bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of social networks in library and information services in India: a case study of efficiency and effectiveness
Authors: Mannan Khan Abdul , Ansari Aslam
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– This study aims to examine the effective and efficiency account of social networking (SN) tools and how it affects communication with others and anticipatory awareness.

Design/methodology/approach

– For the purpose of the study, a set of questionnaires was prepared by the authors and furnished to information professionals.

Findings

– The findings disclose that some SN tools are gaining popularity among Library and Information Science (LIS) professionals in India. The most active professionals are aged 26-35 years; the habits of using SN are different from traditional searches for research purposes. The professionals provide opinion that SN is very effective to deliver LIS.

Research limitations

– The present study assesses the role of SN in LIS from information professionals of Indian science and technology institutions.

Originality/value

– SN is growing rapidly as a medium of communication between individuals to share their experiences and information regarding interests, and also helps to build ongoing relationships. In the field of LIS services, it may help to develop technology literacy and proficiency.
Harmonizing users’ needs with professional development at the University of Connecticut
Authors: Marie Eustis Jennifer
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– This is an exciting time for catalog and metadata librarians. A number of new tools and trends are now a part of our daily work. From the new content standard, Resource Description and Access, to the rise of opportunities with data management and digital humanities, catalog and metadata librarians are being asked to change how they work. They are now interacting with colleagues and their communities in ways that go beyond description and subject analysis. In fact, they are seeking ways to respond to these new users’ needs in the form of innovative services, new ways of thinking and doing business. However, how do catalog and metadata librarians meet these challenges? What is important to learn when faced with new trends and increased users’ demands?

Design/methodology/approach

– An overview of what the UCL are doing to meet changing trends and user needs.

Findings

– Though there is no one size fits all, the UCL catalog and metadata librarians have decided to meet the challenge of new tools and changing user demands by engaging in learning, teaching and networking.

Originality/value

– The techniques adopted by the UCL can be adapted to fit other institutions around the world.
Green supply chain management in Brazilian automotive sector
Authors: Maria Vanalle Rosangela , Blanco Santos Leandro
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to identify and analyse the most valued practices of sustainability, as well as factors related to environmental, financial, and operational performance considered in the process of selecting and developing suppliers to members of supply chains in the Brazilian automotive sector.

Design/methodology/approach

– The method used was a literature review examining the subject and exploratory-descriptive field research. The data collection instrument was a survey of companies using a five-point Likert scale. The data were treated by descriptive statistics.

Findings

– The practices most valued by companies involve eliminating or reducing the use of hazardous substances. These practices are evaluated in the selection, development, and environmental performance assessment of suppliers. Operational performance was most valued by companies, with highlighted practices including the amount of products delivered on time, commitment to quality management, delivery time, and order compliance rate.

Research limitations/implications

– The investigation and its findings are still relatively exploratory. Future research can investigate automakers’ requirements of suppliers in its supply chain in terms of sustainability and the actions of suppliers to meet these requirements.

Originality/value

– There are few sustainable practices that are valued by companies within the supply chain of the automotive sector. Major changes are needed because companies must respond to increasing demands by government regulations, whose goal is sustainability. Such pressures are of little importance to the companies in the automotive supply chain located in Brazil.
The Recovery Rocks Community story
Authors: Waegeli Amanda
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to describe the development of the Recovery Rocks Community of peers in recovery.

Design/methodology/approach

– Description of history of the community.

Findings

– The community is successful in providing mutual support in members journeys of recovery.

Research limitations/implications

– The community exists in Perth, Western Australia.

Practical implications

– Similar communities might be developed by groups of peers in other places.

Social implications

– Offers an innovative, peer support community approach to facilitating recovery.

Originality/value

– Offers an innovative approach to fostering recovery in a peer support community that could act as a model for the development of other similar communities.
Bridging vs. bonding: achieving participatory parity in recovery communities
Authors: Oh Hans
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– Mental health professionals have increasingly taken for granted the discourse of social inclusion, and so the purpose of this paper is to highlight two competing visions of community that exist for people with mental illnesses.

Design/methodology/approach

– Review of literature.

Findings

– The first vision of community holds to the Durkheimian belief that social integration not only promotes mental health, but also signifies successful adaptation and recovery from a pathological state. The second vision holds to the Foucauldian belief that integration can be a means of social control. What is often overlooked is how these contending paradigms might play out differently in liberal welfare states when compared to social democracies.

Originality/value

– The author draws from Nancy Fraser's theory of redistribution and recognition to interrogate both positions. How can society achieve universal citizenship and inclusion for people with mental illnesses by only providing surface-level reallocations? How do enclave models detract from efforts to move toward deep restructuring of society? The author recognizes that each vision advocates for social justice, but carries distinct implications for mental health policy and practice.
Tolstoy in a recipe
Authors: Tominc Ana
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the impact of global celebrity chefs and their discourse about food on the genre of cookbooks in Slovenia.

Design/methodology/approach

– Focusing this discourse study on cookbook topics only, the analysis demonstrates the relationship between the aspirations of local celebrity chefs for the food culture represented globally by global celebrity chefs, such as Oliver, and the necessity for a local construction of specific tastes. While the central genre of TV celebrity chefs remains TV cooking shows, their businesses include a number of side products, such as cookbooks, which can be seen as recontexualisations of TV food discourse.

