bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digging deeper into virtual reference transcripts
Authors: Armann-Keown Vera , Cooke Carol A , Matheson Gail
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of the study is to identify the information needs of patrons in a large Canadian academic library system by analyzing the types of questions asked through the Library’s “Ask A Librarian” system. The results provide information on specific areas of competencies and training for staff providing virtual reference services.

Design/methodology/approach

– This article looks at virtual reference data collected between January and April 2012 from a large Canadian academic library and provides an analysis of the types of questions asked by library users. The researchers developed a detailed coding scheme for the analysis of question type and referrals made, and used the qualitative analysis software NVivo™ to code and analyze the data.

Findings

– The results of this analysis found that patrons often tap into synchronous online library help when they encounter challenges with online library resources. Specific areas of patron training to be developed were also identified. Finally, areas for staff training were uncovered which will help the library provide a consistent level of service to patrons.

Originality/value

– This is the first study in the library community to conduct a detailed analysis of the virtual reference transcripts from a large Canadian university using the NVivo™ content analysis software. The study developed and employed more detailed coding categories then has been used in previous studies to provide more information about the questions that patrons are unable to complete on their own. The study also captures detailed information pertaining to referrals.
Perceptions of students working as library reference assistants at a University Library
Authors: Brenza Andrew , Kowalsky Michelle , Brush Denise
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to develop a better understanding of student worker perceptions of academic libraries in an effort to improve student worker training, position structure and, ultimately, their perceptions of the library. The value of student reference assistants extends well beyond the completion of assigned library tasks. Specifically, student reference assistants can be important community voices and advocates for academic libraries, spreading, by word-of-mouth, the kinds of library services available to students and their relevance to the academic community. Consequently, it is essential to gain an understanding of how student workers perceive the academic library as a result of their employment.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper uses an informal, anonymous online survey of student reference assistants to gather information on student worker perceptions of the library. Questions focus on student workers’ understanding of library services and resources as well as on the library’s mission and purpose. An analysis of student responses is provided in light of four “ideal” perceptions which the librarians hold for all students.

Findings

– Overall, student worker responses to the survey generally aligned with the ideal perceptions. However, misalignments suggest the need for training that focuses on the development of a broader understanding of the library’s role in the academic community.

Practical implications

– The paper can help academic librarians gain insight on how student workers understand the role of the library within the larger academic community and how positive student worker perceptions can be leveraged for outreach purposes.

Originality/value

– This paper examines an important aspect of student worker perception that has generally been overlooked in the literature.
Job Polarisation and Earnings Inequality in Australia
Authors: Coelli Michael , Borland Jeff
Published: November 2015

We investigate changes in the occupation structure in Australia between 1966 and 2011, and the effect of these changes on the earnings distribution. Occupation changes exhibited job polarisation (growth in high and low skill jobs, declines in middle skill jobs) in the 1980s and 1990s and general upskilling in the 1970s and 2000s. Any job polarisation has been primarily a male phenomenon. Occupation changes were consistent with the loss of jobs that were high in routine task intensity. Changes in occupational composition and associated earnings changes contributed significantly to growth in overall earnings inequality from the mid‐1980s to the mid‐2000s.
Antimicrobial Effect of Malpighia Punicifolia and Extension of Water Buffalo Steak Shelf‐Life
Authors: Tremonte Patrizio , Sorrentino Elena , Succi Mariantonietta , Tipaldi Luca , Pannella Gianfranco , Ibañez Eléna , Mendiola Jose Antonio , Di Renzo Tiziana , Reale Anna , Coppola Raffaele
Published: November 2015

In the present study, a multiple approach was used to characterize Malpighia punicifolia extract and to evaluate its inhibitory activity against several meat spoilage bacteria. First, volatile fraction, vitamins and phenolic compounds of the extract obtained by supercritical fluid extraction were determined by GC‐MS and HPLC. Then, the antimicrobial action of the extract was in vitro evaluated against Pseudomonas putida DSMZ 291T, Pseudomonas fluorescens DSMZ 50009T, Pseudomonas fragi DSMZ 3456T, and Brochothrix thermosphacta DSMZ 20171T by the agar well diffusion assay and by the agar dilution test. Based on the results of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against the assayed bacteria, 4 different concentrations of the extract were used in a challenge test on water buffalo steaks stored for 21 d at 4 °C. Results of chemical analyses showed that M. punicifolia extract is characterized by the presence of several compounds, already described for their antimicrobial (phenolic acids, flavonones, and furanes) and antioxidant (ascorbic acid) properties. The in vitro detection of antimicrobial activities highlighted that the extract, used at 8% concentration, was able to inhibit all the target bacteria. Moreover, very low MIC values (up to 0.025%) were detected. In situ tests, performed on water buffalo steaks treated with the extract in the concentration range 0.025% to 0.05%, showed a strong inhibition of both intentionally inoculated bacteria and naturally occurring microorganisms. Positive results, in terms of color and odor, were also observed during the entire storage of steaks preserved with the extract.
Inhibitory Effect of Cinnamaldehyde, Citral, and Eugenol on Aflatoxin Biosynthetic Gene Expression and Aflatoxin B1 Biosynthesis in Aspergillus flavus
Authors: Liang Dandan , Xing Fuguo , Selvaraj Jonathan Nimal , Liu Xiao , Wang Limin , Hua Huijuan , Zhou Lu , Zhao Yueju , Wang Yan , Liu Yang
Published: November 2015

