Comparative study on the efficacy of PRP gel and UC-MSCs gel as adjuvant therapies in the treatment of DFU wounds

BACKGROUND

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a common and serious complication of diabetes, and its treatment is challenging. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) gel and umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) gel have been concerned as new therapies for DFU in recent years, and comparative studies on the efficacy and mechanisms of these methods, however, are rarely reported.

METHODS

Thirty patients with DFU were selected and divided into the PRP group and the UC-MSCs group, and wound healing, foot blood vessels (ABI index), infection index (CRP), neuropathy symptoms (TCSS score), and foot skin temperature before and after treatment were compared between the two groups. SPSS 21.0 was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The results showed that the efficacy of the UC-MSCs gel group was significantly better than that of the PRP group in terms of wound healing rate, time to complete wound closure, ABI index, CRP level and TCSS score. No statistically significant difference in foot skin temperature was observed between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

The efficacy of UC-MSCs gel is significantly superior to that of PRP gel in the treatment of DFU, with shortened time to complete wound closure, increased wound healing rate, better pain and infection control, and improved vascular and neurological symptoms.

Associations Between Primary Residence and Mental Health in Global Marginalized Populations

Scholars suggest that marginalized people in non-urban areas experience higher distress levels and fewer psychosocial resources than in urban areas. Researchers have yet to test whether precise proximity to urban centers is associated with mental health for marginalized populations. We recruited 1733 people who reported living in 45 different countries. Participants entered their home locations and completed measures of anxiety, depression, social support, and resilience. Regression and thematic analyses were used to determine what role distance from legislative and urban centers may play in mental health when marginalized people were disaggregated. Greater distance from legislative center predicted higher anxiety and resilience. Greater distance from urban center also predicted more resilience. Thematic analyses yielded five categories (e.g., safety, connection) that further illustrated the impact of geographic location on health. Implications for community mental health are discussed including the need to better understand and further expand resilience in rural areas.

Metabolomics analysis of the potential mechanism of Yi-Guan-Jian decoction to reverse bone loss in glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis

BACKGROUND

Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP) is a disease in which long-term use of glucocorticoid causes bone loss, deterioration of bone microstructure and fracture. Currently, clinical drugs targeting this disease have certain side effects. There is still a need to find effective drugs with fewer side effects. The theory of traditional Chinese medicine suggests that YGJ has therapeutic effect on GIOP, but it has not been explained. Therefore, this study aims to explore the protective effect of YGJ on GIOP mouse models and elucidate the underlying mechanism through LC-MS-based metabolomics analysis.

METHODS

The general condition of 8 week age male C57BL/6J mice was recorded after 8 weeks of treatment with dexamethasone (DEX) and YGJ. Bone-related parameters and bone morphology were determined by Micro-CT. HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes of bone tissue. Serum levels of bone metabolism markers were detected by ELISA. Liver metabolomics analysis was conducted to search for the significant markers of anti-GIOP of YGJ and the metabolic pathway affecting it.

RESULTS

After treatment, YGJ significantly reversed the weight loss caused by DEX; increase the number of bone trabecular in ROI region, significantly improve the bone-related parameters of GIOP mice, and increase the levels of alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin. In the study of metabolic mechanism, YGJ reversed 24 potential markers in GIOP mice. These included cortisol, 3-hydroxybutyric acid, taurine, esculin and uric acid, which are closely associated with osteoporosis. Topological analysis results showed that YGJ had the most significant effect on taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, with - log10 (P) > 2.0 and Impact > 0.4.

CONCLUSIONS

Yi-Guan-Jian decoction can increase bone density and improve bone microstructure by regulating the levels of alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin and reverse bone loss in GIOP mouse model. The underlying metabolic mechanism may be related to taurine and hypotaurine metabolic pathway.

Measurement and assessment of grief in a large international sample

BACKGROUND

In 2022, the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) and an update of the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM 5 TR) were released for implementation worldwide and now include the new Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD). The newest definition of PGD is based on robust clinical research from the Global North yet until now has not been tested for global applicability.

