bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial (Im)mobility and Accessibility in Ireland: Implications for Transport Policy
Authors: Rau Henrike , Vega Amaya
Published: November 2012

Recent social research that links people's position in society to their ability to access employment has shown the centrality of spatial mobility in the (re)production of patterns of inequality. This is particularly evident in regions where economic activity is unevenly distributed and concentrated in an urban centre and where daily travel patterns reflect a spatial segregation between places of work and residential areas. This paper presents a spatial analysis of accessibility to employment for Galway City and its environs, a predominantly rural region in the West of Ireland dominated by its urban centre. Travel‐to‐work data from the 2006 Census of Population of Ireland were used to present a comparison of district‐specific accessibility levels across three socio‐economic groups. Network analysis and Geographic Information System visualisation tools are used to map existing socio‐spatial topographies of (in)accessibility. This is done to test two contrasting sets of theoretical proposals in the social science literature regarding the relationship between spatial mobility and social status. Advocates of the first position conceptualise spatial mobility as a form of capital that helps to maintain many existing social hierarchies. This contrasts with the views of those who anticipate the dissolution of established social boundaries (“fluidification”) as a result of increased spatial mobility of people, goods, and ideas. It is argued that these contrasting positions are highly relevant to current transport policy debates, including discussions around the impacts of recession‐related cuts in transport infrastructure investment on patterns of accessibility. In addition, they encourage reflection on the impacts of sustainable transport initiatives on different social groups that are more or less mobility disadvantaged, a fact that has hitherto received little attention in policy research and practice.
Learning Craft Skills in China: Apprenticeship and Social Capital in an Artisan Community of Practice
Authors: Gowlland Geoffrey
Published: November 2012

This article discusses some of the consequences of collectivization and subsequent privatization of handicraft in China in the second half of the 20th century on ways of learning and modes of apprenticeship. It argues that, after the privatization of the ceramics workshops of Dingshu, Jiangsu province, an ethos of sharing previously introduced by collectivization continues to determine the paths of transmission of practical knowledge and facilitates exclusion of access to knowledge from community outsiders.
Translating Recategorization Strategies Into an Antibias Educational Intervention
Authors: Guerra Rita , Rebelo Margarida , Monteiro Maria B. , Gaertner Samuel L.
Published: November 2012

This experiment explored whether the benefits of a complete recategorization and a dual identity might effectively be translated into an intervention program designed to reduce prejudice among European Portuguese and African Portuguese 9‐ to 11‐year‐old children. Participants interacted for 45 minutes in weekly sessions for a month. One month after the last interaction, measures were administered to the children. Results revealed that only recategorization reduced prejudice over time relative to the control condition. Consistent with a functional perspective regarding which representation would most effectively promote their group's goals, a one‐group representation was more effective for the African Portuguese minority group.
Management of teeth with vital pulps and open apices
Authors: Abu‐Tahun Ibrahim , Torabinejad Mahmoud
Published: November 2012

One of the main functions of the dental pulp is the formation of dentin. When the pulp undergoes pathological changes before complete root development, normal root growth is disrupted. If the pulp is reversibly inflamed due to caries or exposure, the treatment of choice is to maintain pulp vitality by pulp capping or pulpotomy. If the pulp is irreversibly inflamed or necrotic, traditional apexification procedures consist of multiple and long‐term applications of calcium hydroxide in order to create an apical barrier that aids in root canal obturation. Recently, artificial apical barriers using mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) have been introduced. In addition, pulp regeneration (revascularization) has received attention as an option for such teeth. That topic will be addressed in the next chapter. In this review, we will give a brief description of the embryology of root development, major causes of pulpal inflammation, factors affecting treatment planning, and tests for diagnosing pulpal conditions. This will be followed by a comprehensive literature review from 1908 through June 2010 regarding the definition, history, materials used, animal and human studies, mechanisms of action, prognosis, as well as advantages and disadvantages of apexogenesis by pulp capping and pulpotomy.
Management of teeth with necrotic pulps and open apices
Authors: Torabinejad Mahmoud , Abu‐Tahun Ibrahim
Published: November 2012

When the pulp of a tooth is irreversibly inflamed or necrotic and the apex is open, conventional root canal treatment is difficult to perform and the outcome is uncertain. Traditionally, the apexification procedure has consisted of multiple and long‐term applications of calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2] to create an apical barrier to aid the obturation. Recently, artificial apical barriers such as those made with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) have been used in teeth with necrotic pulps and open apices. More recently, procedures referred to as regenerative endodontics have received much attention as an option for these teeth. The purpose of this article is to provide a comprehensive literature review from May 1952–May 2011 regarding the management of teeth with necrotic pulps and open apices. This review covers the articles published in dental journals and book chapters regarding the definition, history, materials used, animal and human studies, mechanisms of action, prognosis, as well as advantages and disadvantages of apexification, apical plugs, and regenerative endodontics.
The biological fate of silver ions following the use of silver‐containing wound care products – a review
Authors: Walker Michael , Parsons David
Published: November 2012

