bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gauging Item Alignment Through Online Systems While Controlling for Rater Effects
Authors: Anderson Daniel , Irvin Shawn , Alonzo Julie , Tindal Gerald A.
Published: September 2014

The alignment of test items to content standards is critical to the validity of decisions made from standards‐based tests. Generally, alignment is determined based on judgments made by a panel of content experts with either ratings averaged or via a consensus reached through discussion. When the pool of items to be reviewed is large, or the content‐matter experts are broadly distributed geographically, panel methods present significant challenges. This article illustrates the use of an online methodology for gauging item alignment that does not require that raters convene in person, reduces the overall cost of the study, increases time flexibility, and offers an efficient means for reviewing large item banks. Latent trait methods are applied to the data to control for between‐rater severity, evaluate intrarater consistency, and provide item‐level diagnostic statistics. Use of this methodology is illustrated with a large pool (1,345) of interim‐formative mathematics test items. Implications for the field and limitations of this approach are discussed.
Ischemia preconditioning protects rat submandibular glands from ischemia/reperfusion injuries
Authors: Shi Liang , Xiao Meng , Dai Mei‐Lu , Liu Shao‐Hua , Liu Yun‐Sheng , Wei Feng‐Cai
Published: September 2014

To investigate the effects of ischemia/reperfusion on rat submandibular glands without denervation and the possible protective effects of ischemia preconditioning on the glands that experienced ischemia/reperfusion, in‐situ ischemia/reperfusion and ischemia preconditioning experimental models of submandibular glands of healthy male Wistar rats were conducted. For ischemia/reperfusion groups, the glands were subjected to 90 min of ischemia without denervation, followed by 1, 12, 24, or 72 h of reperfusion. Ischemia preconditioning was achieved by 3 min of ischemia following 3 min of reperfusion, performed three times before ischemia/reperfusion. Salivary secretion, histological changes, alterations of tight junctions, myeloperoxidase activity, cellular apoptosis, and reactive oxygen species levels were detected. In ischemia/reperfusion glands, rising acute‐inflammation responses, reduced tight‐junction width, and increased myeloperoxidase activity, reactive oxygen species levels, and apoptotic cell numbers were observed, along with secretory dysfunction, especially at 1 and 12 h post‐reperfusion, which seemed to gradually return to normal by 72 h post‐reperfusion. In contrast, ischemia preconditioning showed the potential to ameliorate the injury‐stress responses caused by ischemia/reperfusion. Our study revealed that ischemia/reperfusion could cause a series of injury‐stress responses and ultimately lead to hyposecretion, independently of the parasympathetic nerve supply, which might play an important role in the early‐phase dysfunction of the transplanted glands. Ischemia preconditioning could protect the involved glands and improve ischemia/reperfusion‐induced hyposecretion.
Confrontation of cryptic diversity and mate discrimination within Gammarus pulex and Gammarus fossarum species complexes
Authors: Lagrue Clement , Wattier Remi , Galipaud Matthias , Gauthey Zoe , Rullmann Jean‐Paul , Dubreuil Christine , Rigaud Thierry , Bollache Loic
Published: September 2014

Freshwater amphipods Gammarus fossarum and Gammarus pulex are widespread in Europe, with some evidence of cryptic diversity in the former. We used DNA barcoding to assess genetic diversity within and among amphipod populations and examined mate discrimination and pre‐copulatory pair formation between genetically divergent individuals.

Eight distinct G. fossarum and four distinct G. pulex molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTUs) were detected. Among the 33 amphipod populations sampled, 11 contained a single MOTU, 11 had two and 11 were composed of three sympatric MOTUs. Genetic divergences between sympatric MOTUs (G. fossarum and G. pulex MOTUs combined) ranged up to 28% (Kimura two parameter estimates).

In amphipod populations containing sympatric MOTUs, pre‐copulatory pair formation was random between MOTUs diverging by <4%. However, pre‐copulatory pairs involving amphipod individuals from MOTUs diverging by >4% were rare, suggesting mate discrimination between sympatric, highly divergent MOTUs.

Although the likelihood decreased with genetic distance between partners, pre‐copulatory pair formation in the laboratory can occur between MOTUs diverging by c. 16% and led to successful mating: most female amphipod carried viable, fertilised eggs 48 h post‐mating.

Data showed high cryptic diversity in the G. fossarum/G. pulex groups, even at a small spatial scale. Mate discrimination between genetically divergent amphipods in natural populations suggests that some of the MOTUs found in G. fossarum and G. pulex may be separated into (sub)species. However, amphipods from different MOTUs can still form pre‐copulatory pairs and females produce viable eggs. Overall, data suggest that cryptic diversity is common in the G. fossarum/G. pulex groups and that pre‐zygotic isolation through mate discrimination, rather than post‐zygotic incompatibility, is likely to drive cryptic speciation.
Measuring the Scale of Segregation Usingk‐Nearest Neighbor Aggregates
Authors: Östh John , Clark William A. V. , Malmberg Bo
Published: September 2014

