bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The DNA of Enterprise: Jane Jacobs and Henry George on Innovation and Development Through Spin‐Offs
Authors: Ellerman David
Published: May 2015

The main training grounds for entrepreneurial, technical, and business capacities are existing businesses. There are two ways that this training can lead to new growth—just as there are two ways that existing biological DNA can lead to the growth of bio‐mass, namely, (1) existing organisms getting bigger or (2) by spinning out offspring who in turn can spin out more offspring. Where growth has been vibrant, e.g., Silicon Valley, it has followed the second route, growth by offspring. This is also the biological principle of plenitude. Conventional ownership structures lessen the incentives for spin‐offs since managers do not want to reduce the “empire” under their control. The biological principle of plenitude is best implemented with employee‐owned or cooperative firms (e.g., as in the Mondragon cooperative group). Inspired by ideas first proposed by Henry George and Jane Jacobs, this article explores the social benefits of applying the biological principle of plenitude by encouraging the proliferation of enterprises. This poses a conundrum for societies organized around the private business model: How can the social benefits of spin‐offs be realized when managers do not have an incentive to foster new businesses? We conclude with ways to address this problem.
Using Jane Jacobs and Henry George to Tame Gentrification
Authors: Combs Jason Leslie
Published: May 2015

The solutions that Jane Jacobs proposed to improve neighborhoods created a paradoxical problem: improvement increased demand for the amenities of the area, which caused land prices to rise. The net result was at least partial displacement of the old residents of the neighborhood with new ones. Jane Jacobs has been criticized for ignoring gentrification, but she was clearly aware of this process and tried to find means to counter it. By combining the ideas of Henry George about land taxation with the ideals of Jane Jacobs about neighborhood diversity, we can mitigate the negative effects of gentrification and direct the energy of market forces into producing a greater supply of desirable neighborhoods.
Development and evaluation of training in culturally specific screening and brief intervention for hospital patients with alcohol‐related injuries
Authors: Whitty Megan , Nagel Tricia , Jayaraj Rama , Kavanagh David
Published: May 2015

Objective

To evaluate health practitioners' confidence and knowledge of alcohol screening, brief intervention and referral after training in a culturally adapted intervention on alcohol misuse and well‐being issues for trauma patients.

Design

Mixed methods, involving semi‐structured interviews at baseline and a post‐workshop questionnaire.

Setting

Targeted acute care within a remote area major tertiary referral hospital.

Participants

Ten key informants and 69 questionnaire respondents from relevant community services and hospital‐based health care professionals.

Intervention

Screening and brief intervention training workshops and resources for 59 hospital staff.

Main outcome measures

Self‐reported staff knowledge of alcohol screening, brief intervention and referral, and satisfaction with workshop content and format.

Results

After training, 44% of participants reported being motivated to implement alcohol screening and intervention. Satisfaction with training was high, and most participants reported that their knowledge of screening and brief intervention was improved.

Conclusion

Targeted educational interventions can improve the knowledge and confidence of inpatient staff who manage patients at high risk of alcohol use disorder. Further research is needed to determine the duration of the effect and influence on practice behaviour. Ongoing integrated training, linked with systemic support and established quality improvement processes, is required to facilitate sustained change and widespread dissemination.
Comparative study of combined bevacizumab/targeted photocoagulation vs bevacizumab alone for macular oedema in ischaemic branch retinal vein occlusions
Authors: Tomomatsu Yoko , Tomomatsu Takeshi , Takamura Yoshihiro , Gozawa Makoto , Arimura Shogo , Takihara Yuji , Inatani Masaru
Published: May 2015

Purpose

To investigate whether targeted retinal photocoagulation (TRP) of peripheral non‐perfused areas (NPAs) could prevent the recurrence of macular oedema (ME) due to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) after intravitreal bevacizumab injection (IVB).

Methods

Eyes received 1.25 mg IVB only (IVB group) or combined with TRP (IVB + TRP group) of NPAs, more than 5 disc areas identified by fluorescein angiography in the patients with ME secondary to BRVO. Best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central retinal thickness (CRT) determined by optical coherence tomography were measured every month for 6 months.

Results

Thirty‐eight patients were enrolled and randomized to IVB group (n = 19) and IVB + TRP group (n = 19). Both groups showed similar thinning in CRT at 1 week after IVB, IVB + TRP group maintained thinner retina at 2 (p = 0.0072) and 3 (p = 0.0086) months compared with IVB group in whom turned to thickened almost back to baseline at 3 months. The number of reinjections in IVB group (1.58 ± 0.69) was significantly greater (p = 0.0025) than that in IVB + TRP group (0.83 ± 0.62). BCVA significantly improved at 6 month in IVB + TRP group (p = 0.015), but not in IVB group.

Conclusion

TRP of NPAs reduced the amount of ME recurrence following IVB compared to IVB alone.
Topical dexamethasone–cyclodextrin nanoparticle eye drops for non‐infectious Uveitic macular oedema and vitritis – a pilot study
Authors: Shulman Shiri , Jóhannesson Gauti , Stefánsson Einar , Loewenstein Anat , Rosenblatt Amir , Habot‐Wilner Zohar
Published: May 2015

Purpose

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of 1.5% dexamethasone nanoparticle (DexNP) drops in eyes with non‐infectious uveitic macular oedema and vitritis.