Ionic silver has a long history as an antimicrobial in human health care. This article is a review of the published literature on how ionic silver may enter the body from exposure to silver‐containing wound care products and its eventual metabolic fates, in an assessment of the safety during normal use of these products in wound care. Following the application to breached skin, there appears to be little evidence of localised or systemic toxicity, and this is borne out by the continuous use of silver sulfadiazine formulations for more than 50 years. Consequently, following normal use, the risk of silver ion toxicity locally and systemically is considered to be low or negligible.
Access to wound dressings for patients living with epidermolysis bullosa – an Australian perspective
Authors: Stevens Louise J
Published: November 2012

Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) is a rare genetic skin disorder characterised by fragility and blistering of skin and mucous membranes. Skin can blister and shear away from minimal friction, trauma and every day activities. The disease causes a wide range of complications but wound care is the major challenge to severe EB, and good wound care is an essential part of wound management. The goal of wound care was to choose a product that protects the fragile skin, limits friction, decreases pain and promotes healing. However, access to wound dressings for those people living with EB is challenging. This article discusses the availability of EB dressings in a number of countries around the world and also describes an innovative National Epidermolysis Bullosa Dressings Scheme (NEBDS) in Australia, which aims to improve the quality of life of people with EB, by reducing the financial burden associated with the provision of dressings accordingly.
The Prevalence of Temporomandibular Joint and Muscle Disorders in African Americans
Authors: Doyle Nicole , Chiu Chung‐Yi , Haggard Robbie , Gatchel Robert J. , Wiggins Nichelle
Published: November 2012

Temporomandibular joint and muscle disorder (TMJMD) prevalence studies have predominantly evaluated the U.S. general population, for which Caucasians make up the majority of the subjects. With the growing levels of minority populations in the United States, it is important to estimate the prevalence of TMJMD in African Americans, relative to the U.S. general population. Therefore, we administered a survey regarding acute jaw pain symptoms to a sample of 274 participants. The results revealed a TMJMD prevalence of 22.3% for all participants, 25.3% for women, 16% for men (X2(1, n = 158) = 7.097, p = .008). TMJMD prevalence in African Americans was 22%, while that for Caucasians was 22.5% (X2(1, n = 118) = .039, p = .843). Most importantly, there were differences in the distribution of the 21 TMJMD symptoms of our survey between African Americans and Caucasians. Thus, even though TMJMD prevalence rates between African Americans and Caucasians were different but not significant, there were significant differences in some of the 21 TMJMD symptoms, suggesting that researchers and clinicians may want to consider evaluating these racial group differences in developing the most effective treatment plans for them.
Oral health referral trigger tools for people living with HIV
Authors: Carey Helen , Ackerie Antoinette , Houtzager Louise , Purnomo Julianita , Jeganathan Sarangapany
Published: November 2012

This study validated and compared two different Oral Health Referral Trigger Tools in the form of brief (3‐item and 5‐item) questionnaires designed to identify people living with HIV (PLHIV) with symptoms of oral disease requiring a dental referral from other health professionals. It was composed of a self‐completed questionnaire and oral screen by a dentist of a convenience sample selected from PLHIV attending two outpatient clinics for routine nondental care for HIV infection. The dental exam was completed by a single dentist at a third location. The one hundred participants were HIV positive, predominantly male and of Caucasian origin with a mean age of 45.6 years. Both referral tools were found to be valid and had adequate sensitivity to identify HIV positive subjects at risk of oral disease and facilitate appropriate referral by nondental health professionals to dental health service. When both tools were compared the 3‐item tool proved to be a more valid and sensitive indicator which could be easily applied by nondental staff to facilitate a dental referral.
Changing How the System Responds to Status Offenders: Connecticut's Families with Service Needs Initiative
Authors: Ryon Stephanie Bontrager , Devers Lindsey , Early Kristin Winokur , Hand Gregory A.
Published: November 2012

Concerned by the number of status offenders in secure detention and the processing of noncriminal behavior through the juvenile and family courts, Connecticut began efforts to reform their approach to troubled and troublesome youth in 2005 (Weithorn, 2005). Between 2005 and 2007, Connecticut enacted a series of legislative changes to both improve services for troubled youth and Families with Service Needs (FWSN), and achieve systematic reforms for processing status offenses. At a systems level, the reforms sought to divert non‐criminal behaviors from formal court processing and prevent secure confinement for status offenders who violated court orders related to their behavior. Connecticut's attempt at second‐order, or system change, is the focus of this outcome evaluation.
Crocus demirizianus sp. nov. from northwestern Turkey
Authors: Erol Osman , Can Levent , Şık Levent
Published: November 2012

A new species, Crocus demirizianus O. Erol & L. Can is described and illustrated from northwestern Turkey. Crocus demirizianus was found in the Çanakkale province, near the district of Çan, and is undoubtedly related to the Crocus biflorus complex. However, the species differs from its relatives by typically sagittate anthers, and flowers without prominent stripes on outer segments. Diagnostic morphological characters are discussed and high resolution images are presented.
The Social Cost of Self‐Insurance: Financial Crisis, Reserve Accumulation, and Developing Countries
Authors: Gallagher Kevin P. , Shrestha Elen
Published: November 2012

