bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
p53 dynamically directs TFIID assembly on target gene promoters
Authors: Coleman R. A. , Qiao Z. , Singh S. K. , Peng C. S. , Cianfrocco M. , Zhang Z. , Piasecka A. , Aldeborgh H. , Basishvili G. , Liu W. L.
Published: October 2016

The p53 tumor suppressor protein is a central regulator that turns on vast gene networks to maintain cellular integrity upon various stimuli. p53 activates transcription initiation in part by aiding recruitment of TFIID to the promoter. However, the precise means by which p53 dynamically interacts with TFIID to facilitate assembly on target gene promoters remains elusive. To address this key question, we have undertaken an integrated approach involving single molecule fluorescence microscopy, single particle cryo-electron microscopy, and biochemistry. Our real-time single molecule imaging demonstrates that TFIID alone binds poorly to native p53 target promoters. p53 unlocks TFIID’s ability to bind DNA by increasing TFIID contacts with both the core promoter and a region surrounding p53’s response element (RE). Analysis of single molecule dissociation kinetics reveals that TFIID interacts with promoters via transient and prolonged DNA binding modes that are each regulated by p53. Importantly, our structural work reveals that TFIID’s conversion from a canonical form to a rearranged DNA-binding conformation is enhanced in the presence of DNA and p53. Notably, TFIID’s interaction with DNA induces p53 to rapidly dissociate, effectively liberating the RE on the promoter. Collectively, these findings indicate that p53 dynamically escorts and loads the basal transcription machinery onto its target promoters.
Crystal structure of 1,2-bis(6-bromo-3,4-dihydro-2H-benz[e][1,3]oxazin-3-yl)ethane: a bromine-containing bis-benzoxazine
Authors: Rivera Augusto , Rojas Jicli José' , Ríos-Motta Jaime , Bolte Michael
Published: October 2016

The title benzoxazine molecule, C18H18Br2N2O2, was prepared by a Mannich-type reaction of 4-bromophenol with ethane-1,2-diamine and formaldehyde. The title compound crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c with a centre of inversion located at the mid-point of the C—C bond of the central CH2CH2 spacer. The oxazinic ring adopts a half-chair conformation. The structure is compared to those of other functionalized benzoxazines synthesized in our laboratory. In the crystal, weak C—H...Br and C—H...O hydrogen bonds stack the molecules along the b-axis direction.
3H-1,2-Benzodithiole-3-thione
Authors: Boukebbous Khaled , Laifa El Adoui , De Mallmann Aimery
Published: October 2016

The almost planar (r.m.s. deviation = 0.034 Å) title compound, C7H4S3, was synthesized by reacting 2,2-dithiodibenzoic acid with phosphorus pentasulfide in xylene solution. In the crystal, short S...S [3.3727 (14), 3.3765 (13) and 3.4284 (13) Å] contacts and aromatic π–π stacking [shortest centroid–centroid separation = 3.618 (2) Å] are observed.
Businesses and mobile social media capability
Authors: Bolat Elvira , Kooli Kaouther , Wright Len Tiu
Published: October 2016

Purpose

Mobile social media (MSM), an interaction, exchange of information and creation of user-generated content, mediated by mobile devices, is becoming the locomotive that drives forward evolution of the online world. Fewer academic studies have touched upon the MSM subject, with all the papers being of a conceptual nature to provide recommendations to business-to-business (B2B) firms. This paper aims to explore how B2B firms use MSM in reality.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts the grounded theory approach to analyse interviews conducted in 26 B2B firms representing the UK advertising and marketing sector. Interviewees represent key decision-makers who understand the aspects of mobile technology use in their firms. Eighteen firms stressed the importance of social media as a trigger to adopt mobile devices. Follow-up data collection in these 18 firms focus on strategic orientation, processes, routines and skills required for using MSM.

Findings

This paper found that marketing and advertising firms use MSM for branding, sensing market, managing relationships and developing content. MSM is treated by businesses as a strategic firm-specific capability that drives firms’ competitiveness, where imitation of such capability by competitors is limited because MSM skills are specific to individuals within organisations and MSM routines are manifested as a result of firm-specific MSM skills’ interactions.

Originality/value

This study is amongst the first to provide insights into B2B firms’ practices of using MSM. Additionally, the research is novel because it discovers that MSM capability is developed as a result of the overlap between individuals’ and organisational knowledge and memory, contradicting existing theory on the subject.
Better together? A hospitality case for umbrella branding
Authors: Kooli Kaouther , Cai Huifen , Tang Xiaoyun , Beer Cornelia , Wright Len Tiu
Published: October 2016

Purpose

While the topic of “umbrella branding” strategies for manufacturers’ products in the business-to-business literature has received attention, much less has been written about umbrella branding strategies in the hospitality industry. With the aid of a theoretical framework, this paper aims to explore three types of behavioural characteristics: alliance attribute, communication behaviour and alliance management, to examine cost and service benefits for alliance success within one umbrella organisation in the German hospitality industry. The theoretical framework of the paper built on the model of Vanpoucke and Vereecke (2012), incorporating a top management perspective to test and extend an umbrella brand.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews with a sample of senior managers were carried out in Germany at the headquarters of Ringhotels e.V. Content analysis of the data collected was implemented to increase understanding of the research phenomenon with regard to relationships and the conceptual framework applied. The results were presented in the tables with discussions about the qualitative research.

