bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Company characteristics and compliance with ASX corporate governance principles
Authors: Lama Tek , Anderson Warwick Wyndham
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– This study aims to examine whether company characteristics determine the structure and composition of a company’s board. In particular, it investigates the three board-design choices that Australian-listed companies make in the context of Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) corporate governance principles (published in 2003) where they are allowed to depart from the recommended best-practice board structure if the departure better serves their unique board and governance requirements.

Design/methodology/approach

– A logistic regression is performed on a cross-section of data for 258 ASX-listed companies averaged over the years 2004 to 2007, using the company variables size, age, leverage, ownership concentration, profitability, liquidity, price-earnings ratio, market-to-book ratio and cross-listing.

Findings

– The study finds that size has a strong, statistically significant impact on all three principles. Ownership concentration, price-earnings ratio and age have statistically significant impacts on the likelihood of compliance with at least one principle but have no consistent influence over all. This finding supports the underlying philosophy of the ASX corporate governance principles that flexible guidelines serve companies better than inflexible rules.

Originality/value

– This study breaks new ground in empirically investigating the effect of company variables on compliance with the ASX’s Principles of 2003, which are new for Australia in requiring an “if not, why not” response from companies.
Investigation of treated PEN foil surface properties for inkjet application
Authors: Araźna Aneta , Futera Konrad , Jakubowska Małgorzata , Dybowska-Sarapuk Łucja
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to report surface properties of treated Teonex Du Pont polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) foil substrates.

Design/methodology/approach

– There were three different cleaning treatments among other: argon glow discharge, dipping into alkaline solution at 60°C as well as washing in an ultrasonic bath of acetone and ethyl alcohol in room temperature. The relation between PEN foil morphology and surface properties has been studied by contact angle measurements as well as evaluation of surface roughness of PEN foil samples by atomic force microscopy (AFM).

Findings

– It was found that argon glow discharge (T3) of PEN treatment caused the maximum reduction in both values of contact angles. In addition, the argon glow discharge yielded the highest PEN surface energy (51.9 mJ/m2) and polarity (0.89). On the other hand, the AFM micrographs showed that the samples T3 had the highest value of average and root mean square surface roughness. Based on the experiments results, the authors stated that the alkaline cleaning (T2 treatment) could be considered as an effective method of PEN substrate treatment.

Originality/value

– The influence of different cleaning treatment on the surface properties of PEN foil to inkjet application was analyzed. In the literature, there are not a lot of papers describing examinations of surface properties of PEN foil to inkjet application by contact angle measurements and AFM analysis.
Inkjet printed microwave circuits on flexible substrates using heterophase graphene based inks
Authors: Futera Konrad , Kielbasinski Konrad , Młozniak Anna , Jakubowska Malgorzata
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present the result of research on a new fabrication technology of printed circuits board and electronics modules. The new method is based on inkjet printing technique on flexible substrates using new generations of heterophase inks. New fabrications method was used to print microwave waveguides and signal splitters as new technology demonstrators.

Design/methodology/approach

– A fully Inkjet printed filter was printed on a flexible, transparent Kapton foil using heterophase inks developed in Instytut Technologii Materiałów Elektronicznych (ITME) for the purpose of this research based on graphene and silver nanoparticles.

Findings

– A microwave module was printed using two types of Inkjet printers – PixDro LP50 with KonicaMinolta 512 printhead – and developed in an Instytut Tele- i Radiotechniczny (ITR) laboratory printer using MicroDrop a 100-μm glass nozzle printhead. Fully printed microwave circuits were evaluated by their print quality and electrical properties.

Originality/value

– Fully Inkjet printed microwave circuits using the heterophase graphene ink were evaluated by their print quality and electrical properties.
Temporal variability in hydrology modifies the influence of geomorphology on wetland distribution along a desert stream
Authors: Dong Xiaoli , Grimm Nancy B. , Ogle Kiona , Franklin Janet
Published: July 2015

Both geomorphic setting and dynamic environmental variables influence riverine wetland vegetation distributions. Most studies of species distributions in riverine systems emphasize either hydrological variability or geomorphic controls, but rarely consider the interaction between the two. It is unknown whether and to what extent the relationship between the geomorphic template and species distribution is modified by fluctuating environmental conditions.

This study examines how spatial patterns of riverine wetlands in a desert stream change in response to environmental shifts brought about by interannual variability in the hydrologic regime. We surveyed wetland spatial distribution and measured its abundance every June over 5 years (2009–2013) by recording patch size and presence/absence of five wetland plant species along the 12‐km main stem of Sycamore Creek, Arizona, U.S.A. The study period encompassed a very large flood in January 2010, a wet year (2010), two average years (2009 and 2013) and two extremely dry years (2011 and 2012). We used a Bayesian statistical approach to analyse the relationship between geomorphic variables and wetland distribution under different hydrological conditions.

The geomorphic variables provided much greater explanatory power in dry years than in average to wet years. Hydrological conditions modified the interactions between geomorphic template and species distribution. Annual hydrological conditions affected the direction (i.e. positive or negative effect) and magnitude (i.e. the size and significance level of an effect) of these interactions, both of which gave rise to spatial patterns of wetlands. Ecosystem temporal variability, such as inter‐annual and multi‐year hydrological variability and longer‐term ecosystem state changes, triggered complex species responses.

