bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of social media by science students in public universities in Southwest Nigeria
Authors: Fasae Joseph Kehinde , Adegbilero-Iwari Idowu
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the use of social media for academic practices by science students of public universities in Southwest Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

– Descriptive design was used for the study. Research instrument used was questionnaire where 140 copies were administered to science students, using purposive sampling technique. Three institutions in southwest of Nigeria were selected for the study. Copies of the questionnaire were distributed to students in their lecture rooms and laboratories during practical classes with the permission and assistance of their lecturers. The data collected were analysed using frequency and simple percentage.

Findings

– The results reveal that among the various social media networks available, Facebook (93.48 per cent) is the most recognized and most famous, followed by Google+ (63.77 per cent) and Twitter (47.83 per cent). Two-third of the students make use of social media daily to remain up-to-date with trending events/news and to occupy free time when they are bored, among other reasons. The findings show that Google+ (52.17 per cent) is the most beneficial social media network followed by Facebook (29.7 per cent) and Wikia (23.91 per cent). Most of the science students are knowledgeable in the usage and application of social media, while majority of them considered poor Internet connectivity, receiving of unwanted messages/pictures and electricity failure as the leading problems encountered while using social media.

Originality/value

– The study was necessary to identify the use and application of social media by science students in public universities in Southwest Nigeria.
Business network information ecological chain
Authors: Xu Xiaojun , He Wu , Yin Ping , Xu Xiaobo , Wang Yuting , Zhang Haitao
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present a new tool, business network information ecological chain (BNIEC) aiming to solve the current information problems in business network, make more profits to business websites and to maintain the sustainable development of the business network environment in Internet of Things (IoT) era.

Design/methodology/approach

– From multi-disciplinary perspectives, learning from the knowledge in information ecology, economics, the IoT and system theory, this paper first analyzes the positioning of BNIEC in different subjects. Second, it proposes the definition, components and characteristics of BNIEC and designs the BNIEC concept map helping to understand the BNIEC system. Last, this paper builds the structural model and the information flow models of BNIEC.

Findings

– The study first presents the concept of BNIEC and based on the trans-disciplinary point of view, builds the structure model of BNIEC from three aspects: nodes, relations among nodes and link modes and illustrates the model using the knowledge from the system theory. Also, it builds two kinds of the information flow models by the related information knowledge in IoT.

Originality/value

– This paper aims to introduce not only a new tool but an ecological idea to business network companies, to create a pleasant network environment, more than that, to make more benefits for themselves. Meanwhile, it has important significance in the sustainable development of the business network environment, business websites, business network information resources and information technology. Especially in today’s IoT era, it shows an ecological thinking to solve the information problems in business network that we may face in the future.
Entrepreneurial environment, market-oriented strategy, and entrepreneurial performance
Authors: Sun Jialu , Yao Meifang , Zhang Weiyong , Chen Yong , Liu Yan
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the correlations among entrepreneurial environment, market-oriented strategies, and entrepreneurial performance.

Design/methodology/approach

– Entrepreneurial environment is measured by institutional environment and industrial environment. A survey of 176 large Chinese automobile firms is conducted. The structural equation model is applied to perform analysis.

Findings

– The uncertainty of the institutional environment is positively related with market-oriented strategies and market-oriented strategies are positively related with firms’ performance. The stronger the uncertainty of the industrial environment is, the larger impact that market-oriented strategies have on firms’ performance will be. There is no distinct positive relationship between the uncertainty of industrial environment and firms’ market-oriented strategies. The hypothesis, that the stronger the uncertainty of institutional environments is, the larger the impact that market-oriented strategies will be on firms’ performance, is not supported.

Research limitations/implications

– In terms of research design, this paper does not select survey samples randomly. This paper only takes institutional and industrial environments into consideration while the environmental characteristics are omitted.

Originality/value

– This paper expands entrepreneurship research by integrating previous studies. Findings in this paper are helpful for firms in emerging countries to implement “going abroad strategies,” to start up new businesses in other countries, and to achieve the goals of improving competitiveness and integrating with international firms.
A relief ordering policy for declining demand and realized shortage cost
Authors: Das Rubel , Okumura Makoto
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to propose a model for relief inventory ordering considering declining demand and realized shortage (RS) costs. This study is motivated by the overflow of unsolicited items in affected areas, which hinder the urgent relief flow.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study proposes a dynamic programing model reflecting the change of demand and urgency during relief operations. A solution algorithm for finding a replenishing point of relief is also introduced here.

Findings

– Relief ordering policy based on the RS cost increases the service level (in terms of time). The service level is dependent on the deterioration rate.

Research limitations/implications

– Deterioration is not applicable for all relief items. Therefore, the proposed model is applicable for certain relief items. Additionally, computation of temporal urgency is not included.

Practical implications

– The study outcomes can be invaluable for resource planning. The model shows a gradual decrease of ordering quantity and a gradual increase of cycle length. This observation can be utilized for resource (e.g. truck) planning and fewer truck can be used in later stages of relief operations.

