bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding value from arts sponsorship: a social exchange theory perspective
Authors: Tyrie Anna , Ferguson Shelagh
Published: November 2013

Purpose

– Social exchange theory literature posits that a relationship is dependent on the strength of its social interactions and is clear upon the role of trust, power and commitment within that relationship as a means of value creation. However, an understanding of the nature of experiences, expectations, motivations and perceptions as components of the value derivation process are missing. SET literature does not identify these components as antecedents to value creation but central to value derived. This research builds upon that premise to give understanding into how value is derived from arts sponsorships.

Design/methodology/approach

– A qualitative exploratory approach is used to research arts sponsorships in New Zealand of differing size, duration and profile.

Findings

– This research gives understanding into the nature of experiences, expectations, motivations and perceptions as components parts of value derivation and their interactions resulting in the creation of an iterative value derivation model of the life cycle of an arts sponsorship relationship from a business perspective.

Originality/value

– This research has relevance for both academics and marketing managers involved in arts sponsorship. The findings from this research can be used as an analytical tool to help businesses when evaluating their arts sponsorship.
Employees' rights during insolvency
Authors: Nyombi Chrispas
Published: November 2013

Purpose

– This paper aims to provide an examination of the position employees find themselves during corporate insolvencies. The paper examines employees' rights under insolvency procedures such as administration, company voluntary arrangements (CVA), administrative receivership, pre-packs and liquidation, to establish whether the rescue goal can be affected by employees' claims. Priorities in liquidation are also widely examined to establish the status of employees under this procedure and their entitlements.

Design/methodology/approach

– Legal analysis.

Findings

– The law offers more protection to employees than unsecured creditors. In comparison to unsecured creditors and even floating charge security holders, employment claims stand in a highly enviable position during insolvency.

Originality/value

– The paper offers a wholesale assessment of the rights of employees during insolvency. There is a lacuna in research literature that addresses the issue of employment rights during insolvency.
Does complex hydrology require complex water quality policy?
Authors: Anastasiadis Simon , Kerr Suzi , Nauleau Marie‐Laure , Cox Tim , Rutherford Kit
Published: November 2013

Nonpoint‐source water pollution is frequently considered intractable because it is hard to regulate large numbers of small sources and because the science associated with assessing the impact of each source is complex. New Zealand has demonstrated that it is possible to implement a simple cap‐and‐trade system to help reduce nitrogen leaching from many small farms and thereby protect water quality. This paper relates to the second challenge: are complex regulatory systems worthwhile when nitrogen delivery is complex? When nitrogen moves through groundwater to a lake, leaching from different farms reaches the lake at different times and the damage caused is temporally differentiated. Policy that regulates farmers according to the timing of their nitrogen delivery will be more complex than policy that does not. Whether the gain in efficiency justifies this additional complexity can be assessed through modelling. We use an integrated model to estimate the gains from complex nitrogen regulation that incorporates groundwater delivery times relative to simple nitrogen regulation that does not. We find that the gains from more complex regulation are small in the catchment we study and cannot justify the additional complexity required. A sensitivity analysis enables us to identify the types of catchments where complex regulation may be worthwhile.
The consequences of using increasing block tariffs to price urban water
Authors: Sibly Hugh , Tooth Richard
Published: November 2013

Increasing block tariffs (IBTs) are currently used to price urban water in many Australian mainland capitals and a great many cities worldwide. This paper provides a systematic analysis of the impact of the adoption of IBTs to price urban water under the common constraints of scarce supply and cost recovery. The key tools available to policymakers using IBTs are the volumetric rate in the low tier and the threshold level of that tier. This paper shows how variations in these tools influence (i) the fixed charge set by the firm, (ii) the deadweight loss from the IBT and (iii) the bill paid by customers for particular levels of demand. Our analysis suggests that IBTs are neither fair nor efficient. We propose a modification to IBTs that, while retaining their perception of fairness, results in the efficient allocation of urban water.
Rich Ties and Innovative Knowledge Transfer within a Firm
Authors: Aalbers Rick , Dolfsma Wilfred , Koppius Otto
Published: November 2013

We show that contacts in formal, informal and especially multiplex networks explain transfer of innovative knowledge in an organization. The contribution of informal contacts has been much acknowledged, while that of formal contacts did not receive much attention in the literature in recent decades. No study thus far has included both these different kinds of contacts in a firm, let alone considered their combined effect. The exact overlap between formal as well as informal contacts between individuals, forming multiplex or what we call rich ties because of their contribution, especially drives the transfer of new, innovative knowledge in a firm. Studying two cases in very different settings suggests these rich ties have a particularly strong effect on knowledge transfer in an organization, even when controlling for the strength of ties. Some of the effects on knowledge transfer in an organization previously ascribed to either the formal network or the informal network may actually be due to their combined effect in a rich tie.
Party system nationalisation and social spending
Authors: Jurado Ignacio
Published: November 2013

