bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corporate foundations and their governance
Authors: Minefee Ishva , Neuman Eric J. , Isserman Noah , Leblebici Huseyin
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the governance structures of corporate foundations in the implementation of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

Design/methodology/approach

– After discussing the heretofore-underutilized research advantages of corporate foundations, the authors survey theoretical perspectives to explain the corporate foundation phenomenon. The authors build on this theory to construct a typology of corporate foundation structures based on their interactions with internal and external stakeholders.

Findings

– The findings suggest that many of the largest corporations do not embed their corporate foundation into their strategic plan as they define it (i.e. specific alignment with corporate competency).

Research limitations/implications

– Research limitations include an examination solely of the 50 largest corporate foundations among a field of nearly 3,000 corporate foundations. The authors advance a research agenda that addresses the potential role of corporate foundations in fulfilling CSR.

Practical implications

– The foundation field may see a movement toward corporate foundations being strategically aligned with the parent company’s core competence as external stakeholders continue to pressure companies.

Social implications

– Studying corporate foundations is important as they serve as intermediaries between corporations and civil society. Thus, they will continue to play an important role in the CSR agenda.

Originality/value

– This paper is one of the first to examine the corporate foundation phenomenon, with a specific focus on their governance. Thus, the authors go beyond the motivations that lead corporations to be involved in “socially responsible activities,” the types of activities that corporations select, and how these choices produce benefits for a diverse set of stakeholders.
Study on the relationship between pressure and stiffness coefficient, and elastic elongation of the top part of men’s socks using finite element method
Authors: Dan Rui , Fan Xuerong , Shi Zhen , Zhang Mei
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to study a new method to appraise pressure comfort through displacement distribution, and then explore the relationship between pressure and stiffness coefficient, and elastic elongation of the top part of men’s socks using finite element method.

Design/methodology/approach

– Through 3D body scanning, a biomechanical lower leg cross-section model is constructed for simulating elastic contact between human body and top part of socks. The human body is regarded as an elastomer and the contact between lower leg and top part of socks is elastic contact, displacement distribution tendency under pressure can be obtained using ANSYS, and the elastic elongation of top part of socks after putting on was calculated based on the displacement values. In this research work, the authors discuss in details with the relationship between pressure and stiffness coefficient, and elastic elongation of top part of socks.

Findings

– In this research work, the mathematical equation of pressure is obtained which describe the relationship between pressure and stiffness coefficient, and elastic elongation of top part of socks. The results indicated that the predictive values of pressure show good agreement with measured ones after χ2 test. All these solutions supply a theory basis for forecasting of the clothing pressure.

Research limitations/implications

– This paper is unconcerned with the simulating of pressure distribution and variation trend when dressing during the course of walking and running.

Originality/value

– The paper provides a finite element simulation model of lower leg cross-section located at the top part of men’s socks, and study the relationship between pressure and stiffness coefficient, and elastic elongation of top part of socks. It can supply a new method to appraise pressure comfort.
Organic cotton, lyocell and SPF: a comparative study
Authors: Sanches Regina A. , Marcicano João Paulo Pereira , de Held Maria Silvia Barros , Guimarães Bárbara Maria Gama , Alonso Raquel Seawright , Takamune Karina Mitie , Duarte Adriana Yumi Sato , Dedini Franco Giuseppe
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present a comparative study on the characteristics of knitted fabrics used in the manufacturing of apparel, which are produced from organic cotton, lyocell and soybean protein fiber (SPF). It is important for both the environment and society that textile industry continues to adopt more ecofriendly materials and furthermore, pushes to increase awareness regarding these material choices available to the consumer and the corresponding impacts of consumers’ decisions. The use of sustainable fibers may be a starting point for changing the industrial paradigm of the textile industry.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research presented herein analyzes the potential use of three raw materials used in the development of knitted fabrics: organic cotton, lyocell and SPF. The experimental trials, based on norms, determined the weight, pilling, rupture pressure resistance, absorption by capillarity, dimensional alteration and elasticity. The significance of the experimental results was verified through the analysis of variance, with a confidence interval of 95 percent (p=0.05) and the determination of the optimal regulation of the machine was made through an analysis of the response surface.

Findings

– The results indicate that each of the studied materials are suitable for textile application; however, the fabrics manufactured from soybean yarn, compared to those manufactured from organic cotton or lyocell, have a higher potential to meet the needs of the costumer.

Social implications

– The discussion regarding sustainability is far reaching on the ways it interacts with human life. As such, the latent need for meeting this new demand presents a unique opportunity for the development of new processes and products. In the case of the textile industry, initiatives are gradually being adopted that make the processes used by the supply chain less damaging to the environment. Clothing and fashion are highly visible elements of society, so consequently, the textile industry serves as an excellent candidate for promoting a sustainable and eco-friendly mindset.