In order to reveal the inhibitory effects of cinnamaldehyde, citral, and eugenol on aflatoxin biosynthesis, the expression levels of 5 key aflatoxin biosynthetic genes were evaluated by real‐time PCR. Aspergillus flavus growth and AFB1 production were completely inhibited by 0.80 mmol/L of cinnamaldehyde and 2.80 mmol/L of citral. However, at lower concentration, cinnamaldehyde (0.40 mmol/L), eugenol (0.80 mmol/L), and citral (0.56 mmol/L) significantly reduced AFB1 production with inhibition rate of 68.9%, 95.4%, and 41.8%, respectively, while no effect on fungal growth. Real‐time PCR showed that the expressions of aflR, aflT, aflD, aflM, and aflP were down‐regulated by cinnamaldehyde (0.40 mmol/L), eugenol (0.80 mmol/L), and citral (0.56 mmol/L). In the presence of cinnamaldehyde, AflM was highly down‐regulated (average of 5963 folds), followed by aflP, aflR, aflD, and aflT with the average folds of 55, 18, 6.5, and 5.8, respectively. With 0.80 mmol/L of eugenol, aflP was highly down‐regulated (average of 2061‐folds), followed by aflM, aflR, aflD, and aflT with average of 138‐, 15‐, 5.2‐, and 4.8‐folds reduction, respectively. With 0.56 mmol/L of citral, aflT was completely inhibited, followed by aflM, aflP, aflR, and aflD with average of 257‐, 29‐, 3.5‐, and 2.5‐folds reduction, respectively. These results suggest that the reduction in AFB1 production by cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, and citral at low concentration may be due to the down‐regulations of the transcription level of aflatoxin biosynthetic genes. Cinnamaldehyde and eugenol may be employed successfully as a good candidate in controlling of toxigenic fungi and subsequently contamination with aflatoxins in practice.
Reinvigorating International Climate Policy: A Comprehensive Framework for Effective Nonstate Action
Authors: Chan Sander , van Asselt Harro , Hale Thomas , Abbott Kenneth W. , Beisheim Marianne , Hoffmann Matthew , Guy Brendan , Höhne Niklas , Hsu Angel , Pattberg Philipp , Pauw Pieter , Ramstein Céline , Widerberg Oscar
Published: November 2015

As countries negotiate a new climate agreement for the United Nations climate conference in December 2015, a groundswell of climate actions is emerging as cities, regions, businesses and civil society groups act on mitigation and adaptation, independently, with each other and with national governments and international organizations. The Paris conference provides a historic opportunity to establish a framework to catalyse, support, and steer these initiatives. Without such a framework, ‘bottom‐up’ climate governance runs the risk of failing to deliver meaningful results. Social science research highlights the need for a comprehensive approach that promotes ambition, experimentation and accountability, and avoids unnecessary overlaps. This article specifies functions and design principles for a new, comprehensive framework for sub‐ and nonstate climate actions that could provide effective coordination.
Impact of Current Climate Proposals
Authors: Lomborg Bjorn
Published: November 2015

This article investigates the temperature reduction impact of major climate policy proposals implemented by 2030, using the standard MAGICC climate model. Even optimistically assuming that promised emission cuts are maintained throughout the century, the impacts are generally small. The impact of the US Clean Power Plan (USCPP) is a reduction in temperature rise by 0.013°C by 2100. The full US promise for the COP21 climate conference in Paris, its so‐called Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) will reduce temperature rise by 0.031°C. The EU 20‐20 policy has an impact of 0.026°C, the EU INDC 0.053°C, and China INDC 0.048°C. All climate policies by the US, China, the EU and the rest of the world, implemented from the early 2000s to 2030 and sustained through the century will likely reduce global temperature rise about 0.17°C in 2100. These impact estimates are robust to different calibrations of climate sensitivity, carbon cycling and different climate scenarios. Current climate policy promises will do little to stabilize the climate and their impact will be undetectable for many decades.
Ontological modelling and rule‐based reasoning for the provision of personalized patient education
Authors: Quinn Susan , Bond Raymond , Nugent Chris
Published: November 2015

Current approaches to patient education provide generic standardized materials to all patients regardless of their demographics such as age and cognitive abilities. Thus, the effectiveness of this approach may suffer from a patient's motivation to fully engage with the material. To alleviate these concerns, this study proposes a personalized approach to patient education that is tailored to the individual characteristics and health objectives of the patient. Personalized features will enhance the comprehensibility and usability of the process of medical education. Taking this into consideration, this paper introduces a conceptual architecture to create a web‐based personalized patient education experience. A key component of this architecture comprises ontological models of the patient themselves, their medical conditions, physical activities and their educational attainments. Furthermore, rule‐based reasoning is also proposed to achieve this personalization. A use case scenario is provided to highlight the effectiveness of personalized education provision.
How Solutions Chase Problems: Instrument Constituencies in the Policy Process
Authors: Béland Daniel , Howlett Michael
Published: November 2015

Public policies are composed of complex arrangements of policy goals and policy means matched through some decision‐making process. Exactly how this process works and which comes first—problem or solution—is an outstanding research question in the policy sciences. This article argues the emerging concept of an “instrument constituency”—a subsystem component dedicated to the articulation and promotion of particular kinds of solutions regardless of problem context—can help policy scholars answer this critical question and better understand policymaking. At present, however, there is only limited empirical evidence of the existence, accuracy, and relevance of the instrument constituency concept. This article clarifies and refines the concept through cross‐sectoral and cross‐national case studies, demonstrating its utility in aiding our understanding of policy processes and their dynamics, including the issue of how problems and solutions are proposed and matched in the course of policy adoption.
The relative importance of specific self‐efficacy sources in pretraining self‐efficacy beliefs
Authors: Howardson Garett N. , Behrend Tara S.
Published: November 2015