Originality/value

– This study introduces temporal urgency for disaster logistics (DL) and proposes a relief inventory policy by incorporating temporal urgency. This model highlights the importance of considering declining demand for DL.
Differences of Information Management between Fashion Show Video and Fashion Film: Focusing on Cases of Chanel
Authors: Min Seoha , Koo Helen S. , DeLong Marilyn
Published: March 2016

As media technology is developing, methods to present fashion products and communicate with audiences are also evolving. Designers and fashion brands are always on the lookout for more effective methods to deliver what designers intend through new products. The purpose of this research is to analyze different ways in which people perceive, cognize, and memorize the digital media of fashion show videos and fashion films in the communication process. Considering the difference in communication methods, this study is based on Shannon's communication model, Foulger's ecological model of the communication process, and Kopec's information management theory. In this research, Chanel's 2010 Cruise collection and fashion film, RememberNow, were used as content stimuli. The results indicate that there are significant differences between fashion shows and fashion films in terms of perception (p< .005), cognition (p< .005), and memorization (p< .005). This research will provide prospective methods for fashion designers and fashion firms to effectively deliver the latest fashion information to their audiences.
Common Foot and Ankle Disorders in Adults and Children
Authors: Balasankar Ganesan , Ameersing Luximon
Published: March 2016

The human foot is a complex structure, which includes bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, soft tissues, nerves and veins. It supports the weight of the whole body and helps one to walk, run, and jump. Ankle and foot biomechanical functions that are interrupted by various pathological deformities lead to pain or other deformities, and result in difficulties during mobility. Foot problems are very common in children and adults. In this article, attempts are made to explore the clinical aspects of the most common foot and ankle deformities and their management by children and adults. Foot deformities may be congenital or acquired, and may involve arthritis conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. In children, congenital clubfoot, cavus, and flat feet are the most common disorders and can be treated by non-operative means or surgical management. Hallux valgus and rigidus, lesser toe deformities, and arthritis are mostly present with or without pain in the adult population.
Response Surface Regression Models for Prediction of Ring Spun Yarn Properties
Authors: Ghanmi Hanen , Ghith Adel , Benameur Tarek
Published: March 2016

In this study, the response surface methodology is used to predict the mechanical properties of yarn, their unevenness and hairiness by using the high-volume instrument (HVI) properties of raw cotton and the parameters of the spinning process. Therefore, five different blends of cotton are processed and spun into ring yarns (Nm13, Nm19, Nm 21, Nm31 and Nm37). Each count is spun at five twist levels (450, 500, 650, 750 and 850 trs/m).

The models that are developed by using response surface regression with many iterations on a Minitab16 statistical software predict very well the different yarn properties since the R2 values obtained are very important. In addition, these models show that metric number and twist have the highest effect on the four studied parameters
Parametric Study of Electrospun Cellulose Acetate in Relation to Fibre Diameter
Authors: Ghorani B. , Goswami P. , Russell S.J.
Published: March 2016

The objective was to identify the main factors and interactions influencing the fibre diameter in the production of electrospun cellulose acetate (CA) webs. A systematic parameter study was completed for producing electrospun CA fibres that were substantially free of bead defects and the effect of different process parameters during electrospinning CA were evaluated in respect of mean fibre diameter. The experiments were planned using factorial designs. Altogether three parameters, each at three levels, were selected for this study. The results indicate that polymer concentration, voltage and flow rate interact so that the magnitude of any change in the mean fibre diameter is dependent upon the level of the other factors. Furthermore, stable electrospinning conditions for CA were confirmed using an acetone: N, N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc) (2:1) solvent system that minimised the presence of structural defects in the web and promoted uniform fibre diameters.
A Study on the Production of a Silk Saree mixed with Lyocell and Polyester
Authors: Jeyakodi Moses J , A Mariappan , K Vellingiri
Published: March 2016

Silk and lyocell textiles are categorized as protein and cellulose polymer products of natural fibers. They have their unique uses in the textile, apparel and garment fields. Polyester (PET) is one of the most important synthetic textiles with very good resistance towards chemical and microbial attacks. The presence of PET in mixed silk fabric provides added value. In this study, a saree is developed with silk as the warp and lyocell and PET as the weft. The product is compared with a 100% silk saree with respect to tensile strength, elongation, drapeability, stiffness and antimicrobial activity. The developed saree gives good results that are close to that of the 100% silk saree, and the cost of the developed saree is less than half of that of 100% silk.
A Study of the Receptivity to Bacterial Cellulosic Pellicle for Fashion
Authors: Ng M.C.F. , Wang W.
Published: March 2016

