bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cortical excitability changes distinguish the motor neuron disease phenotypes from hereditary spastic paraplegia
Authors: Geevasinga N. , Menon P. , Sue C. M. , Kumar K. R. , Ng K. , Yiannikas C. , Kiernan M. C. , Vucic S.
Published: February 2015

Background and purpose

Cortical hyperexcitability has been identified as an important pathogenic mechanism in motor neuron disease (MND). The issue as to whether cortical hyperexcitability is a common process across the MND phenotypes, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and primary lateral sclerosis (PLS), remains unresolved. Separately, the clinical distinction between PLS and ‘mimic disorders’ such as hereditary spastic paraparesis (HSP) may be difficult, potentially delaying diagnosis. Consequently, the aim of the present study was to determine the nature and spectrum of cortical excitability changes across the MND phenotypes, and to determine whether the presence of cortical dysfunction distinguishes PLS from HSP.

Methods

Cortical excitability studies were undertaken on a cohort of 14 PLS, 82 ALS and 13 HSP patients with mutations in the spastin gene.

Results

Cortical hyperexcitability, as heralded by reduction of short interval intracortical inhibition (PLS 0.26%, −3.8% to 1.4%; ALS −0.15%, −3.6% to 7.0%; P < 0.01) and cortical silent period duration (CSPPLS 172.2 ± 5.4 ms; CSPALS 178.1 ± 5.1 ms; P < 0.001), along with an increase in intracortical facilitation was evident in ALS and PLS phenotypes, although appeared more frequently in ALS. Inexcitability of the motor cortex was more frequent in PLS (PLS 71%, ALS 24%, P < 0.0001). Cortical excitability was preserved in HSP.

Conclusions

Cortical dysfunction appears to be an intrinsic process across the MND phenotypes, with cortical inexcitability predominating in PLS and cortical hyperexcitability predominating in ALS. Importantly, cortical excitability was preserved in HSP, thereby suggesting that the presence of cortical dysfunction could help differentiate PLS from HSP in a clinical setting.
Dental fear and previous childhood traumatic experiences, life events, and parental bonding
Authors: Hagqvist Outi , Tolvanen Mimmi , Rantavuori Kari , Karlsson Linnea , Karlsson Hasse , Lahti Satu
Published: February 2015

We aimed to determine whether adult dental fear is associated with traumas, life events, and perceived parental bonding. Pilot data for the FinnBrain Cohort study were used. Of the 254 families expecting a baby, 80% agreed to participate. At 32–34 wk of pregnancy, 125 women and 81 men completed a Modified Dental Anxiety Scale questionnaire and were included in this study. Other instruments used were the Trauma and Distress Scale (TADS), the Life Event Checklist, and the Parental Bonding Index. All scales were analyzed as summated rating scale scores. Associations between dental fear, TADS domains, and life events were evaluated using Spearman correlation coefficients. The association between dental fear and parental bonding was evaluated using the Kruskal–Wallis test. Among women, dental fear did not correlate with trauma measures, but among men dental fear correlated with emotional neglect and abuse. Dental fear correlated positively with the number of life events among women. Life events and dental fear did not correlate among men. Dental fear was not associated with parental bonding among women or men. The association between traumas, life events, and dental fear seems to be different in women and men.
A randomized, double‐blind comparison of antiepileptic drug treatment in the elderly with new‐onset focal epilepsy
Authors: Werhahn Konrad J. , Trinka Eugen , Dobesberger Judith , Unterberger Iris , Baum Petra , Deckert‐Schmitz Maria , Kniess Tobias , Schmitz Bettina , Bernedo Viviane , Ruckes Christian , Ehrlich Anne , Krämer Günter
Published: February 2015

Objective

To compare the effectiveness of controlled‐released carbamazepine (CR‐CBZ) to levetiracetam (LEV) and to lamotrigine (LTG) in elderly patients with newly diagnosed focal epilepsy.

Methods

Randomized, double‐blind, parallel‐group trial conducted between January 2007 and August 2011, in 47 ambulatory or hospital sites in Germany, Austria, or Switzerland. Eligible participants were aged ≥60, had new‐onset epilepsy, had no acute illness as the cause of their seizures, and had no contraindication to the drugs in the trial. Patients were randomized 1:1:1 to CR‐CBZ, LTG, or LEV. Doses were up‐titrated for 6 weeks and could be maintained or adjusted depending on seizure relapse or tolerability over an additional period of 52 weeks. Primary outcome was the retention to treatment at week 58; secondary measures related to seizure and adverse event frequency.

Results

Of 361 randomized patients, 359 were included (CR‐CBZ n = 121, LTG n = 117, LEV n = 122) in the modified intent‐to‐treat population (mean age [range] 71.4 [60–95] years). At week 58, the retention rate for LEV was significantly higher than for CR‐CBZ (61.5% vs. 45.8%, p = 0.02), and similar to LTG (55.6%). Seizure freedom rates at weeks 30 and 58 were not different across the groups. Twice as many patients receiving CR‐CBZ discontinued due to adverse events or death compared to those in the LEV group (32.2% vs. 17.2%; odds ratio 2.28, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.25–4.19, p = 0.007), whereas discontinuation was intermediate for LTG (26.3%). Median daily doses of completers (n = 195) were CR‐CBZ 380.0 mg/day (333.0–384.0), LTG 95 mg/day (94.0–97.0), and LEV 950 mg/day (940.0–985.0).