Self‐efficacy is clearly important for learning. Research identifying the most important sources of self‐efficacy beliefs, however, has been somewhat limited to date in that different disciplines focus largely on different sources of self‐efficacy. Whereas education researchers focus on Bandura's original sources of enactive mastery, vicarious experience, verbal persuasion and negative emotional arousal, organizational researchers focus on learning, performance prove and performance avoid achievement goal orientations. To date, however, little research has examined the importance of a specific set of self‐efficacy sources after fully accounting for the influence of other sources. Data were obtained from 278 adult trainees who completed online Microsoft Excel training. Results suggest that once accounting for achievement goal orientation, Bandura's sources of vicarious experience and negative emotional arousal are still important contributors to pretraining self‐efficacy beliefs. As such, organizations seeking to maximize training effectiveness may wish to consider pretraining interventions simultaneously targeting achievement goal orientation, vicarious experience and negative emotional arousal.
Learning and development expertise: an Australian analysis
Authors: Hodge Steven , Harvey Jack
Published: November 2015

Learning and development (L&D) practitioners draw on a distinctive range of knowledge, skills and techniques in their work. Over the years, there have been attempts to capture this range and identify typical L&D roles. The research presented here was undertaken to identify characteristic areas of expertise (AOEs) of L&D practice in Australia, and to collect data about roles and organizational settings in which these AOEs are deployed. The research was commissioned by the Australian Institute of Training and Development. Literature relating to L&D was consulted, and Australian L&D experts were interviewed to draft a list of L&D AOEs. Responses to a survey by 589 Australian L&D practitioners were used to appraise the model. A principal components analysis of perceptions of the importance of the different types of expertise revealed that practitioners tended to rate one of three ‘clusters’ as important to their work: a strategy and analysis cluster, a learning facilitation cluster and a design and systems cluster. This analysis raises the question of contemporary L&D roles with implications for strategic HRD policy and professional associations. The typology may be utilized to target professional L&D activities, and provides impetus for further research to investigate the internal relationships between cluster components.
Migration and the Currency Denomination of Trade
Authors: Ventura Luigi , Witte Mark David
Published: November 2015

Using a large, transaction-level dataset of Italian exports and imports with non-European Union countries, we assess the role of migrants’ networks in shaping the currency denomination of trade. Our results, new to the literature, show sizable, significant effects of migration on the currency denomination of trade. Generally, more migrants lead to more invoicing in the exporter's and importer's currency relative to a vehicle currency, higher educated migrants increase invoicing in the exporter's and importer's currency relative to a vehicle currency, and Italian migrants living in foreign countries have a greater impact relative to foreign migrants living in Italy.
Developing critical awareness: the consequences of action and reflection for perceptions of group injustices
Authors: Turner‐Zwinkels Felicity M. , Postmes Tom , van Zomeren Martijn
Published: November 2015

Individuals often cannot address (objective) group injustices until they develop a (subjective) critical awareness of them. In three studies, we tested two potential psychological pathways toward critical awareness: Reflection (deductive, knowledge driven) and action (inductive, action driven) mindsets. Across studies, participants were exposed to an objectively unjust event, enacted by the experimenter. Based on a pilot study (N = 31) and first experiment (N = 28), we developed the hypothesis that action (vs. reflection) mindsets increase group entitativity (due to their reliance on expectancy effects), but not necessarily (subjective) critical awareness of (objective) group injustice. Study 2 (N = 121) confirmed this hypothesis. We discuss the difficulties of developing (subjective) critical awareness of (objective) group injustices.
Daylight photodynamic therapy with MAL cream for large‐scale photodamaged skin based on the concept of ‘actinic field damage’: recommendations of an international expert group
Authors: Philipp‐Dormston W.G. , Sanclemente G. , Torezan L. , Tretti Clementoni M. , Le Pillouer‐Prost A. , Cartier H. , Szeimies R.M. , Bjerring P.
Published: November 2015

Conventional PDT (c‐PDT) is a widely used and approved non‐invasive treatment for actinic keratosis (AK). Recent clinical, histological and immunohistochemical observations have shown that c‐PDT with methyl aminolevulinate (MAL) may also partially reverse the signs of photodamage. However, pain and the need for special light source equipment are limiting factors for its use, especially in the treatment of large areas. More recently, daylight PDT (DL‐PDT) has been shown to be similar to c‐PDT in the treatment of AK, nearly painless and more convenient to perform. To establish consensus on recommendations for the use of MAL DL‐PDT in patients with large‐scale photodamaged skin. The expert group was comprised of eight dermatologists. Consensus was developed based on the personal experience of the experts in c‐PDT and DL‐PDT, and results of an extensive literature review. MAL DL‐PDT for large areas of photodamaged skin was evaluated and recommendations based on broad clinical experience were provided. As supported by evidence‐based data from multicentre studies conducted in Australia and Europe, the authors defined the concept of ‘actinic field damage’ which refers to photodamage associated with actinic epidermal dysplasia, and provide comprehensive guidelines for the optimal use of DL‐PDT in the treatment of actinic field damage. The authors concluded that MAL DL‐PDT has a similar efficacy to c‐PDT at 3‐month (lesion complete response rate of 89% vs. 93% in the Australian study and 70% vs. 74% in the European study (95% C.I. = [−6.8;−0.3] and [−9.5;2.4] respectively) and 6‐month follow‐ups (97% maintenance of complete lesion response) in the treatment of AKs. The authors agree that DL‐PDT is not only efficacious but also nearly pain‐free and easy to perform, and therefore results in high patient acceptance especially for the treatment of areas of actinic field damage.
Er:YAG ablative fractional laser‐primed photodynamic therapy with methyl aminolevulinate as an alternative treatment option for patients with thin nodular basal cell carcinoma: 12‐month follow‐up results of a randomized, prospective, comparative trial
Authors: Choi S.H. , Kim K.H. , Song K.H.
Published: November 2015