Party systems diverge in their levels of nationalisation. While in some countries parties obtain similar levels of electoral support in all districts, in others parties get very asymmetric electoral shares across districts. The distributive consequences of this have been seldom studied. The argument tested here is that when political parties have nationalised electorates they have stronger incentives to provide social policies that spread benefits all over the territory. This argument is tested in 22 OECD democracies for the period 1980−2006. The results show that, regardless of the electoral system in place, there is a positive relation between party system nationalisation and social spending.
Design and roll out of standardised approach to paediatric procedural sedation in Victorian emergency departments
Authors: Pannifex Jan , Cetiner Elif , Wilkie Theresa , Kelly Anne‐Maree ,   Paediatric Procedural Sedation Reference Group
Published: November 2013

Objectives

Children sometimes require minor procedures in the ED for which sedation is needed. Information from Victorian EDs indicated that processes for paediatric procedural sedation were variable, both within and between health services. The aims of this project were to improve safety and reduce variation in practice with respect to paediatric procedural sedation in EDs by rolling out a standardised paediatric sedation programme in Victorian EDs.

Methods

The project was managed by a clinical network with support of an expert reference group; however, implementation was conducted at the local ED level. The approach was multi‐modal and grounded in quality and safety theory. It included revision of evidence‐based training materials, information sheets and risk assessment/procedure documentation forms, information on a child and family‐centred approach, a before‐and‐after clinical governance assessment, and train‐the‐trainer activities. The project was evaluated by clinical audit of cases, analysis of before‐and‐after clinical governance assessments, numbers of staff completing training and credentialing, and qualitative feedback on the programme from ED staff.

Results

Fourteen EDs completed the project; 10 metropolitan and four regional/rural. Significant shifts in nine key clinical governance items were found, including structured training and credentialing, provision of parent information sheet, and monitoring of adverse events. The clinical audit showed >75% compliance, with seven indicators including recording of weight, fasting time and baseline observations, composition of sedation team, and documentation that discharge criteria were met. Nine hundred and seventy‐one staff were trained within the project period.

Conclusion

This multi‐modal implementation strategy has achieved clinical practice improvement across organisational boundaries.
Sensitivity and specificity of three‐point compression ultrasonography performed by emergency physicians for proximal lower extremity deep venous thrombosis
Authors: Crowhurst Thomas D , Dunn Robert J
Published: November 2013

Objective

The present study aims to quantify the sensitivity and specificity of three‐point compression ultrasonography for diagnosing proximal lower extremity deep venous thrombosis when performed by Australian consultant emergency physicians with limited specific training. Secondary aims included quantifying rapidity, technical adequacy, predictability of equivocal results and relationships between emergency physician experience and proficiency.

Methods

This prospective diagnostic study enrolled a convenience sample of adult patients presenting to a major ED with suspected lower extremity deep venous thrombosis. The index test was abbreviated compression ultrasonography examining three points: common femoral, proximal great saphenous and popliteal veins. Emergency physicians received specific training. The reference test was full‐leg duplex ultrasonography in the Radiology Department.

Results

A total of 15 emergency physicians participated, enrolling 178 subjects. Sensitivity of the index test was 77.8% (95% confidence interval: 54.8–91.0%), specificity was 91.4% (95% confidence interval: 84.9%–95.3%) and accuracy was 89.6% (95% confidence interval: 83.1–94.2%). Median duration of the index test was 10 min 34 s (interquartile range: 6 min 31 s) and ED diagnosis occurred significantly before Radiology Department diagnosis. The only statistically significant relationship between emergency physician experience and proficiency related to rapidity, which increased from the 36th scan. Equivocal index tests occurred in 9.2% of examinations and emergency physicians predicted equivocal assessments with specificity of 86.1% (95% confidence interval: 78.8–91.1%).

Conclusions

Abbreviated ultrasonography performed by emergency physicians for proximal lower extremity deep venous thrombosis could be valuable. However, more precise estimates for sensitivity and greater understanding of relationships between emergency physician experience and proficiency are required.
The relationship between advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) and biochemical and histopathological findings in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Ozenirler Seren , Erkan Gulbanu , Konca Degertekin Ceyla , Ercin Ugur , Cengiz Mustafa , Bilgihan Ayse , Yilmaz Guldal , Akyol Gulen
Published: November 2013

Objective

To investigate the correlation between advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) levels and biochemical and histopathological findings in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

Methods

Sixty biopsy‐provenNASHpatients and 60 individuals with ultrasonographically healthy liver (the control group) were included in the study.AOPPlevels were determined in all the participants and liver histopathological examination based on liver biopsy was performed in NASH patients. TheNASHactivity score (NAS), hepatosteatosis, liver inflammation and fibrosis were evaluated.

Results

SerumAOPPlevel was significantly higher in theNASHgroup than that in the control group (461.8 ± 201.9 μmol/Lvs191.7 ± 152.5 μmol/L,P < 0.001). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve revealed a sensitivity of 73.3% and a specificity of 88.3% for the diagnosis ofNASHwith anAOPPcut‐off value of 332 μmol/L (the area underROCcurve 0.88, 95% confidence interval 0.82–0.94,P < 0.01).AOPPlevels were positively correlated withNAS(r = 0.27,P = 0.035), fibrosis (r = 0.27,P = 0.037) and inflammation (r = 0.34,P = 0.008), but not the grade of steatosis (r = 0.02,P = 0.83) or ballooning (r = 0.02,P = 0.55).