METHODS

The current study assesses the new PGD ICD-11 criteria in a large international sample of 1393 bereaved adults. The majority of the sample was included from the USΑ. Additionally, we conduct a sub-sample analysis to evaluate the psychometric properties, probable caseness of PGD, and differences in network structure across three regions of residency (USA, Greece-Cyprus, Turkey-Iran).

RESULTS

The psychometric validity and reliability of the 33-item International Prolonged Grief Disorder Scale (IPGDS) were confirmed across the whole sample and for each regional group. Using the strict diagnostic algorithm, the probable caseness for PGD for the whole sample was 3.6 %. Probable caseness was highest for the Greece-Cyprus group (6.9 %) followed by Turkey-Iran (3.2 %) and the USA (2.8 %). Finally, the network structure of the IPGDS standard items and cultural supplement items (total of 33 items) confirmed the strong connection between central items of PGD, and revealed unique network connections within the regional groups.

LIMITATIONS

Future research is encouraged to include larger sample sizes and a more systematic assessment of culture.

CONCLUSION

Overall, our findings confirm the global applicability of the new ICD-11 PGD disorder definition as evaluated through the newly developed IPGDS. This scale includes culturally sensitive grief symptoms that may improve clinical precision and decision-making.

Supply chain followership: the case of Tetra Pak’s recyclers in China

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore an under-researched topic of supply chain followership (SCF) in the context of recycling chains.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a multiple case study approach, the authors conducted interviews with Tetra Pak senior managers and recyclers who recycle used beverage cartons (UBCs) in China.

Findings

Based on the dimensions of critical thinking and active engagement, the authors classify SCF into four types. Focal companies could evaluate their suppliers’ behaviours and followership types to initiate corresponding strategies to better manage their relationships. In addition, the authors found SCF to be a dynamic concept, which can be constantly evaluated.

Originality/value

This study is one of the earliest efforts to empirically explore the concept of SCF. The paper extends the followership concept from an individual level to an organizational level in the recycling chain context and presents a useful concept of followership for companies seeking to manage their supply chain relationships.

Cooperative game theory approach to develop an incentive mechanism for biopesticide adoption through farmer producer organizations

Biopesticides have been recognized as viable alternatives to chemical pesticides in controlling agricultural pests for plants and reducing harmful chemical residues. However, small and marginal farmers are facing challenges while adopting biopesticides, namely, high cost and complicated application techniques, resulting in a low level of farmer acceptance. Accordingly, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), voluntarily formed by farmers, develop mutual technical assistance among their members to solve the technical problems of biopesticide adoption. This study assumes that as a new form of farmer cooperative, FPOs have the potential to promote biopesticide adoption through the implementation of collective pesticide adoption (CPA). Along this line, this paper uses a cooperative game-based hybrid method to develop an incentive mechanism of biopesticide adoption for FPOs to implement CPAs. First, we construct a CPA decision model for mixed pesticides (i.e., biopesticides and chemical pesticides) based on multichoice goal programming (MCGP) to compromise the conflicting objectives regarding cost efficiency and chemical residue reduction, thereby obtaining the optimal total cost of pesticide adoption. Second, recognizing the optimal total adoption cost as a baseline, we devise a cooperative game-based cost allocation scheme to maintain farmers' voluntary participation in FPOs. This study demonstrates that the CPA implemented based on our proposed models can at least match if not surpass the economic and environmental performance of farmers' independent pesticide adoption (IPA). We further demonstrate that the proposed cooperative game solution is more suitable for the FPO's cost allocation issue than the eminent solutions, such as the Shapley value.

The impact of governmental COVID‐19 measures on manufacturers' stock market valuations: The role of labor intensity and operational slack

This study investigates the impact of the Chinese government's Level I emergency response policy on manufacturers' stock market values. We empirically examine the roles of human resource dependence (labor intensity) and operational slack within the context of supply chain resilience. Through an event study of 1357 Chinese manufacturing companies, we find that the government's emergency response policy triggered statistically significant positive abnormal returns for manufacturers. However, we also find that there exists a negative impact on abnormal returns for manufacturers that are labor‐intensive, giving rise to arguments based in resource dependence theory. In addition, the results indicate the positive role played by operational slack (e.g., financial and inventory slack) in helping manufacturers maintain operations and business continuity, effectively mitigating risks and adding to the manufacturers' resilience. With these findings, we contribute to operations and supply chain management by calling attention to the importance of human resource redundancy while at the same time identifying financial slack and inventory as supply chain resilience strategies that were able to mitigate pandemic‐related risks.

