, emphasizing that they are a distinct compartment of lymphocytes and that IL‐21 may promote their role in tumour immunosurveillance.
RNA interference of STAT6 rapidly attenuates ongoing interleukin‐13‐mediated events in lung epithelial cells
Authors: Walker William , Healey Gareth D. , Hopkin Julian M. 
Published: May 2009

SummarySignal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) expression in lung epithelial cells plays a central role in asthma pathogenesis, with its activation driving the development of airway hyper‐reactivity and local inflammation. Therefore, inhibition of local STAT6 expression provides a rationale for therapeutic intervention in bronchial asthma. Given the absence of specific inhibitory drugs, we tested the ability of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to target STAT6 gene expression through the molecular process of RNA interference (RNAi). At pico‐molar concentrations, STAT6‐specific siRNAs potently inhibited STAT6 mRNA expression in lung epithelial cells (50% inhibitory concentration range = 134–861 pm) without inducing cellular interferon responses. Detectable STAT6 protein expression was rapidly abolished within 48 hr of treatment (t1/2 range = < 12–37 hr) and this was unaffected by pretreatment with STAT6‐activating cytokines. Furthermore, STAT6 suppression by RNAi produced downstream functional inhibitory effects in that interleukin (IL)‐13‐ or IL‐4‐driven eotaxin chemokine family [chemokine (C‐C motif) ligand 11 (CCL11), CCL24 and CCL26] mRNA expression was markedly inhibited. Induction of detectable CCL26 protein synthesis was completely ablated by pretreating cells with STAT6‐specific siRNA. The therapeutic potential of this approach is further demonstrated by novel findings that cells pre‐exposed to IL‐13 or IL‐4 and subsequently treated with STAT6‐targeting siRNA exhibited a rapid and significant attenuation of ongoing CCL26 protein expression, suggesting that chronic asthma‐associated lung inflammation will be responsive to this approach.
The recovery programme for the Lord Howe Island Phasmid (Dryococelus australis) following its rediscovery
Authors: Carlile Nicholas , Priddel David , Honan Patrick 
Published: May 2009

Summary  Until its rediscovery on Balls Pyramid in February 2001, the Lord Howe Island Phasmid or Stick Insect (Dryococelus australis) was thought to be extinct. It disappeared from Lord Howe Island soon after the accidental introduction of the Ship Rat (Rattus rattus) in 1918. In this paper, we report on the recovery actions undertaken for this critically endangered species since its rediscovery. Monitoring of the small surviving population on Balls Pyramid has shown it to fluctuate between about 9 and 35 adult individuals. As a safeguard against extinction, two adult pairs were removed from Balls Pyramid in February 2003 to establish captive populations in Melbourne and Sydney. Although all four founders bred readily in captivity, one pair died only a month after capture. The second female would have also died soon after capture had it not been for veterinary intervention using novel untested techniques. The single surviving pair bred successfully but the hatch rate of eggs was poor. For the next generation, both fecundity and hatch rates were low. The lack of knowledge regarding the specific husbandry requirements of this particular species undoubtedly contributed to these problems. Careful management, together with a cautious scientific approach, eventually led to all problems being resolved. Presently, there are more than 700 individuals and 14 000 eggs in captivity. Approximately 80% of incubated eggs are expected to hatch. To establish additional captive colonies, adults and eggs have been sent to other institutions, both within Australia and overseas. Now that the species is reasonably secure in captivity, the opportunity exists to reintroduce this iconic insect back onto Lord Howe Island, but this can occur only after the introduced rodents have been removed. A programme to eradicate both the Ship Rat and the House Mouse (Mus musculus) from Lord Howe Island is currently being developed.
Key elements in achieving a successful recovery programme: A discussion illustrated by the Gould's Petrel case study
Authors: Priddel David , Carlile Nicholas 
Published: May 2009

Summary  Surprisingly few faunal taxa worldwide have experienced an improvement in conservation status through direct conservation action. One of the few is Gould's Petrel (Pterodroma leucoptera leucoptera) – a threatened species that breeds only in New South Wales. In the early 1990s, the breeding population of this subspecies was small (<250 pairs) and declining. Each year, adult mortality at the breeding grounds exceeded the number of young produced. A recovery programme, focused on reducing adult mortality, commenced in 1993. As a result of the recovery actions undertaken, the Gould's Petrel is now increasing in numbers. Also, the rainforest where this seabird breeds is now regenerating after being degraded for almost a century by the introduced European Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). The creation of artificial nesting habitat and the development of effective translocation procedures have led to the establishment of a second breeding colony of Gould's Petrel, further reducing the risk of extinction.In this paper, we explore the key elements we believe to be responsible for the success of this particular recovery programme: (i) a strong underpinning of robust ecological research; (ii) adaptive management; (iii) monitoring and reporting; (iv) a multidisciplinary approach; and (v) a willingness to accept risk. We conclude with some suggestions to improve the current recovery planning process.
Ultrastructure, tactic behaviour and potential for sulfate reduction of a novel multicellular magnetotactic prokaryote from North Sea sediments
Authors: Wenter Roland , Wanner Gerhard , Schüler Dirk , Overmann Jörg 
Published: May 2009