Findings

The results of the study showed that behavioural characteristics played a significant role in explaining overall alliance success on cost and service benefits. A good level of quality presented in Ringhotels’ services, marketing, risk and coordination was found to be a better predictor of success when absence of management and lack of trust hampered good performance.

Originality/value

The study offers insights into the management of relationships within Ringhotels e.V. and how these can be better managed. The main contribution of the work fills in a gap currently existing in the literature about umbrella branding within the hospitality industry.
The perils of Arab American adolescents post 9/11
Authors: Tabbah Rhonda
Published: October 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to describe patterns of experiences and perceptions of inclusion and accuracy of Arab American culture in the multicultural paradigm in schools through the voices of Arab American youth.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was carried out using a survey research design. Qualitative reports of experiences in school were obtained using open-ended questionnaires.

Findings

The reports were examined for themes regarding specific types of experiences and for types of inaccuracies taught about Arab culture in schools. Categories that arose for experiences included bullying/harassment, racial stereotyping and religious stereotyping of Arabs. Half of the sample reported that the culture is not represented in the multicultural paradigm in their school. Themes arising from curricular inaccuracies include misinformation involving stereotypes and biases.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations include generalizability due to research design and sampling methods. Future research may use multiple methods of collecting this type of information, such as focus groups, observations and face-to-face interviews with participants.

Practical implications

These experiences may affect students’ sense of belonging and inclusion in their schools, which may affect academic and social growth. Strategies for school staff to implement in their schools are provided. Results may be used to inform environmental, policy and curricular reform in schools.

Originality/value

This study is one of the few to provide qualitative descriptions of Arab American’s experiences in the schools.
Storying a white teacher
Authors: Tanner Samuel Jaye
Published: October 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider the experience of a white teacher to attain greater understanding of racial identities, especially whiteness, and reconsider the current understandings of whiteness and whiteness pedagogy. The author argues that notions of whiteness are social constructions, and that reconstructions of conventional understandings of whiteness could provide more nuanced understandings of whiteness that might facilitate more sophisticated considerations of how race and whiteness continue to influence schooling practices.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses autoethnography, a version of narrative inquiry, to consider issues related to the intersection of whiteness and education. The author recounts, reflects on and interprets a body of experiential knowledge to illuminate the experience of being a white teacher in both a racially diverse school and one that was more homogeneously white. These experiences are interpreted and placed in the context of scholarly work to frame an argument regarding a more sophisticated conceptualization of whiteness and its position in efforts toward inclusive and mutli-cultural education.

Findings

This paper closes with the argument that whiteness needs to be troubled and understood in more sophisticated ways than a traditional white privilege framework has allowed and accounted for directly in school settings in the USA.

Originality/value

This paper is original and valuable, mostly because it uses narrative to share the unique and complex experience of a white teacher who attempted to account for and consider the presence of whiteness over the 30 years in his career.
Restaurant tipping and customers’ susceptibility to emotional contagion
Authors: Koku Paul Sergius , Savas Selen
Published: October 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the connection between restaurant tipping propensity and customers’ susceptibility to emotional contagion (EC) in an effort to shed more light on consumers’ inclination to pay more for a service than they are legally obligated to (that is to pay more than the price by tipping).

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, two different instruments (Tipping Motivations Scale and Emotional Contagion Scale) were simultaneously administered online to restaurant patrons. The simultaneous administration of the instruments allows the researchers to capture not only tipping propensity but also the linkage between tipping propensity and customers’ susceptibility to EC.

Findings

The results show that customers’ susceptibility to EC, social compliance and server actions has the most effect on intention to tip in restaurants in Turkey. These findings support the notion that universal human characteristics such as the tendency to reciprocate (Hatfieldet al., 1993) influence consumers’ propensity to tip regardless of the culture.

Research limitations/implications

While the results of this study offer some insight into why restaurant patrons tip, the fact that the study was carried out only in Turkey which has a collectivist culture limits the generalizability of the results to other societies that may be individualistic in orientation.

Practical implications

The findings of this study can be used by restaurant managers in training their employees and improving their customer patronage, particularly patronage from repeat customers. Similarly, the results could be used by restaurant servers to improve their income.

Social implications

The results of the study have potential to enhance the mutually beneficial relationship that should exist between restaurants and restaurant patrons. Indirectly, the results of the study could improve collective societal good.

Originality/value

This study, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, is one of the first to use the Tipping Motivations Scale (Whaleyet al., 2014) in a different culture (Eurasia) and explain consumers’ tipping propensity explicitly using the concept of EC.
Servicescape attributes and consumer well-being
Authors: Sheng Xiaojing , Siguaw Judy A. , Simpson Penny M.
Published: October 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically demonstrate an effective method for assessing how servicescape attributes shape consumer well-being and to highlight the value of importance-performance analysis (IPA) within a services context.

