bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implementation of an intensified antibiotic stewardship programme targeting third-generation cephalosporin and fluoroquinolone use in an emergency medicine department
Authors: Borde Johannes P , Kern Winfried V , Hug Martin , Steib-Bauert Michaela , With Katja de , Busch Hans-Jörg , Kaier Klaus
Published: September 2014

Introduction

Early initiation of antimicrobial treatment for acute infection is an important task in the emergency department (ED) with a likely impact on the hospital-wide antibiotic use pattern. We implemented an antibiotic stewardship (ABS) programme focused on non-trauma emergency patients at a large university hospital centre targeting broad-spectrum cephalosporin and fluoroquinolone use.

Methods

Guidelines and focused discussion groups emphasised reduced prescription of third-generation cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones and encouraged penicillins. Antibiotic consumption expressed as monthly drug density in WHO-Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical defined and locally recommended daily doses (DDD and RDD) per 100 patient days was analysed before (January 2008 to October 2011) and after starting the intervention (January 2012 to October 2013). We performed a before-and-after uncontrolled interventional study using interrupted time-series (ITS) analysis in one ED to investigate ABS intervention-related effects in a quasiexperimental research setting.

Results

The mean monthly total antibiotic use density declined from 111 RDD (138 DDD) per 100 patient days before the intervention to 86 RDD (128 DDD) per 100 patient days after starting the intervention. Among the different antibacterial drug classes, the consumption of third-generation cephalosporins showed the largest reduction and dropped significantly by −68% between preintervention and postintervention periods. Using the RDD dataset, ITS confirmed a highly significant postintervention change in level of third-generation cephalosporins (−15.2, 95% CI (−24.08 to −6.311)) and a corresponding increase in the use of aminopenicillin/betalactamase inhibitor formulations (+6.6, 95% CI (4.169 to 9.069)). The drug use densities for fluoroquinolones and for overall antibiotics declined, however, the postinterventional level changes missed statistical significance—overall (95% CI (−39.99 to 0.466), fluoroquinolones 95% CI (−11.72 to 4.333)).

Conclusions

An intensified ABS programme using non-restrictive tools targeting third-generation cephalosporin and fluoroquinolone use in the setting of a large academic hospital emergency medicine department is feasible and effective. The intervention may serve as a model for other emergency medicine departments at hospitals with a similar structure and baseline situation.
Prevalence of supporting limb laminitis in a UK equine practice and referral hospital setting between 2005 and 2013: implications for future epidemiological studies
Authors: Wylie C. E. , Newton J. R. , Bathe A. P. , Payne R. J.
Published: September 2014

The electronic patient records of all equine patients of Rossdales Equine Practice between January 1, 2005 and November 1, 2013 were reviewed to determine the number of cases of supporting limb laminitis (SLL) in a large equine practice and referral hospital setting in the UK and to discuss the implications for future epidemiological studies. The clinical notes were searched electronically for a combination of ‘laminitis AND (contralateral OR supporting OR overload OR weight bearing)’. The prevalence of SLL within each identified denominator population and the corresponding 95% CI were calculated. SLL developed in nine horses, one donkey and one pony. Thoroughbreds were the most commonly affected breed (72.7 per cent, CI 46.4 to 99.1 per cent), aged 2–14 years (median six years), and only mares (n=9) and stallions (n=2) were represented. SLL was not restricted to horses that were non‐weightbearing lame, it developed within 4–100 days after injury (median 14.5 days) and occurred most commonly in a forelimb (54.6 per cent, CI 25.1 to 84.0 per cent). During the same time frame, a total of 65,327 horses were registered with Rossdales Equine Practice, resulting in an overall practice prevalence of SLL of 0.02 per cent (CI 0.01 to 0.03 per cent). Future epidemiological studies to investigate risk factors for SLL prevention will, therefore, be a logistical challenge.
Endogenous leptin contributes to baroreflex suppression within the solitary tract nucleus of aged rats
Authors: Arnold Amy C. , Diz Debra I.
Published: September 2014

The decline in cardiovagal baroreflex function that occurs with aging is accompanied by an increase in circulating leptin levels. Our previous studies showed that exogenous leptin impairs the baroreflex sensitivity for control of heart rate in younger rats, but the contribution of this hormone to baroreflex dysfunction during aging is unknown. Thus we assessed the effect of bilateral leptin microinjection (500 fmol/60 nl) within the solitary tract nucleus (NTS) on the baroreflex sensitivity in older (66 ± 2 wk of age) urethane/chloralose anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats with elevated circulating leptin levels. In contrast to the 63% reduction observed in younger rats, leptin did not alter the baroreflex sensitivity for bradycardia evoked by phenylephrine in older rats (0.76 ± 0.19 baseline vs. 0.71 ± 0.15 ms/mmHg after leptin; P = 0.806). We hypothesized that this loss of sensitivity reflected endogenous suppression of the baroreflex by elevated leptin, rather than cardiovascular resistance to the peptide. Indeed, NTS administration of a leptin receptor antagonist (75 pmol/120 nl) improved the baroreflex sensitivity for bradycardia in older rats (0.73 ± 0.13 baseline vs. 1.19 ± 0.26 at 10 min vs. 1.87 ± 0.32 at 60 min vs. 1.22 ± 0.54 ms/mmHg at 120 min; P = 0.002), with no effect in younger rats. There was no effect of the leptin antagonist on the baroreflex sensitivity for tachycardia, responses to cardiac vagal chemosensitive fiber activation, or resting hemodynamics in older rats. These findings suggest that the actions of endogenous leptin within the NTS, either produced locally or derived from the circulation, contribute to baroreflex suppression during aging.
Effects of a myofilament calcium sensitizer on left ventricular systolic and diastolic function in rats with volume overload heart failure
Authors: Wilson Kristin , Guggilam Anuradha , West T. Aaron , Zhang Xiaojin , Trask Aaron J. , Cismowski Mary J. , de Tombe Pieter , Sadayappan Sakthivel , Lucchesi Pamela A.
Published: September 2014

