bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Creating leaders for successful change management
Authors: Kilkelly Eddie
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explain why change programs fail in spite of best practice processes and procedures and to examine the improvements that can be made by developing effective change leaders.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper is based upon the author's expert knowledge and includes a case study of an organization that is an exemplar for successful change management, having been censured for its lack of success only a few years ago. The paper identifies the actions that helped this organization improve its capability for change.

Findings

– Change initiatives are more likely to be successful when change leaders are developed and mentored through an organization-wide, structured, aspirational career development program, which encourages change leaders to focus on the big picture, to use their network, to engage with stakeholders and to develop their own emotional intelligence and resilience.

Practical implications

– The paper explains that organizations need to change their thinking and practices around change management to do more to address the skills, attitudes, capabilities and relationships of the people involved – particularly change leaders.

Originality/value

– This paper examines the often-overlooked topic of developing, coaching and mentoring change leaders and includes a previously unpublished case study. It provides a blueprint for action for other organizations struggling to deliver successful change programs.
How blended learning can create a more inclusive culture
Authors: Peacock Angela
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The challenges and problems that organizations face nowadays are often due to there being a gap between their current situation and where they want to be. Often this disparity between perception and reality is caused by something deep and fundamental in the company culture – something that may not be readily apparent to those working there. This paper aims to deal with the question of how to create genuine, lasting change in organizational climate so that all employees feel they can bring all of themselves to work, without fear or judgment and with a deep belief that their contributions will be heard.

Design/methodology/approach

– There are a number of reasons why driving an inclusive culture is so difficult and this paper identifies a new perspective on developing and embedding inclusion. Most importantly, it addresses how a bespoke, blended approach to any input will allow you to implement training that really works.

Findings

– Many organizations view fixing problems with company culture as an expensive luxury with unpredictable outcomes. As a result, the kind of training that embeds genuine, lasting change is often overlooked in favor of short-term solutions that do not get to the root of the problem. A bespoke, blended approach allows for training that really works long term and therefore ensures the greatest possible value for your organization.

Practical implications

– A blended approach done well should be a powerful, joined up and strategic driver that enables an inclusive culture to be created, resulting in it becoming business as usual, where the best available talent is attracted, thrives and drives your strategic aims and your business forwards.

Originality/value

– Often the kind of training that gets done in this area is short term and does not get to the root of the problem. This paper provides guidance in developing and embedding inclusion and although it may challenge beliefs if these principles are followed it will guarantee rapid, lasting improvements at all levels.
Understanding employee knowledge: the development of an organizational memory scale
Authors: Dunham Annette , Burt Christopher
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The aim of this study is to develop a psychometrically sound self-report scale of organizational memory. The scale is planned for use in future research to test the relationship between what employees know and their attitudes to passing on their knowledge.

Design/methodology/approach

– A total of 72 organizational memory scale items representing six hypothesised dimensions of organizational memory were developed and tested with 143 participants using exploratory factor analysis. The resulting five-factor model was tested with a further sample of 288 employees using structural equation modelling, and the test-retest reliability was examined.

Findings

– Five factors of the organizational memory scale were identified. These were: socio-political knowledge, job knowledge, external network, history, and industry knowledge. The dimensions correlated with tenure variables often used as proxies for experience. Structural equation modelling confirmed the five-factor model and the scale achieved adequate test-retest reliability.

Research limitations/implications

– The five organizational memory factors are not an exhaustive list. While the scale enables employees to evaluate their own organizational memory, it may not necessarily be an accurate indicator of their knowledge.

Practical implications

– The scale can be used as a knowledge audit instrument for examining attitudes to mentoring and knowledge sharing, as well as for auditing knowledge that may potentially be lost when experienced employees leave organizations.

Originality/value

– The scale is a valid and reliable self-report measure of organizational memory. It is an innovative tool for examining employee attitudes to knowledge sharing initiatives. The scale also recognises the contribution made to organizational memory by those with industry knowledge outside the organization.
Constructing a sustainable learning organization
Authors: P. Wilson John , Beard Colin
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– Marks and Spencer's Plan A environmental strategy is an ambitious one which addresses economic, social and environmental considerations. As part of this process it recently used a sustainable learning store strategy to develop, capture and disseminate learning before, during and after construction so that learning could be transferred to future projects. Significantly, the strategy did not draw on “traditional” learning organisation concepts; instead it developed its own bottom-up approach to identify the important areas for learning. The practices developed for the learning store were then evaluated against a learning organisation blueprint.

Design/methodology/approach

– A literature review of learning organisations in construction was complemented by a case study of the prototype Marks and Spencer learning store. The strategies adopted by the company were assessed against Pedleret al.'s blueprint for a learning company.

Findings

– The systematic learning store strategy developed by Marks and Spencer matched the 11 main criteria described by Pedleret al.'s learning company blueprint and also included managing and leading. The strategies adopted by M&S have the potential to be adopted by other organisations seeking to become environmentally sustainable learning organisations.

Research limitations/implications

– This case study was undertaken from the perspective of one retail organisation and did not directly evaluate the other stakeholders. It was also largely cross-sectional in nature and describes the learning which occurred but not its application to any subsequent downstream projects. Its applicability to other industries and organisations therefore needs to be investigated further.