Findings

– Hence, despite this study being limited to analysis of cookbooks only, it can be claimed that the findings extend to other genres. The analysis shows that local chefs aspire to follow current trends, such as an emphasis on the local and sustainable production of food as well as enjoyment and pleasure in the form of a postmodern hybrid genre, while, on the other hand, they strive to include topics that will resonate locally, as they aim to represent themselves as the “new middle class”.

Originality/value

– Such an analysis brings new insights into the relationship between discourse and globalisation as well as discourse and food.
Visual information influences consumer fast-food choices
Authors: Boonme Kittipong , Hanus Bartlomiej , R. Prybutok Victor , A. Peak Daniel , Ryan Christopher
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of visual information cues such as a heart icon vs the calories and fat content on the selection of healthy food in fast-food restaurants (FFRs).

Design/methodology/approach

– An online survey design providing a fast-food menu was implemented to collect responses from the participants. The survey respondents were recruited from a large South-western university in the USA. The research model was tested using logistic regression.

Findings

– Data analysis shows that visual information plays a significant role in healthy food selection in FFRs. The authors findings show that the heart icons have a statistically significant effect on food choices, while calories and fat content information did not affect the participants’ selections vs no information.

Originality/value

– Dietary choices and obesity are a serious social concern. This study provides support for the effect of a heart icon symbol on food choice in fast-food selection. The implication is that labelling FFR menus with symbols such as our heart icon will have a positive impact on healthy food selection vs the more usual inclusion of calorie and fat information.
Blissed ignorance?
Authors: Stefani Gianluca , Cavicchi Alessio , Romano Donato
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of information on origin, “typicalness”, production method and flavour on the willingness to pay and the sensorial appreciation of Tuscan sanguinaccio (Italian Salami).

Design/methodology/approach

– The goal of the study was to explore how differences between willingness to pay and sensorial appreciation (measured using a hedonic score) for the three types are influenced by the nature of the sensorial and non-sensorial information available to the consumer. To evaluate reaction to sensorial information, typical information regimes used in works on degree of disconfirmation (Schifferstein, 2001) were adopted, that is, visual examination of the product with indication of the name and tasting of the labelled product.

Findings

– Analysis of the results of the experiments indicates that Mallegato and Biroldo have particular characteristics that make it critical to promote them to a vast public. The information on the production methods and ingredients seemed to interact negatively with the sensorial perception of the product after tasting, probably because of the presence of blood and other problematic components (for example, components of the pig head in Biroldo) among the ingredients.

Research limitations/implications

– Limited size of the sample and a gastronomic niche product analyzed.

Practical implications

– The negative influence of the processed information has to be considered to efficiently communicate the typicalness of these salami products. In fact, whilst for other traditional products, different kinds of information related to process, raw materials, recipes and, more generally, tradition can be jointly used to increase the arousal and the expectation on products quality characteristics, in this case, the communication strategy has to carefully consider the limit of these product components.

Originality/value

– For the first time the use of experimental auctions investigate the role of problematic information, such as the presence of blood, on consumers’ preference towards a typical gastronomic product.
The future of open access and library publishing
Authors: Chadwell Faye , C. Sutton Shan
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this article is to provide a vision for how academic libraries can assume a more central role in a future where open access (OA) publishing has become the predominant model for disseminating scholarly research articles.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors analyze existing trends related to OA policies and publishing, with an emphasis on the development of repositories managed by libraries to publish and disseminate articles. They speculate that these trends, coupled with emerging economic realities, will create an environment where libraries will assume a major role in the OA publishing environment. The authors provide some suggestions for how this major role might be funded.

Findings

– The trends and economic realities discussed will lead to new roles for academic librarians and will change the existing roles.

Originality/value

– This article provides insights for academic libraries and their institutions to consider a dramatic shift in the deployment of subscription dollars from a dysfunctional and largely closed scholarly communication system to one that provides open, unfettered access to research results.
How “Standardized” is Standardized? A Validation of Postcranial Landmark Locations
Authors: Smith Ashley C. , Boaks Amelia
Published: July 2014

Since the mid‐1990s, osteometrics have been a major aspect in forensic anthropology. However, recent evidence has shown that practitioners have been using differing points to establish certain measurements; namely those involving the clavicle, scapula, ulna, femur, and tibia. Engaging 61 practitioners, this study examined and confirmed how extensive this discord is. The highest consistency rate among practitioners was the scapular breadth (62.3%), followed by the femoral anteroposterior subtrochanteric diameter (55%). All other levels fell below these, particularly the physiological length of the ulna which was the most inconsistently measured bone. Furthermore, these low consistency rates yielded percent mean differences between two and 20% of the measurement length, with ranges averaging 14 mm. In light of these results, it is recommended that the field take steps to improve the standardization of such problematic measurements, including reexamining all measurements currently listed in osteometric texts, reassessing the utility of each, and reissuing a comprehensive guide.
Involvement of μ‐ and δ‐opioid receptor function in the rewarding effect of (±)‐pentazocine
Authors: Mori Tomohisa , Itoh Toshimasa , Yoshizawa Kazumi , Ise Yuya , Mizuo Keisuke , Saeki Tomoya , Komiya Sachiko , Masukawa Daiki , Shibasaki Masahiro , Suzuki Tsutomu
Published: July 2014