SummaryMulticellular magnetotactic prokaryotes (MMPs) represent highly organized, spherical and motile aggregates of 10–40 bacterial cells containing magnetosomes. Although consisting of different cells, each with its own magnetosomes and flagellation, MMPs orient themselves within a magnetic field and exhibit magnetotaxis. So far, MMPs have only been found in several North and South American coastal lagoons and salt marshes. In the present study, a novel type of MMP was discovered in coastal tidal sand flats of the North Sea. High‐resolution scanning electron microscopy revealed the presence of bullet‐shaped magnetosomes which were aligned in several parallel chains. Within each aggregate, the magnetosome chains of individual cells were oriented in the same direction. Energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) analysis showed that the magnetosomes are composed of iron sulfide. This particular morphology and arrangement of magnetosomes has previously not been reported for other MMPs. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed a single phylotype which represented a novel phylogenetic lineage with ≥ 4% sequence divergence to all previously described MMP sequences and was related to the dissimilatory sulfate‐reducing Desulfosarcina variabilis within the family Desulfobacteraceae of the subphylum Deltaproteobacteria. Fluorescence in situ hybridization with a specific oligonucleotide probe revealed that all MMPs in the tidal flat sediments studied belonged to the novel phylotype. Within each MMP, all bacterial cells showed a hybridization signal, indicating that the aggregates are composed of cells of the same phylotype. Genes for dissimilatory sulfite reductase (dsrAB) and dissimilatory adenosine‐5′‐phosphate reductase (aprA) could be detected in purified MMP samples, suggesting that MMPs are capable of sulfate reduction. Chemotaxis assays with 41 different test compounds yielded strong responses towards acetate and propionate, whereas other organic acids, alcohols, sugars, sugar alcohols or sulfide did not elicit any response. By means of its coordinated magnetotaxis and chemotaxis, the novel type of MMP is well adapted to the steep chemical gradients which are characteristic for intertidal marine sediments.
THE LANGUAGE OF RIGHTS AND CONCEPTUAL HISTORY
Authors: O'Donovan Oliver 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACTThe historical problem about the origins of the language of rights derives its importance from the conceptual problem: of “two fundamentally different ways of thinking about justice,” which is basic? Is justice unitary or plural? This in turn opens up a problem about the moral status of human nature. A narrative of the origins of “rights” is an account of how and when a plural concept of justice comes to the fore, and will be based on the occurrence of definite speech‐forms—the occurrence of the plural noun in the sense of “legal properties.” The history of this development is currently held to begin with the twelfth‐century canonists. Later significant thresholds may be found in the fourteenth, sixteenth, and eighteenth centuries. Wolterstorff's attempt to find the implicit recognition of rights in the Scriptures depends very heavily on what he takes to be implied rather than on what is stated, and at best can establish a pre‐history of rights‐language.
DOES HE PULL IT OFF? A THEISTIC GROUNDING OF NATURAL INHERENT HUMAN RIGHTS?
Authors: Bernstein Richard J. 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACTThis paper focuses on two key issues in Nicholas Wolterstorff's Justice: Rights and Wrongs. It argues that Wolterstorff's theistic grounding of inherent rights is not successful. It also argues that Wolterstorff does not provide adequate criteria for determining what exactly these natural inherent rights are or criteria that can help us to evaluate competing and contradictory claims about these rights. However, most of Wolterstorff's book is not concerned with the theistic grounding of inherent rights. Instead, it is devoted to a detailed and rigorous articulation of the meaning and defense of a theory of justice as consisting of inherent rights and with showing why this theory of justice is superior to the alternative right order theories that Wolterstorff criticizes. The paper concludes that these accomplishments are not diminished even if Wolterstorff has failed to provide us with a satisfactory theistic grounding of his theory.
CXCL16 and oxLDL are induced in the onset of diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Gutwein Paul , Abdel‐Bakky Mohamed Sadek , Doberstein Kai , Schramme Anja , Beckmann Janet , Schaefer Liliana , Amann Kerstin , Doller Anke , Kämpfer‐Kolb Nicole , Abdel‐Aziz Abdel‐Aziz H. , Sayed El Sayed M. El , Pfeilschifter Josef 
Published: May 2009

AbstractDiabetic nephropathy (DN) is a major cause of end‐stage renal failure worldwide. Oxidative stress has been reported to be a major culprit of the disease and increased oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL) immune complexes were found in patients with DN. In this study we present evidence, that CXCL16 is the main receptor in human podocytes mediating the uptake of oxLDL. In contrast, in primary tubular cells CD36 was mainly involved in the uptake of oxLDL. We further demonstrate that oxLDL down‐regulated α3‐integrin expression and increased the production of fibronectin in human podocytes. In addition, oxLDL uptake induced the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in human podocytes. Inhibition of oxLDL uptake by CXCL16 blocking antibodies abrogated the fibronectin and ROS production and restored α3 integrin expression in human podocytes. Furthermore we present evidence that hyperglycaemic conditions increased CXCL16 and reduced ADAM10 expression in podocytes. Importantly, in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic mice an early induction of CXCL16 was accompanied by higher levels of oxLDL. Finally immunofluorescence analysis in biopsies of patients with DN revealed increased glomerular CXCL16 expression, which was paralleled by high levels of oxLDL. In summary, regulation of CXCL16, ADAM10 and oxLDL expression may be an early event in the onset of DN and therefore all three proteins may represent potential new targets for diagnosis and therapeutic intervention in DN.