bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Portfolio constituency rules and the value premium in the small-cap space
Authors: Scislaw Kenneth E. , McMillan David G
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– Market-based value style equity portfolios do not systematically outperform market-based growth style equity portfolios, despite considerable academic research that suggests that they should. This is an unresolved puzzle in the long lineage of work on this topic. The purpose of this paper is to question whether portfolio constituency rules employed by active growth and value equity investment managers might explain this puzzle.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors use the traditional research design and methodology of Fama and French (1993) to ensure comparability of results to prior research. Further, the authors adapt the return decomposition method of Keim (1999) to specifically answer the question in the research.

Findings

– The authors find that restrictive constituency rules that omit the smallest, most illiquid stocks improve the performance of both value and growth stock portfolios. However, the authors find the impact of constituency rule restrictions on portfolio returns to be asymmetric with respect to value and growth in the small-cap investment space. Growth portfolios benefit from these changes more than value portfolios. Consistent with prior research, the authors find that value and growth style portfolios constructed from more liquid equities to be void of a statistically significant value-minus-growth return premium. The authors suggest these results might go a long way in explaining why market-based growth fund returns generally equal those of their value fund counterparts over time.

Originality/value

– The research question central to the research, the value equity premium, has been investigated by researchers around the world over the last 20 years. The 20 year lineage of global published research on the value equity premium does, however, contain several unresolved questions. The paper specifically asks why the premium, long observed in global equity market returns, does not appear in market-based passive or active equity portfolios. This puzzle exists at the heart of the origins of the return premium itself and has serious implications for investment practitioners. If the matter cannot be reconciled, then market participants might rightly view the entire 20 year lineage of published research as irrelevant. The paper is one of few that has now extended the long lineage of research to its application in real markets.
A comparative analysis of printing techniques by using an active concentric ring electrode for bioelectrical recording
Authors: Garcia-Breijo Eduardo , Prats-Boluda Gema , Lidon-Roger Jose Vicente , Ye-Lin Yiyao , Garcia-Casado Javier
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to present a comparison between three types of manufacturing techniques, namely, screen-printed, inkjet and gravure, using different types of inks, for the implementation of concentric ring electrodes which permit estimation of Laplacian potential on the body surface.

Design/methodology/approach

– Flexible concentric ring electrodes not only present lower skin–electrode contact impedance and lower baseline wander than rigid electrodes but are also less sensitive to interference and motion artefacts. The above three techniques allow printing of conductive inks on flexible substrates, and with this work, the authors aim to study which is the best technique and ink to obtain the best electrode response.

Findings

– From the results obtained regarding ink thickness, resistivity, electrode resistance and other performance parameters derived from electrocardiographic signal recording tests, it can be said that concentric electrodes using the screen-printing and inkjet techniques are suitable for non-invasive bioelectric signal acquisition.

Originality/value

– The development of new types of inks and substrates for the electronics industry and the adaptation of new manufacturing techniques allow for an improvement in the development of electrodes and sensors.
Controllable assembly and properties of ZnO nanowires
Authors: Zhao Bo , Wang Nan , Jiang Guohua
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to arrange zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowires into an appropriate position on electrodes and to research the properties of ZnO nanowires.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this paper, dielectrophoresis (DEP) was used to fabricate ZnO nanowire devices, and the responses to temperature, ultraviolet (UV) light and breath of the device were studied.

Findings

– The number of the bridged nanowires is increased with alternating current voltage. ZnO nanowires demonstrate a good photoconductivity illuminated by 365-nm UV light, and show a stable performance in monitoring unnatural breath of high frequency and low strength.

Originality/value

– In this paper, DEP is a promising method for controllable assembly of ZnO nanowires. ZnO nanowires demonstrate a good response to 365-nm UV light and exhaled breath, which show great potential application in UV detector and medical monitor.
3D system-in-package design using stacked silicon submount technology
Authors: Dong Mingzhi , Santagata Fabio , Sokolovskij Robert , Wei Jia , Yuan Cadmus , Zhang Guoqi
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– This study aims to provide a flexible and cost-effective solution of 3D heterogeneous integration for applications such as micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) applications and smart sensor systems.

Design/methodology/approach

– A novel 3D system-in-package (SiP) based on stacked silicon submount technology was successfully developed and well-demonstrated by the fabrication and assembly process of a selected smart lighting module.

Findings

– The stacked module consists of multiple layers of silicon submounts which can be designed and fabricated in parallel. The bonding and interconnecting process is quite simple and does not require complicated equipment. The 3D stacking design offers higher silicon efficiency and miniaturized package form factor. The submount wafer can be assembled and tested at the wafer level, thus reducing the cost and improving the yield.

Research limitations/implications

– The embedding design presented in this paper is applicable for modules with limited number of passives. When it comes to cases with more passive devices, new process needs to be developed to achieve fast, inexpensive and reliable assembly.