Most opioid receptor agonists have abuse potential, and the rewarding effects of opioids can be reduced in the presence of pain. While each of the enantiomers of pentazocine has a differential pharmacologic profile, (±)‐pentazocine has been used clinically for the treatment of pain. However, little information is available regarding which components of pentazocine are associated with its rewarding effects, and whether the (±)‐pentazocine‐induced rewarding effects can be suppressed under pain. Therefore, the present study was performed to investigate the effects of pain on the acquisition of the rewarding effects of (±)‐pentazocine, and to examine the mechanism of the rewarding effects of (±)‐pentazocine using the conditioned place preference paradigm. (±)‐Pentazocine and (−)‐pentazocine, but not (+)‐pentazocine, produced significant rewarding effects. Even though the rewarding effects induced by (±)‐pentazocine were significantly suppressed under pain induced by formalin, accompanied by increase of preprodynorphin mRNA levels in the nucleus accumbens, a high dose of (±)‐pentazocine produced significant rewarding effects under pain. In the normal condition, (±)‐pentazocine‐induced rewarding effects were blocked by a low dose of naloxone, whereas the rewarding effects induced by high doses of pentazocine under pain were suppressed by naltrindole (a δ‐opioid receptor antagonist). Interestingly, (±)‐pentazocine did not significantly affect dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens. These findings suggest that the rewarding effects of (−)‐pentazocine may contribute to the abuse potential of (±)‐pentazocine through μ‐ as well as δ‐opioid receptors, without robust activation of the mesolimbic dopaminergic system. We also found that neural adaptations can reduce the abuse potential of (±)‐pentazocine under pain.
Vitamin D Reverses aPL‐induced Inflammation and LMWH‐induced sFlt‐1 Release by Human Trophoblast
Authors: Gysler Stefan M. , Mulla Melissa J. , Stuhlman Meredith , Sfakianaki Anna K. , Paidas Michael J. , Stanwood Nancy L. , Gariepy Aileen , Brosens Jan J. , Chamley Lawrence W. , Abrahams Vikki M.
Published: July 2014

Problem

Women with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) are at increased risk of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and preeclampsia. Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) directly alter trophoblast function. Treatment with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) reduces the risk of RPL but not preeclampsia. Moreover, LMWH stimulates trophoblast sFlt‐1 release, an anti‐angiogenic factor associated with preeclampsia. Since vitamin D deficiency is associated with APS and preeclampsia, this study sought to determine the effect of vitamin D on trophoblast function in the setting of aPL and LMWH.

Method of study

A human first trimester trophoblast cell line (HTR8) and primary trophoblast cultures were treated with or without aPL in the presence and absence of vitamin D, LMWH or both. Trophoblast secretion of inflammatory cytokines and angiogenic factors were measured by ELISA.

Results

Vitamin D alone or in combination with LMWH attenuated the aPL‐induced trophoblast inflammatory response in the HTR8 cells and primary cultures. While vitamin D did not have any impact on aPL‐mediated modulation of angiogenic factors in the primary trophoblast, it significantly inhibited LMWH‐induced sFlt‐1 release.

Conclusion

LMWH in combination with vitamin D may be more beneficial than single‐agent therapy by preventing aPL‐induced trophoblast inflammation and reversing LMWH‐induced sFlt‐1 secretion.
The CentriMag Centrifugal Blood Pump as a Benchmark for In Vitro Testing of Hemocompatibility in Implantable Ventricular Assist Devices
Authors: Chan Chris H.H. , Pieper Ina Laura , Hambly Rebecca , Radley Gemma , Jones Alyssa , Friedmann Yasmin , Hawkins Karl M. , Westaby Stephen , Foster Graham , Thornton Catherine A.
Published: July 2014

Implantable ventricular assist devices (VADs) have proven efficient in advanced heart failure patients as a bridge‐to‐transplant or destination therapy. However, VAD usage often leads to infection, bleeding, and thrombosis, side effects attributable to the damage to blood cells and plasma proteins. Measuring hemolysis alone does not provide sufficient information to understand total blood damage, and research exploring the impact of currently available pumps on a wider range of blood cell types and plasma proteins such as von Willebrand factor (vWF) is required to further our understanding of safer pump design. The extracorporeal CentriMag (Thoratec Corporation, Pleasanton, CA, USA) has a hemolysis profile within published standards of normalized index of hemolysis levels of less than 0.01 g/100 L at 100 mm Hg but the effect on leukocytes, vWF multimers, and platelets is unknown. Here, the CentriMag was tested using bovine blood (n = 15) under constant hemodynamic conditions in comparison with a static control for total blood cell counts, hemolysis, leukocyte death, vWF multimers, microparticles, platelet activation, and apoptosis. The CentriMag decreased the levels of healthy leukocytes (P < 0.006), induced leukocyte microparticles (P < 10−5), and the level of high molecular weight of vWF multimers was significantly reduced in the CentriMag (P < 10−5) all compared with the static treatment after 6 h in vitro testing. Despite the leukocyte damage, microparticle formation, and cleavage of vWF multimers, these results show that the CentriMag is a hemocompatible pump which could be used as a standard in blood damage assays to inform the design of new implantable blood pumps.
The Tropical managed Forests Observatory: a research network addressing the future of tropical logged forests
Authors: Sist Plinio , Rutishauser Ervan , Peña‐Claros Marielos , Shenkin Alexander , Hérault Bruno , Blanc Lilian , Baraloto Christopher , Baya Fidèle , Benedet Fabrice , da Silva Katia Emidio , Descroix Laurent , Ferreira Joice Nunes , Gourlet‐Fleury Sylvie , Guedes Marcelino Carneiro , Bin Harun Ismail , Jalonen Riina , Kanashiro Milton , Krisnawati Haruni , Kshatriya Mrigesh , Lincoln Philippa , Mazzei Lucas , Medjibé Vincent , Nasi Robert , d'Oliveira Marcus Vinicius N. , de Oliveira Luis C. , Picard Nicolas , Pietsch Stephan , Pinard Michelle , Priyadi Hari , Putz Francis. E. , Rodney Ken , Rossi Vivien , Roopsind Anand , Ruschel Ademir Roberto , Shari Nur Hajar Zamah , Rodrigues de Souza Cintia , Susanty Farida Herry , Sotta Eleneide Doff , Toledo Marisol , Vidal Edson , West Thales A.P. , Wortel Verginia , Yamada Toshihiro
Published: July 2014