Methods

In a prospective pilot study, DexNP drops were administered four times a day for 4 weeks followed by drops tapering over a period of another 4 weeks. Follow‐up time was 12 weeks.

Results

Five eyes with macular oedema and three eyes with vitritis were included in the study. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) significantly improved from a median of 0.2 logMAR to a median of 0.15 logMAR at 4 weeks' time (p < 0.05). Median BCVA was 0.175 logMAR and 0.2 logMAR, at week 8 and 12, respectively (p > 0.05). Macular oedema significantly improved at all time‐points as compared to baseline (p < 0.05) and resolved in all eyes during follow‐up. One eye had macular oedema relapse at week 12. Vitritis improved in all eyes and resolved completely in two eyes. One eye had intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation which was well controlled with topical antihypertensive treatment, and one eye had cataract progression.

Conclusion

This short pilot study demonstrates favourable effect of 1.5% DexNP eye drops on eyes with non‐infectious uveitic macular oedema and vitritis. Further comparative long‐term studies are warranted to assess this effect.
Diabetic polyneuropathy and the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy: a nationwide, population‐based study
Authors: Lin I‐Chan , Wang Yuan–Hung , Lin Cheng‐Li , Chang Yen‐Jung , Lee Shwu‐Huey , Wang I‐Jong
Published: May 2015

Purpose

To assess the relationship between diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) and the risk of diabetic retinopathy (DR).

Methods

From 1997 to 2010, we identified 5031 newly diagnosed DPN patients and 20 124 controls matched for sex, age, and index year. Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were used to estimate the adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of DR between the DPN patients and the non‐DPN group. The adjusted hazard ratio was calculated and adjusted for age, sex, duration of diabetes and comorbidities of hypertension, cardiovascular disease and diabetic nephropathy.

Results

The incidence rate of DR was 5.87‐fold higher in the DPN patients than in the non‐DPN group (44.0 vs. 7.22 per 1000 person‐years), with an adjusted HR of 5.41(95% CI = 4.92–5.94). The DPN‐to‐non‐DPN DR incidence rate ratio decreased with age (adjusted HR = 6.63 for subgroup younger than 65 years and adjusted HR = 3.91 for subgroup aged 65 years or older). Compared with the non‐DPN group, the DPN patients had a 5.63‐fold risk of non‐proliferative DR (adjusted HR = 5.63, 95% CI = 5.11–6.21) and a 3.67‐fold risk of proliferative DR (adjusted HR = 3.67, 95% CI = 2.57–5.23).

Conclusion

The patients with DPN had an increased risk of developing DR and advanced DR compared with the non‐DPN group, particularly among the subgroup aged younger than 65 years.
Gerschenkron Redux? Analysing New Evidence on Joint‐Stock Enterprise in Pre‐War Shanghai
Authors: Horesh Niv
Published: May 2015

AlexanderGerschenkron (1904–78) famously postulated that the more backward an economy was at the outset of industrialisation, the more reliant it would be on state‐backed banks as a means of directing investment.Gerschenkron thereby implied that impersonal equity markets were likely to play a less significant role in countries aiming to catch up with the West. This article is aimed at examiningGerschenkron's thesis primarily through an analysis of shareholding in 1930sShanghai. Drawing on newly discovered archival material as well as on recent studies, the paper clarifies the magnitude of joint‐stock enterprise and the ubiquity of stock‐exchange trade in a city that was by farChina's most important economic hub. The pattern of joint‐stock enterprise in pre‐warChina is compared with that ofJapan, the first non‐Western society to become fully industrialised. The argument advanced is thatGerschenkron's thesis incorrectly played down the significance of impersonal equity markets to pre‐warJapan's successful industrialisation and to the limited nature of pre‐warChina's industrialisation.Japan could sustain its industrialisation thrust in the early 20th century on a nation‐wide scale partly because of the growing vitality of its equity markets inTokyo andOsaka. By contrast,China's pre‐war industrialisation was much less extensive because its equity markets were more limited.
Forces of economic growth in China, India, and other Asian countries
Authors: Singh Rup
Published: May 2015

This paper applies different approaches to modelling sources of economic growth from time series and panel data sets for 10 Asian countries over the period 1970–2010. After being subjected to fragility tests, the cross‐country estimates indicate that investment, together with policy variables and openness to trade, explains about 90 per cent of the estimated 3.2 per cent steady‐state growth rate for the region. Regional growth policy points to expanding trade, supporting financial development, and maintaining sound investment environments. Although country‐specific growth effects vary, the results imply that different estimation methods, combined with fragility tests, can help establish stronger links between growth theory and policy advice.
Stock market performance in Hong Kong: an exploratory review
Authors: Ho Sin‐Yu , Odhiambo Nicholas M
Published: May 2015

This paper reviews the origin and development of the stock market in Hong Kong. The first formal stock exchange, the Association of Stockbrokers in Hong Kong, was formed in 1891. However, the activities of the stock exchange are generally regarded as insignificant until the 1970s. Since the 1980s, there have been a number of major reforms and some significant developments. These include the unification of four stock exchanges; the establishment of the Securities and Futures Commission; the closer economic relations with Mainland China; the merger of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and the Hong Kong Futures Exchange to form the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEx); the launch of the second board (Growth Enterprise Market); and the demutualisation of the HKEx. The Exchange generally responded positively to these reforms and developments. As a result, the Hong Kong stock market experienced significant growth in terms of its market capitalisation ratio, turnover ratio, and the total value traded ratio. Despite the impressive growth in various stock market indicators, however, the Hong Kong stock market still faces some challenges, including regulatory challenges, as well as some concern over its future viability as a global equity hub.
The effects of rock climbing on cliff‐face vegetation
Authors: Clark Peter , Hessl Amy
Published: May 2015

Question

What are the effects of rock climbing on diversity, abundance and composition on cliff‐face vegetation along environmental and use gradients typical of modern climbing?

