bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gatecrashing: an exploration of community attitudes and experiences
Authors: Earl Cameron , Patten Emma
Published: March 2011

Purpose

This article aims to present the findings from a study designed to gain a general understanding of community attitudes and experiences associated with gatecrashing at outdoor music festivals (OMFs).

Design/methodology/approach

This study was an exploratory, descriptive study with data collection involving a web based, survey tool and convenience and snowballing sampling methodologies. A total of 196 people from across Australia participated in the study.

Findings

The key findings were that 15.3 per cent of the respondents were supportive of others gatecrashing, 65.3 per cent were against others gatecrashing while the remaining study participants did not care either way (19.4 per cent). About 39 per cent of the respondents had considered gatecrashing an event however the majority of this group (86 per cent) did not go through with these intentions. The remainder of the respondents (61 per cent) had never personally considered gatecrashing an event. In total, 11 per cent of study participants reported having gatecrashed events and there was generally a level of planning associated with their gatecrashing experiences. The male respondents were more supportive and more likely to have considered gatecrashing an event than the female participants. Males also made up the majority of the study participants that had gatecrashed events.

Research limitations/implications

The collection of data involved the use of convenience and snowballing sampling methodologies and voluntary participation. As these methods are non‐probability based and so generalisations from this sample group were not be discussed in terms of the wider population.

Practical implications

It is expected that these findings will inform the work of event organisers and regulatory authorities involved in managing gatecrashing at these events.

Social implications

This study provides supportive evidence to inform education campaigns designed to reduce the impacts of gatecrashing at outdoor music events.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the body of knowledge on gatecrashing behaviour within the context of OMFs.
Marketing event outcomes: from tactical to strategic
Authors: Crowther Phil
Published: March 2011

Purpose

The paper aims to introduce a framework within which to interpret and manage organisational events that have marketing significance. It also seeks to introduce associated concepts to further this area of study and practice.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper introduces and appraises the marketing event landscape and goes on to examine the unique DNA of marketing events evaluating their specific relevance and role in the contemporary marketing environment. The final section of the paper explores a range of strategic event objectives as the starting point for event design, delivery, and evaluation. Couched between the author's previous and future (ongoing) empirical work in this area, this article provides much needed conceptual development.

Findings

The framework provides a structured approach through which practitioners and academics can interpret and realise the value of marketing events. The discussion demonstrates that there exists a wide and rich array of organisational events that have marketing utility, marketing events is therefore an inclusive term. Underpinning the framework, and associated discussion, is how the marketing events feed into a wider marketing strategy. The connection between event objectives and marketing strategy is therefore pivotal, and is a prevailing theme of the paper.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates how the inherent qualities of marketing events are very relevant given the contemporary marketing environment. Despite this, there is a lack of academic literature and events remain a poor relation to other forms of marketing communication. This detracts from them realising their potential as a relevant and high impact marketing delivery method. The models, concepts, and ideas in this paper are original, inspired by a range of fragmented literature relevant to the topic of marketing and events.
Strategic SWOT analysis of public, private and not‐for‐profit festival organisations
Authors: Carlsen Jack , Andersson Tommy D.
Published: March 2011

Purpose

This analysis relates to the strategic orientation of public, private and not‐for‐profit festivals and the adoption of stakeholder, financial, marketing and management strategies that enable them to achieve their organisational objectives. The paper aims to address these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to test the effectiveness of this new strategic SWOT approach, data from the four‐country study of festivals were employed to investigate how a strategic approach can be adopted by festival managers in the public, private and not‐for‐profit sector. The strategic issues that confront all festivals, including, financial management and related issues of costs, revenue, sponsorship and support are the subject of analysis.

Findings

The findings indicate that among festival managers there are some interesting and significant differences between the three ownership types in terms of their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Private and non‐profit festivals are comparatively more strategic in responding to financial opportunities, threats and weaknesses and public festivals are more dependent on a single stakeholder and source of revenue. Other significant differences exist in terms of stakeholder management and sponsorship strategies, which can be explained with reference to resource dependency theory.

Research limitations/implications

Strategic SWOT analysis can provide a more rigorous and structured approach to researching the multiple challenges that festival managers face and the strategies they adopt. This paper demonstrates that it has some utility in identifying strategies in response to financial, stakeholder and sponsorship imperatives.

Practical implications

Strategic SWOT analysis provides event and festival managers with a new tool for understanding the range of challenges and opportunities that they can address through adopting a more strategic response.

Originality/value

The field of festival and event management studies is largely devoid of any literature with reference to analysis of strategies that different festivals adopt in response to identified weaknesses, opportunities and threats. This paper provides new insights into the strategic management of public, private and not‐for‐profit festival organisations using an original approach and an extensive four‐country dataset.
Organizational change: in search of the golden mean
Authors: Dillard Jesse , Rogers Rodney , Yuthas Kristi
Published: March 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider an archetypal illustration of change possibilities manifested in a corporation, Enron Corporation, operating within the context of global market capitalism.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach taken is a theory guided case study.