Originality/value

– The incorporation of sustainable fibers can serve as a starting point for change to the industrial paradigm existing within the textile industry. To this point, this study intended to analyze the potential implementation of three raw materials – organic cotton, lyocell and SPF – in the development of knitted fabrics. The results indicated that these materials are adequate for textile applications.
Deformation of the carded and combed wool yarns when they are subjected to repeated extensions, influence on the strength and on the elongation at break
Authors: Halfaoui Rachid , Chemani Bachir
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to conduct a series of tests designed to highlight changes in the physical characteristics of the yarn resulting from mechanical efforts comparable to that to which they are subjected on the weaving machine. Among the physical properties of the warp yarn, the authors examined changes include: the residual deformation, strength, elongation and elasticity, on the extender repetition effort overtension growing steadily, leading, after some time, to break. Therefore, the yarn treated extender repetition is subject to a more severe test than the actual weaving on the loom.

Design/methodology/approach

– The initial length of the specimen under constant static load of 20 g, was 50 cm in all tests. The yarns are stored on several coils, the authors collected a quantity of thread on each of them, according to the law of chance, to avoid errors due to long periods of irregularity and the authors estimated that the extensions can be supported by the wire without danger of rupture are interesting practical point of view. Three rate extensions were chosen for the two yarns: 0.5, 1.2 and 1.9 percent. The maximum number of tractions was calculated for each wire by multiplying the maximum thread count practice by the average distance between the warp beam and the weft yarn on the weaving machine.

Findings

– The fall of the resistance and elongation resulting from repeated extensions which yarn are subjected on the extensometer, corresponds almost exactly to the residual deformation recorded. Increasing the rate of extensions causes relatively large decrease in strength and elongation. The authors also notice that the strength and elongation at break tends to decrease when the number of extensions decreases. The fall of the resistance and the elongation at break is more important for carded yarns then combed yarns increases or when the frequency decreases.

Originality/value

– The maximum difference of the resistance is 32 g, 10.3 percent in the case of carded yarns, while in the case of the combed yarns; the same difference is 25 g, or 6.4 percent of the initial strength. Similarly, the maximum fall of the elongation at break for carded yarns is about 2 or 16.1 percent of the initial elongation, while the corresponding drop in the case of the combed yarns is 1.8 or 10.9 percent of the initial elongation. The corresponding values found during the testing wool combed yarns, were, respectively about 4.8 and 6.6 percent.
The quality and storage stability of chicken patties prepared with different additives
Authors: Jamwal Achir , Kumar Sunil , Bhat Z. F. , Kumar Arvind , Kaur Simranjeet
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of green tea extract, fig and red pepper on the quality characteristics of chicken patties during refrigerated storage.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study was designed to evaluate the effect of green tea extract, fig and red pepper on the storage quality parameters of chicken patties. The products were developed by incorporating optimum level of green tea extract (400 mg/kg), fig (4 per cent) and red pepper (10 per cent) separately and were aerobically packaged in low-density polyethylene pouches and assessed for various storage-quality parameters under refrigerated (4 ± 1°C) conditions for 21 days of storage. The products were evaluated for various physicochemical, microbiological and sensory parameters at regular intervals of 0, 7, 14 and 21 days.

Findings

– A significant (p
<
0.05) effect of green tea extract, fig and red pepper was observed on the pH and TBARS (mg malonaldehyde/kg) values of the chicken patties. A significant (p
<
0.05) effect was also observed on the microbiological characteristics as the products incorporated with green tea extract, fig and red pepper showed significantly (p
<
0.05) lower values for total plate count, psychrophillic count and yeast and mould count during the period of storage. Coliforms were not detected throughout the period of storage. Significantly (p
<
0.05) higher scores were observed for various sensory parameters of the products incorporated with green tea extract, fig and red pepper.

Originality/value

– Green tea extract (400 mg/kg), fig (4 per cent) and red pepper (10 per cent) successfully improved the oxidative stability and storage quality of the products during refrigerated (4 ± 1°C) storage and may be commercially exploited to improve the storage quality of muscle foods without adversely affecting the sensory quality of the products.
Relationship between professional experience as a practicing dietitian and lifestyle and dietary habits among graduates of a department of food science and nutrition
Authors: Kobayashi Minatsu , Uesugi Sayo , Hikosaka Reiko , Aikawa Rieko
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to examine the effects of professional job experience on the lifestyle and dietary habits of participants who have studied food science and nutrition and acquired a dietitian license. The dietary habits of students of departments of food science and nutrition have been reported. However, no study has compared the dietary habits of graduates with and without actual clinical experience.

Design/methodology/approach

– In total, 206 participants who graduated from the department of food science and nutrition of a university located in Tokyo between 1975 and 1984 completed a questionnaire on food and nutrient intake and lifestyle habits in 2011.

Findings

– Total fat and SFA intake adjusted for energy intake or frequency of snack and fast food intake differed among participants with and without experience as dietitians, indicating that dietitian experience influenced the dietary habits of participants for approximately 30 years after graduation. Nutritional knowledge and skills acquired during attendance at a dietitian school are effective in maintaining favorable behavior for a long time. However, nutritional knowledge and skills were enhanced by later professional experience.