While attention on logging in the tropics has been increasing, studies on the long‐term effects of silviculture on forest dynamics and ecology remain scare and spatially limited. Indeed, most of our knowledge on tropical forests arises from studies carried out in undisturbed tropical forests. This bias is problematic given that logged and disturbed tropical forests are now covering a larger area than the so‐called primary forests. A new network of permanent sample plots in logged forests, the Tropical managed Forests Observatory (TmFO), aims to fill this gap by providing unprecedented opportunities to examine long‐term data on the resilience of logged tropical forests at regional and global scales. TmFO currently includes 24 experimental sites distributed across three tropical regions, with a total of 490 permanent plots and 921 ha of forest inventories.
Uro‐oncology multidisciplinary meetings at an Australian tertiary referral centre – impact on clinical decision‐making and implications for patient inclusion
Authors: Rao Kenny , Manya Kiran , Azad Arun , Lawrentschuk Nathan , Bolton Damien , Davis Ian D. , Sengupta Shomik
Published: July 2014

Objectives

To analyse the impact of the uro‐oncology multidisciplinary meeting (MDM) at an Australian tertiary centre on patient management decisions, and to develop criteria for patient inclusion in MDMs.

Methods

Over a 3‐month period, all cases presented at our weekly uro‐oncology MDM were prospectively assessed, by asking the presenting clinician to state their provisional management plans and comparing this with the subsequent consensus decision. The impact of the MDM was graded as high if there was a major change in the management plan or if a plan was developed where there was none.

Results

Over the study period, 120 discussions about 107 patients were recorded. Prostate, urothelial, kidney and testis cancer represented 46 (38.3%), 36 (30%), 26 (21.6%) and 12 (10%) of the discussions, respectively. The MDM made high impact changes to the original plan in 32 (26.7%) cases. High impact changes were nearly twice as likely to occur in patients with metastatic disease as in those without metastases (P < 0.05). Primary cross referral between disciplines occurred in 40 (33.3%) cases, including 66.7% of testicular and 42% of bladder cancers but only 26% of prostate and 19% of kidney cancers (P < 0.02).

Conclusions

The uro‐oncology MDM alters management plans in about one‐quarter of cases. Additionally, MDMs also serve other purposes, such as cross‐referral or consideration for clinical trials. Patients should be discussed in MDMs if multimodal therapy may be required, clinical trial eligibility is being considered or if metastasis or recurrence is noted.
Partial nephrectomy for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and the risk of end‐stage renal disease (ESRD)
Authors: Yap Stanley A. , Finelli Antonio , Urbach David R. , Tomlinson George A. , Alibhai Shabbir M.H.
Published: July 2014

Objective

To assess whether radical nephrectomy (RN) compared with partial nephrectomy (PN) for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is associated with greater risk of end‐stage renal disease (ESRD).

Patients and Methods

We performed a population‐based, retrospective cohort study using linked administrative databases in the province of Ontario, Canada. We included individuals with pathologically confirmed RCC diagnosed between 1995 and 2010. Cox proportional hazards, propensity score, and competing risks models were used to assess the impact of treatment choice. The primary outcome was ESRD. Secondary outcomes included overall mortality, myocardial infarction, and new‐onset chronic kidney disease (CKD). A modern cohort of patients (2003–2010) was analysed separately.

Results

We included 11 937 patients, of whom 2107 (18%) underwent PN. The median follow‐up was 57 months. In the full cohort, type of surgery was not associated with the rate of ESRD, whereas PN was associated with a decreased likelihood of ESRD compared with RN in the modern cohort using a multivariable proportional hazards model [hazard ratio (HR) 0.44, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.25–0.75) or propensity score modelling (HR 0.48, 95% CI 0.27–0.82). PN was also associated with a lower risk of new‐onset CKD (HR 0.48, 95% CI 0.41–0.57).

