bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The initiation of environmental auditing in the United States
Authors: Khan Tehmina
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The main purpose in this article is to highlight civil society activism that resulted in the inception of environmental auditing in the United States in the 1970s. The General Motors (GM) campaign which is discussed in this article led towards major institutional changes for the implementation of corporate social responsibility (environmental) reporting originally referred to as social (environmental) auditing. The Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) role and actions are analysed in detail in order to highlight the direction of this Federal Agency in relation to the implementation of social (environmental) auditing.

Design/methodology/approach

A detailed analysis of literature from the early 1970s is undertaken in order to identify the inception of environmental auditing and the types of environmental auditing as social auditing in its early stages. The case of the GM campaign is analysed in order to highlight the forms of historical institutionalism relevant to the critical stage of exogenous influences on companies to undertake social (environmental) auditing.

Findings

It is found that in the early 1970s companies resisted the incorporation of corporate social responsibility initiatives and actions as part of their agendas. Environmental Auditing as a type of social auditing at that time referred to corporate social responsibility disclosures that included environmental disclosures. Due to public pressure and civil society activism companies had to adopt and undertake social (environmental) auditing. The initial stages of environmental disclosures included reporting on environmental expenses and liabilities of the companies. The SEC imposed minimal disclosure requirements for environmental auditing, which were nevertheless adequate to undertake action against companies found to be providing misleading environmental information in their publicly available disclosures. The 1970s served as a critical juncture for the inception and development of mandatory and voluntary environmental reporting (auditing) in the United States.

Originality/value

This is an original research article.
Free vibration, bending and buckling of a FG-CNT reinforced composite beam
Authors: Kumar Puneet , Srinivas J.
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to perform a numerical analysis on the static and dynamic behaviors of beams made up of functionally graded carbon nanotube (FG-CNT) reinforced polymer and hybrid laminated composite containing the layers of carbon reinforced polymer with CNT. Conventional fibers have higher density as compared to carbon nanotubes (CNTs), thus insertion of FG-CNT reinforced polymer layer in fiber reinforced composite (FRC) structures makes them sustainable candidate for weight critical applications.

Design/methodology/approach

In this context, stress and strain formulations of a multi-layer composite system is determined with the help of Timoshenko hypothesis and then the principle of virtual work is employed to derive the governing equations of motion. Herein, extended rule of mixture and conventional micromechanics relations are used to evaluate the material properties of carbon nanotube reinforced composite (CNTRC) layer and FRC layer, respectively. A generalized eigenvalue problem is formulated using finite element approach and is solved for single layer FG-CNTRC beam and multi-layer laminated hybrid composite beam by a user-interactive MATLAB code.

Findings

First, the natural frequencies of FG-CNTRC beam are computed and compared with previously available results as well as with Ritz approximation outcomes. Further, free vibration, bending, and buckling analysis is carried out for FG-CNTRC beam to interpret the effect of different CNT volume fraction, number of walls in nanotube, distribution profiles, boundary conditions, and beam-slenderness ratios.

Originality/value

A free vibration analysis of hybrid laminated composite beam with two different layer stacking sequence is performed to present the advantages of hybrid laminated beam over the conventional FRC beam.
Most frequent value‐based factor analysis of direct‐push logging data
Authors: Szabó Norbert Péter , Balogh Gergely Pál , Stickel János
Published: September 2017

An improved, iteratively re‐weighted factor analysis procedure is presented to interpret engineering geophysical sounding logs in shallow unsaturated sediments. We simultaneously process cone resistance, electric resistivity, and nuclear data acquired by direct‐push tools to give robust estimates of factor variables and water content in unconsolidated heterogeneous formations. The statistical procedure is based on the iterative re‐weighting of the deviations between the measured and calculated data using the most frequent value method famous for its robustness and high statistical efficiency. The iterative approach improves the result of factor analysis for not normally distributed data and extremely noisy measurements. By detecting a strong regression relation between one of the extracted factors and the fractional volume of water, we establish an independent method for water content estimation along the penetration hole. We verify the estimated values of water volume by using a highly over‐determined, quality‐checked interval inversion procedure. The multidimensional extension of the statistical method allows the estimation of water content distribution along both the vertical and the horizontal coordinates. Numerical tests using engineering geophysical sounding data measured in a Hungarian loessy–sandy formation demonstrate the feasibility of the most frequent value‐based factor analysis, which can be efficiently used for a more reliable hydrogeophysical characterisation of the unsaturated zone.
Morphine hyposensitivity in streptozotocin‐diabetic rats: Reversal by dietary l‐arginine treatment
Authors: Lotfipour Shahrdad , Smith Maree T.
Published: September 2017

Painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) is a long‐term complication of diabetes. Defining symptoms include mechanical allodynia (pain due to light pressure or touch) and morphine hyposensitivity. In our previous work using the streptozotocin (STZ)‐diabetic rat model of PDN, morphine hyposensitivity developed in a temporal manner with efficacy abolished at 3 months post‐STZ and maintained for 6 months post‐STZ. As this time course mimicked that for the temporal development of hyposensitivity to the pain‐relieving effects of the furoxan nitric oxide (NO) donor, PRG150 (3‐methylfuroxan‐4‐carbaldehyde) in STZ‐diabetic rats, we hypothesized that progressive depletion of endogenous NO bioactivity may underpin the temporal loss of morphine sensitivity in STZ‐diabetic rats. Furthermore, we hypothesized that replenishment of NO bioactivity may restore morphine sensitivity in these animals. Diabetes was induced in male Dark Agouti rats by intravenous injection of STZ (85 mg/kg). Diabetes was confirmed on day 7 if blood glucose concentrations were ≥15 mmol/L. Mechanical allodynia was fully developed in the bilateral hindpaws by 3 weeks of STZ‐diabetes in rats and this was maintained for the study duration. Morphine hyposensitivity developed in a temporal manner with efficacy abolished by 3 months post‐STZ. Administration of dietary l‐arginine (NO precursor) at 1 g/d to STZ‐diabetic rats according to a 15‐week prevention protocol initiated at 9 weeks post‐STZ prevented abolition of morphine efficacy. When given as an 8‐week intervention protocol in rats where morphine efficacy was abolished, dietary l‐arginine at 1 g/d progressively rescued morphine efficacy and potency. Our findings implicate NO depletion in the development of morphine hyposensitivity in STZ‐diabetic rats.
Relatedness of wildlife and livestock avian isolates of the nosocomial pathogen Acinetobacter baumannii to lineages spread in hospitals worldwide
Authors: Wilharm Gottfried , Skiebe Evelyn , Higgins Paul G. , Poppel Marie T. , Blaschke Ulrike , Leser Sarah , Heider Christine , Heindorf Magdalena , Brauner Paul , Jäckel Udo , Böhland Karin , Cuny Christiane , Łopińska Andżelina , Kaminski Piotr , Kasprzak Mariusz , Bochenski Marcin , Ciebiera Olaf , Tobółka Marcin , Żołnierowicz Katarzyna M. , Siekiera Joachim , Seifert Harald , Gagné Stéphanie , Salcedo Suzana P. , Kaatz Michael , Layer Franziska , Bender Jennifer K. , Fuchs Stephan , Semmler Torsten , Pfeifer Yvonne , Jerzak Leszek
Published: September 2017

The natural habitats and potential reservoirs of the nosocomial pathogen Acinetobacter baumannii are poorly defined. Here, we put forth and tested the hypothesis of avian reservoirs of A. baumannii. We screened tracheal and rectal swab samples from livestock (chicken, geese) and wild birds (white stork nestlings) and isolated A. baumannii from 3% of sampled chicken (n = 220), 8% of geese (n = 40) and 25% of white stork nestlings (n = 661). Virulence of selected avian A. baumannii isolates was comparable to that of clinical isolates in the Galleria mellonella infection model. Whole genome sequencing revealed the close relationship of an antibiotic‐susceptible chicken isolate from Germany with a multidrug‐resistant human clinical isolate from China and additional linkages between livestock isolates and human clinical isolates related to international clonal lineages. Moreover, we identified stork isolates related to human clinical isolates from the United States. Multilocus sequence typing disclosed further kinship between avian and human isolates. Avian isolates do not form a distinct clade within the phylogeny of A. baumannii, instead they diverge into different lineages. Further, we provide evidence that A. baumannii is constantly present in the habitats occupied by storks. Collectively, our study suggests A. baumannii could be a zoonotic organism that may disseminate into livestock.
A bifunctional catalase‐peroxidase, MakatG1, contributes to virulence of Metarhizium acridum by overcoming oxidative stress on the host insect cuticle
Authors: Li Guohong , Fan Anni , Peng Guoxiong , Keyhani Nemat O. , Xin Jiankang , Cao Yueqing , Xia Yuxian
Published: September 2017

Microbial pathogens are exposed to damaging reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced from a variety of sources including chemical reactions due to exposure to stress (UV, heat) or by hosts as a defense response. Here, we demonstrate that a bifunctional catalase‐peroxidase, MakatG1, in the locust‐specific fungal pathogen, Metarhizium acridum, functions as a ROS detoxification mechanism during host cuticle penetration. MakatG1 expression was highly induced during on‐cuticle appressoria development as compared to vegetative (mycelia) growth or during in vivo growth in the insect hemocoel. A MakatG1 deletion mutant strain (ΔMakatG1) showed decreased catalase and peroxidase activities and significantly increased susceptibility to oxidative (H2O2 and menadione) and UV stress as compared to wild‐type and complemented strains. Insect bioassays revealed significantly reduced virulence of the ΔMakatG1 mutant when topically inoculated, but no impairment when the insect cuticle was bypassed. Germination and appressoria formation rates for the ΔMakatG1 mutant were decreased on locust wings and quinone/phenolic compounds derived from locust wings, but were not affected on plastic surfaces compared with the wild‐type strain. These data indicate that MakatG1 plays a pivotal role in penetration, reacting to and detoxifying specific cuticular compounds present on the host cuticle during the early stages of fungal infection.
Prediction of global geographic distribution of Metcalfa pruinosa using CLIMEX
Authors: Byeon Dae‐hyeon , Jung Jae‐Min , Jung Sunghoon , Lee Wang‐Hee
Published: September 2017