Originality/value

– The refining effect of clinical experience appears to contribute to the maintenance of daily dietary habits and health. Professional experience can contribute to the prevention of lifestyle-related diseases not only personally but also for other people in terms of public health nutrition or nutritional education.
Standardization of formulation and processing conditions for development of nutritional carabeef cookies
Authors: Goswami Meena , Sharma B. D. , Mendiratta S. K. , Pathak Vikas , Kumar R. R. , Talukdar Suman , Sharma Heena
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to standardize baking time–temperature processing of nutritional carabeef cookies to improve carabeef meat consumption for malnourished women and children.

Design/methodology/approach

– Preliminary trails were done to optimize carabeef powder level replacing refined wheat flour to develop carabeef cookies. The selected carabeef cookies on the basis of sensory evaluation were baked at three different baking time–temperature combinations viz. 150-160°C for 35-40 minutes, 170-180°C for 25-30 minutes and 190-200°C for 15-20 minutes. These three treatments were evaluated for various physicochemical properties, proximate analysis, color values, instrumental texture parameters and sensory evaluation.

Findings

– Mean pH, diameter and proximate parameters like moisture, protein, fat and ash percentage had no significant difference at a higher baking temperature, whereas mean cooking yield, thickness values decreased, while spread ratio values increased significantly. Instrumental textural parameters, such as hardness, shear force and adhesiveness values increased significantly. Mean yellowness values had no significant difference, whereas mean redness, hue angle and chroma values increased in significant (p
<
0.05) manner with a higher baking temperature and lower time combinations. All sensory attributes scores decreased at a higher baking temperature. Carabeef cookies containing 50 per cent carabeef powder and baked at 150-160°C for 35-40 minutes were selected as best treatment.

Research limitations/implications

– The experiment can be further carried out to improve functional properties with the addition of various fiber sources and fat replacers.

Originality/value

– Cookies as snack foods have played a vital role in life of human as antiquity and are very much relished by large section of society. The incorporation of carabeef meat may be a very good option to cope up with malnutrition and hunger as well as to improve the consumption pattern of highly nutritional buffalo meat. Carabeef cookies baked at an optimum temperature–time combination had higher nutritional content and acceptability and, thus, could be commercialized to improve socio-economic status and health of consumers.
Down‐regulation of mitogen‐activated protein kinases and nuclear factor‐κB signaling is involved in rapamycin suppression of TLR2‐induced inflammatory response in monocytic THP‐1 cells
Authors: Sun Ruili , Zhang Yi , Ma Shijiang , Qi Hengtian , Wang Mingyong , Duan Juhong , Ma Shujun , Zhu Xiaofei , Li Guancheng , Wang Hui
Published: September 2015

Tripalmitoyl‐S‐glycero‐Cys‐(Lys) 4 (Pam3CSK4) interacted with TLR2 induces inflammatory responses through the mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) signal pathway. Rapamycin can suppress TLR‐induced inflammatory responses; however, the detailed molecular mechanism is not fully understood. Here, the mechanism by which rapamycin suppresses TLR2‐induced inflammatory responses was investigated. It was found that Pam3CSK4‐induced pro‐inflammatory cytokines were significantly down‐regulated at both the mRNA and protein levels in THP‐1 cells pre‐treated with various concentrations of rapamycin. Inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase/protein kinase‐B (PI3K/AKT) signaling did not suppress the expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, indicating that the immunosuppression mediated by rapamycin in THP1 cells is independent of the PI3K/AKT pathway. RT‐PCR showed that Erk and NF‐κB signal pathways are related to the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines. Inhibition of Erk or NF‐κB signaling significantly down‐regulated production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines. Additionally, western blot showed that pre‐treatment of THP‐1 cells with rapamycin down‐regulates MAPKs and NF‐κB signaling induced by Pam3CSK4 stimulation, suggesting that rapamycin suppresses Pam3CSK4‐induced pro‐inflammatory cytokines via inhibition of TLR2 signaling. It was concluded that rapamycin suppresses TLR2‐induced inflammatory responses by down‐regulation of Erk and NF‐κB signaling.
Global patterns of pelagic dinoflagellate diversity across protist size classes unveiled by metabarcoding
Authors: Le Bescot Noan , Mahé Frédéric , Audic Stéphane , Dimier Céline , Garet Marie‐José , Poulain Julie , Wincker Patrick , de Vargas Colomban , Siano Raffaele
Published: September 2015

Dinoflagellates (Alveolata) are one of the ecologically most important groups of modern phytoplankton. Their biological complexity makes assessment of their global diversity and community structure difficult. We used massive V9 18S rDNA sequencing from 106 size‐fractionated plankton communities collected across the world's surface oceans during the Tara Oceans expedition (2009–2012) to assess patterns of pelagic dinoflagellate diversity and community structuring over global taxonomic and ecological scales. Our data and analyses suggest that dinoflagellate diversity has been largely underestimated, representing overall ∼1/2 of protistan rDNA metabarcode richness assigned at ≥ 90% to a reference sequence in the world's surface oceans. Dinoflagellate metabarcode diversity and abundance display regular patterns across the global scale, with different order‐level taxonomic compositions across organismal size fractions. While the pico to nano‐planktonic communities are composed of an extreme diversity of metabarcodes assigned to Gymnodiniales or are simply undetermined, most micro‐dinoflagellate metabarcodes relate to the well‐referenced Gonyaulacales and Peridiniales orders, and a lower abundance and diversity of essentially symbiotic Peridiniales is unveiled in the meso‐plankton. Our analyses could help future development of biogeochemical models of pelagic systems integrating the separation of dinoflagellates into functional groups according to plankton size classes.
Phloroglucinol functions as an intracellular and intercellular chemical messenger influencing gene expression in Pseudomonas protegens
Authors: Clifford Jennifer C. , Buchanan Alex , Vining Oliver , Kidarsa Teresa A. , Chang Jeff H. , McPhail Kerry L. , Loper Joyce E.
Published: September 2015