Nearly all segregation measures use some form of administrative unit (usually tracts in theUnitedStates) as the base for the calculation of segregation indices, and most of the commonly used measures are aspatial. The spatial measures that have been proposed are often not easily computed, although there have been significant advances in the past decade. We provide a measure that is individually based (either persons or very small administrative units) and a technique for constructing neighborhoods that does not require administrative units. We show that the spatial distribution of different population groups within an urban area can be efficiently analyzed with segregation measures that use population count‐based definitions of neighborhood scale. We provide a variant of ak‐nearest neighbor approach and a statistic spatial isolation and a methodology (EquiPop) to map, graph, and evaluate the likelihood of individuals meeting other similar race individuals or of meeting individuals of a different ethnicity. The usefulness of this approach is demonstrated in an application of the method to data forLosAngeles and three metropolitan areas inSweden. This comparative approach is important as we wish to show how the technique can be used across different cultural contexts. The analysis shows how the scale (very small neighborhoods, larger communities, or cities) influences the segregation outcomes. Even if microscale segregation is strong, there may still be much more mixing at macroscales.
Microbiological, physical and chemical characteristics of freshwater prawns (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) in modified‐atmosphere packaging
Authors: Simoes Julia S. , Mársico Eliane T. , Lázaro César A. , Ferreira Micheli da S. , Franco Robson M. , Pereira Ana Paula A. A. S. , Conte‐Junior Carlos A.
Published: September 2014

This study evaluated the influence of packaging atmosphere (air versus 50% N2/50% CO2) on microbiological (mesophiles, psychrotrophs), physical (gas measurement) and chemical (pH, total volatile basic nitrogen [TVB‐N], NH3, H2S and biogenic amines) parameters in freshwater prawns during storage at 0 ± 1 °C for 240 h. To select the most appropriate packaging, 21 batches of each treatment were analysed. Both the packaging permeability and the combination of gases affected the shelf life, but the modified‐atmosphere packaging (MAP) was more efficient than air packaging, increasing the shelf life by 40 h. The parameters of pH and TVB‐N showed no statistical difference between the two atmosphere conditions all along the storage period. The biogenic amine agmatine showed potential for use as a quality indicator due to the increased concentration during storage. In further studies, this amine can be applied as an indicator for public health issue.
Effect of microwave vacuum drying and hot air drying on the physicochemical properties of durian flour
Authors: Bai‐Ngew Swittra , Therdthai Nantawan , Dhamvithee Pisit , Zhou Weibiao
Published: September 2014

Unripe durian cv. Monthong was subjected to microwave vacuum drying (MVD) at 1200, 1600 and 2200 W and hot air drying (HAD) at 40, 50 and 60 °C to produce durian flour. Drying rate of MVD and HAD was 0.34–0.58 kg water kg dry solid−1 min−1 and 0.02–0.06 kg water kg dry solid−1 min−1, respectively. An increase in drying rate by either increasing hot air temperature or increasing microwave power decreased the degree of crystallinity from 21.95% to 2.31% and from 7.72% to 4.05%, respectively. Moreover, the increased drying rate caused a decrease in endothermic enthalpy (ΔHgel) and pasting properties. Starch content of the durian flour was 41.40–47.03%. The starch granule morphology of durian flour was disrupted which indicated gelatinisation of flour during drying. Due to a short drying process, the MVD flour had less a*‐value (P ≤ 0.05) than the HAD flour.
Phenolic content, antioxidant and physico‐chemical properties of Sardinian monofloral honeys
Authors: Petretto Giacomo L. , Cossu Massimo , Alamanni Maria C.
Published: September 2014

In this study, fifty‐one monofloral Sardinian honeys from ten various floral origins were screened for their phenolic content, antioxidant activity, colour and electrical conductivity. The total phenolic amounts have been evaluated by Folin–Ciocalteu method, whereas quantification of several phenolic compounds (phenolic acids and flavonoids) has been carried out by HPLC‐DAD technique. The richest sample in phenolic compounds resulted strawberry tree honey with about 40 mg GAE/100 g, as well FRAP test and DPPH˙ test confirm that antioxidant activity of strawberry tree honey extract exceed both honey extracts and synthetic antioxidants like BHA and BHT. Among the studied phenolic compounds a total of five phenolic acids (ferulic, syringic, trans‐cinnamic, chlorogenic and p‐hydroxycinnamic) and nine flavonoids (catechin, kaempferol, rutin, quercetin, luteolin, apigenin, galangin, pinocembrin and pinobanksin) were identified. Our results show good correlations between total polyphenol amount and antioxidant activity and between colour and electrical conductivity.
Infrared characterisation, monosaccharide profile and antioxidant activity of chemical fractionated polysaccharides from the edible seaweed sugar Kombu (Saccharina latissima)
Authors: Jiménez‐Escrig Antonio , Gómez‐Ordóñez Eva , Rupérez Pilar
Published: September 2014

The central goal of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant activities related to the nondigestible polysaccharides present in the brown alga Saccharina latissima. For this purpose, a chemical fractionation procedure based on the different solubilities of polysaccharides was achieved. FTIR spectra of freeze‐dried polysaccharide fractions were recorded to confirm the presence of sulphate. A significant correlation was found between sulphate content in the different fractions tested and antioxidant activities, either by reduction power (RP) or radical scavenging assay (RSA) (RP, P < 0.0001; and RSA‐ABTS P < 0.0001). The acidic fraction, with the highest sulphate content among soluble fractions and presumably containing sulphated fucans, showed the highest antioxidant activity either for reducing power or scavenging assays. Consistently, it is reported that the acid‐soluble fraction containing fucans shows higher antioxidant activity than those containing alginate and laminaran in Turbinaria conoides seaweed.
Changes on free amino acids during the alcoholic fermentation of strawberry and persimmon
Authors: Callejón Raquel M. , Ubeda Cristina , Hidalgo Claudio , Mas Albert , Troncoso Ana M. , Morales M. Lourdes
Published: September 2014