Globalization has changed the habitats of various species, resulting in harmful pest invasion. Among these pests, Metcalfa pruinosa has caused worldwide economic and hygienic damage in both urban and agricultural/forested areas. It has been reported that prediction of pest distribution is key to the management of pest prevention. Hence, this study aimed to predict the potential geographic distribution of M. pruinosa under the current climate and under a climate change scenario. CLIMEX, modeling software that analyzes the habitat suitability of a target species based on comprehensive climatic and physiological data, was used mainly to establish a map of predictive distribution of M. pruinosa at present and in the future. Based on our simulations, we predict that M. pruinosa will tend to extend its distribution northward in North America and Europe. We conclude that climate change could result in M. pruinosa invasion in a northward direction, suggesting the need for a thorough system of control and prevention.
Complete mitochondrial genome of the wild silkmoth, Saturnia boisduvalii (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae)
Authors: Kim Seong Ryul , Kim Jong Seok , Kim Kee‐Young , Kim Min Jee , Jeong Jun Seong , Kim Iksoo
Published: September 2017

We sequenced mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of the wild silkmoth, Saturnia boisduvalii (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae), which occurs in mainland Korea, and compared it with other species in Bombycoidea to characterize the genomic evolution of the superfamily. We found that the composition and arrangement of genes in the 15,257‐bp S. boisduvalii genome are typical of the majority of Lepidoptera, and the genome is biased toward A/T nucleotides, as previously reported. Comparison of individual gene divergence among bombycoid species showed that ND6 was most variable (p‐distance = 0.21), whereas COI and COII were most conserved, indicating that of all the protein‐coding genes (PCGs) ND6 appear to have evolved most rapidly. Thus, other PCGs beside COI are potential alternative markers, where scrutinized discrimination among species is required.
Nutrient and acetate amendment leads to acetoclastic methane production and microbial community change in a non‐producing Australian coal well
Authors: in 't Zandt Michiel H. , Beckmann Sabrina , Rijkers Ruud , Jetten Mike S.M. , Manefield Mike , Welte Cornelia U.
Published: September 2017

Coal mining is responsible for 11% of total anthropogenic methane emission thereby contributing considerably to climate change. Attempts to harvest coalbed methane for energy production are challenged by relatively low methane concentrations. In this study, we investigated whether nutrient and acetate amendment of a non‐producing sub‐bituminous coal well could transform the system to a methane source. We tracked cell counts, methane production, acetate concentration and geochemical parameters for 25 months in one amended and one unamended coal well in Australia. Additionally, the microbial community was analysed with 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing at 17 and 25 months after amendment and complemented by metagenome sequencing at 25 months. We found that cell numbers increased rapidly from 3.0 × 104 cells ml−1 to 9.9 × 107 in the first 7 months after amendment. However, acetate depletion with concomitant methane production started only after 12–19 months. The microbial community was dominated by complex organic compound degraders (Anaerolineaceae, Rhodocyclaceae and Geobacter spp.), acetoclastic methanogens (Methanothrix spp.) and fungi (Agaricomycetes). Even though the microbial community had the functional potential to convert coal to methane, we observed no indication that coal was actually converted within the time frame of the study. Our results suggest that even though nutrient and acetate amendment stimulated relevant microbial species, it is not a sustainable way to transform non‐producing coal wells into bioenergy factories.
Simulation of Daily Flow Pathways, Tile‐Drain Nitrate Concentrations, and Soil‐Nitrogen Dynamics Using SWAT
Authors: Ikenberry Charles D. , Soupir Michelle L. , Helmers Matthew J. , Crumpton William G. , Arnold Jeffrey G. , Gassman Philip W.
Published: September 2017

Tile drainage significantly alters flow and nutrient pathways and reliable simulation at this scale is needed for effective planning of nutrient reduction strategies. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) has been widely utilized for prediction of flow and nutrient loads, but few applications have evaluated the model's ability to simulate pathway‐specific flow components or nitrate‐nitrogen (NO3‐N) concentrations in tile‐drained watersheds at the daily time step. The objectives of this study were to develop and calibrate SWAT models for small, tile‐drained watersheds, evaluate model performance for simulation of flow components and NO3‐N concentration at daily intervals, and evaluate simulated soil‐nitrogen dynamics. Model evaluation revealed that it is possible to meet accepted performance criteria for simulation of monthly total flow, subsurface flow (SSF), and NO3‐N loads while obtaining daily surface runoff (SURQ), SSF, and NO3‐N concentrations that are not satisfactory. This limits model utility for simulating best management practices (BMPs) and compliance with water quality standards. Although SWAT simulates the soil N‐cycle and most predicted fluxes were within ranges reported in agronomic studies, improvements to algorithms for soil‐N processes are needed. Variability in N fluxes is extreme and better parameterization and constraint, through use of more detailed agronomic data, would also improve NO3‐N simulation in SWAT. Editor's note: This paper is part of the featured series on SWAT Applications for Emerging Hydrologic and Water Quality Challenges. See the February 2017 issue for the introduction and background to the series.
Whole genome amplification and sequencing of a Daphnia resting egg
Authors: Lack Justin B. , Weider Lawrence J. , Jeyasingh Punidan D.
Published: September 2017