Bacteria can be both highly communicative and highly competitive in natural habitats and antibiotics are thought to play a role in both of these processes. The soil bacterium Pseudomonas protegens Pf‐5 produces a spectrum of antibiotics, two of which, pyoluteorin and 2,4‐diacetylphloroglucinol (DAPG), function in intracellular and intercellular communication, both as autoinducers of their own production. Here, we demonstrate that phloroglucinol, an intermediate in DAPG biosynthesis, can serve as an intercellular signal influencing the expression of pyoluteorin biosynthesis genes, the production of pyoluteorin, and inhibition of Pythium ultimum, a phytopathogenic oomycete sensitive to pyoluteorin. Through analysis of RNAseq data sets, we show that phloroglucinol had broad effects on the transcriptome of Pf‐5, significantly altering the transcription of more than two hundred genes. The effects of nanomolar versus micromolar concentrations of phloroglucinol differed both quantitatively and qualitatively, influencing the expression of distinct sets of genes or having opposite effects on transcript abundance of certain genes. Therefore, our results support the concept of hormesis, a phenomenon associated with signalling molecules that elicit distinct responses at different concentrations. Phloroglucinol is the first example of an intermediate of antibiotic biosynthesis that functions as a chemical messenger influencing gene expression in P. protegens.
An exploratory study of the cultural context of organisational climate and human resource practices
Authors: Varnali Renin
Published: September 2015

The ‘climate’ construct has an important and long history in organisational science. This study explores a specific type of organisational climate, known as human resource (HR) climate, in the context of an organisation operating in Turkey. The competing values framework is used to interpret the findings regarding the nature of HR climate, and to compare and contrast HR climate with organisational climate. This study employs an exploratory qualitative research design in which several in‐depth interviews were conducted with HR managers/directors. The findings suggest that although some dimensions of HR climate show similarities with those of organisational climate, there are significant differences. In addition, several dimensions of the HR climate found in this study reflect cultural characteristics of Turkey, specifically collectivism and paternalism. This extends knowledge of the concept of HR climate and shows that the construct may have dimensions that are culturally specific (particular) rather than universal.
Organisational climate and human resources: exploring a new construct in a cross‐national context
Authors: Dastmalchian Ali , McNeil Nicola , Blyton Paul , Bacon Nicolas , Blunsdon Betsy , Kabasakal Hayat , Varnali Renin , Steinke Claudia
Published: September 2015

This paper reports the findings of an exploratory study which identifies aspects of organisational climate that relate to human resource management. A novel data analysis technique was employed to analyse qualitative data from interviews with 50 human resource managers in Australia, Canada and Turkey. The results identify four organisational climate dimensions that focus on HR issues and work environments. Based on the suggestions of the competing values framework and also on the literature concerning studies of societal culture, we labelled these climate dimensions as: 1) collaboration; 2) competition; 3) control; and 4) family‐orientation. These dimensions are seen to offer a path for future research on organisational climate and human resource management, and how employee's perceptions of the HR policies, practices and procedures may influence the efficacy of the HR function. Implications for studying these phenomena across different societies are addressed.
The application of the Internet of Things to animal ecology
Authors: GUO Songtao , QIANG Min , LUAN Xiaorui , XU Pengfei , HE Gang , YIN Xiaoyan , XI Luo , JIN Xuelin , SHAO Jianbin , CHEN Xiaojiang , FANG Dingyi , LI Baoguo
Published: September 2015

For ecologists, understanding the reaction of animals to environmental changes is critical. Using networked sensor technology to measure wildlife and environmental parameters can provide accurate, real‐time and comprehensive data for monitoring, research and conservation of wildlife. This paper reviews: (i) conventional detection technology; (ii) concepts and applications of the Internet of Things (IoT) in animal ecology; and (iii) the advantages and disadvantages of IoT. The current theoretical limits of IoT in animal ecology are also discussed. Although IoT offers a new direction in animal ecological research, it still needs to be further explored and developed as a theoretical system and applied to the appropriate scientific frameworks for understanding animal ecology.
Glucocorticoid receptor expression and binding capacity in patients with burn injury
Authors: Bergquist M. , Huss F. , Hästbacka J. , Lindholm C. , Martijn C. , Rylander C. , Hedenstierna G. , Fredén F.
Published: September 2015

Background

Burn injuries are associated with strong inflammation and risk of secondary sepsis which both may affect the function of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). The aim of this study was to determineGRexpression and binding capacity in leucocytes from patients admitted to a tertiary burn center.