Although government policies and regulations are often central for supply chain risk mitigation, they may sometimes also carry secondary risks; manufacturers should monitor and ideally anticipate public policy interventions. Slack financial resources provide greater flexibility in a company's response to an unanticipated event and should thus be emphasized; nevertheless, the value of excess inventory should not be neglected. A greater dependence on labor exposes manufacturers to greater risks, especially when public policy curtails travel and the movement of labor. Governments should use policymaking as a means to provide guidance and support regarding the deployment of manufacturers' operational slack, especially financial slack.

[Prolonged epidural labor analgesia increases risks of epidural analgesia failure for conversion to cesarean section]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effect of epidural labor analgesia duration on the outcomes of different anesthetic approaches for conversion to cesarean section.

METHODS

We retrospectively collected the clinical data of pregnant women undergoing conversion from epidural labor analgesia to cesarean section at Sichuan Maternal and Child Health Hospital and Jinjiang District Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital between July, 2019 and June, 2020. For cesarean section, the women received epidural anesthesia when the epidural catheter was maintained in correct position with effective analgesia, spinal anesthesia at the discretion of the anesthesiologists, or general anesthesia in cases requiring immediate cesarean section or following failure of epidural anesthesia or spinal anesthesia. Receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to determine the cutoff value of the analgesia duration using Youden index. The women were divided into two groups according to the cut off value for analyzing the relative risk using cross tabulations.

RESULTS

A total of 820 pregnant women undergoing conversion to cesarean section were enrolled in this analysis, including 615 (75.0%) in epidural anesthesia group, 186 (22.7%) in spinal anesthesia group, and 19 (2.3%) in general anesthesia group; none of the women experienced failure of epidural or spinal anesthesia. The mean anesthesia duration was 8.2±4.7 h in epidural anesthesia, 10.6±5.1 h in spinal anesthesia group, and 6.7 ± 5.2 h in general anesthesia group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that prolongation of analgesia duration by 1 h (OR=1.094, 95% CI: 1.057-1.132, P < 0.001) and an increase of cervical orifice by 1 cm (OR=1.066, 95% CI: 1.011-1.124, P=0.017) were independent risk factors for epidural analgesia failure. The cutoff value of analgesia duration was 9.5 h, and beyond that duration the relative risk of receiving spinal anesthesia was 1.204 (95% CI: 1.103-2.341, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Prolonged epidural labor analgesia increases the risk of failure of epidural analgesia for conversion to epidural anesthesia. In cases with an analgesia duration over 9.5 h, spinal anesthesia is recommended if immediate cesarean section is not required.

Interplay between servitization and platforms: a longitudinal case study

Purpose

This paper aims to empirically explore the evolution of servitization and how platforms affect the transition between the stages of servitization.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted an in-depth case study of a Chinese manufacturer (i.e. Haier) using a longitudinal design. Three rounds of data collection were conducted between 2014 and 2020. The authors carried out 50 semi-structured interviews and 11 workshops to collect data from senior and middle managers of Haier and its business partners.

Findings

The authors found that Haier’s servitization journey includes three stages (i.e. product-oriented solution, integrated solution and smart connected solutions) that evolve in the target of the services and the digital components of the solutions. Haier has also developed three types of platforms (i.e. service platform, supply chain platform and platform ecosystem) to support the implementation of servitization. The empirical evidence reveals that platforms can address the complexities that emerged when Haier implements the different stages of servitization as well as enable Haier to transition from one stage of servitization to the next.

Originality/value

This study enhances the current understanding of the evolution of servitization and the roles of digital technologies in the transition between the stages of servitization. It also provides empirical evidence regarding how the platform approach enables the development of servitization. By clarifying the interplay between servitization and platforms, this study provides guidelines for managers on how to develop platforms to both advance and benefit from servitization.