Aortocaval fistula (ACF)-induced volume overload (VO) heart failure (HF) results in progressive left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. Hemodynamic load reversal during pre-HF (4 wk post-ACF; REV) results in rapid structural but delayed functional recovery. This study investigated myocyte and myofilament function in ACF and REV and tested the hypothesis that a myofilament Ca2+ sensitizer would improve VO-induced myofilament dysfunction in ACF and REV. Following the initial sham or ACF surgery in male Sprague-Dawley rats (200–240 g) at week 0, REV surgery and experiments were performed at weeks 4 and 8, respectively. In ACF, decreased LV function is accompanied by impaired sarcomeric shortening and force generation and decreased Ca2+ sensitivity, whereas, in REV, impaired LV function is accompanied by decreased Ca2+ sensitivity. Intravenous levosimendan (Levo) elicited the best inotropic and lusitropic responses and was selected for chronic oral studies. Subsets of ACF and REV rats were given vehicle (water) or Levo (1 mg/kg) in drinking water from weeks 4–8. Levo improved systolic (% fractional shortening, end-systolic elastance, and preload-recruitable stroke work) and diastolic (τ, dP/d tmin) function in ACF and REV. Levo improved Ca2+ sensitivity without altering the amplitude and kinetics of the intracellular Ca2+ transient. In ACF-Levo, increased cMyBP-C Ser-273 and Ser-302 and cardiac troponin I Ser-23/24 phosphorylation correlated with improved diastolic relaxation, whereas, in REV-Levo, increased cMyBP-C Ser-273 phosphorylation and increased α-to-β-myosin heavy chain correlated with improved diastolic relaxation. We concluded that Levo improves LV function, and myofilament composition and regulatory protein phosphorylation likely play a key role in improving function.
Cardiac dysfunction in β-carotene-15,15′-dioxygenase-deficient mice is associated with altered retinoid and lipid metabolism
Authors: Lee Seung-Ah , Jiang Hongfeng , Trent Chad M. , Yuen Jason J. , Narayanasamy Sureshbabu , Curley Robert W. , Harrison Earl H. , Goldberg Ira J. , Maurer Mathew S. , Blaner William S.
Published: September 2014

Dietary carotenoids like β-carotene are converted within the body either to retinoid, via β-carotene-15,15′-dioxygenase (BCO1), or to β-apo-carotenoids, via β-carotene-9′,10′-oxygenase 2. Some β-apo-carotenoids are potent antagonists of retinoic acid receptor (RAR)-mediated transcriptional regulation, which is required to ensure normal heart development and functions. We established liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometery methods for measuring concentrations of 10 β-apo-carotenoids in mouse plasma, liver, and heart and assessed how these are influenced by Bco1 deficiency and β-carotene intake. Surprisingly, Bco1−/−mice had an increase in heart levels of retinol, nonesterified fatty acids, and ceramides and a decrease in heart triglycerides. These lipid changes were accompanied by elevations in levels of genes important to retinoid metabolism, specifically retinol dehydrogenase 10 and retinol-binding protein 4, as well as genes involved in lipid metabolism, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ, lipoprotein lipase, Cd36, stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1, and fatty acid synthase. We also obtained evidence of compromised heart function, as assessed by two-dimensional echocardiography, in Bco1−/−mice. However, the total absence of Bco1 did not substantially affect β-apo-carotenoid concentrations in the heart. β-Carotene administration to matched Bco1−/−and wild-type mice elevated total β-apo-carotenal levels in the heart, liver, and plasma and total β-apo-carotenoic acid levels in the liver. Thus, BCO1 modulates heart metabolism and function, possibly by altering levels of cofactors required for the actions of nuclear hormone receptors.
Forkhead Box F1 represses cell growth and inhibits COL1 and ARPC2 expression in lung fibroblasts in vitro
Authors: Melboucy-Belkhir Sara , Pradère Pauline , Tadbiri Sara , Habib Stéfanie , Bacrot Antoine , Brayer Stéphanie , Mari Bernard , Besnard Valérie , Mailleux Arnaud , Guenther Andreas , Castier Yves , Mal Hervé , Crestani Bruno , Plantier Laurent
Published: September 2014

