bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-affinity nitrate/nitrite transporters NrtA and NrtB of Aspergillus nidulans exhibit high specificity and different inhibitor sensitivity
Authors: Akhtar Naureen , Karabika Eugenia , Kinghorn James R. , Glass Anthony D.M. , Unkles Shiela E. , Rouch Duncan A.
Published: April 2015

The NrtA and NrtB nitrate transporters are paralogous members of the major facilitator superfamily in Aspergillus nidulans. The availability of loss-of-function mutations allowed individual investigation of the specificity and inhibitor sensitivity of both NrtA and NrtB. In this study, growth response tests were carried out at a growth-limiting concentration of nitrate (1 mM) as the sole nitrogen source, in the presence of a number of potential nitrate analogues at various concentrations, to evaluate their effect on nitrate transport. Both chlorate and chlorite inhibited fungal growth, with chlorite exerting the greater inhibition. The main transporter of nitrate, NrtA, proved to be more sensitive to chlorate than the minor transporter, NrtB. Similarly, the cation caesium was shown to exert differential effects, strongly inhibiting the activity of NrtB, but not NrtA. In contrast, no inhibition of nitrate uptake by NrtA or NrtB transporters was observed in either growth tests or uptake assays in the presence of bicarbonate, formate, malonate or oxalate (sulphite could not be tested in uptake assays owing to its reaction with nitrate), indicating significant specificity of nitrate transport. Kinetic analyses of nitrate uptake revealed that both chlorate and chlorite inhibited NrtA competitively, while these same inhibitors inhibited NrtB in a non-competitive fashion. The caesium ion appeared to inhibit NrtA in a non-competitive fashion, while NrtB was inhibited uncompetitively. The results provide further evidence of the distinctly different characteristics as well as the high specificity of nitrate uptake by these two transporters.
Alo farm implement company of Sweden: diffusion of innovation in China
Authors: Reed Marlene M. , Leman Gregory
Published: April 2015

Subject area

Doing business in China

Study level/applicability

This case was developed for us in an undergraduate strategy course at the point in the course when global strategies are discussed. It might also be used in an undergraduate entrepreneurship class when “diffusion of innovation” is being discussed.

Case overview

This case describes the experience of a student consulting team from Baylor University working in China during the summer of 2012. The team was charged with the responsibility of determining an entry mode into China for a farm-implement company in Sweden. The students spent most of the summer in three different locations in China interviewing dairy farmers and equipment dealers to identify the proposed customers for the products and their equipment needs. Their findings led them to the conclusion that Alo, the Swedish farm implement company, would have to alter their mode of entry into the Chinese market to be successful. The decision facing Amanda Sherek, the team leader, was how to structure the team’s report to Alo to help them recognize the need for rethinking the company’s original strategy.

Expected learning outcomes

At the conclusion of the case discussion, students should be able to: list and explain critical findings of the students that should be involved in developing a strategy for Alo; identify the appropriate global strategy for Alo to use in entering China; relate the theory of “Diffusion of Innovation” to Alo’s situation in China; identify whether Alo was contemplating using a production orientation or the marketing concept for its entry into China; and outline a strategic plan for Alo to enter the Chinese dairy farming industry.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.
A cost-benefit case for RFID implementation in hospitals: adapting to industry reform
Authors: Roper Kathy O. , Sedehi Arya , Ashuri Baabak
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to analyze a conceptual framework to identify significant benefit and cost attributes of a radio-frequency identification (RFID) system for asset tracking in healthcare facilities. Sources of value function for RFID in healthcare are categorized according to major improvement. Several cost functions are proposed to measure aspects of automated tracking implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

– The four phases of problem definition, literature identification, assessment and analysis were used to begin the research. A cost–benefit analysis (CBA) was completed to identify the factors within healthcare with major benefits, and finally, a recommended group of items were identified to track with the CBA.

Findings

– RFID to manage mobile devices increases the utilization rate, decreases annual spending, allows withdrawal of funds for underutilized assets and establishes confidence that equipment is readily available when needed. These benefits provide improved staff productivity, quicker patient turnover, higher quality of care and more cost savings. Real-time location system technologies allow hospitals to be prepared for emergencies requiring the immediate use of medical devices without delay and allow staff to determine the status, condition and location of essential equipment, leading to a decrease in patient wait time. Additional improvements were also found.

Originality/value

– The transition from pay-for-service to pay-for-performance is taking place in an industry hampered by rising costs and limited available resources. Healthcare expenditures are estimated to grow dramatically, and various factors contribute to rising expenses, including an aging population and increased chronic conditions resulting in higher demand for care, poor quality and operational inefficiencies. Therefore, understanding benefits of new technology use like RFID is critical for improvement and efficiency in healthcare.
Elephants in the room
Authors: Smit Bert , Wood Roy C.
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to develop an understanding of the potential for application of facilities management concepts and principles in the context of the “zoo sector”.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper is a conceptual one and begins with a narrative designed to provide sufficient background to understanding key issues relevant to the practice of facilities management in zoological and similar institutions, including the implications of conservational/scientific and display imperatives of zoological facilities for facilities management. We then consider how these issues can be worked through in the context of four broad dimensions of facilities management: strategies for the management of stakeholder behaviour (non-human animals, personnel and visitors); building and environmental design (including space usage); safety, security and health; and “miscellaneous” services. The paper concludes by providing a provisional framework for further research into facilities management in the zoo sector.