Findings

It was found that the culture within Enron changed from one grounded in a regulatory ethos to one fully dedicated to unregulated, free marketeering, and illustrates both the best and worst of market capitalism. The character and trajectory of the change was a combination of both internal and external forces, and the ability to recognize and balance the inherent enabling and debilitating dimensions.

Originality/value

In this paper, the structuration theory analysis aids focus on the extant norms and values and in seeing how, though the actions of the participants, they construct, and are constructed by, the representation schemes and the power relationships. The analysis of Enron illustrates that change driven by the dominance of unregulated markets can limit the scope of actual, and perceived, ethical alternatives considered by the organizational actors. As such, the perceived options are restricted and any sense of individual or collective responsibility and accountability is dampened.
Managing performance at the top: a balanced scorecard for boards of directors
Authors: Northcott Deryl , Smith Janine
Published: March 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to draw on the perspectives and experiences of New Zealand board members to propose a balanced scorecard (BSC) for use in measuring and managing the performance of boards.

Design/methodology/approach

The views of 35 board members were elicited via semi‐structured interviews. The interview evidence was analysed using a multi‐step coding process to arrive at key themes on the functions, characteristics and outcomes of effective and ineffective boards. These themes were then used as a basis for proposing an appropriate structure and content for a BSC that reflects board members' perceptions of key factors driving board performance.

Findings

New Zealand board members see behavioural measures of board performance as generally more useful than operational and financial measures. Further, strong relationships and strategic clarity are seen as both drivers of good performance and key outcomes of effective boards. Consequently, the proposed BSC incorporates multi‐dimensional outcome (i.e. lagging) measures. It also recognises the importance of including subjective measures, rather than focusing on readily quantifiable measures that board members perceive as less informative.

Research limitations/implications

This paper provides insight into the perspectives of practising board members and informs the literature on board effectiveness. The proposed BSC adds to the performance management literature in regard to evaluating and managing the performance of boards. However, further studies are now required to test its practical utility.

Practical implications

The proposed BSC provides a potentially useful tool for evaluating the performance of boards of directors.

Originality/value

Few studies of board effectiveness have accessed the views and experiences of practising board members as this study does. Also, little prior research exists on the potential for applying a BSC approach to measuring and managing board performance.
Effect of reorganization actions on the financial performance of small entrepreneurial distressed firms
Authors: Laitinen Erkki K.
Published: March 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the effect of different reorganization actions on long‐term financial performance of reorganizing small entrepreneurial firms in Finland.

Design/methodology/approach

An structural equation model estimated by partial least squares is applied to survey data from 98 reorganizing very small firms to analyze the effect of organizational change (OC), financial reorganization, management control system change (MCSC), and management accounting change (MAC) on performance.

Findings

Evidence supports three of the seven research hypotheses. Debt restructuring has a positive effect on performance. Liquidation of assets and OC do not show a significant direct effect but OC has a positive total effect. MCSC has a positive effect whereas the effect of MAC is negative. Compatibility of reorganization actions with the confirmed reorganization plan affects positively performance.

Research limitations/implications

The sample is small. In further studies, larger samples should be used. Effect of reorganization on performance is self‐assessed by the firms. Further studies should apply more objective measures. The constructs of variables are intended for larger firms. New constructs should be developed for very small firms.

Practical implications

It is important that reorganization administrators and consultants prepare a careful reorganization plan to be followed during the program. In small reorganizing firms, it is beneficial to develop management control systems. However, one should be cautious when developing formal management accounting systems for very small firms.

Originality/value

This paper is the first one developing a structural model of the effects of reorganization actions on performance of small firms. It brings new evidence on the effects of organizational and control system change.
Decomposition of tissue baits and termite density along a gradient of human land‐use intensification in Western Kenya
Authors: Kagezi Godfrey H. , Kaib Manfred , Nyeko Philip , Bakuneeta Christopher , Schädler Martin , Brandl Roland
Published: March 2011

Termites are important decomposers and ‘ecosystem engineers’ in tropical ecosystems. Furthermore, termite assemblages are sensitive to human land‐use intensification and often termite density and the importance of soil‐feeding termites decrease with land‐use intensification. These changes in termite assemblages may also lead to a decrease in termite‐mediated ecosystem processes (e.g. soil formation, cellulose decomposition). We compared density and functional composition of termites with cellulose removal from undisturbed primary forests to farmlands (Kakamega Forest, Western Kenya). In contrast to the expectation, we found no response of termite abundance along the gradient of land‐use intensification. However, as expected, the relative abundance of soil‐feeders decreased from primary forests to farmlands. In contrast, frequency of attack on tissue paper baits and removal of tissue showed a clear hump‐shaped relationship to land‐use intensification with high values in secondary forests. These nonconcordant patterns of density and functional composition of termite assemblages with cellulose removal by termites suggest that it may be misleading to infer changes in a process by the characteristics of the assemblage of organisms that mediate that process.
Genetic variation in Th1/Th2 pathway genes and risk of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma: a pooled analysis of three population‐based case‐control studies
Authors: Lan Qing , Wang Sophia S. , Menashe Idan , Armstrong Bruce , Zhang Yawei , Hartge Patricia , Purdue Mark P. , Holford Theodore R. , Morton Lindsay M. , Kricker Anne , Cerhan James R. , Grulich Andrew , Cozen Wendy , Zahm Shelia H. , Yeager Meredith , Vajdic Claire M. , Schenk Maryjean , Leaderer Brian , Yuenger Jeff , Severson Richard K. , Chatterjee Nilanjan , Chanock Stephen J. , Zheng Tongzhang , Rothman Nathaniel
Published: March 2011