This paper examines the extent to which foreign exchange reserves were accumulated or sold during the global financial crisis and what the social costs of any excess accumulation has been. We find that far fewer nations drew on their foreign exchange reserves to defend their currencies and economies from the volatility that ensued during the crisis. What is more, in the wake of the crisis many nations have continued to accumulate reserves. Finally, we estimate that the social costs of foreign exchange accumulation in excess of what is deemed adequate for insurance purposes could be as high as 1.8 per cent of GDP for the developing world, and could be higher than 3 per cent of GDP for China. According to our calculations, the developing world may have between US$98 billion to US$266 billion in assets in excess of what is needed to protect themselves from shocks, or 5 to 16 times the amount of benefits that could be made available by liberalizing world trade under the Doha Round at the World Trade Organization. The recognition within the economics profession and in international financial institutions that capital controls can be effective may provide an opportunity for developing nations to buffer their economies from external shock and free up opportunity for productive investment for development purposes.
The Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights: A New Instrument to Address Human Rights Violations
Authors: Courtis Christian
Published: November 2012

The article discusses the adoption of the new Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (OP‐ICESCR) as a means to obtain redress for violations of economic, social and cultural rights in the international sphere – including its potential use as regards non‐compliance with extraterritorial obligations.
International Organizations and Transnational Corporations at a World Court of Human Rights
Authors: Scheinin Martin
Published: November 2012

This article is based on the author’s involvement in preparing a Draft Statute for a future World Court of Human Rights. The proposal seeks to modify the traditional vertical structure of human rights norms by introducing a mechanism for adjudicating claims about human rights violations by actors other than states, including by international organizations (IO) or transnational corporations (TNC). The jurisdiction of the World Court would require acceptance by the IO or TNC, making the mechanism similar to the effects of an international treaty, i.e. being legally binding but at the same time based on consent to be bound. When accepting the jurisdiction of the World Court, each IO or TNC could also specify under what substantive human rights norms the right of complaint will apply, and what internal procedures need to be exhausted before an alleged victim can have resort to it.
Use of random regression model as an alternative for multibreed relationship matrix
Authors: Strandén I. , Mäntysaari E. A.
Published: November 2012

A random regression model is presented as an approximation for multibreed variance model. The approximation is derived using the splitted multibreed model where the single breeding value is split to the breed specific and their segregation terms. The random regression model allows extending the multibreed information easily to genomic data models. We present the approach by a simple example.
An integration of external information for foreign stallions into the Belgian genetic evaluation for jumping horses
Authors: Vandenplas J. , Janssens S. , Buys N. , Gengler N.
Published: November 2012

The aim of this study was to test the integration of external information, i.e. foreign estimated breeding values (EBV) and the associated reliabilities (REL), for stallions into the Belgian genetic evaluation for jumping horses. The Belgian model is a bivariate repeatability Best Linear Unbiased Prediction animal model only based on Belgian performances, while Belgian breeders import horses from neighbouring countries. Hence, use of external information is needed as prior to achieve more accurate EBV. Pedigree and performance data contained 101 382 horses and 712 212 performances, respectively. After conversion to the Belgian trait, external information of 98 French and 67 Dutch stallions was integrated into the Belgian evaluation. Resulting Belgian rankings of the foreign stallions were more similar to foreign rankings according to the increase of the rank correlations of at least 12%. REL of their EBV were improved of at least 2% on average. External information was partially to totally equivalent to 4 years of contemporary horses' performances or to all the stallions' own performances. All these results showed the interest to integrate external information into the Belgian evaluation.
Dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors are effective in Japanese type 2 diabetic patients with sustained endogenous insulin‐secreting capacity, a higher body mass index and insulin resistance
Authors: Kozawa Junji , Kitamura Tetsuhiro , Nishizawa Hitoshi , Yasuda Tetsuyuki , Maeda Norikazu , Otsuki Michio , Okita Kohei , Iwahashi Hiromi , Kaneto Hideaki , Funahashi Tohru , Imagawa Akihisa , Shimomura Iichiro
Published: November 2012

Aims/Introduction

Recently, dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) inhibitors have become available in Japan. It has not yet been clarified what clinical parameters could discriminate DPP‐4 inhibitor‐effective patients from DPP‐4 inhibitor‐ineffective patients.

Materials and Methods

We reviewed 33 consecutive patients with type 2 diabetes admitted to Osaka University Hospital for glycemic control. All of the patients were treated with medical nutrition therapy plus insulin therapy to improve fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and postprandial glucose below 150 and 200 mg/dL, respectively. After insulin secretion and insulin resistance were evaluated, insulin was replaced by DPP‐4 inhibitors. The efficacy of DPP‐4 inhibitors was determined according to whether glycemic control was maintained at the target levels.