Changes in amino acids and ammonium were monitored during the alcoholic fermentation of strawberry and persimmon purees. Fermentations were carried out either by autochthonous or by commercial yeasts. The amino acid content in strawberry and persimmon was lower than that of grapes but enough to successfully perform the alcoholic fermentation, showing a different consumption pattern. Arginine, although is not present in the most strawberry substrates, appears in strawberry wines (2.75–3.36 mg L−1). Additionally, as opposed to grape wine, an exceptional high consumption of proline was observed during the alcoholic fermentation of strawberry purees. The consumption of amino acids was highly influenced by the substrate and the S. cerevisiae strain used for the fermentation process. These results were confirmed by principal component analysis, which was able to group the samples based on substrate, harvest or yeast strain, considering the amino acids as variables.
The effect of recombinant and plasma‐derived prothrombin on prothrombin time in human plasma
Authors: Hansson K. M. , Björkqvist J. , Deinum J.
Published: September 2014

Introduction

When investigating coagulation assays to measure the effect of infused prothrombin (FII) in in vivo coagulopathy models, we found that addition of FII, plasma‐derived human FII (pd‐hFII) or recombinant human FII (r‐hFII), to normal plasma resulted in a concentration‐dependent increase in prothrombin time (PT) initiated with Innovin®.

Methods

The effect on PT by addition to plasma of either pd‐hFII or r‐hFII, using different commercial PT reagents, was studied both by turbidimetry and viscometry.

Result

Addition of FII to plasma resulted in increased PT when initiated with Innovin®: PT increased with 20% by doubling the concentration. The prolongation of PT became more pronounced with 2–6000 times diluted Innovin®. However, by adjustment of the final free Ca2+ concentration in the assay with diluted Innovin® from 8.3 to 1.3 mmol/L, no FII‐dependent increase in PT was found. In contrast, no prolongation of PT was found with other commercial PT reagents. A KM= 3 nmol/L was obtained with pd‐hFII, respectively, r‐hFII with FII‐depleted plasma using Thromborel® to initiate PT.

Conclusion

At normal plasma concentration of FII, addition of FII should not have an effect on PT. The prolonged PT with Innovin®, but not with other PT reagents, at supranormal FII concentration is an artefact.
RECTIFYING MANAGERIAL MYOPIA
Authors: Coomber Steve
Published: September 2014

A new paper argues how stakeholders can counteract short‐termism to boost long‐term value
DISRUPTING BANKING
Authors: Jeffery Paul , Arnold David
Published: September 2014

Can online P2P lenders deliver disruptive innovation to the world of banking? Paul Jeffery and David Arnold offer their assessment
AN EMOTIONAL BUSINESS
Authors: Alfaro Elena , Urío Santiago , Martín‐Vivaldi Gonzalo
Published: September 2014

Emotions are a better predictor of whether customers will return than conventional loyalty measures. Elena Alfaro, Santiago Urío and Gonzalo Martín‐Vivaldi argue for an emotional standard
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
Authors: Peters Georgina
Published: September 2014

Our special report looks at the challenges and choices facing female leaders and entrepreneurs
MAKING CHOICES: MINA MEHTA
Authors: Chynoweth Carly
Published: September 2014

VP, Global Privacy Officer, Corporate Ethics & Compliance GlaxoSmithKline
MY DAY
Authors: Edwards Mark
Published: September 2014

Gianmaria Fulgenzi head of sports car development for Ferrari in Italy, opens his diary to Mark Edwards Programme Director, Executive Education at London Business School
Piezoelectric K0.5Na0.5NbO3 Ceramics Textured Using Needlelike K0.5Na0.5NbO3 Templates
Authors: Haugen Astri Bjørnetun , Olsen Gerhard Henning , Madaro Francesco , Morozov Maxim I. , Tutuncu Goknur , Jones Jacob L. , Grande Tor , Einarsrud Mari‐Ann
Published: September 2014

Improved performance by texturing has become attractive in the field of lead‐free ferroelectrics, but the effect depends heavily on the degree of texture, type of preferred orientation, and whether the material is a rotator or extender ferroelectric. Here, we report on successful texturing of K0.5Na0.5NbO3 (KNN) ceramics by alignment of needlelike KNN templates in a matrix of KNN powder using tape casting. Homotemplated grain growth of the needles was confirmed during sintering, resulting in a high degree of texture parallel to the tape casting direction (TCD) and the aligned needles. The texture significantly improved the piezoelectric response parallel to the tape cast direction, corresponding to the direction of the strongest <001>pc orientation, while the response normal to the tape cast plane was lower than for a nontextured KNN. In situ X‐ray diffraction during electric field application revealed that non‐180° domain reorientation was enhanced by an order of magnitude in the TCD, compared to the direction normal to the tape cast plane and in the nontextured ceramic. The effect of texture in KNN is discussed with respect to possible rotator ferroelectric properties of KNN.
A randomized controlled trial of the effectiveness of an educational intervention on outcomes of parents and their children undergoing inpatient elective surgery: study protocol
Authors: He Hong‐Gu , Zhu Lixia , Chan Wai‐Chi Sally , Xiao Chunxiang , Klainin‐Yobas Piyanee , Wang Wenru , Cheng Kin Fong Karis , Luo Nan
Published: September 2014

Aim

To report a study protocol that tests the effectiveness of an educational intervention on outcomes of parents and their children who undergo inpatient elective surgery.

