bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Religion in the Everyday Lives of Second-Generation Jains in Britain and the USA: Resources Offered by a Dharma-Based South Asian Religion for the Construction of Religious Biographies, and Negotiating Risk and Uncertainty in Late Modern Societies
Authors: Shah Bindi V.
Published: September 2014

While the growth of spiritualties is associated with post-traditional societies and the ability of individuals to engage in reflexive construction of religious biographies in late modernity, these arguments ignore various dimensions of reflexivity and processes of re-traditionalization. In this article I explore linkages and affinity between social discourses in late modernity and a religion, with a distinctive ontology, originating in South Asia. Drawing on qualitative data, I examine processes involved in the construction of a religious self among second-generation Jains in Britain and the USA. Living in late modern societies, young Jains have established a reflexive habitus. Such reflexivity has affinity with a neo-orthodox tendency in Jainism that rejects the authority of ascetics and rituals while elevating one's own knowledge, discipline and insights in the construction of a Jain biography. I find that neo-orthodox Jainism provides resources for young Jains to constantly reflect on and actively choose how to be a Jain; to enact cataphatic reflexivity in the construction of a Jain self. For some second-generation Jains, the Jain tradition also provides resources to enact a non-instrumental, apophatic reflexivity; a calm equanimous state that enables them to create ontological security in the face of risks and uncertainty in late modernity.
Economic Sociology as Disequilibrium Economics: A Contribution to the Critique of the New Economic Sociology
Authors: Calnitsky David
Published: September 2014

This paper analyses the problem of the asocial view of the market at the theoretical core of contemporary economic sociology. Despite much emphasis on the apparent interpenetration of society and the economy, contemporary economic sociology is rooted in an analytical distinction between the two spheres. The implicit reliance on the neoclassical economic conception of the market helps to explain why the ‘new economic sociology’ often collapses into disequilibrium economics, where disequilibrium becomes the central but unstated prediction of a good deal of the work in the paradigm. Using a sample of contributions from the field, I demonstrate that a strong tendency running through much of the new economic sociology tends to understand society as a fundamentally distortionary force. To resolve this problem, I argue that an independent field of economic sociology necessitates a distinction between social relationships and social relations.
Effect of fat content on sensory and physico‐chemical properties of laboratory‐pasteurised calcium‐ and vitamin D‐fortified mixture of cow and buffalo milk
Authors: Kaushik Ravinder , Sachdeva Bhawana , Arora Sumit , Gupta Chitra
Published: September 2014

The influence of milk fat on physico‐chemical properties of calcium and vitamin D‐fortified milk was investigated. Sensory scores, curd tension, viscosity, rennet coagulation time and TBA value increased with the increase in fat content. Calcium and vitamin D fortification had no effect on sensory scores, whereas a significant increase was observed in curd tension and viscosity. The TBA value of fortified milk was significantly lower than that of the unfortified milk. The rennet coagulation time of milk increased significantly with addition of calcium phosphate, whereas calcium citrate fortification had no significant effect. All milk samples were stable to alcohol.
Impact of Metabolic Disturbances and Malnutrition‐Inflammation on 6‐Year Mortality in Japanese Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis
Authors: Nakagawa Naoki , Matsuki Motoki , Yao Naoyuki , Hirayama Tomoya , Ishida Hironori , Kikuchi Kenjiro , Hasebe Naoyuki
Published: September 2014

Metabolic syndrome confers an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the general population. The relationship between adiponectins, and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing hemodialysis remains controversial. We investigated whether adiponectins, biomarkers of inflammation, nutrition status and clinical features predict the mortality of patients undergoing hemodialysis for 6 years. We measured baseline plasma total and high‐molecular‐weight (HMW) adiponectins, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, serum high sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP), and clinical characteristics including visceral fat area (VFA) and the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) in 133 patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis. Forty‐one of the 133 patients died during follow‐up. The deceased patients were significantly older, had more prior CVD and diabetes, higher TNF‐α and hsCRP levels but lower GNRI. VFA, and total and HMW adiponectin did not significantly differ between the two groups. TNF‐α and hsCRP levels and GNRI score were significant for predicting all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality in receiver operating curve analyses. When stratified by a GNRI score of 96, Cox proportional hazards analyses identified TNF‐α as a significant predictor of all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 1.23; P = 0.038) and hsCRP as a significant predictor of all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality (HR, 2.32, P = 0.003; HR 2.30, P = 0.012, respectively) after adjusting for age, sex, diabetes mellitus, and prior CVD, only in malnourished patients. These results demonstrate that malnutrition and the inflammatory markers TNF‐α and hsCRP, but not metabolic markers, including VFA and adiponectins have a significant impact on 6‐year all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality in Japanese patients undergoing hemodialysis.
Higher Mortality Due to Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Dialysis Patients: A Comparison with the General Population in Japan
Authors: Wakasugi Minako , Matsuo Koji , Kazama Junichiro James , Narita Ichiei
Published: September 2014