Results

Dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors were effective in 16 of 33 patients. DPP‐4 inhibitor‐effective patients were younger than DPP‐4 inhibitor‐ineffective patients. Body mass index (BMI) was significantly higher in DPP‐4 inhibitor‐effective patients. Endogeneous insulin‐secreting capacity, including insulinogenic index (II), fasting plasma C‐peptide (F‐CPR) and C‐peptide index (CPI), was more sustained in DPP‐4 inhibitor‐effective patients than DPP‐4 inhibitor‐ineffective patients. Insulin resistance evaluated by homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) was significantly higher in DPP‐4 inhibitor‐effective patients than DPP‐4 inhibitor‐ineffective patients. In receiver operating characteristic analyses, the cut‐off values for predicting the efficacy of DPP‐4 inhibitors were 0.07 for II, 1.5 ng/mL for F‐CPR, 1.0 for CPI, 23.0 kg/m2 for BMI, 1.3 for HOMA‐IR and 67.5 years for age.

Conclusions

Dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors were effective in Japanese type 2 diabetic patients with sustained endogenous insulin‐secreting capacity, a higher BMI and insulin resistance.
The determinants of the molecular substitution process in turtles
Authors: LourençO J. M. , Glémin S. , Chiari Y. , Galtier N.
Published: November 2012

Neutral rates of molecular evolution vary across species, and this variation has been shown to be related to biological traits. One of the first patterns to be observed in vertebrates has been an inverse relationship between body mass (BM) and substitution rates. The effects of three major life‐history traits (LHT) that covary with BM – metabolic rate, generation time and longevity (LON) – have been invoked to explain this relationship. However, most of the theoretical and empirical evidence supporting this relationship comes from endothermic vertebrates, that is, mammals and birds, in which the environmental conditions, especially temperature, do not have a direct impact on cellular and molecular biology. We analysed the variations in mitochondrial and nuclear rates of synonymous substitution across 224 turtle species and examined their correlation with two LHT (LON and BM) and two environmental variables [latitude (LAT) and habitat]. Our analyses indicate that in turtles, neutral rates of molecular evolution are hardly correlated with LON or BM. Rather, both the mitochondrial and nuclear substitution rates are significantly correlated with LAT – faster evolution in the tropics – and especially so for aquatic species. These results question the generality of the relationships reported in mammals and birds and suggest that environmental factors might be the strongest determinants of the mutation rate in ectotherms.
Economic impact of exotic insect pests in Brazilian agriculture
Authors: Oliveira C. M. , Auad A. M. , Mendes S. M. , Frizzas M. R.
Published: November 2012

Agriculture represents one of the major strengths of the economic sector in Brazil. The need to avoid economic losses because of insect pest populations is one of the greatest challenges faced by this sector. Insect pests have caused annual losses of US$12.0 billion to the Brazilian economy, of which approximately US$1.6 billion are because of exotic pest species. Furthermore, exotic insect species often show greater potential to cause harm than native species. In Brazil, since the late nineteenth century, 24 species of insect pests have been introduced into the country, and they have caused significant economic losses. Many of these species, including Bemisia tabaci, Hypothenemus hampei, Ceratitis capitata, Oryzophagus oryzae and Anthonomus grandis, are major crop pests, and they were accidentally introduced during trading of agricultural products. In this review, we present an overview of Brazilian agriculture, a brief history of the introduction of insect pests in the country and the Brazilian legislation on agricultural defence, and we estimate the economic losses caused to the Brazilian economy by the main insect pest species that have been introduced into Brazil over the last 112 years.
Effects of Zataria multifloraBoiss., Rosmarinus officinalisL. and Mentha longifoliaL. Essential Oils on Growth and Gene Expression of Enterotoxins C and E in Staphylococcus aureusATCC 29213
Authors: Azizkhani Maryam , Akhondzadeh Basti Afshin , Misaghi Ali , Tooryan Fahimeh
Published: November 2012

Given the side effects associated with the use of synthetic preservatives, an attractive alternative may reside in the evaluation of the antimicrobial effects of herbal essential oils (EOs) for use in the food industry. This study was conducted to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Zataria multiflora Boiss., Rosmarinus officinalis L and Mentha longifolia L. EOs for Staphylococcus aureus and the effect of subMICs of EOs on growth and production of enterotoxins C and E. MIC of EOs were 0.03, 0.4 and 1.4% (v/v) for Z. multiflora Boiss., R. officinalis L. and M. longifolia L., respectively. Seventy‐five percent MIC decreased the growth rate significantly; after 180 and 360 min of EO treatment, optical density600 values were 48.3 and 47.2% with respect to the control for Z. multiflora Boiss., 61.9 and 66.5% for R. officinalis L. and 71.4 and 80.69% for M. longifolia L. SubMICs of EOs decreased the gene expression of staphylococcal enterotoxins and the effectiveness of EOs was as follows: Z. multiflora Boiss. > R. officinalis L. > M. longifolia L.

