bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proximal and distal influences on project creativity in international marketing teams
Authors: Suh Taewon , Badrinarayanan Vishag
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the antecedents of project creativity in international marketing teams. The proposed framework includes both proximal (characteristics that impact the everyday functioning of the team) and distal (characteristics associated with the team's organizations that are relatively remote to the everyday functioning of the team) factors as antecedents of project creativity. Specifically, the authors investigate the influence of three proximal factors, namely, collaboration with foreign counterparts, autonomy, and international experience as well as two distal factors, namely, organizational encouragement and innovative organizational culture.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data were collected from 156 executives from publicly traded firms in the manufacturing sector in South Korea and tested using hierarchical regression.

Findings

– Collaboration with foreign counterparts and autonomy exert direct positive influence on project creativity. International experience exerts a curvilinear relationship such that low and high levels of international experience positively influence project creativity, whereas moderate international experience negatively influences project creativity. In addition, whereas the relationship between organizational encouragement and project creativity was supported, the relationship between innovative culture and project creativity was not.

Originality/value

– Despite the importance afforded to international marketing teams and creativity in marketing research and practice, little attention has focussed on project creativity in international marketing teams. This study represents an initial effort toward filling the void and identifying certain proximal and distal factors as relevant antecedents of project creativity in international marketing teams. In addition, deviating from extant studies on creativity, this study highlights a curvilinear relationship between international experience and creativity.
A consensus-based corporate governance paradigm for Islamic banks
Authors: Abdel-Baki Monal , Leone Sciabolazza Valerio
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– Islamic banking is a viable sustainable banking model that has shown resilience to financial crises. The aim of this research is to design a consensus-based ethical and market-driven corporate governance index (CGI) to boost financial performance and ensure compliance with Islamic rulings.

Design/methodology/approach

– The design of the CGI is the outcome of the feedback obtained from a cross-country survey to measure bank efforts in enhancing corporate governance (CG) throughout the ten-year period of 2001-2011. The CGI is divided into six core CG themes and 40 sub-themes.

Findings

– First, the results of the multiple regression analysis show a consistent positive relationship between CG and financial performance metrics. Second, the authors detect misaligned compensation structures for directors. Third, poor governance leads to higher risk exposures.

Research limitations/implications

– CG in Islamic banks is yet an evolving discipline and infant practice. This research aims to introduce a CGI that should be updated and improved as the discipline evolves.

Practical implications

– The research concludes by proposing a CG paradigm. The outcome of the research could also be of use to both Islamic banks and to the rapidly growing sustainable banking sector in designing a similar CGI and CG model incorporating the ethical features of sustainable finance.

Social implications

– The core ethos of Islam are: avoiding the exploitation of the needy, avoiding excessively risky transactions, avoiding unethical transactions and justice, equity and income redistribution. If properly applied, Islamic banking will display all features of sustainable finance as well as enhance social welfare.

Originality/value

– To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first CGI that is based on an ethical and all-inclusive input of all stakeholders.
Smaller university endowments: team characteristics, portfolio composition and performance
Authors: Lord Mimi
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The paper aims to help explain how certain smaller university endowments are able to provide investment results that are more typical of much larger endowments. Investment teams' characteristics and risk-reward perceptions are examined in relation to portfolio composition and performance.

Design/methodology/approach

– This exploratory study uses a grounded-theory approach consisting of 20 in-depth interviews of financial officers at US colleges and universities with assets between $100 million and $200 million. Ten were conducted from the top performance quartile and ten from the bottom quartile. Interviews were transcribed and coded; afterward, emerging themes and constructs were identified. Objective investment performance over a ten-year period was employed from a well-known industry survey.

Findings

– Top-performing endowments were described as having endowment teams with greater investment expertise, efficacy, decision-making independence and learning commitment than teams from the low-performing endowments. Teams from top-performing endowments assessed alternative investments more favorably and made greater portfolio allocations to them as compared to teams from low-performing endowments.

Research limitations/implications

– Because of the chosen research approach, the research results may not be generalizable.

Practical implications

– The paper includes implications for colleges and universities in the management of their endowments, and particularly in the selection of committee and other team members.

Originality/value

– The paper is original in exploring certain team characteristics and practices of institutional investment decision-makers and their relationship to portfolio composition and performance.
Technology is reinventing your business
Authors: Graham-Hyde Matt
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– Provides an expert opinion on the role of technology in revolutionising the business world.

Design/methodology/approach

– Draws on the authors vast experience to provide an informed viewpoint.

Findings

– Describes the huge impact that technological advancements, in particular cloud computing, will have on the workplace.

Originality/value

– Describes the huge impact that technological advancements, in particular cloud computing, will have on the workplace.
An art and science approach to strategic risk management
Authors: Schroeder Harold
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– Discusses the importance of a balanced approach to risk management.

Design/methodology/approach

– Draws on the author's consulting experience to offer an insightful perspective.

Findings

– Opines that a combination of formalized tools and techniques, alongside more qualitative ‘right-brain’ thinking is the most effective means of developing a risk management strategy.