Background

Surgical excision is conventionally regarded as the treatment of choice for nodular basal cell carcinoma (nBCC), and methyl aminolevulinate photodynamic therapy (MAL‐PDT) has relatively low efficacy for nBCC. However, Er:YAG ablative fractional laser (AFL)‐primed MAL‐PDT (Er:YAG AFL‐PDT) may offer enhanced efficacy for nBCC, especially thin nBCC (thickness ≤2 mm).

Objective

We compared Er:YAG AFL‐PDT with conventional MAL‐PDT for thin facial nBCC in Korean patients.

Methods

Thirty‐nine patients (42 lesions) with primary, histologically proven thin nBCCs were randomized to Er:YAG AFL‐PDT (single session, n = 20) or conventional MAL‐PDT (two sessions, 7 days apart, n = 19). Efficacy, recurrence rate, cosmetic outcomes and safety were assessed 1 week, 3 months and 12 months after the last treatment.

Results

Three months after the final treatment, overall complete response rates were 84.2% with Er:YAG AFL‐PDT and 50% with MAL‐PDT (P = 0.026). The recurrence rate was significantly lower with Er:YAG AFL‐PDT (6.3%) than with MAL‐PDT (55.6%) at 12 months (P = 0.006). Er:YAG AFL‐PDT and MAL‐PDT did not differ significantly with respect to cosmetic outcomes or safety.

Conclusions

Er:YAG AFL‐PDT can be used as an alternative treatment option for patients who have thin nBCC and are not suitable for surgical treatment.
Adding value through pharmacy validation: a safety and cost perspective
Authors: Ibáñez‐Garcia Sara , Rodriguez‐Gonzalez Carmen Guadalupe , Martin‐Barbero Maria Luisa , Sanjurjo‐Saez Maria , Herranz‐Alonso Ana ,   iPharma
Published: November 2015

Rationale, aims and objectives

Prescribing errors (PE) are frequent, cause significant harm to patients and prove costly. Few studies demonstrate the impact of pharmacist interventions. The objectives of this study were to characterize the severity and cost of the potential outcome of PE that pharmacists can prevent and to develop an economic analysis.

Method

We performed a non‐randomized, prospective, observational study of all prescriptions made to adult patients admitted to a 1300‐bed tertiary teaching hospital in Madrid (Spain) by means of a computerized physician order entry tool combined with a clinical decision support system. We analysed PE intercepted through the pharmacist validation process between January and June 2013. An independent team determined the severity of the potential adverse drug event (ADE) and the probability of causing an ADE (PAE). We estimated the cost avoidance and performed an economic analysis. A kappa statistic was used to verify inter‐observer agreement.

Results

484 PE were intercepted: 36.2% of PE were classified as being of minor severity, 59.1% as moderate and 4.7% as serious. The most common type of moderate‐serious PE found was excessive dose (30%, 94/309), followed by insufficient dose (20%, 62/309), and omission (19%, 58/309). The most frequent families of drugs involved in moderate‐serious PE were antineoplastic agents (22.3%, 69/309) and antimicrobials (17.2%, 53/309). The PAE was higher than 40% in 49% of PE. We estimated a cost avoidance of €291,422 and a return on investment of €1.7 for each €1 spent on a pharmacist's salary. The overall inter‐rater agreement for the participants was moderate for severity (κ = 0.57; P <0.005) and strong for the PAE (κ = 0.77; P <0.005).

Conclusions

Pharmacists add important value in preventing PE, and their interventions are financially beneficial for the institution.
The use of mobile smart devices and medical apps in the family practice setting
Authors: Yaman Hakan , Yavuz Erdinç , Er Adem , Vural Ramazan , Albayrak Yalçin , Yardimci Ahmet , Asilkan Özcan
Published: November 2015

Rationale, aims and objectives

In this study smartphones/tablet PCs and medical application utilization by family physicians and factors concerning the acceptance of medical application in family practice setting have been studied.

Methods

One hundred seventy‐six participants voluntarily agreed to fill out a 27‐item questionnaire. Data were analysed with descriptive statistics and eight items (acceptability of utilization of applications) revealed Cronbach's alpha of 0.965 and the factor analysis showed one factor explaining 80.6% of total variance.