Synthesis. The effect of geomorphic setting on stream wetland plant distribution in this desert system is conditioned on the temporal variability in hydrology among years. Temporal transferability of the relationship between geomorphology and species distributions is therefore questionable.
Functional interactions among filamentous Epsilonproteobacteria and Bacteroidetes in a deep‐sea hydrothermal vent biofilm
Authors: Stokke Runar , Dahle Håkon , Roalkvam Irene , Wissuwa Juliane , Daae Frida Lise , Tooming‐Klunderud Ave , Thorseth Ingunn H. , Pedersen Rolf B. , Steen Ida Helene
Published: July 2015

Little is known about how lithoautotrophic primary production is connected to microbial organotrophic consumption in hydrothermal systems. Using a multifaceted approach, we analysed the structure and metabolic capabilities within a biofilm growing on the surface of a black smoker chimney in the Loki's Castle vent field. Imaging revealed the presence of rod‐shaped Bacteroidetes growing as ectobionts on long, sheathed microbial filaments (> 100 μm) affiliated with the Sulfurovum genus within Epsilonproteobacteria. The filaments were composed of a thick (> 200 nm) stable polysaccharide, representing a substantial fraction of organic carbon produced by primary production. An integrated –omics approach enabled us to assess the metabolic potential and in situ metabolism of individual taxonomic and morphological groups identified by imaging. Specifically, we provide evidence that organotrophic Bacteroidetes attach to and glide along the surface of Sulfurovum filaments utilizing organic polymers produced by the lithoautotrophic Sulfurovum. Furthermore, in situ expression of acetyl‐CoA synthetase by Sulfurovum suggested the ability to assimilate acetate, indicating recycling of organic matter in the biofilm. This study expands our understanding of the lifestyles of Epsilonproteobacteria in hydrothermal vents, their metabolic properties and co‐operative interactions in deep‐sea hydrothermal vent food webs.
Chronic illness as biographical contingency? Young people's experiences of asthma
Authors: Monaghan Lee F. , Gabe Jonathan
Published: July 2015

Much research on chronic illness, which views the experience as disruptive, is adult‐focused though there is an emerging literature on children's and young people's experiences. Drawing on 31 interviews conducted with young people diagnosed with asthma in south‐west Ireland, this article contributes to this literature. The sample includes boys (n = 15) and girls (n = 16) aged between 5 and 17 from the Irish Traveller community and the larger settled community. The study also explores the potential value of what might be called biographical contingency. This concept refers to the way in which a chronic illness may be an ‘only sometimes’ problem and takes account of the ‘now you see it, now you don't’ nature of a condition that varies in terms of its symptoms, meanings and consequences. In concluding, we consider the uses and limitations of this concept and the interpretivist paradigm that typically informs qualitative research on the illness experience.
Work or welfare after cancer? Explorations of identity and stigma
Authors: Moffatt Suzanne , Noble Emma
Published: July 2015

With increasing numbers of people living with cancer, a greater focus is required on the social consequences of the disease. This article explores the connections between cancer and employment and the constraints imposed by ill health and wider structural conditions. Narrative data from 23 people of working age with cancer in north‐east England collected longitudinally over 16 months highlight the impact of financial strain caused by temporary or permanent interruption to employment, and the positive benefits of an upstream welfare rights intervention in enabling participants to claim benefit entitlements and boost incomes. Returning to work, for those who were able, helped repair the disruption caused by the illness. For those unable to work, reliance on welfare benefits, while necessary, conferred a stigmatised identity that compounded the disruption wrought by cancer. While stigma occurs at the individual level, the structural dimensions of stigma need to be acknowledged in order to analyse the forces that cause, maintain and perpetuate the stigma associated with claiming welfare while ill. We conclude that current UK policies and welfare reforms to reduce sickness‐related welfare claims will lead to greater hardship during periods of ill health and increase inequalities.
The moral experience of illness and its impact on normalisation: Examples from narratives with Punjabi women living with rheumatoid arthritis in the UK
Authors: Sanderson Tessa , Calnan Michael , Kumar Kanta
Published: July 2015

The moral component of living with illness has been neglected in analyses of long‐term illness experiences. This article attempts to fill this gap by exploring the role of the moral experience of illness in mediating the ability of those living with a long‐term condition (LTC) to normalise. This is explored through an empirical study of women of Punjabi origin living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the UK. Sixteen informants were recruited through three hospitals in UK cities and interviews conducted and analysed using a grounded theory approach. The intersection between moral experience and normalisation, within the broader context of ethnic, gender and socioeconomic influences, was evident in the following: disruption of a core lived value (the centrality of family duty), beliefs about illness causation affecting informants’ ‘moral career’, and perceived discrimination in the workplace. The data illustrate the importance of considering an ethnic community's specific values and beliefs when understanding differences in adapting to LTCs and changing identities.
Contesting modernity: Tobacco use and romanticism among older Dai farmers in Xishuangbanna, China
Authors: Zhao Xiang , Davey Gareth
Published: July 2015