Findings

– As a conceptual paper, there are no empirical findings. Conceptually, the paper offers an initial and simple framework for interpreting the possible application of facilities management in zoological and related facilities.

Originality/value

– In a search of the two principal journals in the field of facilities management, nothing could be found of direct relevance to the management of facilities in zoological and similar organizations. This paper is thus a singular contribution to the field. Conceptually, the authors attribute neglect of the topic to the distinctive traditions in the study of facilities management, which, at the risk of caricature, emphasise either the pre-eminence of a building and building services approach to facilities management, or an approach which is almost exclusively focused on the “human” dimensions to the discipline.
Physical space, culture and organisational creativity – a longitudinal study
Authors: Kallio Tomi J. , Kallio Kirsi-Mari , Blomberg Annika Johanna
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to explore the potential positive effects of the design of a physical organisational environment on the emergence of an organisational culture conducive to organisational creativity.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study is based on an in-depth, longitudinal case study, the aim being to enhance understanding of how a change in physical space, including location, spatial organisation and architectonic details, supports cultural change.

Findings

– It is suggested that physical space plays an implicit yet significant role in the emergence of a culture conducive to organisational creativity. It appears from the case analysis that there are three aspects of culture in particular, equality, openness and collectivity, that may be positively affected by the design of an organisation’s physical environment.

Practical implications

– The careful choice, planning and design of an organisation’s physical location, layout and style can advance the appearance of an organisational culture conducive to creativity.

Originality/value

– The paper describes a longitudinal study comparing a case organisation before and after a change in its physical environment. The longitudinal data illustrates how a change in the spatial environment contributes to the emergence of a culture conducive to organisational creativity.
Impact of high lipoprotein(a) levels on in‐stent restenosis and long‐term clinical outcomes of angina pectoris patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention with drug‐eluting stents in Asian population
Authors: Park Sang‐Ho , Rha Seung‐Woon , Choi Byoung‐Geol , Park Ji‐Young , Jeon Ung , Seo Hong‐Seog , Kim Eung‐Ju , Na Jin‐Oh , Choi Cheol‐Ung , Kim Jin‐Won , Lim Hong‐Euy , Park Chang‐Gyu , Oh Dong‐Joo
Published: April 2015

Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is known to be associated with cardiovascular complications and atherothrombotic properties in general populations. However, it has not been examined whether Lp(a) levels are able to predict adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug‐eluting stents (DES). A total of 595 consecutive patients with angina pectoris who underwent elective PCI with DES were enrolled from 2004 to 2010. The patients were divided into two groups according to the levels of Lp(a): Lp(a) < 50 mg/dL (n = 485 patients), and Lp(a) ≥ 50 mg/dL (n = 111 patients). The 6–9‐month angiographic outcomes and 3‐year cumulative major clinical outcomes were compared between the two groups. Binary restenosis occurred in 26 of 133 lesions (19.8%) in the high Lp(a) group and 43 of 550 lesions (7.9%) in the low Lp(a) group (P = 0.001). In multivariate analysis, the reference vessel diameter, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, total lesion length, and Lp(a) ≥ 50 mg/dL were predictors of binary restenosis. In the Cox proportional hazards regression analysis, Lp(a) > 50 mg/dL was significantly associated with the 3‐year adverse clinical outcomes including any myocardial infarction, revascularization (target lesion revascularization (TLR) and target vessel revascularization (TVR)), TLR‐major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), TVR‐MACE, and All‐MACEs. In our study, high Lp(a) level ≥ 50 mg/dL in angina pectoris patients undergoing elective PCI with DES was significantly associated with binary restenosis and 3‐year adverse clinical outcomes in an Asian population.
Pharmacological evidence that 5‐HT1D activation induces renal vasodilation by NO pathway in rats
Authors: García‐Pedraza José‐Ángel , García Mónica , Martín María‐Luisa , Morán Asunción
Published: April 2015

5‐HT is a powerful vasoconstrictor substance in renal vasculature (mainly by 5‐HT2 activation). Nevertheless, 5‐HT is notable for its dual cardiovascular effects, producing both vasodilator and vasoconstrictor actions. This study aimed to investigate whether, behind the predominant serotonergic vasoconstrictor action, THE 5‐HT system may exert renal vasodilator actions, and, if so, characterize the 5‐HT receptors and possible indirect pathways. Renal perfusion pressure (PP), systemic blood pressure (SBP) and heart rate (HR) measurement in in situ autoperfused rat kidney was determined in phenylephrine infused rats. Intra arterial (i.a.) bolus administration of 5‐HT (0.00000125–0.1 μg/kg) decreased renal PP in the presence of a phenylephrine continuous infusion (phenylephrine‐infusion group), without modifying SBP or HR. These vasodilator responses were potentiated by 5‐HT2 antagonism (ritanserin, 1 mg/kg i.v.), whereas the responses were abolished by 5‐HT1/7 antagonist (methiothepin, 100 μg/kg i.v.) or 5‐HT1D antagonist (LY310762, 1 mg/kg i.v.). The i.a. administration (0.00000125 to 0.1 μg/kg) of 5‐CT or L‐694,247 (5‐HT1D agonist) mimicked 5‐HT vasodilator effect, while other agonists (1‐PBG, α‐methyl‐5‐HT, AS‐19 (5‐HT7), 8‐OH‐DPAT (5‐HT1A) or CGS‐12066B (5‐HT1B)) did not alter baseline haemodynamic variables. L‐694,247 vasodilation was abolished by i.v. bolus of antagonists LY310762 (5‐HT1D, 1 mg/kg) or L‐NAME (nitric oxide, 10 mg/kg), but not by i.v. bolus of indomethacin (cyclooxygenase, 2 mg/kg) or glibenclamide (ATP‐dependent K+ channel, 20 mg/kg). These outcomes suggest that 5‐HT1D activation produces a vasodilator effect in the in situ autoperfused kidney of phenylephrine‐infusion rats mediated by the NO pathway.
Optimisation of water procurement decisions in an irrigation district: the role of option contracts
Authors: Rey Dolores , Calatrava Javier , Garrido Alberto
Published: April 2015