Conclusions

AOPPlevels are significantly higher in patients withNASHthan in those with ultrasonographically healthy liver.AOPPlevels are positively correlated with biochemical and histopathological findings (NAS, liver inflammation and fibrosis), indicating thatAOPPmay play a role in the development of liver fibrosis and inflammation and may predict liver histopathology inNASH.
The efficacy of adductor canal blockade after minor arthroscopic knee surgery – a randomised controlled trial
Authors: ESPELUND M. , FOMSGAARD J. S. , HARASZUK J. , DAHL J. B. , MATHIESEN O.
Published: November 2013

Background

Adductor canal blockade (ACB) has been demonstrated to be effective in the treatment of post‐operative pain after major knee surgery. We hypothesised that the ACB would reduce pain and analgesic requirements after minor arthroscopic knee surgery.

Methods

Seventy‐two patients scheduled for minor knee surgery were enrolled in this placebo‐controlled, blinded trial. The patients were randomised to receive an ACB with either 30 ml ropivacaine 7.5 mg/ml (n = 36) or saline (n = 35) in addition to a basic analgesic regimen with paracetamol and ibuprofen. Primary outcome measure was pain during standing at 2 h after surgery. Secondary outcomes were pain at rest, while standing and after a 5‐m walk; opioid consumption and opioid‐related side effects 0–24 h after surgery.

Results

Pain scores {median [interquartile range (IQR)]}, regarding primary outcome were 15 (0–26) mm in the ropivacaine vs. 17 (5–28) mm in the control group, 95% confidence interval (CI) (−10 to 4) mm, P = 0.41. Ketobemidone consumption 0–2 h post‐operatively [median (IQR)] was lower in the ropivacaine vs. the control group: 0.0 (0.0–2.5) mg vs. 2.5 (0.0–5.0) mg, 95% CI: −2.5 to 0 mg, P = 0.01. No differences were observed for any other outcome.

Conclusion

No significant analgesic effect of the ACB could be detected after minor arthroscopic knee surgery with a basic analgesic regimen with acetaminophen and ibuprofen, except from a minor reduction in immediate requirements for supplemental opioids.

Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01254825.
Peripheral oxygen extraction in patients with malignant obstructive jaundice
Authors: Junejo M. A. , Siriwardena A. K. , Parker M. J.
Published: November 2013

Malignant obstructive jaundice is associated with poor aerobic capacity. We measured oxygen consumption and oxygen extraction (arterial‐venous oxygen content) in the legs of nine patients during cardiopulmonary exercise testing before pancreaticoduodenectomy. The median (IQR [range]) peak oxygen consumption was 67 (49–77 [32–84])% of predicted. Normal patterns of oxygen extraction were seen with increasing power towards lactate threshold. Near maximal oxygen extraction occurred at peak exercise. Femoral venous oxygen pressure and saturation exceeded baseline values whilst recovering from exercise. These findings suggest that peripheral oxygen extraction is normal during exercise in patients with malignant obstructive jaundice. The primary limitation in oxygen consumption is reduced oxygen delivery.
Exercise and Sleep Predict Personal Resources in Employees' Daily Lives
Authors: Nägel Inga J. , Sonnentag Sabine
Published: November 2013

The present study investigates the interaction of exercise and sleep on state‐like personal resources in employees' daily lives. Further, the study examines the association between state‐like personal resources and emotional exhaustion. We conducted a diary study over five consecutive working days (total of 443 days) with 144 employees who answered daily online surveys after work and before bedtime. Multilevel modeling showed that exercise after work was positively related to the next day's personal resources when sleep duration during the night time was longer compared to other nights. Furthermore, personal resources positively related to lower emotional exhaustion after work on the next day. This study demonstrates that exercise and sleep may help to renew personal resources. Results stress the importance of balancing exercise and sleep in daily life.
The Effect of Aggressive Rosuvastatin Treatment on Steroid Hormone Production in Men with Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Krysiak Robert , Okopien Boguslaw
Published: November 2013

Most steroid hormones are produced from cholesterol contained in low‐density lipoproteins, which is uptaken by the gonads and adrenal cortex, and used as a substrate for steroidogenesis. Theoretically, in states associated with very low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, cholesterol conversion to steroid hormones may be impaired. The study included 15 men with coronary artery disease, in whom initial statin treatment had been unsuccessful and therefore was replaced with rosuvastatin (20–40 mg daily). Although in 11 patients, rosuvastatin decreased plasma LDL cholesterol levels to below 70 mg/dL, the drug only moderately reduced testosterone levels and increased gonadotropin levels, as well as insignificantly increased plasma ACTH levels. Aggressive rosuvastatin treatment did not affect plasma cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate levels, and urine free cortisol. Our results suggest that intensive rosuvastatin treatment is associated with only small changes in adrenal and testicular steroidogenesis.
Assisted Reproduction and Distributive Justice
Authors: Panitch Vida
Published: November 2013

