bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overqualification, mismatched qualification, and hiring decisions
Authors: Kulkarni Mukta , Lengnick-Hall Mark L. , Martinez Patricia G.
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine how employers define overqualification and mismatched qualification and whether they are willing to hire applicants whose educational and work experience credentials do not match job requirements.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper draws from qualitative interview data from 24 hiring managers across a wide range of US public sector and private industries. Data were analyzed and coded to identify themes related to managers’ perceptions of overqualification, matched, and mismatched qualification, and how these were related to selection decisions. A typology is proposed for categorizing applicant qualification levels and their potential human resource outcomes such as hiring decisions.

Findings

– Hiring managers report that they are willing to interview and hire individuals whose education or experience exceed a job’s requirements as well as applicants with less than required education, but only if they possess sufficient compensatory experience.

Research limitations/implications

– Findings may not apply to industries where minimum educational levels are essential or to small organizations with few opportunities for career advancement.

Social implications

– Given current unemployment and underemployment levels, the findings can inform the job search strategies of job seekers. Overqualified applicants should not refrain from applying to job openings, particularly in organizations with opportunities for advancement and where education is considered an asset. Additionally, applicants should reveal their motivations for pursing positions that are intentional mismatches.

Originality/value

– In contrast to previous studies conducted during periods of lower unemployment and underemployment, these data include managers’ perceptions of overqualification in a recession and post-recession job market context and thus are especially relevant to today’s employment context. The proposed typology distinguishes between categorizations of qualified, overqualified, and underqualified, and helps refine studies aimed at selection decisions.
Organizational/occupational commitment and organizational/occupational turnover intentions
Authors: Yousaf Amna , Sanders Karin , Abbas Qaisar
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to draw meaningful relationship between two foci of commitment (i.e. affective organizational and affective occupational) and two types of turnover intentions (i.e. organizational and occupational turnover intention).

Design/methodology/approach

– Using random sampling approach, the authors collected data from both academic and support staff of a Dutch university. An online questionnaire was developed and sent through electronic mail to 752 of the total employees. A total of 153 employees responded; yielding approximately 21 percent response rate.

Findings

– The results revealed that affective organizational commitment and affective occupational commitment were positively related to each other. Affective organizational commitment was negatively related to organizational turnover intention and this relationship was buffered by affective occupational commitment. Affective occupational commitment was negatively related both to occupational and organizational turnover intention. Last study hypothesis, however, could not gain support as affective organizational commitment did not moderate the affective occupational commitment-occupational turnover intention relationship.

Research limitations/implications

– Theoretical and practical implications of the study are discussed in the end.

Originality/value

– The study poses some valuable contributions to the existing body of literature by exhibiting the role affective occupational commitment in the models of organizational turnover intention and that of affective organizational commitment in occupational turnover intention models which has been over looked so far.
Does the financial crisis influence the month and the trading month effects?
Authors: Vasileiou Evangelos , Samitas Aristeidis
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to examine the month and the trading month effects under changing financial trends. The Greek stock market was chosen to implement the authors' assumptions because during the period 2002-2012, there were clear and long-term periods of financial growth and recession. Thus, the authors examine whether the financial trends influence not only the Greek stock market’s returns, but also its anomalies.

Design/methodology/approach

– Daily financial data from the Athens Exchange General Index for the period 2002-2012 are used. The sample is separated into two sub-periods: the financial growth sub-period (2002-2007), and the financial recession sub-period (2008-2012). Several linear and non-linear models were applied to find which is the most appropriate, and the results suggested that the T-GARCH model better fits the sample.

Findings

– The empirical results show that changing economic and financial conditions influence the calendar effects. The trading month effect, especially, completely changes in each fortnight following the financial trend. Regarding the January effect, which is the most popular month effect, the results confirm its existence during the growth period, but during the recession period, we find that it fades. Therefore, by examining the aforementioned calendar effects in different periods, different conclusions may be reached, perhaps because the financial trends’ influence is ignored.

Research limitations/implications

– The empirical results confirm the authors' assumption that a possible explanation for the controversial empirical findings regarding the calendar anomalies may be the different financial trends. However, these are some primary results that are confirmed only for the Greek case. Further empirical research for deeper stock markets and/or a group of countries may be useful to reach conclusions regarding the financial trends’ influence on the calendar anomalies patterns.

Practical implications

– The findings are helpful to anyone who invests and deals with the Greek stock market. Moreover, they may pave the way for an alternative calendar anomalies research approach, proving useful for investors who take these anomalies into account when they plan their investment strategy.

Originality/value

– This paper contributes to the literature by presenting an alternative methodological approach regarding the calendar anomalies study and a new explanation for the calendar effects existence/fade through time by examining the calendar anomalies patterns under a changing economic environment and financial trends.
Implementing person centred dementia care: a musical intervention
Authors: Argyle Elaine , Kelly Tony
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– Recent years have seen the advocacy of person-centred approaches to dementia care. An important component of this approach has been the use of arts in the promotion of health and well-being. However, relatively little attention has been given to the barriers and facilitators experienced in trying to implement these types of interventions in a dementia care setting. It is therefore, the purpose of this paper is to help to redress this neglect by examining the process of implementing a personalised musical intervention for the clients of a specialist dementia home care service.