Water supply instability is one of the main risks faced by irrigation districts and farmers. Water procurement decision optimisation is essential in order to increase supply reliability and reduce costs. Water markets, such as spot purchases or water supply option contracts, can make this decision process more flexible. We analyse the potential interest in an option contract for an irrigation district that has access to several water sources. We apply a stochastic recursive mathematical programming model to simulate the water procurement decisions of an irrigation district's board operating in a context of water supply uncertainty in south‐eastern Spain. We analyse what role different option contracts could play in securing its water supply. Results suggest that the irrigation district would be willing to accept the proposed option contract in most cases subject to realistic values of the option contract financial terms. Of nine different water sources, desalination and the option contract are the main substitutes, where the use of either depends on the contract parameters. The contract premium and optioned volume are the variables that have a greater impact on the irrigation district's decisions.
What Influences Patients' Decisions When Choosing a Health Care Provider? Measuring Preferences of Patients with Knee Arthrosis, Chronic Depression, or Alzheimer's Disease, Using Discrete Choice Experiments
Authors: Groenewoud Stef , Van Exel N. Job A. , Bobinac Ana , Berg Marc , Huijsman Robbert , Stolk Elly A.
Published: April 2015

Objective

To investigate what influences patients' health care decisions and what the implications are for the provision of information on the quality of health care providers to patients.

Data Sources/Study Setting

Dutch patient samples between November 2006 and February 2007.

Study Design

Discrete choice experiments were conducted in three patient groups to explore what influences choice for health care providers.

Data Collection

Data were obtained from 616 patients with knee arthrosis, 368 patients with chronic depression, and 421 representatives of patients with Alzheimer's disease.

Principal Findings

The three patients groups chose health care providers on a different basis. The most valued attributes were effectiveness and safety (knee arthrosis); continuity of care and relationship with the therapist (chronic depression); and expertise (Alzheimer's disease). Preferences differed between subgroups, mainly in relation to patients' choice profiles, severity of disease, and some background characteristics.

Conclusions

This study showed that there is substantial room for (quality) information about health care providers in patients' decision processes. This information should be tailor‐made, targeting specific patient segments, because different actors and factors play a part in their search and selection process.
Explaining Legume Success in Tropical Dry Forests Based on Seed Germination Niches: A New Hypothesis
Authors: Vargas G. German , Werden Leland K. , Powers Jennifer S.
Published: April 2015

To test a new hypothesis explaining Fabaceae success in tropical dry forests, we compared seed germination of 34 species including legumes and non‐legumes. Legume seeds germinated twice as fast with higher final percentages compared to other taxa, which may afford them a competitive advantage in highly seasonal environments.
No Defensive Role of Ants throughout a Broad Latitudinal and Elevational Range of a Cactus
Authors: Alma Andrea M. , Pol Rodrigo G. , Pacheco Luis F. , Vázquez Diego P.
Published: April 2015

Defensive mutualisms mediated by extrafloral nectaries are particularly variable; their net results may change with seasons, communities and environmental contexts. Particularly, an environmental factor that can promote changes in outcomes of ant‐plant interactions is elevation in mountainous regions. We tested whether (1) the interaction between the cactus Opuntia sulphurea and ant visitors of extrafloral nectaries is a defensive mutualism; and (2) ant‐plant interaction outcomes vary with elevation as a result of changes in herbivory rate and ant activity. To evaluate if the outcome of interactions was consistent at two extremes of the range distribution of O. sulphurea, we performed an ant‐exclusion experiment with plants at two growth conditions (natural or potted) in two sites with contrasting elevation (1235–1787 m asl) in a temperate region (Villavicencio Nature Reserve, Mendoza, Argentina), and in a tropical region (Huajchilla, La Paz, Bolivia). Although herbivory rate and ant visitation frequency increased with elevation, herbivore damage, plant reproductive success, and cladode growth rate were similar between plants excluded and non‐excluded from ants among sites, geographic regions and growth conditions. These results do not support the hypotheses that the interaction between O. sulphurea and ants is a defensive mutualism, and that elevation affects the net outcome of this ant‐plant interaction.
Persistent activation of STAT3 by PIM2‐driven positive feedback loop for epithelial‐mesenchymal transition in breast cancer
Authors: Uddin Nizam , Kim Rae‐Kwon , Yoo Ki‐Chun , Kim Young‐Heon , Cui Yan‐Hong , Kim In‐Gyu , Suh Yongjoon , Lee Su‐Jae
Published: April 2015