Cerebrovascular diseases, including intracerebral hemorrhage, cerebral infarction, and subarachnoid hemorrhage, remain prevalent causes of morbidity and mortality among dialysis patients. Their mortality rate for cerebrovascular diseases is roughly three times higher than that in the general population. However, whether mortality rates for all subtypes of cerebrovascular diseases are equally higher has not been evaluated. The aim of this study was to determine the mortality rate for each stroke subtype, comparing dialysis patients and the general population in Japan. We used mortality data reported by the Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy and national Vital Statistics data between 2008 and 2009. We calculated standardized mortality ratios and compared the mortality rates for stroke subtypes including intracerebral hemorrhage, cerebral infarction, and subarachnoid hemorrhage. During the 2‐year study period, 51 994 and 933 deaths from intracerebral hemorrhage, 79 124 and 511 deaths from cerebral infarction, and 24 957 and 147 deaths from subarachnoid hemorrhage were recorded per 252 million person‐years and per 546 474 dialysis patient‐years, respectively. Standardized mortality ratios among dialysis patients relative to the general population were 3.8 (95% confidence interval, 3.6–4.1), 1.3 (1.2–1.4), and 1.3 (1.1–1.6) for intracerebral hemorrhage, cerebral infarction, and subarachnoid hemorrhage, respectively. Intracerebral hemorrhage was the highest cause of mortality in the dialysis population, although cerebral infarction was the highest in the general population. Relative to the general population in Japan, Japanese dialysis patients had higher mortality rates, especially for intracerebral hemorrhage.
Changes in Volumetric Hemodynamic Parameters Induced by Fluid Removal on Hemodialysis in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Compton Friederike , Vogel Marie , Zidek Walter , van der Giet Markus , Westhoff Timm
Published: September 2014

Management of volume status is difficult in critically ill patients with renal failure. Volumetric hemodynamic indices are increasingly being used to guide fluid therapy in the intensive care unit (ICU), but are not established to monitor hemodialysis‐induced fluid removal in critically ill patients. Using volumetric hemodynamic monitoring, changes in extravascular lung water index (EVLWI) and intrathoracic blood volume index (ITBVI) were measured immediately before and after hemodialysis sessions in 35 ICU patients. Additional hemodynamic and oxygenation related parameters were recorded at the same time, and online relative blood volume (RBV) monitoring was performed during hemodialysis. EVLWI decreased significantly with fluid removal (median 10.0 vs. 9.6 mL/kg, P = 0.001), whereas ITBVI remained stable (median 1012 vs. 1029 mL/m2, P = 0.402). Significant changes were also observed in stroke volume variation (median 12.0 vs. 13.0 %, P = 0.012), cardiac index (median 4.2 vs. 3.5 mL/min/m2, P = 0.003), mean arterial pressure (median 77 vs. 85.5 mmHg, P = 0.006), norepinephrine dose (median 0.092 vs. 0.114 μg/kg per min, P = 0.043), and hemoglobin values (median 9.5 vs. 10.4 gm/dL, P = 0.036). RBV decreased by 7.8% (median); there was no correlation with either the volumetric measurements or the other hemodynamic parameters recorded. EVLWI reduction with dialysis reflects the removal of excess body fluid, whereas preservation of cardiac preload is indicated by ITBVI stability. Volumetric hemodynamic measurements provide additional information concerning fluid status and are thus potentially useful to guide fluid removal on hemodialysis in critically ill patients.
Longer Dialysis Times Are Associated With a Lower Chance of Dementia Among Chronic Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Chou Che‐Yi , Wu Tai‐Te , Chang Chieh‐Ying , Chen Tzu‐Jen , Chang Chiz‐Tzung , Huang Chiu‐Ching
Published: September 2014

Dementia is common in chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients and is associated with a higher mortality. Factors associated with dementia in HD patients are not clear. We investigated factors associated with early dementia in HD patients. Chronic HD patients of 27 hemodialysis centers were enrolled in 2013. Early dementia was identified using the AD8 assessment. Factors associated with early dementia were analyzed using logistic regression. A total of 1617 chronic HD patients including 820 males and 797 females, aged 63.3 ± 13 years, dialyzed for 4 (1.8–8.4) years were analyzed. Early dementia was identified in 414 (25.6%) of the patients. Longer HD times were associated with a lower chance of dementia (P = 0.032), with an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 0.522 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.270–0.969) for every one more hour of HD. Patient's age (OR: 1.587, 95% CI: 1.406–1.791, P < 0.001), body mass index (OR: 0.958, 95% CI: 0.921–0.996, P = 0.031), cerebrovascular accident (OR: 1.480, 95% CI: 1.000–2.188), diabetes (OR: 1.894, 95% CI: 1.390–2.581, P < 0.001), and serum albumin (OR: 0.376, 95 % CI: 0.256–0.553, P < 0.001) were independently linked to early dementia. Short hemodialysis times are associated with early dementia in a chronic hemodialysis population with a quarter of patients having early dementia. Patients' age, nutrition status and comorbidity are independently linked to early dementia.
Understanding continuity in public sector HRM through neo‐institutional theory: why national collective bargaining has survived in English local government
Authors: Beszter Peter , Ackers Peter , Hislop Donald
Published: September 2014