Originality/value

– The presented 3D SiP design is novel for applications such as smart lighting, Internet of Things, MEMS systems, etc.
Factors affecting the diffusion of integrated reporting – a UK FTSE 100 perspective
Authors: Robertson Fiona Ann , Samy Martin
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– This study seeks to investigate the likely adoption of integrated reporting (IR), in addition to highlighting the limitations of current reporting practices. In particular, the analysis in this study used the characteristics of diffusion of innovation theory to investigate how perceptions of IR as offering a relative advantage over existing practices; its compatibility to existing organisational values, past experiences and needs; and its perceived complexity impacted on the adoption and diffusion of IR.

Design/methodology/approach

– Methodology was based on a content analysis of 22 UK FTSE 100 annual and sustainability reports across industries. To build a phenomenological triangulation research approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten senior managers to ascertain their perceptions of current SR practices and IR.

Findings

– The analysis in this study revealed that low/medium levels of linkages exist between the majority of reports in the sample, thus limiting their usefulness. Based on these findings, this study suggests that senior managers perceive IR as having a relative advantage over existing practice. Overall, the senior managers interviewed were supportive of IR and this research revealed that many companies are starting to integrate their reporting along IR guidelines. This study further identifies factors that are likely to impact on more widespread diffusion of IR.

Research limitations/implications

– The sample size to assess linkages between reports was based on a sample of company reports across industries to give a balanced view of reporting practices. This could be viewed as a limitation as it was not a representative sample of the population as a whole. Another limitation of this research study was the small sample of organisations that participated in the interview process, and the single country focus.

Practical implications

– This study has identified several factors that were likely to impact on wider spread diffusion of IR, which should be of interest to practitioners in this field as well as those considering the adoption of IR.

Originality/value

– As an emerging phenomenon, there are few empirical studies exploring IR practices and perceptions. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first paper that provides some insights into IR from a UK perspective.
Broadening out and opening up: an agonistic attitude toward progressive social accounting
Authors: Dillard Jesse , Brown Judy
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to review the current research program in agonistic dialogic accounting and to reflect on future possibilities for broadening out and opening up accounting and accountability systems, especially as they relate to social and environmental accounting (SEA).

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors describe an ethic of accountability as a context for dialogue and debate intended to broaden out and open up new imaginings of accounting for democracy. The authors review the accounting literature addressing dialogic accounting and agonistics as the precursor of what has evolved into agonistic dialogic accounting. The authors discuss their work to date on agonistic pluralism and engagement, recognizing the necessity of linking the normative framework to an effective political program. The authors review prior studies applying science and technology studies that have addressed these issues.

Findings

– The authors consider how the application of agonistic ideas might facilitate the development of multiple accountings that take pluralism seriously by addressing constituencies and perspectives often marginalized in both SEA and mainstream accounting. An ethic of accountability and science and technology studies are useful for stimulating dialogue and debate regarding democratic and civil society institutions as they relate to economic entities, especially corporations.

Practical implications

– Agonistic dialogic accounting in conjunction with other disciplines such as science and technology studies can be used in formulating, implementing and evaluating policy for advancing a progressive social agenda.

Originality/value

– A reflective view of the current work in agonistic dialogic accounting highlights considerations for further research regarding the possible interdisciplinary work particularly with science and technology studies in broadening out and opening up accounting and accountability systems as facilitators of progressive social agenda.
Successful adalimumab treatment of a psoriasis vulgaris patient with hemodialysis for renal failure: A case report and a review of the previous reports on biologic treatments for psoriasis patients with hemodialysis for renal failure
Authors: Kusakari Yoshiyuki , Yamasaki Kenshi , Takahashi Toshiya , Tsuchiyama Kenichiro , Shimada‐Omori Ryoko , Nasu‐Tamabuchi Mei , Aiba Setsuya
Published: April 2015

The efficacy and safety of biologic treatments have been established in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis, but there are few reports on biologic therapy for patients with psoriasis complicated by end‐stage renal failure on hemodialysis (HD). In this report, we demonstrated the efficacy and safety of adalimumab for patients with severe psoriasis on HD. A 46‐year‐old Japanese man with a 14‐year history of psoriasis was referred to our clinic in September 2009. He had developed hypertension and renal failure during a 7‐year history of cyclosporin treatment. With the infliximab treatment, he achieved 75% improvement of the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score within 3 months from the PASI of 42.3 before the treatment. However, his renal failure gradually deteriorated, and HD was initiated at 1 year after the introduction of infliximab. Because of hydration during the i.v. injection of infliximab, he developed pulmonary edema with every infliximab treatment after starting HD. We switched to ustekinumab treatment, but his psoriasis was not improved. Then, we switched to adalimumab and achieved a PASI‐100 response within 2 months. The patient received adalimumab treatment for more than a year without any adverse effects. In addition to our case, five articles reported cases of psoriasis patients with renal failure on HD who were treated with biologics. The psoriatic lesions were improved by biologics in these cases, and no severe adverse effects on the renal function were reported. Thus, biologics are a reasonable treatment option for patients with severe psoriasis with renal failure on HD.
Betapapillomavirus in multiple non‐melanoma skin cancers of Netherton syndrome: Case report and published work review
Authors: Guerra Liliana , Fortugno Paola , Sinistro Anna , Proto Vittoria , Zambruno Giovanna , Didona Biagio , Castiglia Daniele
Published: April 2015