Metastasis of breast cancer is promoted by epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). Emerging evidence suggests that STAT3 is a critical signaling node in EMT and is constitutively activated in many carcinomas, including breast cancer. However, its signaling mechanisms underlying persistent activation of STAT3 associated with EMT remain obscure. Here, we report that PIM2 promotes activation of STAT3 through induction of cytokines. Activation of STAT3 caused an increase in PIM2 expression, implicating a positive feedback loop between PIM2 and STAT3. In agreement, targeting of either PIM2, STAT3 or PIM2‐dependent cytokines suppressed EMT‐associated migratory and invasive properties through inhibition of ZEB1. Taken together, our findings identify the signaling mechanisms underlying the persistent activation of STAT3 and the oncogenic role of PIM2 in EMT in breast cancer.
Counter‐regulatory hormone responses to hypoglycaemia in people with type 1 diabetes after 4 weeks of treatment with liraglutide adjunct to insulin: a randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, crossover trial
Authors: Pieber T. R. , Deller S. , Korsatko S. , Jensen L. , Christiansen E. , Madsen J. , Heller S. R.
Published: April 2015

Aims

To investigate the effect of glucagon‐like peptide 1 receptor agonist liraglutide on the counter‐regulatory hormone response to hypoglycaemia in type 1 diabetes.

Methods

We conducted a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, single‐centre trial, in which a total of 45 adults with type 1 diabetes [mean ± standard deviation age 34.5 ± 11.2 years, BMI 23.9 ± 2.4 kg/m2, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) 7.6 ± 0.8%, diabetes duration 16.6 ± 9.4 years] underwent a hypoglycaemic clamp after 4 weeks' crossover treatment with once‐daily liraglutide/placebo added to insulin in one of three liraglutide dose groups: 0.6 mg (n = 15); 1.2 mg (n = 14); and 1.8 mg (n = 16). The main outcome measure was glucagon concentration at nadir plasma glucose (2.5 mmol/l). Clinical outcomes were also evaluated. Five participants were withdrawn from the trial; three because of adverse events. All participants were included in the analysis.

Results

Glucagon concentration at nadir plasma glucose was modest, trending towards lower concentrations at increasing liraglutide dose versus placebo: 34.7 versus 38.1 pg/ml, p = 0.555 (0.6 mg); 28.8 versus 37.2 pg/ml, p = 0.126 (1.2 mg); and 28.4 versus 37.5 pg/ml, p = 0.092 (1.8 mg). There was no difference, however, between liraglutide and placebo in incremental change in glucagon during hypoglycaemia. Other counter‐regulatory hormone levels increased during hypoglycaemia with no systematic differences between groups. Glucose infusion rates were significantly lower with liraglutide versus placebo during the clamp. After 4 weeks' treatment, HbA1c remained unchanged in the liraglutide and placebo groups. Greater reductions in insulin dose and body weight were seen with liraglutide versus placebo.

Conclusions

Liraglutide did not compromise hypoglycaemic responses in type 1 diabetes after 4 weeks' treatment.
Novel fast adapting interneurons mediate cholinergic‐induced fast GABAA inhibitory postsynaptic currents in striatal spiny neurons
Authors: Faust Thomas W. , Assous Maxime , Shah Fulva , Tepper James M. , Koós Tibor
Published: April 2015

Previous work suggests that neostriatal cholinergic interneurons control the activity of several classes of GABAergic interneurons through fast nicotinic receptor‐mediated synaptic inputs. Although indirect evidence has suggested the existence of several classes of interneurons controlled by this mechanism, only one such cell type, the neuropeptide‐Y‐expressing neurogliaform neuron, has been identified to date. Here we tested the hypothesis that in addition to the neurogliaform neurons that elicit slow GABAergic inhibitory responses, another interneuron type exists in the striatum that receives strong nicotinic cholinergic input and elicits conventional fast GABAergic synaptic responses in projection neurons. We obtained in vitro slice recordings from double transgenic mice in which Channelrhodopsin‐2 was natively expressed in cholinergic neurons and a population of serotonin receptor‐3a‐Cre‐expressing GABAergic interneurons were visualized with tdTomato. We show that among the targeted GABAergic interneurons a novel type of interneuron, termed the fast‐adapting interneuron, can be identified that is distinct from previously known interneurons based on immunocytochemical and electrophysiological criteria. We show using optogenetic activation of cholinergic inputs that fast‐adapting interneurons receive a powerful supra‐threshold nicotinic cholinergic input in vitro. Moreover, fast adapting neurons are densely connected to projection neurons and elicit fast, GABAA receptor‐mediated inhibitory postsynaptic current responses. The nicotinic receptor‐mediated activation of fast‐adapting interneurons may constitute an important mechanism through which cholinergic interneurons control the activity of projection neurons and perhaps the plasticity of their synaptic inputs when animals encounter reinforcing or otherwise salient stimuli.
N‐terminally extended analogues of the K+ channel toxin from Stichodactyla helianthus as potent and selective blockers of the voltage‐gated potassium channel Kv1.3
Authors: Chang Shih C. , Huq Redwan , Chhabra Sandeep , Beeton Christine , Pennington Michael W. , Smith Brian J. , Norton Raymond S.
Published: April 2015