Design/methodology/approach

– Drawing on interviews with five project stakeholders, the paper examines, not only the potential benefits to be gained from the musical intervention but also identifies the barriers experienced in its implementation and ways in which they could be overcome.

Findings

– It was found that although the musical intervention had a potentially positive impact, there were multi-levelled barriers to its implementation including issues of training, leadership as well as contextual issues such as commissioning and resourcing more generally.

Originality/value

– The key role played by these issues in the process of implementation suggests that practice should transcend its focus on individual wellbeing and address the wider factors that can facilitate or prevent its fulfilment. While the multi-levelled nature of the obstacles identified suggest that the implementation of innovative interventions within health and social care settings should adopt a similarly eclectic approach.
Novel FLG null mutations in Korean patients with atopic dermatitis and comparison of the mutational spectra in Asian populations
Authors: Park Joonhong , Jekarl Dong Wook , Kim Yonggoo , Kim Jiyeon , Kim Myungshin , Park Young Min
Published: May 2015

Filaggrin is essential for the development of the skin barrier. Mutations in the gene encoding filaggrin have been identified as major predisposing factors for atopic disorders. Molecular analysis of the FLG gene in this study showed nine null and one unclassified mutation in 13 of 81 Korean patients with atopic dermatitis (AD): five novel null mutations (i.e. p.S1405*, c.5671_5672delinsTA, p.W1947*, p.G2025* and p.E3070*); four reported null mutations (i.e. c.3321delA, p.S1515*, p.S3296* and p.K4022*); and one unclassified mutation (i.e. c.306delAAAGCACAG). These variants are nonsense, premature termination codon or in‐frame deletion expected to cause loss‐of‐function of FLG. Genotype–phenotype correlation is not obvious in Korean AD patients with FLG null mutations. According to a review of the mutational spectra of the FLG gene in the Asian populations, FLG null mutations appeared to be unique in each population but some mutations such as p.R501*, c.3321delA, p.S1515*, p.S3296* and p.K4022* were commonly found in at least two of the selected Asian populations including Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Singaporean Chinese or Taiwanese. Further investigations on a larger group of Korean AD would be necessary to elucidate its clinical pathogenesis and mutational spectrum related to specific FLG null mutations for AD.
A Potential Use of 3‐D Scanning to Evaluate the Chemical Composition of Pork Meat
Authors: Adamczak Lech , Chmiel Marta , Florowski Tomasz , Pietrzak Dorota , Witkowski Marcin , Barczak Tomasz
Published: May 2015

The aim of this study was to determine the possibility of 3‐D scanning method in chemical composition evaluation of pork meat. The sampling material comprised neck muscles (1000 g each) obtained from 20 pork carcasses. The volumetric estimation process of the elements was conducted on the basis of point cloud collected using 3‐D scanner. Knowing the weight of neck muscles, their density was calculated which was subsequently correlated with the content of basic chemical components of the pork meat (water, protein and fat content, determined by standard methods). The significant correlations (P ≤ 0.05) between meat density and water (r = 0.5213), protein (r = 0.5887), and fat (r = −0.6601) content were obtained. Based on the obtained results it seems likely to employ the 3‐D scanning method to compute the meat chemical composition.
The Use of a Video Laryngoscope by Emergency Medicine Residents Is Associated With a Reduction in Esophageal Intubations in the Emergency Department
Authors: Sakles John C. , Javedani Parisa P. , Chase Eric , Garst‐Orozco Jessica , Guillen‐Rodriguez Jose M. , Stolz Uwe
Published: May 2015

Objectives

The purpose of this investigation was to compare the incidence of esophageal intubations (EIs) when emergency medicine (EM) residents used a direct laryngoscope (DL) versus a video laryngoscope (VL) for intubation attempts in the emergency department (ED).

Methods

Prospectively collected continuous quality improvement data on tracheal intubations performed byEMresidents in an academicEDover a 6‐year period were retrospectively analyzed. Following each intubation,EMresidents completed a data form with patient, intubation, and operator characteristics. Data collected included the method of intubation, drugs used, device(s) used, number of attempts, outcome of each attempt, occurrence ofEIs, and occurrence of adverse events (hypoxemia, aspiration, dysrhythmia, hypotension, and cardiac arrest). The incidence ofEIwas compared between intubation attempts with aDLand with aVL(GlideScope®or C‐MAC®). Propensity score matching and conditional logistic regression were used to analyze the association between the intubation device (DLvs.VL) andEI.

Results

Over the 6‐year period, 2,677 patients underwent 3,425 intubation attempts byEMresidents with a DL or a VL. ADLwas used in 1,530 attempts (44.7%) and aVLwas used in 1,895 attempts (55.3%). There were 96 recognizedEIs (2.8%). The incidence ofEIwhen using aDLwas 78 of 1,530 attempts (5.1%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.1% to 6.3%) and when using aVLwas 18 of 1,895 attempts (1.0%; 95%CI = 0.6% to 1.5%). Based on the propensity score matched analysis, the odds ratio for the occurrence of anEIforDLversusVLwas 6.9 (95%CI = 3.3 to 14.4). Patients who had inadvertentEIs had a higher incidence of adverse events (49.5%; 95%CI = 38.9% to 60.0%) than patients in whichEIdid not occur (19.8%; 95%CI = 18.3% to 21.4%).