Over the past few decades, there have been an increasing number of attempts to produce materials for fashion creation aiming at cost effectiveness, low environmental impact, labour friendliness and biodegradability. Among them, biotechnology is believed to be one of the finest substitutes for future fashion creation. A study has been carried out to explore the future development of fashion design and the possible applications of materials which can be grown from natural renewable and degradable resources. A pilot test with five design professionals on the comfort of bacterial cellulosic pellicles produced in varied incubation times and broth concentrations was conducted. This paper reports a further investigation of the receptivity to these bacterial cellulosic pellicles as material for future fashion through comparing and evaluating three comfort factors, namely hand comfort, flexibility comfort and breathability comfort, and two appearance factors, namely colour and texture, with 150 subjects using the random sampling method. The optimal favourable pellicle for fashion creation was identified and presented.
Organisational change in local sport clubs: the case of Flemish gymnastics clubs
Authors: Perck Jochen , Van Hoecke Jo , Westerbeek Hans , Breesch Diane
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of the quality assurance system IKGym (Quality Management System for Gymnastics Clubs), on professionalisation, homogenisation and organisational performance in a sample of gymnastics clubs affiliated to the Flemish Gymnastics Federation.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data were drawn from a sample of 55 non-profit local Flemish gymnastics clubs, evaluated twice by IKGym between 2004 and 2010. Using a longitudinal analysis of quantitative data of the IKGym data set a paired samplest-test was conducted to measure the impact of IKGym on the sample of gymnastics clubs. Besides, the Pitman-Morgan test was conducted to measure if the gymnastics clubs have become more isomorphic because of IKGym.

Findings

– First, the results identify different levels of progression towards professionalisation between various quality and performance targets of the gymnastics clubs and depending on the structural design types of these clubs. Second, it was found that during the organisational change the sample of clubs also started to resemble each other more. However, this homogenisation process seems restricted to the organisational management and strategic planning of the clubs and appears especially to clubs belonging to the volunteer structure. Third, the present study also indicates that IKGym has influenced clubs to perform better.

Originality/value

– IKGym is considered as a pioneering project where a federation stimulated their clubs to professionalise by means of a system of quality assurance. Several federations and sporting leagues (Deutsche Bundesliga, English Premier League; Belgian Basketballiga, etc.) followed this lead and introduced a similar system to evaluate and direct the management of their clubs.
If we build it, will they come? Examining the effect of expansion teams and soccer-specific stadiums on Major League Soccer attendance
Authors: DeSchriver Timothy D. , Rascher Daniel A. , Shapiro Stephen L.
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– Two of the primary growth strategies for Major League Soccer (MLS) have been team expansion and the construction of soccer-specific stadiums. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to determine the relationship between these factors and game-specific MLS spectator attendance.

Design/methodology/approach

– Two multiple regression models, one using multi-level mixed effects linear regression and another using interval regression, were developed to explain the variation in attendance utilizing the two factors of interest along with other control factors that have been identified as attendance determinants in previous literature. Game-specific data were collected for five MLS seasons, 2007-2011.

Findings

– The two regression models explained approximately 40 percent of the variation in spectator attendance and the results showed that expansion teams and soccer-specific stadiums were significantly related to attendance. However, the effect of soccer-specific stadiums was minimized due to the extreme success of the Seattle Sounders in drawing about twice as many fans as the next highest drawing franchise, yet playing in an American football stadium.

Research limitations/implications

– While many of the standard factors such as the presence of holidays and novelty players, competition from other professional teams, and day of week, competition from other professional teams; team quality failed to show significance. Expansion teams drew better than incumbent teams and the impact from soccer-specific stadia is weak given the success of the Seattle franchise (and possibly negative when excluding Seattle). Censoring of the dependent variable had a discernible impact on many of the attendance factors.

Practical implications

– These findings may be useful to managers of MLS and their teams along with other professional teams and/or leagues that are investigating the use of either team expansion or the construction of new facilities to increase spectator attendance.

Originality/value

– This is the first study to investigate the relationship between expansion and new stadium construction in MLS over multiple years. The results indicate that MLS’s decision to use team expansion and the construction of soccer-specific stadiums has been beneficial with respect to spectator attendance.
The initial fall in arterial pressure evoked by endotoxin is mediated by the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray
Authors: Millington William R , Yilmaz M Sertac , Feleder Carlos
Published: March 2016

This study tested the hypothesis that the initial fall in arterial pressure evoked by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is mediated by the ventrolateral column of the midbrain periaqueductal gray region (vlPAG). To test this hypothesis, the local anaesthetic lidocaine (2%; 0.1 μL, 0.2 μL or 1.0 μL), the delta opioid receptor antagonist naltrindole (2 nmol) or saline was microinjected into the vlPAG of isoflurane‐anaesthetized rats bilaterally and LPS (1 mg/kg) or saline was administered intravenously 2 min later. Both lidocaine and naltrindole inhibited LPS‐evoked hypotension significantly but did not affect arterial pressure in saline‐treated control animals. Neither lidocaine nor naltrindole altered heart rate significantly in either LPS‐treated or control animals. Microinjection of lidocaine or naltrindole into the dorsolateral PAG was ineffective. These data indicate that the vlPAG plays an important role in the initiation of endotoxic hypotension and further show that delta opioid receptors in the vlPAG participate in the response.
Prognostic significance of RelB overexpression in non‐small cell lung cancer patients
Authors: Qin Hualong , Zhou Jun , Zhou Peng , Xu Jingjing , Tang Zaixiang , Ma Haitao , Guo Feng
Published: March 2016

Background

Lung cancer is a major public health issue in most countries, including China. The expression of RelB is associated with poor prognosis in diverse cancers. However, whether RelB expression could be an indicator of poor prognosis in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is still unclear.