Conclusions

Although it is well‐known that RN is associated with more CKD than PN, we provide the first direct evidence that PN is associated with less ESRD requiring renal replacement therapy than RN in a modern cohort of patients with RCC.
The behavioural response of mice lacking NK1 receptors to guanfacine resembles its clinical profile in treatment of ADHD
Authors: Pillidge Katharine , Porter Ashley J , Dudley Julia A , Tsai Yuan‐Chen , Heal David J , Stanford S Clare
Published: July 2014

Background and Purpose

Mice with functional ablation of substance P‐preferring neurokinin‐1 receptors (NK1R−/− mice) display behavioural abnormalities resembling those in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Here, we investigated whether the ADHD treatment, guanfacine, alleviated the hyperactivity and impulsivity/inattention displayed by NK1R−/− mice in the light/dark exploration box (LDEB) and 5‐choice serial reaction–time task (5‐CSRTT), respectively. Following reports of co‐morbid anxiety in ADHD, we also investigated effects of guanfacine on anxiety‐like behaviour displayed by NK1R−/− and wild‐type (WT) mice in the elevated plus maze (EPM).

Experimental Approach

Mice were treated with guanfacine (0.1, 0.3 or 1.0 mg·kg−1, i.p.), vehicle or no injection and tested in the 5‐CSRTT or the LDEB. Only the lowest dose of guanfacine was used in the EPM assays.

Key Results

In the 5‐CSRTT, a low dose of guanfacine (0.1 mg·kg−1) increased attention in NK1R−/− mice, but not in WT mice. This dose did not affect the total number of trials completed, latencies to respond or locomotor activity in the LDEB. Impulsivity was decreased by the high dose (1.0 mg·kg−1) of guanfacine, but this was evident in both genotypes and is likely to be secondary to a generalized blunting of behaviour. Although the NK1R−/− mice displayed marked anxiety‐like behaviour, guanfacine did not affect the behaviour of either genotype in the EPM.

Conclusions and Implications

This evidence that guanfacine improves attention at a dose that did not affect arousal or emotionality supports our proposal that NK1R−/− mice express an attention deficit resembling that of ADHD patients.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Animal Models in Psychiatry Research. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2014.171.issue-20
Topische Langzeittherapie der Psoriasis mit Vitamin‐D3‐Analoga, Kortikosteroiden und deren Kombinationen: Positionspapier zu Evidenz und praktischer Anwendung
Authors: Augustin Matthias , Mrowietz Ulrich , Bonnekoh Bernd , Rosenbach Thomas , Thaçi Diamant , Reusch Michael , Ardabili Michael , Reich Kristian
Published: July 2014

Hintergrund

Aktuelle Daten aus der Versorgungsforschung zeigen, dass Vitamin‐D3‐Analoga, Kortikosteroide und deren fixe Kombinationen in der topischen Langzeittherapie der Psoriasis sehr unterschiedlich eingesetzt werden.

Zielsetzung

Bewertung der wissenschaftlichen Evidenz zur topischen Langzeittherapie mit Vitamin‐D3‐Analoga, Kortikosteroiden und deren Kombinationen bei der Psoriasis vulgaris und der Kopfhaut‐Psoriasis und Entwicklung einer Praxisempfehlung.

Methodik

Systematische Literaturrecherche in PubMed® und Embase® und informeller Expertenkonsens.

Ergebnisse

Die Suchstrategie ergab insgesamt 21 relevante Arbeiten. Die beste Evidenz in der topischen Langzeittherapie lag für die Fixkombination aus Calcipotriol und Betamethason vor. In direkten Vergleichsstudien zeigte diese Fixkombination bei der Psoriasis vulgaris eine überlegene Verträglichkeit und Wirtschaftlichkeit im Vergleich zu den Monopräparaten. Bei der Kopfhaut‐Psoriasis war die Fixkombination in Gelformulierung der Calcipotriol‐Monotherapie überlegen. Feste, einfache Anwendungsschemata zeigten einen höheren Therapieerfolg als Bei‐Bedarf‐Therapien.

Praxisempfehlungen

Patienten müssen aktiv in die Wahl der Therapie, der Grundlage und der Anwendungsweise einbezogen werden. In der Praxis haben sich neben der Langzeittherapie mit der Fixkombination auch andere Therapieschemata unter Einbeziehung der Calcipotriol‐Monotherapie bewährt. Aufgrund des guten Nutzen‐Risiko‐Profils in Studien zur Erhaltungstherapie und aufgrund der höheren Wirtschaftlichkeit ist im Anschluss an die Initialtherapie eine 1‐ bis 2‐mal wöchentliche Applikation der Fixkombination zu empfehlen.
Institutional care and iron deficiency increase ADHD symptomology and lower IQ 2.5–5 years post‐adoption
Authors: Doom Jenalee R. , Georgieff Michael K. , Gunnar Megan R.
Published: July 2014