Significance

In the initial monotherapy of focal epilepsy in the elderly, 1‐year retention to LEV was higher compared to CR‐CBZ due to better tolerability. Retention of LTG was intermediate and close to LEV, but did not differ significantly from either comparators. NCT00438451, www.clinicaltrials.gov.
A Tale of Two Kirzners: Time, Uncertainty, and the “Nature” of Opportunities
Authors: Korsgaard Steffen , Berglund Henrik , Thrane Claus , Blenker Per
Published: February 2015

This paper discusses the influence of Israel Kirzner on the field of entrepreneurship research. We review Kirzner's work and argue that it contains two distinct approaches to entrepreneurship, termed Kirzner Mark I and Kirzner Mark II. Mark I with its focus on alertness and opportunity discovery has exerted a strong influence on entrepreneurship research in the last decade, and helped catapult the field forward. We propose that Mark II, with its emphasis on time, uncertainty, and creative action in pursuit of imagined opportunities, complements the discovery view and can provide an alternative conceptual grounding for the decade to come.
‘Hermann Heller and the European Crisis: Authoritarian Liberalism Redux?’
Authors: Scheuerman William E.
Published: February 2015

This essay tentatively buttresses Alexander Somek's view that Hermann Heller's 1933 essay, ‘Authoritarian Liberalism’, provides a useful starting point for thinking about the ongoing European crisis, in which European authorities are favouring rigid austerity and pro‐business policies while undermining basic liberal and democratic rights. Heller's unfortunate neglect, especially in Anglophone scholarship, is discussed. Nonetheless, Somek and other recent scholars who have turned to Heller to make sense of the European crisis downplay some of the tough questions raised by any attempt to apply Heller's analysis of the Weimar crisis to the contemporary setting. In particular, Heller's theory relied on a robust social democratic statism which has become increasingly unpopular even among theorists on the political left.
Complications associated with the presence of two intrauterine glass balls used for oestrus suppression in a mare
Authors: Turner R. M. , Vanderwall D. K. , Stawicki R.
Published: February 2015

This report describes the identification and removal of 2 glass balls, both of which had fragmented, from the uterus of a mare. The glass balls had been placed into the uterine lumen to prolong function of the corpus luteum for suppression of oestrous behaviour. This report adds to a growing body of evidence that severe complications can result from the use of intrauterine glass balls for oestrus suppression in mares, particularly if they are retained for a prolonged time.
Mitigating the risk of airway obstruction during recovery from anaesthesia: The way is far from clear
Authors: Senior J. M.
Published: February 2015

All equine anaesthetists should take steps to mitigate the risk of anaesthetic‐related morbidities and mortalities where they can, and whilst some interventions against some of these are widely practiced, the number of approaches adopted by equine anaesthetists to mitigate the risk of airway obstruction suggests not only that the causes and severity of airway obstruction vary, but also that evidence for the superiority of any approach over another is limited. The limited evidence available suggests that the prevalence of severe airway obstruction in both the general and upper respiratory tract surgical equine populations is likely to be low, and that when cases do occur, rapid recognition and intervention often results in successful treatment. The above evidence considered with the understanding that pre‐emptively placing endotracheal or nasotracheal tubesin situfor recovery may only delay the recognition of some causes (e.g. laryngeal) of airway obstruction, alongside an awareness that this approach is not a benign risk‐free intervention, may lead some anaesthetists to re‐evaluate the perceived risk of respiratory obstruction and whether their chosen intervention will reduce that risk, potentially exacerbate it or introduce a further risk.
Infraspinatus and intertubercular (bicipital) bursae sepsis
Authors: Barker W. H. J.
Published: February 2015

The case report by O'Sullivan et al. in this month's issue of EVE describes an unusual case of synovial sepsis raising interesting points on synovial infection in general and more specifically the implication of haematogenous spread of bacteria from a remote site in the mature horse. The identification of synovial sepsis in this location is challenging due to the complex and unfamiliar anatomy in the shoulder region. This clinical commentary reviews the anatomy in this region and discusses the unusual presentation of synovial sepsis secondary to haematogenous spread.
Equine dental and periodontal anatomy: A tutorial review
Authors: Staszyk C. , Suske A. , Pöschke A.
Published: February 2015

A sound knowledge of dental and periodontal anatomy provides the basis for an accurate diagnosis of dental abnormalities. It must be remembered that dental and periodontal anatomy, especially in the horse, undergoes continuous morphological changes throughout life. From birth to age about 6 years the deciduous and later the permanent teeth emerge in turn through the oral mucosa. Even the permanent dentition is subjected to continuous, dynamic, morphological changes due to massive occlusal wear and the compensatory tooth eruption that is necessary in herbivores. Consequently, it is not surprising that the normal equine oral anatomy of structures shows a wide range of variations. The purpose of this tutorial article is to review and summarise the current knowledge of equine dental and periodontal anatomy, paying special attention to age related morphological changes.
Development of a new laparoscopic Foramen Epiploicum Mesh Closure (FEMC) technique in 6 horses
Authors: van Bergen T. , Wiemer P. , Bosseler L. , Ugahary F. , Martens A.
Published: February 2015

Reasons for performing study

Epiploic foramen entrapment (EFE) is, based on the number of reports in the literature, a relatively important life‐threatening cause of colic in horses that could be prevented by closing the epiploic foramen (EF) in horses at risk of developingEFE.