Originality/value

– Draws on the author's consulting experience to offer an insightful perspective.
Recent introduction of an allodapine bee into Fiji: A new model system for understanding biological invasions by pollinators
Authors: Groom Scott V. C. , Tuiwawa Marika V. , Stevens Mark I. , Schwarz Michael P.
Published: May 2014

Morphology‐based studies have suggested a very depauperate bee fauna for islands in the South West Pacific, and recent genetic studies since have indicated an even smaller endemic fauna with many bee species in this region resulting from human‐aided dispersal. These introduced species have the potential to both disrupt native pollinator suites as well as augment crop pollination, but for most species the timings of introduction are unknown. We examined the distribution and nesting biology of the long‐tongued beeBraunsapis puangensisthat was first recorded from Fiji in 2007. This bee has now become widespread in Fiji and both its local abundance and geographical range are likely to increase dramatically. The impacts of this invasion are potentially enormous for agriculture and native ecosystems, but they also provide opportunities for understanding how social insect species adapt to new environments. We outline the major issues associated with this recent invasion and argue that a long‐term monitoring study is needed.
Sentinel lymph node biopsy does not apply to all axillary lymph node‐positive breast cancer patients after neoadjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Ge Wen‐kai , Yang Ben , Zuo Wen‐shu , Zheng Gang , Dai Ying‐qi , Han Chao , Yang Li , Zheng Mei‐zhu
Published: May 2014

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) after neoadjuant chemotherapy (NAC) in breast cancer patients with confirmed axillary nodal metastases.

Methods

We enrolled 51 patients with breast cancer who received NAC. All patients were proven to have axillary nodal metastases by histopathology biopsy prior to NAC. They all underwent SLNB before breast surgery, and complete axillary lymph node dissection immediately followed.

Results

The identification rate for SLNB was 87.5% (84/96); the false negative rate was 24.5% (12/49). The clinicopathological factors were not significantly correlated with the identification and false negative rate of the SLNB. Lymphatic mapping, blue dye or radionuclide methods tended to decrease the identification rate of SLNB (P = 0.073). Clinical nodal status before NAC has a trend to increase the false‐negative rates of the SLNB (P = 0.059). For patients with N1 clinical axillary lymph nodal status, the identification rate was 93.9%, and the false negative rate was 5.9%, compared with N2‐3 patients with 73.9% and 38.9%, respectively.

Conclusions

SLNB is feasible for the patients whose axillary lymph nodal status before NAC is N1. However, for N2‐3 patients, SLNB cannot be used as an infallible indicator of non‐SLN status.
Intrathymic ectopic parathyroid adenoma caused primary hyperparathyroidism with vitamin D deficiency several years after bariatric surgery
Authors: Sellitri Francesco , Tamburrini Alessandro , Tacconi Federico , Bollero Patrizio , Ortensi Andrea , Mineo Tommaso Claudio
Published: May 2014

Up to 25% of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism have ectopic parathyroid adenoma. A 45‐year‐old formerly obese woman underwent extended thymectomy for a parathyroid adenoma located in hyperplastic thymic tissue, associated with primary hyperparathyroidism and severe vitamin D deficiency, but normal bone mineral density. At nine months follow‐up, all laboratory test results were within normal limits and she presented no symptoms and no recurrence of disease. In this case, autonomous growth of a parathyroid adenoma was reasonably secondary to chronic calcium and vitamin D malabsorption, which often occurs after bariatric surgery for pathologic obesity.
How to tell a shrub from a tree: A life‐history perspective from a South African savanna
Authors: Zizka Alexander , Govender Navashni , Higgins Steven I.
Published: May 2014

The ecological differences between ‘shrubs’ and ‘trees’ are surprisingly poorly understood and clear ecological definitions of these two constructs do not exist. It is not clear whether a shrub is simply a small tree or whether shrubs represent a distinct life‐history strategy. This question is of special interest in African savannas, where shrubs and trees often co‐dominate, but are often treated uniformly as ‘woody plants’ even though the tree to shrub ratio is an important determinant of ecosystem functioning. In this study we use data from a long‐term fire experiment, together with a trait‐based approach to test (i) if woody species usually classified as shrubs or trees in African savanna differ in key traits related to disturbance and resource use; and (ii) if these differences justify the interpretation of the two growth forms as distinct life‐history strategies. We measured for 22 of the most common woody plant species of a South African savanna 27 plant traits related to plant architecture, life‐history, leaf characteristics, photosynthesis and resprouting capacity. Furthermore we evaluated their performance during a long‐term fire experiment. We found that woody plants authors call (i) shrubs; (ii) shrubs sometimes small trees; and (3) trees responded differently to long‐term fire treatments. We additionally found significant differences in architecture, diameter‐height‐allometry, foliage density, resprouting vigour after fire, minimum fruiting height and foliar δ13C between these three woody plant types. We interpret these findings as evidence for at least two different life‐history‐strategies: an avoidance/adaptation strategy for shrubs (early reproduction + adaptation to minor disturbance) and an escape strategy for trees (promoted investment in height growth + delayed reproduction).
A Meta‐Analysis of Pulmonary Function With Pulsatile Perfusion in Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Lim Choon‐Hak , Nam Myung‐Ji , Lee Ji‐Sung , Kim Hyun‐Jung , Kim Ji‐Yeon , Shin Hye‐Won , Lee Hye‐Won , Sun Kyung
Published: May 2014