The balance between T‐helper 1 (Th1) and T‐helper 2 (Th2) activity is critical in lymphoid cell development and differentiation. Immune dysfunction underlies lymphomagenesis, so an alteration in the regulation of key Th1/Th2 cytokines may lead to the development of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). To study the impact of polymorphisms in Th1/Th2 cytokines on NHL risk, we analyzed 145 tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 17 Th1/Th2 cytokine and related genes in three population‐based case‐control studies (1946 cases and 1808 controls). Logistic regression was used to compute odds ratios (OR) for NHL and four major NHL subtypes in relation to tag SNP genotypes and haplotypes. A gene‐based analysis adjusting for the number of tag SNPs genotyped in each gene showed significant associations with risk of NHL combined and one or more NHL subtypes for Th1 (IL12A and IL12RB1) and Th2 (IL4, IL10RB, and IL18) genes. The strongest association was for rs485497 in IL12A, which plays a central role in bridging the cellular and humoral pathways of innate resistance and antigen‐specific adaptive immune responses (allele risk OR = 1·17; P(trend) = 0·00099). This SNP was also associated specifically with risk of follicular lymphoma (allele risk OR = 1·26; P(trend) = 0·0012). These findings suggest that genetic variation in Th1/Th2 cytokine genes may contribute to lymphomagenesis.
Association of JAK‐STAT pathway related genes with lymphoma risk: results of a European case–control study (EpiLymph)
Authors: Butterbach Katja , Beckmann Lars , de Sanjosé Silvia , Benavente Yolanda , Becker Nikolaus , Foretova Lenka , Maynadie Marc , Cocco Pierluigi , Staines Anthony , Boffetta Paolo , Brennan Paul , Nieters Alexandra
Published: March 2011

Previous studies have suggested an important role for the Janus kinase‐signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK‐STAT) signalling pathway in tumour development. Therefore, we explored genetic variants in JAK‐STAT pathway associated genes with lymphoma risk. In samples of the EpiLymph case–control study we genotyped 1536 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using GoldenGate BeadArray™ Technology (Illumina, San Diego, CA, USA). Here, we report the associations between selected SNPs and haplotypes of the JAK‐STAT pathway and risk of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (B‐NHL) and most frequent B‐NHL subtypes. Among 210 relevant JAK‐STAT pathway‐related SNPs, polymorphisms in nine genes (BMF, IFNG, IL12A, SOCS1, STAT1, STAT3, STAT5A, STAT6, TP63) were significantly associated with lymphoma risk. At a study‐wise significance level, we obtained a risk reduction of 28% among carriers of the heterozygous genotype of the STAT3 variant (rs1053023) for B‐NHL. For six other variants within the STAT3 gene we observed an inverse association with different lymphoma subtypes. A reduced risk for HL was observed for the heterozygous genotype of the STAT6 SNP (rs324011). This is an explorative investigation to examine associations between JAK‐STAT signalling related genes and lymphoma risk. The results implicate a relevant role of certain pathway‐related genes in lymphomagenesis, but still need to be approved by independent studies.
Serum immunoglobulin A concentration in infancy, but not human milk immunoglobulin A, is associated with subsequent atopic manifestations in children and adolescents: a 20‐year prospective follow‐up study
Authors: Pesonen M. , Kallio M. J. T. , Siimes M. A. , Savilahti E. , Ranki A.
Published: March 2011

Background
Serum and secretory IgA concentrations have been suggested to be inversely associated with allergic symptoms in children. Furthermore, low maternal milk IgA concentration has been suggested to be associated with the development of cow's milk allergy.

Objective
Our aim was to explore whether the serum IgA concentrations in infancy and the IgA concentration of maternal milk predict atopic manifestations in childhood and up to age 20 years.

Methods
A cohort of 200 unselected full‐term newborns was prospectively followed up from birth to age 20 years with measurement of serum total IgA at ages 2 and 6 months. The mothers were encouraged to maintain exclusive breastfeeding for as long as possible. Total IgA concentration of maternal milk was measured at birth (colostrum, n=169) and at 2 (n=167) and 6 (n=119) months of lactation. The children were re‐assessed at ages 5, 11 and 20 years for the occurrence of allergic symptoms, with skin prick testing and measurement of serum IgE.