Most HRM research over recent decades has concentrated on ‘change’, charting ever more fragmented, individualised and unitarist employment relationships. This is equally true of public sector HRM, where the emphasis has been on neo‐liberalism and marketisation. However, in many countries and sectors, collective, pluralist approaches to HRM and industrial relations have proved remarkably resilient. This article uses Neo‐Institutional theory to explain the ‘continuity’ of one such HRM system: national collective bargaining in English local government (1979–2007). We argue that this survives because it manages the political and managerial processes that link central government and central–local relations and acts as a conduit between institutional stakeholders to deliver services to the public. By understanding the ‘passive consensus’ that holds the collectivist HRM system together, we can anticipate the forces that might pull it apart.
Antibiotic Resistance Traits and Molecular Subtyping of Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Raw Sheep Milk Cheese
Authors: Spanu Vincenzo , Scarano Christian , Cossu Francesca , Pala Carlo , Spanu Carlo , De Santis Enrico P. L.
Published: September 2014

The main objective of the present research was to evaluate the antibiotic resistance profiles of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from raw sheep milk cheese. A total of 150 strains were isolated from curd cheese samples and identified as S. aureus. The survey on antibiotic resistance was carried out on 47 strains, selected among isolates showing differences in the banding pattern after Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE) screening or, belonging at the same pulsotype but isolated from different cheese samples. On selected strains antimicrobial resistance against ampicillin, penicillin, cloxacillin, tetracycline, erythromycin, and vancomycin was assessed by broth microdilution method. The presence of the genes coding for antibiotic resistance and virulence factors (agr alleles, sea‐see, and tst) was also investigated by PCR. Thirty‐one isolates belonging to agrI and agrIII groups carried at least one gene coding for enterotoxins or toxic shock syndrome toxin. Approximately 60% of the selected strains were susceptible to the tested antibiotics. Twelve of 47 isolates showed multiple resistance against ampicillin and penicillin. Only 1 strain, represented by a unique PFGE profile showed simultaneous resistance to ampicillin, penicillin and cloxacillin. Single resistance against tetracycline was found in 5 isolates belonging to 2 different pulsotypes. The results of this study suggest that the recovery of S. aureus resistant strains in raw milk cheese samples is quite common but it is limited to few antibiotic classes, mainly β‐lactams and tetracyclines. None of the strains showed resistance to erythromycin and vancomycin.
Fuel Efficiency of Ancient Copper Alloys: Theoretical Melting Thermodynamics of Copper, Tin and Arsenical Copper and Timber Conservation in the Bronze Age Levant*
Authors: Kaufman B. , Scott D. A.
Published: September 2014

The melting of pure or alloyed copper, tin and arsenical copper ingots or recycled objects was a drain on the timber and dung fuel resources of many cultures. This paper suggests formulae grounded in thermodynamic principles in an attempt to estimate the energy requirements necessary to melt copper alloys common to both Old and New World cultures, with the goal of identifying consumption and conservation patterns. It has been suggested that tin bronze metallurgy was first adopted in the Levant during the Early Bronze Age (EB) IV, at the onset of the Late Holocene climate episode (c.2300–2000 bc), becoming the most desired alloy by the Middle Bronze Age (MB) II (2000–1530 bc) due to the ease of melting tin. To test this hypothesis, the formulae are applied here to all published Levantine EB IV – MB II copper alloys. Fuel conservation rates are proposed based on the thermodynamic formulae. Tin bronze is demonstrably more fuel efficient than pure copper. Due to the inherent difficulties in predicting the behaviour of arsenical copper compounds, it is suggested that melting experiments with representative alloys are conducted to further test and refine these energy relationships.
Income Distribution across Ethnic Groups in Malaysia: Results from a New Social Accounting Matrix
Authors: Saari M. Yusof , Dietzenbacher Erik , Los Bart
Published: September 2014

A new social accounting matrix is constructed for Malaysia for the year 2000 to analyze sources of income inequality among ethnic groups in Malaysia. The analysis reveals that income inequality can be decomposed into the interaction of: (i) hourly wages; (ii) working hours per week; and (iii) number of dependents per household. The results of the analysis suggest that occupational differences are the main factor contributing to wage inequality in Malaysia. Ethnic Malays tend to work in low‐wage industries while ethnic Chinese and Indians are more likely to work in higher‐wage industries.
Measuring Production and Irrigation Efficiencies of Rice Farms: Evidence from the Punjab Province, Pakistan
Authors: Watto Muhammad Arif , Mugera Amin W.
Published: September 2014

We employ a non‐parametric approach, data envelopment analysis, to estimate the technical and irrigation efficiency of rice farms in the Punjab Province of Pakistan. We use a cross‐sectional dataset of 80 rice growers, including 45 tube‐well owners and 35 water buyers. Mean technical efficiency scores show that tube‐well owners and water buyers are operating at fairly high efficiency levels, indicating that access to technology is not a major constraint. However, irrigation inefficiency is pronounced, with water buyers being more inefficient than tube‐well owners. A bootstrap truncated regression is used to investigate the determinants of technical and irrigation efficiency. We suggest that groundwater management policies should be designed to address efficiency enhancing factors such as knowledge of crop water consumption requirement, better credit opportunities, outreach extension services and training programs.
Strategies for restoring tree seedling recruitment in high conservation value tropical montane forests underplanted with cardamom
Authors: Dhakal Balram , Pinard Michelle A. , Gunatilleke I.A.U. Nimal , Gunatilleke C.V. Savitri , Burslem David F.R.P.
Published: September 2014

Question

What strategies are most appropriate for restoring tree seedling recruitment whilst avoiding the spread of invasive plant species in high conservation value tropical forests disturbed by planting a shade‐demanding crop?