Objectives

To describe the laparoscopic foramen epiploicum mesh closure (FEMC) technique and its outcome.

Study design

Descriptive experimental study.

Methods

TheEFof 6 horses was closed with theFEMCtechnique. A diabolo‐shaped constructed mesh was introduced into the omental vestibule through theEFunder laparoscopic visualisation in the standing sedated horse. Clinical and laboratory parameters were recorded during the post operative period. Four weeks after the intervention, repeat laparoscopy was performed in all horses. Three horses were subjected to euthanasia one, 2 and 3 months after the intervention, and were examined on necropsy and histopathology. The remaining 3 horses were followed clinically for 6 months.

Results

The 6FEMCprocedures were performed successfully in a median surgery time of 22 min (range 18–27 min). One horse was treated for large colon impaction in the immediate post operative period. On repeat laparoscopy at 4 weeks all 6EFswere closed and no undesired adhesions were identified. This was confirmed on gross and histopathological examination of the 3 horses that were subjected to euthanasia. The 3 remaining horses were clinically normal in the 6‐month post operative observation period.

Conclusions

ThisFEMCtechnique provides a fast, simple, reliable and safe procedure to obliterate theEFand may be useful in horses at risk forEFE.
If Arctic charrSalvelinus alpinusis ‘the most diverse vertebrate’, what is the lake charrSalvelinus namaycush?
Authors: Muir Andrew Michael , Hansen Michael Jay , Bronte Charles Richard , Krueger Charles Conrad
Published: February 2015

Teleost fishes are prominent vertebrate models of evolution, illustrated among old‐world radiations by the Cichlidae of East African Great Lakes and new‐world radiations by the circumpolar Arctic charrSalvelinus alpinus. Herein, we describe variation in lake charrS. namaycushmorphology, life history, physiology and ecology, as another example of radiation. The lake charr is restricted to northern North America, where it originated from glacial refugia and diversified in large lakes. Shallow and deepwater morphs arose in multiple lakes, with a large‐bodied shallow‐water‘lean’morph in shallow inshore depths, a small‐bodied mid‐water ‘humper’ morph on offshore shoals or banks, a robust, large‐bodied moderate to deep‐water ‘redfin’; morph and a large‐bodied deep‐water ‘siscowet’ morph at depths > 100 m. Eye position, gape size, and gillraker length and spacing adapted for feeding on different‐sized prey, with piscivorous morphs (leans, siscowets and presumably redfins) reaching larger asymptotic size than invertivorous morphs (humpers). Lean morphs are light in colour, whereas deepwater morphs are drab and dark, although the pattern is reversed in dark tannic lakes. Morphs shift from benthic to pelagic feeding at a length of 400–490 mm. Phenotypic differences in locomotion, buoyancy and lipid metabolism evolved into different mechanisms for buoyancy regulation, with lean morphs relying on hydrodynamic lift and siscowet morphs relying on hydrostatic lift. We suggest that theSalvelinusgenus, rather than the speciesS. alpinus, is a diverse genus that should be the subject of comparative studies of processes causing divergence and adaptation among member species that may lead to a more complete evolutionary conceptual model.
Raphe serotonin neuron‐specific oxytocin receptor knockout reduces aggression without affecting anxiety‐like behavior in male mice only
Authors: Pagani J. H. , Williams Avram S. K. , Cui Z. , Song J. , Mezey É. , Senerth J. M. , Baumann M. H. , Young W. S.
Published: February 2015

Serotonin and oxytocin influence aggressive and anxiety‐like behaviors, though it is unclear how the two may interact. That the oxytocin receptor is expressed in the serotonergic raphe nuclei suggests a mechanism by which the two neurotransmitters may cooperatively influence behavior. We hypothesized that oxytocin acts on raphe neurons to influence serotonergically mediated anxiety‐like, aggressive and parental care behaviors. We eliminated expression of the oxytocin receptor in raphe neurons by crossing mice expressing Cre recombinase under control of the serotonin transporter promoter (Slc6a4) with our conditional oxytocin receptor knockout line. The knockout mice generated by this cross are normal across a range of behavioral measures: there are no effects for either sex on locomotion in an open‐field, olfactory habituation/dishabituation or, surprisingly, anxiety‐like behaviors in the elevated O and plus mazes. There was a profound deficit in male aggression: only one of 11 raphe oxytocin receptor knockouts showed any aggressive behavior, compared to 8 of 11 wildtypes. In contrast, female knockouts displayed no deficits in maternal behavior or aggression. Our results show that oxytocin, via its effects on raphe neurons, is a key regulator of resident‐intruder aggression in males but not maternal aggression. Furthermore, this reduction in male aggression is quite different from the effects reported previously after forebrain or total elimination of oxytocin receptors. Finally, we conclude that when constitutively eliminated, oxytocin receptors expressed by serotonin cells do not contribute to baseline anxiety‐like behaviors or maternal care.
Executive dysfunction and the relation with behavioral problems in children with 47,XXY and 47,XXX
Authors: van Rijn S. , Swaab H.
Published: February 2015