Results
Children and adolescents with respiratory allergic symptoms and sensitization had a higher serum IgA concentration at age 2 months than the non‐atopic subjects. Colostrum and breast milk IgA concentrations were not associated with the development of allergic symptoms in the recipient infant. However, maternal milk IgA concentration at 6 months of lactation was inversely associated with elevated serum total IgE and positive skin prick test to tree pollen in the offspring at age 20 years.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance
Increased serum IgA concentration at age 2 months is associated with the development of subsequent allergic symptoms and sensitization in childhood and adolescence. Maternal milk IgA concentrations are not associated with subsequent allergic symptoms in the recipient infant. The present study provides novel information on the role of IgA in the development of respiratory allergy and sensitization.

Cite this as: M. Pesonen, M. J. T. Kallio, M. A. Siimes, E. Savilahti and A. Ranki, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2011 (41) 688–696.
Comparison of topical 3% diclofenac sodium gel and 5% imiquimod cream for the treatment of actinic keratoses
Authors: Akarsu S. , Aktan Ş. , Atahan A. , Koç P. , Özkan Ş.
Published: March 2011

Background. There is a wide spectrum of treatments available for actinic keratosis (AK). Topical diclofenac sodium and imiquimod are two topical treatments, which are noninvasive, easily applied, well-tolerated and effective.

Aim. To compare the effects of topical 3% diclofenac sodium plus hyaluranon (DFS) gel, 5% imiquimod (IMQ) cream, and base cream (BC) in patients with AK.

Methods. In total, 61 patients, diagnosed clinically and histopathologically as having AK, were randomized into three treatment groups to receive topical treatment with either DFS (twice daily for 12 weeks), IMQ (twice per week for 16 weeks) or BC (twice daily for 12 weeks). Patients were evaluated clinically at 0, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24 weeks. Treatment efficacy was assessed by Total Thickness Score (TTS) and Patient Global Improvement Index (PGII).

Results. Complete clearance rates for DFS, IMQ and BC at the end of the treatment and at the end of the total follow-up period were 19.1%, 20% and 0%, and 14.3%, 45% and 0%, respectively. Although the average TTS value of the DFS group at week 24 was significantly higher than that of the IMQ group, the PGII values were not significantly different.

Conclusions. Although DFS and IMQ each had considerable efficacy in the treatment of AK, the efficacy of DFS seemed to decrease after cessation of treatment.
Ability to self-detect malignant melanoma decreases with age
Authors: Trolle L. , Henrik-Nielsen R. , Gniadecki R.
Published: March 2011

The prognosis of malignant melanoma depends on the thickness of the tumour. In this study, we analysed the trends in Breslow thickness in 63 patients referred to our institution, a tertiary dermatology referral centre. The mean thickness of melanoma was 0.31 mm, which was lower than the national average of 1.10 mm. There was a significant trend towards increased melanoma thickness with increasing age, with a rate of 0.24 mm (95% CI 0.12–0.37) for each additional 10 years of age above the age of 20 years. This trend was only apparent in cases of self-diagnosed melanomas; the thickness of tumours diagnosed by a dermatologist did not show any dependence on patient age. As the mortality from melanoma increases with age, this study suggests that dermatologists should include older people in screening programmes for melanoma.
Sunnier European countries have lower melanoma mortality
Authors: Shipman A. R. , Clark A. B. , Levell N. J.
Published: March 2011

Doubt has been cast on sunlight as the major causative factor for malignant melanoma. We performed statistical analysis of the average annual sunlight hours in 36 European capital cities compared with the country’s melanoma mortality rate. A significant inverse proportionality was identified in both men and women, indicating that sun exposure is unlikely to be the strongest factor affecting mortality from malignant melanoma.
Who should have genetic testing for maturity‐onset diabetes of the young?
Authors: Naylor Rochelle , Philipson Louis H.
Published: March 2011

Maturity‐onset diabetes of the young (MODY) is a clinically heterogeneous group of monogenic disorders characterized by autosomal dominant inheritance of young‐onset, non‐insulin‐dependent diabetes. The genes involved are important in beta cell development, function and regulation and lead to disorders in glucose sensing and insulin secretion. Heterozygous GCK mutations cause impaired glucokinase activity resulting in stable, mild hyperglycaemia that rarely requires treatment. HNF1A mutations cause a progressive insulin secretory defect that is sensitive to sulphonylureas, most often resulting in improved glycaemic control compared with other diabetes treatment. MODY owing to mutations in the HNF4A gene results in a similar phenotype, including sensitivity to sulphonylurea treatment. HNF1B mutations most frequently cause developmental renal disease (particularly renal cysts) but may also cause MODY in isolation or may cause the renal cysts and diabetes syndrome (RCAD syndrome). Mutations in NEUROD1, PDX1 (IPF1), CEL and INS are rare causes of MODY. MODY is often misdiagnosed as type 1 or type 2 diabetes. However, a correct genetic diagnosis impacts treatment and identifies at‐risk family members. Thus, it is important to consider a diagnosis of MODY in appropriate individuals and to pursue genetic testing to establish a molecular diagnosis.
Silver alloy vs. uncoated urinary catheters: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Beattie Michelle , Taylor Julie
Published: March 2011

Aims and objectives.  This systematic review aimed to determine whether there was enough evidence to conclude that silver‐alloy urinary catheters reduce catheter‐associated urinary tract infections compared with silicone or latex urinary catheters in adult inpatients.