The Canadian province of Quebec recently amended its Health Insurance Act to cover the costs of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). The province of Ontario recently de‐insured IVF. Both provinces cited cost‐effectiveness as their grounds, but the question as to whether a public health insurance system ought to cover IVF raises the deeper question of how we should understand reproduction at the social level, and whether its costs should be a matter of individual or collective responsibility. In this article I examine three strategies for justifying collective provisions in a liberal society and assess whether public reproductive assistance can be defended on any of these accounts. I begin by considering, and rejecting, rights‐based and needs‐based approaches. I go on to argue that instead we ought to address assisted reproduction from the perspective of the contractarian insurance‐based model for public health coverage, according to which we select items for inclusion based on their unpredictability in nature and cost. I argue that infertility qualifies as an unpredictable incident against which rational agents would choose to insure under ideal conditions and that assisted reproduction is thereby a matter of collective responsibility, but only in cases of medical necessity or inability to pay. The policy I endorse by appeal to this approach is a means‐tested system of coverage resembling neither Ontario nor Quebec's, and I conclude that it constitutes a promising alternative worthy of serious consideration by bioethicists, political philosophers, and policy‐makers alike.
Policy on Synthetic Biology: Deliberation, Probability, and the Precautionary Paradox
Authors: Wareham Christopher , Nardini Cecilia
Published: November 2013

Synthetic biology is a cutting‐edge area of research that holds the promise of unprecedented health benefits. However, in tandem with these large prospective benefits, synthetic biology projects entail a risk of catastrophic consequences whose severity may exceed that of most ordinary human undertakings. This is due to the peculiar nature of synthetic biology as a ‘threshold technology’ which opens doors to opportunities and applications that are essentially unpredictable. Fears about these potentially unstoppable consequences have led to declarations from civil society groups calling for the use of a precautionary principle to regulate the field. Moreover, the principle is prevalent in law and international agreements. Despite widespread political recognition of a need for caution, the precautionary principle has been extensively criticized as a guide for regulatory policy. We examine a central objection to the principle: that its application entails crippling inaction and incoherence, since whatever action one takes there is always a chance that some highly improbable cataclysm will occur. In response to this difficulty, which we call the ‘precautionary paradox,’ we outline a deliberative means for arriving at threshold of probability below which potential dangers can be disregarded. In addition, we describe a Bayesian mechanism with which to assign probabilities to harmful outcomes. We argue that these steps resolve the paradox. The rehabilitated PP can thus provide a viable policy option to confront the uncharted waters of synthetic biology research.
Total urgency and frequency score as a measure of urgency and frequency in overactive bladder and storage lower urinary tract symptoms
Authors: Chapple Christopher R. , Drake Marcus J. , Van Kerrebroeck Philip , Cardozo Linda , Drogendijk Ted , Klaver Monique , Van Charldorp Karin , Hakimi Zalmai , Compion Gerhard
Published: November 2013

The term lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) encompasses a range of urinary symptoms, including storage symptoms (e.g. overactive bladder [OAB]) as well as voiding and post‐micturition symptoms. Although treatment of male LUTS tends to focus on voiding symptoms, patients typically find storage symptoms the most bothersome. The core storage symptom is urgency, which drives the other main storage symptoms of increased daytime frequency, nocturia and incontinence. Although several validated questionnaires have been widely used to study urgency, few measure the two important storage parameters, urgency and frequency, in a single assessment. The total urgency and frequency score (TUFS) is a new validated tool that captures both variables and is derived from the Patient Perception of Intensity of Urgency Scale, which has been validated in patients with OAB and LUTS. The TUFS was first validated in OAB in the phase IIa BLOSSOM study, which was designed to assess the efficacy and safety of mirabegron, a β3‐adrenoceptor agonist, in 260 patients. The responsiveness of the TUFS to treatment has been confirmed in a further three large‐scale randomized controlled trials of solifenacin in patients with OAB or LUTS. Changes in TUFS from baseline to end of treatment were consistent with changes in micturition diary variables in all four studies. Furthermore, the TUFS was significantly correlated with several health‐related quality‐of‐life variables in the phase III NEPTUNE study. Thus, the TUFS appears to be useful for assessing improvements in major storage symptoms (urgency and frequency) in clinical trials.
The Melbourne Consensus Statement on the early detection of prostate cancer
Authors: Murphy Declan G. , Ahlering Thomas , Catalona William J. , Crowe Helen , Crowe Jane , Clarke Noel , Cooperberg Matthew , Gillatt David , Gleave Martin , Loeb Stacy , Roobol Monique , Sartor Oliver , Pickles Tom , Wootten Addie , Walsh Patrick C. , Costello Anthony J.
Published: November 2013

Various conflicting guidelines and recommendations about prostate cancer screening and early detection have left both clinicians and their patients quite confused. At the Prostate Cancer World Congress held in Melbourne in August 2013, a multidisciplinary group of the world's leading experts in this area gathered together and generated this set of consensus statements to bring some clarity to this confusion.