The aim of this study was to determine whether pulsatile or nonpulsatile perfusion had a greater effect on pulmonary dysfunction in randomized controlled trials. MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were used to identify available articles published before April 13, 2013. A meta‐analysis was conducted on the effects of pulsatile perfusion on postoperative pulmonary function, intubation time, and the lengths of intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital stays. Eight studies involving 474 patients who received pulsatile perfusion and 496 patients who received nonpulsatile perfusion during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) were considered in the meta‐analysis. Patients receiving pulsatile perfusion had a significantly greater PaO2/FiO2 ratio 24 h and 48 h post‐operation (P < 0.00001, both) and significantly lower chest radiograph scores at 24 h and 48 h post‐operation (P < 0.00001 and P = 0.001, respectively) compared with patients receiving nonpulsatile perfusion. The incidence of noninvasive ventilation for acute respiratory insufficiency was significantly lower (P < 0.00001), and intubation time and ICU and hospital stays were shorter (P = 0.004, P < 0.00001, and P < 0.00001, respectively) in patients receiving pulsatile perfusion during CPB compared with patients receiving nonpulsatile perfusion. In conclusion, our meta‐analysis suggests that the use of pulsatile flow during CPB results in better postoperative pulmonary function and shorter ICU and hospital stays.
Synthesis and Evaluation of Novel Marine Bromopyrrole Alkaloid‐Based Derivatives as Potential Antidepressant Agents
Authors: Rane Rajesh A. , Napahde Shital , Bangalore Pavan Kumar , Sahu Niteshkumar U. , Shah Nishant , Kulkarni Yogesh A. , Barve Kalyani , Lokare Leena , Karpoormath Rajshekhar
Published: May 2014

Herein, we report synthesis and screening of a series of twenty derivatives of bromopyrrole alkaloids with aroyl hydrazone feature for antidepressant activity by forced swim test (FST), tail suspension test (TST), and actophotometer method. The molecules were further evaluated for in vitro human MAO's inhibitory activities. The tested compounds exhibited moderate to good antidepressant activity compared with standard fluoxetine. Among these, most promising antidepressant derivatives 5b (%DID = 60.48), 5e (%DID = 59), and 5j (%DID = 74.86) reduced immobility duration of 50–70% at 30 mg/kg dose levels in FST. Further, derivative 5b, 5e, and 5j displayed good antidepressant activity with %DID value of 47.50, 46.62, and 52.49, respectively, in TST compared with standard fluoxetine (66.56% DID). Compound 5b showed high in vitro MAO‐A potency and selectivity (Ki MAO‐A (μm) = 2.4 ± 0.99, SI = 0.06) with promising pharmacological activity recognizing its potential as antidepressant lead candidate for further drug development. Study revealed that the presence of halogen atoms such as chlorine and fluorine at ortho‐ and/or para‐position of phenyl ring and N‐alkylation of pyrrole core is favored features for antidepressant activity.
Dopamine D3 Receptor‐Regulated NR2B Subunits of N‐Methyl‐d‐Aspartate Receptors in the Nucleus Accumbens Involves in Morphine‐Induced Locomotor Activity
Authors: Liu Xin‐She , Hou Ying , Yan Ting‐Lin , Guo Yan‐Yan , Han Wei , Guan Fang‐Lin , Chen Teng , Li Tao
Published: May 2014

Aims

Dopamine and glutamate receptors are densely expressed in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). Active interactions between these receptors contribute to the development of neuropsychiatric diseases, such as drug addiction and relapse. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these interactions remain unclear.

Methods

This study established a mouse model of intermittent morphine‐induced mouse behavioral sensitization model. Western blot and electrophysiological recording methods were performed to directly identify the affective components of morphine behavioral sensitization.

Results

Interval morphine administration could cause significant locomotor sensitization. Hyperlocomotion and behavioral locomotor sensitization were significantly suppressed when ifenprodil (5 mg/kg), a selective NR2B subunit‐containing N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, or nafadotride (25 μg/kg), a dopamine D3 receptor (D3R)‐preferring antagonist, was coadministered with morphine. Western blot analysis showed that morphine behavioral sensitization induced a region‐specific increase in phosphorylation of NR2B (pNR2B) and total levels of NR2B (NR2B) expression in the NAc. Systemically administered nafadotride attenuated behavioral locomotor sensitization induced by morphine and significantly reversed the overexpression of pNR2B and NR2B subunit‐containing NMDA receptor in the NAc. NMDA receptor‐mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents in the NAc were also significantly reduced by nafadotride.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that D3Rs are involved in morphine‐induced behavioral locomotor sensitization in mice by regulating the NR2B subunits of NMDA receptors in the NAc.
Comparative ecologies of domestic and naturalised rainbow trout in northern Lake Huron
Authors: Johnston Tom A. , Wilson Chris C.
Published: May 2014

