bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Postoperative Mortality in The Netherlands
Authors: Noordzij Peter G. , Poldermans Don , Schouten Olaf , Bax Jeroen J. , Schreiner Frodo A. G. , Boersma Eric 
Published: April 2010

Background
Few data are available that systematically describe rates and trends of postoperative mortality for fairly large, unselected patient populations.

Methods
This population-based study uses a registry of 3.7 million surgical procedures in 102 hospitals in The Netherlands during 1991-2005. Patients older than 20 yr who underwent an elective, nonday case, open surgical procedure were enrolled. Patient data included main (discharge) diagnosis, secondary diagnoses, dates of admission and discharge, death during admission, operations, age, sex, and a limited number of comorbidities classified according to the International Classification of Diseases 9th revision Clinical Modification. The main outcome measure was postoperative all-cause mortality. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were applied to evaluate the relationship between type of surgery and the main outcome.

Results
Postoperative all-cause death was observed in 67,879 patients (1.85%). In a model based on a classification into 11 main surgical categories, breast surgery was associated with lowest mortality (adjusted incidence, 0.07%), and vascular surgery was associated with highest mortality (adjusted incidence, 5.97%). In a model based on 36 surgical subcategories, the adjusted mortality ranged from 0.07% for hernia nuclei pulposus surgery to 18.5% for liver transplant. The c-index of the 36-category model was 0.88, which was significantly (P < 0.001) higher than the c-index that was associated with the simple surgical classification (low vs. high risk) in the commonly used Revised Cardiac Risk Index (c-index, 0.83).