Aberrant expression of master phenotype regulators or alterations in their downstream pathways in lung fibroblasts may play a central role in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Interrogating IPF fibroblast transcriptome datasets, we identified Forkhead Box F1 (FOXF1), a DNA-binding protein required for lung development, as a candidate actor in IPF. Thus we determined FOXF1 expression levels in fibroblasts cultured from normal or IPF lungs in vitro, and explored FOXF1 functions in these cells using transient and stable loss-of-function and gain-of-function models. FOXF1 mRNA and protein were expressed at higher levels in IPF fibroblasts compared with normal fibroblasts (mRNA: +44%, protein: +77%). Immunohistochemistry showed FOXF1 expression in nuclei of bronchial smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells, and lung fibroblasts including fibroblastic foci of IPF lungs. In normal lung fibroblasts, FOXF1 repressed cell growth and expression of collagen-1 (COL1) and actin-related protein 2/3 complex, subunit 2 (ARPC2). ARPC2 knockdown inhibited cell growth and COL1 expression, consistent with FOXF1 acting in part through ARPC2 repression. In IPF fibroblasts, COL1 and ARPC2 repression by FOXF1 was blunted, and FOXF1 did not repress growth. FOXF1 expression was induced by the antifibrotic mediator prostaglandin E2 and repressed by the profibrotic cytokine transforming growth factor-β1 in both normal and IPF lung fibroblasts. Ex vivo, FOXF1 knockdown conferred CCL-210 lung fibroblasts the ability to implant in uninjured mouse lungs. In conclusion, FOXF1 functions and regulation were consistent with participation in antifibrotic pathways. Alterations of pathways downstream of FOXF1 may participate to fibrogenesis in IPF fibroblasts.
Molecular biomarkers in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Ley Brett , Brown Kevin K. , Collard Harold R.
Published: September 2014

Molecular biomarkers are highly desired in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), where they hold the potential to elucidate underlying disease mechanisms, accelerated drug development, and advance clinical management. Currently, there are no molecular biomarkers in widespread clinical use for IPF, and the search for potential markers remains in its infancy. Proposed core mechanisms in the pathogenesis of IPF for which candidate markers have been offered include alveolar epithelial cell dysfunction, immune dysregulation, and fibrogenesis. Useful markers reflect important pathological pathways, are practically and accurately measured, have undergone extensive validation, and are an improvement upon the current approach for their intended use. The successful development of useful molecular biomarkers is a central challenge for the future of translational research in IPF and will require collaborative efforts among those parties invested in advancing the care of patients with IPF.
Acute secondhand smoke-induced pulmonary inflammation is diminished in RAGE knockout mice
Authors: Wood Tyler T. , Winden Duane R. , Marlor Derek R. , Wright Alex J. , Jones Cameron M. , Chavarria Michael , Rogers Geraldine D. , Reynolds Paul R.
Published: September 2014

The receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) has increasingly been demonstrated to be an important modulator of inflammation in cases of pulmonary disease. Published reports involving tobacco smoke exposure have demonstrated increased expression of RAGE, its participation in proinflammatory signaling, and its role in irreversible pulmonary remodeling. The current research evaluated the in vivo effects of short-term secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure in RAGE knockout and control mice compared with identical animals exposed to room air only. Quantitative PCR, immunoblotting, and immunohistochemistry revealed elevated RAGE expression in controls after 4 wk of SHS exposure and an anticipated absence of RAGE expression in RAGE knockout mice regardless of smoke exposure. Ras activation, NF-κB activity, and cytokine elaboration were assessed to characterize the molecular basis of SHS-induced inflammation in the mouse lung. Furthermore, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was procured from RAGE knockout and control animals for the assessment of inflammatory cells and molecules. As a general theme, inflammation coincident with leukocyte recruitment was induced by SHS exposure and significantly influenced by the availability of RAGE. These data reveal captivating information suggesting a role for RAGE signaling in lungs exposed to SHS. However, ongoing research is still warranted to fully explain roles for RAGE and other receptors in cells coping with involuntary smoke exposure for prolonged periods of time.
Targeted transgenesis identifies Gαsas the bottleneck in β2-adrenergic receptor cell signaling and physiological function in airway smooth muscle
Authors: Wang Wayne C. H. , Pauer Susan H. , Smith Dan'elle C. , Dixon Madison A. , Disimile David J. , Panebra Alfredo , An Steven S. , Camoretti-Mercado Blanca , Liggett Stephen B.
Published: September 2014

G protein-coupled receptors are the most pervasive signaling superfamily in the body and act as receptors to endogenous agonists and drugs. For β-agonist-mediated bronchodilation, the receptor-G protein-effector network consists of the β2-adrenergic receptor (β2AR), Gs, and adenylyl cyclase, expressed on airway smooth muscle (ASM). Using ASM-targeted transgenesis, we previously explored which of these three early signaling elements represents a limiting factor, or bottleneck, in transmission of the signal from agonist binding to ASM relaxation. Here we overexpressed Gαsin transgenic mice and found that agonist-promoted relaxation of airways was enhanced in direct proportion to the level of Gαsexpression. Contraction of ASM from acetylcholine was not affected in Gαstransgenic mice, nor was relaxation by bitter taste receptors. Furthermore, agonist-promoted (but not basal) cAMP production in ASM cells from Gαs-transgenic mice was enhanced compared with ASM from nontransgenic littermates. Agonist-promoted inhibition of platelet-derived growth factor-stimulated ASM proliferation was also enhanced in Gαsmouse ASM. The enhanced maximal β-agonist response was of similar magnitude for relaxation, cAMP production, and growth inhibition. Taken together, it appears that a limiting factor in β-agonist responsiveness in ASM is the expression level of Gαs. Gene therapy or pharmacological means of increasing Gαs(or its coupling efficiency to β2AR) thus represent an interface for development of novel therapeutic agents for improvement of β-agonist therapy.
In Vivo Localization of 90Y and 177Lu Radioimmunoconjugates Using Cerenkov Luminescence Imaging in a Disseminated Murine Leukemia Model
Authors: Balkin Ethan R. , Kenoyer Aimee , Orozco Johnnie J. , Hernandez Alexandra , Shadman Mazyar , Fisher Darrell R. , Green Damian J. , Hylarides Mark D. , Press Oliver W. , Wilbur D. Scott , Pagel John M.
Published: September 2014