Northern Lake Huron (Ontario, Canada) supports the largest concentration of freshwater salmonid cage culture farms in Canada and receives inputs of domestic‐strain rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) through escapement. We assessed the potential effects of these domestic fish on the naturalised rainbow trout of this ecosystem by comparing their respective ecologies. Mature adults were sampled from spawning tributaries, primarily in spring, and to a lesser extent in fall. Fish of domestic origin comprised ~80% of rainbow trout sampled from sites near cage culture facilities but <20% of rainbow trout sampled from more distant sites. Domestic adults in spawning condition (gametes free‐flowing) were present in the spawning tributaries in both spring and fall sampling seasons, whereas naturalised fish in spawning condition were only observed in the spring. Domestic adults were younger and smaller (in length), appeared to have shorter lifespan and had a higher male to female ratio compared with their naturalised counterparts. Growth rates (change in length with age) of naturalised and domestic females in the wild were similar, but domestic males grew more slowly than naturalised males. Domestic females also produced smaller eggs than naturalised females. Food web positions (inferred from δ13C and δ15N) of domestic and naturalised fish were very similar but varied more strongly with body size in the former. Domestic‐strain rainbow trout of cage culture origin can survive, grow and attempt to spawn in northern Lake Huron and have the potential to compete for food, mates and spawning habitat with naturalised rainbow trout.
Prevalence of ophthalmic disease in blue‐eyed horses
Authors: Bergstrom B. E. , Labelle A. L. , Pryde M. E. , Hamor R. E. , Myrna K. E.
Published: May 2014

A perception exists amongst referring veterinarians and the lay public that blue‐eyed horses have increased frequency of ocular disease. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the prevalence of ocular disease in horses with blue or heterochromic eyes relative to those with brown eyes. The medical records of horses presenting to either the Comparative Ophthalmology services or Equine Medicine/Surgery services at 2 institutions were reviewed. Signalment, ocular and nonocular diagnoses were recorded. Ocular disease was divided into 4 categories: adnexa, cornea, intraocular/orbit and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Owners were contacted by telephone to confirm iris colour. Chi‐square analysis was used to compare group proportions. A total of 164 eyes of horses with ocular disease and 212 eyes of horses without ocular disease were included. Blue eyes were equally common in the ocular disease and nonocular disease groups (P = 0.265). There was no significant difference in the proportion of blue‐ and brown‐eyed horses when comparing the adnexal and corneal (P = 0.548), corneal and intraocular/orbit (P = 0.379) and adnexal and intraocular/orbit (P = 0.843) categories. A significant difference was detected in the proportion of blue‐eyed horses between the adnexal (P = 0.000), corneal (P = 0.033), intraocular/orbital (P = 0.000) andSCCcategories, with a higher proportion of blue‐eyed horses in theSCCthan in the other 3 groups. Horses with blue or heterochromic irides are more likely to develop ocularSCCthan horses with brown irides, but are not more likely to have adnexal, corneal or intraocular/orbital disease or to be presented for evaluation of ophthalmic disease. Veterinarians should consider the results of this study when answering questions from the lay public regarding the predisposition of blue‐eyed horses to ocular disease.
Low‐dose cytokine‐induced neutral ceramidase secretion from INS‐1 cells via exosomes and its anti‐apoptotic effect
Authors: Zhu Qun , Kang Jian , Miao Heng , Feng Yamin , Xiao Lijun , Hu Zhigao , Liao Duan‐Fang , Huang Yan , Jin Junfei , He Songqing
Published: May 2014

It has been reported that the effect of inflammatory cytokines on β‐cell destruction in type 1 diabetes is concentration‐dependent. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In the present study, we found that a high concentration of cytokines promoted apoptosis in the rat β‐cell line INS‐1, whereas a low concentration of cytokines had no effect. We also found that cytokines at a low concentration stimulated neutral ceramidase (NCDase) release via exosomes from INS‐1 cells, whereas cytokines at a high concentration inhibited NCDase release. Furthermore, the results showed that the NCDase‐containing exosomes isolated from the culture medium of INS‐1 cells treated with cytokines at a low concentration inhibited apoptosis induced by a high concentration of cytokines. Finally, the results also showed that the protective action of NCDase in the exosomes on apoptosis was mediated by the generation of sphingosine 1‐phosphate (S1P) and its interaction with S1P receptor 2. Taken together, these findings revealed a novel NCDase‐S1P‐phosphate‐S1P receptor 2‐dependent mechanism by which a low level of inflammatory cytokines protects pancreatic β‐cells from apoptosis induced by a high level of inflammatory cytokines.
Prospective observational cohort studies for studying rare diseases: the European PedNet Haemophilia Registry
Authors: Fischer K. , Ljung R. , Platokouki H. , Liesner R. , Claeyssens S. , Smink E. , van den Berg H. M.
Published: May 2014