Results

The mean age of respondents was 35.7 [standard deviation (SD) = 8.12; min–max = 24–52], 79 were male (45.9%) and 88 female (51.2%), 56 (32.5%) were single and 113 (65.7%) married, and the mean experience duration as a physician was 11.1 years (SD = 11.1; min–max = 1–28). One hundred sixty‐seven (97.1%) had a smartphone and/or tablet PC. Smartphone and/or tablet PC were used since 3.7 (SD = 2.17; min–max = 0–12) years. Sixty‐one (35.5%) felt that smartphone and/or tablet PC are very important, 92 (53.5%) important, 2 (1.2%) unimportant and 12 (7%) were undecided about this. One hundred eleven (64.5%) participants had a medical application on the smartphone and 66 (38.4%) on the tablet PC. They used 1.7 (SD = 2.04; min–max = 0–10) medical applications for 1.45 (SD = 2.53; min–max = 0–25) times on average. Eighty respondents (66.7%) used a medical application for any medical problem.

Conclusions

Almost all family physicians used smartphone and/or tablet PC during daily practice, and the reason of use was commonly for communication and Internet purposes. Usage during working hours was limited, but medical apps were perceived mainly positively for receiving medical information via Internet. Looking at the medical apps’ acceptability scale, participants were in agreement with the security, cost, contents’ quality, ease of use, support, ease of finding, ease of accessing and motivation to use medical applications.
Effect of age and sex on bone markers in Chlorocebus aethiops raised in captivity
Authors: Amaral Imbeloni Aline , Canevese Rahal Sheila , da Silva Filho Ednaldo , Mendonça Faria Bianca , Bandeira da Silva Wellington , Guimarães Oliveira Karol , Aihara Mika Ester , Barros Monteiro Frederico Ozanan
Published: November 2015

Background

The objective was to evaluate the procollagen type I N‐propeptide (PINP), osteocalcin (OC), β‐crosslaps (β‐CTX), and parathyroid hormone (PTH) in relation to age and sex of Chlorocebus aethiops in captivity.

Methods

Seventy‐three monkeys were divided into four age groups: AG1 (juvenile); AG2 (young adult); AG3 (adult); and AG4 (senile). An electrochemiluminescence immunoassay with an Elecsys 2010 analyzer was used to determine the serum markers of bone.

Results and conclusions

Sex did not influence the results of the markers. However, the variables PINP, OC, and β‐CTX were negatively correlated with age (r = −0.643; r = −0.711; r = −0.488; P < 0.001, respectively), and PTH was correlated positively with age (r = 0.418, P < 0.001). The data obtained can be used as biomarkers of bone metabolism reference intervals in healthy C. aethiops in captivity.
A reappraisal of Cerebavis cenomanica (Aves, Ornithurae), from Melovatka, Russia
Authors: Walsh Stig A. , Milner Angela C. , Bourdon Estelle
Published: November 2015

The evolution of the avian brain is of crucial importance to studies of the transition from non‐avian dinosaurs to modern birds, but very few avian fossils provide information on brain morphological development during the Mesozoic. An isolated specimen from the Cenomanian of Melovatka in Russia was described by Kurochkin and others as a fossilized brain, designated the holotype of Cerebavis cenomanica Kurochkin and Saveliev and tentatively referred to Enantiornithes. We have previously highlighted that this specimen is an incomplete skull, rendering the diagnostic characters invalid and Cerebavis cenomanica a nomen dubium. We provide here a revised diagnosis of Cerebavis cenomanica based on osteological characters, and a reconstruction of the endocranial morphology (= brain shape) based on μCT investigation of the braincase. Absence of temporal fenestrae indicates an ornithurine affinity for Cerebavis. The brain of this taxon was clearly closer to that of modern birds than to Archaeopteryx and does not represent a divergent evolutionary pathway as originally concluded by Kurochkin and others. No telencephalic wulst is present, suggesting that this advanced avian neurological feature was not recognizably developed 93 million years ago.
Durable efficacy of liraglutide in patients with type 2 diabetes and pronounced insulin‐associated weight gain: 52‐week results from the Effect of Liraglutide on insulin‐associated wEight GAiN in patients with Type 2 diabetes' (ELEGANT) randomized controlled trial
Authors: de Wit H. M. , Vervoort G. M. , Jansen H. J. , de Galan B. E. , Tack C. J.
Published: November 2015

Background

Pronounced weight gain frequently complicates insulin therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). We have previously reported that addition of liraglutide for 26 weeks can reverse insulin‐associated weight gain, decrease insulin dose and improve glycaemic control, as compared with continuation of standard insulin treatment.

Objectives

To investigate whether the beneficial effects of liraglutide are sustained up to 52 weeks and whether similar effects could be obtained when liraglutide is added 6 months later.

Methods

Adult T2DM patients with ≥4% weight gain within 16 months of insulin therapy completing the first 26‐week trial period of open‐label addition of liraglutide 1.8 mg day−1 (n = 26) versus continuation of standard insulin therapy (n = 24) were all treated with liraglutide for another 26 weeks. Results were analysed according to the intention‐to‐treat principle.

Results

Overall, 24 (92%) and 18 (75%) patients originally assigned to liraglutide and standard therapy, respectively, completed the study. Addition of liraglutide decreased body weight to a similar extend when given in the first 26 weeks (liraglutide group) or second 26 weeks (original standard therapy group): −4.4 vs. −4.3 kg (difference −0.32 kg, 95% confidence interval −2.2 to 1.6 kg; P = 0.74). Similar results were also seen in the two groups with regard to decrease in haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (−0.77 vs. −0.66%; P = 0.23) and insulin dose (−28 vs. −26 U day−1; P = 0.32). In both groups, 22% of patients could discontinue insulin. Continuation of liraglutide until 52 weeks led to sustained effects on body weight, HbA1c and insulin‐dose requirements.