Methods

The expression of RelB in NSCLC tumor tissue and adjacent non‐neoplastic tissues were examined by immunohistochemistry. Chi‐square or two‐tailed Fisher's exact tests were used to analyze possible associations between qualitative clinicopathological variables and RelB expression. Kaplan–Meier analysis and a Cox regression model were employed to determine independent prognostic factors.

Results

The expression of RelB was increased in tumor tissue compared with adjacent non‐neoplastic tissue in NSCLC patients. High RelB expression was significantly correlated with degree of differentiation (P = 0.023), depth of tumor invasion (P < 0.001), lymph node metastasis (P = 0.017), distant metastases (P = 0.004), and tumor node metastasis stage (P < 0.001) in patients with NSCLC. NSCLC patients with high RelB expression had significantly shorter overall survival than those with low RelB expression (P < 0.001). Our results indicate that high RelB expression is an independent prognostic factor for patients with NSCLC (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

High RelB expression could provide a basis for judgment of prognosis in patients with NSCLC.
Pilot study of radiofrequency hyperthermia in combination with gefitinib in gefitinib‐effective patients with advanced NSCLC
Authors: Qin Yijia , Sun Yu , Liu Yongmei , Luo Yiqiao , Zhu Jiang
Published: March 2016

Background

Non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of death from cancer in China. Gefitinib is effective for patients with positive epidermal growth factor receptor gene mutation; however, acquired drug resistance counteracts the duration response. Hyperthermia is widely clinically applied in the treatment of solid tumors. This pilot study was designed to evaluate the feasibility of the combination of gefitinib and hyperthermia.

Methods

Patients newly diagnosed with advanced NSCLC were screened. Eleven patients who responded to first‐line gefitinib treatment were enrolled in the study. Along with 250 mg gefitinib daily, local radiofrequency hyperthermia was administered twice a week until tumor progression was observed. The serum, heat shock protein (HSP)70, was also frequently detected during the course.

Results

The most common toxicity included skin rash (81.8%) and abnormal liver function (45.5%) when treated with gefitinib, and fatty scleroma (36.4%) was observed when combined with hyperthermia. Grade 3 side effects (skin rash) occurred in only one patient. Median progression‐free survival was 22 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 12.95–31.05 months) and median overall survival was 26 months (95% CI: 22.81–29.19 months). Serum HSP70 concentration increased and maintained a significantly high level compared with the baseline before hyperthermia administration.

Conclusions

The novel therapy of gefitinib combined with radiofrequency hyperthermia is safe and effective for advanced NSCLC patients. Whether an improvement in therapeutic efficacy is associated with the elevation of serum HSP70 concentration requires further study.
Integral Projection Models for host–parasite systems with an application to amphibian chytrid fungus
Authors: Wilber Mark Q. , Langwig Kate E. , Kilpatrick Auston Marm , McCallum Hamish I. , Briggs Cheryl J.
Published: March 2016

Host–parasite models are typically constructed under either a microparasite or macroparasite paradigm. However, this has long been recognized as a false dichotomy because many infectious disease agents, including most fungal pathogens, have attributes of both microparasites and macroparasites.

We illustrate how Integral Projection Models (IPMs) provide a novel modelling framework to represent both types of pathogens. We build a simple host–parasite IPM that tracks both the number of susceptible and infected hosts and the distribution of parasite burdens in infected hosts.

The vital rate functions necessary to build IPMs for disease dynamics share many commonalities with classic micro and macroparasite models and we discuss how these functions can be parameterized to build a host–parasite IPM. We illustrate the utility of this IPM approach by modelling the temperature‐dependent epizootic dynamics of amphibian chytrid fungus in Mountain yellow‐legged frogs (Rana muscosa).

The host–parasite IPM can be applied to other diseases such as facial tumour disease in Tasmanian devils and white‐nose syndrome in bats. Moreover, the host–parasite IPM can be easily extended to capture more complex disease dynamics and provides an exciting new frontier in modelling wildlife disease.
Gender‐specific effects of comorbid depression and anxiety on the propensity to drink in negative emotional states
Authors: Karpyak Victor M. , Biernacka Joanna M. , Geske Jennifer R. , Abulseoud Osama A. , Brunner Michael D. , Chauhan Mohit , Hall‐Flavin Daniel K. , Lewis Kriste A. , Loukianova Larissa L. , Melnyk George J. , Onsrud David A. , Proctor Brian D. , Schneekloth Terry D. , Skime Michelle K. , Wittkopp John E. , Frye Mark A. , Mrazek David A.
Published: March 2016

Background and Aims

Depression and anxiety are often comorbid with alcoholism and contribute to craving and relapse. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of life‐time diagnoses of major depressive disorder (MDD), substance‐induced depression (SID), anxiety disorder (AnxD) and substance‐induced anxiety (SIA), the effects of these comorbidities on the propensity to drink in negative emotional states (negative craving), and test whether these effects differ by sex.