Haemophilia is a rare disease. To improve knowledge, prospective studies of large numbers of subjects are needed. To establish a large well‐documented birth cohort of patients with haemophilia enabling studies on early presentation, side effects and outcome of treatment. Twenty‐one haemophilia treatment centres have been collecting data on all children with haemophilia with FVIII/IX levels up to 25% born from 2000 onwards. Another eight centres collected data on severe haemophilia A only. At baseline, details on delivery and diagnosis, gene mutation, family history of haemophilia and inhibitors are collected. For the first 75 exposure days, date, reason, dose and product are recorded for each infusion. Clinically relevant inhibitors are defined as follows: at least two positive inhibitor titres and a FVIII/IX recovery <66% of expected. For inhibitor patients, results of all inhibitor‐ and recovery tests are collected. For continued treatment, data on bleeding, surgery, prophylaxis and clotting factor consumption are collected annually. Data are downloaded for analysis annually. In May 2013, a total of 1094 patients were included: 701 with severe, 146 with moderate and 247 with mild haemophilia. Gene defect data were available for 87.6% of patients with severe haemophilia A. The first analysis, performed in May 2011, lead to two landmark publications. The outcome of this large collaborative research confirms its value for the improvement of haemophilia care. High‐quality prospective observational cohorts form an ideal source to study natural history and treatment in rare diseases such as haemophilia.
Constrained consumer practices and food safety concerns in Hanoi
Authors: Wertheim‐Heck Sigrid C.O. , Vellema Sietze , Spaargaren Gert
Published: May 2014

Food safety is a widely recognized concern in Vietnam. Public officials, companies and consumers find different ways to address risks of pesticide residues and bacterial contamination related to the use of fresh vegetables in daily diets. The response of the government to these food safety risks includes the modernization and regulation of the food retail system. However, reforms that aim to offer a controlled and predictable provision of fresh vegetables through supermarkets seem to contrast with the daily consumer practices in a dynamic city as Hanoi; over 95% of vegetables is still being purchased at long‐established open‐air markets, importantly the informal and unhygienic street markets. Using a practices theory approach, this paper aims to explain this persistence of street‐market shopping for vegetables. Detailed accounts of consumer practices, case studies at different retailing sites and daily logbooks of consumers demonstrate that the way consumers cope with food safety risks is largely shaped by the temporal and spatial constraints of their daily shopping practices. We identified how vegetable shopping is either enjoyed as social interaction within the local community or is regarded a time‐consuming activity that conflicts with other activities in everyday life. Our findings indicate how these constraints constitute a reinforcing mechanism for the persistence of uncontrolled and unhygienic street markets. To make policy responses to food safety risks both more realistic and effective, it is essential to connect to and accommodate the daily realities of consumers managing time and space in a modernizing city rather than to impose an ideal, typical market exclusively driven by the wish to control food safety risks.
Measurement of 34S/32S Ratios of NBS 120c and BCR 32 Phosphorites Using Purge and Trap EA‐IRMS Technology
Authors: Fourel François , Martineau François , Seris Magali , Lécuyer Christophe
Published: May 2014

Measurements of sulfur stable isotope ratios (34S/32S) have suffered from technical difficulties in analysing low‐S materials reducing their use despite their undeniable scientific interest. The measurement of 34S/32S ratios is a powerful tool for deciphering problems such as determining the sources of environmental pollutants, to detect adulteration, tracking the evolution of the redox state of the oceans and quantifying the role of the bacterial activity in sulfide minerals genesis. We have used a high‐precision method of sulfur isotope determination using a new type of elemental analyser based on ‘purge and trap’ technology. This new technique demonstrates the high quality of 34S/32S measurements for samples with S concentrations lower than 1% m/m. International calibrated references of diverse sulfur‐bearing materials were used to calibrate two low (< 1%) S‐bearing phosphorites used as compositional reference material for future use as isotopic references: BCR 32 and NBS 120c. δ34SCDT values of, respectively, 18.2‰ (1s = 0.3; n = 23) and 18.3‰ (1s = 0.4; n = 20) are proposed for these. Calibration of both phosphorites with international reference materials led to calculation of a mean standard error close to 0.4‰. The demonstration of a capability to reliably measure S isotope ratios in low‐S phosphate minerals or rocks opens up new fields of palaeoenvironmental reconstructions.
UF Application for Innovative Reuse of Fish Brine: Product Quality, CCP Management and the HACCP System
Authors: Drost Arkadiusz , Nędzarek Arkadiusz , Bogusławska‐Wąs Elżbieta , Tórz Agnieszka , Bonisławska Małgorzata
Published: May 2014

Wastewater generated as a result of the fish brining process has a very high contamination load. Application of appropriate technologies of wastewater treatment in order to reuse it in the production process once the NaCl content has been supplemented can provide an alternative to its costly recycling. The experiment included ultrafiltration tests conducted on waste brine originating from food processing industry. The results of physicochemical tests indicated very high reductions of fat content (100%) and turbidity (99.8%). Reductions were also revealed in the case of other indicators, i.e., chemical oxygen demand, biochemical oxygen demand, protein and histamine content: by 24.4, 35.2, 27.6 and 22.7%, respectively. Furthermore, it was reported that the obtained permeate retained its quality and microbiological stability. The studied ultrafiltration (UF) process can be successfully used for recirculation of brine in salted fish processing, and at the same time constitute an easily monitored critical control point in the hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) system.