Practical implications

– The strategies used during the development of the Marks and Spencer's learning store have the potential to be adopted by other retail, construction and organisations from other sectors and have significant benefits to the environment.

Originality/value

– Little has been written about the practical application of sustainability approaches for learning organisations. The scale and scope of the Plan A strategy would not appear to have been achieved by other organisations.
Learning and knowledge as interrelations between CoPs and NoPs
Authors: Filstad Cathrine
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of the study is to investigate the characteristics and interrelations between informal communities of practice and formal networks of practice and its consequences for learning and new knowledge at work.

Design/methodology/approach

– A case study was conducted in a Norwegian bank using qualitative explorative studies and in-depth interviews with financial advisers and their leaders.

Findings

– The findings demonstrate that in the absence of integration efforts via a network of practice, multiple communities of practice to ensure knowledge flow is not enough. By the same token, it is possible for new knowledge to be accepted where a community of practice functions cohesively in a singular form in close interrelation with network of practices, but only when both communities of practice and network of practices are supported by a participatory leader.

Research limitations/implications

– The total of 30 in-depth interviews might call for further studies. Also, studying a Norway bank alliance does not account for cultural differences between countries.

Originality/value

– To the author's knowledge there are no studies that investigate the interrelations between informal communities of practice and formal network of practices.
Tourism and poverty reduction in Latin America: where does the region stand?
Authors: Croes Robertico
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to critically review the contributions made by the articles in this theme issue with reference to the literature and by examining the link between tourism and poverty and the conditions that shape this link in Latin America.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper reviews the most important contributions through critical content analysis of the papers contained in the theme issue.

Findings

– Tourism matters to the poor, but its relevance is defined by a number of factors including economic development, inequality, and destination life cycle. Alternative tourism, while promising, may be too limited in scope and scale to affect poverty alleviation that is broad and fast enough to benefit Latin America.

Research limitations/implications

– More research is needed to understand the link between tourism and poverty reduction, and the conditions that determine the strength of the link in Latin America.

Originality/value

– The theme issue explores the tourism poverty link from different perspectives with inputs from multiple stakeholders with experience and expertise in poverty alleviation in Latin America. This approach offers the reader a unique opportunity to explore different facets of the tourism development conundrum in the region.
EU Humanitarian Aid after the Lisbon Treaty
Authors: Broberg Morten
Published: May 2014

This article analyses the treaty provisions introduced by the Lisbon Treaty with regard to the European Union's (EU) provision of humanitarian aid to third countries [with a particular focus on Article 214 Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU)]. It first examines how the new treaty framework affects the competences and the procedures that have been laid down with regard to humanitarian aid. It then considers the general international legal principles that, according to Article 214 TFEU, apply to the Union's provision of humanitarian aid. The article seeks to clarify what the obligations of ‘coordination’ and ‘complementarity’ entail. Finally, the article considers the requirement that a European Voluntary Humanitarian Aid Corps is set up.
Humanitarian Aid as an Integral Part of theEuropeanUnion's External Action: The Challenge of Reconciling Coherence and Independence
Authors: Orbie Jan , Van Elsuwege Peter , Bossuyt Fabienne
Published: May 2014

The article focuses on the European Union's (EU) humanitarian aid policy. It addresses the challenge for the EU to deliver independent humanitarian aid while simultaneously seeking to establish more coherence between its external policies. The article examines how the EU tries to reconcile these potentially conflicting policy goals, both de jure and in practice. Empirically, it explores the interaction between EU humanitarian aid and development cooperation, the Common Foreign and Security Policy, and trade policy. While the independence of the humanitarian aid delivery is, for the most part, not being undermined, it remains difficult to establish positive synergies with other external policies because of institutional hurdles and legal constraints, as well as political obstacles and operational incompatibilities.
Development and Pilot Testing of a Food Safety Curriculum for Managers and Staff of Residential Childcare Institutions (RCCIs)
Authors: Pivarnik Lori F. , Patnoad Martha S. , Nyachuba David , McLandsborough Lynne , Couto Stephen , Hagan Elsina E. , Breau Marti
Published: May 2014

Food safety training materials, targeted for residential childcare institution (RCCI) staff of facilities of 20 residents or less, were developed, piloted, and evaluated. The goal was to assist in the implementation of a Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP)‐based food safety plan as required by Food and Nutrition Service/United States Department of Agriculture. RCCI staff and instructor training manuals, Food Safety Basics: Food Safety Education for RCCIs was developed and pilot tested in RCCIs in both Rhode Island and Massachusetts. The program was evaluated by participants and pre‐/posttraining onsite inspector and microbial assessments. The core curriculum contained 3 modules and corresponding activities: Module 1: cause, prevention, and strategies to reduce foodborne illness; Module 2: components of a HACCP‐based food safety plan and standard operating procedures; and Module 3: actual food safety plan development, including instructions for implementation and corresponding monitoring procedures required. There were 50 to 82 RCCI staff members that attended 2 or 3 modules. Participants rated the modules 4.5 ± 0.4, 4.3 ± 0.4, and 4.4 ± 0.4 out of 5‐point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree, 5 = strongly agree) for teaching modules 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The evaluations assessed their understanding of key topic areas taught. Onsite inspections showed improvement in many critical food safety issues. Some deficiencies still appeared to be problematic, such as refrigerator temperature monitoring and issues with storage and cross‐contamination.
Assessing Knowledge and Attitudes of U.S. Healthcare Providers about Benefits and Risks of Consuming Seafood
Authors: Hicks Doris T. , Pivarnik Lori F. , Richard Nicole Leydon , Gable Robert K. , Morrissey Michael T.
Published: May 2014