Netherton syndrome (NS) is a rare genetic disease presenting with ichthyosiform erythroderma, hair alterations and atopy. NS is due to SPINK5 gene mutations, which cause absent or decreased expression of the encoded protein lymphoepithelial Kazal‐type‐related inhibitor (LEKTI) in all stratified epithelia. We report a 43‐year‐old man affected with NS, who developed several squamous and basal cell carcinomas on the face, ears and scalp and papillomatous lesions of hips, groin and genitoanal area. Molecular analysis of the SPINK5 gene revealed homozygosity for the recurrent mutation c.238dupG. Human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA detection and genotyping on patient skin carcinomas and hyperplastic lesions found betapapillomavirus DNA in 10 of 12 (83%) carcinomas and in a hip papilloma, with multiple betapapillomavirus types being identified. Immunohistochemistry showed upregulated expression of p16INK4a protein in nine of 12 (75%) patient carcinomas, in line with findings reported in HPV‐related cancers. LEKTI and filaggrin immunostaining was strongly decreased in patient skin. A published work search for NS cases with skin cancers and HPV infection identified 15 NS patients, five of them showing mucosal or cutaneous HPV infection. Overall, our results confirm the increased susceptibility to skin carcinomas of some NS patients and provide further evidence of an association between HPV and non‐melanoma skin cancers in NS. The highly impaired skin barrier function, hallmark of NS, could facilitate HPV infection, in turn increasing the risk for cancer development.
Engaging Diaspora via Charm Offensive and Indigenised Communication: An Analysis of China's Diaspora Engagement Policies in the Xi Era
Authors: Ding Sheng
Published: April 2015

As China's national image is haunted by its poor human rights records and increasingly assertive foreign policies, the Chinese diaspora has become an important platform for the country's public diplomacy. Since Xi Jinping came to power, the Chinese government has made great efforts to launch soft power campaigns in order to better engage the 50 million overseas Chinese and communicate China's ideas to the outside world. The Xi administration's diaspora engagement policies focus on: (1) indigenising international communication to improve China's national image; (2) jump-starting immigration reform to win the minds and hearts of overseas Chinese; and (3) strengthening education exchanges to shape the diasporic identity of overseas Chinese. Through historical comparisons and policy analyses, this article argues that China's current diaspora engagement policies are based on the Chinese leaders' new vision of public diplomacy, which is approached with soft power strategy. However, due to the limits of Chinese soft power – particularly the lack of political reform and rule of law – the Chinese government will face an uphill battle to attain its long-lasting appeal of soft power and implement its diaspora engagement policies effectively.
Determinants of Geographical Representation on Candidate Lists in Flexible-List Systems: Lessons from the Belgian Case
Authors: Put Gert-Jan
Published: April 2015

Based on a dataset of candidates from 488 party lists for Belgian lower house elections in the period 1987–2010, this contribution analyses the effects of electoral system-related and party-related determinants on the level of geographical representation on party lists. The results show that decentralised candidate selection methods lead to higher levels of geographical representation on the list in its entirety. With regard to realistic slots, it is found that the percentage of female candidates is negatively associated with geographical representation. Additionally, in districts where the largest city is dominant in terms of population size, it is more difficult for selectorates to realise geographical balance.
Enhancement of Crystallization Processes by Power Ultrasound: Current State‐of‐the‐Art and Research Advances
Authors: Zhang Zi , Sun Da‐Wen , Zhu Zhiwei , Cheng Lina
Published: April 2015

Power ultrasound‐assisted crystallization, which is also called sonocrystallization, is a novel and effective method for enhancing crystallization processes compared to conventional processes. In both supercooled and supersaturated crystallization, power ultrasound can accelerate the nucleation rate and better control the formation and growth of crystals. Due to its high efficiency, power ultrasound has been applied in many fields. In this review, studies published in recent years on effects of power ultrasound in both supercooled and supersaturated crystallization processes are discussed, with focus on the widely accepted crystallization mechanism and modeling. The applications of power ultrasound in liquid ice crystallization, ice cream manufacture, fruit and vegetable preservation and sugar and food supersaturated crystallization are summarized, and challenges and trends for further development of the technology are presented.
Influences of Operating Parameters on the Formation of Furan During Heating Based on Models of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids
Authors: Shen Mingyue , Liu Qian , Jiang Yujie , Nie Shaoping , Zhang Yanan , Xie Jianhua , Wang Sunan , Zhu Fan , Xie Mingyong
Published: April 2015