Design

Secondary analyses of baseline data collected in a single‐arm study of pharmacogenetic predictors of acamprosate response.

Setting

Academic medical center and affiliated community‐based treatment programs in the American upper mid‐west.

Participants

A total of 287 males and 156 females aged 18–80 years, meeting DSM‐IV criteria for alcohol dependence.

Measurements

The primary outcome measure was ‘propensity to drink in negative emotional situations’ (determined by the Inventory of Drug Taking Situations) and the key predictors/covariates were sex and psychiatric comorbidities, including MDD, SID, AnxD and SIA (determined by Psychiatric Research Interview of Substance and Mood Disorders).

Findings

The prevalence of the MDD, SID and AnxD was higher in females compared with males (33.1 versus 18.4%, 44.8 versus 26.4% and 42.2 versus 27.4%, respectively; P < 0.01, each), while SIA was rare (3.3%) and did not differ by sex. Increased propensity to drink in negative emotional situations was associated with comorbid MDD (β = 6.6, P = 0.013) and AnxD (β = 4.8, P = 0.042) as well as a SID × sex interaction effect (P = 0.003), indicating that the association of SID with propensity to drink in negative emotional situations differs by sex and is stronger in males (β = 7.9, P = 0.009) compared with females (β = −6.6, P = 0.091).

Conclusions

There appears to be a higher prevalence of comorbid depression and anxiety disorders as well as propensity to drink in negative emotional situations in female compared with male alcoholics. Substance‐induced depression appears to have a sex‐specific effect on the increased risk for drinking in negative emotional situations in males.
Facing the times: A young onset dementia support group: FacebookTM style
Authors: Craig Denise , Strivens Edward
Published: March 2016

Young onset dementia accounts for up to 1 in 10 dementia diagnoses. Those diagnosed face premature transition into the realm of aged care services and adjustment to an illness of ageing prior to age 65. To help elicit communication of the perceived psychosocial needs of this group, provide a platform to gain peer support and advocate for increased awareness, the Young Onset Dementia Support Group was established on the social networking site, FacebookTM. Followers post comments, read educational or otherwise interesting news feeds, share inspirational quotes and access others living with dementia worldwide. Facebook provides a means of rapid global reach in a way that allows people with dementia to increase their communications and potentially reduce isolation. This paper was authored by the page administrators. We aim to highlight the promising utility of a social network platform just entering its stride amongst health communication initiatives.
Nandrolone decanoate and resistance exercise training favor the occurrence of lesions and activate the inflammatory response in the ventral prostate
Authors: Gomes F. C. , Chuffa L. G. A. , Scarano W. R. , Pinheiro P. F. F. , Fávaro W. J. , Domeniconi R. F.
Published: March 2016

Age is a key factor in the development of prostatic lesions. An increase in reactive oxygen species levels occurs during aging. Furthermore, the indiscriminate use of anabolic androgenic steroids and physical exercise alter the availability of hormones and may promote the appearance of lesions. This study examined whether the use of nandrolone decanoate (ND), associated or not with resistance exercise training, affects the pathways related to the inflammatory response in the ventral prostate of adult and aged rats. Sprague‐Dawley rats were distributed into eight experimental groups: sedentary with ND, sedentary without ND, exercise with ND, and exercise without ND. The animals performed resistance exercise training and received ND two times/week (5 mg/kg, i.m.) for 8 weeks. Adult rats were killed immediately following treatment completion, and aged rats remained untreated until reaching 300 days of age. The adult animals that received ND and performed resistance exercise training showed a higher occurrence of lesions with TLR4 activation. Marked IL‐6 expression occurred in the group that performed resistance exercise training. The group exposed to ND showed overexpression of TLR2, TLR4, NOX1, Nrf2, TNF‐α, and P38MAPK. The animals that received ND and performed training showed increase levels of NFκB, IRF3, IL‐6, TNF‐α, and NOX1. TLR2 and TLR4 showed no upregulation in the aged animals. The groups exercise + ND showed lesions in the adult stage and after aging, followed by molecular alterations. We concluded that nandrolone decanoate and resistance exercise training can promote the onset of prostatic tumors in the adult stage, and during aging, activating pathways involved in the inflammatory response.
Testosterone deficiency in testicular cancer survivors – a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Bandak M. , Jørgensen N. , Juul A. , Vogelius I. R. , Lauritsen J. , Kier M. G. , Mortensen M. S. , Glovinski P. , Daugaard G.
Published: March 2016