Changes in Serum Cystatin C Levels and the Associations With Cognitive Function in Alzheimer's Disease Patients

Background and Objective

Cystatin C is indicated to be involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and cognitive impairment. Our objective is to examine the serum Cystatin C levels, and to clarify the correlations between serum Cystatin C and cognitive performance in Chinese AD patients.

Methods

The serum Cystatin C concentrations in AD patients and age, sex, and body mass index (BMI) matched-healthy controls were measured. The cognitive functions of the AD patients were evaluated by using the Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). The severity of dementia was determined with clinical dementia rating (CDR).

Results

A total of 463 AD patients and 1,389 matched healthy subjects were included. AD patients had higher serum Cystatin C than healthy controls. Serum cystatin C levels were correlated with MoCA scores in AD patients. In an ordinal logistic regression model, AD patients with higher serum cystatin C levels had increased odds of severe cognitive dysfunction.

Conclusion

Our study suggested that AD patients had higher levels of serum cystatin C than age/sex/BMI-matched normal control subjects. Higher serum cystatin C may be associated with worse cognitive performance, but more studies are required to verify such association.

Mapping the environmental aspect of kernel product system in complex supply chains of the West Africa cashew industry

Global supply chains (GoSCs) have become common for industries. However, relatively little research has emphasized products' complex supply chain environmental assessments. Against this background, this paper maps key environmental issues in the GoSCs of the West Africa cashew industry. The initial-oriented green design and supply chain-wide assessment of the kernel product system was conducted through an eco-design approach based on the matrix method, life cycle design strategy wheel and analytical hierarchical process. The results reveal static/technical eco-design issues that can reduce negative environmental impacts. Additionally, it highlights the strategic opportunities for redesign related to the selection of low-impact materials and gaseous emission. The main issues that arise in mapping the complex supply chains such as the need to re-examine some environmental issues such as solid and liquid residues from production and processing stages as more strategic concerns are discussed. In conclusion, the study points out that it is important not to compromise supply chain-wide assessment of environmental impacts and to understand both technical and strategic values of environmental issues in complex supply chains of products even at the initial stage of interest in green supply chain design. Thus, the eco-design approach of the study has potential to enhance environmental sustainability.

ILK participates in renal interstitial fibrosis by altering the phenotype of renal tubular epithelial cells via TGF-β1/smad pathway

OBJECTIVE

To explore the specific role of ILK (integrin-linked kinase) in regulating renal fibrosis and its underlying mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

NRK-52E cells were induced by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) for observing phenotype change. Renal tubular epithelial cell marker, fibrosis marker and expression level of ILK in NRK-52E cells were also detected. After overexpression of ILK, phenotype change of NRK-52E cells was observed. For in vivo experiments, we constructed UUO (unilateral ureteral obstruction) model in CD1 mice. Renal tubular epithelial cell marker, fibrosis marker and expression level of ILK in UUO mice were detected. The regulatory effect of ILK on renal fibrosis was detected after injection of ILK overexpression plasmid. Western blot was performed to detect related genes in the TGF-β1/smad pathway.

RESULTS

Accompanied by the TGF-β1-induced phenotype change in NRK-52E cells, both mRNA and protein levels of ILK were upregulated. Overexpression of ILK remarkably stimulated the phenotype change in NRK-52E cells. Similarly, ILK was highly expressed in UUO mice. Renal fibrosis was aggravated after injection of ILK overexpression plasmid in UUO mice. Western blot results showed that expressions of p-smad3 and smad3 were upregulated during the process of renal fibrosis.

CONCLUSIONS

ILK is upregulated during the process of renal fibrosis. ILK participates in the development of renal fibrosis by altering phenotypes of renal tubular epithelial cells via a TGF-β1/smad pathway.