Background.  Previous systematic reviews into the effectiveness of silver‐coated urinary catheters have offered limited opportunity to transfer their findings into practice. These studies have been on North American products only, of generally poor quality, or several years since their completion (Brosnahan J, Jull A & Tracy C 2004, Cochrane Database Systematic Reviews, Issue 1, Art. No.: CD004013).

Design.  A systematic review of the literature was deemed the most appropriate research method to apply as there had already been several studies (Saint S, Veenstra DL, Sullivan SD, Chenoweth C & Fendrick AM 2000, Archives of International Medicine, 160, 2670–2675; Lai KK & Fontecchio SA 2002, American Journal of Infection Control, 30, 221–225; Schaeffer AJ 2005, The Journal of Urology, 173, 845–846) relating to the subject in question, although there were some queries regarding their methodological rigour.

Methods.  Randomised control trials, systematic reviews and meta‐analyses were identified by searching relevant databases. Relevant papers were judged against predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Ten per cent of papers were assessed by a second reviewer. Following the application of a numerical filtering tool, six papers were rejected and eleven papers were retained.

Results.  Of the 11 papers retained, there were eight studies, as some studies published more than one paper. The integrated results did present a consistent pattern favourable towards the efficacy of silver‐alloy urinary catheters to reduce catheter‐associated urinary tract infection.

Conclusion.  The collective evidence divulged an emerging pattern favouring the efficacy of silver‐alloy urinary catheters to reduce catheter‐associated urinary tract infection. Owing to the poor quality of some individual studies included in other systematic reviews and the inability to carry out meta‐analysis because of significant heterogeneity, definitive conclusions cannot be drawn from the study.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Given the significant prevalence of catheter‐associated urinary tract infection, early indications of improved infection rate outcomes using silver‐alloy urinary catheters should not be dismissed.
Struggling in an inescapable life situation: being a close relative of a person dependent on home enteral tube feeding
Authors: Bjuresäter Kaisa , Larsson Maria , Athlin Elsy
Published: March 2011

Aim.  To explore what it means to be a close relative of a person dependent on home enteral tube feeding (HETF) and how they can manage this situation.

Background.  Previous studies have shown that the situation of close relatives in home care in general can be burdensome and difficult. Research is scarce about experiences of close relatives when patients are treated with HETF.

Design.  A qualitative design was used, in accordance with grounded theory (GT).

Methods.  Twelve close relatives were interviewed twice, using open‐ended questions. Five were relatives of patients supported by home care services or advanced home care teams. Using the GT method, sampling, data collection and data analysis were carried out simultaneously.

Results.  One core category, ‘Struggling in an inescapable life situation’ and eight categories were found. The situation led to involuntary changes in the lives of the close relatives, something they could do little about. Their lives had become completely upturned and restricted by the HETF. Togetherness and pleasure was lost and they felt lonely. The relatives faced a new role of being informal caregivers and they had to adjust their daily life accordingly. They felt forced to take on a heavy responsibility for which they lacked support. The close relatives struggled to manage and to make the best of their new situation.

Conclusions.  This study highlighted the demands and vulnerability which is embedded in the role of being a close relative of a patient with HETF. It also pointed out their need for comprehensive support from the health care system.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Support to facilitate the situation of close relatives should be given from the health care. One way to organise the care could be through a nurse‐led clinic, which provides continuous support, information and counseling.
Novel Potential Regulators of Maternal Adaptations During Lactation: Tuberoinfundibular Peptide 39 and Amylin
Authors: Dobolyi A.
Published: March 2011

Maternal adaptations during lactation include milk synthesis and ejection, the appearance of maternal behaviours, reduced stress response, suppression of the ovarian cycle, and increased food and fluid intake. Several recently identified neuropeptides may participate in these adaptations, and we focus on two of them in the present study: tuberoinfundibular peptide of 39 residues (TIP39) and amylin. TIP39 is the ligand of the parathyroid hormone 2 receptor (PTH2 receptor) is induced in the posterior intralaminar complex of the thalamus (PIL) during lactation. TIP39 neurones in the PIL are activated in mother rats in response to pup exposure and project to preoptic, periventricular, paraventricular, arcuate and dorsomedial regions of the hypothalamus. Furthermore, an antagonist of the PTH2 receptor reduced suckling induced prolactin release. On the basis of their projections, TIP39 neurones might interact with additional neurones involved in maternal adaptations, including kisspeptin neurones participating in the control of gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone function. TIP39 fibres might also interact with amylin, a peptide that we recently identified to appear in the preoptic area of rat dams. On the basis of its distribution, preoptic amylin could play a role in the control of maternal behaviours. We hypothesise that TIP39 neurones mediate the effects of suckling on different hypothalamic systems to affect maternal adaptations.
Intraspecific variation in the direction and degree of sex‐biased dispersal among sea‐snake populations
Authors: LANE AMANDA , SHINE RICHARD
Published: March 2011