The voltage‐gated potassium channel Kv1.3 is an important target for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and asthma. Blockade of Kv1.3 by the sea anemone peptide K+‐channel toxin from Stichodactyla helianthus (ShK) inhibits the proliferation of effector memory T lymphocytes and ameliorates autoimmune diseases in animal models. However, the lack of selectivity of ShK for Kv1.3 over the Kv1.1 subtype has driven a search for Kv1.3‐selective analogues. In the present study, we describe N‐terminally extended analogues of ShK that contain a negatively‐charged Glu, designed to mimic the phosphonate adduct in earlier Kv1.3‐selective analogues, and consist entirely of common protein amino acids. Molecular dynamics simulations indicated that a Trp residue at position [‐3] of the tetrapeptide extension could form stable interactions with Pro377 of Kv1.3 and best discriminates between Kv1.3 and Kv1.1. This led to the development of ShK with an N‐terminal Glu‐Trp‐Ser‐Ser extension ([EWSS]ShK), which inhibits Kv1.3 with an IC50 of 34 pm and is 158‐fold selective for Kv1.3 over Kv1.1. In addition, [EWSS]ShK is more than 2900‐fold more selective for Kv1.3 over Kv1.2 and KCa3.1 channels. As a highly Kv1.3‐selective analogue of ShK based entirely on protein amino acids, which can be produced by recombinant expression, this peptide is a valuable addition to the complement of therapeutic candidates for the treatment of autoimmune diseases.
In silico analyses of missense mutations in coagulation factor VIII: identification of severity determinants of haemophilia A
Authors: Sengupta M. , Sarkar D. , Ganguly K. , Sengupta D. , Bhaskar S. , Ray K.
Published: April 2015

Factor VIII (FVIII) mutations cause haemophilia A (HA), an X‐linked recessive coagulation disorder. Over 1000 missense mutations in FVIII are known and they lead to variable clinical phenotypes (severe, moderate and mild). The exact molecular basis of this phenotypic heterogeneity by FVIII missense mutations is elusive to date. In this study, we aimed to identify the severity determinants that cause phenotypic heterogeneity of HA. We compiled and curated a data set of 766 missense mutations from the repertoire of missense mutations in FVIII. We analysed these mutations by computational programs (e.g. Swiss‐PdbViewer) and different mutation analysis servers (e.g. SIFT, PROVEAN, CUPSAT, PolyPhen2, MutPred); and various sequence‐ and structure‐based parameters were assessed for any significant distribution bias among different HA phenotypes. Our analyses suggest that ‘mutations in evolutionary conserved residues’, ‘mutations in buried residues’, mutation‐induced ‘steric clash’ and ‘surface electrostatic potential alteration’ act as risk factors towards severe HA. We have developed a grading system for FVIII mutations combining the severity determinants, and the grading pattern correlates with HA phenotype. This study will help to correctly associate the HA phenotype with a mutation and aid early characterization of novel variants.
Single‐lumen tunneled catheter: An old but useful option
Authors: Letachowicz Krzysztof , Gołębiowski Tomasz , Kusztal Mariusz , Letachowicz Waldemar , Weyde Wacław , Klinger Marian
Published: April 2015

We report a case of long‐term uneventful catheter use in a patient with previous recurrent vascular access dysfunction and infection. A single‐lumen tunneled catheter was inserted into the left internal jugular vein after a failed attempt of dual‐lumen permanent catheter placement. The follow‐up since device implantation has exceeded 5 years without any complications related to vascular access.
Income mobility of elderly households in Korea
Authors: Nam Su‐Jung
Published: April 2015

According to the life‐cycle hypothesis, income is likely to decline in old age and individuals must consume out of previously accumulated savings. In this study, a secondary analysis of South Korean Retirement and Income Study data for the period 2005–2011 is carried out to investigate the income mobility of older households (i.e., those over 50 years of age) in South Korea. In particular, it was observed how income and consumption patterns change according to income mobility and identify those factors influencing income mobility by means of multinomial logistic regression. The changes in income pattern presented show that the unchanged and upwardly mobile groups substantially rely on income from work. Moreover, the changes in consumption pattern show that the proportion of food increased in 2011 for the unchanged and downward groups. Other items that significantly increased in proportion between 2005 and 2011 in the unchanged and downward groups were clothing, transportation/communication, health and medical expenses, and durable goods, while culture, education, and other consumption expenditure decreased. Finally, it was found that that the factors influencing income mobility include age, gender, and having one's own house.
Exploration of risk factors predicting outcomes for primary T1 high‐grade bladder cancer and validation of the Spanish Urological Club for Oncological Treatment scoring model: Long‐term follow‐up experience at a single institute
Authors: Miyake Makito , Gotoh Daisuke , Shimada Keiji , Tatsumi Yoshihiro , Nakai Yasushi , Anai Satoshi , Torimoto Kazumasa , Aoki Katsuya , Tanaka Nobumichi , Konishi Noboru , Fujimoto Kiyohide
Published: April 2015

Objective

To determine the prognostic factors of primary T1 high‐grade bladder cancer and to validate the Spanish Urological Club for Oncological Treatment model in Japanese patients with T1 high‐grade bladder cancer treated at a single institution.

Methods

Records of 106 patients with T1 high‐grade bladder cancer treated from 1998 to 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. Variables included various clinicopathological parameters, including lymphovascular invasion and tumor growth pattern at the invasion front. Recurrence‐free survival and progression‐free survival were analyzed. Multivariate Cox proportional regression analysis was used to verify the prognostic significance of the variables. Scores for recurrence and progression were calculated using the Spanish Urological Club for Oncological Treatment model.