Furan, a possible carcinogen, is commonly produced by thermal processing in a number of heated foods. The existence of furan levels in foods has attracted considerable attention worldwide. Recent research of furan in food has focused on the possible influences of operating parameters on the furan formation during heat processing. The aim of our study was to investigate the impacts of multiple factors (pH, temperature, heating time, ferric, and glutamic acid) on furan formation using linolenic and linoleic acids‐based model systems in which furan was analyzed by headspace gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS‐GC–MS). The results revealed that the content of furan increased rapidly when the heating temperature was elevated, with the highest levels of furan in neutral buffer solutions, the furan levels were also found to be related to heating time in all model systems. Ferric promoted furan formation from polyunsaturated fatty acids, conversely glutamic acid with an optimum concentration suppressed the furan formation. The minimal level of furan in foods during thermal treatment could be achieved via adding furan formation suppressors, and/or avoidance of furan forming promoter.
Navy Bean Flour Particle Size and Protein Content Affect Cake Baking and Batter Quality1
Authors: Singh Mukti , Byars Jeffrey A. , Liu Sean X.
Published: April 2015

Whole navy bean flour and its fine and coarse particle size fractions were used to completely replace wheat flour in cakes. Replacement of wheat flour with whole bean flour significantly increased the protein content. The protein content was adjusted to 3 levels with navy bean starch. The effect of navy bean flour and its fractions at 3 levels of protein on cake batter rheology and cake quality was studied and compared with wheat flour samples. Batters prepared from navy bean flour and its fractions had higher viscosity than the cake flour. Reducing the protein content by addition of starch significantly lowered the viscosity of cake batters. The whole navy bean flour and coarse bean fraction cakes were softer than cakes made with wheat flour but had reduced springiness. Principal component analysis showed a clear discrimination of cakes according to protein. It also showed that low protein navy bean flour cakes were similar to wheat flour cakes. Navy bean flour with protein content adjusted to the level of cake (wheat) flour has potential as a healthy alternative in gluten‐free cakes.
Rapid Detection of Melamine in Milk Using Immunological Separation and Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Li Xiyuan , Feng Shaolong , Hu Yaxi , Sheng Wei , Zhang Yan , Yuan Shifang , Zeng Haishan , Wang Shuo , Lu Xiaonan
Published: April 2015

We integrated immunological separation and surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) to detect melamine in milk. Antimelamine was produced by New Zealand white rabbits following the injection with melamine hapten‐ovalbumin immunogen. Melamine was separated from milk by binding to the converted protein G‐antimelamine complex. After releasing antimelamine and melamine from the complex, the eluents were deposited directly onto the silver dendrite SERS‐active substrate for spectral collection. Multivariate statistical analysis including unsupervised principal component analysis and supervised soft independent modeling of class analogy validated the feasibility of applying this method to detect trace levels of melamine in milk. The limit of detection can be as low as 0.79×10–3 mmol/L. The overall analysis can be completed in 20 min, thus, it is a high‐throughput technique to screen for melamine in milk samples.
Combined Application of Antibrowning, Heat Treatment and Modified‐Atmosphere Packaging to Extend the Shelf Life of Fresh‐Cut Lotus Root
Authors: Son Jihye , Hyun Jeong‐Eun , Lee Jo‐Won , Lee Sun‐Young , Moon BoKyung
Published: April 2015

This work aimed to determine the effects of different concentrations of antibrowning treatments (that is, distilled water [DW], 1% ascorbic acid [AA], 0.5% chamomile [CM], and 1% AA + 0.5% CM) and heat‐treatment (55 °C for 45 s) combined with packaging under 4 different modified‐atmosphere gas compositions (that is, air, vacuum, 100% CO2, 50% CO2/50% N2) on the quality and microbiological characteristics of fresh‐cut lotus root. The quality characteristics (that is, color, weight loss, texture, pH, polyphenoloxidase activity, and total phenolic content) of the AA + CM‐dipped sample in 100% CO2 packaging were maintained significantly better than those of the other samples (P < 0.05). The microbiological counts observed in the DW‐dipped sample during storage were higher than those of the AA, CM, and AA + CM samples, and heat‐treatment retarded the microbiological deterioration of fresh‐cut lotus root. Therefore, the results revealed that dipping in an antibrowning treatment (AA + CM), and 100% CO2 MAP with heat treatment effectively extend the shelf life of fresh‐cut lotus root to 21 d at 5 °C.
Endoscopic prediction of tumor margin and invasive depth in early gastric cancer
Authors: Zhou Ying , Li Xiao Bo
Published: April 2015

Gastric cancer (GC) is the fifth most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer‐related deaths in the world. The prognosis of GC is clearly associated with the tumor stage, with a 5‐year overall survival rate for early gastric cancer (EGC) exceeding 90%, which is significantly higher than that of advanced gastric cancer. Endoscopic resection, including endoscopic mucosal resection and endoscopic submucosal dissection, has been adopted in recent decades as the first treatment option of EGC in many countries for its minimal invasion and high curative rate. However, the horizontal and vertical margins are related to the curative resection of EGC and the prognosis of patients. Thus the accurate prediction of the tumor boundary and its invasive depth before treatment counts for much in planning the most appropriate treatment strategy and promising curative resection. To date, various endoscopic techniques have been identified to play a role in pretreatment evaluation, such as white light endoscopy, chromoendoscopy, narrow band imaging and endoscopic ultrasonography. This article aimed to summarize the diagnostic methods, applications and limitations of these different endoscopic techniques for identifying tumor horizontal and vertical margins in EGC, helping to increase preoperative evaluation of capabilities and to improve the curative resection rate of EGC.
Quantifying wildlife‐watching ecotourism intensity on an endangered marine vertebrate
Authors: Schofield G. , Scott R. , Katselidis K. A. , Mazaris A. D. , Hays G. C.
Published: April 2015