Higher rates of dispersal in one sex than the other are widespread, and often attributed to the genetic advantages of reduced inbreeding. The direction of sex‐biased dispersal shows strong phylogenetic conservatism (e.g. males disperse more than females in most mammals, but the reverse is true in most birds). By contrast, our genetic data reveal strong inter‐population variation in the relative dispersal rates of two species of sea snakes (Laticauda saintgironsi and L. laticaudata) in the Noumea Lagoon of New Caledonia. Assignment methods using microsatellite data identified parallel variation in sex‐specific dispersal in both species: dispersal was female‐biased in the north‐west of the sampling area (in islands far from the main island), but male‐biased in the south‐east (in islands closer to the main island). This flexibility may reflect sex differences in diets, with spatial variation in sex‐specific resources generating spatial variation in sex‐specific dispersal distances.
Evidence of neutral and adaptive genetic divergence between European trout populations sampled along altitudinal gradients
Authors: KELLER I. , TAVERNA A. , SEEHAUSEN O.
Published: March 2011

Species with a wide geographical distribution are often composed of distinct subgroups which may be adapted to their local environment. European trout (Salmo truttaspecies complex) provide an example of such a complex consisting of several genetically and ecologically distinct forms. However, trout populations are strongly influenced by human activities, and it is unclear to what extent neutral and adaptive genetic differences have persisted. We sampled 30 Swiss trout populations from heterogeneous environments along replicated altitudinal gradients in three major European drainages. More than 850 individuals were genotyped at 18 microsatellite loci which included loci diagnostic for evolutionary lineages and candidate markers associated with temperature tolerance, reproductive timing and immune defence. We find that the phylogeographic structure of Swiss trout populations has not been completely erased by stocking. Distinct genetic clusters corresponding to the different drainages could be identified, although nonindigenous alleles were clearly present, especially in the two Mediterranean drainages. We also still detected neutral genetic differentiation within rivers which was often associated with the geographical distance between populations. Five loci showed evidence of divergent selection between populations with several drainage‐specific patterns. Lineage‐diagnostic markers, a marker linked to a quantitative trait locus for upper temperature tolerance in other salmonids and a marker linked to the major histocompatibility class I gene were implicated in local adaptation and some patterns were associated with altitude. In contrast, tentative evidence suggests a signal of balancing selection at a second immune relevant gene (TAP2). Our results confirm the persistence of both neutral and potentially adaptive genetic differences between trout populations in the face of massive human‐mediated dispersal.
The expression of CD36 in vessels with blood–brain barrier impairment in a stroke‐prone hypertensive model
Authors: Ueno M. , Nakagawa T. , Nagai Y. , Nishi N. , Kusaka T. , Kanenishi K. , Onodera M. , Hosomi N. , Huang C. , Yokomise H. , Tomimoto H. , Sakamoto H.
Published: March 2011

M. Ueno, T. Nakagawa, Y. Nagai, N. Nishi, T. Kusaka, K. Kanenishi, M. Onodera, N. Hosomi, C. Huang, H. Yokomise, H. Tomimoto and H. Sakamoto (2011) Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology37, 727–737

The expression of CD36 in vessels with blood–brain barrier impairment in a stroke‐prone hypertensive model

Aims: The class B scavenger receptor CD36, the receptor for oxidized low‐density lipoprotein, mediates free radical production and brain injury in cerebral ischaemia. Free radical production is known to be involved in the remodelling of the cerebral vasculature of stroke‐prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP). Accordingly, we examined whether the expression of CD36 is increased in the vasculature with blood–brain barrier (BBB) impairment and collagen deposition of SHRSP. Methods: The gene and protein expression of CD36 was examined in the vessels of the hippocampus of SHRSP with BBB impairment and those of Wistar Kyoto rats without the impairment, by real‐time RT‐PCR, Western blotting and immunohistochemical techniques. Results: The gene and protein expression of CD36 was increased in the hippocampus of SHRSP compared with that of Wistar Kyoto rats. Confocal microscopic examination revealed CD36 immunoreactivity in perivascular microglial cells immunopositive for ED1. Immunoelectron microscopic examination revealed that the immunosignals for CD36 were located mainly in the cytoplasm of perivascular cells in vessels showing increased vascular permeability and a few in the cytoplasmic membranes of endothelial cells. Conclusions: These findings indicate that the expression of CD36 was increased in vessels with BBB impairment in the hippocampus of SHRSP and was mainly seen in the cytoplasm of perivascular microglial cells, suggesting a role of CD36 in cerebrovascular injury.
Semi‐dominant mutations in the CC‐NB‐LRR‐type R gene, NLS1, lead to constitutive activation of defense responses in rice
Authors: Tang Jiuyou , Zhu Xudong , Wang Yiqin , Liu Linchuan , Xu Bo , Li Feng , Fang Jun , Chu Chengcai
Published: March 2011