Achieving loyalty for sharing economy platforms: an expectation–confirmation perspective

Purpose

This study explores how sharing platforms achieve platform loyalty through various operation management strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

A multiple case study method has been conducted in two Chinese sharing economy industries: ride- and bike-sharing. Data were collected through 30 semi-structured interviews with managers from four platform companies (DiDi, Uber China, ofo and Mobike). Individual case studies were developed from the triangulation of all existing data. Concurrent with the development of these individual case studies was a cross-case analysis. Emerging patterns have been identified and compared to previous findings in the literature to build upon and modify the existing knowledge base and to formulate a series of propositions.

Findings

Platform asset characteristics and mergers and acquisitions affect supply network readiness and operational capacity, respectively, and this effect would consequently contribute to achieving platform loyalty through user satisfaction. Moreover, externality, as a moderator, may influence the strength of the relationship between satisfaction and platform loyalty.

Practical implications

The proposed theoretical model provides an overarching framework for sharing platform companies to design and operate their businesses while carefully examining the situations, contexts and actions of users and other stakeholders and choosing an appropriate strategic mechanism to drive platform growth.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first to empirically explain how firms in a sharing economy sector could gain platform loyalty by adopting an expectation–confirmation theory perspective.

Elevated aerobic glycolysis in renal tubular epithelial cells influences the proliferation and differentiation of podocytes and promotes renal interstitial fibrosis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to elaborate the influence of changing energy metabolism pattern of renal tubular epithelial cells in the process of renal interstitial fibrosis on podocytes. Meanwhile, we also investigated the relationship between energy metabolism pattern and the development of renal interstitial fibrosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We established a model of renal interstitial fibrosis by unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). The protein and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of fibrosis signs, such as α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and fibronectin (FN) were detected. We also measured the protein and mRNA expression of key glycolytic enzymes, including pyruvate kinase muscle isozyme 2 (PKM2) and human glandular kallikrein 2 (HK2). The proliferation and differentiation of podocytes during fibrosis were observed by monitoring the expression of nephrin and myocardin. In vitro experiments, primary podocytes were extracted, cultured, and stimulated with lactate. Then the alterations during the process were observed. Finally, PKM2 expression was inhibited by intravenous infusion of the plasmid. The link between the expression of marker protein as well as differentiation protein in podocytes and renal interstitial fibrosis was analyzed.

RESULTS

During the process of renal interstitial fibrosis, phenotypic changes and enhanced expression of fibrosis and proliferation markers were found in fibroblasts. Meanwhile, in renal tubular epithelial cells, increased expression of key enzymes of glycolysis, the level of glycolysis as well as lactate metabolites cooperatively led to hypoxic and acidic environment, eventually inhibiting the proliferation and differentiation of podocytes and aggravating fibrosis. When the level of glycolysis in renal tubular epithelial cells was reduced, the number and function of podocytes were partially restored, and renal interstitial fibrosis was alleviated.

CONCLUSIONS

During renal interstitial fibrosis, glycolysis of renal tubular epithelial cell was increased, leading to the recodification of energy metabolism. This process affected the number and function of podocytes and aggravated renal interstitial fibrosis.

CSR and identification: the contingencies of employees’ personal traits and desire

Purpose

Micro corporate social responsibility (CSR) is an emerging concept in management that relates to the examination of employees’ reaction to CSR initiatives. In this stream of literature, this study aims to investigate the underlying mechanism and boundary conditions of CSR and employees’ organizational identification relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The data of middle managers (n = 187) were collected from a large hospitality and real estate organization actively involved in CSR activities in Pakistan. The authors conducted two surveys using the self-administered questionnaire with a temporal break. Structural equation modeling was run using AMOS to analyze the data.

Findings

The authors found that organizational pride meditates while desire to have a significant impact through work (DSIW), gender and organizational tenure moderates the relationship between CSR and organizational identification.

Practical implications

The study implies that the management can take the opportunity to make use of the positive response of the employees by investing in social and environmental causes.

Originality/value

The study contributes to CSR, organizational behavior literature, and person-organization fit theory by explaining the complete path of CSR and identification. It unfolds the underlying mechanism and contingencies of CSR-Identification link that are overlooked in the literature .

MiR-497-5p inhibits cell proliferation and metastasis in hepatocellular carcinoma by targeting insulin-like growth factor 1

Background

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an important regulatory role in carcinogenesis and cancer progression. Aberrant expression of miR‐497‐5p has been reported in various human malignancies. However, the role of miR‐497‐5p in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear.