An online needs assessment survey of healthcare providers was developed and implemented to determine knowledge and attitudes about the benefits and risks of consuming seafood along with how this might impact patient/clientele counseling. Only 6 of the 45 knowledge items queried (13%) met the 80% subject mastery or proficiency with a total knowledge score of 56 ± 18%. Based on this survey, it was found that healthcare providers were less than proficient regarding all knowledge areas for seafood. Understanding of seafood safety and contaminants was low. In addition, while the majority (76%) of healthcare respondents knew the correct recommendation for seafood meals per week, they failed to identify the groups that were targeted by the Food and Drug Administration/Environmental Protection Agency (FDA/EPA) advisory about seafood and mercury and therefore could be providing inaccurate information. Attitudinal responses for 18 items resulted in an overall average score of 3.28 ± 0.47 meaning slightly agree (based on a 5‐point Likert scale strongly disagree—strongly agree). While trends showed that it was important to the respondents to provide accurate information (3.78 ± 1.06) about seafood to their patients, they felt more comfortable recommending that their patients follow government advice (3.52 ± 0.91) about both seafood safety and which seafood to eat over other sources. Combined with a low knowledge base, attitudinal responses indicate that there could be a barrier to both outreach education to these healthcare providers and to their patient counseling regarding seafood consumption. Results also showed that a combination of online, science‐based, easy to access information with the capability to provide brochure‐formatted information would appear to be the best way to communicate seafood safety, nutrition, and health information.
Global spread of wheat curl mite by its most polyphagous and pestiferous lineages
Authors: Skoracka A. , Rector B. , Kuczyński L. , Szydło W. , Hein G. , French R.
Published: May 2014

The wheat curl mite (WCM),Aceria tosichella, is an important pest of wheat and other cereal crops that transmits wheat streak mosaic virus and several other plant viruses. Wheat curl mite has long been considered a single polyphagous species, but recent studies in Poland revealed a complex of genetically distinct lineages with divergent host‐acceptance traits, ranging from highly polyphagous to host‐specific. This diversity ofWCMgenotypes and host‐acceptance phenotypes in Europe, the presumed native range ofWCM, raises questions about the lineage identities of invasiveWCMpopulations on other continents and their relationships to European lineages. The goals of this study were to examine the global presence ofWCMand determine the relatedness of lineages established in different continents, on the basis of phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial and nuclearDNAsequence data. Host‐range bioassays of a highly polyphagousWCMlineage were performed to supplement existing data on this lineage's ability to colonise graminaceous and non‐graminaceous hosts. InvasiveWCMpopulations in North and South America and Australia assorted with the only three known polyphagous and pestiferousWCMlineages (‘MT‐1’, ‘MT‐7’ and ‘MT‐8’) from a total of eight currently described lineages. These results show that the most polyphagous lineages were more successful colonisers and reflect a need for extensive surveys forWCMon both crops and wild grass species in invaded continents. The most invasive lineage (‘MT‐1’) was shown to successfully colonise all 10 plant species tested in three families and has spread to North and South America and Australia from its presumed origins in Eurasia.
Ten‐year review reveals changing trends and severity of allergic reactions to nuts and other foods
Authors: Johnson Jennifer , Malinovschi Andrei , Alving Kjell , Lidholm Jonas , Borres Magnus P , Nordvall Lennart
Published: May 2014

Aim

Over the past few decades, the incidence of food allergies has risen and Sweden has increased its import of peanuts and exotic nuts, such as cashew nuts, which may cause severe allergic reactions. This study aimed to retrospectively investigate paediatric emergency visits due to food reactions over a 10‐year period, focusing on reactions to peanuts and tree nuts.

Methods

Emergency visits to Uppsala University Children's Hospital, Sweden, between September 2001 and December 2010, were reviewed, and cases containing diagnostic codes for anaphylaxis, allergic reactions or allergy and hypersensitivity not caused by drugs or biological substances were retrieved.

Results

We analysed 703 emergency visits made by 578 individuals with food allergies. Peanuts and tree nuts accounted for 50% of the food allergies and were more frequently associated with adrenaline treatment and hospitalisation than other foods. Cashew nut reactions increased over the study period, and together with peanuts, they were responsible for more anaphylactic reactions than hazelnuts.