Methods

Blood was sampled from 13 patients on admission and days 7, 14 and 21, and once from 16 healthy subjects. Patients were grouped according to the extent of burn and to any sepsis on day 7. Expression and binding capacity ofGRwere determined as arbitrary units using flow cytometry.

Results

GRexpression and binding capacity were increased compared to healthy subjects in most circulating leucocyte subsets on admission irrespective of burn size. Patients with sepsis on day 7 displayed increasedGRexpression in T lymphocytes (51.8%,P < 0.01) compared to admission. There was a negative correlation betweenGRbinding capacity in neutrophils and burn size after 14 days (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

GRexpression and binding capacity are increased in most types of circulating leucocytes of severely burned patients on their admission to specialized burn care. If sepsis is present after 1 week, it is associated with higherGRexpression in T lymphocytes andNKcells.
A comparison of the ease of tracheal intubation using a McGrath MAC® laryngoscope and a standard Macintosh laryngoscope
Authors: Wallace C. D. , Foulds L. T. , McLeod G. A. , Younger R. A. , McGuire B. E.
Published: September 2015

We compared the McGrath MAC® videolaryngoscope when used as both a direct and an indirect laryngoscope with a standard Macintosh laryngoscope in patients without predictors of a difficult tracheal intubation. We found higher median Intubation Difficulty Scores with the McGrath MAC as a direct laryngoscope, 1 (0–3 [0–5]) than when using it as an indirect videolaryngoscope, 0 (0–1 [0–5]) or when using the Macintosh laryngoscope, 0 (0–1 [0–5]), p = 0.04. This was mirrored in the subjective user reporting, scored out of 10, of difficulty for each method 3.0 (2.0–3.4 [0.5–80]); 2.0 (1.0–3.9 [0–70]) and 2.0 (1.0–3.3 [0–70]), respectively (p = 0.01). This difficulty is in part explained by the poorer laryngeal views recorded using the Cormack and Lehane classification system (p < 0.001) and reflected in the higher than normal operator force required (25%, 4%, 8% for each method, respectively, p < 0.001) and the increased use of rigid intubation aids (21%, 6%, 2%, respectively, p < 0.001). There was no difference between the groups in time taken to intubate or incidence of complications. There was no statistical difference in the performances as measured between the McGrath MAC used as an indirect videolaryngoscope and the Macintosh laryngoscope. We cannot recommend that the McGrath videolaryngoscope be used as a direct laryngscopic device in place of the Macintosh.
Symptom severity, self‐reported adherence, and electronic pill monitoring in poorly adherent patients with bipolar disorder
Authors: Sajatovic Martha , Levin Jennifer B , Sams Johnny , Cassidy Kristin A , Akagi Kouri , Aebi Michelle E , Ramirez Luis F , Safren Steven A , Tatsuoka Curtis
Published: September 2015

Objectives

This analysis of screening and baseline data from an ongoing trial examined self‐report versus automated adherence monitoring and assessed the relationship between bipolar disorder (BD) symptoms and adherence in 104 poorly adherent individuals.

Methods

Adherence was measured with the Tablets Routine Questionnaire (TRQ) and the Medication Event Monitoring System (MEMS). Symptoms were measured with the Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), and the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS).

Results

The mean age of the sample was 46.3 years [standard deviation (SD) = 9.41 years], with 72% (n = 75) women and 71% (n = 74) African American subjects. Adherence improved from screening to baseline, with a mean missed drug proportion measured by TRQ of 61.43% (SD = 26.48%) versus a baseline mean of 46.61% (SD = 30.55%). The mean proportion of missed medication using MEMS at baseline was 66.43% (SD = 30.40%). The correlation between TRQ and MEMS was 0.47. The correlation between a single index drug and all BD medications was 0.95. Symptoms were generally positively correlated with TRQ (worse adherence = more severe symptoms), but in most instances was only at a trend level (p > 0.05), with the exception of the correlations between baseline TRQ and MADRS and BPRS, which were positive (r = 0.20 and r = 0.21, respectively) and significant (p ≤ 0.05).

Conclusions

In patients with BD, monitoring increased adherence by 15%. MEMS identified 20% more non‐adherence than self‐report. Using a standard procedure to identify a single index drug for adherence monitoring may be one way to assess global adherence in patients with BD receiving polypharmacy treatment. Greater BD symptom severity may be a clinical indicator to assess for adherence problems.
Sex differences in the risk of rapid cycling and other indicators of adverse illness course in patients with bipolar I and II disorder
Authors: Erol Almila , Winham Stacey J , McElroy Susan L , Frye Mark A , Prieto Miguel L , Cuellar‐Barboza Alfredo B , Fuentes Manuel , Geske Jennifer , Mori Nicole , Biernacka Joanna M , Bobo William V
Published: September 2015

Objectives

To examine the independent effects of sex on the risk of rapid cycling and other indicators of adverse illness course in patients with bipolar I disorder (BP‐I) or bipolar II disorder (BP‐II).