Location

Knuckles Forest Reserve, Sri Lanka (7°21′–7°24′ N, 80°45′–80°48′ E).

Methods

An experiment was conducted to test the effects of clipping or removal of established cardamom plants on recruitment of native tree seedlings and spread of non‐native plants in a tropical montane forest with abandoned cardamom stands in the understorey. The number and composition of tree seedling emergents, the cover of herbaceous plants and the recovery of cardamom were assessed for 3 yr.

Results

Tree seedling recruitment was higher in plots from which above‐ground cardamom biomass had been removed through slashing (mean ± SE per 5 m2; 28.9 ± 2.70) and those where cardamom plants had been removed completely through uprooting (32.2 ± 3.17), or when dead cardamom leaves and stems were removed with small‐scale extraction of pods (22.5 ± 2.16), than in unmanipulated control plots (16.6 ± 1.13) over 15 mo. The species composition of tree seedling emergents did not differ in response to removal of cardamom. However, the cover of herbaceous plants, including the non‐native invasive Ageratina riparia, increased in response to removal of cardamom. Recovery of cardamom was higher when the plants had been slashed than when entire plants were uprooted and removed.

Conclusion

Slashing or uprooting cardamom plants is a potential strategy for restoring tree seedling recruitment in forests with abandoned cardamom stands in the understorey, but these interventions would need to be repeated annually over many years to be successful, and they risk promoting expansion of the cover of herbaceous plants, including non‐native species. Hence, this approach would be labour‐intensive and costly. An alternative approach to promoting tree seedling emergence and establishment is to clear dead cardamom leaves and stems, and to encourage small‐scale extraction of pods from the residual cardamom plants. Harvesting pods reduces the likelihood that the crop will be sustained in situ through natural regeneration, and supplies an income to local communities, which would enhance the social acceptability of the intervention.
Bayesian Designs and the Control of Frequentist Characteristics: A Practical Solution
Authors: Ventz Steffen , Trippa Lorenzo
Published: September 2014

Frequentist concepts, such as the control of the type I error or the false discovery rate, are well established in the medical literature and often required by regulators. Most Bayesian designs are defined without explicit considerations of frequentist characteristics. Once the Bayesian design is structured, statisticians use simulations and adjust tuning parameters to comply with a set of targeted operating characteristics. These adjustments affect the use of prior information and utility functions. Here we consider a Bayesian decision theoretic approach for experimental designs with explicit frequentist requisites. We define optimal designs under a set of constraints required by a regulator. Our approach combines the use of interpretable utility functions with frequentist criteria, and selects an optimal design that satisfies a set of required operating characteristics. We illustrate the approach using a group-sequential multi-arm Phase II trial and a bridging trial.
Effects of measurement aggregation on predicting externalizing problems from preschool behaviour
Authors: Zentner Marcel , Smolkina Milana , Venables Peter
Published: September 2014

In long‐term studies of psychological development, the initial assessment of etiologically significant child behaviours is often carried out at a single point in time only. However, one‐time assessments of behaviour are likely to possess limited reliability, leading to attenuated longitudinal correlation coefficient magnitudes. How much this bias might have affected behavioural continuity estimates in longitudinal research is presently unknown. Using a data set from the Mauritius Child Health Project, we particularize the attenuating effects of single‐occasion behavioural assessments on consistency estimates of impulsive–aggressive behaviour over time. Specifically, two nursery teachers provided 15 consecutive weekly ratings of the aggressive behaviour of 99 four‐year‐old children. The same children were reassessed for the presence of externalizing behaviour problems at the ages of 8 and 10. There were substantial increases in both reliability and predictive correlation coefficient magnitudes when the preschool scores were aggregated across several weekly ratings. A further increase resulted after the two outcome assessments were combined into a composite score of school‐age externalizing symptoms. A generalized procedure, developed from the correction for attenuation formula, is introduced to describe the relation of aggregation to predictive validity in longitudinal research.
Modulation of heme oxygenase-1 by metalloporphyrins increases anti-viral T cell responses
Authors: Bunse C E , Fortmeier V , Tischer S , Zilian E , Figueiredo C , Witte T , Blasczyk R , Immenschuh S , Eiz-Vesper B
Published: September 2014