Conclusion

Peanut and tree nut reactions were more likely to result in adrenaline treatment and hospitalisation than other food reactions. Peanut and cashew nut reactions were more likely to cause anaphylaxis than hazelnuts. Cashew nut reactions increased during the study period.
8‐O‐Acetyl Shanzhiside Methylester Attenuates Cerebral Ischaemia/Reperfusion Injury through an Anti‐Inflammatory Mechanism in Diabetic Rats
Authors: Zhang Liang , Kan Ze‐Chun , Zhang Xiu‐Li , Fang Han , Jiang Wang‐Lin
Published: May 2014

Inflammatory activation plays a vital role in the pathophysiological mechanisms of stroke and diabetes mellitus (DM), exerts the deleterious effects on the progression of the brain and leads to vascular damage in diabetic stroke. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of 8‐O‐acetyl shanzhiside methylester (ND01) on tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α)‐stimulated SH‐SY5Y cell line in vitro and the experimental ischaemic diabetic stroke model in vivo. TNF‐α‐stimulated SH‐SY5Y cells were pre‐incubated with ND01, then analysed protein expression. For in vivo experiment, the diabetic rats were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) for 30 min. followed by reperfusion for 23 hr. Treatment of SH‐SY5Y cells with ND01 blocked TNF‐α‐induced nuclear transcription factor κB (NF‐κB) activation and decreased high‐mobility group box‐1 (HMGB‐1) expression. ND01 40 mg/kg demonstrated significant neuroprotective effect even after delayed administration at 4 hr after I/R. ND01 40 mg/kg attenuated the histopathological damage, decreased brain swelling, inhibited NF‐κB activation and reduced HMGB‐1 expression in ischaemic brain tissue. These data show that ND01 protects diabetic brain against I/R injury with a favourable therapeutic time‐window by alleviating diabetic cerebral I/R injury and attenuating blood–brain barrier (BBB) breakdown, and its protective effects may involve HMGB‐1 and NF‐κB signalling pathway.
Allosteric modulation of GluN2C/GluN2D‐containing NMDA receptors bidirectionally modulates dopamine release: implication for Parkinson's disease
Authors: Zhang X , Feng Z‐J , Chergui K
Published: May 2014

Background and Purpose

Allosteric modulators of ionotropic receptors and GPCRs might constitute valuable therapeutic tools for intervention in several diseases, including Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the possibility that some of these compounds could alter neurotransmission in health and disease has not been thoroughly examined. Hence, we determined whether CIQ, a positive allosteric modulator of NMDA receptors that contain the GluN2C or GluN2D subunits, modulates dopamine release in the striatum of control mice and of a mouse model of presymptomatic Parkinsonism.

Experimental Approach

We used amperometry to measure, in mouse brain slices containing the dorsal striatum, dopamine release evoked by stimulations that mimicked tonic (single pulses) or phasic (trains) activity. We used control mice and mice with a partial, 6‐hydroxydopamine‐induced, degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra.

Key Results

In control mice, CIQ inhibited tonic dopamine release and induced an initial inhibition followed by a long‐lasting increase in phasic release. Pirenzepine, a muscarinic receptor antagonist, blocked the depression of release induced by CIQ, but not the long‐lasting potentiation. CIQ also increased action potential firing in striatal cholinergic interneurons. In the partially dopamine‐depleted striatum, CIQ induced an inhibition followed by a potentiation of both tonic and phasic release, but did not significantly increase the firing of cholinergic interneurons.

Conclusions and Implications

CIQ has bidirectional, activity‐ and ACh‐dependent, modulatory effects on dopamine release in the striatum. This study suggests a potentially valuable means to enhance dopamine release in presymptomatic Parkinsonism.
Differences in the rate of oestrogen‐induced apoptosis in breast cancer by oestradiol and the triphenylethylene bisphenol
Authors: Obiorah I E , Jordan V C
Published: May 2014

Background and Purpose

Triphenylethylene (TPE)‐like compounds were the first agents to be used in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Although structurally related to the anti‐oestrogen, 4‐hydroxytamoxifen,TPEs possess oestrogenic properties in fully oestrogenized breast cancer cells but do not induce apoptosis with short‐term treatment in long‐term oestrogen‐deprived breast cancer cells. This study determined the differential effects of bisphenol, aTPE, on growth and apoptosis based on the modulation of the shape of the ligand–oestrogen receptor complex.

Experimental Approach

Apoptotic flow cytometric studies were used to evaluate apoptosis over time. Proliferation of the breast cancer cells was assessed usingDNAquantification and cell cycle analysis. Real‐timePCRwas performed to quantifymRNAlevels of apoptotic genes. Regulation of cell cycle and apoptotic genes was determined usingPCR‐based arrays.

Key Results

Bisphenol induced an up‐regulation of cell cycle genes similar to those induced by 17β oestradiol (E2). Unlike the changes induced byE2that occur after 24 h, the apoptosis evoked by bisphenoloccurred after 4 days, with quantifiable apoptotic changes noted at 6 days. A prolonged up‐regulation of endoplasmic reticulum stress and inflammatory stress response genes was observed with subsequent activation of apoptosis‐related genes in the second week of treatment with bisphenol.