In this study, we characterized the semi‐dominant mutant nls1‐1D (necrotic leaf sheath 1) of rice, which displays spontaneous lesions, specifically on leaf sheaths, with a developmental pattern. nls1‐1D plants also exhibited constitutively activated defense responses, including extensive cell death, excess hydrogen peroxide and salicylic acid (SA) accumulation, up‐regulated expressions of pathogenesis‐related genes, and enhanced resistance to bacterial pathogens. Map‐based cloning revealed that NLS1 encodes a typical CC‐NB‐LRR‐type protein in rice. The nls1‐1D mutation causes a S367N substitution in the non‐conserved region close to the GLPL motif of the NB domain. An adjacent S366T substitution was found in another semi‐dominant mutant, nls1‐2D, which exhibited the same phenotypes as nls1‐1D. Combined analyses of wild‐type plants transformed with the mutant NLS1 gene (nls1‐1D), NLS1 RNAi and over‐expression transgenic lines showed that nls1‐2D is allelic to nls1‐1D, and both mutations may cause constitutive auto‐activation of the NLS1 R protein. Further real‐time PCR analysis revealed that NLS1 is expressed constitutively in an age‐dependent manner. In addition, because the morphology and constitutive defense responses of nls1‐1D were not suppressed by blocking SA or NPR1 transcript accumulation, we suggest that NLS1 mediates both SA and NPR1‐independent defense signaling pathways in rice.
AtHsp70‐15‐deficient Arabidopsis plants are characterized by reduced growth, a constitutive cytosolic protein response and enhanced resistance to TuMV
Authors: Jungkunz Isabel , Link Katrin , Vogel Florian , Voll Lars M. , Sonnewald Sophia , Sonnewald Uwe
Published: March 2011

Arabidopsis thaliana contains 18 genes encoding Hsp70s. This heat shock protein superfamily is divided into two sub‐families: DnaK and Hsp110/SSE. In order to functionally characterize members of the Hsp70 superfamily, loss‐of‐function mutants with reduced cytosolic Hsp70 expression were studied. AtHsp70‐1 and AtHsp70‐2 are constitutively expressed and represent the major cytosolic Hsp70 isoforms under ambient conditions. Analysis of single and double mutants did not reveal any difference compared to wild‐type controls. In yeast, SSE protein has been shown to act as a nucleotide exchange factor, essential for Hsp70 function. To test whether members of the Hsp110/SSE sub‐family serve essential functions in plants, two members of the sub‐family, AtHsp70‐14 and AtHsp70‐15, were analysed. Both genes are highly homologous and constitutively expressed. Deficiency of AtHsp70‐15 but not of AtHsp70‐14 led to severe growth retardation. AtHsp70‐15‐deficient plants were smaller than wild‐type and exhibited a slightly different leaf shape. Stomatal closure under ambient conditions and in response to ABA was impaired in the AtHsp70‐15 transgenic plants, but ABA‐dependent inhibition of germination was not affected. Heat treatment of AtHsp70‐15‐deficient plants resulted in drastically increased mortality, indicating that AtHsp70‐15 plays an essential role during normal growth and in the heat response of Arabidopsis plants. AtHsp70‐15‐deficient plants are more tolerant to infection by turnip mosaic virus. Comparative transcriptome analysis revealed that AtHsp70‐15‐deficient plants display a constitutive stress response similar to the cytosolic protein response. Based on these results, AtHsp70‐15 is likely to be a key factor in proper folding of cytosolic proteins, and may function as nucleotide exchange factor as proposed for yeast.
In planta quantification of endoreduplication using fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH)
Authors: Bourdon Matthieu , Coriton Olivier , Pirrello Julien , Cheniclet Catherine , Brown Spencer C. , Poujol Christel , Chevalier Christian , Renaudin Jean‐Pierre , Frangne Nathalie
Published: March 2011

Endopolyploidy, i.e. amplification of the genome in the absence of mitosis, occurs in many plant species and happens along with organ and cell differentiation. Deciphering the functional roles of endopolyploidy is hampered by the fact that polyploid tissues generally comprise cells with various ploidy levels. In some fleshy fruits (amongst them tomato fruit) the ploidy levels present at the end of development range from 2C to 256C in the same tissue. To investigate the temporal and spatial distribution of endopolyploidy it is necessary to address the DNA content of individual nuclei in situ. Conventional methods such as fluorometry or densitometry can be used for some tissues displaying favorable characteristics, e.g. small cells, small nuclei, organization in a monolayer, but high levels of varying polyploidy are usually associated with large sizes of nuclei and cells, in a complex three dimensional (3‐D) organization of the tissues. The conventional methods are inadequate for such tissue, becoming semi‐quantitative and imprecise. We report here the development of a new method based on fluorescent in situ bacterial artificial chromosome hybridizations that allows the in situ determination of the DNA ploidy level of individual nuclei. This method relies on the counting of hybridization signals and not on intensity measurements and is expected to provide an alternative method for mapping endopolyploidy patterns in mature, 3‐D organized plant tissues as illustrated by the analysis of ploidy level and cell size in pericarp from mature green tomato fruit.
Serum pharmacokinetics of clindamycin hydrochloride in normal dogs when administered at two dosage regimens
Authors: Saridomichelakis Manolis N. , Athanasiou Labrini V. , Salame Michel , Chatzis Manolis K. , Katsoudas Vassilis , Pappas Ioannis S.
Published: March 2011