Here, we show how seasonal changes in animal density drive strategic shifts in the activities of wildlife‐watching operators. These shifts result in high viewing intensity when animal densities are low, highlighting the need for modifications to existing wildlife‐watching guidelines. We used the endangered loggerhead sea turtle Caretta caretta as a model species that exhibits staggered departure from an important breeding area (Zakynthos, Greece, Mediterranean) over a 2‐month period (July to August) when tourism is at a peak, to investigate changes in wildlife‐watching strategies, zoning effectiveness and voluntary guideline compliance over time. We used a combination of direct land‐based observations, global positioning system tracking (of wildlife‐watching vessels and turtles) and models. The modelled number of turtles present in the breeding area decreased from > 200 in July to < 50 in August, while the intensity of turtle‐viewing increased from a mean 1.5 to 6.1 wildlife‐watching vessels per turtle‐viewing event (i.e. concurrent and consecutive vessels observing a single turtle) over the same period, respectively. During this period, the wildlife‐watching strategy changed and compliance to guidelines reduced (exacerbated by recreational vessels). However, wildlife‐watching activity was limited to a highly restricted 0.95‐km2 nearshore area, overlapping with just 9.5% of the core habitat area used by turtles. Our results have broad implications (whale watching etc.) by showing the importance of taking the number of animals available for viewing into consideration when assessing wildlife‐watching activity and when designing viewing guidelines, particularly for populations where numbers noticeably fluctuate.
Current knowledge of the subfamily Anacharitinae (Hymenoptera: Figitidae) in the Australasian region
Authors: Mata‐Casanova Noel , Selfa Jesús , Pujade‐Villar Juli
Published: April 2015

A revision of the Anacharitinae material from Australia and New Zealand deposited in the Natural History Museum of London and material from Papua New Guinea deposited in the Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle of Paris was conducted. The ranges of the previously known described Anacharis zealandica Ashmead and Xyalaspis victoriensis New are expanded. A new Australasian species of Anacharis Dalman, Anacharis tasmaniae sp. nov., is described, and the genus Aegilips Haliday is cited for the first time in the region, with the description of Aegilips papuensis sp. nov. The biology and distribution patterns of Australasian anacharitines are discussed.
Stronger T‐Cell Alloreactivity and Diminished Suppressive Capacity of Peripheral Regulatory T Cells in Infertile Women Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization
Authors: Lashley Lisa E.E.L.O. , van der Keur Carin , van Beelen Els , Schaap Rowena , van der Westerlaken Lucette A.J. , Scherjon Sicco A. , Claas Frans H.J.
Published: April 2015

Problem

Increasing evidence suggests modulation of the maternal immune response to be essential for successful pregnancy. We studied the immunophenotypic profile and function of peripheral blood T lymphocytes in infertile women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) and fertile control population.

Method

We collected peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from infertile patients with recurrent implantation failure (RIF), infertile patients with successful IVF (IVFs), and normal fertile women. Cells were phenotypically analyzed, and the proliferative response and cytokine production were studied in mixed lymphocyte cultures (MLC), using lymphocytes of the own partner, or a third‐party male as stimulators cells. To examine the suppressive capacity of regulatory regulatory T cells (Tregs), we performed MLC studies with a CD45+ fraction depleted for CD4+CD25bright T cells.

Results

No significant differences in proportions of subsets of circulating T lymphocytes were observed. The proliferative allo‐immune response of PBMC of IVF women (RIF and IVFs) was significantly higher, with higher production of T‐helper cells (Th1) and Th2 cytokines, compared to the fertile women. This difference in proliferation and cytokine production was associated with a diminished suppressive capacity of Tregs in these women.

Conclusion

The higher allo‐immune response of the IVF women compared to fertile women might be the result of a diminished suppressive capacity of Tregs and emphasizes the important role of Tregs during conception.
Expression of CCL22 and Infiltration by Regulatory T Cells are Increased in the Decidua of Human Miscarriage Placentas
Authors: Freier Christoph P. , Kuhn Christina , Rapp Moritz , Endres Stefan , Mayr Doris , Friese Klaus , Anz David , Jeschke Udo
Published: April 2015

Problem

Regulatory T cells (Treg) are a T‐cell subpopulation with suppressive capacities, specifically attracted by CCL22. We aimed to investigate whether CCL22 is expressed in human placentas and whether its presence, together with Treg infiltration, is associated with miscarriage conditions.