Conclusions and Implications

The bisphenol: ERα complex induces delayed biological effects on the growth and apoptosis of breast cancer cells. Both the shape of the complex and the duration of treatment control the initiation of apoptosis.
Angiotensin‐(1–7) induces cerebral ischaemic tolerance by promoting brain angiogenesis in a Mas/eNOS‐dependent pathway
Authors: Jiang Teng , Yu Jin‐Tai , Zhu Xi‐Chen , Zhang Qiao‐Quan , Tan Meng‐Shan , Cao Lei , Wang Hui‐Fu , Lu Jie , Gao Qing , Zhang Ying‐Dong , Tan Lan
Published: May 2014

Background and Purpose

As a newer component of the renin–angiotensin system, angiotensin‐(1–7) [Ang‐(1–7) ] has been shown to facilitate angiogenesis and protect against ischaemic damage in peripheral tissues. However, the role of Ang‐(1–7) in brain angiogenesis remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate whether Ang‐(1–7) could promote angiogenesis in brain, thus inducing tolerance against focal cerebral ischaemia.

Experimental Approach

Male Sprague‐Dawley rats were i.c.v. infused with Ang‐(1–7), A‐779 (a Mas receptor antagonist), L‐NIO, a specific endothelial NOS (eNOS) inhibitor, endostatin (an anti‐angiogenic compound) or vehicle, alone or simultaneously, for 1–4 weeks. Capillary density, endothelial cell proliferation and key components of eNOS pathway in the brain were evaluated. Afterwards, rats were subjected to permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO), and regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF), infarct volume and neurological deficits were measured 24 h later.

Key Results

Infusion of Ang‐(1–7) for 4 weeks significantly increased brain capillary density via promoting endothelial cell proliferation, which was accompanied by eNOS activation and up‐regulation of NO and VEGF in brain. These effects were abolished by A‐779 or L‐NIO. More importantly, Ang‐(1–7) improved rCBF and decreased infarct volume and neurological deficits after pMCAO, which could be reversed by A‐779, L‐NIO or endostatin.

Conclusions and Implications

This is the first evidence that Ang‐(1–7) promotes brain angiogenesis via a Mas/eNOS‐dependent pathway, which enhances tolerance against subsequent cerebral ischaemia. These findings highlight brain Ang‐(1–7)/Mas signalling as a potential target in stroke prevention.
Molecular Cloning of a Novel Tryptophyllin Peptide from the Skin of the Orange‐Legged Monkey Frog, Phyllomedusa hypochondrialis
Authors: Wang Ran , Lin Yangjun , Chen Tianbao , zhou Mei , Wang Lei , Shaw Chris
Published: May 2014

Tryptophyllins are a group of small (4–14 amino acids), heterogenous peptides, mostly from the skins of hylid frogs from the genera, Phyllomedusa and Litoria. To date, more than forty TPHs have been discovered in species from these two genera. Here, we describe the identification of a novel tryptophyllin type 3 peptide, PhT‐3, from the extracts of skin of the orange‐legged monkey frog, Phyllomedusa hypochondrialis, and molecular cloning of its precursor‐encoding cDNA from a cDNA library constructed from the same skin sample. Full primary structural characterization was achieved using a combination of direct Edman degradation, mass spectrometry and deduction from cloned skin‐derived cDNA. The open‐reading frame of the precursor cDNA was found to consist of 63 amino acid residues. The mature peptide arising from this precursor contains a post‐translationally modified N‐terminal pyroglutamate (pGlu) residue, formed from acid‐mediated cyclization of an N‐terminal Gln (Q) residue, and with the structure: pGlu‐Asp‐Lys‐Pro‐Phe‐Trp‐Pro‐Pro‐Pro‐Ile‐Tyr‐Pro‐Met. Pharmacological assessment of a synthetic replicate of this peptide on phenylephrine preconstricted rat tail artery segments, revealed a reduction in relaxation induced by bradykinin. PhT‐3 was also found to mediate antiproliferative effects on human prostate cancer cell lines.
Streptococcus bovis infection and colorectal neoplasia: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Krishnan S. , Eslick G. D.
Published: May 2014

Aim

A meta‐analysis was conducted to determine the risk associated with Streptococcus bovis infection and the occurrence of colorectal neoplasia (CRN). The level of risk remains unknown.

Method

We conducted a search of MEDLINE, PubMed and EMBASE up to January 2014. We used a random‐effects model to analyse the data.

Results

We identified 48 studies concerning three main topics: S. bovis septicaemia, S. bovis endocarditis and S. bovis faecal carriage. The total sample sizes were 1729, 807 and 1145, respectively; the 48 studies included 9 case–control studies and 39 case series. Overall, the presence of S. bovis infection was found to be significantly associated with the presence of CRN. Streptococcus bovis endocarditis showed the strongest association in analyses of case–control studies and case series (OR 14.54, 95% CI 5.66–37.35, test for heterogeneity I2 = 43.53; event rate of 0.53, 95% CI 0.45–0.61, test for heterogeneity I2 = 53.50). Similarly, S. bovis septicaemia was also associated with a high level of concurrence with CRN (OR 7.48, 95% CI 3.10–18.06, test for heterogeneity I2 = 43.32; event rate 0.49, 95% CI 0.42–0.56, test for heterogeneity I2 = 69.97). Patients with CRN were found to have a higher incidence of S. bovis in faeces upon stool culture (OR 2.52, 95% CI 1.14–5.58, test for heterogeneity I2 = 69.17).