Design/methodology/approach

This study surveyed frequent visitors to a travel destination to determine their perceived importance of and satisfaction with servicescape attributes. The responses were analyzed using a series of importance-performance analyses to determine the impact of each servicescape attribute on consumer well-being.

Findings

Key servicescape attributes contributing to the well-being of frequent visitors to a destination were identified. For example, weather; friendly residents; restaurants; and interaction with locals were identified as attributes with a “high impact” on well-being, although weather and friendly residents were satisfiers and restaurants and interaction with locals were identified as dissatisfiers. In total, 23 servicescape attributes were plotted on a matrix depicting each attribute’s range and type of impact.

Practical Implications

This study provides practitioners with an idea of which servicescape attributes are important in improving well-being and illustrates how IPA may be used to identify attributes of any transformative service. Additionally, the analysis helps managers prioritize servicescape attributes for a more ideal allocation of scarce resources. These findings should be applicable to various contexts.

Originality/value

This paper is the only known study to examine effects of servicescape attributes on consumer well-being and one of few to use the modified IPA in a services context.
Retrospective: the importance of servicescapes in leisure service settings
Authors: Wakefield Kirk L. , Blodgett Jeffrey
Published: October 2016

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to review the contribution of the paper, “The Importance of Servicescapes in Leisure Service Settings” to the discipline and to offer directions for further research and developments in the research area.

Design/methodology/approach

Key findings from research streams in sports and entertainment, leisure and hospitality, and services and retail marketing, which emanated from the publication of the paper, are highlighted. Opportunities for future research are discussed.

Findings

The importance of the servicescape in leisure settings has become even greater on a national and global basis as individuals spend more time, money and effort pursuing hedonic consumption in service settings. More research is needed within specific service contexts among and between individuals, groups and cultures to determine the holistic and particular influences of the physical environment on consumer response.

Research limitations/implications

With increased co-production of service experiences, including the integration of technology and mobile/wearable devices, marketers and researchers must better understand the role of the physical surroundings on individual, group and organizational behavior in the evolving servicescape.

Originality/value

The original paper motivated significant, highly cited studies in multiple disciplines integrated and overlapping with services and retail marketing. Taking a historical perspective encourages other researchers to conduct research of personal interest to address theoretical, methodological and practical issues. The retrospective analysis by the authors gives insight into the thought processes associated with understanding key aspects of the servicescape that contribute to the historical development of services marketing and offers food for thought (if not ambience and layout) for future research directions.
Using network connectivity to prioritise sites for the control of invasive species
Authors: Perry George L. W. , Moloney Kirk A. , Etherington Thomas R.
Published: October 2016

Habitat connectivity is a crucial determinant of population dynamics in fragmented landscapes. The corollary of the emphasis on maintaining connectivity to enhance the movement of organisms is that disrupting connectivity should minimise it. Here, we evaluate the efficiency of an invasive species control strategy that targets the most connected habitats in a landscape.

A network (spatial graph) provides an intuitive representation of a landscape, and the topology of this network can be used to identify the most connected patches. We implemented a simulation model of the spread of an invasive species on a network and used it to evaluate whether targeting the better‐connected components of the landscape enhances control effectiveness.

Control strategies based on network topology consistently outperformed both a null strategy of random habitat selection and one based on separation distance alone. The advantages of the connectivity‐based strategy were strongest in the early phases of the invasion process, when a small number of habitats are occupied at low population density. However, if long‐distance dispersal events were common, the advantages of the connectivity approach weakened.

The performance of the connectivity‐based strategy is robust to habitat‐level demographic stochasticity. In fact, connectivity‐based targeting outperforms a strategy focussing on source habitats, with the additional benefit that it requires less information to be implemented.

Synthesis and applications. Our simulation model outcomes demonstrate that deliberately targeting the best‐connected components of a landscape is an efficient control strategy for invasive species when long‐distance dispersal is infrequent, and it is likely to be cheaper than other alternatives such as targeting population sources. Network scientists have developed a range of methods designed to identify the minimal set of nodes on a graph that will disrupt the network as a whole; these tools have potential to aid in the design of more effective control strategies.
Mycophenolate mofetil improves renal haemodynamics, microvascular oxygenation, and inflammation in a rat model of supra‐renal aortic clamping‐mediated renal ischaemia reperfusion injury
Authors: Ergin Bulent , Heger Michal , Kandil Asli , Demirci‐Tansel Cihan , Ince Can
Published: October 2016

Ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) is one of the main causes of acute kidney injury (AKI), which is characterized by sterile inflammation and oxidative stress. Immune cell activation can provoke overproduction of inflammatory mediators and reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to perturbation of the microcirculation and tissue oxygenation associated with local and remote tissue injury. This study investigated whether the clinically employed immunosuppressant mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) was able to reduce I/R‐induced renal oxygenation defects and oxidative stress by preventing sterile inflammation. Rats were divided into three groups (n=6/group): (1) a sham‐operated control group; (2) a group subjected to renal I/R alone (I/R); and (3) a group subjected to I/R and MMF treatment (20 mg/kg prior to I/R) (I/R+MMF). Ischaemia was induced by a vascular occluder placed on the abdominal aorta for 30 minutes, followed by 120 minutes of reperfusion. Renal I/R deteriorated renal oxygenation (P<.001) and oxygen delivery (P<.01), reduced creatinine clearance (P<.01) and tubular sodium reabsorption (P<.001), and increased iNOS, renal tissue injury markers (P<.001), and IL‐6 (P<.001). Oral MMF administration prior to insult restored renal cortical oxygenation (P<.05) and iNOS, renal injury markers, and inflammation parameters (P<.001) to near‐baseline levels without affecting renal function. MMF exerted a prophylactic effect on renal microvascular oxygenation and abrogated tissue inflammation and renal injury following lower body I/R‐induced AKI. These findings may have clinical implications during major vascular or renal transplant surgery.
Place Management at the City of Swan – A Whole‐of‐City Approach
Authors: Bishop Mark
Published: October 2016

Local government often consists of a diverse array of local communities, but remains ideally placed to work with communities in responding to challenges at a local ‘place’ level, as well as broader regional issues. The City of Swan, Western Australian (WA) recognised that it required a more adaptable and place focussed approach to the planning and delivery of services to its large and diverse communities. This has led to the adoption of a place management approach at the City, including the division of the City into five smaller place management areas, based around communities of shared interest. This article highlights the application of place management as it has been applied across the City of Swan, including lessons learnt to date.
Improving clean‐catch contamination rates: A prospective interventional cohort study
Authors: Teo Sharon , Cheek John A , Craig Simon
Published: October 2016

Objectives

The clean‐catch method of urine collection carries a high contamination rate. This study aims to evaluate the effects on contamination rate of providing a parent handout and pre‐made urine collection pack for clean‐catch urine collection.

Methods

We conducted a single‐centre prospective cohort interventional study in a tertiary paediatric ED. All children younger than 24 months who presented from April 2013 to June 2014 requiring a urine sample to be obtained were included. The intervention was provision of a pre‐made urine collection pack including a standardised information handout. The primary outcome measure was the difference in proportion of urine contamination in samples obtained via a clean‐catch pre‐ and post‐intervention.

Results

The total number of urine specimens included was 288 in the pre‐intervention group and 333 in the post‐intervention group. Contamination rates were 14.9% in the pre‐intervention group and 11.4% in the post‐intervention group. There was no statistically significant reduction in contamination (P = 0.19). The contamination rates appeared to be associated with gender, with (pooled) female contamination rates being 16.4% (44/269) and male contamination rates being 10.5% (37/352). Most specimens of urine were collected via the clean‐catch method (81.2%), followed by catheter urine specimen (13.7%) and suprapubic aspirate (5.1%). The contamination rate in our study for clean‐catch urine collectively was 13%, catheter urine specimen 3.8% and suprapubic aspirate 0%.

Conclusion

The contamination rate of clean‐catch urine did not improve with the implementation of a pre‐made urine collection pack including standardised written instructions.
Human resource business partner lifecycle model: exploring how the relationship between HRBPs and their line manager partners evolves
Authors: McCracken Martin , O'Kane Paula , Brown Travor C. , McCrory Mark
Published: October 2016

The human resources business partner (HRBP) role is advocated as a way for human resource (HR) professionals and the HR profession to become more strategic and less transactional, necessitating the development of different competencies. Few researchers have examined how the HRBP Model plays out in practice, over time, from the perspective of HR professionals and their line manager partners (LMPs). We collected data through interviews and focus groups with both these stakeholders at three UK organisations to understand the dynamics of the individual HRBP–LMP relationship. After analysing the data, we propose an HRBP Lifecycle Model. The model suggests the relationship between the parties is dynamic, complex and dependent upon the organisational culture as well as the skills and competencies of the main stakeholders in the partnership.
Manufacture and Incorporation of Liposome‐Entrapped Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid into Model Miniature Gouda‐Type Cheese and Subsequent Effect on Starter Viability, pH, and Moisture Content
Authors: McAuliffe Lisa N. , Kilcawley Kieran N. , Sheehan Jeremiah J. , McSweeney Paul L.H.
Published: October 2016