Conclusions

The use of aVLbyEMresidents during an intubation attempt in theEDwas associated with significantly fewerEIs compared to when aDLwas used. Patients who had inadvertentEIs had significantly more adverse events than those who did not haveEIs.EMresidency training programs should consider usingVLs forEDintubations to maximize patient safety whenEMresidents are performing intubation.
Association Between Male Sex and Increased Mortality After Falls
Authors: Nakada Taka‐aki , Nakao Shota , Mizushima Yasuaki , Matsuoka Tetsuya
Published: May 2015

Objectives

Whether sex affects the mortality of trauma patients remains unknown. The hypothesis of this study was that sex was associated with altered mortality rates in trauma.

Methods

A retrospective review of trauma patients’ records in the Japan Trauma Data Bank was conducted (n = 80,813) from 185 major emergency hospitals across Japan. The primary outcome variable was in‐hospital mortality within 28 days. Secondary outcome variables included serious injuries to different body regions with an Abbreviated Injury Scale of ≥3.

Results

In the analysis of 80,813 trauma patients, males had significantly greater 28‐day mortality compared to females (adjusted p = 0.0072, odds ratio [OR] = 1.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.06 to 1.23) via logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, mechanism, Injury Severity Score, Revised Trauma Score, and potential preexisting risk factors. Of 10 injury categories examined, sex significantly affected in‐hospital 28‐day mortality rate in falls (adjusted p < 0.0001, OR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.19 to 1.52). Further analysis of three fall subcategories by falling distance revealed that male patients who fell from ground level had significantly higher 28‐day mortality (adjusted p < 0.0001, OR = 1.75, 95% CI = 1.43 to 2.14) and a significantly greater frequency of serious injury to the head, thorax, abdomen, and spine, but a lower frequency of serious injury to the extremities, compared to female patients.

Conclusions

Compared to female trauma patients, male trauma patients had greater 28‐day mortality. In particular, ground‐level falls had a significant sex difference in mortality, with serious injury to different body regions. Sex differences appeared to be important for fatalities from ground‐level falls.
Crowding Measures Associated With the Quality of Emergency Department Care: A Systematic Review
Authors: Stang Antonia S. , Crotts Jennifer , Johnson David W. , Hartling Lisa , Guttmann Astrid
Published: May 2015

Objectives

Despite the substantial body of literature on emergency department (ED) crowding, to the best of our knowledge, there is no agreement on the measure or measures that should be used to quantify crowding. The objective of this systematic review was to identify existing measures of ED crowding that have been linked to quality of care as defined by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) quality domains (safe, effective, patient‐centered, efficient, timely, and equitable).

Methods

Six major bibliographic databases were searched from January 1980 to January 2012, and hand searches were conducted of relevant journals and conference proceedings. Observational studies (cross‐sectional, cohort, and case‐control), quality improvement studies, quasi‐experimental (e.g., before/after) studies, and randomized controlled trials were considered for inclusion. Studies that did not provide measures of ED crowding were excluded. Studies that did not provide quantitative data on the link between crowding measures and quality of care were also excluded. Two independent reviewers assessed study eligibility, completed data extraction, and assessed study quality using the Newcastle‐Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale (NOS) for observational studies and a modified version of the NOS for cross‐sectional studies.

Results

The search identified 7,413 articles. Thirty‐two articles were included in the review: six cross‐sectional, one case‐control, 23 cohort, and two retrospective reviews of performance improvement data. Methodologic quality was moderate, with weaknesses in the reporting of study design and methodology. Overall, 15 of the crowding measures studied had quantifiable links to quality of care. The three measures most frequently linked to quality of care were the number of patients in the waiting room, ED occupancy (percentage of overall ED beds filled), and the number of admitted patients in the ED awaiting inpatient beds. None of the articles provided data on the link between crowding measures and the IOM domains reflecting equitable and efficient care.

Conclusions

The results of this review provide data on the association between ED crowding measures and quality of care. Three simple crowding measures have been linked to quality of care in multiple publications.
Ontario's Emergency Department Process Improvement Program: The Experience of Implementation
Authors: Rotteau Leahora , Webster Fiona , Salkeld Erin , Hellings Chelsea , Guttmann Astrid , Vermeulen Marian J. , Bell Robert S. , Zwarenstein Merrick , Rowe Brian H. , Nigam Amit , Schull Michael J. ,   the ED Investigator Team
Published: May 2015

Objectives

In recent years, Lean manufacturing principles have been applied to health care quality improvement efforts to improve wait times. In Ontario, an emergency department (ED) process improvement program based on Lean principles was introduced by the Ministry of Health and Long‐Term Care as part of a strategy to reduce ED length of stay (LOS) and to improve patient flow. This article aims to describe the hospital‐based teams’ experiences during the ED process improvement program implementation and the teams’ perceptions of the key factors that influenced the program's success or failure.