Conclusion

The meta‐analysis showed a statistically significant association between the presence of S. bovis endocarditis or S. bovis septicaemia and CRN. Furthermore, there is a statistically significant increase in likelihood of finding S. bovis in the stool of individuals with CRN.
Control of type 2 diabetes after 1 year of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding in the helping evaluate reduction in obesity (HERO) study
Authors: Edelman S. , Ng‐Mak D. S. , Fusco M. , Ashton D. , Okerson T. , Liu Q. , Jin J. , Dixon J. B.
Published: May 2014

Aims

The 5‐year, open‐label, prospective, observational helping evaluate reduction in obesity (HERO) study (N = 1106) examines efficacy and safety of the LAP‐BAND AP® laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) in obese patients. This interim analysis assessed the control of type 2 diabetes (T2D), 1 year after the implantation of the LAGB.

Methods

Baseline T2D was defined by chart review or use of antidiabetic medications or haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) ≥7.0%. Control of T2D at 1 year was defined as A1c <7.0% (with or without antidiabetic medications).

Results

After 1 year, 187 of 273 patients with T2D at baseline had adequate data available to assess T2D status, of which 135 patients (72.2%) achieved target control of T2D compared with 42.8% control rate at baseline. Independent predictors of achieving target control at 1 year included the following: (i) shorter diabetes duration odds ratio (OR) 0.914 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.839, 0.995, p = 0.038], (ii) not using insulin therapy OR 0.16 (95% CI, 0.06, 0.47, p < 0.001) and (iii) greater mean % weight loss OR 1.176 (95% CI, 1.093, 1.266, p < 0.001). Patients using insulin at baseline were 84% less likely to achieve control of T2D after 1 year; each additional year of diabetes at baseline reduced the likelihood of good control by 9%; and each 1% of weight loss increases the likelihood of good control by 18%. Rates of device‐related adverse events and reoperations were low and were not significantly different between patients with and without baseline T2D at 1 year.

Conclusions

Greater % weight loss, not using insulin therapy, and shorter disease duration predicted increased likelihood of target control of T2D, 1 year after implantation of the LAGB.
Training based on mirror visual feedback influences transcallosal communication
Authors: Avanzino Laura , Raffo Alessia , Pelosin Elisa , Ogliastro Carla , Marchese Roberta , Ruggeri Piero , Abbruzzese Giovanni
Published: May 2014

Mirror visual feedback (MVF) therapy has been demonstrated to be successful in neurorehabilitation, probably inducing neuroplasticity changes in the primary motor cortex (M1). However, it is not known whether MVF training influences the hemispheric balance between the M1s. This topic is of extreme relevance when MVF training is applied to stroke rehabilitation, as the competitive interaction between the two hemispheres induces abnormal interhemispheric inhibition (IHI) that weakens motor function in stroke patients. In the present study, we evaluated, in a group of healthy subjects, the effect of motor training and MVF training on the excitability of the two M1s and the IHI between M1s. The IHI from the ‘active’ M1 to the opposite M1 (where ‘active’ means the M1 contralateral to the moving hand in the motor training and the M1 of the seen hand in the MVF training) increased, after training, in both the experimental conditions. Only after motor training did we observe an increase in the excitability of the active M1. Our findings show that training based on MVF may influence the excitability of the transcallosal pathway and support its use in disorders where abnormal IHI is a potential target, such as stroke, where an imbalance between the affected and unaffected M1s has been documented.
Effect of environmental factors on the flight activity ofTrialeurodes vaporariorum(Westwood) under greenhouse conditions
Authors: Bonsignore Carmelo Peter
Published: May 2014

The flight activity of the greenhouse whiteflyTrialeurodes vaporariorum(Westwood) was monitored over a 3‐year period in greenhouses containing tomato and zucchini crops. The environmental factors affecting its flight activity and dispersal were analyzed. Among the climatic variables, temperature had a positive impact onT. vaporariorumflight, whereas relative humidity had only a weak effect. More flights were made during the morning and afternoon, with fewer flights occurring when the temperature was above 25°C in greenhouses containing zucchini or above 30°C in those containing tomato; no flights were recorded when the temperature was 12.30°C in either setting. Flight typology, classified as short, long or dispersal, and covering a few centimeters to more than 2–3 m, was influenced by the vegetative condition of the plants. As the plants aged and declined in condition, the number of short flights decreased, whereas the number of long and dispersal flights increased. Based on these results, we can conclude that the dispersal ofT. vaporariorumin greenhouses containing either tomato or zucchini crops is generally influenced by environmental factors, which also affect the type of flight, with a trade‐off between short and long dispersal flights. However, adult dispersal is driven not only by temperature, but also by other factors, such as conspecific density and time of the day. Therefore, producers must consider such factors when aiming to reduce the dispersal of pest insects within greenhouses and, thus, to maintain the productivity of their crops.
Polo pony injuries: player‐owner reported risk, perception, mitigation and risk factors
Authors: Inness C. M. , Morgan K. L.
Published: May 2014

Reasons for performing study

Polo, one of the world's oldest sports, is unique in merging human skill and balance with animal agility and performance in a contact sport. These modern‐day ‘centaurs’ offer medical, dental and veterinary scientists an unrivalled, if quirky, opportunity to collaborate. Collection of epidemiological data on injuries to UK polo riders and ponies is the first step.