Resting eggs banks are unique windows that allow us to directly observe shifts in population genetics, and phenotypes over time as natural populations evolve. Though a variety of planktonic organisms also produce resting stages, the keystone freshwater consumer, Daphnia, is a well‐known model for paleogenetics and resurrection ecology. Nevertheless, paleogenomic investigations are limited largely because resting eggs do not contain enough DNA for genomic sequencing. In fact, genomic studies even on extant populations include a laborious preparatory phase of batch culturing dozens of individuals to generate sufficient genomic DNA. Here, we furnish a protocol to generate whole genomes of single ephippial (resting) eggs and single daphniids. Whole genomes of single ephippial eggs and single adults were amplified using Qiagen REPLI‐g Single Cell kit reaction, followed by NEBNext Ultra DNA Library Prep Kit for library construction and Illumina sequencing. We compared the quality of the single‐egg and single‐individual amplified genomes to the standard batch genomic DNA extraction in the absence of genome amplification. At mean 20× depth, coverage was essentially identical for the amplified single individual relative to the unamplified batch extracted genome (>90% of the genome was covered and callable). Finally, while amplification resulted in the slight loss of heterozygosity for the amplified genomes, estimates were largely comparable and illustrate the utility and limitations of this approach in estimating population genetic parameters over long periods of time in natural populations of Daphnia and also other small species known to produce resting stages.
Association between CFH, CFB, ARMS2, SERPINF1, VEGFR1 and VEGF polymorphisms and anatomical and functional response to ranibizumab treatment in neovascular age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Cobos Estefania , Recalde Sergio , Anter Jaouad , Hernandez‐Sanchez Maria , Barreales Carla , Olavarrieta Leticia , Valverde Alicia , Suarez‐Figueroa Marta , Cruz Fernando , Abraldes Maximino , Pérez‐Pérez Julian , Fernández‐Robredo Patricia , Arias Luis , García‐Layana Alfredo
Published: September 2017

Purpose

We sought to determine if specific genetic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) influence vascular endothelial growth factor inhibition response to ranibizumab in neovascular age‐related macular degeneration (AMD).

Methods

A total of 403 Caucasian patients diagnosed with exudative AMD were included. After a three‐injection loading phase, a pro re nata regimen was followed. Nine SNPs from six different genes (CFH, CFB, ARMS2, SERPINF1, VEGFR1, VEGF) were genotyped. Non‐genetic risk factors (gender, smoking habit and hypertension) were also assessed. Patients were classified as good or poor responders (GR or PR) according to functional (visual acuity), anatomical (foveal thickness measured by OCT) and fluid criteria (fluid/no fluid measured by OCT).

Results

Hypertension was the environmental factor with the strongest poor response association with ranibizumab in the anatomical measure after the loading phase (p = 0.0004; OR 3.7; 95% CI, 2.4–5.8) and after 12 months of treatment (p = 10−5; OR 2.3; 95% CI, 1.5–3.4). The genetic variants rs12614 (CFB), rs699947 (VEGFA) and rs7993418 (VEGFR1) predisposed patients to a good response, while rs12603486 and rs1136287 (SERPINF1) were associated with a poor response. The protective genotype of rs800292 variant (CFH) was also associated with a poor anatomical response (p 0.0048).

Conclusion

All these data suggest that genetics play an important role in treatment response in AMD patients.
Automated detection of diabetic retinopathy lesions on ultrawidefield pseudocolour images
Authors: Wang Kang , Jayadev Chaitra , Nittala Muneeswar G. , Velaga Swetha B. , Ramachandra Chaithanya A. , Bhaskaranand Malavika , Bhat Sandeep , Solanki Kaushal , Sadda SriniVas R.
Published: September 2017

Purpose

We examined the sensitivity and specificity of an automated algorithm for detecting referral‐warranted diabetic retinopathy (DR) on Optos ultrawidefield (UWF) pseudocolour images.

Methods

Patients with diabetes were recruited for UWF imaging. A total of 383 subjects (754 eyes) were enrolled. Nonproliferative DR graded to be moderate or higher on the 5‐level International Clinical Diabetic Retinopathy (ICDR) severity scale was considered as grounds for referral. The software automatically detected DR lesions using the previously trained classifiers and classified each image in the test set as referral‐warranted or not warranted. Sensitivity, specificity and the area under the receiver operating curve (AUROC) of the algorithm were computed.

Results

The automated algorithm achieved a 91.7%/90.3% sensitivity (95% CI 90.1–93.9/80.4–89.4) with a 50.0%/53.6% specificity (95% CI 31.7–72.8/36.5–71.4) for detecting referral‐warranted retinopathy at the patient/eye levels, respectively; the AUROC was 0.873/0.851 (95% CI 0.819–0.922/0.804–0.894).

Conclusion

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) lesions were detected from Optos pseudocolour UWF images using an automated algorithm. Images were classified as referral‐warranted DR with a high degree of sensitivity and moderate specificity. Automated analysis of UWF images could be of value in DR screening programmes and could allow for more complete and accurate disease staging.
Clinical relevance of retinal structure in children with laser‐treated retinopathy of prematurity versus controls – using optical coherence tomography
Authors: Stoica Florina , Chirita‐Emandi Adela , Andreescu Nicoleta , Stanciu Alina , Zimbru Cristian G. , Puiu Maria
Published: September 2017

Purpose

We aimed to assess the macular anatomy using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT), in children born preterm who had laser‐treated retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), and to investigate the relationship between structural changes in macula and visual function.