The five consensus statements provide clear guidance for clinicians counselling their patients about the early detection of prostate cancer.
Culturing muscle fibres in hanging drop: A novel approach to solve an old problem
Authors: Archacka Karolina , Pozzobon Michela , Repele Andrea , Rossi Carlo Alberto , Campanella Michelangelo , De Coppi Paolo
Published: November 2013

Background Information

The satellite cells (SCs) associated with muscle fibres play a key role in postnatal growth and regeneration of skeletal muscle. Commonly used methods of isolation and in vitro culture of SCs lead to the mixture of their subpopulations that exist within muscle. To solve this problem, we used the well established technique, the hanging drop system, to culture SCs in a three‐dimensional environment and thus, to monitor them in their original niche.

Results

Using hanging drop technique, we were able to culture SCs associated with the fibre at least for 9 days with one transfer of fibres to the fresh drops. In comparison, in the classical method of myofibres culture, that is, on the dishes coated with Matrigel, SCs leave the fibres within 3 days after the isolation. Cells cultured in both systems differed in expression of Pax7 and MyoD. While almost all cells cultured in adhesion system expressed MyoD before the fifth day of the culture, the majority of SCs cultured in hanging drop still maintained expression of Pax7 and were not characterised by the presence of MyoD. Among the cells cultured with single myofibre for up to 9 days, we identified two different subclones of SCs: low proliferative clone and high proliferative clone, which differed in proliferation rate and membrane potential.

Conclusions

The hanging drop enables the myofibres to be kept in suspension for at least 9 days, and thus, allows SCs and their niche to interact each other for prolonged time. In a consequence, SCs cultured in hanging drop maintain expression of Pax7 while those cultured in a traditional adhesion culture, that is, devoid of signals from the original niche, activate and preferentially undergo differentiation as manifested by expression of MyoD. Thus, the innovative method of SCs culturing in the hanging drop system may serve as a useful tool to study the fate of different subpopulations of these cells in their anatomical location and to determine reciprocal interactions between them and their niche.
European Treatment and Outcome Study score does not predict imatinib treatment response and outcome in chronic myeloid leukemia patients
Authors: Yamamoto Eri , Fujisawa Shin , Hagihara Maki , Tanaka Masatsugu , Fujimaki Katsumichi , Kishimoto Kumiko , Hashimoto Chizuko , Itabashi Megumi , Ishibashi Daisuke , Nakajima Yuki , Tachibana Takayoshi , Kawasaki Rika , Kuwabara Hideyuki , Koharazawa Hideyuki , Yamazaki Etsuko , Tomita Naoto , Sakai Rika , Fujita Hiroyuki , Kanamori Heiwa , Ishigatsubo Yoshiaki
Published: November 2013

The Sokal and Hasford scores were developed in the chemotherapy and interferon era and are widely used as prognostic indicators in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Recently, a new European Treatment and Outcome Study (EUTOS) scoring system was developed. We performed a multicenter retrospective study to validate the effectiveness of each of the three scoring systems. The study cohort included 145 patients diagnosed with CML in chronic phase who were treated with imatinib. In the EUTOS low‐ and high‐risk groups, the cumulative incidence of complete cytogenetic response (CCyR) at 18 months was 86.9% and 87.5% (P = 0.797) and the 5‐year overall survival rate was 92.6% and 93.3% (P = 0.871), respectively. The cumulative incidence of CCyR at 12 months, 5‐year event‐free survival and 5‐year progression‐free survival were not predicted using the EUTOS scoring system. However, there were significant differences in both the Sokal score and Hasford score risk groups. In our retrospective validation study, the EUTOS score did not predict the prognosis of patients with CML in chronic phase treated with imatinib.
Barriers to the Uptake of Emergency Accommodation by Young Runaways and Thrown‐out children and the Role of the ‘Transitional Person’
Authors: Franks Myfanwy , Hunwicks Ros , Goswami Haridhan
Published: November 2013

Young runaways and thrown‐out children, under‐16, face a number of barriers to accessing safe emergency accommodation. The need for such accommodation is not always apparent because children sometimes make themselves invisible to services through fear of being returned or fear of being removed from inappropriate accommodation. Young people's retrospective accounts of their experiences suggest the importance of a ‘transitional person’, an adult who has a pivotal role in trust‐building and who acts as a conduit to services and helps runaway and thrown‐out children overcome internal and external barriers to uptake of emergency accommodation.
Rituximab is associated with improved survival in cardiac allograft patients with antibody‐mediated rejection: a single center review
Authors: Ravichandran Ashwin K. , Schilling Joel D. , Novak Eric , Pfeifer John , Ewald Gregory A. , Joseph Susan M.
Published: November 2013