Results

Of 106 patients, 44 (42%) had recurrence and 16 (15%) developed progression after a median (interquartile range) follow‐up period of 54 months (range 32–81 months). Non‐papillary shape was the only independent predictor for recurrence, while broad‐based tumor stalk and infiltrative tumor growth pattern at the invasion front were determined to be independent predictors for progression. Stratification of patients according to the number of progression risk factors yielded hazard ratios of 10.1 and 13.1 in patients having one and two risks, respectively, compared with those without any risks. The Spanish Urological Club for Oncological Treatment model successfully stratified our patients with a trend toward different probabilities of recurrence and progression.

Conclusions

The results of the present study might be helpful for counseling certain patients towards intensive treatment, such as radical cystectomy and/or platinum‐based systemic chemotherapy. In addition, the Spanish Urological Club for Oncological Treatment model might be applicable to Japanese patients with T1 high‐grade bladder cancer.
Barriers to exercise prescription and participation in people with mental illness: the perspectives of nurses working in mental health
Authors: Stanton R. , Reaburn P. , Happell B.
Published: April 2015

Accessible summary

Exercise is valuable in the treatment of mental illness, yet personal and organizational barriers limit widespread implementation by nurses in mental health settings.

Using a self‐report questionnaire, we sought to identify how often nurses prescribe exercise and their level of agreement with previously identified barriers to exercise prescription and participation for mental health consumers.

Nurses disagree that many of the previously identified barriers should impede exercise prescription for people with mental illness. Nurses agree that many of the barriers expressed by mental health consumers might prevent exercise participation.

Our study provides valuable new insight into the role of nurses in the provision of exercise for people with mental illness; however, it is limited to a small sample. Confirmation of these findings in larger, geographically and professionally diverse groups is needed.

Evidence is mounting for the efficacy of exercise in the treatment of people with mental illness. Nurses working in mental health settings are well placed to provide exercise advice for people with mental illness. However, quantitative examinations of the barriers to exercise prescription experienced by nurses, or their views regarding the barriers to exercise participation experienced by people with mental illness, are lacking. In this study, 34 nurses completed the Exercise in Mental Illness Questionnaire – Health Professionals Version (EMIQ‐HP). This survey examined the frequency of exercise prescription and the level of agreement with statements regarding barriers to exercise prescription for, and exercise participation by, people with mental illness. The level of agreement scores for statements for each section was summed, with a higher score indicating a higher level of agreement. Nurses disagree with many of the barriers to exercise prescription presented in the literature. The level of agreement scores did not differ between nurses who prescribe exercise ‘Always’, ‘Most of the time’, ‘Occasionally’ or ‘Never’. We found a non‐significant negative relationship between frequency of exercise prescription and summed level of agreement scores for barriers to exercise prescription. Consensus regarding barriers to exercise participation by mental health consumers is less clear. This study provides valuable new insight into the role of nurses in the provision of exercise for people with mental illness. Confirmation in larger samples is needed before translation of research to practice.
Psychosexual Well-Being After Childhood Surgery for Anorectal Malformation or Hirschsprung's Disease
Authors: van den Hondel Desiree , Sloots Cornelius E.J. , Bolt Johanna M. , Wijnen Rene M.H. , de Blaauw Ivo , IJsselstijn Hanneke
Published: April 2015

Introduction

Anorectal malformations (ARMs) and Hirschsprung's disease (HD) are congenital malformations requiring pelvic floor surgery in early childhood, with possible sequelae for psychosexual development.

Aims

To assess psychosexual well-being in adult ARM and HD patients related to health-related quality of life.

Methods

Eligible for this cross-sectional two-center study were all patients aged ≥18 years who had been operated for ARM or HD. Exclusion criteria were intellectual disability, comorbidity affecting sexual functioning, and cloacal malformation.

Main Outcome Measures

Participants completed the International Index of Erectile Functioning, Female Sexual Functioning Index, Female Sexual Distress Scale, Hirschsprung and Anorectal Malformation Quality of Life Questionnaire, and sexual education questionnaire.

Results

Response rates were 32% and 37% for ARM and HD patients, respectively. We studied 70 participating ARM and 36 HD patients (median age 26 years). We excluded 10 patients with sexual inactivity in the past 4 weeks. Six of 37 men with ARM (16%) reported moderate to severe erectile dysfunction, vs. two of 18 men with HD (11%). Thirteen and 10 of 26 women with ARM (50% and 38%) reported sexual dysfunction or sexual distress, respectively, vs. eight and three of 15 women with HD (53% and 20%). Quality of life and type of malformation or operation were not associated with self-reported psychosexual problems. Addressing sexuality with special interest to the congenital anomaly during medical care was reported to be insufficient by 42 ARM (60%) and 22 HD patients (61%).

Conclusion

Approximately 13% of male ARM and HD patients reported erectile dysfunction, while 50% female ARM and HD patients reported sexual dysfunction not related to quality of life or type of malformation. Both ARM and HD patients felt a need for better addressing sexual concerns during medical care. Further research is needed to optimize form and timing of this education.
Randomized Placebo‐Controlled Clinical Trial of a Chewable Formulation of Amlodipine for the Treatment of Hypertension in Client‐Owned Cats
Authors: Huhtinen M. , Derré G. , Renoldi H.J. , Rinkinen M. , Adler K. , Aspegrén J. , Zemirline C. , Elliott J.
Published: April 2015

Background

There is an unmet clinical need for a cat‐specific formulation of amlodipine to treat hypertensive cats.