Results concerning treatment of Testicular Germ Cell Cancer (TGCC) and subsequent risk of testosterone deficiency are conflicting. To systematically evaluate and estimate the risk of testosterone deficiency (TD) in TGCC‐patients according to treatment to optimize follow‐up and for prevention of late effects related to hypogonadism. We performed a critical review of PubMed in January 2015 according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis (PRISMA) statement. Twelve publications were selected for inclusion in this analysis. Eleven studies evaluated the risk of TD in TGCC‐patients treated with standard chemotherapy (CT) and the odds ratio for TD was 1.8 (95% CI) (1.3–2.5), (p = 0.0007). Seven studies evaluated the risk of TD in TGCC‐patients treated with non‐conventional therapy and the odds ratio for TD was 3.1 (95% CI) (2.0–4.8), (p < 0.0001). Six studies evaluated the risk of TD in TGCC‐patients treated with infradiaphragmatic radiotherapy (RT), and the odds ratio for TD was 1.6 (95% CI) (1.0–2.4), (p = 0.03). In all treatment groups the risk of TD was compared with TGCC‐patients treated with orchiectomy alone. There was no indication of heterogeneity between studies in the three treatment groups. Strong evidence exists that standard CT, non‐conventional therapy and infradiaphragmatic RT are associated with an increased risk of TD in TGCC‐patients when compared with orchiectomy alone. The risk of testosterone defficiency appears to be highest in patients treated with non‐conventional therapy.
Signal Identification in Singular Spectrum Analysis
Authors: Khan Atikur R. , Poskitt D. S.
Published: March 2016

This paper provides an information theoretic analysis of the signal identification problem in singular spectrum analysis. We present a signal‐plus‐noise model based on the Karhunen‐Loève expansion and use this model to motivate the construction of a minimum description length criterion that can be employed to identify the dimension (rank) of the signal component. We show that under very general regularity conditions the criterion will identify the true signal dimension with probability one as the sample size increases. A by‐product of this analysis is a procedure for selecting a window length consistent with the Whitney embedding theorem. The upshot is a modeling strategy that results in a specification that yields a signal‐noise reconstruction that minimises mean squared reconstruction error. Empirical results obtained using simulated and real world data series indicate that theoretical properties presented in the paper are reflected in observed behaviour, even in relatively small samples, and that the minimum description length modeling strategy provides the practitioner with an effective addition to the SSA tool box.
Comparison of 1.8‐mm incision versus 2.75‐mm incision cataract surgery in combined phacoemulsification and 23‐gauge vitrectomy
Authors: Czajka Marcin Piotr , Frajdenberg Agata , Johansson Björn
Published: March 2016

Purpose

To compare 1.8 mm micro‐incision and 2.75 mm standard incision in coaxial cataract surgery combined with 23‐Gauge (23G) vitrectomy with respect to intraoperative and postoperative complications and outcomes.

Methods

In this prospective study 30 eyes of 30 patients planned for combined phacoemulsification and 23G vitrectomy were enrolled, and randomized to undergo either Standard 2.75 mm Incision Cataract Surgery (SICS, 15 eyes) or Coaxial 1.8 mm Micro‐Incision Cataract Surgery (C‐MICS, 15 eyes) followed by vitrectomy. Inclusion criteria were cataract and macular disorders including macular hole, epiretinal membrane and vitreomacular traction. Data were collected at preoperative evaluation and 1 and 12 months or more after surgery.

Results

Incision leakage occurred in two eyes (7%: one per group), retinal break in nine (30%: four in C‐MICS, five in SICS). Fibrin in anterior chamber (AC) occurred day 1 in three eyes (10%: two C‐ and one SICS). Posterior capsule opacification developed in 22 eyes (78%: 13 MICS, nine SICS, p = 0.1). A myopic shift of −0.63 ± 0.7 was noted (−0.59 ± 0.8 MICS, −0.68 ± 0.6 SICS, p = 0.74). Surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) was significantly smaller in C‐MICS group (ΔKP, −0.019 ± 0.095 versus −0.141 ± 0.219, p = 0.0038) at 1 month but not at final follow‐up (ΔKP, 0.0005 ± 0.16 in C‐MICS versus −0.057 ± 0.12, p = 0.3

Conclusions

Both techniques were equally safe with respect to intraoperative and postoperative findings. Coaxial micro‐incision cataract surgery (C‐MICS) was associated with less surgically‐induced astigmatism (SIA) 1 month after surgery but differences were not statistically significant at final follow‐up indicating a faster refractive recovery with C‐MICS than with SICS.
Drusen maculopathy: a risk factor for visual deterioration
Authors: Algvere Peep V. , Kvanta Anders , Seregard Stefan
Published: March 2016