The majority of research about tobacco use in China focuses on Han Chinese, the main ethnic group comprising over 90 per cent of the population, and a paucity of research exists on ethnic minorities. The present study elucidates tobacco use among the Dai people, an ethnic group in Yunnan Province, Southwest China. The study design consisted of interviews and grounded theory methodology in a symbolic interactionist theoretical framework. The categories of the grounded theory revealed tobacco consumption was weaved in a complex web of meanings: social practices, perceptions of health, and work lives as agriculturalists, situated in Dai cultural and social milieu. An important finding was the stage‐managing of tobacco as a symbol of ‘tradition’ versus ‘modernity’: Through a process of contested modernity, the older men championed long‐standing tobacco customs as representative of Dai heritage and thus their own tobacco use as upholding traditions amid encroaching cultural and societal change in China. These findings are important because little is known about Dai people's tobacco use and how they are responding to social change. There are also implications for the development of culturally‐appropriate tobacco control strategies.
Assimilation of cholesterol and probiotic characterisation of yeast strains isolated from raw milk and fermented foods
Authors: Şanlidere Aloğlu Hatice , Demir Özer Ezgi , Öner Zübeyde
Published: July 2015

In this study, cholesterol assimilation ratios and some probiotic characteristics of yeasts were investigated. For this purpose, yeasts were isolated from milk and foods that were naturally fermented and not containing starter culture. In vitro cholesterol assimilation properties were determined in media. The Cholesterol assimilation by yeast strains ranged between 1.36 and 73.33%. Twenty‐one yeast strains showing high assimilation percentage were selected, and their acid tolerance, bile tolerance, bile salt deconjugation activity and survival in simulated gastrointestinal conditions were investigated. Among the strains assessed, 12 of them showed probiotic characteristics.
Pregnancy following Mustard or Senning correction of transposition of the great arteries: a retrospective study
Authors: Cataldo S , Doohan M , Rice K , Trinder J , Stuart AG , Curtis SL
Published: July 2015

Objective

To determine pregnancy outcome in women with atrial switch repair for transposition of the great arteries (TGA) and to compare follow up with a control group of childless women with the same repair.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Tertiary care medical centre.

Population

About 21 patients compared with 15 controls.

Methods

Review of records from joint cardiac‐obstetric clinic 1993–2013.

Main outcome measures

Occurrence of cardiovascular events: maternal death, heart failure, arrhythmia, thromboembolic events, worsening systemic ventricular function, worsening tricuspid valve regurgitation and newly detected baffle problems.

Results

There were 34 pregnancies in 21 women. Mean follow up was 100 months. No deaths or recurrence occurred. Events (few arrhythmias, thromboembolic events and baffle issues) were common in both groups: 13 (62%) patients and eight (53%) controls (P = 0.736). Worsening of ventricular function was similar in both groups: six (29%) patients and four (27%) controls (P = 0.899). Worsening tricuspid regurgitation was more common in patients [11 (52%)] than controls (0)] (P < 0.001). Labour was induced in 76% cases: 32% for cardiac deterioration, 37% to control timing of delivery, and 26% for intrauterine growth restriction. Delivery was vaginal in 84% cases. Median gestational age was 37 (30–40) weeks, median birthweight 2525 g (1460–3530). In all, 38% babies were premature and 38% were small‐for‐gestational‐age.

Conclusions

Cardiac events after atrial repair for TGA are equally common in pregnant women and non‐pregnant controls, although worsening tricuspid regurgitation occurs more frequently in pregnancy. Induction of labour is to be expected but vaginal delivery is achievable in most cases. Infants are likely to be premature and small‐for‐gestational‐age.

Tweetable abstract

Pregnancy in atrial repair for TGA: cardiac events similar to controls, prematurity and small babies likely.
Faculty of Clinical Forensic Medicine: A major development in clinical forensic medicine
Authors: Odell Morris
Published: July 2015

This article introduces the new Faculty of Clinical Forensic Medicine of the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia, describes the scope of Clinical Forensic Medicine, and discusses its relevance to Emergency Medicine. There are many situations where forensic issues are important in emergency practice and ACEM trainees have had access to a Victorian forensic medicine rotation for almost 20 years. The stage is now set for an expansion of Clinical Forensic Medicine services on a wider scale and for the discipline to eventually take its place as a recognised specialty.
Insect inventories in a mango‐based agroforestry area in Bangladesh: foraging behavior and performance of pollinators on fruit set
Authors: Amin Md Ruhul , Namni Shakura , Miah Md Ramiz Uddin , Miah Md Giashuddin , Zakaria Mohammad , Suh Sang Jae , Kwon Yong Jung
Published: July 2015

Insect species inventories along with pest prevalence, foraging behavior of pollinators and their effect on fruit set of mango were studied in a mango‐based agroforestry area in Bangladesh during January to June 2013. Of 1751 collected insects, 11 species in five orders and nine families were pests, 13 species in six orders and eight families were predators and eight species belonging to three orders and seven families were found as pollinators. The pests exerted significantly higher abundance but lower diversity than pollinator, predator and other insects. The pollinator richness was found to be lowest but showed higher as well as similar diversity to other category insects. Three pest species prevailed throughout the season and hoppers showed significant abundance. Among the predators, ants were most abundant. Sulphur butterfly and syrphid fly revealed statistically identical and higher abundance than other pollinators. During the flowering season, pests were dominant and the abundance of insects was observed to peak at 11.00 h. The pollinators differed in their landing duration on flowers and their activity led to higher levels of fruit set. This study provides baseline information on insect abundance in an agroforestry system, which stresses the importance of conservation of beneficial insects.
Risk factors for small bowel bleeding in chronic nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug users
Authors: Cho Kyu‐Man , Park Seon‐Young , Chung Jin Ook , Jun Chung‐Hwan , Kim Tae‐Jong , Son Dong‐Jun , Kim Ban‐Suk , Park Chang‐Hwan , Kim Hyun‐Soo , Choi Sung‐Kyu , Rew Jong‐Sun
Published: July 2015