Practical Application

Staphylococcal food poisoning is considered to be one of the most medically and economically important diseases worldwide, thus preservatives are used in food products to inhibit the growth of this microorganism. Concerns over the safety of some chemical preservatives and negative consumer reaction to those perceived as being of chemical and/or artificial origin have prompted increased interest in more natural or “green” alternatives for the maintenance or extension of product shelf life. Many spices and herbs exert antimicrobial activity conferred by phenolic compounds present in their essential oil (EO) fractions, some of which are classified as Generally Recognized as Safe substances. These compounds, or even their originating EOs, could therefore be of considerable interest for use in the food industry as naturally occurring inhibitors of the postharvest growth of native and contaminating bacteria.
Changes in Activities of Daily Living, Nutrient Intake, and Systemic Inflammation in Elderly Adults Receiving Recuperative Care
Authors: Dennis Richard A. , Johnson Larry E. , Roberson Paula K. , Heif Muhannad , Bopp Melinda M. , Garner Kimberly K. , Padala Kalpana P. , Padala Prasad R. , Dubbert Patricia M. , Sullivan Dennis H.
Published: November 2012

Objectives

To determine the relationships between physical function, systemic inflammation, and nutrient intake in elderly adults who are deconditioned or recovering from medical illness.

Design

Prospective observational study.

Setting

Recuperative care and rehabilitation setting of a Veterans Affairs hospital.

Participants

Older adults assessed to be in need of and likely to benefit from specialized inpatient care (N = 336, aged 78.9 ± 7.5, median length of stay 24 days).

Measurements

Functional assessments and plasma analyses for albumins and inflammatory markers were performed at admission and discharge. Complete nutrient intake assessments were performed daily. Katz (independence in activities of daily living) and walking endurance (distance capability and summation of need for assistive device and human help) scores were based on direct observation and provider query. Data were analyzed using least‐squares and logistic regression analyses.

Results

Changes in physical function between admission and discharge were positively correlated with change in nutrient intake and inversely correlated with inflammation at admission and its change. Participants in the upper quartile of change for nutrient intake (particularly improved protein intake) were two to three times as likely to experience a clinically significant change in functional status during the hospitalization. Similarly, the odds of experiencing an improvement in physical function were two to four times as great for participants whose C‐reactive protein levels declined as for those whose levels increased. These relationships remained significant after controlling for age, length of stay, and other baseline indicators of health status.

Conclusion

Protein intake and inflammation are significantly correlated with functional recovery for aging individuals undergoing recuperative care and rehabilitation. Future studies should investigate whether combined interventions that target these factors improve recovery during hospitalization for this population.
Calcium and Vitamin D Supplementation and Cognitive Impairment in the Women's Health Initiative
Authors: Rossom Rebecca C. , Espeland Mark A. , Manson JoAnn E. , Dysken Maurice W. , Johnson Karen C. , Lane Dorothy S. , LeBlanc Erin S. , Lederle Frank A. , Masaki Kamal H. , Margolis Karen L.
Published: November 2012

Objectives

To examine the effects of vitamin D and calcium on cognitive outcomes in elderly women.

Design

Post hoc analysis of a randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial.

Setting

Forty Women's Health Initiative (WHI) clinical centers across the United States.

Participants

Four thousand one hundred forty‐three women aged 65 and older without probable dementia at baseline who participated in the WHI Calcium and Vitamin D Trial and the WHI Memory Study.

Intervention

Two thousand thirty‐four women were randomized to receive 1,000 mg of calcium carbonate combined with 400 IU of vitamin D3 (treatment) and 2,109 to placebo.

Measurements

Primary: classifications of probable dementia or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) based on a four‐phase protocol that included central adjudication. Secondary: global cognitive function and individual cognitive subtests.

Results

Mean age of participants was 71. During a mean follow‐up of 7.8 years, 39 participants in the treatment group and 37 in the placebo group developed incident dementia (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.11, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.71–1.74, P = .64). Likewise, 98 treatment participants and 108 placebo participants developed incident MCI (HR = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.72–1.25, P = .72). There were no significant differences in incident dementia or MCI or in global or domain‐specific cognitive function between groups.

Conclusion

There was no association between treatment assignment and incident cognitive impairment. Further studies are needed to investigate the effects of vitamin D and calcium separately, on men, in other age and ethnic groups, and with other doses.
SIG1273: a new cosmetic functional ingredient to reduce blemishes and Propionibacterium acnes in acne prone skin
Authors: Fernandéz José R , Rouzard Karl , Voronkov Michael , Feng Xuyan , Stock Jeffry B , Stock Maxwell , Gordon Joel S , Shroot Braham , Christensen Michael S , Pérez Eduardo
Published: November 2012

Background

Propionibacterium acnes is a major contributing factor to the inflammatory component of acne. The interaction of P. acnes with keratinocytes leads to an innate immune response via activation of toll‐like receptors (TLR2, TLR4) resulting in the production and secretion of pro‐inflammatory mediators. SIG1273, an isoprenylcysteine small molecule modulates inflammatory signaling pathways and kills P. acnes. SIG1273 represents a novel cosmetic functional ingredient that provides relief from blemishes in acne prone skin.

Objective

To assess the keratinocyte response and microbial growth of SIG1273 in vitro and evaluate the tolerability of SIG1273 gel applied topically in acne prone subjects.

Methods

For in vitro studies, human keratinocytes were exposed in culture to live P. acnes and peptidoglycan (PGN) to induce IL‐8 production. P. acnes were cultured to determine minimal inhibitory concentration and minimal bactericidal concentration values. A total of 30 subjects were randomized in a double‐blind controlled trial receiving 3% SIG1273 gel or vehicle for 6 weeks. Evaluation included inflammatory lesions, noninflammatory lesions, microcomedones, Sebutape scores, and P. acnes counts.