Methods

We analyzed data from the first 1,225 patients enrolled in the Mayo Clinic Individualized Medicine Biobank for Bipolar Disorder. Demographic and clinical variables were ascertained using standardized questionnaires; height and weight were assessed to determine body mass index (BMI). Rates of rapid cycling, cycle acceleration, and increased severity of mood episodes over time were compared between women and men overall and within subgroups defined by bipolar disorder subtype (BP‐I or BP‐II). Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to assess the independent effect of sex on the risk of these indicators of adverse illness course.

Results

Women had significantly higher rates of rapid cycling than men. Overall rates of rapid cycling were higher in patients with BP‐II than BP‐I; and sex differences in the rate of rapid cycling were more pronounced in patients with BP‐II than BP‐I, although the power to detect statistically significant differences was reduced due to the lower sample size of subjects with BP‐II. Female sex was a significant predictor of rapid cycling, cycle acceleration, and increased severity of mood episodes over time after adjusting for age, bipolar disorder subtype, BMI, having any comorbid psychiatric disorder, and current antidepressant use.

Conclusions

Female sex was associated with significantly higher risk of rapid cycling, cycle acceleration, and increased severity of mood episodes over time in a sample of 1,225 patients with bipolar disorders.
Public‐Private Partnerships in Canada: Reflections on twenty years of practice
Authors: Siemiatycki Matti
Published: September 2015

Across Canada, governments of all level have increasingly embraced public‐private partnerships (PPPs) as their preferred approach to deliver large‐scale public infrastructure. After twenty years of practice, this paper examines the evolving rationales, governance structures and partnership models that have been used to deliver PPPs in Canada. In particular, the analysis highlights common deal structures, types of risks and responsibilities that are transferred to the private sector, and the significant role that public funding continues to have. Outstanding issues facing Canadian PPPs relate to their high upfront costs, limitations placed on meaningful community consultations, and a procurement process that can inhibit design or architectural excellence.
Solidarity Economy for Development and Women's Emancipation: Lessons from Bolivia
Authors: Hillenkamp Isabelle
Published: September 2015

This article critically assesses the relationship between the solidarity economy (SE) and women's emancipation through a case study of SE groups in El Alto, Bolivia. It highlights the fact that the failure to harness the potential of SE as a development alternative and as a means for the emancipation of women can partly be attributed to the neglect of gender‐related issues in the study of SE. Following an examination of SE in the Bolivian context of class and ethnicity, the article deepens the analysis by focusing on gender. It shows that the significant participation of women in SE is a response to the double imperative imposed by the current processes of monetization of production and home‐based reproduction. Compared with their insertion into the market individually, participation in SE allows women to increase and smooth their income. In general, however, their income remains lower than that of men and also below the poverty line. This reflects a continuing gender asymmetry and points to the limitations to what solidarity among poor women can achieve. The article concludes with an assessment of the possibilities as well as the difficulties inherent in a new pathway to women's emancipation through SE, a pathway which would necessitate a reorganization of the social sphere of reproduction.
Transitions to Formality and Declining Inequality: Argentina and Brazil in the 2000s
Authors: Maurizio Roxana
Published: September 2015

Although inequality and labour informality continue to be distinctive characteristics of Argentina and Brazil, during the last decade the two countries have been successful in reversing the negative trends of the 1990s. This article presents a comparative analysis of the labour formalization process that took place in Argentina and Brazil during the 2000s. It studies the flows towards labour formality, what caused them, and the interrelations of this process with the changes that occurred in labour institutions and the decline in income inequality. The study contributes to two debates: the role of labour market flexibilization in employment formalization, and the decline in income inequality. Most of the literature emphasizes the evolution of returns to education; this study complements this approach by analysing the contribution of formalization to the decline in inequality in Argentina and Brazil. The results show that labour formalization has reached all categories of workers, that it has been accompanied by real minimum wage increases, and that it has had an equalizing effect.
Calcifications in the carotid siphon correlate with silent cerebral small vessel disease in community‐dwelling older adults: A population‐based study in rural Ecuador
Authors: Del Brutto Oscar H , Mera Robertino M , Gillman Jennifer , Ha Jung‐eun , Zambrano Mauricio
Published: September 2015

Aim

Using a population‐based, cross‐sectional design, we aimed to assess whether the presence of calcifications in the carotid siphon (as seen on computed tomography) is associated with silent markers of cerebral small vessel disease (on magnetic resonance imaging) in apparently healthy older adults living in Atahualpa, a rural Ecuadorian village.

Methods

Stroke‐free Atahualpa residents aged ≥60 years identified during a door‐to‐door survey underwent head computed tomography for assessment of carotid siphon calcifications, and brain magnetic resonance imaging for identification of white matter hyperintensities and silent lacunar infarcts. We evaluated the association between calcifications and markers of small vessel disease using logistic regression models adjusted for demographics and cardiovascular risk factors.