Method of study

Paraffin samples were stained for CCL22 and for the Treg‐specific transcription factor FoxP3. Expression levels were evaluated in a semi‐quantitative manner. Double immunofluorescence was used for the identification of CCL22‐producing cells.

Results

In all placentas, trophoblasts expressed CCL22. Interestingly, expression in the decidua was only observed in miscarriage conditions. Maternal stromal cells expressed CCL22. Correlation with a higher presence of Treg in the decidua of abortive tissues was observed.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that CCL22 is expressed in human placenta. Decidual expression was only observed in miscarriage conditions and correlates with Treg infiltration. Thus, CCL22 plays a role in human pregnancy and may occur as a negative feedback response to pro‐inflammatory events during miscarriage conditions.
Supervisor volume affects oncological outcomes of trainees performing open radical prostatectomy
Authors: O'Kane Dermot , Papa Nathan , Lawrentschuk Nathan , Syme Rodney , Giles Graham , Bolton Damien
Published: April 2015

Background

The relationship between biochemical failure (BF) rate and surgeon experience following open radical prostatectomy (ORP) has been well established, but BF when ORP is performed by urology trainees who are supervised by urologists of differing volume has not. We aimed to compare the oncological outcomes from ORP when a urology trainee as primary operator and is supervised by a high‐ or low‐volume consultant urologist.

Methods

Using a centralized whole of population dataset, created through the Victorian Radical Prostatectomy Registry, patients were classified as either those where a consultant was the primary operator, a urology trainee was the primary operator and supervised by a high‐volume consultant or those where a urology trainee was supervised by a low‐volume consultant. BF‐ and prostate cancer (PCa)‐specific mortality was compared between these latter two groups and the consultant‐only group.

Results

We found BF‐ and PCa‐specific mortality rate to be poorer when ORP was performed by a urology trainee supervised by a low‐volume consultant compared with consultant‐led surgery (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.33, P = 0.022; subhazard ratio (SHR) = 2.31, P = 0.010, respectively). When a urology trainee, as primary operator, was supervised by a high‐volume consultant, there was no statistical difference in BF‐ or PCa‐specific mortality rate following ORP compared with consultant‐led surgery (HR = 1.19, P = 0.234; SHR = 1.53, P = 0.346, respectively). There was a trend evident with decreasing supervisor volume leading to worse oncological and mortality outcomes for trainee‐led cases.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the value of high‐volume and fellowship‐trained urologists in performing and teaching ORP. As outcomes are increasingly scrutinized with audits, the best strategy for clinicians to maintain standards and optimal patient outcomes is to understand these elements and direct trainees to appropriate centres for training and fellowships.
Emergency neurosurgery in Darwin: still the generalist surgeons' responsibility
Authors: Luck Tara , Treacy Peter John , Mathieson Matthew , Sandilands Jessica , Weidlich Stephanie , Read David
Published: April 2015

Background

Royal Darwin Hospital (RDH) is the only major hospital for the ‘Top End’ of Northern Territory and Western Australia. As retrieval distances exceed 2600 km, resident generalist surgeons undertake all emergency neurosurgery.

Methods

Retrospective clinical study from RDH records and review of prospectively collected datasets from RDH Intensive Care Unit and National Critical Care Trauma Response Centre for all emergency neurosurgery patients between 2008 and 2013.

Results

Data were obtained from 161 patients with 167 admissions (73% male, 39% indigenous) who underwent 195 procedures (33 per year), including burr hole, craniotomy, cerebral and posterior fossa craniectomy, elevation fracture and ventricular drain. Trauma accounted for 68%, with alcohol as a known factor in 57%. Subdural haematoma (SDH) accounted for 53%. Severity of head injury at presentation correlated with outcome (R2 = 0.12, P < 0.001). Factors associated with death included injury at remote location (P = 0.022), time injury to operation >24 h (P = 0.023) and specific diagnoses of acute SDH (P = 0.006), acute‐on‐chronic SDH (P = 0.053) and infection (P = 0.052). Indigenous patients were younger (40 versus 55 years, P < 0.001) and more likely to have alcohol as a factor in trauma cases (71% versus 49%, P = 0.027). Time from injury to hospital was high for accidents at a remote location (12.9 versus 1.3 h, P < 0.001); however, Glasgow Outcome Scales (P = 0.13) were no different to accident at metropolitan Darwin.

Conclusion

General surgeons at RDH perform a wide range of emergency neurosurgical procedures primarily for trauma. Factors contributing to poor outcomes included remote location of trauma and delay in reaching the hospital. Outcomes at 3 months appear acceptable.
Imprinting, latchment and displacement: a mini review of early instinctual behaviour in newborn infants influencing breastfeeding success
Authors: Mobbs Elsie J. , Mobbs George A. , Mobbs Anthony E. D.
Published: April 2015

Instinctive behaviours have evolved favouring the mother–infant dyad based on fundamental processes of neurological development, including oral tactile imprinting and latchment. Latchment is the first stage of emotional development based on the successful achievement of biological imprinting. The mechanisms underpinning imprinting are identified and the evolutionary benefits discussed.