Increased ADHD symptomology and lower IQ have been reported in internationally adopted (IA) children compared to non‐adopted peers (Hostinar, Stellern, Schaefer, Carlson & Gunnar, 2012; Kreppner, O'Connor & Rutter, 2001). However, it is unclear whether these outcomes are due to institutional deprivation specifically or to co‐occurring micronutrient deficiencies that disrupt brain development (Fuglestad, Rao & Georgieff, 2008b). In this study, IA children were compared to children raised in their biological families to examine differences in ADHD symptomology and IQ 2.5–5 years post‐adoption and to assess the contributions of iron deficiency (ID) and duration of deprivation to these cognitive outcomes. ADHD symptoms (parent‐ and experimenter‐reported) and IQ were evaluated in 88 IA (M = 62.1 months, SD = 2.4) and 35 non‐adopted children (M = 61.4 months, SD = 1.6). IA children were assessed 29–64 months post‐adoption (M = 41.9 months, SD = 10.2). ID was assessed during the initial post‐adoption medical visit in 69 children, and children were classified into four groups by iron status, ranging from normal to ID anemia (most severe). IA children had greater ADHD symptomology, p < .01, and lower IQ, p = .001, than non‐adopted children. Within the IA group, children with more severe ID at adoption had greater ADHD symptomology, r(69) = 0.40, p = .001, and lower IQ, r(68) = −0.28, p < .05. Duration of institutional care was positively correlated with ADHD symptoms, r(86) = .28, p < .01, but not IQ, r(85) = −.08, p = .52. Longitudinal results indicate improvement in IQ from 12 months post‐adoption to age 5 for children with greater ID severity at adoption and longer duration of institutional care but no improvement in ADHD symptoms. These results signify continuing effects of early deprivation and ID on ADHD symptoms and IQ years after adoption.

A video abstract of this article can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUFDAS3DD1c
Preictal surrender of post–spike slow waves to spike‐related high‐frequency oscillations (80–200 Hz) is associated with seizure initiation
Authors: Sato Yosuke , Doesburg Sam M. , Wong Simeon M. , Boelman Cyrus , Ochi Ayako , Otsubo Hiroshi
Published: July 2014

Objective

Spike and slow waves consist of a “spike” including high‐frequency oscillations (HFOs), which are linked to epileptogenicity and a “post–spike slow wave (PSS)” related to inhibitory activity. The aim of this study was to elucidate the spatiotemporal relationship between spike‐relatedHFOs andPSSin patients with focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) typeII.

Methods

We studied 10 pediatric patients withFCDtypeII, who underwent extraoperative video–electroencephalography (EEG). We selected spike and slow waves, which includedHFOs (80–200 Hz), and performed spike peak–locked averaging 10 times during both 30 s interictal (>1 h apart from seizures) and 30 s preictal periods. We calculated the power of spike‐relatedHFOs andPSSduring both periods for the following three areas: (1) inside the seizure‐onset zone (SOZ), (2) inside the resection area (RA) but outsideSOZ(RA‐SOZ), and (3) outside theRA. Between the interictal and preictal periods we performed correlation (Spearman's coefficient) and simple linear regression analyses comparingHFOandPSSpower within each area.

Results

A total of 1,614 averaged spike and slow waves were analyzed during both periods. During the interictal periods, there were significant positive correlations betweenHFOandPSSpower in all areas (insideSOZ, r = 0.568;RA‐SOZ, r = 0.700; outsideRA, r = 0.320). During the preictal periods, the correlation became weaker insideSOZ(r = 0.149) and remained unchanged both inside theRA‐SOZ(r = 0.704) and outsideRA(r = 0.346). From the interictal to preictal period, the slope (ΔPSSpower/ΔHFOpower) of the simple regression line decreased insideSOZ(0.349 to 0.051) but increased inRA‐SOZ(0.534 to 0.734) and outsideRA(0.267 to 0.435).

Significance

Relative power reduction of PSS to spike‐relatedHFOs inSOZis relevant for seizure initiation. Our analysis will contribute to future studies of seizure prediction and distinction between pathologic and physiologicHFOs.

A PowerPoint slide summarizing this article is available for download in the Supporting Information sectionhere.
Inhibition of STAT3 signalling contributes to the antimelanoma action of atractylenolide II
Authors: Fu Xiu‐Qiong , Chou Gui‐Xin , Kwan Hiu Yee , Tse Anfernee Kai‐Wing , Zhao Li‐Han , Yuen Tsz‐Kin , Cao Hui‐hui , Yu Hua , Chao Xiao‐Juan , Su Tao , Cheng Brian Chi‐Yan , Sun Xue‐Gang , Yu Zhi‐Ling
Published: July 2014

Our previous studies showed that atractylenolide II (AT‐II) has antimelanoma effects in B16 melanoma cells. In this study, we investigated the involvement of STAT3 signalling in the antimelanoma action of AT‐II. Daily administration of AT‐II (12.5, 25 mg/kg, i.g.) for 14 days significantly inhibited tumor growth in a B16 xenograft mouse model and inhibited the activation/phosphorylation of STAT3 and Src in the xenografts. In B16 and A375 cells, AT‐II (20, 40 μm) treatment for 48 h dose‐dependently reduced protein expression levels of phospho‐STAT3, phospho‐Src, as well as STAT3‐regulated Mcl‐1 and Bcl‐xL. Overexpression of a constitutively active variant of STAT3, STAT3C in A375 cells diminished the antiproliferative and apoptotic effects of AT‐II. These data suggest that inhibition of STAT3 signalling contributes to the antimelanoma action of AT‐II. Our findings shed new light on the mechanism of action underlying the antimelanoma effects of AT‐II and provide further pharmacological basis for developing AT‐II as a novel melanoma chemopreventive/chemotherapeutic agent.
Separating effects of climatic drivers and biotic feedbacks on seasonal plankton dynamics: no sign of trophic mismatch
Authors: Berger Stella A. , Diehl Sebastian , Stibor Herwig , Sebastian Patrizia , Scherz Antonia
Published: July 2014

Climate change may impact most strongly on temperate lake plankton communities in spring, when light availability and water temperature change rapidly due to thermal stratification. Effects of changing light and temperature on one food‐web component transfer to other components, producing a complex interplay between physical drivers and biotic feedbacks. Understanding this interplay is important, because altered climate regimes could result in phenological mismatch between the phytoplankton spring bloom and the timing of maximum food requirements of grazers.