Conclusions
This population-based study provided a detailed and contemporary overview of postoperative mortality for the entire surgical spectrum, which may act as reference standard for surgical outcome in Western populations.
Dismantling the public sector bastion: evaluating capital works
Authors: Love Peter E.D. , Davis Peter R. , Baccarini David 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThe determination of the most appropriate procurement system for a capital works project is a challenging task for public sector clients considering the array of assessment criteria that are considered and the procurement methods that are available. This is particularly pertinent to the Western Australian public sector where there has been a propensity to use traditional lump sum as the default procurement solution despite knowing that the selection of an inappropriate procurement method may lead to cost and time overruns, claims, and disputes on projects. This paper aims to present a six‐step procurement method evaluation approach that requires public sector agencies to consider in detail an array of options so as to obtain value for money.Design/methodology/approachA procurement evaluation approach is developed and is examined using a focus group of 12 participants comprising a public sector client, project team and key stakeholders. The focus group was used to examine the developed approach in the context of a real‐life capital works project.FindingsThe procurement method evaluation approach was deemed to be pragmatic and enabled decision makers to re‐evaluate outcomes from previous steps in the process. All focus group participants stated the six step process enabled a recommendation that was grounded in reflection and detailed evaluation.Practical implicationsThe developed procurement approach has enabled the public sector client to evaluate the way in which it views procurement method selection and examines how “value for money” is obtained.Originality/valueThe six‐step procurement approach makes use of quantitative and qualitative techniques and is reliant on discourse and reflection in making a procurement method recommendation. Consequently, the approach enables public sector clients to account for the complexities often associated with procurement selection.
E‐governance for improved public sector service delivery in India, Ethiopia and Fiji
Authors: Singh Gurmeet , Pathak R.D. , Naz Rafia , Belwal Rakesh 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the extent of corruption in India, Fiji and Ethiopia and survey citizen perception of how e‐governance could fight corruption. The main objective is to investigate and explore the potential of e‐governance applications in three countries representing three different regions of Asia, Africa, and Oceania.Design/methodology/approachA survey was conducted over 918 citizens in India, Ethiopia and Fiji using convenience random sampling. A structured questionnaire was used. The main emphasis of the survey was on citizen perception about corruption and poor service. It further asked respondents on how e‐governance can cut corruption.FindingsBenefits of e‐governance in developing countries are the same as those in developed countries but there are many potential benefits that remain unreaped by developing countries as a consequence of their unlimited use of e‐governance. Based on these assertions, the researchers tried to evaluate and assess the potential of e‐governance initiatives in India, Ethiopia and Fiji. By exploring the role of e‐governance for reducing corruption that has afflicted the entire public sector in these countries, the main finding is that e‐governance is positively related to government, “citizen relationship and corruption reduction”.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is highly empirical and does not provide case studies to further extend on the findings.Practical implicationsThe implications of the research are that information communication technology (ICT) needs to be effectively integrated in the development agenda of government plans in Ethiopia and Fiji. Government agencies in Ethiopia and Fiji do not seem to be much motivated to build sound government‐citizen partnerships. Citizens can see little of the internal workings of government. However, for India, where there are many e‐governance projects underway, and which is normally considered to be awakening to the challenges of e‐governance and which has to date many success stories relating to e‐governance, it is surprising to see that citizens find various existent formats of corruption and non‐transparent service delivery activities. It is quite evident that bureaucracy is more or less opaque and very little attention has been paid to improving transparency, including through the use of e‐governance processes. Time, cost and red‐tape procedures are major constraints in public service delivery.Originality/valueThe paper explores a problem that is of practical importance using principal‐agent theory, which is very applicable to the public sector context.
The reluctant rhetorician: senior managers as rhetoricians in a strategic change context
Authors: Nilsson Tomas 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThis paper explores strategic change communication, framed by the idea that managers can be viewed as rhetoricians. The purpose of this paper is to present and discuss senior managers' subjective experiences of rhetorical aspects of change management.Design/methodology/approachThe paper draws on a case study from ABB Sweden (a power and automation technology company). In‐depth interviews with senior managers, with vast experience of change management, constitute the empirical source.FindingsThe most important finding is the managers' overall reluctance towards rhetoric. According to the managers in this study, a rhetorician is an over‐enthusiastic person who “waves his arms when speaking”. To master the art of rhetoric is not believed to be of particular importance when managing strategic change.Research limitations/implicationsSenior managers' potentially negative attitude concerning rhetoric should be taken into account when researchers situate change management within a rhetorical frame.Practical implicationsGiven the large interest in “efficient” communication, generally managers should be encouraged to overcome their reluctance towards rhetoric to improve their ability to “manage meaning” constructively.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to change management communication insofar as it gives voice to the individual manager. This voice indicates; in a time when rhetoric, storytelling, and charismatic leadership are making ground; that the understanding of rhetoric is much more limited than the general impression might suggest.
Can perceived risks affect the relationship of switching costs and customer loyalty in e‐commerce?
Authors: Yen Yung‐Shen 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to verify the relationship between switching costs and customer loyalty in e‐commerce.Design/methodology/approachThe study conducted an empirical research. A total of 425 online shopping customers were invited from northeastern USA as samples.FindingsThe findings show that switching costs positively influence customer loyalty. In addition, perceived risks will affect the relationship of switching costs and customer loyalty. For customers with low perceived risks, switching costs are also positively associated with customer loyalty. However, for customers with high perceived risks, the relationship of switching costs and customer loyalty is weak or negative.Research limitations/implicationsOne limitation is that mostly students were selected in the sample. The insights of this study can further validate the previous studies about the relationship of switching costs and customer loyalty, and suggest that perceived risks can be a moderating factor affecting this relationship.Practical implicationsThe study suggests that the practitioners should further understand the relationship among switching costs, perceived risks and customer loyalty for their customers.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to the knowledge of perceived risks and how switching costs affect customer loyalty, particularly in e‐commerce.
Family and business values of regional family firms: a qualitative research
Authors: Erdem Ferda , Gül Başer Gözde 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to understand values of family firms, which have progressed to the second or third generation and to reveal similarities in basic values of the firms, which have continued to be successful.Design/methodology/approachThe research was realized with family members taking place at top management level in ten family firms applying a half‐structured interview method. Interview notes have been supported with observations from visits to firms and some firms, documents to be reviewed.FindingsThe research finds that family values are rather traditional hand, which the value of business are innovating. The researchers comment on this phenomenon not like paradox but a synergistic construct. In the other side, the founders are dominant factors in the formation of values of the family firms and the second generation voluntarily continues this effect.Practical implicationsThis research reached important findings showing that some sets of values are determinant in continuity of family firms and showing the critical role of founders in this process. So, while the researchers form questions of the research to be developed on the interaction of family and business dimensions or form the action plan of executors who will provide professional support to family firms, that they should focus on values must be seen important. In the other side, to reveal these values taking shape in life period of family firms is only possible with deep researches.Originality/valueFamily firm literature is a late developing literature. However, many more questions concerning these kinds of firms await strong answers. Especially, to understand values of family firms is quite important in understanding strategic visions and continuity problem. In addition, there is need for numerous comprehensive studies on cultural values of family firms to clarify problematic of the family firms profiting the examples which come from the different country. This study can be demonstrated that traditional family values and innovative business values create a synergy rather than a paradox and an advantage in business continuity. Probably, this situation is associated with the cultural context.
Inhibition of DC‐SIGN‐mediated transmission of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 by Toll‐like receptor 3 signalling in breast milk macrophages
Authors: Yagi Yukie , Watanabe Eri , Watari Eiji , Shinya Eiji , Satomi Misao , Takeshita Toshiyuki , Takahashi Hidemi 
Published: April 2010