Liposome‐encapsulated ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) was incorporated into a model miniature Gouda‐type cheese (20 g) in order to assess its effect on rennet gelation, starter viability, pH, and moisture content. EDTA was encapsulated within 2 different food‐grade proliposome preparations, Pro‐Lipo Duo and Pro‐Lipo C (50% and 40% unsaturated soybean phospholipids and 50% and 60% aqueous medium, respectively), using the following high‐shear technologies: Ultra‐Turrax (5000 rpm), 2‐stage homogenization (345 bar), or microfluidization (690 bar). Liposome size distribution was affected by the high‐shear technology employed with the proportion of large vesicles (>100 nm) decreasing in the order microfluidization < 2‐stage homogenization < Ultra‐Turrax. All EDTA‐containing liposomes were stable during 28 d refrigerated storage, with no significant (P ≤ 0.05) change in size distribution or EDTA entrapment efficiency (%EE). Liposome composition affected the entrapment of EDTA, with Pro‐Lipo C having a significantly greater %EE than Pro‐Lipo Duo, 63% and 54%, respectively. For this reason, Pro‐Lipo C EDTA liposomes, with and without EDTA, were incorporated into model miniature Gouda‐type cheese. Addition of liposome‐encapsulated EDTA to milk during cheese making did not impact pH or rennet gel formation. No differences in composition or pH were evident in liposome‐treated cheeses. The results of this study show that the incorporation of liposome‐encapsulated EDTA into milk during cheese manufacture did not affect milk fermentation, moisture content, or pH, suggesting that this approach may be suitable for studying the effects of calcium equilibrium on the texture of brine‐salted cheeses.
Diversity of Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Enterococcus Strains Isolated from Ready‐to‐Eat Meat Products
Authors: Chajęcka‐Wierzchowska Wioleta , Zadernowska Anna , Łaniewska‐Trokenheim Łucja
Published: October 2016

The objective of the study was to answer the question of whether the ready‐to‐eat meat products can pose indirect hazard for consumer health serving as reservoir of Enterococcus strains harboring tetracyclines, aminoglycosides, and macrolides resistance genes. A total of 390 samples of ready‐to‐eat meat products were investigated. Enterococcus strains were found in 74.1% of the samples. A total of 302 strains were classified as: Enterococcus faecalis (48.7%), Enterococcus faecium (39.7%), Enterococcus casseliflavus (4.3%), Enterococcus durans (3.0%), Enterococcus hirae (2.6%), and other Enterococcus spp. (1.7%). A high percentage of isolates were resistant to streptomycin high level (45%) followed by erythromycin (42.7%), fosfomycin (27.2%), rifampicin (19.2%), tetracycline (36.4%), tigecycline (19.9%). The ant(6′)‐Ia gene was the most frequently found gene (79.6%). Among the other genes that encode aminoglycosides‐modifying enzymes, the highest portion of the strains had the aac(6′)‐Ie‐aph(2′′)‐Ia (18.5%) and aph(3′′)‐IIIa (16.6%), but resistance of isolates from food is also an effect of the presence of aph(2′′)‐Ib, aph(2′′)‐Ic, aph(2′′)‐Id genes. Resistance to tetracyclines was associated with the presence of tetM (43.7%), tetL (32.1%), tetK (14.6%), tetW (0.7%), and tetO (0.3%) genes. The ermB and ermA genes were found in 33.8% and 18.9% of isolates, respectively. Nearly half of the isolates contained a conjugative transposon of the Tn916/Tn1545 family. Enterococci are widely present in retail ready‐to‐eat meat products. Many isolated strains (including such species as E. casseliflavus, E. durans, E. hirae, and Enterococcus gallinarum) are antibiotic resistant and carry transferable resistance genes.
Wine microbiology is driven by vineyard and winery anthropogenic factors
Authors: Grangeteau Cédric , Roullier‐Gall Chloé , Rousseaux Sandrine , Gougeon Régis D. , Schmitt‐Kopplin Philippe , Alexandre Hervé , Guilloux‐Benatier Michèle
Published: October 2016

The effects of different anthropic activities (vineyard: phytosanitary protection; winery: pressing and sulfiting) on the fungal populations of grape berries were studied. The global diversity of fungal populations (moulds and yeasts) was performed by pyrosequencing. The anthropic activities studied modified fungal diversity. Thus, a decrease in biodiversity was measured for three successive vintages for the grapes of the plot cultivated with Organic protection compared to plots treated with Conventional and Ecophyto protections. The fungal populations were then considerably modified by the pressing‐clarification step. The addition of sulfur dioxide also modified population dynamics and favoured the domination of the species Saccharomyces cerevisiae during fermentation. The non‐targeted chemical analysis of musts and wines by FT‐ICR‐MS showed that the wines could be discriminated at the end of alcoholic fermentation as a function of adding SO2 or not, but also and above all as a function of phytosanitary protection, regardless of whether these fermentations took place in the presence of SO2 or not. Thus, the existence of signatures in wines of chemical diversity and microbiology linked to vineyard protection has been highlighted.
Infliximab equivalently suppresses oxidative stress compared to tocilizumab among well‐controlled patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Kizaki Kazuha , Yamashita Fumiharu , Hayashi Tomoya , Funakoshi Noboru
Published: October 2016

Aim

This study was designed to investigate which biological agent, infliximab or tocilizumab, would more intensively keep suppressing oxidative stress among well‐controlled patients as C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels normalized in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In addition, it was intended to clarify indicative factors of oxidative stress among well‐controlled patients with RA.