Location

New River Gorge National River, WV, US.

Methods

We compared species richness, abundance and composition of vascular plants, bryophytes and lichens on 79 pre‐established rock climbs and 32 unclimbed ‘control’ sites across potential climb‐use intensity and cliff structure using linear models, residual analysis and NMDS ordination.

Results

Differences in species richness and abundance associated with potential climb‐use intensity and cliff structure were variable across taxonomic groups. Linear models indicated that cliff angle was the strongest explanatory variable of species richness and abundance for all three taxonomic groups. Once the effects of biophysical variables were modelled, analysis of the residuals indicated that potential climbing‐use intensity had a small but negative effect on species richness and abundance of vascular plants (range 3–6%), no effect on bryophytes (0%) and a substantial effect on lichens (range 10–12%). Similarly, NMDS ordination indicated that cliff angle, canopy height and aspect were the primary drivers of species composition. We observed no change in community composition due to climbing.

Conclusions

Other studies have observed significant impacts of climbing on vegetation at the base of cliffs. Here, we observe that potential climbing‐use intensity has some impact on species richness and abundance of vascular plants and more significant impacts on lichens, however cliff angle is a fundamental control on cliff vegetation. Because of the challenge in sampling steep and overhanging cliffs, we recommend that climbers be directly involved in the assessment, monitoring and management of cliff resources in order to ensure that the full range of biophysical conditions of cliff ecosystems are considered.
Prolyl hydroxylase inhibition corrects functional iron deficiency and inflammation‐induced anaemia in rats
Authors: Barrett Terrance D , Palomino Heather L , Brondstetter Theresa I , Kanelakis Kimon C , Wu Xiaodong , Yan Wen , Merton Katherine P , Schoetens Freddy , Ma Jing Ying , Skaptason Judy , Gao Jingjin , Tran Da‐Thao , Venkatesan Hariharan , Rosen Mark D , Shankley Nigel P , Rabinowitz Michael H
Published: May 2015

Background and Purpose

Small‐molecule inhibitors of prolyl hydroxylase (PHD) enzymes are a novel target for the treatment of anaemia and functional iron deficiency (FID). Other than being orally bioavailable, the differentiation of PHD inhibitors from recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) has not been demonstrated.

Experimental Approach

JNJ‐42905343 was identified and characterized as a novel inhibitor of PHD and its action was compared with rhEPO in healthy rats and in a rat model of inflammation‐induced anaemia and FID [peptidoglycan‐polysaccharide (PGPS) model].

Key Results

Oral administration of JNJ‐42905343 to healthy rats increased the gene expression of cytochrome b (DcytB) and divalent metal‐ion transporter 1 (DMT1) in the duodenum, and increased plasma EPO. Repeated administration of JNJ‐42905343 for 28 days increased blood haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV). The serum iron concentration was increased with low doses (0.3 mg·kg−1) but reduced at high doses (6 mg·kg−1). In PGPS‐treated rats, administration of JNJ‐42905343 for 28 days corrected FID and anaemia, as reflected by increased blood haemoglobin, MCH and MCV. Increased expression of DcytB and DMT1 genes in the duodenum resulting in increased iron availability was defined as the mechanism for these effects. rhEPO did not affect DcytB and DMT1 and was not effective in PGPS‐treated rats.

Conclusions and Implications

PHD inhibition has a beneficial effect on iron metabolism in addition to stimulating the release of EPO. Small‐molecule inhibitors of PHD such as JNJ‐42905343 represent a mechanism distinct from rhEPO to treat anaemia and FID.
Pelitinib (EKB‐569) targets the up‐regulation of ABCB1 and ABCG2 induced by hyperthermia to eradicate lung cancer
Authors: To Kenneth K W , Poon Daniel C , Wei Yuming , Wang Fang , Lin Ge , Fu Liwu
Published: May 2015

Background and Purpose

Pelitinib is a potent irreversible EGFR TK inhibitor currently in clinical trials for the treatment of lung cancer. Hyperthermia has been applied concomitantly with chemotherapy and radiotherapy to enhance treatment outcome. In this study, we investigated the ability of the combination of pelitinib with other conventional anticancer drugs to specifically target cancer cells with up‐regulated efflux transporters ABCB1/ABCG2 after hyperthermia as a novel way to eradicate the cancer stem‐like cells responsible for cancer recurrence.

Experimental Approach

Alterations in intracellular topotecan accumulation, the efflux of fluorescent probe substrates, expression and ATPase activity of ABCB1/ABCG2 and tumoursphere formation capacity of side population (SP) cells sorted after hyperthermia were examined to elucidate the mechanism of pelitinib‐induced chemosensitization.