Age‐related macular degeneration (AMD), the most common cause of visual loss after the age of 65, displays a degeneration of the retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells and photoreceptors in the retinal centre (macula). The central macula (fovea) that contains mostly cone photoreceptors mediates the high visual acuity. Drusen maculopathy may lead to visual deterioration. Drusen are extracellular deposits of debris that accumulate on Bruch′s membrane. Drusen attract inflammatory, immunological and vasoactive stimuli. RPE and photoreceptor cells overlying drusen exhibit biochemical and morphological signs of degeneration. Strong and intermittent light exposure (photons) induces the formation of free radicals in the very high oxygen tension milieu of the retina. The negative effects of irradiation stimulate accumulation of lipofuscin in RPE and photoreceptor cells leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptotic cell death. A hydrophobic barrier is built up in Bruch′s membrane reducing diffusion to the choroid. Hereditary and inflammatory factors modify the risk for AMD. There is a genetic dysregulation of the complement system leading to inappropriate complement activation. The genetic polymorphism of complement factor H (CFH) and age‐related maculopathy susceptibilty 2 (ARMS2) increase the risk of progression to advanced AMD. The photoelectric effect creates free radicals, resulting in a continuous increase of lipofuscin formation and impairing mitochondrial activity. In addition, inflammation and complement dysregulation contribute to the formation of drusen and vasoproliferative reactions with neovascularization. Antioxidants neutralize reactive oxygen species and reduce lipofuscin accumulation in RPE and photoreceptor cells. For prophylactic treatment of drusen maculopathy, high doses of antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, lutein, zeaxanthine and zinc are used according to the Age‐Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS 2). The risk of developing advanced AMD was reduced by 27% at 10 years follow‐up. No adverse events were noted.
Activation of pulmonary and lymph node dendritic cells during chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa lung infection in mice
Authors: Damlund Dina Silke Malling , Christophersen Lars , Jensen Peter Østrup , Alhede Morten , Høiby Niels , Moser Claus
Published: March 2016

The majority of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients acquire chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa lung infection, resulting in increased mortality and morbidity. The chronic P. aeruginosa lung infection is characterized by bacteria growing in biofilm surrounded by polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs). However, the infection is not eradicated and the inflammatory response leads to gradual degradation of the lung tissue. In CF patients, a Th2‐dominated adaptive immune response with a pronounced antibody response is correlated with poorer outcome. Dendritic cells (DCs) are crucial in bridging the innate immune system with the adaptive immune response. Once activated, the DCs deliver a set of signals to uncommitted T cells that induce development, such as expansion of regulatory T cells and polarization of Th1, Th2 or Th17 subsets. In this study, we characterized DCs in lungs and regional lymph nodes in BALB/c mice infected using intratracheal installation of P. aeruginosa embedded in seaweed alginate in the lungs. A significantly elevated concentration of DCs was detected earlier in the lungs than in the regional lymph nodes. To evaluate whether the chronic P. aeruginosa lung infection leads to activation of DCs, costimulatory molecules CD80 and CD86 were analyzed. During infection, the DCs showed significant elevation of CD80 and CD86 expression in both the lungs and the regional lymph nodes. Interestingly, the percentage of CD86‐positive cells was significantly higher than the percentage of CD80‐positive cells in the lymph nodes. In addition, cytokine production from Lipopolysaccharides (LPS)‐stimulated DCs was analyzed demonstrating elevated production of IL‐6, IL‐10 and IL‐12. However, production of IL‐12 was suppressed earlier than IL‐6 and IL‐10. These results support that DCs are involved in skewing of the Th1/Th2 balance in CF and may be a possible treatment target.
Independent surgical validation of the new prostate cancer grade‐grouping system
Authors: Spratt Daniel E. , Cole Adam I. , Palapattu Ganesh S. , Weizer Alon Z. , Jackson William C. , Montgomery Jeffrey S. , Dess Robert T. , Zhao Shuang G. , Lee Jae Y. , Wu Angela , Kunju Lakshmi P. , Talmich Emily , Miller David C. , Hollenbeck Brent K. , Tomlins Scott A. , Feng Felix Y. , Mehra Rohit , Morgan Todd M.
Published: March 2016

Objective

To report the independent prognostic impact of the new prostate cancer grade‐grouping system in a large external validation cohort of patients treated with radical prostatectomy (RP).

Patients and methods

Between 1994 and 2013, 3 694 consecutive men were treated with RP at a single institution. To investigate the performance of and validate the grade‐grouping system, biochemical recurrence‐free survival (bRFS) rates were assessed using Kaplan–Meier tests, Cox‐regression modelling, and discriminatory comparison analyses. Separate analyses were performed based on biopsy and RP grade.