Antibody‐mediated rejection (AMR) after cardiac transplantation is associated with significant mortality, and the optimal treatment of this condition is poorly defined. Rituximab has been used successfully for the treatment for antibody‐mediated diseases; however, its role in AMR is unclear. We review our experience with rituximab in patients with cardiac allograft AMR. We conducted a retrospective analysis of cardiac transplant patients with a diagnosis of AMR from 2001 to 2011. Inclusion criteria were clinical suspicion of rejection with the presence of C4d complement staining on endomyocardial biopsy and the absence of cellular rejection of grade 2R or greater. Patients were divided into Rituximab and NoRituximab groups. The primary endpoint was all‐cause mortality. Secondary endpoints were infection, change in ejection fraction (EF), and rehospitalization. Thirty‐three patients met inclusion criteria, of whom 13 received rituximab and 20 did not. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. Kaplan–Meier curves for a three‐yr follow‐up period demonstrate improved survival in the Rituximab group (p = 0.0089). There were no differences in secondary endpoints. We found that rituximab therapy was associated with improved survival in cardiac allograft AMR. Further prospective, randomized studies in larger patient populations are needed to confirm this finding and to define ideal timing for rituximab administration.
The law of diminishing returns: woodland birds respond to native vegetation cover at multiple spatial scales and over time
Authors: Cunningham Ross B. , Lindenmayer David B. , Crane Mason , Michael Damian R. , Barton Philip S. , Gibbons Philip , Okada Sachiko , Ikin Karen , Stein John A. R.
Published: November 2013

Aim

To quantify at multiple spatial scales: (1) spatial dependence in several measures of aggregate bird biodiversity, (2) the role of native vegetation cover in explaining variation in aggregate bird biodiversity and (3) relationships between change over 8 years in bird diversity and changes in native vegetation.

Location

South‐easternAustralia.

Methods

We gathered data on birds between 2002 and 2010 on 184 (2 ha) sites nested within 46 (1000 ha) farms nested within 23 (10,000 ha) landscapes. We statistically estimated spatial and temporal components of variation at the landscape, farm and site scale for several composite indices of bird diversity. Second, we modelled the relationships between aggregate bird biodiversity and log % of native vegetation cover at each spatial scale and over time.

Results

Variation in bird biodiversity at the landscape, farm and site scale exhibited significant, intrinsic scale‐specific effects. This dependence was largely accounted for by native vegetation cover with aggregate biodiversity increasing with increasing native vegetation cover at each spatial scale and over time. Every doubling of % cover resulted in an increase of 3.1, 2.3 and 0.7 species per landscape, farm and site, respectively. Similar statistically significant positive relationship between proxy abundance and richness of species of conservation concern and % cover of vegetation were also found. Species richness at the site scale also was related to vegetation cover in the surrounding landscape. Over the period of study, relationships between changes in bird biodiversity and changes in vegetation cover were not statistically significant.

Main conclusions

We used ‘diminishing returns’ response curves to model relationships between measures of bird biodiversity and vegetation cover at all spatial scales. Absolute gains in biodiversity per unit increase in vegetation cover were greatest at relatively low amounts of vegetation cover. These results can help prioritize investment strategies such as replanting native vegetation under agri‐environment schemes.
Considerations for a Human Rights Impact Assessment of a Population Wide Treatment for HIV Prevention Intervention
Authors: Hanefeld Johanna , Bond Virginia , Seeley Janet , Lees Shelley , Desmond Nicola
Published: November 2013

Increasing attention is being paid to the potential of anti‐retroviral treatment (ART) for HIV prevention. The possibility of eliminating HIV from a population through a universal test and treat intervention, where all people within a population are tested for HIV and all positive people immediately initiated on ART, as part of a wider prevention intervention, was first proposed in 2009. Several clinical trials testing this idea are now in inception phase. An intervention which relies on universally testing the entire population for HIV will pose challenges to human rights, including obtaining genuine consent to testing and treatment. It also requires a context in which people can live free from fear of stigma, discrimination and violence, and can access services they require. These challenges are distinct from the field of medical ethics which has traditionally governed clinical trials and focuses primarily on patient researcher relationship. This paper sets out the potential impact of a population wide treatment as prevention intervention on human rights. It identifies five human right principles of particular relevance: participation, accountability, the right to health, non‐discrimination and equality, and consent and confidentiality. The paper proposes that explicit attention to human rights can strengthen a treatment as prevention intervention, contribute to mediating likely health systems challenges and offer insights on how to reach all sections of the population.
An Australian population study of factors associated with MRI patterns in cerebral palsy
Authors: Reid Susan M , Dagia Charuta D , Ditchfield Michael R , Carlin John B , Meehan Elaine M , Reddihough Dinah S
Published: November 2013

Aim

The aim of this study was to describe the distribution of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) patterns in a large population sample of children with cerebral palsy (CP) and to examine associations between MRI patterns, and antenatal and perinatal variables.

Method

Data were retrieved from the Victorian CP Register for 884 children (527 males, 357 females) born between 1999 and 2006. Postneonatal MRI was classified for 594 children. For 563 children (329 males, 234 females) for whom classification was to a single MRI pattern, the frequency of each variable was compared between patterns and with the population frequency.