Heme oxygenase (HO)-1, the inducible isoform of HO, has immunomodulatory functions and is considered a target for therapeutic interventions. In the present study, we investigated whether modulation of HO-1 might have regulatory effects on in-vitro T cell activation. The study examined whether: (i) HO-1 induction by cobalt-protoporphyrin (CoPP) or inhibition by tin-mesoporphyrin (SnMP) can affect expansion and function of virus-specific T cells, (ii) HO-1 modulation might have a functional effect on other cell populations mediating effects on proliferating T cells [e.g. dendritic cells (DCs), regulatory T cells (Tregs) and natural killer cells] and (iii) HO-1-modulated anti-viral T cells might be suitable for adoptive immunotherapy. Inhibition of HO-1 via SnMP in cytomegalovirus (CMV)pp65-peptide-pulsed peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) led to increased anti-viral T cell activation and the generation of a higher proportion of effector memory T cells (CD45RA−CD62L−) with increased capability to secrete interferon (IFN)-γ and granzyme B. Treg depletion and SnMP exposure increased the number of anti-viral T cells 15-fold. To test the possibility that HO-1 modulation might be clinically applicable in conformity with good manufacturing practice (GMP), SnMP was tested in isolated anti-viral T cells using the cytokine secretion assay. Compared to control, SnMP treatment resulted in higher cell counts and purity without negative impact on quality and effector function [CD107a, IFN-γ and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels were stable]. These results suggest an important role of HO-1 in the modulation of adaptive immune responses. HO-1 inhibition resulted in markedly more effective generation of functionally active T cells suitable for adoptive T cell therapy.
Safety and efficacy of explanting or replacing suprachoroidal electrode arrays in a feline model
Authors: Leung Ronald T , Nayagam David AX , Williams Richard A , Allen Penelope J , Salinas‐La Rosa Cesar M , Luu Chi D , Shivdasani Mohit N , Ayton Lauren N , Basa Meri , Yeoh Jonathan , Saunders Alexia L , Shepherd Robert K , Williams Chris E
Published: September 2014

Background

A key requirement for retinal prostheses is the ability for safe removal or replacement. We examined whether suprachoroidal electrode arrays can be removed or replaced after implantation.

Methods

Suprachoroidal electrode arrays were unilaterally implanted into 13 adult felines. After 1 month, arrays were surgically explanted (n = 6), replaced (n = 5) or undisturbed (n = 2). The retina was assessed periodically using fundus photography and optical coherence tomography. Three months after the initial implantation, the function of replaced or undisturbed arrays was assessed by measuring the responses of the visual cortex to retinal electrical stimulation. The histopathology of tissues surrounding the implant was examined.

Results

Array explantation or replacement was successful in all cases. Fundus photography showed localized disruption to the tapetum lucidum near the implant's tip in seven subjects following implantation. Although optical coherence tomography showed localized retinal changes, there were no widespread statistically significant differences in the thickness of the retinal layers or choroid. The distance between the electrodes and retina increased after device replacement but returned to control values within eight weeks (P < 0.03). Staphylomas developed near the scleral wound in five animals after device explantation. Device replacement did not alter the cortical evoked potential threshold. Histopathology showed localized outer nuclear layer thinning, tapetal disruption and pseudo‐rosette formation, but the overall retinal morphology was preserved.

Conclusions

It is feasible to remove or replace conformable medical grade silicone electrode arrays implanted suprachoroidally. The scleral wound requires careful closure to minimize the risk of staphylomas.
Determinants of use of the bronchodilator test in primary and secondary care: results of a national survey in Spain
Authors: Lopez‐Campos Jose Luis , Soriano Joan B. , Calle Myriam ,   3E Project
Published: September 2014

Background and Aims

A recent study evaluated the use of spirometry in primary (PC) and secondary care (SC) in Spain. In the present study, we aimed to analyze the determinants of use of the bronchodilator test (BDT) with a special emphasis in the type of drugs used, waiting times and positive test criteria followed.

Methods

Cross‐sectional trial surveying 605 PC and 200 SC centers in Spain. Regarding the BDT, variables collected were: name of the drugs available for the BDT, name of the drug normally used, number of inhalations, waiting time for the second spirometry, staff involved and criteria used for a positive test. Adherence to actual guidelines according to five quality criteria was evaluated.

Results

Although a range of short‐acting bronchodilators were used, only 25.9% of centers used a correct dose. The waiting time was correct in 63.7% and 72.8% of PC and SC, respectively (P = 0.023). A threshold higher than 12% and 200 mL to consider a positive test was fulfilled in 55.8% and 52.8% of PC and SC, respectively. Altogether, only 7.6% of PC and 6.0% of SC fulfilled all five quality criteria. Factors identified to be associated with this fulfillment were the number of spirometries per week, not being conducted by a nurse, periodical retraining, training for interpreting and daily calibration.

Conclusion

The present study identifies determinants of the performance of the BDT in Spain identifying strengths and weaknesses. Health managers should use this information to improve the quality of spirometries in chronic respiratory patients.
Exercise‐induced respiratory symptoms and allergy in elite athletes: Allergy and Asthma in Polish Olympic Athletes (A2POLO) project within GA2LEN initiative
Authors: Kurowski Marcin , Jurczyk Janusz , Krysztofiak Hubert , Kowalski Marek L.
Published: September 2014

Introduction

Exercise‐induced respiratory symptoms are often reported by professional athletes, but asthma and allergy are underdiagnosed. Few studies used standardized questionnaires combined with clinical assessment to investigate asthma and allergy among athletes.

Objectives

Assessment of the prevalence of allergy and asthma symptoms among Polish professional athletes and confronting it with clinical data.