The aim of this cross‐over study was to compare clindamycin pharmacokinetics in the serum of clinically normal dogs when administered orally at two dosage regimens (5.5 mg/kg, twice daily, and 11 mg/kg, once daily), separated by a 1 week wash‐out period. Serum samples were obtained from six clinically normal laboratory beagles before, 3, 6, 9 and 12 h after the first and fifth dose of clindamycin at 5.5 mg/kg, twice daily, and before, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 and 24 h after the first and third dose at 11 mg/kg, once daily. Serum clindamycin concentrations were determined by reverse‐phase liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Results were analysed using Student’s pairedt‐test, at a 5% level of significance. Values of pharmacokinetic parameters that differed significantly between the two dosage regimens included the following: maximal concentration and area under the concentration–time curve were higher at 11 mg/kg, once daily, than at 5.5 mg/kg, twice daily; and, more importantly, the ratio of AUC0–24to the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 0.5 μg/mL for a 24 h period (AUC0–24/MIC) was higher when clindamycin was administered at 11 than at 5.5 mg/kg, at least during the first day of drug administration. Therefore, a better pharmacokinetic profile may be expected when clindamycin is administered at 11 mg/kg, once daily, for the treatment of canine pyoderma caused byStaphylococcus pseudintermedius.
Metaflumizone–amitraz (Promeris)‐associated pustular acantholytic dermatitis in 22 dogs: evidence suggests contact drug‐triggered pemphigus foliaceus
Authors: Oberkirchner Ursula , Linder Keith E. , Dunston Stan , Bizikova Petra , Olivry Thierry
Published: March 2011

Promeris Duo (PD) is a novel topical flea and tick preventative for dogs, which is also licensed for treatment of canine demodicosis. In this article, we present 22 dogs that all developed pemphigus foliaceus (PF)‐like cutaneous drug reactions at the site of PD application. In eight dogs, the lesions were restricted to the application site (localized group). Signs of systemic illness were reported in three dogs, and four required immunosuppressive treatment. Direct immunofluorescence for IgG was positive in four dogs, although circulating antikeratinocyte IgG could not be detected in any tested sera. Complete remission was achieved in all dogs, with one patient still remaining on treatment. Fourteen dogs developed skin lesions at the application site as well as other noncontiguous areas (distant group). Systemic signs were reported in 11 dogs, and immunosuppression was required in 10 cases. Direct and indirect immunofluorescence tests were positive for antikeratinocyte autoantibodies in 10 of 13 and six of 10 patients with distant disease, respectively. Complete remission was achieved in 10 of 13 dogs with distant disease; one‐third are still on treatment. Histological changes were similar to canine PF. Desmosomal architectural changes, assessed by desmoglein‐1 immunostaining, were also similar to those of dogs with spontaneous autoimmune PF. Apoptosis did not appear to contribute to lesion formation, in either autoimmune or PD‐associated PF. In conclusion, PD has the potential of triggering a variant of PF that resembles spontaneously occurring autoimmune PF at clinical, morphological, immunological and treatment outcome levels.
Clinical and immunological evaluation of 12‐month azithromycin therapy in chronic lung allograft rejection
Authors: Federica Meloni , Nadia Solari , Monica Morosini , Alessandro Cascina , Tiberio Oggionni , Francesco Bini , Mario Viganò , Maria Fietta Anna
Published: March 2011

Federica M, Nadia S, Monica M, Alessandro C, Tiberio O, Francesco B, Mario V, Maria FA. Clinical and immunological evaluation of 12‐month azithromycin therapy in chronic lung allograft rejection. Clin Transplant 2011: 25: E381–E389. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Background:  Bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) is the leading cause of morbidity/mortality in lung‐transplant recipients (LTRs). Recent studies demonstrated that azithromycin (AZI) can improve graft function in BOS. We here investigated whether a 12‐month course of AZI could more efficiently impact the course of BOS if administered early in BOS development.

Methods:  Using a retrospective study, we examined AZI effects on graft function in 62 LTRs: 25 with potential BOS (BOS 0‐p) and 37 with BOS grade 1–3. Response was defined as a ≥ 10% FEV1 increase. Bronchoalveolar (BAL) neutrophilia and levels of IL‐8, 8‐isoprostane and other plasma cytokines were analyzed as parameters of lung or systemic inflammation.

Results:  After 12‐month AZI, 13 patients were responders, 35 had graft function stabilization, and 14 further deteriorated. The frequency of responders was significantly higher in LTRs with BOS 0‐p (44%) than in those with BOS grade 1–3 (6%). No association was found between BAL features and AZI response while a significant decrease in plasma levels of IL‐8, MCP‐1, I‐309, MIP‐1α, and TNF‐α was detected.

Conclusions:  Long‐term AZI can improve or stabilize lung graft function in LTRs with BOS, but the treatment impacts the course of the disease more efficiently if administered in BOS 0‐p.