Objective

The incidence of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)‐induced enteropathy is currently increasing. However, the predictors of small bowel bleeding (SBB) associated with NSAIDs are unknown. This study aimed to assess the risk factors of SBB in chronic NSAIDs users.

Methods

We retrospectively compared the medical records of 147 patients receiving NSAIDs in a tertiary‐care setting (31 with SBB and 116 without previous bleeding events) and analyzed the predictors of SBB.

Results

In total, 31 patients underwent video capsule endoscopy to detect SBB, 74.2% of whom showed the evidence of SBB. Non‐invasive treatment was performed in 90.3% of the patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the presence of coronary artery disease [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 12.43, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.19–130.34, P = 0.04], use of thienopyridine (aOR 16.93, 95% CI 3.78–75.72, P < 0.001) and prior use of rebamipide (aOR 0.31, 95% CI 0.12–0.82, P = 0.02) were independently associated with SBB in NSAIDs users.

Conclusions

Coronary artery disease and co‐use of thienopyridine were associated with SBB in NSAIDs users. The patients with coronary artery disease co‐using thienopyridine need to be monitored for the occurrence of SBB when they were prescribed with NSAIDs.
Syncytial giant cell hepatitis in a patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Gupta Neil , Njei Basile
Published: July 2015

While it commonly occurs in the pediatric population, syncytial giant cell hepatitis is rare in adults, which is diagnosed histologically by the presence of multinucleated cells in the liver. The literature has recorded only approximately one hundred cases in adults during the past two decades in whom malignancy is rarely associated with giant cell hepatitis. Our patient is a 66‐year‐old woman who was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and subsequently developed syncytial giant cell hepatitis. This disease is usually linked to virus infection, autoimmune diseases, and drug medications. The association between CLL and giant cell hepatitis is rare, with only three cases reported. In most cases viral particles on electron microscopy are reported and the patients usually have a history of chemotherapy and hypogammaglobulinemia. Unlike such cases, our patient developed giant cell hepatitis in the absence of such confounding variables. The treatment for our patient was a high‐dose corticosteroid and rituxan, with improvement in liver enzymes.
The Effect of Atorvastatin on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Bromocriptine‐Treated Premenopausal Women with Isolated Hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Krysiak Robert , Gilowski Wojciech , Szkrobka Witold , Okopien Bogusław
Published: July 2015

Aims

Hyperprolactinemia is often associated with hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance, atherogenic dyslipidemia, and subclinical atherosclerosis. Dopamine agonists were found to reduce the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and cardiometabolic risk. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of statin therapy on cardiovascular risk factors between patients treated with a dopamine agonist and patients treated with metformin.

Methods

The study included two age‐, weight‐, lipid‐, and prolactin level‐matched groups of premenopausal women with hypecholesterolemia and a history of hyperprolactinemia: patients treated with bromocriptine (5.0–7.5 mg daily, n = 14) and subjects receiving metformin (1.7–2.55 g daily, n = 17). Plasma prolactin, lipids, glucose homeostasis markers, and plasma levels of cardiometabolic risk factors were assessed before and after 12 weeks of atorvastatin treatment.

Results

Baseline levels of the investigated variables were similar in women treated with bromocriptine and metformin. Apart from lowering total and LDL cholesterol, atorvastatin decreased plasma levels of uric acid, hsCRP, homocysteine, and fibrinogen, with no difference between treatment groups.

Conclusions

The obtained results suggest that the effect of atorvastatin on plasma lipids and circulating levels of cardiometabolic risk factors does not differ between patients receiving bromocriptine and metformin. Bromocriptine–statin combination therapy may be an alternative to metformin–statin combination therapy in hypercholesterolemic patients with glucose metabolism abnormalities in whom metformin administration is either contraindicated or results in adverse effects.
Conditional returns to shareholders of bidding firms: an Australian study
Authors: Akhtar Farida
Published: July 2015

This study examines the importance of the self‐selection problem when evaluating returns to bidder firms around announcement events. Takeover announcements are not random because managers decide rationally whether to bid or not, which indicates announcements are timed; consequently, in the presence of the sample selection problem, standard ordinary least square estimates are biased. Using a conditional model, the results indicate that after controlling for the self‐selection bias effect, shareholders of bidder firms make normal returns. In sum, failing to account for sample selection bias may lead to erroneous conclusions about a bidder's true economic wealth effects around an announcement event.
Revision of Panaetius Stål (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Acanthosomatidae) from Australia, including the description of two new species and phylogenetic analysis
Authors: Wang Xiao‐Jing , Liu Guo‐Qing , Cassis Gerasimos
Published: July 2015