Methods

Thirty‐seven 3–8 years old children were included in the study in two groups: 20 children born preterm [(<34 weeks of gestation, birthweight (BW) <2000 g)] who had laser‐treated ROP in the Neonatology Department, Municipal Clinical Emergency Hospital of Timisoara, Romania; and 17 controls (children born at term, without eye disease, matched for age and gender). Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT) imaging (Spectralis OCT) was performed at central fovea and 1 mm nasally.

Results

In the ROP group (total 34 eyes), we included both eyes in 14 children, and on one eye in six other children. In the control group, both eyes for all 17 children were included. Central fovea thickness (CFT) was significantly higher in children born preterm and with laser‐treated ROP as compared to controls (275 ± 34.8 μm versus 224 ± 27.2 μm; p < 0.001). The laser‐treated eyes with ROP had mean best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) = 0.19 logMAR (20/31 Snellen); 35% had BCVA ≥0.3 logMAR (20/40 Snellen). In receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis, with BCVA as static variable (category 0 = BCVA ≤0.3 logMAR), the CFT cut‐off was 257 μm (sensitivity: 0.917; specificity: 0.661; area under the curve: 0.810, p = 0.001).

Conclusion

Years after the laser intervention, central fovea was significantly thicker in ROP laser‐treated children born preterm when compared to controls. Central fovea thickness (CFT) correlated strongly and inversely with BW and gestational age (GA) at birth, while a CFT value above 257 μm was suggestive for suboptimal visual acuity. The proposed cut‐off value needs to be validated in future larger studies.
Retinal dysfunction characterizes subtypes of dominant optic atrophy
Authors: Cascavilla Maria Lucia , Parisi Vincenzo , Triolo Giacinto , Ziccardi Lucia , Borrelli Enrico , Di Renzo Antonio , Balducci Nicole , Lamperti Costanza , Bianchi Marzoli Stefania , Darvizeh Fatima , Sadun Alfredo A. , Carelli Valerio , Bandello Francesco , Barboni Piero
Published: September 2017

Purpose

To assess preganglionic retinal function using multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG) in patients affected by dominant optic atrophy (DOA) stratified by OPA1 gene mutation.

Methods

Multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG) was recorded in 18 DOA patients (DOA group, 35 eyes) and 25 age‐matched healthy subjects (control group, 25 eyes). Patients were stratified in two groups based on gene mutation: missense mutation (DOA‐M group, 11 eyes) and mutation causing haploinsufficiency (DOA‐H group, 24 eyes). The mfERG N1‐P1 response amplitude density (RAD) has been evaluated in five annular retinal areas with different eccentricity from the fovea (ring 1: 0–5 degrees, R1; ring 2: 5–10 degrees, R2; ring 3: 10–15 degrees, R3; ring 4: 15–20 degrees, R4; and ring 5: 20–25 degrees, R5) and in eight sectors on the basis of the retinal topography: temporal–superior (TS), temporal–inferior (TI), nasal–superior (NS) and nasal–inferior (NI), temporal (T), superior (S), nasal (N) and inferior (I).

Results

Compared to controls, DOA group revealed a significant reduction in N1‐P1 RADs values in R1‐R4 rings and in TI, NS and N sectors [analysis of variance (ANOVA), p < 0.01). DOA‐M group showed a significant reduction in N1‐P1 RADs values in R1‐R5 rings and in TI, NS, NI, T, N and I sectors (p < 0.01). Dominant optic atrophy‐H (DOA‐H) group displayed only a significant (p < 0.01) reduction in N1‐P1 RADs values, exclusively in R1 and in the NS sector.

Conclusion

Preganglionic retinal impairment occurs in DOA with a clear genotype to retinal dysfunction association. Missense mutations are characterized by a far more severe functional impairment.
Epiretinal membrane surgery: an analysis of 2‐step sequential‐ or combined phacovitrectomy surgery on refraction and macular anatomy in a prospective trial
Authors: Hamoudi Hassan , Correll Christensen Ulrik , La Cour Morten
Published: September 2017

Purpose

To assess the impact of combined phacoemulsification‐vitrectomy and sequential surgery for idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM) on refractive error (RE) and macular morphology.

Methods

In this prospective clinical trial, we allocated phakic eyes with ERM to (1) cataract surgery and subsequent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) (CAT group), (2) PPV and subsequent cataract surgery (VIT group) or (3) phaco‐vitrectomy (COMBI group). Examinations were at baseline, one month after each surgery, and at 3 months and 12 months of follow‐up. Primary outcome was the RE (the difference between predicted and achieved spherical equivalent); secondary outcomes were best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and incidence of cystoid macular oedema (CME) defined as >10% increment of central subfield macular thickness (CSMT).