Conclusion

It is proposed that the oral tactile imprint to the breast is a keystone for optimal latchment and breastfeeding, promoting evolutionary success.
Effect of carboxylesterase 1 c.428G > A single nucleotide variation on the pharmacokinetics of quinapril and enalapril
Authors: Tarkiainen E. Katriina , Tornio Aleksi , Holmberg Mikko T. , Launiainen Terhi , Neuvonen Pertti J. , Backman Janne T. , Niemi Mikko
Published: April 2015

Aim

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of the carboxylesterase 1 (CES1) c.428G > A (p.G143E, rs71647871) single nucleotide variation (SNV) on the pharmacokinetics of quinapril and enalapril in a prospective genotype panel study in healthy volunteers.

Methods

In a fixed‐order crossover study, 10 healthy volunteers with the CES1 c.428G/A genotype and 12 with the c.428G/G genotype ingested a single 10 mg dose of quinapril and enalapril with a washout period of at least 1 week. Plasma concentrations of quinapril and quinaprilat were measured for up to 24 h and those of enalapril and enalaprilat for up to 48 h. Their excretion into the urine was measured from 0 h to 12 h.

Results

The area under the plasma concentration–time curve from 0 h to infinity (AUC0–∞) of active enalaprilat was 20% lower in subjects with the CES1 c.428G/A genotype than in those with the c.428G/G genotype (95% confidence interval of geometric mean ratio 0.64, 1.00; P = 0.049). The amount of enalaprilat excreted into the urine was 35% smaller in subjects with the CES1 c.428G/A genotype than in those with the c.428G/G genotype (P = 0.044). The CES1 genotype had no significant effect on the enalaprilat to enalapril AUC0–∞ ratio or on any other pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic parameters of enalapril or enalaprilat. The CES1 genotype had no significant effect on the pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic parameters of quinapril.

Conclusions

The CES1 c.428G > A SNV decreased enalaprilat concentrations, probably by reducing the hydrolysis of enalapril, but had no observable effect on the pharmacokinetics of quinapril.
Measuring anticholinergic drug exposure in older community‐dwelling Australian men: a comparison of four different measures
Authors: Pont Lisa G. , Nielen Johannes T. H. , McLachlan Andrew J. , Gnjidic Danijela , Chan Lewis , Cumming Robert G. , Taxis Katja
Published: April 2015

Aims

Anticholinergic drug exposure is associated with adverse outcomes in older people. While a number of tools have been developed to measure anticholinergic drug exposure, there is limited information about the agreement and overlap between the various scales. The aim of this study was to investigate the agreement and overlap between different measures of anticholinergic drug exposure in a cohort of community‐dwelling older men.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was used to compare anticholinergic drug exposure calculated using the Anticholinergic Risk Scale (ARS), the Anticholinergic Drug Scale (ADS), the Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden (ACB) and the Drug Burden Index anticholinergic subscale (DBI‐ACH) in a cohort of community‐dwelling men aged 70 years and older (n = 1696). Statistical agreement, expressed as Cohen's kappa (κ), between these measurements was calculated.

Results

Differences were found between the tools regarding the classification of anticholinergic drug exposure for individual participants. Thirteen percent of the population used a drug listed as anticholinergic on the ARS, 39% used a drug listed on the ADS and the ACB, and 18% of the population used one or more anticholinergic drugs listed on the DBI‐ACH. While agreement was good between the ACB and ADS (κ = 0.628, 95% CI 0.593, 0.664), little agreement was found between remaining tools (κ = 0.091–0.264).

Conclusions

With the exception of the ACB and ADS, there was poor agreement regarding anticholinergic drug exposure among the four tools compared in this study. Great care should be taken when interpreting anticholinergic drug exposure using existing scales due to the wide variability between the different scales.
Clobazam: A Safe, Efficacious, and Newly Rediscovered Therapeutic for Epilepsy
Authors: Gauthier Angela C. , Mattson Richard H.
Published: April 2015

Clobazam is an oral 1,5‐benzodiazepine used worldwide for the treatment of many types of epilepsies, although it is currently only approved for Lennox–Gastaut syndrome in the USA. This anticonvulsant and anxiolytic therapeutic has repeatedly demonstrated great efficacy and a high safety profile in refractory epilepsy as well as in a few monotherapy trials in both children and adults. Clobazam allosterically activates the GABAA receptor, and it binds less to subunits that mediate sedative effects than other benzodiazepines. It acts quickly, maintaining a therapeutic effect for a long duration due to its active metabolite, N‐desmethylclobazam. Dosage is between 5 mg and 40 mg a day, depending on patient weight, efficacy, and tolerability. Efficacy tolerance has not been a problem in the best studies. Clobazam has provided many benefits to epileptic patients. It should be used by clinicians early as an adjuvant therapy in the treatment of refractory epilepsy and even considered as monotherapy in a broad spectrum of epilepsy syndromes.
Young Children's Help‐Seeking as Active Information Gathering
Authors: Vredenburgh Christopher , Kushnir Tamar
Published: April 2015