Results

In this study, we found that miR‐497‐5p was downregulated in HCC tissues. The low level of miR‐497‐5p in HCC tumors was correlated with aggressive clinicopathological characteristics and predicted poor prognosis in HCC patients. The overexpression of miR‐497‐5p significantly inhibited HCC cell proliferation, colony formation, and metastasis in vitro and vivo. Bioinformatics analysis further identified insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF1) as a novel target of miR‐497‐5p in HCC cells.

Conclusion

Our study suggested that miR‐497‐5p regulates HCC cell survival, partially through downregulation of IGF1. Therefore, the miR‐497‐5p/IGF1 axis might serve as a novel therapeutic target in patients with HCC.

Retraction: Randomized controlled trial of vitamin D supplementation in children with autism spectrum disorder

The above article, published in print in the Jan 2018 issue of the Journal of Child Psychology & Psychiatry and online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com), has been retracted by the JCPP Editor-in-Chief, Edmund Sonuga-Barke, and John Wiley & Sons. Following a series of communications from readers highlighting concerns about the paper (now published on the journal website), the journal editors requested that the authors send them the raw data from the trial. In response the authors informed the editors that; (i) the electronic data base had been lost following a computer outage and (ii) that they could send only 95 out of 120 hard-copy participant data sheets as one site had closed and was no longer contactable. The substantial data loss in and of itself posed a serious difficulty in verifying the correctness of the data presented in the paper. The JCPP then analysed the data from the 95 cases itself. A number of significant discrepancies emerged between the re-analysis and the findings reported in the paper both in terms of means and standard deviations of key outcome variables across the trial. These involved very substantial differences that we judged to be extremely unlikely to have arisen due to variations in composition of the original and re-analysed samples. We also discovered previously unidentified/reported problems with missing data and recording irregularities regarding changes in treatment regimen and subject identifiers. As a result of these issues the Editors no longer have confidence in the findings reported in the original paper. Based on all these matters combined and following published guidance from the Committee on Publishing Ethics (COPE) and Wiley's Best Practice Guidelines on Publishing Ethics, we have decided that the only course of action available to us is to retract the paper.

Urban Sustainability Evaluation under the Modified TOPSIS Based on Grey Relational Analysis

The evaluation of urban sustainability plays a crucial role in the process of the sustainable development of cities. To decrease subjectivity and attain a comprehensive evaluation, this paper develops an evaluation method using the technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS). First, an evaluation index system including 39 indices and three categories (economic, social, and ecological development) is established; second, based on the index system, a modified TOPSIS, in which the entropy method is used to assign weights to each index according to its evaluation score and grey relation analysis is used to reduce the uncertainty existing in the process of evaluation, is presented to rank the sustainability level of cities. Finally, an example with the sustainability evaluation of 16 cities in the Anhui province of China is introduced to verify the effectiveness of the model.

The effects of risk and reward sharing on quality performance

Purpose

Firms face critical challenges in managing product quality in a global supply chain. In many cases, these challenges could be regarded as an agency problem which is a result of the goal conflict between the supply chain members. To address such agency problem, the purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to explain how risk and reward sharing practices contribute to firms’ quality performance in the supply chain; and second, to identify the drivers of applying risk and reward sharing.

Design/methodology/approach

The hypothesised model, based on agency theory, is empirically verified by original survey data of 200 Chinese manufacturing companies using the structural equations modelling approach in a context of product recall.

Findings

Supplier involvement and task programmability are two significant antecedents of risk and reward sharing. Further, the paper shows that risk and reward sharing have a positive effect on quality performance, however, in terms of contribution to quality performance, risk sharing and reward sharing may be substitution practices.

Practical implications

This research explains how managers could embrace better preparedness for risk and reward sharing in their supply chains. It is also suggested that although risk and reward sharing are seen as efficient means to improve quality performance, such practices should not be treated as a bundle.