Results

In vitro studies demonstrate SIG1273 inhibits P. acnes‐induced IL‐8 production and inhibits P. acnes growth. SIG1273 gel was well tolerated with no signs of stinging, redness, or itching. Furthermore, improvement in some aspects of acne was observed in subjects applying SIG1273 gel, including inflammatory lesions, microcomedone counts and Sebutape scores. Facial scrubs taken to measure P. acnes colony‐forming units showed those applying SIG1273 gel had ~1.0 Log 10 colony reduction over the length of the study, a statistically significantly improvement when compared with vehicle. No significant effects above vehicle were observed for noninflammatory lesions.

Conclusions

SIG1273 represents a novel cosmetic functional ingredient that provides a safe dual modulating benefit to individuals with acne prone skin by reducing P. acnes counts and reducing inflammation.
One‐step technique for esthetic earlobe repair
Authors: Yadav Savita , Sarangal Rishu , Dogra Sunil
Published: November 2012

Earlobe tear is a common cause for earlobe disfigurement. Different techniques described in the literature for earlobe repair usually require re‐piercing of the ear after some time at a different site avoiding the scar tissue. If re‐piercing is performed at the original site because of cosmetic reasons, there is risk of tract elongation. We describe a new technique in which polypropylene deep buried suture is left in situ to strengthen the repaired scar tissue with preservation of perforation at the upper end of the slit, thereby giving good cosmetic result to the patient in single sitting.
Stem cells and the skin
Authors: Dahl Mark V
Published: November 2012

Stem cells live long lives, renew themselves, and differentiate into more mature, less potent, specialized cells, such as epidermal keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts. Stem cells can be embryonic, if derived from an embryo, or adult/somatic if derived from postembryonic tissue. By producing new skin cells, stem cell division and differentiation can potentially rejuvenate skin and restore hair. To reproduce, stem cells can undergo symmetric nondifferentiative or differentiative divisions, or asymmetric differentiative divisions. Asymmetric divisions reproduce the stem cell and provide a more differentiated, but less potent transient amplifying cell. Divisions and differentiation of transient amplifying cells regenerate tissues by producing cells of a specific lineage, for example, keratinocytes. Epidermal stem cells lie in niches in the interfollicular epidermis, sebaceous gland, and in the bulge regions of hair follicles. These epidermal stem cells renew the epidermis, the sebaceous glands, and hair follicles after mature cells die. Dermal stem cells lie in the hair papillae, around pericytes, and elsewhere among other dermal cells. These form pericytes, myoblasts, fibroblasts, chondrocytes, and other specialized dermal cells. Along with other signaling pathways, the Wnt signaling pathway controls stem cell fate. Wnt signals enlist two functionally and chemically different gene coactivators to direct the time and type of replicative divisions. Stem cells may help to heal wounds, repair damaged tissues, regenerate aged skin, and reinvigorate growth of skin, hair, nails, and mucous membranes.
Monitoring Managers: Does It Matter?
Authors: CORNELLI FRANCESCA , KOMINEK ZBIGNIEW , LJUNGQVIST ALEXANDER
Published: November 2012

We study how well‐incentivized boards monitor CEOs and whether monitoring improves performance. Using unique, detailed data on boards' information sets and decisions for a large sample of private equity–backed firms, we find that gathering information helps boards learn about CEO ability. “Soft” information plays a much larger role than hard data, such as the performance metrics that prior literature focuses on, and helps avoid firing a CEO for bad luck or in response to adverse external shocks. We show that governance reforms increase the effectiveness of board monitoring and establish a causal link between forced CEO turnover and performance improvements.
Specific and non‐specific immunity of piglets from sows fed diets containing specific fatty acids in field conditions
Authors: Benzoni G. , Foresti F. , Archetti I. L. , Coceva G. , Guyonvarch A. , Alborali L.
Published: November 2012

The transfer of passive immunity from sows to piglets is important and it is the first immune protection of the new born piglet. Improving sows immunity by adding immuno‐stimulating product in sows diet can positively affect colostrum composition and transfer of immune molecules to piglets. The aim of the current study is to evaluate the benefit of a different solution, made of specific fatty acids from marine origin that have been used in human medicine for decades, for sows and piglets. Two trials were conducted in commercial farm, involving 240 sows at different periods of the year. Sows were divided in a control group, without supplementation, and a test group, supplemented with the feed additive from the 90th day of gestation to weaning. Sows body condition, piglets viability and growth were recorded. Milk immunoglobulin content was measured, as well as Aujeszky antibodies in sows and piglets blood as marker of specific immunity, and blood bactericidal activity, complement activity and lysozyme as markers of non specific immunity. No effect of the product was observed on piglets zootechnical criteria and specific immunity parameters but significant improvement of piglet non specific immunity, was observed. No difference was observed neither in the piglets blood PRRSV and PCV2 antibodies and viruses nor in Aujeszky antibodies. Blood complement activity seems to be an accurate indicator of immuno‐stimulating additive efficiency. Giving alkyl‐glycerol fatty acids to sows in late gestation and lactation can improve the passive immunity transfer to piglets.
True blue: S‐opsin is widely expressed in different animal species
Authors: Amann B. , Hirmer S. , Hauck S. M. , Kremmer E. , Ueffing M. , Deeg C. A.
Published: November 2012