Background

Inadequate children's postoperative pain management remains a global problem. Parents are required to be involved in their child's pain assessment and management, yet they often lack relevant knowledge and skills. Education is an effective strategy for enhancing a person's knowledge, attitudes and behaviour. However, few studies have examined its effectiveness in parents and their children undergoing inpatient elective surgery.

Design

Randomized controlled trial and embedded qualitative process evaluation.

Methods

One hundred and sixty‐two pairs of participants (each comprised of one parent and his/her child undergoing inpatient elective surgery) will be recruited (protocol approved in January 2013). Participants will be randomized to either a Control group (routine care), an Intervention group 1 (routine care and an educational intervention with face‐to‐face teaching), or an Intervention group 2 (routine care and an educational intervention without face‐to‐face teaching). Outcome measures will include parents' knowledge, attitude and behaviour related to postoperative pain management; their child's postoperative pain; and parents' satisfaction with their child's pain management at baseline and around 6, 12 and 24 hours after the operation.

Discussion

A standardized educational intervention protocol and detailed study procedure have been developed in this study to improve parents' knowledge, attitude and behaviour related to postoperative pain management and reduce their child's postoperative pain.
Can Management Turnover Restore the Financial Statement Credibility of Restating Firms? Further Evidence
Authors: Dao Mai , Huang Hua‐Wei , Chen Ken Y. , Huang Ting‐Chiao
Published: September 2014

This paper investigates the association between management turnover following financial restatements and the probability of subsequent restatements. We find that restating firms that replace management (CEO and/or CFO) are more likely to restate their financial statements again. We also find that subsequent restatements are mainly attributable to the new management. Overall, our results suggest that management turnover following restatements may not be an effective mechanism to remediate financial restatements, but the change to a new management results in a greater possibility of lower earnings quality (i.e., higher probability of subsequent financial restatements and accruals‐based earnings management). Our study supports prior literature's findings that the change in the top management leads to organizational instability and higher accounting information risk. Our findings have implications for internal decisionmaking with regard to top executive replacement.
KITLG is a novel target of miR‐34c that is associated with the inhibition of growth and invasion in colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Yang Shu , Li Wen‐shuai , Dong Fang , Sun Hai‐mei , Wu Bo , Tan Jun , Zou Wan‐jing , Zhou De‐shan
Published: September 2014

MiR‐34c is considered a potent tumour suppressor because of its negative regulation of multiple target mRNAs that are critically associated with tumorigenesis and metastasis. In the present study, we demonstrated a novel target of miR‐34c, KITLG, which has been implicated in colorectal cancer (CRC). First, we found a significant negative relationship between miR‐34c and KITLG mRNA expression levels in CRC cell lines, including HT‐29, HCT‐116, SW480 and SW620 CRC cell lines. In silico analysis predicted putative binding sites for miR‐34c in the 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR) of KITLG mRNA. A dual‐luciferase reporter assay further confirmed that KITLG is a direct target of miR‐34c. Then, the cell lines were infected with lentiviruses expressing miR‐34c or a miR‐34c specific inhibitor. Restoration of miR‐34c dramatically reduced the expression of KITLG mRNA and protein, while silencing of endogenous miR‐34c increased the expression of KITLG protein. The miR‐34c‐mediated down‐regulation of KITLG was associated with the suppression on proliferation, cellular transformation, migration and invasion of CRC cells, as well as the promotion on apoptosis. Knockdown of KITLG by its specific siRNA confirmed a critical role of KITLG down‐regulation for the tumour‐suppressive effects of miR‐34c in CRC cells. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that miR‐34c might interfere with KITLG‐related CRC and could be a novel molecular target for CRC patients.
Cardiovascular autonomic function analysis using approximate entropy from 24‐h heart rate variability and its frequency components in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Li Xia , Yu Shuo , Chen Hui , Lu Cheng , Zhang Kuan , Li Fangjie
Published: September 2014

Aims/Introduction

The principal aim of the present study was to investigate the cardiovascular autonomic system status of diabetes patients using approximate entropy (ApEn) extracted from 24‐h heart rate variability (HRV) and its frequency components.

Materials and Methods

A total of 29 healthy controls and 63 type 2 diabetes patients were included. Participants’ 24‐h HRV signals were recorded, and decomposed and reconstructed into four frequency components: high, low, very low and ultra low. The total 24‐h HRV and its four components were divided into 24 1‐h segments. ApEn values were extracted and statistically analyzed. Four traditional HRV indices, namely standard deviation of the RR intervals, root mean square of successive differences, coefficient of variance of RR intervals and ratio of low to high power of HRV, were also calculated.