Originality/value

Building on supply partnership literature, this paper contributes to agency theory by providing a solution to the agency problem, i.e., risk and reward sharing and adding to the limited understanding of the antecedents of risk and reward sharing and examining the effects of risk and reward sharing on quality performance.

Supply chain learning of sustainability in multi-tier supply chains

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how multinational corporations (MNCs) orchestrate internal and external resources to help their multi-tier supply chains learn sustainability-related knowledge.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory multiple case study approach was adopted and three MNCs’ sustainable initiatives in China were examined. The data were primarily collected through 43 semi-structured interviews with managers of focal companies and their multi-tier suppliers.

Findings

The authors found that in order to facilitate their supply chains to learn sustainability, MNCs tend to orchestrate in breadth by internally setting up new functional departments and externally working with third parties, and orchestrate in depth working directly with their extreme upstream suppliers adopting varied governance mechanisms on lower-tier suppliers along the project lifecycle. The resource orchestration in breadth and depth and along the project lifecycle results in changes of supply chain structure.

Practical implications

The proposed conceptual model provides an overall framework for companies to design and implement their multi-tier sustainable initiatives. Companies could learn from the suggested learning stages and the best practices of case companies.

Originality/value

The authors extend and enrich resource orchestration perspective (ROP), which is internally focused, to a supply chain level, and answer a theoretical question of how MNCs orchestrate their internal and external resources to help their supply chains to learn sustainability. The extension of ROP refutes the resource dependence theory, which adopts a passive approach of relying on external suppliers and proposes that MNCs should proactively work with internal and external stakeholders to learn sustainability.

Performance implications of SA8000 certification

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to shed light on the relationship between the adoption of Social Accountability 8000 (SA8000) – which is considered the most important ethical certification standard – and firm performance, building on agency and contingency theories.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors analyse secondary longitudinal balance sheet data of listed firms employing a rigorous event-study approach and compare SA8000-certified companies to different control groups based on three matching criteria, i.e., industry, size, and pre-certification performance. The authors then study the moderating effects of the cultural features, the country’s development level, and the labour intensity on the causal relationship through multiple regression methods.

Findings

The authors find that SA8000 certification positively affects labour productivity and sales performance but has no effect on profitability. Furthermore, the study supports that the relationship between SA8000 and profitability is moderated by two cultural features of the home country of the firms (i.e. power distance and uncertainty avoidance).

Originality/value

This is the first study, which empirically tests the effects of the ethical certification SA8000 on firm performance using a cross-country sample. In addition, the authors contribute to the wider debate on the effects of corporate social responsibility practices on firm performance.

A Novel Fast Mobile-Window Small Incision Technique for Hip Arthroplasty in the Elderly and Comparison with Conventional Incision

Background

We deeloped a novel technique – fast mobile-window small incision (FMWSI) – a modification of minimally invasive surgery for total hip arthroplasty, which we believe is particularly suited to elderly patients with hip fractures. The present article aimed to introduce this technique and compare the clinical effects between the FMWSI technique and conventional incision (CI) for hip arthroplasty in elderly patients.

Material/Methods

This study included 240 consecutive patients who underwent hip arthroplasty. Half received total hip arthroplasty and half received hemi hip arthroplasty. The 120 patients in each group were further divided into FMWSI and CI groups. The following parameters were compared between the FMWSI and CI groups: length of incision, operation time, bleeding volume, drainage volume, postoperative ambulation time, and Harris score.

Results

Compared with the CI group, the FMWSI group had a significantly shorter incision length, operation time, and postoperative ambulation time, as well as lower bleeding and drainage volumes, irrespective of whether the treatment was total or hemi hip arthroplasty (P<0.05). However, no significant difference was found in the Harris score between the FMWSI and CI groups (P>0.05).

Conclusions

The novel FMWSI technique introduced in this study is a useful method for hip arthroplasty, especially for elderly patients with poor constitutions or tolerance to surgery.

Global sourcing strategy and structure: towards a conceptual framework

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a synthesised conceptual framework for global sourcing (GS) strategy and structure.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors adopt a systematic literature review method and analyse through content analysis techniques 52 peer-reviewed journal articles focussed on GS strategy and structure. Based on these analyses, a conceptual model is developed.