Results

Sixty‐two eyes were enrolled. The mean RE showed a small myopic shift of −0.36D in all groups 1 month after surgery, decreasing after 12 months to −0.17D. The absolute value of the RE (ARE) ranged 0.49–0.68D after 12 months. In the immediate postoperative period, there was a higher incidence of CME in the CAT group. There was no significant difference in final RE, ARE, BCVA and CSMT between the groups. Four cases (17%) in the CAT group had resolved visual complaints and improved BCVA after cataract surgery resulting in no need for PPV within the follow‐up period.

Conclusion

Surgery for idiopathic ERM in phakic eyes with either phaco‐vitrectomy or sequential surgery are equal approaches with respect to functional‐ (RE, BCVA) and anatomical outcomes (CME, CSMT). However, if starting with cataract surgery, 17% of the cases may not need subsequent PPV.
National allergy programme had little impact on parent‐reported food allergies in children aged 6–7 years
Authors: Palmu Sauli , Heikkilä Paula , Uski Virpi , Niitty Siina , Kurikka Sari , Korppi Matti
Published: September 2017

Aim

The ten‐year Finnish national allergy programme was launched in 2008 to lessen the disease and psychological burden of allergy. This study assessed the prevalence of parent‐reported food allergies requiring avoidance diets at primary school in children aged six and seven years.

Methods

The cohort comprised 1937 children (51% boys) who started primary school in Tampere, Finland, in August 2016. School health nurses charted parent‐reported, doctor‐diagnosed food allergies requiring avoidance diets as part of the routine health examination.

Results

We found that 127 (6.6%) children had parent‐reported, doctor‐diagnosed allergies to at least one food and 37 (1.9%) were allergic to basic foods, namely cows’ milk, wheat and one other grain. All required an avoidance diet. The figure did not differ significantly from the 2.7% and 2.5% found by studies of this age group in 2009 and 2013, respectively. Allergies to fresh fruit and vegetables decreased from 5.8% in 2009 to 3.6% in 2016.

Conclusion

We studied the national allergy programme that started in 2008 and found that there was a nonsignificant overall decrease in the number of children aged six to seven years on avoidance diets for allergies between 2009 and 2016. The only allergies that showed significant decreases were fresh fruit and vegetables.
An Investigation of Entrepreneurs' Venture Persistence Decision: The Contingency Effect of Psychological Ownership and Adversity
Authors: Zhu Fei , Hsu Dan Kai , Burmeister‐Lamp Katrin , Fan Shea X.
Published: September 2017

We incorporate psychological ownership theory and adversity literature to examine the joint effect of psychological ownership and adversity on entrepreneurs' persistence decision. The results of two experiments and one survey show that both low adversity and high psychological ownership for the venture increase entrepreneurs' likelihood of persistence. We also identify the moderating effect of adversity. Psychological ownership is more relevant to the likelihood of persistence when adversity is high than when it is low. Our research contributes to psychological ownership theory and the entrepreneurial persistence literature and has practical implications for entrepreneurs.
Inclusion of pregnant and breastfeeding women in research – efforts and initiatives
Authors: Illamola Sílvia M. , Bucci‐Rechtweg Christina , Costantine Maged M. , Tsilou Ekaterini , Sherwin Catherine M. , Zajicek Anne
Published: September 2017

Pregnant and breastfeeding women have been rendered therapeutic orphans as they have been historically excluded from clinical trials. Labelling for most approved drugs does not provide information about safety and efficacy during pregnancy. This lack of data is mainly due to ethico‐legal challenges that have remained entrenched in the post‐diethylstilbestrol and thalidomide era, and that have led to pregnancy being viewed in the clinical trial setting primarily through a pharmacovigilance lens. Policy considerations that encourage and/or require the inclusion of pregnant or lactating women in clinical trials may address the current lack of available information. However, there are additional pragmatic strategies, such the employment of pharmacometric tools and the introduction of innovative clinical trial designs, which could improve knowledge about the safety and efficacy of medication use during pregnancy and lactation. This paper provides a broad overview of the pharmacoepidemiology of drugs used during pregnancy and lactation, and offers recommendations for regulators and researchers in academia and industry to increase the available pharmacokinetic and ‐dynamic understanding of medication use in pregnancy.
Early treatment with Resolvin E1 facilitates myocardial recovery from ischaemia in mice
Authors: Liu Guizhu , Liu Qian , Shen Yujun , Kong Deping , Gong Yanjun , Tao Bo , Chen Guilin , Guo Shumin , Li Juanjuan , Zuo Shengkai , Yu Yu , Yin Huiyong , Zhang Li , Zhou Bin , Funk Colin D , Zhang Jian , Yu Ying
Published: September 2017

Background and Purpose

An appropriate inflammatory response is necessary for cardiac healing after acute myocardial infarction (MI). Resolvin E1 (RvE1) is an anti‐inflammatory and pro‐resolution lipid mediator derived from eicosapentaenoic acid. Here we have investigated the effects of RvE1 on the recovery of cardiac function after MI in mice.

Experimental Approach

Acute MI was induced by surgical ligation of the left anterior descending artery in male C57BL/6 mice. RvE1 (5 ng·g−1·day−1; i.p.) was given to mice at different times following MI. Cardiac function was monitored by transthoracic echocardiography at days 3, 7 and 14 after MI. Effects of RvE1 on the migration of subpopulations of monocytes/macrophages (Mos/Mps, Ly6Chi and Ly6Clow) were examined by flow cytometry and transwell assay.