The pentatomoid family Acanthosomatidae is best known for maternal care, and their behaviour is a favoured subject of evolutionary biologists. Despite this interest, knowledge of the taxonomy of Australian acanthosomatid is cursory and their biology has not been investigated. A significant taxonomic impediment exists for Australian acanthosomatids, and many new species await description, and when fully documented Australia will in all likelihood be the centre of diversity for this family. In line with this, the Australian acanthosomatid genus Panaetius (Blaudusinae: Blaudusini) is revised, P. lobulatus Stål and P. trabifer Horváth are redescribed, and two new species are described: Panaetius eliasi sp. nov. and P. laevicornis sp. nov. A key to species is provided. The male and female genitalia are illustrated. The plant associations of Panaetius are documented, and a fern host plant is documented for P. eliasi. A phylogenetic analysis of Panaetius establishes its monophyly, and the ingroup relationships are fully resolved, with P. laevicornis sister to all other species of Panaetius.
Comparison of chemiluminescent immunoassay and ELISA for measles IgG and IgM
Authors: de Ory Fernando , Minguito Teodora , Balfagón Pilar , Sanz Juan C.
Published: July 2015

In the context of measles elimination, the identification of recent infections is important for clinical laboratories. Serological diagnosis is achieved by detecting specific IgG and IgM. Recently an automated chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) (Liaison, DiaSorin, Italy) has been used to quantify the measles antibody. The aim of this study was to compare this assay with Enzygnost ELISA (Siemens, Germany), with final classification of discrepancies by indirect immunofluorescence (Euroimmun, Germany). For measles IgM, 204 sera were analyzed: 50 IgM‐positive, 104 IgM‐negative/IgG‐positive, and 50 from other viral infections (B19V, rubella, mumps, CMV, and EBV). For the measles IgG assay, 162 samples were tested: 106 were positive and 56 were negative. For measles IgM, the sensitivity and specificity of CLIA against ELISA were 94% (95% CI: 83.2–98.6) and 100% (95% CI: 97.1–100), respectively; the corrected figures after the final classification of discrepancies were 100% (95% CI: 91.0–100) and 99.4% (95% CI: 96.1–100), respectively. In relation to IgG, the sensitivity and specificity of CLIA against ELISA were, respectively, 97.2% (95% CI: 91.7–99.4) and 92.9% (95% CI: 82.5–97.7), and 95.5% (95% CI: 89.5–98.3) and 100% (95% CI: 91.8–100) after the final classification. CLIA showed excellent sensitivity and specificity in detecting measles IgG and IgM antibodies, eliminating the need to aliquot specimens before carrying out the assay.
Chemotherapy‐driven dysbiosis in the intestinal microbiome
Authors: Montassier E. , Gastinne T. , Vangay P. , Al‐Ghalith G. A. , Bruley des Varannes S. , Massart S. , Moreau P. , Potel G. , de La Cochetière M. F. , Batard E. , Knights D.
Published: July 2015

Background

Chemotherapy is commonly used as myeloablative conditioning treatment to prepare patients for haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Chemotherapy leads to several side effects, with gastrointestinal (GI) mucositis being one of the most frequent. Current models of GI mucositis pathophysiology are generally silent on the role of the intestinal microbiome.

Aim

To identify functional mechanisms by which the intestinal microbiome may play a key role in the pathophysiology of GI mucositis, we applied high‐throughput DNA‐sequencing analysis to identify microbes and microbial functions that are modulated following chemotherapy.

Methods

We amplified and sequenced 16S rRNA genes from faecal samples before and after chemotherapy in 28 patients with non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma who received the same myeloablative conditioning regimen and no other concomitant therapy such as antibiotics.

Results

We found that faecal samples collected after chemotherapy exhibited significant decreases in abundances of Firmicutes (P = 0.0002) and Actinobacteria (P = 0.002) and significant increases in abundances of Proteobacteria (P = 0.0002) compared to samples collected before chemotherapy. Following chemotherapy, patients had reduced capacity for nucleotide metabolism (P = 0.0001), energy metabolism (P = 0.001), metabolism of cofactors and vitamins (P = 0.006), and increased capacity for glycan metabolism (P = 0.0002), signal transduction (P = 0.0002) and xenobiotics biodegradation (P = 0.002).

Conclusions

Our study identifies a severe compositional and functional imbalance in the gut microbial community associated with chemotherapy‐induced GI mucositis. The functional pathways implicated in our analysis suggest potential directions for the development of intestinal microbiome‐targeted interventions in cancer patients.
Marginal Bayesian Nonparametric Model for Time to Disease Arrival of Threatened Amphibian Populations
Authors: Zhou Haiming , Hanson Timothy , Knapp Roland
Published: July 2015

The global emergence of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) has caused the extinction of hundreds of amphibian species worldwide. It has become increasingly important to be able to precisely predict time to Bd arrival in a population. The data analyzed herein present a unique challenge in terms of modeling because there is a strong spatial component to Bd arrival time and the traditional proportional hazards assumption is grossly violated. To address these concerns, we develop a novel marginal Bayesian nonparametric survival model for spatially correlated right-censored data. This class of models assumes that the logarithm of survival times marginally follow a mixture of normal densities with a linear-dependent Dirichlet process prior as the random mixing measure, and their joint distribution is induced by a Gaussian copula model with a spatial correlation structure. To invert high-dimensional spatial correlation matrices, we adopt a full-scale approximation that can capture both large- and small-scale spatial dependence. An efficient Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm with delayed rejection is proposed for posterior computation, and an R package spBayesSurv is provided to fit the model. This approach is first evaluated through simulations, then applied to threatened frog populations in Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park.
How forgiveness promotes offender pro‐relational intentions: The mediating role of offender gratitude
Authors: Mooney Louise , Strelan Peter , McKee Ian
Published: July 2015