Conclusion

In T2DM patients with pronounced insulin‐associated weight gain, addition of liraglutide within 2 years leads to sustained reversal of body weight, improved glycaemic control and decrease in insulin dose. Thus, liraglutide offers a valuable therapeutic option.
Sequential MR Assessment of the Susceptibility Vessel Sign and Arterial Occlusion in Acute Stroke
Authors: Ritzenthaler Thomas , Lacalm Audrey , Cho Tae‐Hee , Maucort‐Boulch Delphine , Klaerke Mikkelsen Irene , Ribe Lars , Østergaard Leif , Hjort Niels , Fiehler Jens , Pedraza Salvador , Louis Tisserand Guy , Baron Jean‐Claude , Berthezene Yves , Nighoghossian Norbert
Published: November 2015

PURPOSE

Susceptibility vessel sign (SVS) may likely influence recanalization after thrombolysis. We assessed, through the European sequential MRI database “I‐KNOW,” the relationship between the presence of SVS on T2‐weighted gradient echo imaging, its angiographic counterpart on magnetic resonance angiography and its subsequent impact on recanalization after thrombolysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Initial clinical and MRI characteristics and early follow up were analyzed in acute ischemic stroke patients treated with rt‐Pa within 4.5 hours. Patients underwent multimodal MRI at admission. Sequential imaging performed 3 hours, 2 days and 1 month later allowed the analysis of SVS changes and recanalization.

RESULTS

Fifty patients were included in the study. SVS was observed in 54% of cases at admission. SVS was still present in 46% patients at 3 hours, 16% at 2 days, and 0% at 1 month. It was an independent predictor of no recanalization after thrombolysis (P = .04). After 3 hours, SVS disappeared in only 4 cases, and was not linked with recanalization on MRA. Conversely, when SVS persisted, a partial or complete recanalization was observed in 9 and 6 cases, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

SVS is a predictor of lower recanalization rate. Its disappearance is not necessarily correlated with recanalization.
Effects of Aging and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors on the Expression of Sirtuins in the Human Corpus Cavernosum
Authors: Freitas Margarida , Rodrigues Adriana R. , Tomada Nuno , Fonseca João , Magalhães Alexandre , Gouveia Alexandra M. , Neves Delminda
Published: November 2015

Introduction

Sirtuin (SIRT)1 was recently identified in human corpus cavernosum (CC). We hypothesized that other sirtuins could also be expressed in the CC. Expression of these enzymes in tissues is affected by aging, the main independent risk factor for erectile dysfunction besides other cardiovascular disease risk factors (CVDRF), such as diabetes or obesity.

Aim

The aim of this study was to characterize the expression of SIRT1-3 and SIRT5–7 in human CC relatively to age and CVDRF.

Methods

Samples of CC collected from patients submitted to programmed surgeries or organ donors were divided in three groups according to age and presence of CVDRF. Expression of SIRT1–3 and SIRT5–7 mRNAs was assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Cellular localization and semi-quantification of sirtuins proteins were performed by immunofluorescence and Western blotting (WB), respectively. Nuclear factor kappa B (NFkB)-p65, inducible (iNOS) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) levels were also assayed by WB.

Main Outcome Measures

The main outcome measure was to characterize the expression of SIRT1–3 and SIRT5–7 in human CC.

Results

SIRT1–3 and SIRT5–7 mRNAs were detected in all individuals, without statistical differences among groups, excepting SIRT7 that decreased four times in aged groups relatively to young (P = 0.013). WB analysis demonstrated that aged individuals with CVDRF presented higher levels of SIRT7 protein relatively to young (P = 0.0495) and lower levels of SIRT3 protein relatively to healthy aged (P = 0.0077). Expression of NFkB-p65 and iNOS were higher in aged than in young individuals (P = 0.0185; P = 0.004, respectively). No differences in other sirtuins or total eNOS were seen among groups although phospho eNOS Ser1177 levels decreased in groups of aged men relatively to young (P = 0.0043; P = 0.0099).

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate for the first time expression of SIRT2–3 and SIRT5–7 in the human CC. Aged individuals with CVDRF presented an increase in SIRT7 protein levels and a decrease in mitochondrial SIRT3. This finding suggests that CVDRF induces the loss of antioxidant defense mechanisms leading to endothelial injury.
Sildenafil Increases the p50 and Shifts the Oxygen–Hemoglobin Dissociation Curve to the Right
Authors: Ellis Shantol Sastrice , Pepple Dagogo John
Published: November 2015

Introduction

Sildenafil (Viagra®) is a selective phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor that block the breakdown of cyclic guanyl monophosphate (cGMP) leading to relaxation of the smooth muscles of the corpus cavernous and an increase in blood flow resulting in penile erection. It is hypothesized that sildenafil will increase the release of oxygen from erythrocytes and shift the oxygen–hemoglobin curve to the right.

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of varying doses of sildenafil on the p50 of the oxygen–hemoglobin dissociation curve in blood samples from eight (8) healthy adult male volunteers with normal hemoglobin HbAA.

Method

The hemox-analyzer was used to generate the p50 and the oxygen–hemoglobin dissociation curves.

Main Outcome Measures

The effect of different doses of sildenafil on the p50 values and shift of the oxygen–hemoglobin curve were the main outcome measures.

Result

Sildenafil caused a statistically significant increase in the p50 values and rightward shift of the oxygen–hemoglobin dissociation curve.