Objectives

To assess the efficacy of chewable amlodipine tablets in reducing systolic blood pressure (SBP) in cats diagnosed with systemic arterial hypertension.

Animals

Seventy‐seven client‐owned cats with systemic hypertension were included (median age 14 years).

Methods

The study was randomized, double‐blinded, and placebo‐controlled. Forty‐two cats received 0.125–0.50 mg/kg amlodipine once daily for 28 days; 35 cats received placebo. After 28 days all cats continued with amlodipine for 2–3 months in an open‐label phase. Blood pressure was measured using high definition oscillometry. A responder was defined as a cat showing a decrease of SBP to <150 mmHg at 28 days or a decrease from baseline ≥15%.

Results

Sixty‐one cats completed the study. The responder rate was 63% in amlodipine group and 18% in placebo group. Cats receiving amlodipine were 7.9 (95% CI 2.6–24.1) times more likely to be classified as responders when compared to those receiving placebo (P < .001). From a mean (±SD) baseline value of 181 (±12) mmHg, SBP decreased to 154 (±17) mmHg with amlodipine and to 170 (±21) mmHg with placebo (P < .001). The voluntary acceptance rate of amlodipine formulation was 73%.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

The chewable amlodipine tablet effectively reduced SBP compared with placebo in hypertensive cats, and was well‐tolerated. It can be used concomitantly with angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors and in cats with chronic kidney disease.
Prevalence of and Risk Factors for Degenerative Mitral Valve Disease in Dogs Attending Primary‐care Veterinary Practices in England
Authors: Mattin M.J. , Boswood A. , Church D.B. , López‐Alvarez J. , McGreevy P.D. , O'Neill D.G. , Thomson P.C. , Brodbelt D.C.
Published: April 2015

Background

To date, epidemiological studies on degenerative mitral valve disease (DMVD) in dogs have largely reported referral caseloads or been limited to predisposed breeds. Analysis of primary‐care data to identify factors associated with DMVD would help clinicians identify high‐risk individuals and improve understanding.

Objectives

To estimate the prevalence of and identify risk factors for DMVD in dogs attending primary‐care veterinary practices in England.

Animals

Cases were identified within the electronic patient records of 111,967 dogs attending 93 practices. Four hundred and 5 dogs were diagnosed with DMVD (diagnosed cases) and a further 3,557 dogs had a heart murmur (HM) consistent with DMVD (possible cases).

Methods

Retrospective cross‐sectional study design. Prevalence was adjusted for the sampling approach. Mixed effects logistic regression models identified factors associated with DMVD.

Results

Prevalence estimates of diagnosed DMVD and HMs consistent with DMVD (both diagnosed and possible cases) were 0.36% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.29–0.45) and 3.54% (95% CI: 3.26–3.84) respectively. In the multivariable analysis, males had higher odds of diagnosed DMVD than did females (odds ratio [OR] 1.40, 95% CI: 1.12–1.74). Insured dogs had increased odds of DMVD compared with noninsured dogs (OR 3.56, 95% CI: 2.79–4.55) and dogs ≥20 kg had approximately half the odds of DMVD diagnosis compared with dogs <20 kg (OR 0.51, 95% CI: 0.36–0.74). Strong associations between a DMVD diagnosis and individual breeds and age were identified.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Degenerative mitral valve disease was a common disorder in practice‐attending dogs. Knowledge of identified risk factors for DMVD could improve clinical diagnosis and direct future research.
Stride frequency in relation to allometric growth in ghost crabs
Authors: Whittemore S. B. , Hoglin B. , Green M. A. , Medler S.
Published: April 2015

Body size has significant impacts on fundamental processes of locomotion, including the operational frequency of skeletal muscle contraction, which declines systematically with increasing size. Although this shift in operation frequency and contractile kinetics is well documented in the literature, the mechanisms responsible for these changes are still incompletely understood. One important factor is that the mechanical properties of the musculoskeletal system possess resonant properties that favor higher frequencies in small animals. Another significant element is the physiological properties of the skeletal muscles, which may be tuned for faster contractions in smaller animals. These two components are interrelated, but precisely how muscle physiology and musculoskeletal mechanics interact to shape patterns of locomotion is complex. Ghost crabs Ocypode quadrata present an interesting model to study these processes because they are proficient runners that exhibit systematic changes in stride frequency as they grow. In the current study, we focused on anatomical changes that might occur with allometric growth in ghost crabs to test the hypothesis that changes in mechanical parameters contribute to the slowing of stride frequency. We paired basic anatomical measurements with kinematic analyses of crabs running at top speeds on a treadmill and experimentally weighted crabs to determine if the relative mass of larger crabs affects running frequency. We found that biologically relevant mechanics of the leg joints do not change with growth, as mechanical advantage and muscle fiber length relative to joint moment arm were unaffected by body size. Loading crabs had similar effects on stride frequency in both large and small animals alike. In contrast, muscle shortening velocity, estimated directly from angular velocity of the leg joints, decreased significantly with increasing body size. These data suggest that fundamental changes to the contractile properties of skeletal muscles during growth are primarily responsible for the changes in stride frequency observed in ghost crabs.
Volaemic status and dyspepsia in end‐stage renal disease patients
Authors: Santos Paulo Roberto , Monteiro Diego Levi Silveira , de Paula Paulo Henrique Alexandre , Monte Neto Vicente Lopes , Coelho Maria Leilah Ponte Monte , Arcanjo Cecília Costa , Aragão Sânkia Maria Lopes , Gondim Camila Barbosa , Tapeti Janaína Teixeira Pereira Carneiro , Mendes Hyngridd Soares , Vieira Luise Vasconcelos , Prado Rita de Cássia Parente
Published: April 2015