Objectives

To measure the reported risk and risk factors for injuries to UK polo ponies, their perception and mitigation by player‐owners.

Study design

A retrospective cohort design and telephone interviews were used.

Methods

Data on equine injuries, preseason training and risk perception were collected from a random sample of player‐owners using a structured questionnaire. Injuries were defined as requiring veterinary treatment. Frequencies were represented as percentages and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Risk factors for injuries were identified by univariable and multivariable analyses.

Results

The cumulative incidence of player‐owner‐reported injury was 10.6% (95% CI 8.4–12.7). Tendon injuries were most common (4.3%; 95% CI 2.9–5.7), followed by wounds and splints. The only risk factor was stabling all season (odds ratio 4.79; 95% CI 1.46–15.73). Tendon injuries were perceived as the major risk and hard ground the most important risk factor. Risk mitigation practices were bandaging before exercise (45.7%; 95% CI 34.8–56.5), checking tendons (84.0%; 95% CI 76.0–91.9), cold hosing (40.7%; 95% CI 30.0–51.4), bandaging (38.3%; 95% CI 27.7–48.9) and using clays and coolants after exercise (24.7%; 15.3–34.1). Cuts and wounds were considered most frequent by only 2.5% (95% CI 0.0–3.6) of players but were the second most common injury, accounting for 21.6% of veterinary treatments. Splints accounted for 12.5% of injuries.

Conclusions

The risk of injury to polo ponies is similar to that in the general horse population; musculoskeletal injuries, particularly tendon injuries, are most common, followed by wounds and splints. The association between stabling and injury, risk factors for wounds and splints and efficacy of cooling tendons post exercise warrant further study.
Occurrence of cardiac arrhythmias in Standardbred racehorses
Authors: Slack J. , Boston R. C. , Soma L. R. , Reef V. B.
Published: May 2014

Reasons for performing study

Cardiac arrhythmias are a recognised but poorly characterised problem in the Standardbred racehorse. Frequency data could aid the development of cardiac arrhythmia screening programmes.

Objectives

To characterise the occurrence of cardiac arrhythmias in Standardbreds prior to racing and in the late post race period using a handheld, noncontinuous recording device.

Study design

Prospective, observational study, convenience sampling.

Methods

Noncontinuous electrocardiographic recordings were obtained over a 12 week period from Standardbred horses competing at a single racetrack. Electrocardiograms were obtained before racing and between 6 and 29 min after the race using a handheld recording device. Prevalence of arrhythmias was calculated for all horses and overall frequency of arrhythmias was calculated for race starts and poor performers. Univariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for cardiac arrhythmias.

Results

A total of 8657 electrocardiogram recordings were obtained from 1816 horses. Six horses had atrial fibrillation after racing (prevalence = 0.11%, frequency = 0.14%), one horse had supraventricular tachycardia before racing (prevalence = 0.06%, frequency = 0.02%), and 2 horses had ventricular tachyarrhythmias after racing (prevalence = 0.06%, frequency = 0.05%). The frequency of atrial fibrillation among race starts with poor performance was 1.3–2.0%. Increasing age was a significant risk factor for the presence of atrial premature contractions before racing and atrial fibrillation and ventricular ectopy after racing.

Conclusions

Both physiological and pathological cardiac arrhythmias can be detected in apparently healthy Standardbred horses in the prerace and late post race period using noncontinuous recording methods. Future studies should examine cumulative training or racing hours as a risk factor for cardiac arrhythmia. The prevalence and frequency information may be useful for track veterinarians and regulatory personnel following trends in cardiac arrhythmias.
Skin‐penetrating methotrexate alleviates imiquimod‐induced psoriasiform dermatitis via decreasing IL‐17‐producing gamma delta T cells
Authors: Byamba Dashlkhumbe , Kim Do Young , Kim Dae‐Suk , Kim Tae‐Gyun , Jee Hyunjoong , Kim Sung Hee , Park Tae‐Yoon , Yang Sang‐Hwa , Lee Sang‐Kyou , Lee Min‐Geol
Published: May 2014

Accumulating evidence has shown that the Toll‐like receptor 7 agonist imiquimod (IMQ) induces psoriasiform skin inflammation in mice and that this inflammation is dependent on the IL‐23/IL‐17 axis. Moreover, it has been demonstrated that the main source of IL‐17 is not Th17 but is dermal gamma delta (γδ) T cells in mouse psoriasiform skin. Recent advances in the understanding of immunopathogenesis of psoriasis led to an alteration in the treatment paradigm to the use of highly efficacious biologics. However, their high cost impedes the extensive use of these agents. Thus, inexpensive and safe medications are still considered valuable. In this study, we introduce the therapeutic efficacy of a newly formulated methotrexate (MTX), a chemical conjugate of MTX with cell permeable peptide, for the treatment of psoriasis. Topically applied skin‐penetrating (SP)‐MTX reduced the psoriasiform skin phenomenon, epidermal thickness and infiltrating immune cells into the dermis. IL‐17A‐producing dermal γδ T cells in the cellular infiltrate that contribute IL‐23/IL‐17 axis were well abrogated by SP‐MTX. Furthermore, SP‐MTX had no toxic effects on liver, kidney or myeloid cells, unlike systemic administration of MTX. In conclusion, topically applied SP‐MTX ameliorated psoriasiform skin inflammation in mice with the criteria of clinical phenomenon, histopathology and immunology, without inducing systemic toxic effects.
Transition Elements and Nucleation in Glasses Using X‐ray Absorption Spectroscopy
Authors: Cormier Laurent , Cochain Benjamin , Dugué Aymeric , Dargaud Olivier
Published: May 2014