Key Results

While pelitinib did not modulate ABCB1/ABCG2 expressions, the combination of pelitinib with transporter substrate anticancer drugs induced more marked apoptosis, specifically in cells exposed to hyperthermia. The flow cytometric assay showed that both ABCB1‐ and ABCG2‐mediated drug effluxes were significantly inhibited by pelitinib in a concentration‐dependent manner. The inhibition kinetics suggested that pelitinib is a competitive inhibitor of ABCB1/ABCG2, which is consistent with its ability to stimulate their ATPase activity. SP cells sorted after hyperthermia were found to be more resistant to anticancer drugs, presumably due to the up‐regulation of ABCB1 and ABCG2. Importantly, pelitinib specifically enhanced the chemosensitivity but reduced the tumoursphere formation capacity of these SP cells.

Conclusions and Implications

This study demonstrated a novel approach, exploiting drug resistance, to selectively kill cancer stem‐like cells after hyperthermia.
Prevention of the degeneration of human dopaminergic neurons in an astrocyte co‐culture system allowing endogenous drug metabolism
Authors: Efremova Liudmila , Schildknecht Stefan , Adam Martina , Pape Regina , Gutbier Simon , Hanf Benjamin , Bürkle Alexander , Leist Marcel
Published: May 2015

Background and Purpose

Few neuropharmacological model systems use human neurons. Moreover, available test systems rarely reflect functional roles of co‐cultured glial cells. There is no humanin vitrocounterpart of the widely used 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) mouse model of Parkinson's disease

Experimental Approach

We generated such a model by growing an intricate network of human dopaminergic neurons on a dense layer of astrocytes. In these co‐cultures,MPTPwas metabolized to 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐pyridinium (MPP+) by the glial cells, and the toxic metabolite was taken up through the dopamine transporter into neurons. Cell viability was measured biochemically and by quantitative neurite imaging, siRNA techniques were also used.

Key Results

We initially characterized the activation ofPARP. As in mouse models,MPTPexposure induced (poly‐ADP‐ribose) synthesis and neurodegeneration was blocked byPARPinhibitors. Several different putative neuroprotectants were then compared in mono‐cultures and co‐cultures. Rho kinase inhibitors worked in both models;CEP1347, ascorbic acid or a caspase inhibitor protected mono‐cultures fromMPP+toxicity, but did not protect co‐cultures, when used alone or in combination. Application ofGSSGprevented degeneration in co‐cultures, but not in mono‐cultures. The surprisingly different pharmacological profiles of the models suggest that the presence of glial cells, and thein situgeneration of the toxic metaboliteMPP+within the layered cultures played an important role in neuroprotection.

Conclusions and Implications

Our new model system is a closer model of human brain tissue than conventional cultures. Its use for screening of candidate neuroprotectants may increase the predictiveness of a test battery.
IL‐1β reduces tonic contraction of mesenteric lymphatic muscle cells, with the involvement of cycloxygenase‐2 and prostaglandin E2
Authors: Al‐Kofahi M , Becker F , Gavins F N E , Woolard M D , Tsunoda I , Wang Y , Ostanin D , Zawieja D C , Muthuchamy M , von der Weid P Y , Alexander J S
Published: May 2015

Background and Purpose

The lymphatic system maintains tissue homeostasis by unidirectional lymph flow, maintained by tonic and phasic contractions within subunits, ‘lymphangions’. Here we have studied the effects of the inflammatory cytokine IL‐1β on tonic contraction of rat mesenteric lymphatic muscle cells (RMLMC).

Experimental Approach

We measured IL‐1β in colon‐conditioned media (CM) from acute (AC‐CM, dextran sodium sulfate) and chronic (CC‐CM, T‐cell transfer) colitis‐induced mice and corresponding controls (Con‐AC/CC‐CM). We examined tonic contractility of RMLMC in response to CM, the cytokines h‐IL‐1β or h‐TNF‐α (5, 10, 20 ng·mL−1), with or without COX inhibitors [TFAP (10−5 M), diclofenac (0.2 × 10−5 M)], PGE2 (10−5 M)], IL‐1‐receptor antagonist, Anakinra (5 μg·mL−1), or a selective prostanoid EP4 receptor antagonist, GW627368X (10−6 and 10−7 M).

Key Results

Tonic contractility of RMLMC was reduced by AC‐ and CC‐CM compared with corresponding control culture media, Con‐AC/CC‐CM. IL‐1β or TNF‐α was not found in Con‐AC/CC‐CM, but detected in AC‐ and CC‐CM. h‐IL‐1β concentration‐dependently decreased RMLMC contractility, whereas h‐TNF‐α showed no effect. Anakinra blocked h‐IL‐1β‐induced RMLMC relaxation, and with AC‐CM, restored contractility to RMLMC. IL‐1β increased COX‐2 protein and PGE2 production in RMLMC.. PGE2 induced relaxations in RMLMC, comparable to h‐IL‐1β. Conversely, COX‐2 and EP4 receptor inhibition reversed relaxation induced by IL‐1β.