Aim

Studies in animals show a relationship between extracellular volume and gastrointestinal motility. End‐stage renal disease (ESRD) patients present fluid overload and frequent dyspeptic symptoms. We looked for an association between volaemic status and dyspepsia among ESRD patients undergoing haemodialysis (HD).

Methods

We studied 155 ESRD patients on HD. Their volaemic status was evaluated using bioimpedance analysis. Fluid overload (FO) in litres and relative fluid overload (rFO) in percentage were calculated. rFO > 15% was classified as hypervolaemia. Dyspepsia was assessed through the Porto Alegre Dyspeptic Symptoms Questionnaire (PADYQ). PADYQ scores equal to or greater than 6 classified patients as dyspeptic. Characteristics of patients with and without dyspepsia were compared. Pearson's test was used to test the correlation between continuous variables. Multivariate linear and logistic regressions were performed to test FO as predictor of dyspepsia score and the presence of dyspepsia.

Results

There were 64 (41.2%) patients with dyspepsia. Dyspeptics presented higher FO (2.5 ± 1.8 L vs 1.0 ± 1.8 L; P < 0.001) and higher rFO (16 ± 9.9% vs 4.8 ± 12.0%; P < 0.001). Dyspepsia score was positively correlated with FO (r = 0.300; P < 0.001) and with rFO (r = 0.256; P = 0.001). There were more patients with hypervolaemia among dyspeptics compared to non‐dyspeptics (65.6% vs 17.6%; P < 0.001). FO was an independent predictor of dyspepsia score (b = 1.036; P < 0.001) and the presence of dyspepsia (OR = 2.00, 95% CI = 1.55–2.50; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Hypervolaemia is associated with dyspepsia among ESRD patients on HD.
The broad‐spectrum receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor dovitinib suppresses growth of BRAF‐mutant melanoma cells in combination with other signaling pathway inhibitors
Authors: Langdon Casey G. , Held Matthew A. , Platt James T. , Meeth Katrina , Iyidogan Pinar , Mamillapalli Ramanaiah , Koo Andrew B. , Klein Michael , Liu Zongzhi , Bosenberg Marcus W. , Stern David F.
Published: April 2015

BRAF inhibitors have revolutionized treatment of mutant BRAF metastatic melanomas. However, resistance develops rapidly following BRAF inhibitor treatment. We have found that BRAF‐mutant melanoma cell lines are more sensitive than wild‐type BRAF cells to the small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor dovitinib. Sensitivity is associated with inhibition of a series of known dovitinib targets. Dovitinib in combination with several agents inhibits growth more effectively than either agent alone. These combinations inhibit BRAF‐mutant melanoma and colorectal carcinoma cell lines, including cell lines with intrinsic or selected BRAF inhibitor resistance. Hence, combinations of dovitinib with second agents are potentially effective therapies for BRAF‐mutant melanomas, regardless of their sensitivity to BRAF inhibitors.
Mining wild barley for powdery mildew resistance
Authors: Ames N. , Dreiseitl A. , Steffenson B. J. , Muehlbauer G. J.
Published: April 2015

Powdery mildew, caused by Blumeria graminis f. sp. hordei (Bgh), is a worldwide disease problem on barley (Hordeum vulgare) with potentially severe impact on yield. Historically, resistance genes have been identified chiefly from cultivated lines and landraces; however, wild barley (H. vulgare subsp. spontaneum) accessions have proven to be extraordinarily rich sources of powdery mildew resistance. This study describes the characterization of a collection of 316 wild barley accessions, known as the Wild Barley Diversity Collection (WBDC), for resistance to powdery mildew and the genetic location of powdery mildew resistance loci. The WBDC was phenotyped for reaction to 40 different Bgh isolates at the seedling stage and genotyped with 10 508 molecular markers. Accessions resistant to all 40 isolates of Bgh were not found; however, three accessions (WBDC 053, 085 and 089) exhibited resistance to 38 of the isolates. Gene postulation analyses revealed that many accessions, while resistant, contained none of the 12 genes present in the Pallas near‐isogenic lines Mla1, Mla3, Mla6, Mla7, Mla9, Mla12, Mla13, Mlk1, MlLa, Mlg, Mlat and Ml(Ru2), suggesting that the accessions carry novel genes or gene combinations. A genome‐wide association study of powdery mildew resistance in the WBDC identified 21 significant marker‐trait associations that resolved into 15 quantitative trait loci. Seven of these loci have not been previously associated with powdery mildew resistance. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the WBDC is a rich source of powdery mildew resistance, and provide genetic tools for incorporating the resistance into barley breeding programmes.