Results

The low‐frequency component contained the most abundant non‐linear information, so was potentially most suitable for studying the cardiovascular system status with non‐linear methods. ApEn values extracted from low‐ and high‐frequency components of healthy controls were higher than those of diabetes patients. Except for root mean square of successive differences, standard deviation of the RR intervals, low to high power of HRV and coefficient of variance of RR intervals of healthy controls were all higher than those of diabetes patients.

Conclusions

The results showed that ApEn contained information on disorders of autonomic system function of diabetes patients as traditional HRV indices in time and frequency domains. ApEn and three traditional indices showed accordance to some degree. Non‐linear information in subcomponents of HRV was shown, which is potentially more effective for distinguishing healthy individuals and diabetes patients than that extracted from the total HRV. Compared with diabetes patients, the cardiovascular system of healthy controls showed information of higher complexity, and better regulation function in response to changes of environment.
Antimicrobial Efficiency of Chitosan Solutions and Coatings Incorporated with Clove Oil and/or Ethylenediaminetetraacetate
Authors: He Shoukui , Yang Qiaomu , Ren Xiaoyun , Zi Jiahui , Lu Saisai , Wang Shuqi , Zhang Yunbin , Wang Yifei
Published: September 2014

Bioactive edible coatings based on chitosan (Ch) were developed by incorporating clove oil (CO) and/or ethylenediaminetetraacetate (E), with the aim of promoting the microbial quality of meat. The antimicrobial mode of Ch‐based coatings was also explored in terms of membrane permeability. Results showed that the addition of CO and/or E provoked a significant (P < 0.05) increase in diameter of inhibition zones. In the growth inhibition assay, Ch + CO + E solution exhibited the highest inhibition rates of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus (99.17 and 96.42%, respectively). A pork slice coating test showed that CO and/or E incorporated coatings could moderate the growth of total microbes and maintain acceptable sensory characteristics of pork in 7 days of storage at 4C. The coatings of Ch, Ch + CO and Ch + CO + E improved both lightness and red color stability of pork. Furthermore, four kinds of coating solutions induced the release of intracellular components, indicating the damage of cell membranes. This study suggests the potential utilization of Ch + CO and Ch + CO + E coatings for antimicrobial purposes in refrigerated pork.

Practical Applications

Increasing demands for food quality and safety have boosted the development of bioactive edible coatings and films to maintain quality attributes of food products in recent years. Edible coatings based on polysaccharides have shown great promise. Microbial growth on the food surface is a principal cause of food spoilage. Hence, the antimicrobial efficiency of edible coatings is of prime importance. In this study, clove oil (CO) and ethylenediaminetetraacetate (E) were incorporated into chitosan (Ch) coating to improve its antimicrobial activity. Results from in vitro and in vivo tests demonstrated that Ch + CO and Ch + CO + E coatings could be utilized as active packaging materials for refrigerated pork.
Angiogenesis‐related prognosis in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma—role of the VEGF +936 C/T polymorphism
Authors: Kämmerer Peer W. , Al‐Nawas Bilal , Kalkan Sasa , Liese Jan , Fruth Kai , Frerich Bernhard , Brieger Jürgen
Published: September 2014

Background

The aim of the study was the immunohistological assessment of VEGF‐single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)‐related angiogenic activity in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) in correlation with prognosis.

Methods

Fifty OSCC samples were immunostained with CD31‐antibodies. Mean microvessel density (MVD) and staining intensity were determined and associated with clinicopathological/prognostic features as well as with the VEGF +936C/T SNP.

Results

A significant higher MVD could be seen for T3 and T4 compared with T1 and T2, N > 0 vs. N0 as well as G3–G4 vs. G1–G2 OSCCs (all: P < 0.05). A higher MVD was also associated with increased and earlier rates of local relapses, more metastases, and a significant decreased overall as well as disease‐free survival (all: P < 0.05). When comparing T1 and T2 samples with +936‐T‐allele with T 1&2 samples without this allele, staining intensity was significantly increased (P = 0.002).

Conclusions

Angiogenesis influences local as well as distant growth of OSCCs with a significant correlation between prognostic parameters. The correlation between VEGF +936‐T‐allele and increased CD31 immunostain needs further confirmation.
Involvement of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP‐3 and MMP‐9) in the pathogenesis of irinotecan‐induced oral mucositis
Authors: Al‐Azri Abdul R. , Gibson Rachel J. , Bowen Joanne M. , Stringer Andrea M. , Keefe Dorothy M. , Logan Richard M.
Published: September 2014

Objectives

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are involved in both maintenance of healthy mucosa and mediation of several pathologies. Recently, MMPs and their inhibitors have attracted attention as potential mediators of mucositis. We investigated tissue expression of MMP‐3 and MMP‐9 over time in a pre‐clinical model of irinotecan‐induced oral mucositis (OM).

Materials and methods

Eighty‐one female Dark Agouti rats received either a single dose of irinotecan (200 mg/kg) or vehicle control. Rats were killed at different time points over a 72‐h period and tongue mucosa examined histologically. Tissue expression of MMP‐3 and MMP‐9 was characterized by standard qualitative immunohistochemistry.