Conclusion

Sildenafil caused a dose-dependent increase in the release of oxygen from the erythrocytes as shown by the increased p50 values and rightward shift of the oxygen–hemoglobin dissociation curve.
How to measure snoring? A comparison of the microphone, cannula and piezoelectric sensor
Authors: Arnardottir Erna S. , Isleifsson Bardur , Agustsson Jon S. , Sigurdsson Gunnar A. , Sigurgunnarsdottir Magdalena O. , Sigurđarson Gudjon T. , Saevarsson Gudmundur , Sveinbjarnarson Atli T. , Hoskuldsson Sveinbjorn , Gislason Thorarinn
Published: November 2015

The objective of this study was to compare to each other the methods currently recommended by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) to measure snoring: an acoustic sensor, a piezoelectric sensor and a nasal pressure transducer (cannula). Ten subjects reporting habitual snoring were included in the study, performed at Landspitali—University Hospital, Iceland. Snoring was assessed by listening to the air medium microphone located on a patient's chest, compared to listening to two overhead air medium microphones (stereo) and manual scoring of a piezoelectric sensor and nasal cannula vibrations. The chest audio picked up the highest number of snore events of the different snore sensors. The sensitivity and positive predictive value of scoring snore events from the different sensors was compared to the chest audio: overhead audio (0.78, 0.98), cannula (0.55, 0.67) and piezoelectric sensor (0.78, 0.92), respectively. The chest audio was capable of detecting snore events with lower volume and higher fundamental frequency than the other sensors. The 200 Hz sampling rate of the cannula and piezoelectric sensor was one of their limitations for detecting snore events. The different snore sensors do not measure snore events in the same manner. This lack of consistency will affect future research on the clinical significance of snoring. Standardization of objective snore measurements is therefore needed. Based on this paper, snore measurements should be audio‐based and the use of the cannula as a snore sensor be discontinued, but the piezoelectric sensor could possibly be modified for improvement.
Filtering, Prediction and Simulation Methods for Noncausal Processes
Authors: Gourieroux Christian , Jasiak Joann
Published: November 2015

This article discusses filtering, prediction and simulation in univariate and multivariate noncausal processes. A closed‐form functional estimator of the predictive density for noncausal and mixed processes is introduced that provides prediction intervals up to a finite horizon H. A state‐space representation of a noncausal and mixed multivariate vector autoregressive process is derived in two ways‐by the partial fraction decomposition or from the real Jordan canonical form. A recursive BHHH algorithm for the maximization of the approximate log‐likelihood function is proposed, which calculates the filtered values of the unobserved causal and noncausal components of the process. The new methods are illustrated by a simulation study involving a univariate noncausal process with infinite variance.
Multivariate Wavelet Whittle Estimation in Long‐range Dependence
Authors: Achard Sophie , Gannaz Irène
Published: November 2015

Multivariate processes with long‐range dependent properties are found in a large number of applications including finance, geophysics and neuroscience. For real‐data applications, the correlation between time series is crucial. Usual estimations of correlation can be highly biased owing to phase shifts caused by the differences in the properties of autocorrelation in the processes. To address this issue, we introduce a semiparametric estimation of multivariate long‐range dependent processes. The parameters of interest in the model are the vector of the long‐range dependence parameters and the long‐run covariance matrix, also called functional connectivity in neuroscience. This matrix characterizes coupling between time series. The proposed multivariate wavelet‐based Whittle estimation is shown to be consistent for the estimation of both the long‐range dependence and the covariance matrix and to encompass both stationary and nonstationary processes. A simulation study and a real‐data example are presented to illustrate the finite‐sample behaviour.
Impact of gender and menopausal status on metabolic parameters in chronic hepatitis C infection
Authors: Gonzales C. A. , Bacchetti P. , Khalili M.
Published: November 2015

Hepatitis C infection (HCV) and menopause are associated with insulin resistance (IR), and IR accelerates HCV‐induced liver disease. The relationship between menopause and IR has not been studied in this population. This study aimed to assess the impact of menopause on IR and metabolic syndrome in HCV. One hundred and three (69 men, 16 premenopausal, 18 postmenopausal women) noncirrhotic, nondiabetic HCV‐infected adults underwent IR measurement via steady‐state plasma glucose during a 240‐min insulin suppression test. Metabolic syndrome was defined by at least three of five standard laboratory/clinical criteria. The patient characteristics were as follows: mean age 48 years, waist circumference 94.4 ± 12.4 cm and 37.9% Caucasian. SSPG was higher in postmenopausal than premenopausal women or men (mean difference 18, 95% CI −41 to 76 and 35, 95% CI −3 to 72 mg/dL; respectively). After adjusting for waist circumference, female gender, nonwhite race and triglycerides were positively associated and high‐density lipoprotein negatively associated with steady‐state plasma glucose. Compared to men, both pre‐ (Coef 48, 95% CI 12–84) and postmenopausal women (Coef 49, 95% CI 17–82) had higher steady‐state plasma glucose. Compared to premenopausal women, men (OR 2.0, 95% CI 0.38–10.2) and postmenopausal women (OR 2.9, 95% CI 0.46–18.8) had higher odds of metabolic syndrome, but this was statistically nonsignificant. Both liver inflammation (OR 7.9) and nonwhite race (OR 6.9) were associated with metabolic syndrome. We conclude that women are at inc‐reased risk for IR in HCV. There may also be an increased risk of metabolic syndrome postmenopause. Along with lifestyle modification and weight loss, women with metabolic abnormalities represent an especially at‐risk group warranting HCV treatment to prevent adverse metabolic outcomes.
Wage Expectations for Higher Education Students in Spain
Authors: Alonso‐Borrego César , Romero‐Medina Antonio
Published: November 2015