Key Results

RvE1 administration from days 1 to 7 post‐MI improved cardiac function, whereas treatment from days 7 to 14 markedly inhibited recovery of cardiac function. Early treatment with RvE1 post‐MI suppressed the infiltration of dominant Ly6Chi Mos/Mps and secretion of pro‐inflammatory cytokines in injured hearts, which protected cardiomyocytes against apoptosis in the peri‐infarct zones. Contrastingly, treatment with RvE1 1 week after MI decreased infiltration of Ly6Clow Mos/Mps and expression of pro‐angiogenic factors in cardiac tissue, consequently reducing neovascularization in the peri‐infarct zones. Additionally, RvE1 inhibited Mp migration by activating ChemR23 receptors.

Conclusion and Implications

Treatment with RvE1 during the initial 7 days after MI facilitated cardiac healing by suppressing pro‐inflammatory cytokine secretion, indicating that RvE1 may serve as an early therapeutic agent for acute MI.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Spotlight on Small Molecules in Cardiovascular Diseases. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v175.8/issuetoc
Targeting nociceptive transient receptor potential channels to treat chronic pain: current state of the field
Authors: Moran Magdalene M , Szallasi Arpad
Published: September 2017

Control of chronic pain is frequently inadequate and/or associated with intolerable adverse effects, prompting a frantic search for new therapeutics and new therapeutic targets. Nearly two decades of preclinical and clinical research supports the involvement of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels in temperature perception, nociception and sensitization. Although there has been considerable excitement around the therapeutic potential of this channel family since the cloning and identification of TRPV1 cation channels as the capsaicin receptor more than 20 years ago, only modulators of a few channels have been tested clinically. TRPV1 channel antagonists have suffered from side effects related to the channel's role in temperature sensation; however, high dose formulations of capsaicin have reached the market and shown therapeutic utility. A number of potent, small molecule antagonists of TRPA1 channels have recently advanced into clinical trials for the treatment of inflammatory and neuropathic pain, and TRPM8 antagonists are following closely behind for cold allodynia. TRPV3, TRPV4, TRPM2 and TRPM3 channels have also been of significant interest. This review discusses the preclinical promise and status of novel analgesic agents that target TRP channels and the challenges that these compounds may face in development and clinical practice.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Recent Advances in Targeting Ion Channels to Treat Chronic Pain. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v175.12/issuetoc
Parental perspectives: Risk and protective factors associated with parenting quality for parents of adolescents in secure residential care
Authors: Harder Annemiek T. , Knorth Erik J. , Kalverboer Margrite E. , Tausendfreund Tim , Knot‐Dickscheit Jana
Published: September 2017

Although parental problems and poor parenting are commonly associated with adolescents' admission to secure residential care, few studies examined these parental characteristics. This study aims to identify parental problems and strengths and their association with parenting styles for 64 of these parents. We assessed perspectives of both adolescents and their parent figures shortly after admission. Parents often report high levels of psychopathology for both mothers and fathers, respectively, including depression (54.7% and 39.1%), anxiety (29.7% and 12.5%), substance dependence (14.1% and 26.6%), antisocial behaviour (1.6% and 21.1%), and psychosis (11.0% and 9.4%). Parents also report high parenting stress specifically related to the behaviour of their child. In contrast to our expectations, most parents experience a high quality of life. Living in a 1‐parent family, being unemployed and having debts are most frequently mentioned risk factor combinations. We found limited support for the hypothesis that parents with more risk and less protective factors show poorer parenting. Parents with more psychopathology and parenting stress do show poorer parenting than parents without these problems. Based on our findings, we describe several implications for engaging and supporting parents of adolescents in secure residential care.
A spatial approach to combatting wildlife crime
Authors: Faulkner S. C. , Stevens M. C. A. , Romañach S. S. , Lindsey P. A. , Le Comber S. C.
Published: September 2017

Poaching can have devastating impacts on animal and plant numbers, and in many countries has reached crisis levels, with illegal hunters employing increasingly sophisticated techniques. We used data from an 8‐year study in Savé Valley Conservancy, Zimbabwe, to show how geographic profiling—a mathematical technique originally developed in criminology and recently applied to animal foraging and epidemiology—can be adapted for use in investigations of wildlife crime. The data set contained information on over 10,000 incidents of illegal hunting and the deaths of 6,454 wild animals. We used a subset of data for which the illegal hunters’ identities were known. Our model identified the illegal hunters’ home villages based on the spatial locations of the hunting incidences (e.g., snares). Identification of the villages was improved by manipulating the probability surface inside the conservancy to reflect the fact that although the illegal hunters mostly live outside the conservancy, the majority of hunting occurs inside the conservancy (in criminology terms, commuter crime). These results combined with rigorous simulations showed for the first time how geographic profiling can be combined with GIS data and applied to situations with more complex spatial patterns, for example, where landscape heterogeneity means some parts of the study area are less likely to be used (e.g., aquatic areas for terrestrial animals) or where landscape permeability differs (e.g., forest bats tend not to fly over open areas). More broadly, these results show how geographic profiling can be used to target antipoaching interventions more effectively and more efficiently and to develop management strategies and conservation plans in a range of conservation scenarios.
Endothelial precursor cell cross‐match using Tie‐2‐enriched spleen cells
Authors: Daniel Volker , Süsal Caner , Scherer Sabine , Tran Hien , Gombos Petra , Trojan Karina , Sadeghi Mahmoud , Morath Christian , Opelz Gerhard
Published: September 2017

Background

Non‐HLA antibodies against human endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) in pre‐transplant recipient serum can have a deleterious influence on the graft. EPC enriched from peripheral blood have been commonly used for EPC cross‐matching. In the present study, we describe cross‐matches using EPC enriched from fresh or frozen‐thawed spleen cell preparations, thereby widening the sample source for deceased‐donor cross‐matching and retrospective studies.