Results and discussion

Epithelial thickness was reduced without any ulceration in the oral mucosa early after chemotherapy. Epithelial atrophy was associated with significant (P < 0.05) upregulation of MMP‐3 and MMP‐9 in all layers of the oral epithelium. The increase of MMP‐3 was also significant (P < 0.05) in lamina propria and submucosa. Most of changes in expression occurred early (1–6 h), coinciding with previously described upregulation of transcription factors and pro‐inflammatory cytokines in OM. Tissue expression of MMP‐3 and MMP‐9 followed different patterns of change over time, suggesting involvement in various aspects of OM pathophysiology.

Conclusions

These findings suggest vital roles played by MMP‐3 and MMP‐9 during OM pathophysiology. Further research is required to investigate the role of other MMPs and the naturally existing tissue inhibitors of MMPs. Research should also be directed to investigate beneficial effects of MMPs intervention therapies to prevent or reduce the severity of OM.
Chemical composition, antioxidant and antinociceptive properties of Litchi chinensis leaves
Authors: Castellain Rosana C L , Gesser Marluci , Tonini Fernanda , Schulte Rafael V , Demessiano Kely Z , Wolff Fellippe R , Delle-Monache Franco , Netz Daisy J A , Cechinel-Filho Valdir , de Freitas Rilton Alves , de Souza Márcia M , Meyre-Silva Christiane
Published: September 2014

Objectives

Litchi chinensis has been traditionally used in folk medicine to treat several ailments. In this study, we investigated the chemical composition, antioxidant and antinociceptive activity of L. chinensis leaves.

Methods

The antioxidant capacity of the extract, fraction and compounds was evaluated using the 1,1-diphenyl-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assays, and the liposome model with peroxyl radicals generated by 2,2′-azobis (2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride radical. The pharmacological models of acute nociception used in mice were: writhing test with acetic acid (AA), hotplate (HP), glutamate (GLU), capsaicin (CP) and formalin (FM) tests.

Key findings

The main compounds isolated were procyanidin A2 (PA2), procyanidin B2 (PB2) and (–)-epicatechin. The biochemical features of the crude extracts and their ethyl acetate fraction (EtOAcFR) presented high antioxidant activity, and the antioxidant activity of PA2 and PB2 was remarkably high, with DPPH and ABTS. The crude methanol extract (MeOHEXTR), EtOAcFR and PB2 were effective in reducing nociception in FM and HP models. MeOHEXTR and EtOAcFR treatments also reduced pain induced by GLU and AA. In the CP model, only EtOAcFR and PB2 were effective.

Conclusions

The results demonstrate the antinociceptive and antioxidant of MeOHEXTR, EtOAcFR and PB2.
Anxiety and compulsion patterns in the maintenance of bingeing/purging behaviours by individuals with bulimia nervosa
Authors: Thomas M. , Lovell A.
Published: September 2014

Accessible summary

Bulimia nervosa, if not treated or if treated unsuccessfully, can develop into a severe and enduring eating disorder.

Analysis of self‐management of Seed‐BN indicates that individuals frequently experience significant negative mental health issues and a complex relationship with medication management.

Two discrete patterns of coping strategies to prevent deterioration in distressing symptoms were in evidence, controlled vomiting, which was related to the management of anxiety, and uncontrolled vomiting due to more dominant self‐management of compulsive acts.

The implications for nursing revolve around accurate assessment of vomiting and subsequent engagement by the individual with their coping strategies in relation to perceived deterioration in distressing symptoms.

This paper reports on the results of a study into the self‐reported coping strategies employed by a small sample (n = 12) of individuals diagnosed with bulimia nervosa purging sub‐type, severe and enduring eating disorder (Seed‐BN), referred to an outpatient clinic for psychotherapy. Data collection focused on the vomiting activities of participants through analysis of their self‐management from diary extracts, which recorded vomiting patterns. Participants all experienced significant mental health issues, had complex histories of BN over a prolonged period, difficulties maintaining relationships, and many had an additional history of substance misuse including dependence on prescription drugs. The study findings indicated two different self‐management strategies, anxiety containment and compulsion maintenance. There was a clear association between anxiety and controlled weekly vomiting patterns compared with compulsion and daily vomiting patterns. The implications for nursing practice relate to the potential for assessment of differences in vomiting patterns to indicate self‐management status and subsequent interventions focusing on either anxiety or compulsive patterns.
Policy Development and Implementation for Disability Services in Rural New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Dew Angela , Gallego Gisselle , Bulkeley Kim , Veitch Craig , Brentnall Jennie , Lincoln Michelle , Bundy Anita , Griffiths Scott
Published: September 2014

Throughout their lives, all people, including those who have a disability, use a broad range of community services. Community services are important in assisting people with a range of impairments to participate in their communities. Vast geographic distances and a lack of therapists in rural and remote regions of Australia pose significant barriers for implementing policy aimed at supporting people with a disability. The aim of this study was to investigate the extent to which metropolitan‐formulated policy encompassed the unique geographic, demographic, and sociocultural challenges experienced by rural therapists and people with a disability in New South Wales (NSW). Twenty‐seven policy documents were reviewed and categorized into tier 1 (higher level strategic policies) and tier 2 (specific operational policies). Tier 1 policy documents provided consistent messages about the need to develop strategies and service delivery options to address geographic, cultural, and age‐related barriers facing all people in NSW including those who have a disability. Tier 2 documents revealed a lack of attention to the practical differences between implementing the policy principles in metropolitan compared with rural areas. Study findings identify that the implementation of metropolitan‐formulated policy does not always encompass the unique challenges experienced by therapists providing services to rural people with a disability and their carers. This study highlights the importance of “rural proofing” policy to consider people who live and work in rural areas.
Comparison of postoperative complications in healthy dogs undergoing open and closed orchidectomy
Authors: Hamilton K. H. , Henderson E. R. , Toscano M. , Chanoit G. P.
Published: September 2014

OBJECTIVE

To compare closed and open orchidectomy in dogs and the associated complications.