Cerenkov radiation generated by positron-emitting radionuclides can be exploited for a molecular imaging technique known as Cerenkov luminescence imaging (CLI). Data have been limited, however, on the use of medium- to high-energy β-emitting radionuclides of interest for cancer imaging and treatment. We assessed the use of CLI as an adjunct to determine localization of radioimmunoconjugates to hematolymphoid tissues. Radiolabeled 177Lu- or 90Y-anti-CD45 antibody (Ab; DOTA-30F11) was administered by tail vein injection to athymic mice bearing disseminated murine myeloid leukemia, with CLI images acquired at times afterward. Gamma counting of individual organs showed preferential uptake in CD45+ tissues with significant retention of radiolabeled Ab in sites of leukemia (spleen and bone marrow). This result was confirmed in CLI images with 1.35 × 105 ± 2.2 × 104 p/s/cm2/sr and 3.45 × 103 ± 7.0 × 102 p/s/cm2/sr for 90Y-DOTA-30F11 and 177Lu-DOTA-30F11, respectively, compared with undetectable signal for both radionuclides using the nonbinding control Ab. Results showed that CLI allows for in vivo visualization of localized β-emissions. Pixel intensity variability resulted from differences in absorbed doses of the associated energies of the β-emitting radionuclide. Overall, our findings offer a preclinical proof of concept for the use of CLI techniques in tandem with currently available clinical diagnostic tools. Cancer Res; 74(20); 5846–54. ©2014 AACR.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Progression of Coronary Artery Calcium: The Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis Study
Authors: Kwon Younghoon , Duprez Daniel A. , Jacobs David R. , Nagayoshi Mako , McClelland Robyn L. , Shahar Eyal , Budoff Matthew , Redline Susan , Shea Steven , Carr J. Jeffrey , Lutsey Pamela L.
Published: September 2014

Background

Obstructive sleep apnea (
OSA
) is a common condition associated with cardiovascular disease. Its potential effect on progression of subclinical atherosclerosis is not well understood. We tested the hypothesis that self‐reported
OSA
is associated with progression of coronary artery calcium (
CAC
). We also evaluated whether traditional cardiovascular risk factors accounted for the association.

Methods and Results

In the Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (
MESA
) prospective cohort, we studied 2603 participants who at baseline (2002–2004) completed a sleep questionnaire and underwent coronary computed tomography (
CT
) and, then 8 years later (2010–2011), a repeat coronary
CT
. Participants were categorized by symptoms of habitual snoring or reported physician diagnosis of
OSA
. At baseline, 102 (3.9%) reported diagnosed
OSA
; 666 (25.6%) reported diagnosed habitual snoring; and 1835 (70.5%) reported neither habitual snoring nor
OSA
(“normal”). At baseline,
CAC
prevalence was highest among those with
OSA
but similar for those with and without habitual snoring. During 8 years of follow‐up, greater progression of
CAC
was observed among those with
OSA
versus normal (mean increase of 204.2 versus 135.5 Agatston units;
P
=0.01), after accounting for demographics, behaviors, and body habitus. Modest attenuation was observed after adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors (188.7 versus 138.8;
P
=0.06).
CAC
progression among habitual snorers was similar to that observed in the normal group.

Conclusions

OSA
was associated with
CAC
score progression after adjustment for demographics, behaviors, and body mass index. However, the association was not significant after accounting for cardiovascular risk factors, which may mediate the association between
OSA
and
CAC
.
Anchoring Revelations in the Authority of Sinai: A Comparison of the Rewritings of “Scripture” in Jubilees and in the P stratum of Exodus
Authors: Debel Hans
Published: September 2014

As a contribution to the on-going scholarly process of developing a new paradigm for the study of authoritative Scripture within Second Temple Judaism, this paper investigates the use of one particular authority-conferring strategy both within the Scriptural texts themselves and in a prominent example of “rewritten Scripture.” After some introductory reflections on the notion of “Authoritative Scripture,” it specifically explores how the tradition of the theophany at Sinai functions in the book of Jubilees and in the Priestly layer within the Pentateuch. As such, it also attempts to bring classical redaction criticism of the biblical texts into dialogue with the study of other Second Temple Jewish writings.
Penitential Theology in East Late Antiquity: Talmudic, Zoroastrian, and East Christian Reflections
Authors: Kiel Yishai
Published: September 2014

The study attempts to situate the Talmudic theological discussion of repentance—particularly in its Babylonian representations—within the context of Zoroastrian and East Christian traditions. In this regard, the study seeks to provide a cultural framework, in light of which the Talmudic theology of repentance can be seen in the broader context of the penitential discourses that pervaded the cultures of East Late Antiquity. The study focuses on two issues in particular, which underscore the congruent theological engagement of the rabbis and their East Christian and Zoroastrian interlocutors in penitential theology: 1) the relative status of the penitent as opposed to the perfectly righteous. 2) The relative roles of psychological repentance and objective measures of penance and expiation in the process.
Philorhomaioi: The Herods between Rome and Jerusalem
Authors: Curran John
Published: September 2014