Conclusions and Implications

The IL‐1β‐induced decrease in RMLMC tonic contraction was COX‐2 dependent, and mediated by PGE2. In experimental colitis, IL‐1β and tonic lymphatic contractility were causally related, as this cytokine was critical for the relaxation induced by AC‐CM and pharmacological blockade of IL‐1β restored tonic contraction.
Agonist‐ and antagonist‐induced up‐regulation of surface 5‐HT3A receptors
Authors: Morton Russell A , Baptista‐Hon Daniel T , Hales Tim G , Lovinger David M
Published: May 2015

Background and Purpose

The 5‐HT3 receptor is a member of the pentameric ligand‐gated ion channel family and is pharmacologically targeted to treat irritable bowel syndrome and nausea/emesis. Furthermore, many antidepressants elevate extracellular concentrations of 5‐HT. This study investigates the functional consequences of exposure of recombinant 5‐HT3A receptors to agonists and antagonists.

Experimental Approach

We used HEK cells stably expressing recombinant 5‐HT3A receptors and the ND7/23 (mouse neuroblastoma/dorsal root ganglion hybrid) cell line, which expresses endogenous 5‐HT3 receptors. Surface expression of recombinant 5‐HT3A receptors, modified to contain the bungarotoxin (BTX) binding sequence, was quantified using fluorescence microscopy to image BTX‐conjugated fluorophores. Whole cell voltage‐clamp electrophysiology was used to measure the density of current mediated by 5‐HT3A receptors.

Key Results

5‐HT3A receptors were up‐regulated by the prolonged presence of agonists (5‐HT and m‐chlorophenylbiguanide) and antagonists (MDL‐72222 and morphine). The up‐regulation of 5‐HT3A receptors by 5‐HT and MDL‐72222 was time‐ and concentration‐dependent but was independent of newly translated receptors. The phenomenon was observed for recombinant rodent and human 5‐HT3A receptors and for endogenous 5‐HT3 receptors in neuronal ND7/23 cells.

Conclusions and Implications

Up‐regulation of 5‐HT3A receptors, following exposure to either agonists or antagonists suggests that this phenomenon may occur in response to different therapeutic agents. Medications that elevate 5‐HT levels, such as the antidepressant inhibitors of 5‐HT reuptake and antiemetic inhibitors of 5‐HT3 receptor function, may both raise receptor expression. However, this will require further investigation in vivo.
What makes an allergen?
Authors: Scheurer S. , Toda M. , Vieths S.
Published: May 2015

Allergic diseases are an immune disorder reacting to certain type of allergen(s). Remarkably only a small number of proteins of the plant and animal proteome act as allergens. Therefore, allergens have been clustered according to their common structural, biochemical and functional features. Evidence has accumulated that some allergens possess intrinsic adjuvant properties to stimulate the innate immunity. The adjuvant properties appear to contribute to the allergenicity of the respective proteins, namely the ability to cause allergic sensitization in susceptible subjects or allergic reactions in sensitized individuals. Here, we discuss how allergens interact with the innate immune cells, in particular dendritic cells and epithelial cells, via binding to pattern recognition receptors, exhibiting proteolytic activities and/or inducting type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2), thereby contributing to the sensitization and development of allergic diseases.
Who Dat?: Race and Its Conspicuous Consumption in Post‐KatrinaNewOrleans
Authors: PERRY MARC D.
Published: May 2015

This article explores the fraught neoliberal refashioning of post‐KatrinaNewOrleans in relation to concurrent modes of racialized inclusion and exclusion. I suggest an intensification of market forces during this period has hastened a privileging of certain acceptable, often gendered forms of blackness tied to their performance‐centered market consumption while simultaneously rendering others criminal and/or violently disposable. Such racial regulation, it is argued, is tantamount to a kind of “contractual blackness” withinNewOrleans' neoliberalized landscape that delineates commercially assimilable and therefore “good” black subjects from deviantly “bad” and hence expendable ones. The article follows with explorations of how someAfricanAmerican working class men mediate these duel economies of consumption/disposability through varying performative strategies of black possibility and alterity.
Navigating the mesentery: a comparative pre‐ and per‐operative visualization of the vascular anatomy
Authors: Nesgaard J. M. , Stimec B. V. , Bakka A. O. , Edwin B. , Ignjatovic D. ,   The RCC study group
Published: May 2015

Aim

Awareness of anatomy is critical for performing safe surgery within the root of the mesentery. Our aim was to investigate the anatomical relationship between the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and vein (SMV) and their branches within a predefined D3 area of the right colon and to compare preoperatively established three‐dimensional (3D) mesenteric vessel anatomy from CT with that found at surgery.

Method

Prospective data were collected on 139 patients included in the ‘Safe Radical D3 Right Hemicolectomy for Cancer Through Preoperative Biphasic Multi‐detector Computed Tomography (MDCT) Angiography’ trial. CT data sets were 3D reconstructed before surgery and compared with photographs taken during the operation.