Results

The median follow‐up was 52.7 months. The 5‐year actuarial bRFS for biopsy grade groups 1–5 were 94.2%, 89.2%, 73.1%, 63.1%, and 54.7%, respectively (P < 0.001). Similarly, the 5‐year actuarial bRFS based on RP grade groups was 96.1%, 93.0%, 74.0%, 64.4%, and 49.9% for grade groups 1–5, respectively (P < 0.001). The adjusted hazard ratios for bRFS relative to biopsy grade group 1 were 1.98, 4.20, 5.57, and 9.32 for groups 2, 3, 4, and 5, respectively (P < 0.001), and for RP grade groups were 2.09, 5.27, 5.86, and 10.42 (P < 0.001). The five‐grade‐group system had a higher prognostic discrimination compared with the commonly used three‐tier system (Gleason score 6 vs 7 vs 8–10).

Conclusions

In an independent surgical cohort, we have validated the prognostic benefit of the new prostate cancer grade‐grouping system for bRFS, and shown that the benefit is maintained after adjusting for important clinicopathological variables. The greater predictive accuracy of the new system will improve risk stratification in the clinical setting and aid in patient counselling.
The Genetic Paradox of Invasions revisited: the potential role of inbreeding × environment interactions in invasion success
Authors: Schrieber Karin , Lachmuth Susanne
Published: March 2016

Invasive species that successfully establish, persist, and expand within an area of introduction, in spite of demographic bottlenecks that reduce their genetic diversity, represent a paradox. Bottlenecks should inhibit population growth and invasive expansion, as a decrease in genetic diversity should result in inbreeding depression, increased fixation of deleterious mutations by genetic drift (drift load), and reduced evolutionary potential to respond to novel selection pressures. Here, we focus on the problems of inbreeding depression and drift load in introduced populations as key components of the Genetic Paradox of Invasions (GPI). We briefly review published explanations for the GPI, which are based on various mechanisms (invasion history events, reproductive traits, genetic characteristics) that mediate the avoidance of inbreeding depression and drift load. We find that there is still a substantial lack of explanation and empirical evidence for explaining the GPI for strongly bottlenecked invasions, or for during critical invasion phases (e.g. initial colonization, leading edges of range expansion) where strong genetic depletion, inbreeding depression and drift load occurs. Accordingly, we suggest that discussion of the GPI should be revived to find additional mechanisms applicable to explaining invasion success for such species and invasion phases. Based on a synthesis of the literature on the population genetics of invaders and the ecology of invaded habitats, we propose that inbreeding × environment (I × E) interactions are one such mechanism that may have strong explanatory power to address the GPI. Specifically, we suggest that a temporary or permanent release from stress in invaded habitats may alleviate the negative effects of genetic depletion on fitness via I × E interactions, and present published empirical evidence supporting this hypothesis. We additionally discuss that I × E interactions can result in rapid evolutionary changes, and may even contribute to adaptation of invaders in the absence of high genetic variation. With a view to encouraging further empirical research, we propose an experimental approach to investigate the occurrence of I × E interactions in ongoing invasions. Revived research on the GPI should provide new fundamental insights into eco‐evolutionary invasion biology, and more generally into the evolutionary consequences of the interactions between inbreeding and environment.
NASAL cytology: practical aspects and clinical relevance
Authors: Gelardi M. , Iannuzzi L. , Quaranta N. , Landi M. , Passalacqua G.
Published: March 2016

Nasal cytology is a simple and safe diagnostic procedure that allows to assess the normal and pathological aspects of the nasal mucosa, by identifying and counting the cell types and their morphology. It can be easily performed by a nasal scraping followed by May–Grunwald–Giemsa staining and optical microscopy reading. This procedure allows to identify the normal cells (ciliated and mucinous), the inflammatory cells (lymphocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils, mast cells), bacteria, or fungal hyphae/spores. Apart from the normal cell population, some specific cytological patterns can be of help in discriminating among various diseases. Viral infections, allergic rhinitis, vasomotor rhinitis and overlapping forms can be easily identified. According to the predominant cell type, various entities can be defined (named asNARES,NARESMA,NARMA). This implies a more detailed knowledge and assessment of the disease that can integrate the standard diagnostic procedures. Nasal cytology also represents a useful research tool for diagnosis and therapy.
Afferent visual pathways in multiple sclerosis: a review
Authors: Graham Stuart L , Klistorner Alexander
Published: March 2016

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system that involves inflammation and demyelination at multiple sites and causes a wide variety of clinical presentations with variable neurological deficits. The visual pathways are frequently involved with either visual or motor dysfunction. Optic neuritis (ON) is one the most common and best characterized presentations of the disease, but there are many other manifestations depending on the site of the lesion. Eyes that have never had ON show slow progressive loss of axons and retinal ganglion cells. Previously unrecognized optic radiation lesions may be associated with residual latency delays on visual evoked potentials. Both anterograde and retrograde degeneration may occur along the visual pathway. This review covers the features of MS in the anterior and posterior visual system and describes advances that have been made with newer techniques such as retinal optical coherence tomography (OCT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with diffusion tensor imaging and probabilistic tractography (DTI) and multifocal visual evoked potentials (mfVEPs). We report on the inter‐relationship between these measures of structure and function, and how they may be used as biomarkers for the disease.