Methods

We recruited 61 well‐controlled (CRP < 0.3 mg/dL within normal ranges) patients with RA using biological agents (infliximab n = 33; tocilizumab n = 28), active RA patients with CRP > 1.0 mg/dL (n = 10) and healthy subjects (n = 10) and examined the fraction of oxidized albumin (oxidized‐albumin [%]) as a marker of oxidative stress in addition to inflammatory measures and disease activity scores such as CRP, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP‐3), serum amyloid A (SAA), Clinical Disease Activity Index, Simplified Disease Activity Index, visual analog scale (VAS), Disease Activity Index of 28 joints (DAS28)‐CRP, DAS28‐ESR and renal function (creatinine clearance [CCr]).

Results

Oxidized‐albumin (%) was significantly elevated among active RA patients (33.83 ± 5.31%) as compared with healthy subjects (23.00 ± 2.56%). Although oxidized‐albumin (%) among well‐controlled RA patients also increased, there was no difference with oxidized‐albumin (%) between infliximab and tocilizumab groups (26.40 ± 5.44% in infliximab; 26.62 ± 4.53% in tocilizumab). In Pearson's correlation, oxidized‐albumin (%) had significant correlations with CRP, MMP‐3, ESR, SAA, age, CCr, VAS, DAS28‐CRP and DAS28‐ESR. With those variables, multiple stepwise forward regression analysis was conducted and revealed that CCr, DAS28‐ESR and CRP are the statistically significant explanatory variables on oxidized‐albumin (%) among well‐controlled RA patients.

Conclusions

We demonstrated that there was no difference with infliximab and tocilizumab on oxidative stress and we clarified that CCr, DAS28‐ESR and CRP become indicative factors of oxidative stress among well‐controlled RA patients.
Increase of KCC2 in hippocampal synaptic plasticity disturbances after perinatal ethanol exposure
Authors: Silvestre de Ferron Benoît , Vilpoux Catherine , Kervern Myriam , Robert Alexandre , Antol Johan , Naassila Mickael , Pierrefiche Olivier
Published: October 2016

Low to moderate perinatal ethanol exposure (PEE) may have disastrous consequences for the central nervous system resulting notably in permanent cognitive deficits. Learning and memory are mediated in the hippocampus by long‐term potentiation (LTP) and long term depression (LTD), two forms of synaptic plasticity. PEE decreases LTP but also abnormally facilitates LTD (Kervern et al. ) through a presently unknown mechanism. We studied in rat hippocampus slice, the involvement of the chloride co‐transporters NKCC1 and KCC2, in the role of GABAA inhibitions in facilitated LTD after moderate PEE. After PEE and in contrast to control slices, facilitated LTD in CA1 field was reduced by the GABAA receptor antagonist bicuculline with no changes in sensitivity to bicuculline and in GABA and benzodiazepine binding sites. Also, sensitivity to diazepam was unaltered, whereas aberrant LTD was blocked. Immunohistochemistry and protein analysis demonstrated an increase in KCC2 protein level at cell membrane in CA1 after PEE with no change in NKCC1 expression. Specifically, both monomeric and dimeric forms of KCC2 were increased in CA1. Bumetanide (10–100 μM), a dose‐dependent blocker of NKCC1 and KCC2, or VU0240551 (10 μM) a specific antagonist of KCC2, corrected the enhanced LTD and interestingly bumetanide also restored the lower LTP after PEE. These results demonstrate for the first time an upregulation of the KCC2 co‐transporter expression after moderate PEE associated with disturbances in GABAergic neurotransmission modulating bidirectional synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus. Importantly, bumetanide compensated deficits in both LTP and LTD, revealing its potential therapeutic properties.
Systemic and erythrodermic reactions following repeated exposure to bites from the Common bed bug Cimex lectularius (Hemiptera: Cimicidae)
Authors: Minocha Rashi , Wang Changlu , Dang Kai , Webb Cameron Ewart , Fernández‐Peñas Pablo , Doggett Stephen Lindsay
Published: October 2016

Bed bugs (Cimex spp.) have undergone a global resurgence over the last 15–20 years. They readily bite humans, producing a range of cutaneous reactions. This article documents systemic reactions in two patients following repeated bites from the common bed bug, Cimex lectularius. Both patients had previously fed bed bugs on themselves without any serious complication, however upon feeding a new batch of the insects subsequently developed systemic urticarial reactions. Patient 1 fed 40–50 bed bugs on himself and after 8 min, he developed itch, swelling of the face, lethargy, profuse sweating and widespread wheals on the torso and limbs. The reaction disappeared in 5 h after treatment with systemic prednisone and antihistamines. Patient 2 developed a similar reaction after feeding five to six bed bugs on himself. In this case, the patient also developed chest tightness and breathing difficulties. Following a similar treatment, symptoms disappeared in 4 h. In light of the increasing exposure of this insect to the general public, systemic reactions in patients may present more commonly to the medical practitioner.
Gross Loan Flows, Financial Crises, and Banking Sector Reforms: Evidence from Korea
Authors: Hyun Junghwan
Published: October 2016