METHODS

A randomised controlled blinded prospective clinical study of 73 cases was undertaken involving the recording of all complications during and in the 10 days following orchidectomy of dogs fulfilling the standardised inclusion criteria. The active variable was the surgical technique of either open or closed orchidectomy.

RESULTS

Dogs undergoing open orchidectomy experienced significantly more complication events than the dogs undergoing closed orchidectomy [24 of 34 (70%)versus18 of 39 (46%), P = 0 · 04]. Dogs undergoing open orchidectomy were statistically more likely to develop scrotal complications (21 of 34, 61%) compared with dogs undergoing closed orchidectomy (13 of 39, 33%; P = 0 · 02).

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Open orchidectomy is associated with a higher overall complication rate in the first 10 days after surgery than closed orchidectomy. Open orchidectomy is also associated with increased scrotal complications including swelling, bruising and pain compared with closed orchidectomy.
People with Gender Dysphoria Who Self-Prescribe Cross-Sex Hormones: Prevalence, Sources, and Side Effects Knowledge
Authors: Mepham Nick , Bouman Walter P. , Arcelus Jon , Hayter Mark , Wylie Kevan R.
Published: September 2014

Introduction

There is a scarcity of research into the use of non-physician-sourced cross-sex hormones in the transgender population. However, when medication is not prescribed by health professionals, users' knowledge of such medication may be adversely affected.

Aims

This study aims to define the prevalence of Internet-sourced sex hormone use in a population attending for initial assessment at a gender identity clinic, to compare the prevalence between gender-dysphoric men and women, and to compare knowledge of cross-sex hormone side effects between users who source cross-sex hormones from medical doctors and those who source them elsewhere.

Methods

In the first part of the study, a cross-sectional design is used to measure the overall prevalence of sex hormone use among individuals referred to a gender clinic. The second part is a questionnaire survey aiming at measuring sex hormone knowledge among individuals referred to this clinic.

Main Outcome Measures

Main outcome measures were (i) categorical data on the prevalence and source of cross-sex hormone use and (ii) knowledge of sex hormone side effects in a population referred to a gender clinic.

Results

Cross-sex hormone use was present in 23% of gender clinic referrals, of whom 70% sourced the hormones via the Internet. Trans men using testosterone had a sex hormone usage prevalence of 6%; one-third of users sourced it from the Internet. Trans women had a sex hormone usage prevalence of 32%; approximately 70% of users sourced hormones from the Internet. Cross-sex hormone users who sourced their hormones from physicians were more aware of side effects than those who used other sources to access hormones.

Conclusion

One in four trans women self-prescribe cross-sex hormones before attending gender clinics, most commonly via the Internet. This practice is currently rare among trans men. Self-prescribing without medical advice leaves individuals without the knowledge required to minimize health risks.
Daily mood and sleep: reciprocal relations and links with adjustment problems
Authors: Kouros Chrystyna D. , El‐Sheikh Mona
Published: September 2014

Children's sleep problems are common and associated with increased risk for adjustment problems. We examined daily links between children's sleep and mood, using a daily diary method and actigraphy. We also tested children's daily mood as a mediator of relations among sleep and children's broader internalizing and externalizing symptoms. A community sample of 142 children (mean age = 10.69 years; 57% girls; 69% European American, 31% African American) and their parents participated. For 1 week, children wore actigraphs and parents completed a daily telephone interview about their child's mood. Following the week of actigraphy, mothers and fathers reported on their child's adjustment. Multi‐level models indicated within‐person relations between children's mood and subsequent sleep fragmentation (indicated by increased activity) and sleep latency, and between‐person relations between sleep latency and subsequent mood on the next day. Significant indirect effects were found such that a more negative daily mood (aggregated across diary days) mediated relations between poor sleep efficiency and longer sleep latency and parent‐reported internalizing and externalizing symptoms. Findings extend previous research by highlighting disruptions to children's daily mood as a potential mechanism linking sleep problems to children's mental health.
A systematic review of instruments measuring patients′ perceptions of patient‐centred nursing care
Authors: Köberich Stefan , Farin Erik
Published: September 2014

This systematic review identified and evaluated instruments measuring patients' perceptions of patient‐centred nursing care. Of 2629 studies reviewed, 12 were eligible for inclusion. Four instruments were reported: The Individualized Care Scale, the Client‐Centred Care Questionnaire, the Oncology patients' Perceptions of the Quality of Nursing Care Scale and the Smoliner scale. These instruments cover themes addressing patient participation and the clinician–patient relationship. Instruments were shown to have satisfactory psychometric properties, although not all were adequately assessed. More research is needed regarding test–retest reliability, convergent and discriminant validity, validity with known groups and structural validity using confirmatory factor analysis.
A matter of taste: evaluating the quality of qualitative research
Authors: Sandelowski Margarete
Published: September 2014