Methods

Two hundred twenty‐two Olympic athletes participated in the project being part of the Global Allergy and Asthma European Network (GA2LEN) Olympic study. Allergy and asthma status was determined using Allergy Questionnaire for Athletes (AQUA), spirometry, reversibility test, methacholine challenge and skin prick testing. Final diagnosis was established by an allergist.

Results

At least one exercise‐induced asthma (EIA) symptom was reported by 28.4% athletes, and finally asthma diagnosis was established in 11.3% while only 5.9% of athletes had history of asthma. Reversibility test was positive in 36% of athletes finally diagnosed with asthma. Allergic rhinitis (AR) symptoms were reported by 27%, and the diagnosis was confirmed in 21% of athletes while only 9% had previously diagnosed AR. No significant differences in frequency of asthma and AR were observed between endurance and non‐endurance athletes.

Conclusions

High prevalence of exercise‐induced respiratory symptoms among top athletes is not reflected by asthma diagnosis. As it was expected, our data confirm that – in diagnosis of EIA – lung function testing alone is not useful, whereas reversibility tests are of limited value.
Airway bacterial colonization and serum C‐reactive protein are associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation following bronchoscopic lung volume reduction
Authors: Fruchter Oren , Rosengarten Dror , Goldberg Elad , Ben‐Zvi Haim , Tor Ruth , Kramer Mordechai R.
Published: September 2014

Introduction

Stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients often have lower airway bacterial colonization (ABC) which may modulate exacerbation frequency. Data regarding the association between ABC and post‐procedural COPD exacerbations following bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR) are scant.

Objectives

Our aim was to explore the correlation among ABC, serum C‐reactive protein (CRP) level and the risk of COPD exacerbation within a month following BLVR.

Methods

Pre‐procedure bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) quantitative bacterial cultures and serum levels of CRP were evaluated in severe COPD patients (N = 70, mean FEV1 = 34.6%) before BLVR by polymeric lung sealant.

Results

Colonization with potential pathogenic microorganism (PPM) was observed in 40 (57.1%) patients. Out of 28 patients (40%) who had COPD exacerbation within 30 days of BLVR, 23 (82.1%) had PPM in BAL culture compared with only 14 (33.3%) out of 42 patients who had uneventful procedure (P = 0.0027). Serum CRP level was significantly higher in patients with exacerbation compared with those with no exacerbation (mean 47.8 ± 66.0 mg/L vs 13.05 ± 27.7 mg/L, respectively, P = 0.0063). The combination of CRP level above 3.12 mg/L and PPM growth in BAL was observed in 89.2% of patients with exacerbation compared with only 52.3% of patients without exacerbation (P = 0.0031).

Conclusions

ABC is common in severe COPD patients undergoing BLVR, and along with elevated CRP level both are associated with high risk of immediate post‐procedural COPD exacerbation. These patients should be identified, carefully observed and possibly benefit from prophylactic microbiologically directed antibiotic treatment.
Changing tracks as situations change: humanitarian and health response along the Liberia–Côte d'Ivoire border
Authors: Derderian Katharine
Published: September 2014

In recent years, protracted crises and fragile post‐conflict settings have challenged the co‐existence, and even the linear continuum, of relief and development aid. Forced migration has tested humanitarian and development paradigms where sudden‐onset emergencies, violence and displacement arise alongside ongoing development work. Drawing on Médecins Sans Frontières interventions in the region from December 2010 to May 2011, this paper examines aid and healthcare responses to displacement in Côte d'Ivoire and Liberia; it focuses on challenges to the maintenance of preparedness for such foreseeable emergencies and to adaptation in response to changing situations of displacement and insecurity. This ‘backsliding’ from development to emergency remains a substantial challenge to aid; yet, in exactly such cases, it also presents the opportunity to ensure access to medical care that is much more urgently needed in times of crisis, including the suspension of user fees for medical care.
Physical inactivity and secondary health complications in cerebral palsy: chicken or egg?
Authors: Peterson Mark
Published: September 2014

This commentary is on the original article by Mitchell et al. on pages 167–174 of this issue.
Skin and self‐injury: a possible link between peripheral innervation and immune function?
Authors: Symons Frank J , Gilles Elizabeth , Tervo Raymond , Wendelschafer‐Crabb Gwen , Panoutsopoulou Ioanna , Kennedy William
Published: September 2014

The aim of this preliminary case study series was to investigate epidermal innervation in pediatric patients with significant neurological impairment and self‐injurious behavior. We enrolled four pediatric patients with self‐injury (two males, two females; mean age 12y, range 9–14y) and used archival specimens from healthy, age‐matched children with typical development for comparison purposes. Epidermal nerve fiber density, peptide content, and mast cell degranulation patterns from non‐damaged skin were tested between the patients and the comparison group. The male patients with self‐injury had significantly increased epidermal nerve fiber densities, increased substance P positive fiber count and extensive mast cell degranulation compared with sex‐ and age‐matched individuals with typical development. Our case series shows for the first time altered peripheral innervation from non‐damaged tissue in children with significant self‐injury and developmental disability compared with a healthy comparison group. Establishing the role of peripheral nociceptive and immune modulatory neural pathways may offer new treatment avenues for this devastating neurobehavioral disorder.
Female‐biased sleeping aggregations of Amegilla florea urens (Hymenoptera: Apidae)
Authors: Yokoi Tomoyuki , Watanabe Mamoru
Published: September 2014