We assess students' ability to forecast future earnings by using data on expected wages self‐reported by college students with different graduation horizons. We find a significant gender gap, by which wage expectations are systematically lower for women than for men. However, women do not fully account for the gender gap in their future earnings. We also find that student performance, degree type, and graduation horizon play a relevant role in wage forecasts. In any case, students' expectations do not conform market wages but become more realistic as they approach graduation.
Status of Savi's pipistrelle Hypsugo savii (Chiroptera) and range expansion in Central and south‐eastern Europe: a review
Authors: Uhrin Marcel , Hüttmeir Ulrich , Kipson Marina , Estók Péter , Sachanowicz Konrad , Bücs Szilárd , Karapandža Branko , Paunović Milan , Presetnik Primož , Bashta Andriy‐Taras , Maxinová Edita , Lehotská Blanka , Lehotský Roman , Barti Levente , Csösz István , Szodoray‐Paradi Farkas , Dombi Imre , Görföl Tamás , Boldogh Sándor A. , Jére Csaba , Pocora Irina , Benda Petr
Published: November 2015

Savi's pipistrelle Hypsugo savii is a Mediterranean faunal element among the bats; it occurs in southern Europe, the Canary Islands, north‐western Africa, most of the Mediterranean islands, in the northern part of the Middle East, in the Crimea, Caucasus, West Turkestan, and northern Afghanistan. The northern margin of its geographical range in Europe reaches the Pyrenees, Massif Central, southern Alps, Dalmatia, Balkan Mountains and southern Crimea, like that of other similar biogeographical elements.

Since the 1990s, Hypsugo savii started to be found in inland areas of south‐eastern Europe and in Central Europe as far northwards as in central Bohemia and southern Poland. These numerous new occurrences seem to be either 1) connected to environmental changes caused by the current climate change; 2) evidence of an intrinsic expansion process powered by the species' synanthropic tendency, including passive human‐mediated transport; or 3) a reflection of the increase in field survey efforts.

Distributional data on Hypsugo savii from central and south‐eastern parts of Europe were gathered and evaluated.

We provide a detailed review of all records available by the end of 2013. The assessment of temporal distribution of the data clearly shows an ongoing and relatively fast expansion of Hypsugo savii from southern to Central Europe, which represents a shift of almost 800 km northwards in the last 20–25 years.

Most of the records (65%) originate from urban habitats. This suggests that the synanthropic habits of the species are the most plausible explanation for the northwards shift of the range limits of Hypsugo savii.
Activation of multiple growth factor signalling pathways is frequent in meningiomas
Authors: Hilton David A , Shivane Aditya , Kirk Leanne , Bassiri Kayleigh , Enki Doyo G , Hanemann C Oliver
Published: November 2015

A minority of meningiomas are difficult to treat with surgery or radiotherapy, and chemotherapeutic alternatives are limited. This study aims to better understand pathways that are active in meningiomas, in order to direct future treatment strategies. We investigated the expression and activation of multiple growth factor receptors, their ligands and downstream signalling pathways in 30 meningiomas using immunohistochemistry. Expression was correlated with chromosome 22q loss. Membrane expression of VEGF receptor (VEGFR) and platelet‐derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR)β was seen in 83% of tumors, Axl in 70%, EGFR in 50% and insulin‐like growth factor receptor in 47%. Expression was similar in low‐ and high‐grade tumors, but membrane EGFR expression was not seen in tumors showing chromosome 22q loss (P < 0.05). Expression of ligands (IGF, NRG, VEGF, Gas 6), and signalling proteins (Mek, Erk, Jnk, Akt) and pS6RP, was widespread. Western blot confirmed widespread Axl expression and supported selective expression of EGFR in NF2‐intact meningiomas. The majority of meningiomas express and show activation of multiple growth factor receptors and their signalling pathways, irrespective of tumor grade. In addition to previously reported receptors, Axl offers a new therapeutic target. The findings also suggest that anti‐EGFR based therapies may be less effective in meningiomas with 22q loss.
Ecosystem service information to benefit sustainability standards for commodity supply chains
Authors: Chaplin‐Kramer Rebecca , Jonell Malin , Guerry Anne , Lambin Eric F. , Morgan Alexis J. , Pennington Derric , Smith Nathan , Franch Jane Atkins , Polasky Stephen
Published: November 2015

The growing base of information about ecosystem services generated by ecologists, economists, and other scientists could improve the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of commodity‐sourcing standards being adopted by corporations to mitigate risk in their supply chains and achieve sustainability goals. This review examines various ways that information about ecosystem services could facilitate compliance with and auditing of commodity‐sourcing standards. We also identify gaps in the current state of knowledge on the ecological effectiveness of sustainability standards and demonstrate how ecosystem‐service information could complement existing monitoring efforts to build credible evidence. This paper is a call to the ecosystem‐service scientists to engage in this decision context and tailor the information they are generating to the needs of the standards community, which we argue would offer greater efficiency of standards implementation for producers and enhanced effectiveness for standard scheme owners and corporations, and should thus lead to more sustainable outcomes for people and nature.