Methods

A qualitative evaluation was conducted based on semistructured interviews with hospital implementation team members, such as team leads, medical leads, and executive sponsors, at 10 purposively selected hospitals in Ontario, Canada. Sites were selected based, in part, on their changes in median ED LOS following the implementation period. A thematic framework approach as used for interviews, and a standard thematic coding framework was developed.

Results

Twenty‐four interviews were coded and analyzed. The results are organized according to participants’ experience and are grouped into four themes that were identified as significantly affecting the implementation experience: local contextual factors, relationship between improvement team and support players, staff engagement, and success and sustainability. The results demonstrate the importance of the context of implementation, establishing strong relationships and communication strategies, and preparing for implementation and sustainability prior to the start of the project.

Conclusions

Several key factors were identified as important to the success of the program, such as preparing for implementation, ensuring strong executive support, creation of implementation teams based on the tasks and outcomes of the initiative, and using multiple communication strategies throughout the implementation process. Explicit incorporation of these factors into the development and implementation of future similar interventions in health care settings could be useful.
Ghost Cell Suspensions as Blood Analogue Fluid for Macroscopic Particle Image Velocimetry Measurements
Authors: Jansen Sebastian V. , Müller Indra , Nachtsheim Max , Schmitz‐Rode Thomas , Steinseifer Ulrich
Published: May 2015

Spatially resolved measurement of blood flow is of great interest in the development of artificial blood‐carrying devices such as blood pumps, heart valve prostheses, and oxygenators. Particle image velocimetry (PIV) is able to measure instantaneous velocity fields in a plane with high accuracy and is being used more frequently for the development of such devices. However, as this measurement technique is based on optical access, blood flow at physiological hematocrit values is difficult to measure due to its low transparency and multiscattering properties. So far, only very small dimensions (in the range of 400 μm) can be measured using PIV. A suspension of ghost cells (GCs) offers a higher optical transparency than blood while having a similar rheological behavior. In this study, a procedure for the production of GC suspensions containing a very low intracellular hemoglobin concentration is presented. With the help of multiple rounds of controlled cell lysis, the intracellular hemoglobin concentration could be decreased to a point where a standard macroscopic PIV measurement was possible. A velocity profile of a 44% GC suspension in a circular channel with a diameter of 9.5 mm was measured with high spatial resolution. Meanwhile, the rheological behavior was found to be comparable with blood.
Ocular manifestations of microcephaly with or without chorioretinopathy, lymphedema or intellectual disability (MCLID) syndrome associated with mutations in KIF11
Authors: Balikova Irina , Robson Anthony G. , Holder Graham E. , Ostergaard Pia , Mansour Sahar , Moore Anthony T.
Published: May 2015

Purpose

Microcephaly with or without chorioretinopathy, lymphedema or intellectual disability (MCLID) is an autosomal dominant condition. Mutations in KIF11 have been found to be causative in approximately 75% of cases. This study describes the ocular phenotype in patients with confirmed KIF11 mutations.

Methods

Standard ophthalmic examination and investigation including visual acuity, refraction and fundus examination was carried out in all patients. Fundus autofluorescence imaging (FAF) was performed in three patients, and four patients underwent spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT). Flash electroretinography (ERG) was performed in seven patients, and five underwent additional pattern electroretinography (PERG).

Results

The patients ranged in age from 2 to 10 years. Most presented with visual acuity loss. Fundus examination revealed lacunae of chorioretinal atrophy. Pigmentary macular changes and optic disc pallor were present in three of seven patients. Fundus autofluorescence demonstrated hypoautofluorescence at the macula in two of three patients. The lacunae of chorioretinal atrophy were hypoautofluorescent. The OCT showed atrophic maculae in three of four patients. Follow‐up in one patient showed no deterioration of the vision over a 9‐year period. The lesions appear not to be progressive on the follow‐up imaging. Electrophysiology showed generalized rod and cone dysfunction and severe macular dysfunction. Inner retinal dysfunction was evident in three of seven patients.

Conclusions

Patients with KIF11 mutations show a specific ocular phenotype with variable expressivity and intrafamilial variability. Macular atrophy and dysfunction have not been consistently documented before. The fundus lesions appear non‐progressive. The findings assist in providing an accurate diagnosis and thus improving the management and follow‐up of patients with this syndrome.
PDE7 inhibitor TC3.6 ameliorates symptomatology in a model of primary progressive multiple sclerosis
Authors: Mestre L , Redondo M , Carrillo‐Salinas F J , Morales‐García J A , Alonso‐Gil S , Pérez‐Castillo A , Gil C , Martínez A , Guaza C
Published: May 2015

Background and Purpose

cAMP plays an important role in the transduction of signalling pathways involved in neuroprotection and immune regulation. Control of the levels of this nucleotide by inhibition of cAMP‐specific PDEs such as PDE7 may affect the pathological processes of neuroinflammatory diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS). In the present study, we evaluated the therapeutic potential of the selective PDE7 inhibitor, TC3.6, in a model of primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS), a rare and severe variant of MS.

Experimental Approach

Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus‐induced demyelinated disease (TMEV‐IDD) is one of the models used to validate the therapeutic efficacy of new drugs in MS. As recent studies have analysed the effect of PDE7 inhibitors in the EAE model of MS, here the TMEV‐IDD model was used to test their efficacy in a progressive variant of MS. Mice were subjected to two protocols of TC3.6 administration: on the pre‐symptomatic phase and once the disease was established.