SummaryThe majority of cells in early/colostrum milk are breast milk macrophages (BrMMø) expressing dendritic cell (DC)‐specific intercellular adhesion molecule 3 (ICAM3) grabbing nonintegrin (DC‐SIGN), and the expression level of DC‐SIGN on BrMMø will determine cell‐to‐cell human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1) transmissibility. Thus, one of the strategies to prevent vertical transmission of HIV‐1 through breast‐feeding is to find a way to suppress DC‐SIGN expression on BrMMø. As for the expression of Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) in BrMMø, TLR3 was always seen in BrMMø but not in peripheral blood monocytes (PBMo). Also, the expression of TLR3 was slightly enhanced in BrMMø when the cells were treated with interleukin (IL)‐4. Moreover, when TLR3 was stimulated with its specific ligand, the double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) poly(I:C), DC‐SIGN expression on BrMMø was reduced even in the IL‐4‐mediated enhanced state. Some reduction may be caused by type I interferons (IFNs), such as IFN‐α/β, secreted from BrMMø. Indeed, both IFNs, particularly IFN‐β, showed a strong capacity to suppress the enhancement of DC‐SIGN expression on IL‐4‐treated BrMMø and such TLR3‐mediated DC‐SIGN suppression was partially abrogated by the addition of anti‐IFN‐α/β‐receptor‐specific antibodies. As expected, DC‐SIGN‐mediated HIV‐1 transmission to CD4‐positive cells by BrMMø was inhibited by either poly(I:C) stimulation or by treatment with type I IFNs. These findings suggest a possible strategy for preventing mother‐to‐child transmission (MTCT) of HIV‐1 via breast‐feeding through TLR3 signalling.
Seladin‐1 is a novel lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐responsive gene and inhibits the tumour necrosis factor‐α production and osteoclast formation in response to LPS
Authors: Khuda Imtiaz I.‐E. , Koide Naoki , Noman Abu S. M. , Dagvadorj Jargalsaikhan , Tumurkhuu Gantsetseg , Naiki Yoshikazu , Komatsu Takayuki , Yoshida Tomoaki , Yokochi Takashi 
Published: April 2010

SummarySelective Alzheimer disease indicator‐1 (seladin‐1) is a broadly expressed oxidoreductase and is related to Alzheimer disease, cholesterol metabolism and carcinogenesis. The effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on the expression of seladin‐1 was examined using RAW 264.7 macrophage‐like cells and murine peritoneal macrophages. Lipopolysaccharide induced the expression of seladin‐1 protein and messenger RNA in those macrophages. The seladin‐1 expression was also augmented by a series of Toll‐like receptor ligands. The LPS augmented the expression of seladin‐1 via reactive oxygen species generation and p38 activation. Seladin‐1 inhibited LPS‐induced activation of p38 but not nuclear factor‐κB and inhibited the production of tumour necrosis factor‐α in response to LPS. Moreover, seladin‐1 inhibited LPS‐induced osteoclast formation and enhanced LPS‐induced alkaline phosphatase activity. Therefore, it was suggested that seladin‐1 might be an LPS‐responsible gene product and regulate the LPS‐induced inflammatory response negatively.
Pain and fear in connection to orthodontic extractions of deciduous canines
Authors: SJÖGREN ANDERS , ARNRUP KRISTINA , JENSEN CHARLOTTA , KNUTSSON IA , HUGGARE JAN 
Published: April 2010

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2010; 20: 193–200 Background.  Interceptive extractions of deciduous canines are, from a patient perspective, poorly investigated.Aims.  To describe pain, discomfort, and dental fear in connection to extractions of the deciduous canines, indicated as an orthodontic treatment procedure.Design.  Thirty‐two Swedish children aged 7–9 years had all four deciduous canines extracted over three occasions. The children rated procedural and postoperative pain on visual analogue scales. Acceptance of injections and extractions was assessed by the treating dentists. Analgesic consumption and recovery time for drinking and eating was reported by parents. Dental fear was assessed using the Children’s Fear Survey Schedule questionnaire.Results.  Procedural pain showed low median levels, although some individuals reported high values. Boys reported significantly more pain at appointments when two (as opposed to one) canines were extracted. Postoperative pain levels were low and use of analgesics sparse. Dental fear paralleled norm values and did not increase from pre‐ to post‐extraction.Conclusions.  Pain management routines during extractions of this kind should be revised. Single tooth extractions seem to be preferable to extractions of two canines at the same appointment. Extraction of four deciduous canines should not cause major postoperative inconvenience; these extractions neither triggered nor increased dental fear.
Quality of care issues for dysphagia: modifications involving oral fluids
Authors: Garcia Jane M , Chambers IV Edgar , Clark Megan , Helverson Jennifer , Matta Ziad 
Published: April 2010