Practical Applications

Fish processing industry is characterized by very high water consumption for technological purposes and generates a considerable amount of wastewater burdened with organic matter and mineral compounds (mainly sodium chloride). Such wastewater is usually released to the common sewage system. An alternative solution would be to release it into a recirculation system. This solution can be made possible by membrane separation technologies. The application of the UF using ceramic membranes allows to obtain high‐quality brine which can be successfully reused in the production process after the NaCl content has been replenished. Moreover, introduction of the UF technology meets the requirements of the HACCP system.
Primary urinary bladder haemangiosarcoma in a captive saddleback tamarin (Saguinus fuscicollis)
Authors: Gonzales‐Viera Omar , Quevedo Tatiana , Chavera Alfonso , Perales‐Camacho Rosa , Grandi Fabrizio , Catão‐Dias José L.
Published: May 2014

Background

A captive adult male saddleback tamarin, Saguinus fuscicollis, was lethargic, unresponsive to its surrounding and died before medical care.

Methods

Necroscopic, histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations were performed.

Results

Neoplastic spindle cells of the urinary bladder were positive for antifactor VIII antibody.

Conclusion

A primary urinary bladder haemangiosarcoma was diagnosed, and it has not been previously reported in non‐human primates.
A Turnip crinkle virus Isolate Lacking the CP Counter‐Defence Protein Gene Providing Protection Against the Wild‐Type Strain is Associated with Highly Localized RNA Silencing
Authors: Chen Ying‐Juan , Zhu Feng , Liu Jian , Deng Xing‐Guang , Pu Xiao‐Jun , Chen Li‐Juan , Sun Tian‐Lin , Bao Wei‐Kai , Xi De‐Hui , Lin Hong‐Hui
Published: May 2014

Cross‐protection has been used successfully and commercially to control a range of virus diseases for which the selection of suitable mild strains of plant viruses is necessary. Turnip crinkle virus (TCV) is highly pathogenic on Arabidopsis plants and its silencing suppressor‐defective mutant, TCVΔCP, can induce highly localized RNA silencing which is differs from that of other protective strains. We found that TCVΔCP provides some protection against wild‐type TCV but lacks complete protection, and the relative locations of the protective virus and challenge virus affect the degree of cross‐protection. However, similar cross‐protection afforded by TCVΔCP is not observed in Nicotiana benthamiana plants. As expected, TCVΔCP pre‐infected Arabidopsis plants fail to protect against infection with the unrelated Cucumber mosaic virus, strain Fhy. It appears that cross‐protection afforded by TCVΔCP requires that the challenge virus be very similar in sequence, which is a characteristic of RNA silencing. In order to investigate whether the protection is associated with the highly localized RNA silencing, mutant plants involved in key silencing pathway genes of RNA silencing machinery, including dcl2, dcl4 and triple dcl2/dcl3/dcl4 mutants were used. The results demonstrate that cross‐protection afforded by TCVΔCP is dependent on host RNA silencing, and both DCL2 and DCL4 play important roles in this process.
Being in a process of transition to psychosis, as narrated by adults with psychotic illnesses acutely admitted to hospital
Authors: Sebergsen K. , Norberg A. , Talseth A.‐G.
Published: May 2014

Accessible summary

Early intervention to prevent and reduce new episodes of psychosis involves patients, relatives and mental health personnel recognizing the early signs of psychosis.

Twelve participants with psychotic illnesses narrated how they experienced becoming psychotic before they were admitted to acute psychiatric wards.

The results of this study demonstrate that participants and their close others who sensed, understood and articulated experienced changes as signs of psychosis established a dialogue with mental health personnel and initiated treatment and care. Participants who did not perceive the experienced changes as signs of psychosis articulated the experienced changes as an awareness of a poor health condition and illness. These participants, who had no other people to advocate for them, appeared to experience poor communication and coercion during intervention.

To assist in improving early interventions for psychosis, this study explored how adult people narrated their experience of becoming psychotic, and how contact with mental health personnel was established. Narrative interviews were conducted with 12 participants with psychotic illnesses recruited from acute psychiatric wards. The interviews were content analysed. Participants described being in a process of transition to psychosis as follows: experiencing changes as well‐known signs of psychosis, experiencing sudden unexpected changes as signs of psychosis and experiencing unidentified changes as signs of illness. Our results show that participants and their close others who knew the signs of psychosis established a dialogue with mental health personnel and were better equipped to prevent and mitigate the psychosis. Our results demonstrate that participants who did not perceive the signs of psychosis and did not have other people to advocate for them were at risk for delayed treatment, poor communication and coercive interventions. Furthermore, participants who did not know the signs of psychosis perceived these changes as deterioration in their health and awareness of illness. We suggest that participants' experiential knowledge of transitioning to psychosis and an awareness of illness can be used to improve the communication during interventions for psychosis.
Patterns of Sexual Arousal in Young, Heterosexual Men Who Experience Condom-Associated Erection Problems (CAEP)
Authors: Janssen Erick , Sanders Stephanie A. , Hill Brandon J. , Amick Erick , Oversen Drake , Kvam Peter , Ingelhart Kara
Published: May 2014

Introduction

Condom-associated erection problems (CAEPs) are reported by a substantial number of young men and are associated with inconsistent and/or incomplete condom use. The underlying mechanisms of CAEP are not well understood, and research examining the possibility that men who report CAEP differ from other men in their sexual responsivity is lacking.

Aim

This study used psychophysiological methods to examine whether men who report CAEP have a higher threshold for sexual arousal, a stronger need for tactile stimulation, and/or more easily lose their sexual arousal due to neutral distractors or performance-related demands.