Colour vision in animals is an interesting, fascinating subject. In this study, we examined a wide variety of species for expression of S‐opsin (blue sensitive) and M‐/L‐opsin (green‐red sensitive) in retinal cones using two novel monoclonal antibodies specific for peptides from human opsins. Mouse, rat and hare did not express one of the investigated epitopes, but we could clearly prove existence of cones through peanut agglutinin labelling. Retinas of guinea pig, dog, wolf, marten, cat, roe deer, pig and horse were positive for S‐opsin, but not for M‐/L‐opsin. Nevertheless all these species are clearly at least dichromats, because we could detect further S‐opsin negative cones by labelling with cone arrestin specific antibody. In contrast, pheasant and char had M‐/L‐opsin positive cones, but no S‐opsin expressing cones. Sheep, cattle, monkey, men, pigeon, duck and chicken were positive for both opsins. Visual acuity analyzed through density of retinal ganglion cells revealed least visual discrimination by horses and highest resolution in pheasant and pigeon. Most mammals studied are dichromats with visual perception similar to red‐green blind people.
Reliability, validity and sensitivity of the Chinese (simple) Short Form 36 Health Survey version 2 (SF‐36v2) in patients with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Zhou K. N. , Zhang M. , Wu Q. , Ji Z. H. , Zhang X. M. , Zhuang G. H.
Published: November 2012

The purpose of the study was to evaluate reliability, validity and sensitivity of the Chinese (simple) SF‐36v2 in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Four hundred and sixty patients were recruited and allocated to CHB (CHB without cirrhosis) (n = 323) and CHB‐related cirrhosis (n = 137) groups. Internal consistency reliability was estimated with Cronbach's α‐coefficient. Convergent and discriminant validity were assessed by item–scale–component correlation. Factorial validity was explored by principal component factor analysis with varimax rotation. Sensitivity was measured with Cohen's effect size (ES), and independent sample t‐test between the CHB and CHB‐related cirrhosis groups and between alanine aminotransferase (ALT) normal and abnormal groups after stratifying illness stages. The results showed that Cronbach's α of the total SF‐36v2 was 0.92, with the range from 0.72 to 0.87 in the eight scales and 0.76 to 0.77 in the two summary components. Most of the hypothesized item–scale–component correlations were 0.40 or over, and all of such hypothesized correlations were higher than the alternative ones, indicating satisfactory convergent and discriminant validity. Two and seven factors were extracted after varimax rotation at the scale level and item level. The eligible ES with statistically significant independent sample t‐test was found in the physical component summary (PCS) and physical function (PF), role‐physical (RP), general health (GH), vitality (VT), social functioning (SF) scales by comparison between CHB and CHB‐related cirrhosis groups, and in the PCS and PF, GH, SF scales by comparison between the ALT normal and abnormal groups in the stratification of patients with CHB. In conclusion, the Chinese (simple) SF‐36v2 has acceptable reliability, validity and sensitivity in patients with CHB.
Metal‐saturated sulfide assemblages in NWA 2737: Evidence for impact‐related sulfur devolatilization in Martian meteorites
Authors: LORAND Jean‐Pierre , BARRAT Jean‐Alix , CHEVRIER Vincent , SAUTTER Violaine , PONT Sylvain
Published: November 2012

Abstract–

NWA 2737, a Martian meteorite from the Chassignite subclass, contains minute amounts (0.010 ± 0.005 vol%) of metal‐saturated Fe‐Ni sulfides. These latter bear evidence of the strong shock effects documented by abundant Fe nanoparticles and planar defects in Northwest Africa (NWA) 2737 olivine. A Ni‐poor troilite (Fe/S = 1.0 ± 0.01), sometimes Cr‐bearing (up to 1 wt%), coexists with micrometer‐sized taenite/tetrataenite‐type native Ni‐Fe alloys (Ni/Fe = 1) and Fe‐Os‐Ir‐(Ru) alloys a few hundreds of nanometers across. The troilite has exsolved flame‐like pentlandite (Fe/Fe + Ni = 0.5–0.6). Chalcopyrite is almost lacking, and no pyrite has been found. As a hot desert find, NWA 2737 shows astonishingly fresh sulfides. The composition of troilite coexisting with Ni‐Fe alloys is completely at odds with Chassigny and Nahkla sulfides (pyrite + metal‐deficient monoclinic‐type pyrrhotite). It indicates strongly reducing crystallization conditions (close to IW), several log units below thefO2conditions inferred from chromites compositions and accepted for Chassignites (FMQ‐1 log unit). It is proposed that reduction in sulfides into base and precious metal alloys is operated via sulfur degassing, which is supported by the highly resorbed and denticulated shape of sulfide blebs and their spongy textures. Shock‐related S degassing may be responsible for considerable damages in magmatic sulfide structures and sulfide assemblages, with concomitant loss of magnetic properties as documented in some other Martian meteorites.
Mapping phenotypic, expression and transmission ratio distortion QTL using RAD markers in the Lake Whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis)
Authors: Gagnaire Pierre‐Alexandre , Normandeau Eric , Pavey Scott A. , Bernatchez Louis
Published: November 2012