To separate direct effects of light and temperature on spring plankton dynamics from effects mediated through micro‐ and mesograzer feedbacks, we manipulated water temperature, stratification depth and presence/absence of the mesograzer Daphnia in lake mesocosms.

In early spring, stratification depth and water temperature directly influenced the light supply to phytoplankton and the growth rates of all plankton groups. Subsequently, indirect effects, including light‐dependent food supply to grazers and temperature‐dependent grazing pressure, became increasingly important. Phytoplankton and Daphnia peaked earlier in warmer treatments and reached higher peaks when stratification depth was shallower. Ciliates responded positively to increased food density and higher temperature and subsequently affected the taxonomic composition, but not the total biomass, of phytoplankton.

In the absence of Daphnia, phytoplankton did not enter a distinct clear water phase. When present, Daphnia caused an extended clear water phase, maintaining phytoplankton and ciliates at low levels throughout early summer and suppressing all direct effects of physical drivers on these plankton groups.

Our Daphnia treatments mimicked the high and low fish predation settings of the largely descriptive, recently revised Plankton Ecology Group (PEG) model of seasonal plankton succession and explored their responses to climate change scenarios. The results largely support the PEG model, but attribute greater importance to early season temperature effects and later season grazing effects of Daphnia.

In warmer treatments, the timing of phytoplankton and zooplankton peaks tended to be more closely coupled, and temperature did not affect the height of zooplankton peaks. In line with other experiments, these results do not support the widely held concern that warming may create a trophic mismatch between phytoplankton and zooplankton and reduce spring zooplankton production.
Genome‐wide screening for DNA variants associated with reading and language traits
Authors: Gialluisi A. , Newbury D. F. , Wilcutt E. G. , Olson R. K. , DeFries J. C. , Brandler W. M. , Pennington B. F. , Smith S. D. , Scerri T. S. , Simpson N. H. ,   The SLI Consortium, Luciano M. , Evans D. M. , Bates T. C. , Stein J. F. , Talcott J. B. , Monaco A. P. , Paracchini S. , Francks C. , Fisher S. E.
Published: July 2014

Reading and language abilities are heritable traits that are likely to share some genetic influences with each other. To identify pleiotropic genetic variants affecting these traits, we first performed a genome‐wide association scan (GWAS) meta‐analysis using three richly characterized datasets comprising individuals with histories of reading or language problems, and their siblings. GWAS was performed in a total of 1862 participants using the first principal component computed from several quantitative measures of reading‐ and language‐related abilities, both before and after adjustment for performance IQ. We identified novel suggestive associations at the SNPs rs59197085 and rs5995177 (uncorrected P ≈ 10–7 for each SNP), located respectively at the CCDC136/FLNC and RBFOX2 genes. Each of these SNPs then showed evidence for effects across multiple reading and language traits in univariate association testing against the individual traits. FLNC encodes a structural protein involved in cytoskeleton remodelling, while RBFOX2 is an important regulator of alternative splicing in neurons. The CCDC136/FLNC locus showed association with a comparable reading/language measure in an independent sample of 6434 participants from the general population, although involving distinct alleles of the associated SNP. Our datasets will form an important part of on‐going international efforts to identify genes contributing to reading and language skills.
Parents' information and support needs when their child is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes: a qualitative study
Authors: Rankin David , Harden Jeni , Waugh Norman , Noyes Kathryn , Barnard Katharine D. , Lawton Julia
Published: July 2014

Aim and objective

The aim of this study was to describe and explore parents' information and support needs when their child is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, including their views about the timing and chronology of current support provision. Our objective was to identify ways in which parents could be better supported in the future.

Design and participants

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 54 parents of children with type 1 diabetes in four paediatric diabetes clinics in Scotland. Data were analysed using an inductive, thematic approach.

Findings

Parents described needing more reassurance after their child was diagnosed before being given complex information about diabetes management, so they would be better placed psychologically and emotionally to absorb this information. Parents also highlighted a need for more emotional and practical support from health professionals when they first began to implement diabetes regimens at home, tailored to their personal and domestic circumstances. However, some felt unable to ask for help or believed that health professionals were unable to offer empathetic support. Whilst some parents highlighted a need for support delivered by peer parents, others who had received peer support conveyed ambivalent views about the input and advice they had received.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that professionals should consider the timing and chronology of support provision to ensure that parents' emotional and informational needs are addressed when their child is diagnosed and that practical advice and further emotional support are provided thereafter, which takes account of their day‐to‐day experiences of caring for their child.
Does the Reciproc file remove root canal bacteria and endotoxins as effectively as multifile rotary systems?
Authors: Marinho A. C. S. , Martinho F. C. , Gonçalves L. M. , Rabang H. R. C. , Gomes B. P. F. A.
Published: July 2014

Aim

To evaluate the effectiveness of Reciproc for the removal of cultivable bacteria and endotoxins from root canals in comparison with multifile rotary systems.