Methods

A total of 142 young, heterosexual men (53% reporting CAEP) were presented with four 3-minute erotic film clips. Three film clips were combined with one of the following manipulations: (i) distraction; (ii) performance demand; or (iii) vibrotactile stimulation. One erotic film clip was presented with no further instructions or manipulations.

Main Outcome Measures

Average penile circumference changes during the first, second, and third minute (time) of the erotic film stimuli (condition) were submitted to a mixed-model analysis of variance with condition and time as within-subjects factors and group (CAEP/no-CAEP) as between-subjects factor.

Results

Significant main effects of condition and time and a significant interaction of group × time were found. No significant interactions involving condition were found. Men who reported CAEP had smaller erectile responses during the first minute, regardless of film condition, than men who reported no CAEP (F(1,141) = 8.64, P < 0.005).

Conclusion

The findings suggest that men with and without CAEP differ in the ease with which they become sexually aroused. Men reporting CAEP needed more time and/or more intense stimulation to become aroused. To our knowledge, this study is the first to use psychophysiological methods to assess sexual responsivity in men who report CAEP.
Testosterone, Cardiovascular Risk, and Hormonophobia
Authors: Morgentaler Abraham
Published: May 2014

Introduction

A public outcry against testosterone (T) therapy has suddenly occurred based on two reports suggesting treatment was associated with increased cardiovascular (CV) risks.

Aim

To analyze scientific and social bases for concerns regarding T therapy.

Methods

Analysis of recent articles regarding CV risks with T and comparison with events surrounding publication of results of the Women's Health Initiative in 2002.

Results

In the first study, the percentage of individuals with an adverse event was lower by half in men who received T compared with untreated men (10.1% vs. 21.2%). However, an opposite conclusion was reached via complex statistics. The second study reported minor increased rate of nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI) up to 90 days after receiving a T prescription compared with the prior 12 months. However, there was no control group, so it is unknown whether this MI rate was increased, reduced, or unchanged compared with untreated men. Neither study provided substantive evidence of risk, yet these were lauded as proof of dangers, despite a substantial literature to the contrary. Similar events followed the publication of the Women's Health Initiative in 2002 when a media frenzy over increased risks with female hormone replacement therapy obscured the fact that the reported excess risk was clinically meaningless, at two events per 1,000 person-years. Stakeholders driving concerns regarding hormone risks are unlikely to be clinicians with real-world patient experience.

Conclusions

The use of weak studies as proof of danger indicates that cultural (i.e., nonscientific) forces are at play. Negative media stories touting T's risks appear fueled by antipharma sentiment, anger against aggressive marketing, and antisexuality. This stance is best described as “hormonophobia.” As history shows, evidence alone may be insufficient to alter a public narrative. The true outrage is that social forces and hysteria have combined to deprive men of a useful treatment without regard for medical science.
Appraising cardiac dysfunction in liver transplantation: an ongoing challenge
Authors: Zaky Ahmed , Bendjelid Karim
Published: May 2014

Absract

End‐stage liver disease (ESLD) is a multisystemic disease that adversely and mutually aggravates other organs such as the heart. Cardiac dysfunction in ESLD encompasses a spectrum of disease that could be aggravated, precipitated or be occurring hand‐in‐hand with coexisting aetiological factors precipitating cirrhosis. Additionally and more complexly, liver transplantation, the curative modality of ESLD, is responsible for additional intra‐ and postoperative short‐ and long‐term cardiac morbidity. The phenotypic distinction of the different forms of cardiac dysfunction in ESLD albeit important prognostically and therapeutically is not allowed by the current societal recommendations, due to conceptual, and methodological limitations in the appraisal of cardiac function and structure in ESLD and in designing studies that are based on this appraisal. This review comprehensively discusses the spectrum of cardiac dysfunction in ESLD, discusses the limitations of the current appraisal of cardiac dysfunction in ESLD, and proposes a hypothetical approach for studying cardiac dysfunction in liver transplant candidates.
Probiotic Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis Bi‐07 alleviates bacterial translocation and ameliorates microinflammation in experimental uraemia
Authors: Wei Meng , Wang Zhigang , Liu Hua , Jiang Hongli , Wang Meng , Liang Shanshan , Shi Kehui , Feng Jie
Published: May 2014

Aim

Uraemia is characterized by intestinal bacterial translocation, which contributes to the development of microinflammation. Probiotics enhance the intestinal barrier and overall health of the host. The present study investigated whether the probiotic Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis Bi‐07 alleviates bacterial translocation and ameliorates microinflammation in experimental uraemia.

Methods

Sixty Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into three groups of 20 rats each: the sham group, which underwent only laparotomy; the uraemia group, which underwent 5/6 nephrectomy; and the uraemia + probiotic group, which underwent 5/6 nephrectomy and daily intragastric administration of B. animalis subsp. lactis Bi‐07 for 4 weeks. Bacterial translocation was evaluated by polymerase chain reaction amplification of the green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene from oral GFP‐labelled Escherichia coli in the peripheral blood, mesenteric lymph nodes, liver, and spleen. Intestinal permeability, plasma inflammatory biomarker levels, and endotoxin levels were measured. Jejunum, ileum, and colon specimens were removed for histological examination.