Key Results

Treatment with TC3.6 ameliorated the disease course and improved motor deficits of infected mice. This was associated with down‐regulation of microglial activation and reduced cellular infiltrates. Decreased expression of pro‐inflammatory mediators such as COX‐2 and the cytokines, IL‐1β, TNF‐α, IFN‐γ and IL‐6 in the spinal cord of TMEV‐infected mice was also observed after TC3.6 administration.

Conclusion

These findings support the importance of PDE7 inhibitors, and specifically TC3.6, as a novel class of agents with therapeutic potential for PPMS. Preclinical studies are needed to determine whether their effects translate into durable clinical benefits.
Utility of Gallium‐68 DOTANOC PET/CT in the localization of Tumour‐induced osteomalacia
Authors: Bhavani Nisha , Reena Asirvatham Adlyne , Kallur Kumar , Menon Arun S. , Pavithran Praveen V. , Nair Vasantha , Vasukutty Jayakumar R. , Menon Usha , Kumar Harish
Published: May 2015

Background

Tumour‐induced osteomalacia (TIO) is a rare disorder characterized by hypophosphataemic osteomalacia caused by small mesenchymal tumours secreting fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF 23). The most difficult part in the management of these patients is the localization of tumours causing TIO.

Objective

We describe the utility of Gallium (Ga)‐68 DOTANOC PET/CT in the localization of tumours causing TIO.

Patients and Methods

The study was conducted in a single tertiary referral university teaching hospital in India. Ten patients with TIO who underwent Ga‐68 DOTANOC PET/CT from the time period 2009 to 2014 were included in this study. Their detailed clinical history, biochemical parameters, imaging modalities, surgical interventions, histopathology and outcomes were reviewed.

Results

Ga‐68 DOTANOC PET/CT could correctly localize the tumours in TIO in 9 of the 10 cases in which it was performed. Complete resection of the tumour led to full clinical recovery in six of the ten patients; two patients who had partial resection and one patient who underwent radiofrequency ablation showed partial remission. One patient in whom Ga‐68 DOTANOC PET/CT was positive in vertebral body with a low standardized uptake value (SUV) did not show up the tumour on surgery.

Conclusions

We conclude that Ga‐68 DOTANOC PET/CT can be used as the first imaging modality in patients diagnosed with TIO. The extremely good outcome following the resection of these small otherwise undiagnosed tumours far outweighs its cost even in resource limited settings.
Bone grafting materials in critical defects in rabbit calvariae. A systematic review and quality evaluation using ARRIVE guidelines
Authors: Delgado‐Ruiz Rafael Arcesio , Calvo Guirado José Luis , Romanos Georgios E.
Published: May 2015

Aims

To perform a systematic literature review of the regenerative potential of bone substitutes used to fill critical size defects (CSDs) in rabbit calvariae; to determine the quality of the included studies using ARRIVE guidelines.

Material and methods

An Internet search was performed in duplicate using MEDLINE, PubMed and Google Scholar databases (without restrictions on publication date) for studies reporting the regenerative potential of bone substitutes in CSDs in rabbit calvariae. Four parameters were analyzed by histomorphometry: new bone formation (NB); defect closure (DC); residual graft (RG); and connective tissue (CT). Animal Research Reporting in In Vivo Experiments (ARRIVE) guidelines (a list of 20 aspects for scoring texts and ensuring comparison between different experimental studies in animals) were used to evaluate the quality of the selected works.

Results

Twenty‐one manuscripts were included. CSDs with 15 mm were predominant (57.14%). Only one study described the four histomorphometric parameters. NB formation was analyzed in 15 studies (71.42%) and was higher for particulate autogenous bone grafts (range 52.1–82%) after 12 weeks. DC was evaluated in six studies (28.57%) and was higher for fragmented adipose tissue grafts (range 53.33–93.33%) after 12 weeks. RG was evaluated in four studies (19.04%) and was higher for hydroxyapatite/beta‐tricalcium phosphate grafts with silica (HA/ß‐TCP + Si) (range 35.78–47.54%) at 12 weeks. CT was evaluated in two studies (9.5%) and was higher for HA/ß‐TCP + membrane (44.2%) at 12 weeks. Quality evaluation identified three items (title, introduction/objectives and experimental procedure) (15%) with excellent scores, 10 items (abstract, introduction/background, methods/ethical statement, experimental animals, experimental outcomes, statistics, results/baseline data, outcome/estimation and discussion interpretation/scientific implications) (50%) with average scores, and seven items (housing and husbandry, sample size, allocation, numbers analyzed, adverse effects, general applicability/relevance and funding) (35%) obtained poor scores. Only one manuscript obtained a quality evaluation considered as excellent.