This paper explores gross loan flows in Korea from 1984 to 2014 focusing on how gross loan flows differ before and after the 1997 global financial crisis and how they respond to the crisis and the associated banking sector reforms. The paper shows that sizable loan expansion and contraction, measured as deviations from the industry loan growth trend, coexist over time, indicating intense heterogeneity in bank lending. Also, the crisis and the reforms and restructuring of the banking sector are largely attributable to changes in gross loan flows in the post‐crisis period. Particularly, banks' asset portfolio reallocation occurs from the commercial sector to individual customers after the crisis.
Pregnancy alters the circulating B cell compartment in atopic asthmatic women, and transitional B cells are positively associated with the development of allergy manifestations in their progeny
Authors: Martins Catarina , Lima Jorge , Nunes Glória , Borrego Luís Miguel
Published: October 2016

Problem

Maternal atopy is a risk factor for allergy. B cells are poorly studied in reproduction and atopy. We aimed to assess how pregnancy affects B cells in atopic women and whether B cells relate to allergic manifestations in offspring.

Method of study

Women with and without atopic asthma, pregnant and non‐pregnant were enrolled for the study, and circulating B cells were evaluated by flow cytometry, using CD19, CD27, CD38, IgD, and IgM.

Results

Compared to healthy non‐pregnant, atopic asthmatic non‐pregnant (ANP) women presented increased B cell counts, enlarged memory subsets, less transitional cells, and plasmablasts. Atopic asthmatic pregnant (AP) and healthy pregnant (HP) women showed similarities: reduced B cell counts and percentages, fewer memory cells, especially switched, and higher plasmablast percentages. Transitional B cell percentages were increased in AP women with allergic manifestations in their progeny.

Conclusion

Atopic asthmatic non‐pregnant women have a distinctive B cell compartment. B cells change in pregnancy, similarly in AP and HP women. The recognition that AP women with allergy in their progeny have a typical immune profile may help, in the future, the adoption of preventive measures to avoid the manifestation of allergic diseases in their newborns.
Quantification of fluid resorption from diabetic macular oedema with foveal serous detachment after dexamethasone intravitreal implant (Ozurdex®) in a pregnant diabetic
Authors: Hodzic‐Hadzibegovic Delila , Ba‐Ali Shakoor , Valerius Marianne , Lund‐Andersen Henrik
Published: October 2016

Purpose

To quantify the fluid resorption from the centre of the fovea in a pregnant woman with diabetic macular oedema by daily optical coherence tomography (OCT) measurements after the administration of intravitreal dexamethasone implant (Ozurdex®).

Methods

A 36‐year‐old pregnant woman with type 1 diabetes for 33 years presented with diabetic macular oedema with foveal serous detachment and symptomatic vision loss at 16 gestational weeks. Best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in Snellen notation and central retinal volume assessed by optical coherence tomography (OCT, Topcon Corporation) were measured almost on a daily basis the first five weeks after implantation and then 2–3 times per month until childbirth.

Results

The pretreatment BCVA was 0.6/1.0, and pretreatment central retinal volume was 0.32 mm3. Near elimination of the oedema was achieved 3 days after treatment. One week after treatment, BCVA improved to preconception level, and full regression of the oedema was achieved. The rate of fluid resorption from the centre of the fovea was highest 3 days after treatment 0.00139 μL/hr and decreasing to 0.00065 μL/hr 1 week after treatment.

Conclusion

Intravitreal dexamethasone implant Ozurdex reduces promptly central retinal volume in diabetic macular oedema involving the centre of the fovea in pregnancy with highest rate of fluid resorption 3 days after treatment initiation.
Detection of glaucoma progression by perimetry and optic disc photography at different stages of the disease: results from the Early Manifest Glaucoma Trial
Authors: Öhnell HannaMaria , Heijl Anders , Anderson Harald , Bengtsson Boel
Published: October 2016

Purpose

To compare the earliest detection of progression in visual fields and monoscopic optic disc photographs at different stages of manifest glaucoma.

Methods

This study evaluated 306 eyes in 249 patients with manifest open‐angle glaucoma included in the Early Manifest Glaucoma Trial (EMGT). All patients in the trial were followed up regularly by standard automated perimetry and monoscopic optic disc photography, and the median follow‐up time was 8 years. Progression was assessed in series of optic disc photographs and in series of visual fields using glaucoma change probability maps and the predefined EMGT progression criterion. The proportion of progressions detected first in visual fields and the proportion detected first in optic disc photographs were compared at different stages of glaucoma severity defined by the perimetric mean deviation (MD) of the baseline visual field.

Results

Assessment of 210 eyes with early visual field loss, 83 eyes with moderate field loss, and 13 eyes with advanced field loss showed that, among the eyes exhibiting progression, the progression was detected first in the visual field in 80%, 79% and 100%, respectively. The predominance of visual field progressions at all stages was still apparent when using narrower (3‐dB) MD intervals for staging.