Results

Uraemic rats exhibited a significantly higher incidence of bacterial translocation (70%) than did sham rats (10%). Probiotic treatment resulted in a decrease in bacterial translocation (20%). Intestinal permeability, inflammatory biomarker levels, and endotoxin levels in uraemic rats were significantly higher than those in the sham group. After treatment with the probiotic, inflammatory biomarker levels significantly decreased. Uraemic rats demonstrated superficial mucosal erosion and inflammatory cell infiltration in the small intestine, and administration of the probiotic alleviated these lesions.

Conclusion

The probiotic B. animalis subsp. lactis Bi‐07 alleviate bacterial translocation and ameliorate microinflammation through the recovery of intestinal mucosal integrity.
Perceptions of the need for improvements in healthcare after implementation of the Chronic Care Model
Authors: Holm Anne Lise , Severinsson Elisabeth
Published: May 2014

Older people with depression constitute a vulnerable group, and evidence from different parts of the world has demonstrated the need for healthcare improvements at the community level. In this study, we described team members’ perceptions of improvements in the care of older people with depression living in the community after the implementation of the Chronic Care Model, with a focus on delivery‐system design, self‐management support, and teamwork. This follow‐up study was based on focus‐group interviews with healthcare team members. The data were analyzed by qualitative content analysis. Four themes emerged: (i) ensuring a pathway to the top level of the organization; (ii) the need for leadership from senior managers; (iii) the need to formalize collaboration; and (iv) increasing self‐management. Senior managers should cooperate with specialist care givers and administrators in the community. They must also redesign the delivery system to facilitate teamwork and the self‐management ability of older people with depression.
PAG1, a cotton brassinosteroid catabolism gene, modulates fiber elongation
Authors: Yang Zuoren , Zhang Chaojun , Yang Xiaojie , Liu Kun , Wu Zhixia , Zhang Xueyan , Zheng Wu , Xun Qingqing , Liu Chuanliang , Lu Lili , Yang Zhaoen , Qian Yuyuan , Xu Zhenzhen , Li Changfeng , Li Jia , Li Fuguang
Published: May 2014

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) is the major source of natural textile fibers. Brassinosteroids (BRs) play crucial roles in regulating fiber development. The molecular mechanisms of BRs in regulating fiber elongation, however, are poorly understood.

pagoda1 (pag1) was identified via an activation tagging genetic screen and characterized by genome walking and brassinolide (BL) supplementation. RNA‐Seq analysis was employed to elucidate the mechanisms of PAG1 in regulating fiber development.

pag1 exhibited dwarfism and reduced fiber length due to significant inhibition of cell elongation and expansion. BL treatment rescued its growth and fiber elongation. PAG1 encodes a homolog of Arabidopsis CYP734A1 that inactivates BRs via C‐26 hydroxylation. RNA‐Seq analyses showed that the constitutive expression of PAG1 downregulated the expression of genes involved in very‐long‐chain fatty acids (VLCFA) biosynthesis, ethylene‐mediated signaling, response to cadmium, cell wall development, cytoskeleton organization and cell growth.

Our results demonstrate that PAG1 plays crucial roles in regulating fiber development via controlling the level of endogenous bioactive BRs, which may affect ethylene signaling cascade by mediating VLCFA. Therefore, BR may be a critical regulator of fiber elongation, a role which may in turn be linked to effects on VLCFA biosynthesis, ethylene and cadmium signaling, cell wall‐ and cytoskeleton‐related gene expression.
Poplar PdC3H17 and PdC3H18 are direct targets of PdMYB3 and PdMYB21, and positively regulate secondary wall formation in Arabidopsis and poplar
Authors: Chai Guohua , Qi Guang , Cao Yingping , Wang Zengguang , Yu Li , Tang Xianfeng , Yu Yanchong , Wang Dian , Kong Yingzhen , Zhou Gongke
Published: May 2014

Wood biomass is mainly made of secondary cell walls, whose formation is controlled by a multilevel network. The tandem CCCH zinc finger (TZF) proteins involved in plant secondary wall formation are poorly understood.

Two TZF genes, PdC3H17 and PdC3H18, were isolated from Populus deltoides and functionally characterized in Escherichia coli, tobacco, Arabidopsis and poplar.

PdC3H17 and PdC3H18 are predominantly expressed in cells of developing wood, and the proteins they encode are targeted to cytoplasmic foci. Transcriptional activation assays showed that PdMYB2/3/20/21 individually activated the PdC3H17 and PdC3H18 promoters, but PdMYB3/21 were most significant. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays revealed that PdMYB3/21 bound directly to the PdC3H17/18 promoters. Overexpression of PdC3H17/18 in poplar increased secondary xylem width and secondary wall thickening in stems, whereas dominant repressors of them had the opposite effects on these traits. Similar alteration in secondary wall thickening was observed in their transgenic Arabidopsis plants. qRT‐PCR results showed that PdC3H17/18 regulated the expression of cellulose, xylan and lignin biosynthetic genes, and several wood‐associated MYB genes.

These results demonstrate that PdC3H17 and PdC3H18 are the targets of PdMYB3 and PdMYB21 and are an additional two components in the regulatory network of secondary xylem formation in poplar.