Conclusions

Autogenous bone grafts increase NB. DC is enhanced by the use of fragmented adipose tissue. RG remains in the defect for longer when hydroxyapatite/beta‐tricalcium phosphate with silica is used, and more CT can be expected when hydroxyapatite/beta‐tricalcium phosphate with silica grafts are covered by a membrane. The addition of stem cells of different origins to grafting materials enhances bone formation in early healing periods. The ARRIVE guidelines are still insufficiently used and the overall quality of studies remains low.
Peroxynitrite Decomposition Catalyst Reduces Delayed Thrombolysis‐induced Hemorrhagic Transformation in Ischemia‐reperfused Rat Brains
Authors: Chen Han‐Sen , Chen Xing‐Miao , Feng Jing‐Han , Liu Ke‐Jian , Qi Su‐Hua , Shen Jian‐Gang
Published: May 2015

Aim

Hemorrhagic transformation (HT) is a major complication of delayed tissue plasminogen activator (t‐PA) treatment in ischemic stroke. We aimed to explore whether peroxynitrite decomposition catalyst (PDC) could prevent such complication.

Methods

Male Sprague‐Dawley (SD) rats were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) with t‐PA (10 mg/kg) or t‐PA plus FeTMPyP (3 mg/kg, a representative PDC) at MCAO for 2 or 5 h and reperfusion for 22 or 19 h, respectively. HT was assessed with hemoglobin assay. Neurological deficit was evaluated with Modified Neurological Severity Score (mNSS). Peroxynitrite formation was examined by detecting 3‐nitrotyrosine (3‐NT) formation. The expression and activity of MMP‐9/MMP‐2 were assessed by Western blotting and gelatin zymography.

Results

t‐PA treatment at 2 h of MCAO did not induce HT but attenuated neurological deficit, whereas treatment at 5 h significantly induced HT and worsened the neurological outcome. Such complications were prevented by FeTMPyP cotreatment. Early t‐PA treatment inhibited 3‐NT and MMP‐9/MMP‐2 expression, whereas delayed treatment induced 3‐NT and MMP‐9/MMP‐2 expression and activity. FeTMPyP cotreatment downregulated 3‐NT and inhibited MMP‐9/MMP‐2 in both time points.

Conclusion

Peroxynitrite decomposition catalyst could prevent hemorrhagic transformation and improve neurological outcome ischemic rat brains with delayed t‐PA treatment via inhibiting peroxynitrite‐mediated MMP activation.
Scenarios of large mammal loss in Europe for the 21st century
Authors: Rondinini Carlo , Visconti Piero
Published: May 2015

Distributions and populations of large mammals are declining globally, leading to an increase in their extinction risk. We forecasted the distribution of extant European large mammals (17 carnivores and 10 ungulates) based on 2 Rio+20 scenarios of socioeconomic development: business as usual and reduced impact through changes in human consumption of natural resources. These scenarios are linked to scenarios of land‐use change and climate change through the spatial allocation of land conversion up to 2050. We used a hierarchical framework to forecast the extent and distribution of mammal habitat based on species’ habitat preferences (as described in the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List database) within a suitable climatic space fitted to the species’ current geographic range. We analyzed the geographic and taxonomic variation of habitat loss for large mammals and the potential effect of the reduced impact policy on loss mitigation. Averaging across scenarios, European large mammals were predicted to lose 10% of their habitat by 2050 (25% in the worst‐case scenario). Predicted loss was much higher for species in northwestern Europe, where habitat is expected to be lost due to climate and land‐use change. Change in human consumption patterns was predicted to substantially improve the conservation of habitat for European large mammals, but not enough to reduce extinction risk if species cannot adapt locally to climate change or disperse.
On how much biodiversity is covered in Europe by national protected areas and by the Natura 2000 network: insights from terrestrial vertebrates
Authors: Maiorano L. , Amori G. , Montemaggiori A. , Rondinini C. , Santini L. , Saura S. , Boitani L.
Published: May 2015

The European Union has made extensive biodiversity conservation efforts with the Habitats and Birds Directives and with the establishment of the Natura 2000 network of protected areas, one of the largest networks of conservation areas worldwide. We performed a gap analysis of the entire Natura 2000 system plus national protected areas and all terrestrial vertebrates (freshwater fish excluded). We also evaluated the level of connectivity of both systems, providing therefore a first estimate of the functionality of the Natura 2000 system as an effective network of protected areas. Together national protected areas and the Natura 2000 network covered more than one‐third of the European Union. National protected areas did not offer protection to 13 total gap species (i.e., species not covered by any protected area) or to almost 300 partial gap species (i.e., species whose representation target is not met). Together the Natura 2000 network and national protected areas left 1 total gap species and 121 partial gap species unprotected. The terrestrial vertebrates listed in the Habitats and Birds Directives were relatively well covered (especially birds), and overall connectivity was improved considerably by Natura 2000 sites that act as stepping stones between national protected areas. Overall, we found that the Natura 2000 network represents at continental level an important network of protected areas that acts as a good complement to existing national protected areas. However, a number of problems remain that are mainly linked to the criteria used to list the species in the Habitats and Birds Directives. The European Commission initiated in 2014 a process aimed at assessing the importance of the Birds and Habitats Directives for biodiversity conservation. Our results contribute to this assessment and suggest the system is largely effective for terrestrial vertebrates but would benefit from further updating of the species lists and field management.
Eosinophil‐rich syphilis: a report of four cases
Authors: Rosa Gabriela , Bennett Dan , Piliang Melissa P.
Published: May 2015