Results

The mean age of the 236 participants was 71 ± 8 years, and 139 (59%) were women. Computed tomography readings showed high calcium content in the carotid siphon in 64 individuals (27%), and magnetic resonance imaging showed moderate‐to‐severe white matter hyperintensities in 51 (30%) and lacunar infarcts in 28 (12%). In the univariate analysis, individuals with high calcium content were older and were more likely to have high fasting glucose levels than those with low calcium content. After adjusting for confounding variables, we found an independent association between high calcium content in the carotid siphon and moderate‐to‐severe white matter hyperintensities (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.1–4.9, P = 0.035) as well as lacunar infarcts (OR 3.1, 95% CI 1.3–7.6, P = 0.013).

Conclusions

The present study shows a direct relationship between calcium content in the carotid siphon and silent small vessel disease in an indigenous Latin American population. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 1063–1067.
Do PT and APTT sensitivities to factors' deficiencies calculated by the H47‐A2 2008 CLSI guideline reflect the deficiencies found in plasmas from patients?
Authors: Martinuzzo M. , Barrera L. , Rodriguez M. , D'Adamo M. A. , López M. S. , Otaso J. C.
Published: September 2015

Introduction

Prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) sensitivity for detecting isolated factor deficiencies varies with different reagents and coagulometers. The Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) H47A2 guideline proposed a method to calculate these sensitivities, but some inconsistency has been reported. This study aimed to calculate factor sensitivities using CLSI guideline and to compare them with those obtained from single factor‐deficient patients' data.

Methods

Different mixtures of normal pooled and deficient plasmas were prepared (<1IU/dL to 100 IU/dL) according to the CLSI H47A2 guideline. PT with rabbit brain (RB) and human recombinant (HR) thromboplastins, APTT and factors' activities were measured in an ACL TOP coagulometer. Sensitivities (maximum factor concentration that produces PT or APTT values out of the reference range) were calculated from mixtures and from patients with single‐factor deficiencies: 17 factor FV, 36 FVII, 19 FX, 39 FVIII, 15 FIX 15 FXI and 24 FXII.

Results

PT sensitivity with RB was as follows: FV 38 and 59, FVII 35 and 58, FX 56 and 64 IU/dL; PT sensitivity with HR was as follows: FV 39 and 45, FVII 51 and 50, FX 33 and 61 IU/dL; and APTT sensitivity was as follows: FV 39 and 45, FX 32 and 38, FVIII 47 and 60, FIX 35 and 44, FXI 33 and 43, FXII 37 and 46 IU/dL, respectively.

Conclusions

Reagent–coagulometer combination has adequate sensitivities to factor deficiencies according to guideline recommendations (>30 IU/dL). These should not be considered as actual sensitivities because those obtained by analysing patients' plasmas with single‐factor deficiencies were higher for most factors and could induce misinterpretation of the basic coagulation test results.
Deliverability and efficacy of R‐CHOP chemotherapy in very elderly patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma: an Australian retrospective analysis
Authors: Millar A. , Ellis M. , Mollee P. , Cochrane T. , Fletcher J. , Caudron A. , Webster B. , Trotman J.
Published: September 2015

Background

Elderly patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) have an inferior prognosis, due in part to advanced age and pre‐existing comorbidities, with reduced tolerability and deliverability of standard R‐CHOP chemotherapy.

Aims

To examine the deliverability, toxicity and efficacy of R‐CHOP and the prevalence of the germinal and non‐germinal phenotype DLBCL in an elderly Australian cohort.

Methods

This retrospective analysis included patients ≥75 years diagnosed with DLBCL. Comprehensive chemotherapy and toxicity data were collected for patients treated with R‐CHOP. Baseline demographics and chemotherapy characteristics were compared with progression‐free (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Immunohistochemical staining identified the prevalence of the non‐germinal centre (non‐GCB) phenotype.

Results

Of the 111 patients, 92 (83%) commenced R‐CHOP with 26/92 (28%) receiving ≤4 cycles. Median average relative dose (ARD) was 0.80 (0.07–1.17). Median average relative dose intensity (ARDI) was 0.89 (0.33–1.18). Serious adverse events occurred in 77% of patients with ≥Gd3 adverse events in 74%. Overall response rate was 85%. Two‐year PFS was 63% and OS 74%. ARD and performance status ≥2 were significant prognostic factors for PFS and OS but not ARDI. Non‐GCB‐phenotype was identified in 44/72 (61%) of patients with immunohistochemical data.