Results

White matter injury was the most common MRI pattern (45%), followed by grey matter injury (14%), normal imaging (13%), malformations (10%), focal vascular insults (9%), and miscellaneous patterns (7%). Parity, birth gestation, level of neonatal care, Apgar score, and time to established respiration varied between MRI patterns (p<0.01). Nulliparity was most strongly associated with focal vascular insults, whereas multiparity was associated only with malformations. Grey matter injury was not associated with birth in a tertiary unit, but was strongly associated with severe perinatal compromise. The frequency of neonatal seizures and of nursery admissions was lowest among children with malformations.

Interpretation

As known risk factors for CP are differentially associated with specific MRI patterns, future exploration of causal pathways might be facilitated when performed in pathogenically defined groups.
Efficacy and safety of teneligliptin added to glimepiride in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study with an open‐label, long‐term extension
Authors: Kadowaki T. , Kondo K.
Published: November 2013

Aims

To assess the efficacy and safety of teneligliptin in combination with glimepiride in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) inadequately controlled with glimepiride monotherapy.

Methods

In the initial 12‐week, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group period, 194 patients [haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c): 8.4 ± 0.8%; fasting plasma glucose (FPG): 164.2 ± 28.1 mg/dl] were randomized to either teneligliptin 20 mg or placebo once daily while continuing stable glimepiride therapy. This randomized period was then followed by a 40‐week, open‐label period, where all patients received teneligliptin once daily. The primary endpoint was the change in HbA1c from baseline to week 12.

Results

Teneligliptin reduced HbA1c significantly compared with placebo at week 12. The placebo‐subtracted change in HbA1c was −1.0 ± 0.1% [least‐squares (LS) mean ± s.e., p < 0.001]. Teneligliptin also significantly reduced FPG and 2‐h postprandial glucose (PPG) as compared with placebo at week 12; the placebo‐subtracted changes were −27.1 ± 3.2 and −49.1 ± 6.2 mg/dl (LS mean ± s.e., both p < 0.001), respectively. The blood glucose‐lowering effects were sustained throughout the 40‐week open‐label period. The incidence rates of adverse events and adverse drug reactions, including hypoglycaemia, during the double‐blind randomized period were similar in both groups. Therefore, teneligliptin was generally well tolerated when used in combination with glimepiride.

Conclusions

The addition of teneligliptin was effective and generally well tolerated in Japanese patients with T2DM inadequately controlled with glimepiride monotherapy. The improvements in glycaemic control were maintained for up to 52 weeks.
Converging Higher Education Systems in a Global Setting: the example of France and India
Authors: Pilkington Marc
Published: November 2013

We present a comparative survey between the French and Indian higher education systems. In spite of their respective idiosyncratic features, we show that the two countries have both evolved comprehensively toward a knowledge‐based society, in order to ensure the prosperity of their citizens. Secondly, we single out a threefold convergence between the two higher education systems on academic, technological and institutional grounds.
Chemokine CCL2 up‐regulated in the medullary dorsal horn astrocytes contributes to nocifensive behaviors induced by experimental tooth movement
Authors: Luo Wei , Fu Runqing , Tan Yu , Fang Bing , Yang Zhi
Published: November 2013

To test the hypothesis that the astrocytic chemokine (C‐C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2) plays an important role in nocifensive behaviors after experimental tooth movement (ETM), the expression and cellular localization of CCL2 and astrocyte activation in the medullary dorsal horn (MDH) were determined by immunohistochemistry in rats. The dose‐dependent effects of intrathecal C‐C chemokine receptor type 2 (CCR2) antagonists on these changes in nocifensive behaviors were evaluated. Exogenous CCL2 was added to medullary dorsal horn slices to evaluate its contributory role in the induction of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) activation ex vivo. We found a significant increase in the expression of CCL2 and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), corresponding well to the nocifensive behaviors after ETM. In addition, application of recombinant CCL2 led to ERK activation, which could be attenuated effectively by pretreatment with CCL2‐neutralizing antibody ex vivo. The magnitude of the nocifensive behavior could be reduced by medullary CCR2 antagonists in a dose‐dependent manner. Therefore, the astrocytic CCL2 is actively involved in the development and maintenance of tooth‐movement pain and thus may be a potential target for analgesics in orthodontic nocifensive responses control.
Cyclooxygenase‐2 in epilepsy
Authors: Rojas Asheebo , Jiang Jianxiong , Ganesh Thota , Yang Myung‐Soon , Lelutiu Nadia , Gueorguieva Paoula , Dingledine Raymond
Published: November 2013