Selected results on the environment around Zr, Ti, and Ni in glasses and glass‐ceramics using X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) are presented to illustrate how this technique can provide information on the nucleation/crystallization processes. These elements actively participate to nucleation and, additionally, some of them bring new optical properties to the material. We show that extended X‐ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) and X‐ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) information, at K‐edge or L2,3‐edges, can give short and medium range structural and bonding information. Nucleation activity of transition elements cannot be concluded from their local environment within the investigated parent glasses (at least for Zr and Ti, the main nucleating agents). On the contrary, medium range organization is important to understand nucleation processes with the evidence of heterogeneities or structural fluctuations that can be directly related to the first crystallizing phases. New developments in the spatial resolution or in situ high temperature measurements show the utility of the XAS technique with environmental changes around transition elements that can be detected prior to macroscopic crystallization. This can be useful to determine whether a specific ion (e.g., Ni2+) enters the crystalline phase and in which site, allowing a better control of the temperature or crystallization kinetics to optimize the material properties.
Comparison of attitudes towards death and perceptions of do‐not‐resuscitate orders between older Korean adults residing in a facility and at home
Authors: Park Soon Young , Kim Ok Sun , Cha Nam Hyun , Sok Sohyune R
Published: May 2014

The purpose of this study was to compare and analyse attitudes towards death and perceptions of do‐not‐resuscitate (DNR) orders between the elderly living in a facility and those living at home, in order to provide basic data for effective nursing interventions to help the elderly prepare for death in a positive manner. The subjects of this study were 300 persons over 65 years old who lived in a facility or home in Seoul or Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, and data were collected from 1 April to 15 August 2012. Descriptive analysis, χ2‐test, and ANCOVA were conducted on the data using the SPSS version 20.0 program. With regard to attitudes towards death, the elderly in a facility reported that physical pain relief was most necessary for a comfortable death, and the elderly living at home reported that psychological stability was most required. With regard to perceptions of DNR orders, most of the participants agreed that DNR is sometimes necessary (institution: 86.7%, home: 78.7%). About 8% more of the elderly living in a facility considered DNR to sometimes be necessary compared with the elderly living at home. In conclusion, the elderly living in a facility were interested in physical pain relief or physical health, and the elderly living at home were focused on psychological stability or psychological health. Based on the findings, basic data for development of effective nursing interventions to help the elderly prepare for death in a positive manner can be provided.
Treatment of Experimentally Induced Osteoarthritis in Horses Using an Intravenous Combination of Sodium Pentosan Polysulfate, N‐Acetyl Glucosamine, and Sodium Hyaluronan
Authors: Koenig Toby J. , Dart Andrew J. , McIlwraith C. Wayne , Horadagoda Neil , Bell Robin J. , Perkins Nigel , Dart Christina , Krockenberger Mark , Jeffcott Leo B. , Little Christopher B.
Published: May 2014

Objective

To assess the effects of sodium pentosan polysulfate (PPS), N‐acetyl glucosamine (NAG), and sodium hyaluronan (HA) in horses with induced osteoarthritis (OA).

Study Design

Experimental.

Animals

Adult Standard bred horses (n = 16).

Methods

OA was induced arthroscopically in 1 intercarpal joint; 8 horses were administered 3 mg/kg PPS, 4.8 mg/kg NAG, and 0.12 mg/kg HA (PGH), intravenously (IV), weekly and 8 horses were administered an equivalent volume of saline IV until study completion (day 70). Horses underwent a standardized treadmill exercise program. Clinical and radiographic findings and synovial fluid analysis were evaluated throughout the study. Macroscopic, histologic, histochemical, and biochemical findings were evaluated after necropsy. Comparisons of interest included OA and non‐OA joints of saline treated horses and OA joints of PGH treated horses and OA joints of saline treated horses. Results were statistically analyzed with significance set atP < .05.

Results

OA caused increases in clinical assessment scores, synovial fluid variables, radiographic, macroscopic, and histologic cartilage scores, synovial fluid and cartilage chondroitin sulfate 846‐epitope and glycosaminoglycan concentration. Total radiographic scores, total macroscopic joint pathology and macroscopic cartilage pathology scores were significantly reduced in horses treated with PGH compared with saline treated horses. Synovial fluid total protein concentration and white blood cell count were higher in OA joints of PGH treated horses compared with saline treated horses. There were no other significant differences between treatment groups.

Conclusions

Improvements in macroscopic variables were not supported by other outcomes. Further evidence is needed before PGH can be recommended as a therapeutic option for osteoarthritis in horses.