Neuroimaging studies have shown that having an extra X chromosome is associated with abnormal structure and function of brain areas in the frontal lobe, which is crucially involved in executive functioning. However, there is little of knowledge of the type and severity of executive dysfunction, and the impact on emotional and behavioral problems. The present study aims to provide in this. In total, 40 children (23 boys with 47,XXY and 17 girls with 47,XXX) with an extra X chromosome and 100 non‐clinical controls (47 boys and 53 girls) participated in the study. The participants were 9–18 years old. Processing speed and executive functioning were assessed using the Amsterdam Neuropsychological Testbattery (ANT) and the Dysexecutive Questionnaire (DEX). Problems in emotional and behavioral functioning were assessed with the Childhood Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Children with an extra X chromosome showed deficits in inhibition, mental flexibility, sustained attention and visual working memory. Parental report showed high levels of everyday manifestations of executive dysfunction. More severe inhibition difficulties were associated with higher levels of thought problems, aggression and rule breaking behavior. Boys and girls with an extra X chromosome could not be differentiated based on severity of executive dysfunction, however, girls had lower information processing speed than boys. These findings suggest that executive dysfunction may be part of the phenotype of children with an extra X chromosome, impacting the ability to function adequately in everyday life. Furthermore, children with impairments in inhibition may have more problems in regulating their thinking, emotions and behavior.
Writing, the Feminine and Organization
Authors: Pullen Alison , Rhodes Carl
Published: February 2015

We consider how genre and gender are implicated in academic writing about work organizations, noting that masterful, rational and penetrating masculine forms have long been dominant. The result is the privileging of a masculine style of writing that has come to be seen both as gender neutral and mandatory. This has served both to marginalize women's writing and to disable men's femininity. To subvert and undermine this, we consider the possibilities of a feminine writing of organization that defies rational categorization so as to enable a multitude of affectual voices and texts to cross over from exclusion. This creates a space where feminine writing can be encouraged and published and where issues surrounding the feminine can flourish.
Three‐day versus five‐day somatostatin infusion combination with endoscopic variceal ligation in the prevention of early rebleeding following acute variceal hemorrhage: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Chitapanarux Taned , Ritdamrongthum Phuripong , Leerapun Apinya , Pisespongsa Pises , Thongsawat Satawat
Published: February 2015

Aim

Combined pharmacological and endoscopic therapy is recommended for initial treatment of acute variceal bleeding (AVB). The optimal duration of therapy with a vasoactive agent is not well established. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of 3‐day and 5‐day somatostatin treatment in the prevention of early rebleeding after endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL).

Methods

In a double‐blind, prospective trial, cirrhotic patients with AVB who underwent EVL were randomly assigned to receive a continuous infusion of somatostatin for either 3 days or 5 days.

Results

A total of 95 patients were enrolled; 50 patients in the 3‐day group and 45 patients in the 5‐day group after initial hemostasis by combination therapy with somatostatin and EVL. Both groups were comparable in terms of baseline data. Very early and early rebleeding within 5 days and 42 days occurred in one and three patient (2%, 6%) in the 3‐day group and three and two patients (6.67%, 4.45%) in the 5‐day group (P = 0.342, 0.735), respectively. Overall, eight patients died (three from variceal rebleeding and five from causes other than variceal bleed); four (8%) in the 3‐day group and four (8.89%) in the 5‐day group (P = 0.876). Multivariate analysis revealed that none of the factors was a predictor of rebleeding. No serious side‐effects and complications were observed.

Conclusion

A 3‐day course of somatostatin is as effective as a 5‐day course for the control of variceal bleeding and prevention of early rebleeding when used as combination therapy with EVL.
Phase 1 and pharmacological trial of OPB‐31121, a signal transducer and activator of transcription‐3 inhibitor, in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Okusaka Takuji , Ueno Hideki , Ikeda Masafumi , Mitsunaga Shuichi , Ozaka Masato , Ishii Hiroshi , Yokosuka Osamu , Ooka Yoshihiko , Yoshimoto Ryo , Yanagihara Yasuo , Okita Kiwamu
Published: February 2015

Aim

To evaluate the safety, pharmacokinetics and antitumor activity of OPB‐31121, a signal transducer and activator of transcription‐3 inhibitor, in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

HCC patients of Child–Pugh A or B who progressed on, or were intolerant to, sorafenib were eligible for this phase 1 trial. We used a standard 3 + 3 dose‐escalation design with a 28‐day cycle at dose levels of 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/day. Tumor responses were assessed using the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors.

Results

Twenty‐four patients were enrolled, of whom 23 received OPB‐31121 (20 males; median age, 65 years). The most common adverse drug reactions were nausea (87.0%), vomiting (82.6%), diarrhea (69.6%), fatigue/malaise (52.2%), anorexia (47.8%) and peripheral sensory neuropathy (26.1%). The recommended dose for OPB‐31121 was determined to be 200 mg. Six patients had stable disease for 8 weeks or more, resulting in disease control rates of 25.0–42.9%. In the 200‐mg dose cohort, three of seven patients had stable disease and a median time to progression of 61.0 days. The maximum concentration and area under the plasma concentration–time curve of OPB‐31121 were dose proportional.