The differential diagnosis for eosinophil‐rich skin lesions often includes a drug reaction, allergic contact dermatitis and rarely, response to a helminth infection. However, many unrelated entities, such as infections, neoplasms and inflammatory dermatoses, can have a prominent eosinophilic infiltrate. Syphilis is classically associated with plasma cells, but other patterns of inflammation have been reported, including ulcerative, granulomatous and eosinophil‐rich. Classic teaching might indicate that the presence of eosinophils argues against a diagnosis of syphilis. We present four cases of secondary syphilis with increased eosinophils, ranging from 8 to >200 eosinophils per 10 high‐power fields (×400 magnification). Patient 1 had lesions on the penis and scrotum, with greater than 200 eosinophils per 10 high‐power fields. Patient 2 had lesions on the back, with 150 eosinophils per 10 high‐power fields. Patient 3 had lesions on the bilateral arms, with 8 eosinophils per 10 high‐power fields. Patient 4 had lesions involving the anus, with 17 eosinophils per 10 high‐power fields. These cases highlight that the presence of an eosinophil‐rich infiltrate on skin biopsy should not exclude syphilis from the differential diagnosis.
Vulvar dermatoses: a histopathologic review and classification of 183 cases
Authors: Chan May P. , Zimarowski Mary Jane
Published: May 2015

Background

Vulvar dermatoses are often difficult to classify due to histopathologic overlap. We aimed to report our experience at a single institution.

Methods

A total of 183 non‐neoplastic, non‐infectious vulvar biopsies were reviewed. Associations between histopathologic features and specific diagnoses were analyzed by Chi‐squared tests.

Results

Twenty‐two biopsies (12.0%) showed two concurrent processes. A limited differential rather than a definitive diagnosis was rendered in 15 cases (8.2%). The final diagnoses included lichen sclerosus (LS) (38.8%), lichen simplex chronicus (LSC) (29.0%), eczematous dermatitis (23.0%), Zoon vulvitis (8.2%), non‐specific/resolved dermatitis (5.5%), hidradenitis suppurativa (2.7%), Behçet disease (2.2%), lichen planus (1.6%), ruptured cyst (1.6%), ulcer not‐otherwise‐specified (1.6%), psoriasis (1.1%), radiation dermatitis (1.1%), sebopsoriasis (1.1%), seborrheic dermatitis (1.1%), epidermolytic hyperkeratosis (0.5%) and granular parakeratosis (0.5%). Early LS and Zoon vulvitis were commonly included as part of a differential diagnosis. LS was associated with wiry collagen with lymphocyte entrapment (p = 0.0188). LSC was associated with zones of pale epithelium (p = 0.0084), and often displayed prominent fibroblasts (p = 0.0555). Zoon vulvitis was frequently misdiagnosed, and was associated with basal keratinocytic crowding (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Our study has determined the relative frequencies of a wide variety of vulvar dermatoses, and identified new diagnostic clues for early LS, LSC and Zoon vulvitis.
Dapagliflozin‐induced weight loss affects 24‐week glycated haemoglobin and blood pressure levels
Authors: Sjöström C. D. , Hashemi M. , Sugg J. , Ptaszynska A. , Johnsson E.
Published: May 2015

The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between dapagliflozin‐mediated reductions in body weight and reductions in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and blood pressure. Data were pooled from seven studies evaluating dapagliflozin 10 mg as monotherapy or combination therapy over 24 weeks. Using linear regression to estimate the contribution of weight loss to HbA1c and blood pressure reductions, the β‐value estimate for HbA1c (%)/kg was 0.028 (p < 0.0001). Weight loss of 2 kg with dapagliflozin contributed to 6% of the total HbA1c reduction. For systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), the β‐value (mmHg/kg) estimates were 0.606 (p < 0.0001) and 0.253 (p < 0.0001), respectively. Weight loss of 2 kg contributed to 28% of the overall SBP reduction, and 24% of the overall DBP reduction. In conclusion, dapagliflozin‐mediated weight loss may contribute to overall reductions in HbA1c and blood pressure.
Satisfaction with youth mental health services: further scale development and findings from headspace – Australia's National Youth Mental Health Foundation
Authors: Rickwood Debra , Nicholas Angela , Mazzer Kelly , Telford Nic , Parker Alexandra , Tanti Chris , Simmons Magenta
Published: May 2015

Aims

This study aimed to determine the psychometric properties of the headspace youth (mental health) service satisfaction scale (YSSS), a 14‐item purpose‐designed scale for use with adolescents and young adults attending headspace centres, and to examine the level of satisfaction with headspace centre services and the client characteristics that predict this.

Methods

There were 21 354 eligible headspace clients who had received more than one service over the 12‐month data collection period during 2013–2014, and 12 436 (58%) completed a satisfaction scale. headspace clients could optionally self‐complete the satisfaction scale at the beginning of visits 2, 5, 10 and 15. Clients' demographic and clinical characteristics were also recorded.

Results

Factor analysis identified a four‐factor solution for the scale and internal consistency of the subscales was acceptable to excellent. Satisfaction with headspace was high and increased over time for those who completed the scale multiple times. Several demographic and clinical characteristics predicted the likelihood of completion and level of satisfaction, with younger age shown to be a persistent predictor of lower satisfaction.