This paper offers a reconstruction and analysis of the Herodian family as a presence in the city of Rome over more than three generations. The scholarly tendency to view the Herods as an aspect of a broader governmental system overlooks the workings of the particular relationships that elevated the Herods in their own land as well as at the centre of Roman power. Beginning with the foundation of a lasting connection between the Herods and the Julio-Claudians laid by Herod the Great and Augustus, this paper traces the legacy of that connection and its impact on affairs in both Judaea and Rome. The peculiar challenges of retaining status in both Roman and Jewish contexts are assessed and their importance as a vital aspect of our understanding of first-century Judaean politics is established. Examination, finally, of the development of their aspirations and their negotiation of dynastic change shows vividly the processes of ‘Romanisation’ in the context of an elite family.
Corporate Governance from the Islamic Perspective
Authors: al-Kahtani Faleh Salem
Published: September 2014

This article investigates corporate governance from an Islamic perspective and offers a definition of Islam as well as the sources that underpin Islamic law: i.e., the Qurʾān and Sunnah as primary and ijmāʿ (consensus) and qiyās (analogical reasoning) as secondary sources. Islamic objectives are highlighted by focusing on māl (wealth) and tawḥīd (Unity/Oneness of Allah). The Islamic vision on values is appraised by illustrating accountability (ḥisāb), justice (ʿadālah), consultation (shūrā), integrity (amānah), truthfulness (ṣiddiq), sincerity (ikhlāṣ), intention (niyyah), and brotherhood (ukhuwah). However, points of view on models of corporate governance differ greatly between Islamic and Western (Anglo-American) law. It has been argued that corporate governance from an Islamic perspective does not represent a modern model. This article discusses the advantages it has to offer for Saudi corporate governance.
Debate on Tawarruq: Historical Discourse and Current Rulings
Authors: Ahmed Habib , Aleshaikh Nourah Mohammad
Published: September 2014

One of the controversial products used by the Islamic financial sector is organized tawarruq. As the substance of this product resembles that of an interest-based loan, there is a debate on its permissibility from a Shari’ah perspective. While discussions on tawarruq have arisen due to the emergence of the practice in Islamic finance, there have been deliberations on this transaction in the past starting immediately after the emergence of Islam. The aim of the article is to provide an overview of the historical discourse on tawarruq and examine the rulings on it by two contemporary jurisprudential bodies to assess the practice of the transaction in Islamic finance. The discussions show that the current rulings concur with the majority view of the past scholars. The practice of organized tawarruq by the Islamic financial industry, however, appears to be inconsistent with both the contemporary and historical rulings.
Rationalizing Hybrid Financial Instruments from an Uṣūlī Perspective
Authors: Ebrahim Muhammed Shahid , Salleh Murizah Osman , Sheikh Mustapha
Published: September 2014

This article attributes the prime reason for the underdevelopment of the Arab and Muslim world to the lack of advancement of their financial intermediation systems. We instigate the employment of hybrid financial instruments to re-invigorate their financial architecture. Not only does this solution satisfy the economic efficiency prerequisites, it is also in congruent with uṣūl al-fiqh (principles of Islamic jurisprudence).
Sisters in Law—Using Maqāṣid al-Shari‛ah to Advance the Conversation between Islamic and Secular Legal Thinking
Authors: Bohlander Michael
Published: September 2014

The conversation between Islamic and secular scholars of law has been going on for a long time. Publications in European languages are flooding the market on almost any conceivable topic related to Islam. Yet, there is still little evidence of a proper dialogue, but merely of an exchange of monologues. Both sides are wary of engaging in open-ended discussion. For the Muslims, the divine origins of their religion, and consequently their attitude to the foundations of law-making, would seem non-negotiable; any addition based on secular thinking is likely to be viewed as forbidden innovation and watering-down of Islam and, in extreme cases, as an attack on the very identity of Islam. The secularists will consider some core Muslim teachings as being in breach of the fundamental freedoms for which people in the ‘West’ have fought for generations and with great sacrifice. This article advocates the use of the maqāṣid al-shari‛ah as a tool for advancing the debate.
Corporate Statecraft and its Diplomacy
Authors: Haynal George
Published: September 2014

Global corporations operate in an environment of increasing complexity. While they have in the past been able to rely on the modern state to manage much of the complexity in the external environment, as globalization proceeds they are constrained to engage in that function ever more directly. This practitioner’s piece seeks to discuss the evolving challenges for global corporations in the public realm and proposes certain approaches for the conduct of their diplomacy in managing them.
Latino Incorporation and Racialized Border Politics in the Heartland
Authors: Maldonado Marta Maria
Published: September 2014

This article examines how the interplay among context of reception and interior enforcement and policeability policies and practices shapes Latino incorporation into Perry, a rural new destination community in Iowa. Analysis, based on ethnographic observation and in-depth interviews with a diverse sample of Latinos, foregrounds how the racialized dimensions of place affect incorporation, social interaction, and the ability of new populations to develop a sense of belonging. The stories Latinos share about everyday life in Perry reveal that Latinos and non-Latinos tend to live in “separate worlds” within community, differing in how and when they circulate in local space, with few instances of sustained and meaningful interaction. A climate of fear, competition, and distrust discourages the formation of networks and relations of solidarity within and across ethnoracial groups. Latinos report a sense of being welcome as laborers, but rejected as neighbors with their particular sociohistorical and cultural manifestations.
Composition of Human Peri-implantitis and Periodontitis Lesions
Authors: Carcuac O. , Berglundh T.
Published: September 2014