Methods

EPC cross‐matches were performed retrospectively using spleen cells and the flow cytometric XM‐ONE cross‐match test kit.

Results

Healthy controls (n = 28) showed no IgG antibodies against EPC. When sera of 11 random dialysis patients were studied, 2 patients (18%) exhibited IgG EPC antibodies. When pre‐transplant sera of 20 kidney graft recipients with good long‐term graft outcome (serum creatinine 1.0 ± 0.2 mg/dL measured 2463 ± 324 days post‐transplant) were investigated using frozen‐thawed and then separated Tie‐2‐enriched spleen cells of the original transplant donor, 3 patients (15%) had pre‐transplant IgG EPC antibodies. When pre‐transplant sera of 5 patients with intra‐operative graft loss were studied employing the original donor spleen cells, 4 (80%) patients showed IgG EPC antibodies.

Conclusions

Cross‐matches with spleen cell‐derived EPC using the XM‐ONE assay are technically possible. Our very preliminary experience suggests clinical relevance.
The Belt and Road Initiative in China's Emerging Grand Strategy of Connective Leadership
Authors: Andornino Giovanni B.
Published: September 2017

As Chinese leaders endeavor to maintain the international environment aligned with their strategic aim of realizing the “dream of national rejuvenation,” the remarkable increase in China's capabilities, coupled with uncertainty in the global economy and the ambivalent attitude of the USA toward the international order, poses fresh challenges to Beijing's foreign policy. The present paper argues that a lexicographic preference for the mitigation of the risk of pushback against China's core interests underpins the Belt and Road Initiative. Pursuing a strategy of credible reassurance commensurate to the shift in the distribution of power in China's neighborhood and globally, President Xi Jinping's administration has been cultivating a form of connective leadership that commits China to the encapsulation of the Belt and Road Initiative for transregional connectivity into its own national development strategy, generating an octroyé, non‐hegemonic, type of international social capital, and integrating the existing order without corroborating the position of its founder.
China's Engagement with the Sixteen Countries of Central, East and Southeast Europe under the Belt and Road Initiative
Authors: Vangeli Anastas
Published: September 2017

This paper provides an overview of China's burgeoning relationship with Central, East and Southeast Europe (CESEE) in the context of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). China has rapidly expanded the extent of its interactions with CESEE since 2012, and this region has subsequently become one of the focal points of the BRI. The key feature of China's engagement with CESEE is the devising of an experimental and innovative approach, demonstrated in the establishment of an institutional mechanism for cooperation with a particular group of 16 CESEE countries (16+1). The case of China–CESEE relations offers an insight into how, in the era of the BRI, China is complementing its economic approach with institution‐building and policy coordination. The article concludes that as the BRI progresses, these tendencies will remain central to China's relations with CESEE.
Counting the cost of over‐the‐counter codeine containing analgesic misuse: A retrospective review of hospital admissions over a 5 year period
Authors: Mill Deanna , Johnson Jacinta L. , Cock Victoria , Monaghan Emily , Hotham Elizabeth D.
Published: September 2017

Introduction and Aims

Combination analgesics containing codeine (CACC) are currently available over‐the‐counter (OTC) in many countries following a pharmacist's advice. Published case reports detail life‐threatening morbidities associated with OTC‐CACC misuse, although the cost of treating such patients has not been quantified. This study aims to: (i) identify and detail patients admitted to an Australian tertiary teaching hospital over a 5 year period with sequelae of OTC‐CACC misuse; and (ii) estimate the costs of identified hospital admissions.

Design and Methods

Using International Classification of Diseases (10th revision) diagnostic codes, a structured search was performed to identify admissions to a tertiary teaching hospital, relating to CACC misuse, over the defined period. A retrospective case note review provided data detailing patient characteristics, presenting morbidities and resultant interventions, and an approximate cost was calculated for identified admissions.

Results

Ninety‐nine OTC‐CACC‐related admissions (for 30 individual patients) were identified. Most related to gastrointestinal morbidities secondary to ibuprofen/codeine misuse. Mean length of stay per admission was 5.9 days, with 10.1% of admissions requiring intensive care. Patients consumed a daily mean of 28 OTC‐CACC tablets for a mean of 606 days prior to admission. These 99 admissions were estimated to cost the health system AU$1 008 082 with a mean cost per admission of AU$10 183.

Discussion and Conclusions

The outcomes of OTC‐CACC misuse are serious and come at a significant cost to patient health and the Australian health‐care system. Identification and management of this cohort appears sub‐optimal with delays in diagnosis and high readmission rates.