Conclusions

Client satisfaction with headspace is high and increases with ongoing engagement. Development of the headspace YSSS contributes a new client satisfaction scale with tested psychometric properties for adolescents and young adults engaged in mental health services, providing an essential tool for youth mental health services to routinely evaluate the experiences of young people accessing their services.
Early MRD response as a prognostic factor in adult patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Šálek Cyril , Folber František , Froňková Eva , Procházka Bohumír , Marinov Iuri , Cetkovský Petr , Mayer Jiří , Doubek Michael ,   Czech Leukemia Study Group ‐ for Life (CELL)
Published: May 2015

Objective

To evaluate the prognostic power of minimal residual disease (MRD) monitored by polymerase chain reaction at defined time points during early treatment in adult patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

Methods

Seventy‐one patients were treated according to the GMALL 07/2003 protocol and evaluated for MRD in bone marrow by specific clonal rearrangements of Ig/TCR in BCR‐ABL negative ALL or fusion gene transcript in BCR‐ABL positive ALL.

Results

Three‐year overall survival (OS) was 94% in patients with BCR‐ABL negative ALL reaching complete molecular response (CMR) after the first course of chemotherapy (vs. 32% if MRD >10−4; P = 0.001). Patients with CMR prior to the start of consolidation chemotherapy at week 11 had 3‐yr OS 82% (vs. 18% if MRD >10−4; P = 0.001). Patients with BCR‐ABL positive ALL showed slower MRD dynamics. There was a trend to better OS in patients with ≥4 log reduction of BCR‐ABL transcript prior to HSCT (92% vs. 50%; P = 0.065). None of the patients with detectable MRD (both BCR‐ABL positive and negative) after HSCT survived 3 yr.

Conclusion

Early MRD kinetics is an important tool for new prognostication models with direct clinical impact irrespective of standard prognostic factors in patients with BCR‐ABL negative ALL.
The molecular pathogenesis of B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Blombery Piers A. , Wall Meaghan , Seymour John F.
Published: May 2015

The B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphomas (B‐NHL) are a diverse group of haematological malignancies which arise from the mature B‐lymphocyte compartment. Recently, our understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of these disorders has greatly increased due to technological advances such as high‐throughput DNA sequencing techniques. A paradigm of B‐NHL pathogenesis has emerged where the normal genetic processes that are central to generating B‐cell receptor diversity (somatic hypermutation and class switch/VDJ recombination) also drive the genesis of large‐scale, chromosomal‐level genetic lesions and smaller‐scale gene‐level mutations to produce the malignant phenotypes observed. Whilst a significant degree of genetic heterogeneity exists within each B‐NHL subtype, the genetic lesions present within each subtype show a degree of convergence on common intracellular signalling, epigenetic and cell cycle pathways. This convergence gives an insight into the key oncogenic drivers of specific B‐NHL subtypes and potential targets for therapeutic intervention. This review covers the current understanding of the causative genetic processes of B‐NHL, the associated driving molecular lesions and the implications of these findings for the treatment of this group of disorders.
Tropical herbivores provide resilience to a climate‐mediated phase shift on temperate reefs
Authors: Bennett Scott , Wernberg Thomas , Harvey Euan S. , Santana‐Garcon Julia , Saunders Benjamin J.
Published: May 2015

Climate‐mediated changes to biotic interactions have the potential to fundamentally alter global ecosystems. However, the capacity for novel interactions to drive or maintain transitions in ecosystem states remains unresolved. We examined temperate reefs that recently underwent complete seaweed canopy loss and tested whether a concurrent increase in tropical herbivores could be maintaining the current canopy‐free state. Turf‐grazing herbivorous fishes increased in biomass and diversity, and displayed feeding rates comparable to global coral reefs. Canopy‐browsing herbivores displayed high (~ 10 000 g 100 m−2) and stable biomass between 2006 and 2013. Tropical browsers had the highest abundance in 2013 and displayed feeding rates approximately three times higher than previously observed on coral reefs. These observations suggest that tropical herbivores are maintaining previously kelp‐dominated temperate reefs in an alternate canopy‐free state by grazing turfs and preventing kelp reestablishment. This remarkable ecosystem highlights the sensitivity of biotic interactions and ecosystem stability to warming and extreme disturbance events.
Osmostress‐induced gene expression – a model to understand how stress‐activated protein kinases (SAPKs) regulate transcription
Authors: de Nadal Eulàlia , Posas Francesc
Published: May 2015

Adaptation is essential for maximizing cell survival and for cell fitness in response to sudden changes in the environment. Several aspects of cell physiology change during adaptation. Major changes in gene expression are associated with cell exposure to environmental changes, and several aspects of mRNA biogenesis appear to be targeted by signaling pathways upon stress. Exhaustive reviews have been written regarding adaptation to stress and regulation of gene expression. In this review, using osmostress in yeast as a prototypical case study, we highlight those aspects of regulation of gene induction that are general to various environmental stresses as well as mechanistic aspects that are potentially conserved from yeast to mammals.