The aim of the present study was to examine differences in cellular characteristics of human peri-implantitis and periodontitis lesions. Two groups of patients were included: 40 patients with generalized severe chronic periodontitis and 40 patients presenting with severe peri-implantitis. Soft tissue biopsies were obtained from diseased sites (probing pocket depth ≥ 7 mm with bleeding on probing) and prepared for histologic and immunohistochemical analysis. In contrast to periodontitis samples, peri-implantitis lesions were more than twice as large and contained significantly larger area proportions, numbers, and densities of CD138-, CD68-, and MPO-positive cells than periodontitis lesions. Peri-implantitis lesions also extended to a position that was apical of the pocket epithelium and not surrounded by noninfiltrated connective tissue. They further presented with significantly larger densities of vascular structures in the connective tissue area lateral to the infiltrated connective tissue than within the infiltrate. This study suggests that peri-implantitis and periodontitis lesions exhibit critical histopathologic differences, which contribute to the understanding of dissimilarities in onset and progression between the 2 diseases.
Accumulation and management in global historical perspective: An introduction
Authors: Roberts Lissa
Published: September 2014

This essay introduces a special issue dedicated to the theme ‘accumulation and management in global historical perspective’. The concepts and practices of accumulation and management are explored in ways that work to de-center the history of science and empire. Particular attention is paid to four intertwined elements: 1) the networked location of centres of accumulation around the world; 2) (natural) knowledge as a tool, object and consequence of accumulation; 3) the complex interactions between management and governance; and 4] the geographically dispersed processes of ascribing value.
God’s Translator
Authors: Henning Stefan
Published: September 2014

Translation was crucial to the formation of Chinese modernity. While scholarship has centered on the translation of Western texts, I present here a case of translation from a non-Western context: the translation of the Qur’an into Chinese. Translating the Qur’an—fourteen times in the twentieth century—was a strategic intervention into the relations between Muslims and China’s non-Muslim majority as well as between Muslims and the Chinese state. I analyze why the first Chinese Qur’an translations in the twentieth century were accomplished by non-Muslims and how the decision to translate among Muslims followed from an internal critique of Muslim collective life in China. In a close reading of an essay from 1931 on Qur’an translation in China by a friend and collaborator of a Chinese Qur’an translator, I seek to identify the strategic risks and the strategic promises inherent in translating the Qur’an in Republican China by situating the translation in between the international and the national, alterity and self-same, and God and the secular.
Learning How to Be a Student
Authors: Fleury Veronica P. , Thompson Julie L. , Wong Connie
Published: September 2014

Due to difficulties associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), many children with ASD will require additional support to actively participate in classroom activities. Therefore, it is important that professionals who work with young children with ASD know what skills to teach and how to teach them. Using the recent evidence-based practice review conducted by the National Professional Development Center on ASD, we have identified studies that targeted school readiness behaviors which can have implications for academic skill development. In this article, we evaluate (a) the types of skills that have been taught to preschool children with ASD, (b) the strategies used to teach specific skills, and (c) other descriptive information, such as who delivered the intervention and the setting in which the intervention took place. We conclude by offering suggestions for future research and considerations for professional development.
Prosociality During the Transition From Late Adolescence to Young Adulthood
Authors: Alessandri Guido , Luengo Kanacri Bernadette Paula , Eisenberg Nancy , Zuffianò Antonio , Milioni Michela , Vecchione Michele , Caprara Gian Vittorio
Published: September 2014

The present prospective study examined the prediction of prosociality from effortful control and ego-resiliency from late adolescence to emerging adulthood. Participants were 476 young adults (239 males and 237 females) with a mean age of 16 years ( SD = .81) at T1, 18 years ( SD = .83) at T2, 20 years ( SD = .79) at T3, 22 years ( SD = .81) at T4, and 26 years ( SD = .81) at T5. Controlling for the stability of the examined variables and the effect of potential confounding variables (i.e., sex, socioeconomic status [SES], and age), results supported a model in which a temperamental dimension, effortful control, positively predicted a specific behavioral tendency (i.e., prosociality) indirectly through mediation by a personality factor (i.e., ego-resiliency). Practical implications of the results are discussed in terms of the importance of early prevention efforts designed to enhance the capacity to cope effectively with emotional reactions and difficult situations.
Beyond rationalization: Voting out of duty or expressing duty after voting?
Authors: Galais Carol , Blais André
Published: September 2014

It is a standard practice to include a Duty term in explanatory models of turnout. Yet the relationship between duty and voting is not that clear. Does duty really trigger voting or is it the reverse? To address this question, we present cross-lagged panel estimations of the impact of duty on turnout and of turnout on duty with two different datasets: a two-wave panel Canadian survey conducted in 2008 and 2009 and a four-wave Spanish panel conducted between 2010 and 2012. We find evidence that sense of civic duty is a true motivation that affects people’s propensity to vote, even though duty may be reinforced by the act of voting.
A prospective, multicenter study of a double stent system for palliative treatment of malignant extrahepatic biliary obstructions
Authors: Kim Jong Woo , Gwon Dong I l , Han Young-Min , Won Je Hwan , Hong Hyun Pyo , Ko Gi-Young , Yoon Hyun-Ki , Sung Kyu-Bo
Published: September 2014

Background

A double stent system (covered stent in uncovered stent) was designed to provide long-term patency without tumor ingrowth or stent-related complications, such as stent migration, cholecystitis, or pancreatitis.