Although relationship restoration is an important outcome of forgiveness, little is known about how forgiveness facilitates such an outcome. In addition, in forgiveness research, little attention is paid to the perspective of the offender. We address these two shortcomings simultaneously, testing the idea that forgiveness promotes offender gratitude, which in turn encourages offender pro‐relational intentions. Across three experimental studies, participants were induced to believe they had transgressed; recalled a time when they had transgressed; and imagined transgressing. In studies 1 and 2, forgiveness was manipulated; in Study 3, victim motivation for forgiving was manipulated. State gratitude – in comparison with guilt, indebtedness, and positive affect – was consistently found to play the primary mediating role between forgiveness and pro‐relational intentions.
Synergistic effect of targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor and hyaluronan synthesis in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells
Authors: Kretschmer I , Freudenberger T , Twarock S , Fischer J W
Published: July 2015

Background and Purpose

Worldwide, oesophageal cancer is the eighth most common cancer and has a very poor survival rate. In order to identify new tolerable treatment options for oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), erlotinib was tested with moderate efficacy in phase I and II studies. As 4‐methylumbelliferone (4‐MU), an hyaluronan (HA) synthesis inhibitor showed anti‐cancer effects in vitro, and in ESCC xenograft tumours, we investigated whether the anti‐cancer effects of erlotinib could be augmented by combining it with 4‐MU.

Experimental Approach

ESCC cell lines were treated with erlotinib or gefitinib (1 μmol·L−1) and 4‐MU (300 μmol·L−1), and the cell count, cell cycle progression and migration were determined as compared to the single agents and the solvent‐control.

Key Results

The combination of erlotinib and 4‐MU synergistically inhibited the proliferation of ESCC cell lines. Furthermore, the migration speed of ESCC cell line KYSE‐410 in gap closure assays was significantly reduced by the combination of erlotinib and 4‐MU. Decreased ERK phosphorylation could explain the anti‐proliferative and anti‐migratory effects in the combined treatment group. Finally, the combination was additionally able to decrease the growth of multicellular tumour spheroids, a three‐dimensional cell culture model that was associated with sustained inhibition of ERK1/2 phosphorylation.

Conclusions and Implications

The combination of 4‐MU and erlotinib showed promising anti‐cancer efficacies in the ESCC cell lines.
Dysregulated post‐transcriptional control of COX‐2 gene expression in gestational diabetic endothelial cells
Authors: Di Francesco Luigia , Dovizio Melania , Trenti Annalisa , Marcantoni Emanuela , Moore Ashleigh , O'Gaora Peadar , McCarthy Cathal , Tacconelli Stefania , Bruno Annalisa , Alberti Sara , Gizzo Salvatore , Nardelli Giovanni Battista , Orso Genny , Belton Orina , Trevisi Lucia , Dixon Dan A , Patrignani Paola
Published: July 2015

Background and Purpose

Hyperglycaemic memory describes the progression of diabetic complications during subsequent periods of improved glycaemia. We addressed the hypothesis that transient hyperglycaemia causes aberrant COX‐2 expression in HUVEC in response to IL‐1β through the induction of long‐lasting epigenetic changes involving microRNA‐16 (miR‐16), a post‐transcriptional modulator of COX‐2 expression.

Experimental Approach

Studies were performed on HUVEC collected from women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) (dHUVEC) and normal women (nHUVEC).

Key Results

In dHUVEC treated with IL‐1β, the expression of COX‐2 mRNA and protein was enhanced and generation of prostanoids increased (the most abundant was the promitogenic PGF2α). COX‐2 mRNA was more stable in dHUVEC and this was associated with miR‐16 down‐regulation and c‐Myc induction (a suppressor of miR expression). dHUVEC showed increased proliferation in response to IL‐1β, which was prevented by a COX‐2 inhibitor and PGF2α receptor antagonist. Comparable changes in COX‐2 mRNA, miR‐16 and c‐Myc detected in dHUVEC were produced in nHUVEC exposed to transient high glucose and then stimulated with IL‐1β under physiological glucose levels; superoxide anion production was enhanced under these experimental conditions.

Conclusions and Implications

Our results describe a possible mechanism operating in GDM that links the enhanced superoxide anion production and epigenetic changes, associated with hyperglycaemic memory, to endothelial dysfunction through dysregulated post‐transcriptional control of COX‐2 gene expression in response to inflammatory stimuli. The association of conventional therapy for glycaemic control with agents affecting inflammatory responses and oxidative stress might lead to a more effective prevention of the complications associated with GDM.
Parent–adolescent relationship in youths with a chronic condition
Authors: Christin A. , Akre C. , Berchtold A. , Suris J. C.
Published: July 2015

Background

Suffering from a chronic disease or disability (CDD) during adolescence can be a burden for both the adolescents and their parents. The aim of the present study is to assess how living with a CDD during adolescence, the quality of parent–adolescent relationship (PAR) and the adolescent's psychosocial development interact with each other.