The evolution of reproductive isolation in an ecological context may involve multiple facets of species divergence on which divergent selection may operate. These include variation in quantitative phenotypic traits, regulation of gene expression, and differential transmission of particular allelic combinations. Thus, an integrative approach to the speciation process involves identifying the genetic basis of these traits, in order to understand how they are affected by divergent selection in nature and how they ultimately contribute to reproductive isolation. In the Lake Whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis), dwarf and normal species pairs sympatrically occur in several North American postglacial lakes. The limnetic dwarf whitefish distinguishes from its normal benthic relative by numerous life history, behavioural, morphological and gene expression traits, in relation with the exploitation of distinct ecological niches. Here, we have applied the RAD‐Sequencing method to a hybrid backcross family to reconstruct a high‐density genetic linkage map and perform QTL mapping in the Lake Whitefish. The 3061 cM map encompassed 3438 segregating RAD markers distributed over 40 linkage groups, for an average resolution of 0.89 cM. We mapped phenotypic and expression QTL underlying ecologically important traits as well as transmission ratio distortion QTL, and identified genomic regions harbouring clusters of such QTL. A narrow genomic region strongly associated with sex determination was also evidenced. Positional and functional information revealed in this study will be useful in ongoing population genomic studies to illuminate our understanding of the genomic architecture of reproductive isolation between whitefish species pairs.
Foucault, the subject and the research interview: a critique of methods
Authors: Fadyl Joanna K , Nicholls David A
Published: November 2012

FADYL JK and NICHOLLS DA. Nursing Inquiry 2013; 20: 23–29  Foucault, the subject and the research interview: a critique of methods

Research interviews are a widely used method in qualitative health research and have been adapted to suit a range of methodologies. Just as it is valuable that new approaches are explored, it is also important to continue to examine their appropriate use. In this article, we question the suitability of research interviews for ‘history of the present’ studies informed by the work of Michel Foucault – a form of qualitative research that is being increasingly employed in the analysis of healthcare systems and processes. We argue that several aspects of research interviewing produce philosophical and methodological complications that can interfere with achieving the aims of the analysis in this type of study. The article comprises an introduction to these tensions and examination of them in relation to key aspects of a Foucauldian philosophical position, and discussion of where this might position researchers when it comes to designing a study.
Experimental support of the stress‐gradient hypothesis in herbivore–herbivore interactions
Authors: Dangles Olivier , Herrera Mario , Anthelme Fabien
Published: November 2012

The stress‐gradient hypothesis (SGH) postulates an increase in the frequency of positive species interactions at increasing amounts of stress. While the SGH has been extensively tested in plant–plant interactions along abiotic stresses, it remains unclear whether this hypothesis could apply to higher trophic levels, such as herbivores, along biotic stress gradients.

To address this issue, we investigated how the interaction between two potato herbivores may change along a stress gradient created by an assortment of potato varieties with different tuber palatability. We used a tuber resistance trait as a measure for biotic stress and one herbivore as the facilitator to gain access to the tuber of the other herbivore.

Our experiment revealed a switch from neutral to positive interactions with increasing stress, confirming for the first time the predictions of the SGH for herbivores. Moreover, the intensity of facilitation decreased at high stress levels, suggesting that benefits by the facilitating species were dampened in the most stressful environment.

In view of the ubiquitous role played by positive interactions among herbivores, broadening our search image for facilitative effects among other plant enemies will allow a better awareness of the importance of the SGH in structuring plant communities.
The Older Patient With End‐Stage Renal Disease: Is Chronic Dialysis The Best Option?
Authors: Steinman Theodore I.
Published: November 2012

The mean age of the ESRD population continues to increase, with the 2011 USRDS Annual Data report noting it to be 62.6 years among a prevalent chronic dialysis population (both hemo‐ and peritoneal dialyses) of approximately 399,000. As with previous reports, the greatest growth rate per million population in the ESRD cohort occurs in age range >75 years. Entering the ESRD pool >75 years of age are about 5,000 patients/million population; in contrast, the number is about 2,100/million population that falls in the age range 45–65 years. Baseline comorbid conditions, especially complications associated with diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD), accelerate with duration of ESRD, and compound the already high morbidity and mortality. With aging comes progressive vascular disease, making it more likely that the elderly will have a central venous catheter (CVC) access, rather than a fistula, for starting and continuing dialysis, hence, increased hospitalization and death rates associated with access clotting and infection (sepsis). The scenario in the elderly patient on dialysis is often a poor quality of life with repeated hospitalizations and eventual nursing home placement. For those patients who survive such a disabled state leads to the question whether chronic dialysis therapy is the best option. Our goal as committed nephrologists is to deliver compassionate, quality care. In the sick, older patient let us rethink what is the best option as they enter ESRD.