Results

The ileocolic artery was present and correctly identified in all patients and crossed the SMV anteriorly in 58 (41.7%). Seventeen patients had a right colic artery at surgery and there were three false‐negative and one false‐positive CT findings, yielding a diagnostic accuracy of 97.1%, sensitivity of 85.7% and specificity of 95.2%. Positive and negative predictive values were 94.7% and 97.5%, respectively. The middle colic artery was absent in one (0.7%) patient and multiple (nine double and one triple) in 10 (7.2%) patients. A mean of 3.8 ± 1.2 jejunal arteries and 2.0 ± 0.8 jejunal veins arose from the SMA and SMV. Jejunal veins crossed the SMA in the D3 area anteriorly in 30.9% of patients. In 26 (18.7%) patients, additional veins drained into the SMV, including pancreaticoduodenal in 16, right colic in six and both in two. The inferior mesenteric vein entered the SMV in 58 (41.7%) patients and crossed the D3 area in three (2.2%).

Conclusion

CT‐reconstructed anatomy has high specificity, sensitivity, accuracy and reliability.
Where the wild things are: using remotely sensed forest productivity to assess arboreal marsupial species richness and abundance
Authors: Youngentob Kara N. , Yoon Hwan‐Jin , Stein John , Lindenmayer David B. , Held Alex A.
Published: May 2015

Aim

Highly productive areas have long been hypothesized to support a greater abundance and diversity of animals than less productive areas. However, evidence for this is equivocal and, until recently, has been difficult to test at a landscape level. For the first time, we use imaging spectroscopy to investigate the relationship between plant productivity and arboreal mammal species richness and abundance at a landscape scale.

Location

A eucalypt forest in New South Wales, Australia.

Methods

Using a common index of plant productivity – normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) – as a proxy for available energy, we test the ability of species‐energy theory and optimal foraging theory to explain variations in arboreal marsupial species richness and abundance. We obtained NDVI data from an airborne imaging spectrophotometer.

Results

Species richness increased in relation to NDVI among 53 eucalypt forest sites, based on five arboreal marsupial species. The presence and abundance of a eucalypt folivore specialist, Petauroides volans, increased in relation to NDVI. The relative abundance of all arboreal marsupials collectively also increased in relation to NDVI among sites, even with P. volans data excluded. In support of optimal foraging theory, the observed locations of P. volans had a higher NDVI value than the average for sampling transects. In addition, the average NDVI of eucalypt forest remnants was positively related to the overall abundance of P. volans. An important caveat is that NDVI did not explain all the variation in arboreal marsupial populations.

Main conclusions

Assuming that NDVI is an appropriate proxy for available energy in a eucalypt forest, our results are consistent with predictions from species‐energy and optimal foraging theories. Remotely sensed measures of productivity and forage quality, used in conjunction with other important landscape characteristics, provide a potentially powerful tool to evaluate habitat and biodiversity hotspots at scales relevant to wildlife management and conservation.
Climate‐induced resource bottlenecks exacerbate species vulnerability: a review
Authors: Maron Martine , McAlpine Clive A. , Watson James E. M. , Maxwell Sean , Barnard Phoebe
Published: May 2015

Aim

Resource bottlenecks – periods of severe restriction in resource availability – triggered by increased climate variability represent important and little‐understood mechanisms through which climate change will affect biodiversity. In this review, we aim to synthesize the key global change processes that exacerbate the severity of bottlenecks in resource availability on animal populations, and outline how adaptation responses can help buffer the impacts.

Location

Global.

Methods

We collate examples from the literature of population‐level impacts of resource bottlenecks induced by extreme weather and climate events to explore the types of population impacts that have most frequently been recorded, and the type of extreme events associated with them. We then develop a conceptual framework that captures the factors contributing to species’ vulnerability to climate‐induced spatial and temporal resource bottlenecks in increasingly variable environments.

Results

Increases in the frequency, severity and/or duration of extreme weather and climate events can trigger resource bottlenecks that act as powerful demographic constraints on terrestrial fauna, and often exacerbate other human‐induced pressures such as land use change. Such phenomena are likely to become more frequent and severe, with potentially nonlinear increases in impact. Forty‐nine instances of population‐level impacts from climate‐induced resource bottlenecks were recorded from the literature, including four extinctions and ten population crashes. Anthropogenic land use change interacts with increasing climatic variability to exacerbate these resource ‘crunches’, but can sometimes act as a buffer for species.

Main Conclusions

Resource bottlenecks are likely to be a large class of climate‐sensitive stressors whose impacts may play out at the population scale, even well within a species’ apparent climatic envelope. More effective conservation responses to climate‐related threats include explicit actions, such as managing protected area networks for spatial and temporal resource complementarities, that buffer vulnerable species against bottlenecks.
A transportable, inexpensive electroporator for in utero electroporation
Authors: Bullmann Torsten , Arendt Thomas , Frey Urs , Hanashima Carina
Published: May 2015

Electroporation is a useful technique to study gene function during development but its broad application is hampered due to the expensive equipment needed. We describe the construction of a transportable, simple and inexpensive electroporator delivering square pulses with varying length and amplitude. The device was successfully used for in utero electroporation in mouse with a performance comparable to that of commercial products.
The role of mitochondria in statin‐induced myopathy
Authors: Apostolopoulou Maria , Corsini Alberto , Roden Michael
Published: May 2015

Background

Statins inhibit hydroxymethylglutaryl‐coenzyme A reductase, decrease plasma low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. They can also exert adverse effects, mostly affecting skeletal muscle, ranging from mild myalgia to rhabdomyolysis.