Purpose

To investigate the safety and efficacy of double stents in patients with malignant extrahepatic biliary obstructions.

Material and Methods

This prospective, nonrandomized, multicenter study enrolled 160 consecutive patients (102 men; mean age, 64 years; range, 33–91 years) with malignant extrahepatic biliary obstructions treated with a double stent system from January 2010 to March 2012.

Results

The technical success rate of the double stent placement was 100%. No stent migration was observed. Procedure-related minor (self-limiting hemobilia [ n = 6] and cholangitis [ n = 2]) and major (pancreatitis [ n = 16], cholecystitis [ n = 3], and hepatic abscess [ n = 2]) complications occurred in a total of 29 patients. The mean serum bilirubin level, which was 8.9 ± 5.6 mg/dL before drainage, decreased to 2.2 ± 4.6 mg/dL 1 month after stent placement ( P < 0.001). Successful internal drainage was achieved in 148 patients (92.5%). During the mean follow-up period of 205 days, acute cholecystitis ( n = 3) and hepatic abscess ( n = 2) occurred in five patients. The median patient survival and stent patency time were 135 days (95% confidence interval [CI], 96–160 days) and 114 days (95% CI, 83–131 days), respectively. Of 153 patients, 22 (14.4%) presented with stent dysfunction due to sludge incrustation ( n = 17), tumor overgrowth ( n = 4), or blood clot ( n = 1), and required repeat intervention. Tumor ingrowth was not observed in any of these patients.

Conclusion

Percutaneous treatment of malignant extrahepatic biliary obstruction using a double stent safely and effectively achieves internal biliary drainage.
Voluntary disclosure and the cost of capital
Authors: Clinch Greg , Verrecchia Robert E
Published: September 2014

We investigate the association between voluntary disclosure and the risk-related discount investors apply to price. First, we study the association between (endogenous) disclosure choice and the discount in price induced by changes in the underlying model parameters: this informs empirical research that ignores endogeneity of disclosure by, for example, omitting the exogenous determinants of disclosure and the discount in price from the regressions employed. Second, we investigate the incremental effect of disclosure on the discount in price: this informs empirical research that controls for the direct effect of exogenous factors on the discount in price by, for example, including the exogenous variables in regression models employed. Finally, we examine the incremental effect of disclosure on the discount in price when changes in disclosure are not induced by changes in underlying exogenous parameters: this further informs empirical research that controls for the effect of exogenous factors on both the discount in price and disclosure, and focuses on the association between ‘unexplained disclosure’ and the discount.
Biomechanical Comparison of Patellar Fixation Techniques in Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Russ Samuel D. , Tompkins Marc , Nuckley David , Macalena Jeffrey
Published: September 2014

Background:

Multiple techniques for reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) have been described; however, little is known about the biomechanical properties of these techniques. Fixation of the graft to the patella has not been studied in a human cadaveric model.

Hypothesis/Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to compare the ultimate failure load and stiffness of 2 different MPFL patellar fixation techniques: suture anchor fixation and interference screw fixation. The null hypothesis was that the suture anchor group would show no difference in the ultimate failure load and stiffness compared with the interference screw group.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Reconstruction of the MPFL with semitendinosus autografts was performed in 8 pairs of fresh-frozen cadaveric knees (16 knees total; mean age, 55.8 ± 7.7 years). The specimens were randomly assigned to 2 groups of 8 specimens each based on the method used to fix the graft to the medial patella: suture anchor or interference screw fixation. Each reconstruction technique was performed on 1 knee from the same cadaveric specimen. Suture anchor reconstruction was completed with 2 parallel 3.0-mm biocomposite suture anchors. Interference screw fixation was accomplished with two 4.75-mm biocomposite interference screws docked in parallel tunnels. The reconstructions were cyclically loaded for 10 cycles to 30 N and then tested to failure at a constant displacement rate of 6 mm/s with a line of pull parallel to the anchors or interference screws. Ultimate failure load (N), stiffness (N/mm), and mode of failure were recorded for each specimen.

Results:

The suture anchor group had a significantly lower mean failure load (201.54 ± 63.14 N) than the interference screw group (299.25 ± 99.87 N) ( P = .007). The suture anchor group also had significantly lower mean stiffness (20.60 ± 6.78 N/mm) compared with the interference screw group (34.66 ± 10.74 N/mm) ( P = .007). The most common mode of failure in the suture anchor group was failure at the graft-suture interface. In the interference screw group, the most common mode of failure was the tendon graft pulling out of the tunnel.

Conclusion:

Interference screw fixation to the medial patella was found to be significantly stronger than suture anchor fixation when comparing the ultimate failure load and stiffness.