Methodology

The root canals of forty human single‐rooted mandibular pre‐molars were contaminated with an Escherichia coli suspension for 21 days and randomly assigned to four groups according to the instrumentation system: GI – Reciproc (VDW); GII – Mtwo (VDW); GIII – ProTaper Universal (Dentsply Maillefer); and GIV –FKG Race™ (FKG Dentaire) (n = 10 per group). Bacterial and endotoxin samples were taken with a sterile/apyrogenic paper point before (s1) and after instrumentation (s2). Culture techniques determined the colony‐forming units (CFU) and the Limulus Amebocyte Lysate assay was used for endotoxin quantification. Results were submitted to paired t‐test and anova.

Results

At s1, bacteria and endotoxins were recovered in 100% of the root canals investigated (40/40). After instrumentation, all systems were associated with a highly significant reduction of the bacterial load and endotoxin levels, respectively: GI – Reciproc (99.34% and 91.69%); GII – Mtwo (99.86% and 83.11%); GIII – ProTaper (99.93% and 78.56%) and GIV – FKG Race™ (99.99% and 82.52%) (P < 0.001). No statistical difference were found amongst the instrumentation systems regarding bacteria and endotoxin removal (P > 0.01).

Conclusion

The reciprocating single file, Reciproc, was as effective as the multifile rotary systems for the removal of bacteria and endotoxins from root canals.
The impact of cone beam computed tomography on the choice of endodontic diagnosis
Authors: Mota de Almeida F. J. , Knutsson K. , Flygare L.
Published: July 2014

Aim

To determine whether the outcome of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) examinations performed in accordance with the European Commission guidelines in a clinical setting has an impact on choosing diagnoses in endodontics.

Methodology

A prospective observational study was conducted. Fifty‐three consecutive patients (81 teeth) from two different endodontic specialist clinics in Sweden were followed. After performing a thorough clinical examination (based on the history, clinical findings, and diagnostic tests such as intra‐oral radiography), the examiner wrote down a preliminary diagnosis before CBCT examination. After the CBCT examination, a new diagnosis was made by the same examiner. Both the pre‐ and the post‐CBCT examination diagnoses were plotted according to patients and teeth. The CBCT examinations were performed using similar equipment and protocols that were standardized amongst the clinics.

Results

The diagnoses were changed for at least one tooth in 22 patients (41%); overall, the diagnoses were changed for 28 teeth (35%).

Conclusion

CBCT has a substantial impact on diagnostic thinking in endodontics when used in accordance with the European Commission guidelines.
Azathioprine as a therapeutic alternative for refractory chronic urticaria
Authors: Tal Yuval , Toker Ori , Agmon‐Levin Nancy , Shalit Meir
Published: July 2014

Background

Chronic urticaria (CU) affects up to 1% of the general population. Its impact on quality of life is immense, and patients might require multiple drugs to control symptoms. The main therapeutic challenge in the treatment of CU is to maintain symptomatic control while minimizing the use of glucocorticosteroids and their plethora of side effects.

Methods

Two patients with severe, refractory CU after treatment failure with various drugs, including high‐dose cyclosporine, were administered azathioprine.

Results

In both patients, the treatment with azathioprine resulted in a significant clinical improvement, enabling steroid withdrawal.

Conclusion

Azathioprine should be considered as a therapeutic option for chronic, steroid‐dependent urticaria, refractory to other treatments.
The first skin cancer screening day at the Italian parliament: a Euromelanoma initiative
Authors: Suppa Mariano , Neri Luca , Bianchi Luca , Capizzi Rodolfo , Carbone Angelo , Catricalà Caterina , Chimenti Sergio , Fargnoli Maria Concetta , Fossati Barbara , Frascione Pasquale , Peris Ketty
Published: July 2014

Background

The effort to decrease incidence/mortality of skin cancer should target not only the general public but also politicians and decision makers, to create a proper health policy. We report the results of the first Skin Cancer Screening Day at the Italian Parliament, organized to draw politicians’ attention on skin cancer.

Methods

A questionnaire was used to collect data on participants’ characteristics and suspected skin cancers.

Results

We screened 70 members of parliament (61.4% males, median age 54 years). Overall skin cancer suspicion rate was 14.5%. Suspicion rate, detection rate, and positive predictive values for melanoma were respectively 1.6, 1.6, and 100%, and for basal cell carcinoma 6.5, 1.6, and 25%. Highly educated, <54‐year‐old females reported sun‐seeking behaviors.

Conclusions

The considerable suspicion rate produced by this screening is justified by the particular demographics of the study population. Italian members of parliament display sun‐seeking behaviors similar to those previously described in the general public. Increasing politicians’ attention on skin cancer is vital for sufficient resources to be allocated to prevention strategies. Expert medical groups and politicians should cooperate to create a proper, integrated policy on skin cancer.