Although male bees and wasps aggregate in specific sites overnight, few studies have addressed the behaviors of female hymenopterans during the night. It is generally understood that they spend the night in a burrow or nest structure. We found female‐biased sleeping aggregations of Amegilla florea urens in populations on Iriomote Island. The sex ratio and number of sleeping individuals in the sex‐mixed aggregations changed daily. This species used dead branches as its main sleeping places, and the maximum number of individuals observed per place was 15. Females arrived at the aggregation place later and left it earlier in the morning than did males. Our result suggests that females used the sleeping place regularly but avoided a long stay with males. The use of the same sleeping place by the two sexes may be due to a limited number of sites suitable for sleeping in the forest.
Mitigating Moral Hazard in Entrepreneurial Networks: Examining Structural and Relational Social Capital in East Africa
Authors: Daspit Joshua J. , Long Rebecca G.
Published: September 2014

Entrepreneurial networks and family firm researchers are testing the limits of current understanding by investigating relationships in a variety of non–Western contexts. We extend Khayesi, George, and Antonakis's model of resource accumulation to include the relational dimension of an entrepreneur's social capital network to elaborate more fully entrepreneurial kinship network types. The propensity for moral hazard associated with each network type is explicated, and mechanisms for mitigating the cost/benefit of such dysfunctions are addressed.
Is coarse woody debris in lakes a refuge or a trap for benthic invertebrates exposed to fish predation?
Authors: Czarnecka Magdalena , Pilotto Francesca , Pusch Martin T.
Published: September 2014

Coarse woody debris (CWD) in the littoral zone of lakes constitutes a preferred habitat for macroinvertebrates and fish. CWD differs in the surface complexity depending on its decay status. Therefore, CWD may provide distinct types of shelters and thus modify the structure of the macroinvertebrate community as well as its susceptibility to fish predation.

We ran an enclosure experiment in a lake littoral zone to test the effect of surface complexity of CWD on the interactions between the predator, Eurasian perch (Perca fluviatilis) and its potential macroinvertebrate prey. We deployed 10 enclosures containing fresh wood with a smooth surface and 10 enclosures containing decayed wood with a more complex, rough surface and allowed colonisation by macroinvertebrates. Five enclosures of each type were then stocked by perch and exposed to fish predation.

The abundance and biomass of macroinvertebrates were significantly higher on decayed wood with greater surface complexity than on fresh wood; however, the type of CWD did not strongly influence the taxonomic composition and diversity of invertebrates.

The direct effect of perch predation on the macroinvertebrate community was weak. Perch reduced only the abundance of adult Dikerogammarus villosus, while other potential prey, such as chironomids, was more abundant in the presence of the fish. The impact of perch consumption of these larvae was probably obscured by interspecific interactions among chironomids and D. villosus, which were impaired in the fish enclosures.

We found no clear evidence that the influence of perch on macroinvertebrates was mediated by the complexity of the wood surface. However, fish diet analysis showed that on decayed wood, perch preferentially consumed chironomids, and consumption of D. villosus was much lower, while on fresh wood, the preferential consumption of chironomids decreased with increasing consumption of gammarids. This suggests that such differences in fish diet could be an effect of complex interactions between wood microstructure, prey density and its ability to find refuge in CWD.

The effect of CWD microstructure on predator–prey interactions was visible with respect to interspecific relationships between chironomids and gammarids, which on more complex decayed wood were moderated in the absence of perch.
Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio as a prognostic indicator of hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy with arterial cisplatin plus continuous 5‐fluorouracil
Authors: Tajiri Kazuto , Kawai Kengo , Minemura Masami , Yasumura Satoshi , Hosokawa Ayumu , Kawabe Hideto , Tomizawa Gakuto , Sugiyama Toshiro
Published: September 2014

Aim

Hepatic arterial infusion (HAIC) therapy may be a therapeutic option for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in addition to administration of sorafenib, which is the only currently established standard regimen for this disease. Survival benefit of HAIC has been reported in patients positive for antitumor response. Therefore, the prediction of antitumor response is important in decision‐making for HAIC treatment.

Methods

Twenty‐six consecutive patients with advanced HCC treated by HAIC using arterial cisplatin plus continuous 5‐fluorouracil were retrospectively analyzed in this study. Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was assessed to determine its effectiveness as a prognostic indicator of HAIC.

Results

The median time to progression and overall survival time (OS) were 5.0 and 17.0 months, respectively. The overall response rate (RR) among the 26 patients was 42.3%, and RR was independent of liver function. Interestingly, RR was significantly lower in patients with NLR of 4 or more (odds ratio, 0.49; P = 0.04). When we investigated factors that influenced OS, treatment effect and NLR of less than 4 were associated with prolonged OS. No serious adverse events were found in treatment with HAIC.