Clinical Relevance:

This study compares the biomechanical properties of 2 commonly used methods for patellar graft fixation in MPFL reconstruction surgery. It supports the use of interference screw fixation based on the ultimate load and stiffness, although suture anchor fixation may be sufficient when compared with the native MPFL based on previously published data.
Spontaneous Regression of a Massive Sporadic Chiasmal Optic Pathway Glioma
Authors: Pruzan Noelle L. , de Alba Campomanes Alejandra , Gorovoy Ian R. , Hoyt Creig
Published: September 2014

Optic pathway gliomas have highly variable and unpredictable natural histories, including spontaneous regression, making management decisions difficult and controversial. We report a case of substantial spontaneous regression of an optic pathway glioma involving the chiasm in a 15-month-old boy. Our case is particularly striking given the massive size at presentation with chiasmal, bilateral optic tract, and midbrain involvement, along with clinical ophthalmologic signs for which the majority of practitioners may have recommended treatment on presentation.
Toxicology and Management of Novel Psychoactive Drugs
Authors: Kersten Brian P. , McLaughlin Megan E.
Published: September 2014

Health care providers are seeing an increased number of patients under the influence of several new psychoactive drug classes. Synthetic cannabinoids, cathinones, and piperazines are sought by users for their psychoactive effects, perceived safety profile, minimal legal regulations, and lack of detection on routine urine drug screening. However, these drugs are beginning to be recognized by the medical community for their toxic effects. The neuropsychiatric and cardiovascular toxicities are among the most common reasons for emergency medical treatment, which in some cases, can be severe and even life-threatening. Management strategies are often limited to supportive and symptomatic care due to the limited published data on alternative treatment approaches. The purpose of this article is to offer health care providers, emergency medical personnel in particular, an awareness and understanding of the dangers related to some of the new psychoactive drugs of abuse. The background, pharmacology, toxicity, management, detection, and legal status of each class will be discussed.
Changes in Eye Contact and Attraction Scores Relative to Ostracism and Dissent
Authors: Garner Johny T. , Iba Debra L.
Published: September 2014

Ostracism casts a number of harms on group members who are targets, yet little is known about the behaviors which can lead group members to become ostracism targets. Here, we investigated whether dissent—an important and beneficial behavior for group decision making—led the group to ostracize the members who voiced dissent. This study examined ostracism and two types of dissent—disagreement with the group’s decision-making process and disagreement with specific ideas. Confederates who dissented with ideas were ostracized, as evidenced by lower attraction scores when compared to confederates in control groups. By contrast, process dissenters were not ostracized. Rather, eye contact with process dissenters was significantly higher than eye contact with confederates in control groups. These results suggest that questioning a group’s decision-making process may be one way to draw the attention of the group without being ostracized whereas challenging the prevailing decision itself may subject the dissenter to social exclusion.
Creating a Competitive Advantage by Occupying Critical Position: Analysis of the Tourism Academy Network in Taiwan
Authors: Liu Sam Chih-Hsing , Gan Bernard
Published: September 2014

This study analyzed the relationship between the critical network position and knowledge creation at the individual level. The hypothesis was tested among a sample of 109 tourism research scholars from 24 universities with tourism management departments. The majority of these universities are located in northern, middle, or southern Taiwan. The analyses tracked 466 scholars’ publications, 651 applications for research funding, and 675 coauthorships between 1993 and 2012. The results revealed trade-offs and nonlinear relationships between the critical position and the quality/quantity of knowledge created. Furthermore, research funding played important moderating roles, as it positively moderated the association between critical position and knowledge quality but negatively moderated knowledge quantity.
Correlation of Clinical and Dosimetric Parameters With Radiographic Lung Injury Following Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy
Authors: Kishan Amar U. , Wang Pin-Chieh , Sheng Ke , Yu Victoria , Ruan Dan , Cao Minsong , Tenn Stephen , Low Daniel A. , Lee Percy
Published: September 2014

Radiographic changes occur in over half of patients treated with stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) to the lung, correlating histopathologically with injury. We quantified radiographic density changes (ie, fibrosis) at 3, 6, and 12 months and investigated the relationship between these volumes and clinical and dosimetric parameters. The study population consisted of patients treated with SBRT to the lung for stage I primary lung cancers (n = 39) or oligometastatic lesions (n = 17). Fractionation schemes included 3 fractions of 12, 14, or 18 gray (Gy) and 4 fractions of 12 or 12.5 Gy prescribed to cover 95% of the planning target volume (PTV). Planning computed tomography (CT) scans were rigidly registered to follow-up CT scans obtained at intervals of 3, 6, and 12 months. Fibrotic volumes were contoured on the follow-up scans. Associations between the volume of fibrosis and clinical and dosimetric parameters were investigated using univariate linear regression. Scans were available for 65 and 47 lesions at 6 and 12 months, respectively. Age, years since quitting smoking, and GOLD Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease score were significantly associated with increasing volume of fibrosis ( P < .05). Total dose, dose per fraction, PTV, and volumetric parameters (V0-V55) were also significantly associated with increasing volumes of fibrosis ( P < .01). For dosimetric parameters, the effect was largest for V55. Age, significant smoking history, and GOLD score were significantly associated with increasing volumes of fibrosis following SBRT. In a multivariate model adjusted for age and smoking history, V10 through V50 and PTV size remained significant predictors of fibrotic volume. Further, there is a strong dose–response relationship between the volume of lung exposed to a certain dose and the fibrotic volume. The predominant kinetic patterns of fibrosis demonstrate peaking fibrotic volumes at 6 and 12 months. These results provide insight for expectations of fibrosis after SBRT.