Methods

Using the Swiss Multicenter Adolescent Survey on Health 2002 (SMASH02) database, we compared adolescents aged 16–20 years with a CDD (n = 760) with their healthy peers (n = 6493) on sociodemographics, adolescents' general and psychosocial health, interparental relationship and PAR.

Results

Bivariate analyses showed that adolescents with a CDD had a poorer psychosocial health and a more difficult relationship with their parents.

The log‐linear model indirectly linked CDD and poor PAR through four variables: two of the adolescents' psychosocial health variables (suicide attempt and sensation seeking), the need for help regarding difficulties with parents and a highly educated mother that acted as a protective factor, allowing for a better parent–adolescent with a CDD relationship.

Conclusion

It is essential for health professionals taking care of adolescents with a CDD to distinguish between issues in relation with the CDD from other psychosocial difficulties, in order to help these adolescents and their parents deal with them appropriately and thus maintain a healthy PAR.
Poor memory B cell generation contributes to non-protective responses to DTaP vaccine antigens in otitis-prone children
Authors: Basha S , Pichichero M E
Published: July 2015

We recently identified a cohort of children with recurrent episodes of acute otitis media (AOM) who fail to generate protective antibody titres to otopathogens and several vaccine antigens. In this study we determined the antibody levels against DTaP vaccine antigens, diphtheria toxoid (DT), tetanus toxoid (TT) and acellular pertussis toxoid (PT) in sera from 15 stringently defined otitis-prone (sOP) children and 20 non-otitis-prone (NOP) children. We found significantly lower concentrations of immunoglobulin (Ig)G antibodies against vaccine antigens in the serum of sOP children compared to age-matched NOP children. To elucidate immunological cellular responses to the vaccines in these children, we investigated memory B cell responses to DTaP vaccination. We used fluorescently conjugated vaccine antigens to label antigen receptors on the surface of memory B cells and examined the frequency of antigen-specific CD19+ CD27+ memory B cells in the peripheral blood. sOP children showed a significantly lower percentage of antigen-specific CD19+ CD27+ memory B cells than NOP children. We also found a linear correlation between the frequencies of memory B cells and circulating IgG titres for DT, TT and PT proteins. To our knowledge, this is the first study to show significant differences in memory B cell responses to DTaP vaccine antigens and their correlation with the circulating antibodies in young children with recurrent AOM.
Regulatory T cells and minimal change nephropathy: in the midst of a complex network
Authors: Bertelli R , Bonanni A , Di Donato A , Cioni M , Ravani P , Ghiggeri G M
Published: July 2015

Minimal change nephrosis (MCN) is an important cause of morbidity in children. In spite of successful therapies having been developed in the last three decades, most aspects related to pathogenesis still remain poorly defined. Evolution in basic immunology and results deriving from animal models of the disease suggest a complex interaction of factors and cells starting from activation of innate immunity and continuing with antigen presentation. Oxidants, CD80 and CD40/CD40L have probably a relevant role at the start. Studies in animal models and in human beings also suggest the possibility that the same molecules (i.e. CD80, CD40) are expressed by podocytes under inflammatory stimuli, representing a direct potential mechanism for proteinuria. B and T cells could play a relevant role this contest. Implication of B cells is suggested indirectly by studies utilizing anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies as the main therapy. The role of regulatory T cells (Tregs) is supported mainly by results in animal models of nephrotic syndrome (i.e. adriamycin, puromycin, lipopolysaccharide), showing a protective effect of direct Treg infusion or stimulation by interleukin 2 (IL-2). Limited studies have also shown reduced amounts of circulating Tregs in patients with active MCN cells. The route from bench to bedside would be reduced if results from animal models were confirmed in human pathology. The expansion of Tregs with recombinant IL-2 and new anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies is the beginning. Blocking antigen-presenting cells with cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen (CTLA-4)–Ig fusion molecules inhibiting CD80 and/or with blockers of CD40–CD40 ligand interaction represent potential new approaches. The hope is that evolution in therapies of MCN could fill a gap lasting 30 years.
New insight of functional molecular imaging into the atheroma biology: 18F‐NaF and 18F‐FDG in symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid plaques after recent CVA. Preliminary results
Authors: Quirce R. , Martínez‐Rodríguez I. , Banzo I. , Jiménez‐Bonilla J. , Martínez‐Amador N. , Ibáñez‐Bravo S. , López‐Defilló J. , Jiménez‐Alonso M. , Revilla M. A. , Carril J. M.
Published: July 2015

Aim

The identification of the vulnerable atheroma plaque could allow a more effective treatment of cerebrovascular accident (CVA). Active calcification and inflammation of the carotid atheroma were assessed and compared in symptomatic and asymptomatic plaques by 18F‐NaF and 18F‐FDG PET/CT.

Methods

Nine patients investigated for recent CVA and no preventive treatment with statins were enrolled. In each patient, at least one atheroma plaque was detected by CT angiogram. In total, 18 plaques were available: 9 symptomatic and 9 asymptomatic. 18F‐NaF uptake and 18F‐FDG uptake by each plaque were assessed visually and semiquantitatively by calculating target/background ratios (TBRs) and TBR indexes (TBR symptomatic/TBR asymptomatic and 18F‐NaF TBR/18F‐FDG TBR within each of the 2 clinical groups of plaques).