Conclusion

OPB‐31121 demonstrated insufficient antitumor activity for HCC. Furthermore, peripheral nervous system‐related toxicities may negatively affect long‐term administration of OPB‐31121. Therefore, it was deemed difficult to continue the clinical development of OPB‐31121 for treating advanced HCC and further investigation is expected in the agent with favorable profile in this category.
Getting involved in international development activities: UK initiatives and hidden benefits
Authors: Cheeseborough Jackie , Godbolt Shane , Grant Maria J.
Published: February 2015

Jackie Cheeseborough and Shane Godbolt describe the role that UK health information professionals have in global health and in supporting colleagues from developing countries to continue to develop as a provision. They give an overview of a range of organisations working to improve access to health information in developing countries and in particular Sub‐Saharan Africa including Book Aid International, HIFA, INASP, ITOCA, Phi, TALC, THET and Research4Life. Even in a recession, many UK health librarians are choosing to get involved in international development activities in low‐resource countries by volunteering, and discovering hidden benefits for their own organisations, and their own continuing professional development.
The effect of alcohol consumption on periodontitis in older Danes
Authors: Hach M , Holm‐Pedersen P , Adegboye ARA , Avlund K
Published: February 2015

Objectives

To examine the association of alcohol consumption measured at different points in time and periodontitis at 20 years follow‐up and to investigate whether long‐term alcohol consumption is related to periodontitis in old age.

Design

Participants aged 65 years or older in 2003, from the longitudinal study Copenhagen City Heart Study (CCHS), were invited to participate in the Copenhagen Oral Health Senior Study.

Methods

Clinical periodontal attachment loss was calculated to determine the progress of periodontitis. Alcohol consumption was measured at CCHS follow‐ups in 1981–1983, 1991–1994 and 2001–2003, using a standard questionnaire. Alcohol consumption was defined as light, moderate and heavy drinking and used individually for each follow‐up. The three follow‐ups were summarized into long‐term alcohol consumption. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the relation between alcohol consumption measured at different points in time and periodontitis and to assess the effect of long‐term alcohol consumption on periodontitis.

Results

The results show that heavy drinkers in 1981–1983 had a higher odds ratio for having periodontitis compared to light drinkers (OR = 4.64 95% CI = [1.1; 19.42]).

Conclusion

Early consumption of alcohol may increase the odds of having periodontitis 20 years later. There is a need for further studies including larger populations to investigate both alcohol consumption measured at different points in time, and long‐term alcohol consumption and periodontitis progression over time.
The effects of degrees of Dutch accentedness in ELF and in French, German and Spanish
Authors: Hendriks Berna , van Meurs Frank , de Groot Elizabeth
Published: February 2015

In a verbal guise experiment, 178 listeners with three nationalities (58 French, 59 German and 61 Spanish) listened to samples recorded by female speakers with three degrees of accentedness (strong/slight accented‐Dutch and native) in English, French, German and Spanish. Findings indicate that a strong accent had a detrimental effect on understanding and attitudinal evaluations, while a slight accent hardly led to negative effects. A speaker with a strong Dutch accent in English was evaluated as less competent than speakers with a slight or native accent. Speakers with a strong Dutch accent in French, German or Spanish were evaluated as less friendly and less competent than speakers with a native accent.
Shopping and virtual communities for consumers with physical disabilities
Authors: Annett‐Hitchcock Kate , Xu Yingjiao
Published: February 2015

The purpose of this exploratory study was to investigate the use of virtual communities for clothing shopping by consumers with physical disabilities, and to explore the role that these communities play in their clothing shopping experiences. An international virtual community created for consumers with disabilities was identified using keywords through search engine directories. The content of discussion forums was identified and analysed with the assistance of the qualitative research software tool, QSR NVivo 9.0. The content was coded to allow categories and themes to emerge. Thirty‐one categories, which were dispersed between three major themes (self, product, market), emerged from data analysis. In the discussions, various communication channels and social media sites were mentioned, and users enhanced their discussion topics with a photograph of a product or an Internet link, providing further assistance to peers. Consumers also shared personal information, such as life experiences. The results of this study may provide significant implications to retailers in their efforts to target these consumers, in various areas including product development, branding, marketing, customer relationship and managerial strategies. There may also be relevance for development of other consumer goods and sales to other target markets. Using online discussion forums to probe for product development and brand ideas has not been widely addressed, nor has the information search process for people with disabilities. The use of QSR NVivo software is new for a study such as this and should be explored in greater depth for future research with this type of data.
Vendor Hygienic Practices and Consumer Perception of Food Safety during the Carnival festival on the island of Tobago, West Indies
Authors: Franklyn Sherrae , Badrie Neela
Published: February 2015