Driven by an impetus to standardize, numerous checklists have been devised to address quality in qualitative research, but these standards and the mindset driving them offer no language with which to speak about taste, or the aesthetic sensibilities that play such a key role in evaluating the goodness of any object. In this article, quality appraisal in qualitative research is considered in the context of taste, that is, in the discernment involved in judging the value of research and in the recognition of the key role reviewer preferences, sensibilities and membership in one or more taste communities play in these judgements. The evaluation of a study is accomplished by evaluating one or more reports from that study, and such reports may be conceived as art forms amenable to the same criteria for appraisal as poems or paintings. Taste implies judgements about the quality of objects and a person's ability to sift through and select from a store of knowledge that knowledge appropriate to judge its value. What binds a community of practitioners (here reviewers of qualitative studies) together is taste‐making, or the constant refinements of judgements concerning what constitutes good and bad practice.
Metabolic profiling reveals altered pattern of central metabolism in navel orange plants as a result of boron deficiency
Authors: Liu Guidong , Dong Xiaochang , Liu Leichao , Wu Lishu , Peng Shu'ang , Jiang Cuncang
Published: September 2014

We focused on the changes of metabolite profiles in navel orange plants under long‐term boron (B) deficiency using a gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) approach. Curling of the leaves and leaf chlorosis were observed only in the upper leaves (present before start of the treatment) of B‐deficient plants, while the lower leaves (grown during treatment) did not show any visible symptoms. The metabolites with up‐accumulation in B‐deficient leaves were mainly proline, l‐ornithine, lysine, glucoheptonic acid, fucose, fumarate, oxalate, quinate, myo‐inositol and allo‐inositol, while the metabolites with down‐accumulation in B‐deficient leaves were mainly serine, asparagine, saccharic acid, citrate, succinate, shikimate and phytol. The levels of glucose and fructose were increased only in the upper leaves by B deficiency, while starch content was increased in all the leaves and in roots. The increased levels of malate, ribitol, gluconic acid and glyceric acid occurred only in the lower leaves of B‐deficient plants. The increased levels of phenols only in the upper leaves indicated that the effects of B on phenol metabolism in citrus plants may be a consequence of disruptions in leaf structure. Metabolites with opposite reactions in upper and lower leaves were mainly glutamine, glycine and pyrrole‐2‐carboxylic acid. To our knowledge, the phenomena of allo‐inositol even higher than myo‐inositol occurred characterized for the first time in this species. These results suggested that the altered pattern of central metabolism may be either specific or adaptive responses of navel orange plants to B deficiency.
A Historical Institutionalist Understanding of Participatory Governance and Aboriginal Peoples: The Case of Policy Change in Ontario's Mining Sector*
Authors: Grant J. Andrew , Panagos Dimitrios , Hughes Michael , Mitchell Matthew I.
Published: September 2014

Objective

Natural resource policy has been a constant source of conflict between “Aboriginal” and “non‐Aboriginal” stakeholders in Canada. We employ a historical institutionalist analysis to examine the extent to which changes to the Canadian Constitution in 1982 and Ontario's Mining Act in 2009 enabled Aboriginal communities to become equal partners in participatory governance arrangements in mineral resource sectors.

Methods

We analyze primary sources consisting of federal and provincial legislation and in‐person interviews conducted across Ontario in 2010.

Results

The existing Canadian mining policy paradigm, while under significant pressure, has not yet been displaced by a new policy paradigm that would better accommodate the interests of Aboriginal stakeholders. Consequently, Aboriginal peoples’ mineral resource claims are likely to remain unresolved.

Conclusion

We suggest how a policy paradigm that both improves Aboriginal‐state relations and reduces uncertainty in the mining sector offers a promising political foundation for participatory governance and cooperative engagement between stakeholders.
LYST Affects Lysosome Size and Quantity, but not Trafficking or Degradation Through Autophagy or Endocytosis
Authors: Holland Petter , Torgersen Maria L. , Sandvig Kirsten , Simonsen Anne
Published: September 2014

Mutations in the large BEACH domain‐containing protein LYST causes Chediak–Higashi syndrome. The diagnostic hallmark is enlarged lysosomes and lysosome‐related organelles in various cell types. Dysfunctional secretion of enlarged lysosome‐related organelles has been observed in cells with mutations in LYST, but the capacity of the enlarged lysosomes to degrade endogenous proteins has not been studied. Here, we show for the first time that small interfering RNA‐depletion of LYST in human cell lines recapitulates the LYST mutant phenotype of enlarged lysosomes. We found no evidence for an effect of LYST depletion on autophagy or endocytic degradation. Autophagosomes are formed in normal size and quantities and are able to fuse to the enlarged lysosomes, leading to normal rates of degradation. Degradation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) was similarly not affected, indicating that the enlarged lysosomes are fully functional in degrading endogenous proteins. Retrograde trafficking of toxins as well as the localization of transporters of lysosomal proteins, adaptor protein‐3 (AP‐3) and cation‐independent mannose‐6‐phosphate receptor (CI‐MPR), were all found to be unaffected by LYST. Quantitative analysis of the enlarged lysosomes shows that LYST depletion causes a reduction in vesicle quantity per cell, while the total enzymatic content and vesicular pH are unaffected, supporting a role for LYST in lysosomal fission and/or fusion events.