Materials and methods

Based on a PubMed search until December 2014, this review summarizes studies on statin effects on muscle mitochondrial morphology and function in the context of myopathy.

Results

Possible mechanisms of statin‐induced myopathy include lower cholesterol synthesis and production of prenylated proteins, reduced dolichols and increased atrogin‐1 expression. Statin‐treated patients frequently feature decreased muscle coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) contents, suggesting that statins might impair mitochondrial function. In cell cultures, statins diminish muscle oxygen consumption, promote mitochondrial permeability transient pore opening and generate apoptotic proteins. Animal models confirm the statin‐induced decrease in muscle CoQ10, but reveal no changes in mitochondrial enzyme activities. Human studies yield contradictory results, with decreased CoQ10, elevated lipids, decreased enzyme activities in muscle and impaired maximal oxygen uptake in several but not all studies. Some patients are susceptible to statin‐induced myopathy due to variations in genes encoding proteins involved in statin uptake and biotransformation such as the solute carrier organic anion transporter family member 1B1 (SLCO1B1) or cytochrome P450 (CYP2D6, CYP3A4, CYP3A5). Carriers for carnitine palmitoyltransferase II deficiency and McArdle disease also present with higher prevalence of statin‐induced myopathy.

Conclusions

Despite the widespread use of statins, the pathogenesis of statin‐induced myopathy remains unclear, requiring prospective randomized controlled trials with intensive phenotyping also for identifying strategies for its risk assessment, prevention and treatment.
Peri‐operative assessment of right heart function: role of echocardiography
Authors: Tan Timothy C. , Dudzinski David M. , Hung Judy , Mehta Vipin
Published: May 2015

The right heart contributes significantly to overall cardiac function. Right ventricular (RV) haemodynamics and function have been defined to be physiologically different from the left ventricle, and yet independently associated with outcomes in a spectrum of conditions. In particular, RV function has been shown to influence prognosis of patients undergoing surgery. The assessment of right heart function during the intra‐operative and immediate postoperative periods plays an important role in the clinical management of patients having surgery. While a number of techniques are available for the assessment of the right heart intra‐operatively, echocardiography remains the prime choice being least invasive, relatively safe, readily accessible and cost‐effective. Advancements in the field of echocardiographic have improved ability to assess right heart function. This review examines the role echocardiography and advances in this imaging modality in the assessment of right heart function within the peri‐operative setting.
Are molecular markers useful predictors of adaptive potential?
Authors: Mittell Elizabeth A. , Nakagawa Shinichi , Hadfield Jarrod D.
Published: May 2015

Estimates of molecular genetic variation are often used as a cheap and simple surrogate for a population's adaptive potential, yet empirical evidence suggests they are unlikely to be a valid proxy. However, this evidence is based on molecular genetic variation poorly predicting estimates of adaptive potential rather than how well it predicts true values. As a consequence, the relationship has been systematically underestimated and the precision with which it could be measured severely overstated. By collating a large database, and using suitable statistical methods, we obtain a 95% upper bound of 0.26 for the proportion of variance in quantitative genetic variation explained by molecular diversity. The relationship is probably too weak to be useful, but this conclusion must be taken as provisional: less noisy estimates of quantitative genetic variation are required. In contrast, and perhaps surprisingly, current sampling strategies appear sufficient for characterising a population's molecular genetic variation at comparable markers.
Bridging the gap between omics and earth system science to better understand how environmental change impacts marine microbes
Authors: Mock Thomas , Daines Stuart J. , Geider Richard , Collins Sinead , Metodiev Metodi , Millar Andrew J. , Moulton Vincent , Lenton Timothy M.
Published: May 2015

The advent of genomic‐, transcriptomic‐ and proteomic‐based approaches has revolutionized our ability to describe marine microbial communities, including biogeography, metabolic potential and diversity, mechanisms of adaptation, and phylogeny and evolutionary history. New interdisciplinary approaches are needed to move from this descriptive level to improved quantitative, process‐level understanding of the roles of marine microbes in biogeochemical cycles and of the impact of environmental change on the marine microbial ecosystem. Linking studies at levels from the genome to the organism, to ecological strategies and organism and ecosystem response, requires new modelling approaches. Key to this will be a fundamental shift in modelling scale that represents micro‐organisms from the level of their macromolecular components. This will enable contact with omics data sets and allow acclimation and adaptive response at the phenotype level (i.e. traits) to be simulated as a combination of fitness maximization and evolutionary constraints. This way forward will build on ecological approaches that identify key organism traits and systems biology approaches that integrate traditional physiological measurements with new insights from omics. It will rely on developing an improved understanding of ecophysiology to understand quantitatively environmental controls on microbial growth strategies. It will also incorporate results from experimental evolution studies in the representation of adaptation. The resulting ecosystem‐level models can then evaluate our level of understanding of controls on ecosystem structure and function, highlight major gaps in understanding and help prioritize areas for future research programs. Ultimately, this grand synthesis should improve predictive capability of the ecosystem response to multiple environmental drivers.
Audit Quality and Corporate Governance: Evidence from the Microfinance Industry
Authors: Beisland Leif Atle , Mersland Roy , Strøm R. Øystein
Published: May 2015