Local festivals are usually the highlights on the small island, Tobago, West Indies. The street vendors capitalized on the Carnival season where they provide a variety of foods and beverages on‐demand for masqueraders and spectators. Therefore, this study examined food safety and hygienic practices by vendors and consumer perception of such practices at the Carnival festivals in Tobago. Standard structured questionnaires and observational checklists were compiled and administered to 50 vendors and 150 consumers at five Carnival events. Each vendor was observed for frequency of practices for 15–20 min. Consumers were sampled systematically (every fifth person encountered) at each event. The vendors examined were generally female (70.0%), 41–50 years old (34.0%), possessed less than primary education (36.0%), acquired more than 5 years of experience (44.0%) and were stationary (78.0%). The most common food prepared and sold was hot dog (36.0% of all sold foods). Educated vendors practised good personal hygiene and on‐site food handling, whereas the others performed improper practices such as absence of aprons and hair covering, wearing of jewellery and handling money while serving. Also, vendors displaying valid food badges generally practised more proper personal hygiene and food handling than those without badges. The majority of the consumers examined were residents of Tobago (80.0%), female (74.7%), 21–30 years old (39.3%) and possessed secondary education (53.3%). More than half of the consumers purchased foods at Carnival events (57.3%). Most (82.7%) who did not purchase stored foods in coolers. More than half (58.0%) had seen or read Carnival food safety articles in the local newspapers and most (96.0%) were aware that illnesses can be transmitted via consumption of food. Additionally, 42 out of 74 respondents (56.8%), who indicated that they were affected by foodborne illness, sought medical help when foodborne illness was suspected. However, a mere 13 out of 74 consumers (17.6%), who indicated that they were affected by foodborne illness, lodged reports of suspected foodborne illness with the local health authority. Younger consumers (21–30 years old) mostly read food safety articles and were conscious of illness being transmitted via consumption of food. In addition, the more educated consumers (tertiary education) indicated awareness as well as formal reporting of foodborne illness. Some gaps in vendor practices included handling of money while serving (78.0%), failure to clean utensils (68.0%) and access to water (48.0%). Noteworthy, only visual observation and interviews were utilized in the study.
Enhancing youth's attitudes towards microcredit in the bottom of the pyramid markets
Authors: Jebarajakirthy Charles , Lobo Antonio , Hewege Chandana
Published: February 2015

The bottom of the pyramid (BOP) market comprises a huge customer size of approximately 4 billion globally; hence, segmentation is necessary within this market. The BOP market refers to an aggregate of customers who survive on relatively low‐income levels. In this respect, youth in war‐affected regions can be considered to be a segment of the BOP market. However, there is scant research on customers' attitudes and purchase behaviours in the BOP markets or segments therein. Hence, the purpose of this research is to investigate war‐affected youth's attitudes towards microcredit and the related drivers of these attitudes. The literature revealed four types of attitudes towards microcredit: positive affect, perceived benefits, perceived deterrents and default risk perceptions. Also, knowledge of microcredit and entrepreneurial desire were considered to be the drivers of these attitudes. A total of 795 valid completed surveys were collected from youth aged 18 and above who live in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka. The findings revealed that positive affect enhanced intentions to obtain microcredit, whereas perceived deterrents reduced them. Knowledge of microcredit enhanced attitudes towards microcredit. Also, entrepreneurial desire enhanced the association between positive affect and intentions to obtain microcredit and it decreased the negative association between perceived deterrents and intentions to obtain microcredit. The implications to theory and practice have been discussed which will go a long way in enhancing the attitudes towards microcredit among war‐affected youth and possibly those in the other segments of the BOP market.
Multiple interior steady states in the Ramsey model with elastic labor supply
Authors: Kamihigashi Takashi
Published: February 2015

In this paper we show that multiple interior steady states are possible in the Ramsey model with elastic labor supply. In particular, we establish the following three results: (i) for any discount factor and production function, there is a utility function such that a continuum of interior steady states exist; (ii) the number of interior steady states can also be any finite number; and (iii) for any discount factor and production function, there is a utility function such that there is no interior steady state. Some numerical examples are provided.
Social awareness and price competition
Authors: Ben Elhadj Nada , Gabszewicz Jean J. , Tarola Ornella
Published: February 2015

Human actions are often guided both by individual rationality and by social norms. In this paper we explore how market competition values the variants of a product, when these variants embody at different levels the requirements derived from some social norm. In a model where preferences of consumers depend partially on the levels of compliance of the variants with the social norm, we characterize the equilibrium path along which firms choose sequentially their level of compliance and their price.
Screening grape seeds recovered from winemaking by‐products as sources of reducing agents and mammalian α‐glucosidase and α‐amylase inhibitors
Authors: Lavelli Vera , Sri Harsha Pedapati S. C. , Fiori Luca
Published: February 2015

Grape seeds collected from vinification of various grape varieties were extracted by supercritical CO2 for oil recovery. The defatted residues thus obtained were considered as a re‐utilisable co‐product and assessed for phenolic content, reducing capacity and inhibitory activities against mammalian α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase enzymes. Supercritical CO2 treatment led to higher recovery of anthocyanins. Reducing capacity of phenolic extracts reached up to ~2200 mmolFe(II) kg−1, much higher than that of various natural phenolic sources. The anthocyanin‐rich extracts showed the highest inhibitory effectiveness towards α‐glucosidase (I50 value equal to ~40 μg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/mL ~ half than acarbose). Inhibitory effectiveness towards α‐amylase activity was similar among grape varieties, with I50 values comparable to that of acarbose and correlated with proanthocyanidin contents. These results could pave the way for an efficient processing of grapes, including cascade processes, namely: winemaking, oil extraction from recovered grape seeds and phenolic extraction from defatted grape seeds as potential cost‐effective nutraceuticals.
Role of the functional MNS16A VNTR‐243 variant of the human telomerase reverse transcriptase gene in progression and response to therapy of patients with non‐Hodgkin's B‐cell lymphomas
Authors: Wysoczanska B. , Wrobel T. , Dobrzynska O. , Mazur G. , Bogunia‐Kubik K.
Published: February 2015