Conclusion

Despite high response rates and respectable survival estimates, the absence of standard therapy in 17% of patients, and dose reductions and serious toxicity of R‐CHOP in this Australian cohort highlights the need for the development of less toxic yet efficacious treatments for very elderly patients with DLBCL. The high prevalence of the non‐GCB phenotype highlights the potential value of targeted biological therapy for this demographic.
Complement inhibition decreases early fibrogenic events in the lung of septic baboons
Authors: Silasi‐Mansat Robert , Zhu Hua , Georgescu Constantin , Popescu Narcis , Keshari Ravi S. , Peer Glenn , Lupu Cristina , Taylor Fletcher B. , Pereira Heloise Anne , Kinasewitz Gary , Lambris John D. , Lupu Florea
Published: September 2015

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) induced by severe sepsis can trigger persistent inflammation and fibrosis. We have shown that experimental sepsis in baboons recapitulates ARDS progression in humans, including chronic inflammation and long‐lasting fibrosis in the lung. Complement activation products may contribute to the fibroproliferative response, suggesting that complement inhibitors are potential therapeutic agents. We have been suggested that treatment of septic baboons with compstatin, a C3 convertase inhibitor protects against ARDS‐induced fibroproliferation. Baboons challenged with 109 cfu/kg (LD50) live E. coli by intravenous infusion were treated or not with compstatin at the time of challenge or 5 hrs thereafter. Changes in the fibroproliferative response at 24 hrs post‐challenge were analysed at both transcript and protein levels. Gene expression analysis showed that sepsis induced fibrotic responses in the lung as early as 24 hrs post‐bacterial challenge. Immunochemical and biochemical analysis revealed enhanced collagen synthesis, induction of profibrotic factors and increased cell recruitment and proliferation. Specific inhibition of complement with compstatin down‐regulated sepsis‐induced fibrosis genes, including transforming growth factor‐beta (TGF‐β), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP1), various collagens and chemokines responsible for fibrocyte recruitment (e.g. chemokine (C‐C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2) and 12 (CCL12)). Compstatin decreased the accumulation of myofibroblasts and proliferating cells, reduced the production of fibrosis mediators (TGF‐β, phospho‐Smad‐2 and CTGF) and inhibited collagen deposition. Our data demonstrate that complement inhibition effectively attenuates collagen deposition and fibrotic responses in the lung after severe sepsis. Inhibiting complement could prove an attractive strategy for preventing sepsis‐induced fibrosis of the lung.
Limited attractant range of the black‐light suction trap for the capture of Culicoides biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae)
Authors: Elbers A. R. W. , Meiswinkel R.
Published: September 2015

The suction light trap (LT) is a standard tool used to capture Culicoides biting midges, when estimating abundances, and mapping species ranges. The exact range of attraction of the LT is in dispute, however, with several studies indicating the range to vary widely, between 4 and 50 m. In this study, the attractant range of a LT, set at various distances (0, 1, 2, 3, 5 and 8 m) from a cow tethered at pasture, is assessed in two trials conducted on a dairy farm in the Netherlands in 2013 and 2014. In the first trial, sweep‐netting and light‐trapping was performed concurrently. Although a Spearman Rank correlation of 0.89 (P = 0.03) showed the two sets of abundance results to be highly correlated, species prevalence differed significantly according to the method used: the Culicoides obsoletus complex dominated the LT observations, whereas Culicoides chiopterus and Culicoides dewulfi were more abundant in those obtained by sweep‐net, due to the former taxon being largely nocturnal, the latter diurnal. There is a distinct negative logarithmic relationship between Culicoides abundance and distance from the vertebrate host, with midge abundance, in the LT, increasing significantly only when it is placed very close to the bait animal, at a distance of 0–1 m. The sharp decay function in the number of Culicoides caught with increasing distance from the LT, limits the comparison of LT surveillance data obtained under various settings, even from within a climatically homogeneous geographical region such as north‐western Europe.
Somatosensory evaluation in Dysfunctional Syndrome patients
Authors: Hilgenberg‐Sydney P. B. , Kowacs P. A. , Conti P. C. R.
Published: September 2015

Many chronic pain patients are refractory to treatment, which leads to the suspicion that somehow they are not fully effective and probably some mechanism of pain generation and/or maintenance is still unknown. The aim of this cross‐sectional study was to provide evidence‐based data on pain mechanisms in different types of chronic pain conditions. Eighty women, with 18–65 years old, were included, divided into four groups: myofascial pain of the masticatory muscles (n = 20), fibromyalgia (n = 20), chronic daily headache and healthy volunteers (n = 20). All patients were submitted to quantitative sensory tests: pressure pain threshold, mechanical detection threshold, mechanical pain threshold, ischaemic pain tolerance, cold pain sensitivity, aftersensation, wind‐up ratio and conditioned pain modulation. Current perception threshold was also determined (Neurometer CPT/C – Neurotron®). Three different zones were evaluated: trigeminal (masseter muscle), cervical and extratrigeminal (thenar eminence). Data were recorded and subjected to statistical analysis (anova, Tukey and Student's t‐tests). Masticatory myofascial pain, fibromyalgia and chronic daily headache individuals presented lower pressure pain thresholds than healthy volunteers (P = 0·00). Chronic daily headache individuals had a significantly higher mechanical detection threshold than healthy volunteers (P = 0·01). Individuals of the symptomatic groups showed lower values for mechanical pain threshold and for ischaemic pain tolerance (P = 0·00) than healthy volunteers. The ability to activate the mechanism of endogenous modulation is impaired in women with fibromyalgia and myofascial pain (P = 0·00). These results reinforce evidence of central sensitisation and impaired endogenous modulation system in individuals with myofascial pain, fibromyalgia and chronic daily headache.