Conclusion

In the EMGT material on eyes with manifest open‐angle glaucoma, the initial progression was detected much more often in the visual field series than in the optic disc photographs at all stages of disease.
Retinal pigment epithelium wound healing after traumatic choroidal rupture
Authors: Shin Joo Youn , Chung Byunghoon , Na Yun Hyup , Lee Jonghyun , Chung Hyewon , Byeon Suk Ho
Published: October 2016

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate wound healing in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) after traumatic indirect choroidal rupture using fundus autofluorescence (FAF) and spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT).

Methods

A total of 14 eyes of 14 patients with traumatic indirect choroidal rupture were included. Baseline and last follow‐up FAF images were compared to evaluate the extent of RPE healing after choroidal rupture, and associated morphologic characteristics were examined by SD‐OCT.

Results

The size of the RPE lesion was reduced in five eyes. The change occurred in the fovea in four eyes and in the macula in three eyes. The change was noted in both the fovea and the macula in two eyes; in these cases, the changes were more prominent in the fovea than in the macula. Extra‐macular lesions and lesions with deep choroidal involvement did not show any reduction in size. Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) developed in seven eyes. There was no extra‐macular CNV.

Conclusion

Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) wound healing after traumatic choroidal rupture is affected by location and extent of the lesion.
The relationship between different information sources and disease‐related patient knowledge and anxiety in patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Selinger C. P. , Carbery I. , Warren V. , Rehman A. F. , Williams C. J. , Mumtaz S. , Bholah H. , Sood R. , Gracie D. J. , Hamlin P. J. , Ford A. C.
Published: October 2016

Background

Patient education forms a cornerstone of management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The Internet has opened new avenues for information gathering.

Aim

To determine the relationship between different information sources and patient knowledge and anxiety in patients with IBD.

Methods

The use of information sources in patients with IBD was examined via questionnaire. Anxiety was assessed with the hospital anxiety and depression scale and disease‐related patient knowledge with the Crohn's and colitis knowledge score questionnaires. Associations between these outcomes and demographics, disease‐related factors, and use of different information sources were analysed using linear regression analysis.

Results

Of 307 patients (165 Crohn's disease, 142 ulcerative colitis) 60.6% were female. Participants used the hospital IBD team (82.3%), official leaflets (59.5%), and official websites (53.5%) most frequently in contrast to alternative health websites (9%). University education (P < 0.001), use of immunosuppressants (P = 0.025), Crohn's and Colitis UK membership (P = 0.001), frequent use of the hospital IBD team (P = 0.032), and frequent use of official information websites (P = 0.005) were associated with higher disease‐related patient knowledge. Female sex (P = 0.004), clinically active disease (P < 0.001), frequent use of general practitioners (P = 0.014), alternative health websites (homoeopathy, nutritionists, etc.) (P = 0.004) and random links (P = 0.016) were independently associated with higher anxiety.

Conclusions

Different patient information sources are associated with better knowledge or worse anxiety levels. Face‐to‐face education and written information materials remain the first line of patient education. Patients should be guided towards official information websites and warned about the association between the use of alternative health websites or random links and anxiety.
Enforcement encourages participation in resource management: explaining a fisheries management paradox in Hawaii
Authors: Ballou Lauren M. , Albritton Nathan , Horowitz Leah S.
Published: October 2016

This paper uses a case study of fisheries co‐management in Hawaii to explore barriers to community participation in resource management and the reasons for these impediments. Our study suggests that while fishers may disobey regulations to maximise personal gain, they may also understand the necessity for regulations and desire more stringent enforcement. This seeming paradox reflects the tension between a recognised need to conserve resources through restricting harvests and competitive pressure among individual fishers. When fishers observe insufficient enforcement on the part of government agencies, this may fuel an already present sense of disrespect for and distrust of the government, inhibiting community participation in co‐management efforts. This study suggests that rather than attempting to directly encourage community members to participate in co‐management efforts, managers should instead focus on enhancing enforcement to alleviate communities' frustration and disrespect. Thus, enhanced enforcement efforts may boost participation in management activities and lead to a more sustainably managed resource.
Encounters in place ballet: a phenomenological perspective on older people's walking routines in an urban park
Authors: van Eck Dirk , Pijpers Roos
Published: October 2016

The phenomenological tradition within human geography continues to inspire research on everyday city life. This paper draws on David Seamon's notion of place ballet to understand the meaning of encounters between older people visiting an urban park in the city of Eindhoven, the Netherlands. The paper uses participant observation, including a serial interviewing strategy in which older people are accompanied on their walks through the park, to expose daily walking routines. As part of these routines, characterised by clockwork precision, they meet fellow park visitors in place ballet. Place ballet is associated with recurring encounters between familiar strangers that are full of significance. Notably, it sustains an atmosphere of fellowship that encourages people to notice, and care for, each other. These findings support the view that the phenomenological perspective emphasises the meaningful and positive aspects of encounters between older people in public space, even if they do not necessarily interact.