Conclusion

HAIC is a candidate for treatment of advanced HCC, and NLR may be a useful prognostic indicator for suitability of HAIC.
Efficacy and safety of interferon treatment in elderly patients with chronic hepatitis C in Japan: A retrospective study using the Japanese Interferon Database
Authors: Sato Izumi , Shimbo Takuro , Kawasaki Yohei , Mizokami Masashi , Masaki Naohiko
Published: September 2014

Aim

Although interferon (IFN) treatment in elderly patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has increased with the aging Japanese population, few studies have examined the efficacy and safety of IFN treatment in this population. We investigated the efficacy and safety of IFN treatment in elderly patients with chronic HCV infection using the Japanese Interferon Database.

Methods

Records of IFN treatment in 36 prefectures in Japan from December 2009 to April 2013 were examined. Patients with HCV infection who received IFN treatment were selected. We compared the sustained virological response (SVR) rate and the withdrawal from treatment proportion among elderly patients (≥75 years) with those among younger patients (<65 years, 65–74 years).

Results

We identified 15 267 patients with chronic HCV infection as the study cohort from the database. Of these, 310 patients were elderly with a mean age of 76.7 ± 1.95 years (2.03%; men, 155; women, 155), and the majority (87%) were treated with pegylated IFN. Lower SVR rates (aged <64 years, 65.3%; aged 65–74 years, 49.6%; aged ≥75 years, 46.5%; P < 0.001) and higher withdrawal from treatment proportions (aged <64 years, 15.0%; aged 65–74 years, 21.5%; aged ≥75 years, 32.4%; P < 0.001) were observed with aging.

Conclusion

We conclude that elderly patients with chronic HCV infection taking IFN therapy achieved lower SVR rates and a higher withdrawal from treatment proportion than younger patients.
Improvement of polyphenol properties upon glucosylation in a UV‐induced skin cell ageing model
Authors: Nadim M. , Auriol D. , Lamerant‐FayeL N. , Lefèvre F. , Dubanet L. , Redziniak G. , Kieda C. , Grillon C.
Published: September 2014

Synopsis

Objective

Polyphenols are strong antioxidant molecules allowing prevention of skin photo‐ageing damages, but their use is limited due to low solubility and toxicity towards skin cells. We postulated that enzymatic glucosylation could improve their solubility, stability and, consequently, their efficacy. The aim of this work was to study changes induced by addition of a glucose moiety on two polyphenols displaying very different chemical structures [caffeic acid (CA), epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) and there glucosylated form, Glc‐CA and Glc‐EGCG] by assessing their cytotoxic properties and their antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activities.

Methods

Their antioxidant effect was assessed first by the classical DPPH radical‐scavenging method. Then, a panel of human skin cells (keratinocytes, melanocytes, fibroblasts and endothelial cells) was used to evaluate their effect on cell toxicity and their antioxidant activities. With this aim, a photo‐ageing model based on UV irradiation of skin cells was established. Molecule activity was assessed on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, on superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities and, finally, on inflammatory factor production IL‐6, IL‐8 and IL‐1β.

Results

In an acellular model, antioxidant activity assessed by DPPH method was strongly reduced for Glc‐CA compared to CA, whereas it remained the same for Glc‐EGCG compared to EGCG. Glucosylated derivatives did not display more toxic effect on various skin cells. Moreover, toxicity was even strongly reduced for caffeic acid upon glucosylation. The efficacy of glucosyl‐compounds against UV‐induced ROS production was preserved, both with pre‐ and post‐UV treatments. Particularly, a better antioxidant efficacy was shown by Glc‐EGCG, vs. EGCG, on keratinocytes. In addition, an induction of SOD and catalase activity was clearly observed for Glc‐CA. Both glucosyl‐polyphenols display the same activity as their parent molecule in decreasing inflammatory factor production.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrated that enzymatic glucosylation of CA and EGCG led to an improved or preserved antioxidant activity in a cellular model of UV‐induced skin ageing, despite the decrease in instantaneous antioxidant properties observed for Glc‐CA. Glc‐EGCG is specifically more active on keratinocytes, suggesting a specific targeting. Such glucosylated polyphenols displaying improved physicochemical and biological properties should be better candidates than natural ones for use in food additives and cosmetics.
Stress Development and Fracture of Surface Nucleated Cristobalite on Silica Glass
Authors: Breneman Ryan C. , Halloran John W.
Published: September 2014

Stress development and fracture of isolated cristobalite spherulites in amorphous silica matrix were observed. High purity bulk silica was annealed to produce partial surface crystallization consisting of isolated and impinged spherulites in an amorphous matrix. The stress state of the amorphous silica surrounding cristobalite spherulites was qualitatively examined using crossed‐polars microscopy. Fracture was observed to occur with many spherulites encircled by cracks in the matrix and other spherulites observed to self‐fracture in a “mud‐cracking” pattern. The fracture was found to be size dependent with encircling matrix cracks occurring as a minority phenomena in spherulites 20–70 microns in diameter and “mud‐cracking” self‐fracture to occur in all spherulites over 70 microns in diameter. The stresses develop as a result of the strain associated with the 4.9% volume reduction in the cristobalite on transitioning from beta‐to‐alpha phase at ~250°C. Observed fracture behaviors were modeled. Matrix cracks encircling spherulites were found to be consistent with a Weibull failure model of the glass under a stress field derived from the Eshelby inclusion model. Self‐fractured spherulite failure was found to be consistent with a failure model based on thin films under biaxial stress.