Results

All plaques showed 18F‐NaF and 18F‐FDG uptake, and semiquantitation showed higher 18F‐NaF uptake by 11 of the 18 plaques, 6 symptomatic and 5 asymptomatic. In the symptomatic group, the mean 18F‐NaF TBR was 2·12 ± 0·44, and in the asymptomatic group, it was 1·85 ± 0·46. The 18F‐NaF/18F‐FDG showed that, overall, 18F‐NaF uptake is higher than 18F‐FDG. In the symptomatic plaques, the 18F‐NaF was higher for the low calcium content and the lowest for the high.

Conclusion

Active calcification and inflammation are simultaneous processes in the symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid atheroma. However, active calcification seems predominant over inflammation in both groups. In the symptomatic plaques, the highest 18F‐NaF uptake does not correspond with the largest calcium content. These patterns open new insights on the role of 18F‐NaF in the study of calcification and in the identification of the vulnerable carotid atheroma.
A diagnostic predicament: activated sarcoidosis or pulmonary histoplasmosis. A case report
Authors: Lingscheid Tilman , von Heinz Marie , Klages Birgit , Rickerts Volker , Tintelnot Kathrin , Gerhold Manuela , Oestmann Jörg‐Wilhelm , Becker Markus , Temmesfeld‐Wollbrück Bettina , Suttorp Norbert , Hübner Ralf‐Harto
Published: July 2015

We report a case of a 41‐year‐old man presenting with persisting fevers over 2 weeks. The patient had spent 4 weeks in Central America. He was in control of a stable stage II sarcoidosis. Laboratory and various microbiological tests as well as chest radiography led to no diagnosis. Activated sarcoidosis was hypothesized as the most likely diagnosis. However, we considered an infectious process as a differential diagnosis, in detail, the travel history imposed histoplasmosis. Chest‐CT documented localized interstitial consolidations. Bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and biopsy was performed. Results of BAL fluid, biopsy, distinct sarcoidosis serum markers and a borderline positive histoplasmosis‐serology yielded in a diagnostic dilemma as no distinct diagnosis was drawable. After the patient was already started on a prednisolone trial, the final diagnosis – pulmonary histoplasmosis – could be achieved via positive culture and PCR out of the BAL fluid. This case shows the difficult differentiation between an acute exacerbation of a chronic pulmonary disease and a concomitant infection, which was especially aggravated in this case as the histoplasmosis masqueraded an acute picture of sarcoidosis.
Computerized working memory training has positive long‐term effect in very low birthweight preschool children
Authors: Grunewaldt Kristine Hermansen , Skranes Jon , Brubakk Ann‐Mari , Lähaugen Gro C C
Published: July 2015

Aim

Working memory deficits are frequently found in children born preterm and have been linked to learning disabilities, and cognitive and behavioural problems. Our aim was to evaluate if a computerized working memory training program has long‐term positive effects on memory, learning, and behaviour in very‐low‐birthweight (VLBW) children at age 5 to 6 years.

Method

This prospective, intervention study included 20 VLBW preschool children in the intervention group and 17 age‐matched, non‐training VLBW children in the comparison group. The intervention group trained with the Cogmed JM working memory training program daily for 5 weeks (25 training sessions). Extensive neuropsychological assessment and parental questionnaires were performed 4 weeks after intervention and at follow‐up 7 months later. For most of the statistical analyses, general linear models were applied.

Results

At follow‐up, higher scores and increased or equal performance gain were found in the intervention group than the comparison group on memory for faces (p=0.012), narrative memory (p=0.002), and spatial span (p=0.003). No group differences in performance gain were found for attention and behaviour.

Interpretation

Computerized working memory training seems to have positive and persisting effects on working memory, and visual and verbal learning, at 7‐month follow‐up in VLBW preschool children. We speculate that such training is beneficial by improving the ability to learn from the teaching at school and for further cognitive development.
Arteriosclerosis and vascular calcification: causes, clinical assessment and therapy
Authors: Tölle Markus , Reshetnik Alexander , Schuchardt Mirjam , Höhne Matthias , van der Giet Markus
Published: July 2015

Background

Arteriosclerosis is a pathological, structural (media vascular calcification) and physiological (modified vascular smooth vessel cells; increased arterial stiffness) alteration of the vessel wall. Through improved assessment methods (functional and imaging), it has become a well‐known phenomenon in recent decades. However, its clinical importance was underestimated until recently.

Materials and methods

Currently available English‐speaking data about conditions/diseases associated with arteriosclerosis, its clinical sequels, available diagnostic procedures and therapeutic modalities were reviewed and summarized.

Results

In recent decades, emerging data have brought about a better understanding of causes and consequences of arteriosclerosis and highlight its growing clinical impact.

Conclusion

Although arteriosclerosis showed an independent clinical impact on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, especially in patients with chronic kidney disease/end‐stage renal disease (CKD/ESRD) and diabetes mellitus, convincing clinical therapy concepts are not available until now. The establishment of novel therapeutic strategies derived from basic research is strongly needed.