MNS16A is a functional polymorphic tandem repeat within the human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) gene. To investigate whether any of the MNS16A repeats represents a genetic risk factor for NHL susceptibility, progression of or response to therapy in 75 patients with non‐Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHLs) and 126 healthy individuals were genotyped using the PCR‐VNTR technique. A slightly higher frequency of the MNS16A VNTR‐243 variant was detected among patients who did not respond to treatment (NR) as compared to patients with complete or partial remission (0.83 vs. 0.51, P = 0.055). NR patients more frequently developed aggressive than indolent type of the disease (0.92 vs. 0.41, P = 0.001). The VNTR‐243 allele was more frequently detected among patients with an intermediate–high/high International Prognostic Index (IPI 3–4) score (P = 0.063), especially in patients with advanced age and IPI 3–4 (P = 0.040). In multivariate analysis, higher IPI 3–4 score (OR = 11.364, P = 0.051) and aggressive type of the disease (OR = 18.182, P = 0.012) were found to be independent genetic markers associated with nonresponse to treatment. Presence of the MNS16A VNTR‐243 variant also strongly tended to affect the risk of a less favourable response to therapy and was more frequently present among nonresponders (OR = 5.848, P = 0.059). Genetic variation within the hTERT gene may affect the progression and treatment of lymphoproliferative disorders.
Meeting report: 3rd international transplant conference: how much risk can you take?
Authors: Lowe D. , Daga S. , Briggs D. , Khovanova N. , Mitchell D. , Higgins R. , Krishnan N.
Published: February 2015

The 3rd International Transplant Conference took place on 31st October and 1st November 2014 at the University of Warwick, Coventry, UK. Key focal points of the meeting were the exploration of the molecular basis of antibody–antigen interactions and their relation to clinical practice and to share experiences and knowledge regarding strategies to transplant the ‘high‐risk’ patient. In addition, lively debate sessions were hosted where controversial clinical and immunological themes were discussed by leading experts in the field.
Long‐term prevalence and predictors of urinary incontinence among women in the Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study
Authors: Phelan Suzanne , Kanaya Alka M , Ma Yong , Vittinghoff Eric , Barrett‐Connor Elizabeth , Wing Rena , Kusek John W , Orchard Trevor J , Crandall Jill P , Montez Maria G , Brown Jeanette S ,   Diabetes Prevention Program Research Group
Published: February 2015

Objectives

To examine the long‐term prevalence and predictors of weekly urinary incontinence in the Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study, a follow‐up study of the Diabetes Prevention Program randomized clinical trial of overweight adults with impaired glucose tolerance.

Methods

This analysis included 1778 female participants of the Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study who had been randomly assigned during the Diabetes Prevention Program to intensive lifestyle intervention (n = 582), metformin (n = 589) or placebo (n = 607). The study participants completed semi‐annual assessments after the final Diabetes Prevention Program visit and for 6 years untilOctober 2008.

Results

At the study entry, the prevalence of weekly urinary incontinence was lower in the intensive lifestyle intervention group compared with the metformin and placebo groups (44.2%vs51.8%, 48.0% urinary incontinence/week,P = 0.04); during the 6‐year follow‐up period, these lower rates in intensive lifestyle intervention were maintained (46.7%, 53.1%, 49.9% urinary incontinence/week;P = 0.03). Statistically adjusting for urinary incontinence prevalence at the end of the Diabetes Prevention Program, the treatment arm no longer had a significant impact on urinary incontinence during the Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study. Independent predictors of lower urinary incontinence during the Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study included lower body mass index (odds ratio 0.988, 95% confidence interval 0.982–0.994) and greater physical activity (odds ratio 0.999, 95% confidence interval 0.998–1.000) at the Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study entry, and greater reductions in body mass index (odds ratio 0.75, 95% confidence interval 0.60–0.94) and waist circumference (odds ratio 0.998, 95% confidence interval 0.996–1.0) during the Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study. Diabetes was not significantly related to urinary incontinence.

Conclusions

Intensive lifestyle intervention has a modest positive and enduring impact on urinary incontinence, and should be considered for the long‐term prevention and treatment of urinary incontinence in overweight/obese women with glucose intolerance.
Therapeutic outcomes of neoadjuvant and concurrent androgen‐deprivation therapy and intensity‐modulated radiation therapy with gold marker implantation for intermediate‐risk and high‐risk prostate cancer
Authors: Kobayashi Masayuki , Hatano Kazuo , Fukasawa Satoshi , Komaru Atsushi , Namekawa Takeshi , Imagumbai Toshiyuki , Araki Hitoshi , Hara Ryusuke , Ichikawa Tomohiko , Ueda Takeshi
Published: February 2015

Objectives

To investigate the therapeutic outcomes of neoadjuvant and concurrent androgen‐deprivation therapy and intensity‐modulated radiation therapy with gold marker implantation for intermediate‐ and high‐risk prostate cancer.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of 325 patients with intermediate‐ or high‐risk prostate cancer according to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines who underwent androgen‐deprivation therapy and intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (76 Gy) after gold marker implantation between 2001 and 2010.