Aims and objectives.  This study examined practices of health care providers who thicken oral fluids for patients with impaired swallowing (dysphagia). It contrasts viscosity (thickness) of nectar‐like and honey‐thick consistencies prepared and measured in a laboratory setting to actual practices in health care settings and to guidelines of the National Dysphagia Diet.Background.  The care plans for many patients include changes to fluid thickness to maintain safe intake of oral fluids. Serving patients improperly prepared beverages may contribute to medical complications such as dehydration if patients consume less fluid, or aspiration of overly thin or thickened liquids, which may increase the risk of pneumonia.Design.  Descriptive analysis of group trends for viscosity measurements of liquids prepared by health care providers in four care settings to laboratory measurements and the National Dysphagia Diet.Methods.  Forty‐two health care providers participated. Each prepared thickened samples in their natural work environment using typical procedures.Results.  Viscosity measurements of modified liquids prepared by health care providers did not compare favourably to published findings of laboratory viscosity measures or to the ranges of the National Dysphagia Diet. Participants who prepared overly thick or overly thin nectar‐like liquids followed a similar pattern with honey‐like samples. Many participants failed to use product label information in sample preparation.Conclusions.  Results suggest that many patients are served modified liquids that are too thick or too thin in relation to their target level of thickness, possibly increasing risk of further medical complications for those who consume them. Product directions that are too vague or general also may contribute to inaccurate results.Relevance to clinical practice.  The patient’s nursing staff typically oversees nutritional care plans that may include modifications to oral fluids to enable their patients to safely drink by mouth. Additional consideration should be given to training procedures and possible noncompliance with preparation guidelines.
KRE genes are required for β‐1,6‐glucan synthesis, maintenance of capsule architecture and cell wall protein anchoring in Cryptococcus neoformans
Authors: Gilbert Nicole M. , Donlin Maureen J. , Gerik Kimberly J. , Specht Charles A. , Djordjevic Julianne T. , Wilson Christabel F. , Sorrell Tania C. , Lodge Jennifer K. 
Published: April 2010

SummaryThe polysaccharide β‐1,6‐glucan is a major component of the cell wall of Cryptococcus neoformans, but its function has not been investigated in this fungal pathogen. We have identified and characterized seven genes, belonging to the KRE family, which are putatively involved in β‐1,6‐glucan synthesis. The H99 deletion mutants kre5Δ and kre6Δskn1Δ contained less cell wall β‐1,6‐glucan, grew slowly with an aberrant morphology, were highly sensitive to environmental and chemical stress and were avirulent in a mouse inhalation model of infection. These two mutants displayed alterations in cell wall chitosan and the exopolysaccharide capsule, a primary cryptococcal virulence determinant. The cell wall content of the GPI‐anchored phospholipase B1 (Plb1) enzyme, which is required for cryptococcal cell wall integrity and virulence, was reduced in kre5Δ and kre6Δskn1Δ. Our results indicate that KRE5, KRE6 and SKN1 are involved in β‐1,6‐glucan synthesis, maintenance of cell wall integrity and retention of mannoproteins and known cryptococcal virulence factors in the cell wall of C. neoformans. This study sets the stage for future investigations into the function of this abundant cell wall polymer.
IgE‐mediated facilitated antigen presentation underlies higher immune responses in peanut allergy
Authors: Turcanu V. , Stephens A. C. , Chan S. M. H. , Rancé F. , Lack G. 
Published: April 2010

To cite this article: Turcanu V, Stephens AC, Chan SMH, Rancé F, Lack G. IgE‐mediated facilitated antigen presentation underlies higher immune responses in peanut allergy. Allergy 2010; 65: 1274–1281.AbstractBackground:  Peanut allergy poses significant healthcare problems, because its prevalence is increasing in many countries, and it is rarely outgrown. To explore the immunological mechanisms that underlie peanut allergy and tolerance, we compared the peanut‐specific responses of peanut‐allergic (PA) and nonallergic (NA) individuals.Methods:  We measured peanut‐specific peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) proliferation using tritiated thymidine. The frequency of peanut‐specific T cells amongst PBMC was determined by carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester labelling. The role of IgE‐dependent facilitated antigen presentation (FAP) in modulating proliferation was investigated by depleting IgE from plasma with anti‐IgE‐coated beads and then assessing PBMC proliferation in the presence of IgE‐depleted or nondepleted plasma.Results:  We found that peanut‐specific PBMC proliferation is higher and peaks earlier in PA than in NA donors. We investigated the immunological mechanisms that could underlie these differences. We found that both PA and NA have memory responses to peanut, but the frequency of peanut‐specific T cells is higher in PA than in NA. Facilitated antigen presentation could cause both the higher proliferation and precursor frequency in PA. Facilitated antigen presentation activity in vitro was confirmed by showing that IgE depletion decreases proliferation, while adding IgE back restores it.Conclusion:  Our results identify FAP as a mechanism that underlies higher responses to peanut in PA. In these individuals, high levels of peanut‐specific IgE could furthermore maintain long‐term allergic T‐cell responses. We raise the question whether, in the future, therapies targeting IgE such as anti‐IgE antibodies may be used to suppress these T‐cell responses.