This study uses a unique hand‐collected sample of for‐profit and nonprofit microfinance institutions from 70 developing countries to analyse the relationships between audit quality and governance mechanisms. We examine two measures of audit quality, namely, the use of Big Four auditors and the presence of internal auditors. The empirical analysis of this study reveals that these two quality metrics are highly related, although we also demonstrate that these metrics capture distinctive aspects of audit quality. In particular, the presence of internal auditors is related to other indicators of stricter governance, whereas the use of Big Four auditors is generally unrelated to other governance mechanisms. For situations in which a significant relationship between audit quality and governance does exist, the sign of this relationship is always positive. Thus, our data support the complementarity view of these two traits that is espoused by prior research.
Overcoming birth weight: can physical activity mitigate birth weight‐related differences in adiposity?
Authors: Boone‐Heinonen J. , Markwardt S. , Fortmann S. P. , Thornburg K. L.
Published: May 2015

Background

Individuals born at low or high birth weight (BW) have elevated adiposity. The extent to which physical activity can mitigate this risk is unknown.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine if associations between BW and adiposity vary by self‐reported moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA) among adolescents.

Methods

We used data on adolescents in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999–2006; 12–15 years; n = 4064). Using gender‐stratified linear regression, we modelled body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) z‐scores as a function of low, normal and high BW, MVPA (weekly Metabolic Equivalent of Task hours) and MVPA*BW cross‐product terms, adjusting for sociodemographics, diet and, in WC models, BMI.

Results

Among girls with low MVPA, those born with high BW had greater BMI than normal BW; this difference diminished with greater MVPA (coefficient [95% confidence interval]: low MVPA: 0.72 [0.29, 1.14]; high MVPA: −0.04 [−0.48, 0.39]; P for interaction = 0.05). Among boys, MVPA did not modify the associations between BW and BMI. WC was unrelated to BW, regardless of MVPA.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that effects of high BW in total adiposity can be more easily modified with MVPA in adolescent girls than in boys.
Patient–provider communication about medication use at the community pharmacy counter
Authors: van Dijk Marloes , Blom Lyda , Koopman Laura , Philbert Daphne , Koster Ellen , Bouvy Marcel , van Dijk Liset
Published: May 2015

Objective

The objectives of this study were to, first, describe the information exchanged between pharmacy staff and patients about prescribed medication at the community pharmacy counter, and second, to investigate to what extent this met professional medication counselling guidelines.

Methods

Pharmaceutical encounters were videotaped in four community pharmacies in the Netherlands. Patients were included if they collected a prescription for their own use. An observation protocol, including the MEDICODE checklist, was used to analyse the video recordings. A distinction was made between first and repeat prescriptions.

Key findings

One hundred fifty-three encounters were videotaped. When dispensing first prescriptions, pharmacy staff provided most information on instructions how to use the medication (83.3%), form of the medication (71.4%) and treatment duration (42.9%). Topics for repeat prescriptions (such as the effects of the medication and the incidence of observed adverse effects) were rarely discussed. Pharmacy staff rarely encouraged patients to ask questions.

Conclusions

Pharmacy staff members provided little medication-related information at the counter, especially for repeat prescriptions, did not encourage active patient participation, and thereby did not adhere to the guidelines of their professional organisation. Further research is needed to understand the reasons for this.
Role of cytoreductive nephrectomy for Japanese patients with primary renal cell carcinoma in the cytokine and targeted therapy era
Authors: Tatsugami Katsunori , Shinohara Nobuo , Kondo Tsunenori , Yamasaki Toshinari , Eto Masatoshi , Tsushima Tomoyasu , Terachi Toshiro , Naito Seiji ,   the Japanese Society of Renal Cancer
Published: May 2015

Objective

To assess the efficacy of cytoreductive nephrectomy for Japanese patients with primary metastatic renal cell carcinoma in the cytokine and targeted therapy era.

Methods

The present retrospective study evaluated 330 Japanese patients with renal cell carcinoma who had synchronous metastases at diagnosis between 2001 and 2010. The characteristics of patients who did and did not undergo cytoreductive nephrectomy were compared.

Results

Of the 330 patients, 254 (77.0%) underwent cytoreductive nephrectomy. Patients who underwent cytoreductive nephrectomy were younger; had better Karnofsky Performance Status; higher rates of lung metastases only and systemic therapy; lower rates of increased lactate dehydrogenase concentration and liver and multiple metastases; and a lower Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center risk score. Independent predictors of poorer overall survival included clinical stage T3/4; poorer Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center risk and Karnofsky Performance Status; increased C‐reactive protein concentration; and absence of cytoreductive nephrectomy and systemic therapy. Median overall survival was significantly longer in the patients who did rather than did not undergo cytoreductive nephrectomy, irrespective of systemic treatment. In patients without cytoreductive nephrectomy, median overall survival was significantly longer in those who received targeted (15.5 months; hazard ratio 0.45; 95% confidence interval 0.21–0.94), but not by cytokine (8.2 months; hazard ratio 0.72; 95% confidence interval 0.36–1.46) compared with no systemic treatment (4.4 months).

Conclusions

Overall survival seems to be significantly longer in patients undergoing cytoreductive nephrectomy. However, prospective trials are required to confirm our results, as targeted therapy might improve the survival even in the absence of cytoreductive nephrectomy.