Findings

A synthesised construct of GS strategy, consisting of three dimensions, i.e., supply internationalisation, internal integration and external integration, is proposed. The GS structure construct is further broken down into structural design and control and coordination, consisting of three dimensions for each. Propositions for GS strategy, GS structure and, in particular, the relationships between them are developed for future empirical validation.

Originality/value

This is the first study which synthesises various dimensions of GS strategy and GS structure and advances/extends the theory of the strategy-structure nexus to a GS context. The conceptual model provides a comprehensive framework for future empirical work and opens avenues of research on this topic.

Editor's Choice - Comparison of Renal Outcomes in Patients Treated by Zenith® Fenestrated and Zenith® Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Stent grafts in US Prospective Pivotal Trials

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND

Fenestrated endovascular repair (FEVAR) has been used to treat complex abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). The risk of renal function deterioration compared with infrarenal endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) has not been determined.

METHODS

Patients with preserved renal function (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] > 45 mL/minute) enrolled in two prospective, non-randomised studies evaluating Zenith fenestrated and AAA stent grafts were matched (1:2) by propensity scores for age, sex, hypertension, diabetes, and pre-operative eGFR. Sixty-seven patients were treated by FEVAR and 134 matched controls treated by EVAR. Mean follow-up was 30 ± 20 months. Outcomes included acute kidney injury (AKI) defined by RIFLE and changes in serum creatinine (sCr), eGFR, and chronic kidney disease (CKD) staging up to 5 years.

RESULTS

AKI at 1 month was similar between groups, with > 25% decline in eGFR observed in 5% of FEVAR and 9% of EVAR patients (p = .39). There were no significant differences in > 25% decline in eGFR at 2 years (FEVAR 20% vs. EVAR 20%; p > .99) or 5 years (FEVAR 27% vs. EVAR 50%; p = .50). Progression to stage IV-V CKD was similar at 2 years (FEVAR 2% vs. EVAR 3%; p > .99) and 5 years (FEVAR 7% vs. EVAR 8%; p > .99), with similar sCr and eGFR up to 5 years. During follow-up, there were more renal artery stenosis/occlusions (15/67 [22%] vs. 3/134 [2%]; p < .001) and renal related re-interventions (12/67 [18%] vs. 4/134 [3%]; p < .001) in patients treated by FEVAR. Rate of progression to renal failure requiring dialysis was low and identical in both groups (1.5% vs. 1.5%; p > .99).

CONCLUSION

Aortic repair with FEVAR and EVAR was associated with similar rates of renal function deterioration in patients with preserved pre-operative renal function. Renal related re-interventions were higher following FEVAR, although net changes in renal function were similar in both groups.

Interactions of Pri-miRNA-34b/c and TP53 Polymorphisms on the Risk of Osteoporosis

BACKGROUND

Osteoporosis (OP) is a common, multifactorial disorder. Here, we investigated the association between polymorphisms in pri-miR-34b/c (rs4938723) and TP53 (Arg72Pro) and the prevalence of OP.

METHODS

A total of 681 individuals were assessed in a case-control study, including 310 patients with OP and 371 controls. Variants in pri-miR-34b/c and TP53 were identified using a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method.

RESULTS

The presence of the CC and CT/CC pri-miR-34b/c genotypes were associated with a significantly reduced risk of OP compared with the TT genotype (CC vs. TT: odds ratio [OR] = 0.32, 95% confidence intervals [CI] = 0.17-0.59; p < 0.001; CT/CC vs. TT: OR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.51-0.93; p = 0.016). The CC genotype was also associated with a significantly reduced OP risk compared with the TT/CT genotypes (OR = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.19-0.64; p < 0.001). Furthermore, compared with the carriers of the Arg72Pro GG genotype, carriers of the CC genotype had a 2.21-fold increased OP risk (95% CI = 1.45-3.37; p < 0.001) and CG/CC genotypes carriers had a 1.96-fold increased OP risk (95% CI = 1.39-2.76; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The present findings indicate that pri-miR-34b/c rs4938723 and TP53 Arg72Pro polymorphisms may contribute to the risk of OP.