Young children's social learning is a topic of great interest. Here, we examined preschoolers’ (M = 52.44 months,SD = 9.7 months) help‐seeking as a social information gathering activity that may optimize and support children's opportunities for learning. In a toy assembly task, we assessed each child's competency at assembling toys and the difficulty of each step of the task. We hypothesized that children's help‐seeking would be a function of both initial competency and task difficulty. The results confirmed this prediction; all children were more likely to seek assistance on difficult steps and less competent children sought assistance more often. Moreover, the magnitude of the help‐seeking requests (from asking for verbal confirmation to asking the adult to take over the task) similarly related to both competency and difficulty. The results provide support for viewing children's help‐seeking as an information gathering activity, indicating that preschoolers flexibly adjust the level and amount of assistance to optimize their opportunities for learning.
Consequences of a restrictive syringe exchange policy on utilisation patterns of a syringe exchange program in Baltimore, Maryland: Implications for HIV risk
Authors: Sherman Susan G. , Patel Shivani A. , Ramachandran Daesha V. , Galai Noya , Chaulk Patrick , Serio‐Chapman Chris , Gindi Renee M.
Published: April 2015

Introduction and Aims

Syringe distribution policies continue to be debated in many jurisdictions throughout the USA. The Baltimore Needle and Syringe Exchange Program (NSP) operated under a 1‐for‐1 syringe exchange policy from its inception in 1994 through 1999, when it implemented a restrictive policy (2000–2004) that dictated less than 1‐for‐1 exchange for non‐program syringes.

Design and Methods

Data were derived from the Baltimore NSP, which prospectively collected data on all client visits. We examined the impact of this restrictive policy on program‐level output measures (i.e. distributed : returned syringe ratio, client volume) before, during and after the restrictive exchange policy. Through multiple logistic regression, we examined correlates of less than 1‐for‐1 exchange ratios at the client level before and during the restrictive exchange policy periods.

Results

During the restrictive policy period, the average annual program‐level ratio of total syringes distributed : returned dropped from 0.99 to 0.88, with a low point of 0.85 in 2000. There were substantial decreases in the average number of syringes distributed, syringes returned, the total number of clients and new clients enrolling during the restrictive compared to the preceding period. During the restrictive period, 33 508 more syringes were returned to the needle exchange than were distributed. In the presence of other variables, correlates of less than 1‐for‐1 exchange ratio were being white, female and less than 30 years old.

Discussion and Conclusions

With fewer clean syringes in circulation, restrictive policies could increase the risk of exposure to HIV among Injection Drug Users (IDUs) and the broader community. The study provides evidence to the potentially harmful effects of such policies. [Sherman SG, Patel SA, Ramachandran DV, Galai N, Chaulk P, Serio‐Chapman C, Gindi RM. Consequences of a restrictive syringe exchange policy on utilisation patterns of a syringe exchange program in Baltimore, Maryland: Implications for HIV risk. Drug Alcohol Rev 2015;34:637–644]
Translocated to the fringe: genetic and niche variation in bighorn sheep of the Great Basin and northern Mojave deserts
Authors: Malaney Jason L. , Feldman Chris R. , Cox Michael , Wolff Peregrine , Wehausen John D. , Matocq Marjorie D.
Published: April 2015

Aim

Conservation biologists use various approaches to augment imperilled populations in order to supplement genetic variation and restore ecological function. However, understanding genotypic, phenotypic and ecotypic variation is critical in determining the most suitable sources to conserve historical and functional variation. Bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) provide a classic example of restoration biology, where management programmes have re‐established extirpated populations via translocations. Through this process, translocated individuals may now face novel environments, including new bioclimatic conditions and an opportunity to interbreed with historically isolated and distinct genetic units. Our goal was to integrate genetic and ecological analyses to assess some of the evolutionary ramifications of this important management practice.

Location

Western North America, but focused on the Great Basin and northern Mojave deserts.

Methods

We quantified genetic variation across 55 Herds of bighorn sheep using 16 microsatellite loci (N = 347) and a mitochondrial gene (N = 110). We used ordination, Bayesian clustering and phylogenetic analyses to delineate evolutionary units. We used multivariate ordination for 26 ecologically relevant variables to characterize niche‐based differences among genetic clusters and then tested whether repatriated populations occupy conditions similar to source areas.

Results

We document genetic differentiation among three traditional management units of bighorn sheep that now occupy the Great Basin and northern Mojave deserts, but also identify limited hybridization among these groups. Niche‐based analyses revealed that translocated populations now occur in conditions incongruent with source ranges.

Main conclusions

This study highlights the importance of considering both genetic variation and ecological differences when implementing translocations. Early consideration of these variables may help minimize the potential for hybridization among distinct groups and mitigate challenges of managing populations experiencing novel environments. More broadly, results from this study have implications for future restoration efforts in this iconic system, but also for similar translocation‐based conservation programmes.