Epilepsy is one of the more prevalent neurologic disorders in the world, affecting approximately 50 million people of different ages and backgrounds. Epileptic seizures propagating through both lobes of the forebrain can have permanent debilitating effects on a patient's cognitive and somatosensory brain functions. Epilepsy, defined by the sporadic occurrence of spontaneous recurrent seizures (SRS), is often accompanied by inflammation of the brain. Pronounced increases in the expression of key inflammatory mediators (e.g., interleukin ‐1β [IL‐1β], tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNFα], cyclooxygenase‐2 [COX‐2], and C‐X‐C motif chemokine 10 [CXCL10]) after seizures may cause secondary damage in the brain and increase the likelihood of repetitive seizures. The COX‐2 enzyme is induced rapidly during seizures. The increased level of COX‐2 in specific areas of the epileptic brain can help to identify regions of seizure‐induced brain inflammation. A good deal of effort has been expended to determine whether COX‐2 inhibition might be neuroprotective and represent an adjunct therapeutic strategy along with antiepileptic drugs used to treat epilepsy. However, the effectiveness of COX‐2 inhibitors on epilepsy animal models appears to depend on the timing of administration. With all of the effort placed on making use of COX‐2 inhibitors as therapeutic agents for the treatment of epilepsy, inflammation, and neurodegenerative diseases there has yet to be a selective and potent COX‐2 inhibitor that has shown a clear therapeutic outcome with acceptable side effects.
Evaluation of all non‐synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the genes encoding human deoxyribonuclease I and I‐like 3 as a functional SNP potentially implicated in autoimmunity
Authors: Ueki Misuzu , Kimura‐Kataoka Kaori , Takeshita Haruo , Fujihara Junko , Iida Reiko , Sano Rie , Nakajima Tamiko , Kominato Yoshihiko , Kawai Yasuyuki , Yasuda Toshihiro
Published: November 2013

The objectives of this study were to evaluate all the non‐synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the DNase I and DNase I‐like 3 (1L3) genes potentially implicated in autoimmune diseases as a functional SNP in terms of alteration of the activity levels. We examined the genotype distributions of the 32 and 20 non‐synonymous SNPs in DNASE1 and DNASE1L3, respectively, in three ethnic groups, and the effect of these SNPs on the DNase activities. Among a total of 44 and 25 SNPs including those characterized in our previous studies [Yasuda et al., Int J Biochem Cell Biol42 (2010) 1216–1225; Ueki et al. Electrophoresis32 (2012) 1465–1472], only four and one, respectively, exhibited genetic heterozygosity in one or all of the ethnic groups examined. On the basis of alterations in the activity levels resulting from the corresponding amino acid substitutions, 11 activity‐abolishing and 11 activity‐reducing SNPs in DNASE1 and two activity‐abolishing and five activity‐reducing SNPs in DNASE1L3 were confirmed as a functional SNP. Phylogenetic analysis showed that all of the amino acid residues in activity‐abolishing SNPs were completely or well conserved in animal DNase I and 1L3 proteins. Although almost all non‐synonymous SNPs in both genes that affected the catalytic activity showed extremely low genetic heterogeneity, it seems plausible that a minor allele of 13 activity‐abolishing SNPs producing a loss‐of‐function variant in both the DNase genes would be a direct genetic risk factor for autoimmune diseases. These findings may have clinical implications in relation to the prevalence of autoimmune diseases.
A novel class of bifunctional acylpeptide hydrolases – potential role in the antioxidant defense systems of the Antarctic fish Trematomus bernacchii
Authors: Gogliettino Marta , Riccio Alessia , Balestrieri Marco , Cocca Ennio , Facchiano Angelo , D'Arco Teresa M. , Tesoro Clara , Rossi Mosè , Palmieri Gianna
Published: November 2013

Oxidative challenge is an important factor affecting the adaptive strategies of Antarctic fish, but data on antioxidant defenses in these organisms remain scarce. In this context, a key role could be played by acylpeptide hydrolase (APEH), which was recently hypothesized to participate in the degradation of oxidized and cytotoxic proteins, although its physiological function is still not fully clarified. This study represents the first report on piscine members of this enzyme family, specifically from the Antarctic teleost Trematomus bernacchii. The cDNAs corresponding to two apeh genes were isolated, and the respective proteins were functionally and structurally characterized with the aim of understanding the biological significance of these proteases in Antarctic fish. Both APEH isoforms (APEH‐1Tb and APEH‐2Tb) showed distinct temperature‐kinetic behavior, with significant differences in the Km values. Moreover, beside the typical acylpeptide hydrolase activity, APEH‐2Tb showed remarkable oxidized protein endohydrolase activity towards oxidized BSA, suggesting that this isoform could play a homeostatic role in removing oxidatively damaged proteins, sustaining the antioxidant defense systems. The 3D structures of both APEHs were predicted, and a possible relationship was found between the substrate specificity/affinity and the marked changes in the number of charged residues and hydrophobicity properties surrounding their catalytic sites. Our results demonstrated the occurrence of two APEH isoforms in T. bernacchii, belonging to different phylogenetic clusters, identified for the first time, and showing distinct molecular and temperature–kinetic behaviors. In addition, we suggest that the members of the new cluster ‘APEH‐2’ could participate in reactive oxygen species detoxification as phase 3 antioxidant enzymes, enhancing the protein degradation machinery.