Results

The 5‐year distant metastasis‐free survival rate was significantly lower for very high‐risk patients than for intermediate‐ and high‐risk patients (82.6% vs 99.4% and 96.5%, respectively; P  <  0.01). The 5‐year biochemical relapse‐free survival rates significantly declined with increasing prostate cancer risk (P  <  0.01), and were 95.9%, 87.2%, and 73.1% for the intermediate‐risk, high‐risk and very high‐risk patients, respectively. Acute genitourinary and gastrointestinal toxicity grade ≥3 were not observed in any of the patients. Late grade 3 genitourinary toxicity occurred in 0.3% of patients.

Conclusion

Combination androgen‐deprivation therapy and 76‐Gy intensity‐modulated radiation therapy with gold marker implantation offers good therapeutic outcomes with few serious complications in patients with intermediate‐ and high‐risk prostate cancer.
Improved emergency myelopoiesis and survival in neonatal sepsis by caspase‐1/11 ablation
Authors: Gentile Lori F. , Cuenca Angela L. , Cuenca Alex G. , Nacionales Dina C. , Ungaro Ricardo , Efron Philip A. , Moldawer Lyle L. , Larson Shawn D.
Published: February 2015

Over one million newborns die annually from sepsis with the highest mortality in premature and low‐birthweight infants. The inflammasome plays a central role in the regulation of innate immunity and inflammation, and is presumed to be involved in protective immunity, in large part through the caspase‐1‐dependent activation of interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) and IL‐18. Studies in endotoxic shock, however, suggest that endogenous caspase‐1 activity and the inflammasome contribute to mortality primarily by promoting excessive systemic inflammatory responses. We examined whether caspase‐1 and the inflammasome also regulate neonatal inflammation, host protective immunity and myelopoiesis during polymicrobial sepsis. Neonatal (5–7 days) C57BL/6 and caspase‐1/11−/− mice underwent a low‐lethality caecal slurry model of intra‐abdominal sepsis (LD25–45). Ablation of caspase‐1/11, but not apoptosis‐associated speck‐like protein containing a CARD domain or nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain‐like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), improved neonatal survival following septic challenge compared with wild‐type mice (P < 0·001), with decreased concentrations of inflammatory cytokines in the serum and peritoneum. Surprisingly, caspase‐1/11−/− neonates also exhibited increased bone marrow and splenic haematopoietic stem cell expansion (P < 0·001), and increased concentrations of granulocyte and macrophage colony‐stimulating factors in the peritoneum (P < 0·001) after sepsis. Ablation of caspase‐1/11 signalling was also associated with increased recruitment of peritoneal macrophages and neutrophils (P < 0·001), increased phagocytosis by neutrophils (P = 0·003), and decreased bacterial colonization (P = 0·02) in the peritoneum. These findings suggest that endogenous caspase‐1/11 activity, independent of the NLRP3 inflammasome, not only promotes the magnitude of the inflammatory response, but also suppresses protective immunity in the neonate, so contributing to innate immune dysfunction and poor survival in neonatal sepsis.
Plasmacytoid dendritic cell and functional HIV Gag p55‐specific T cells before treatment interruption can inform set‐point plasma HIV viral load after treatment interruption in chronically suppressed HIV‐1+ patients
Authors: Papasavvas Emmanouil , Foulkes Andrea , Yin Xiangfan , Joseph Jocelin , Ross Brian , Azzoni Livio , Kostman Jay R. , Mounzer Karam , Shull Jane , Montaner Luis J.
Published: February 2015

The identification of immune correlates of HIV control is important for the design of immunotherapies that could support cure or antiretroviral therapy (ART) intensification‐related strategies. ART interruptions may facilitate this task through exposure of an ART partially reconstituted immune system to endogenous virus. We investigated the relationship between set‐point plasma HIV viral load (VL) during an ART interruption and innate/adaptive parameters before or after interruption. Dendritic cell (DC), natural killer (NK) cell and HIV Gag p55‐specific T‐cell functional responses were measured in paired cryopreserved peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained at the beginning (on ART) and at set‐point of an open‐ended interruption from 31 ART‐suppressed chronically HIV‐1+ patients. Spearman correlation and linear regression modeling were used. Frequencies of plasmacytoid DC (pDC), and HIV Gag p55‐specific CD3+ CD4− perforin+ IFN‐γ+ cells at the beginning of interruption associated negatively with set‐point plasma VL. Inclusion of both variables with interaction into a model resulted in the best fit (adjusted R2 = 0·6874). Frequencies of pDC or HIV Gag p55‐specific CD3+ CD4− CSFElo CD107a+ cells at set‐point associated negatively with set‐point plasma VL. The dual contribution of pDC and anti‐HIV T‐cell responses to viral control, supported by our models, suggests that these variables may serve as immune correlates of viral control and could be integrated in cure or ART‐intensification strategies.