bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Baseline Analysis of a Young α‐1‐Antitrypsin Deficiency Liver Disease Cohort Reveals Frequent Portal Hypertension
Authors: Teckman Jeffrey H. , Rosenthal Philip , Abel Robert , Bass Lee M. , Michail Sonia , Murray Karen F. , Rudnick David A. , Thomas Daniel W. , Spino Cathie , Arnon Ronen , Hertel Paula M. , Heubi James , Kamath Binita M. , Karnsakul Wikrom , Loomes Kathleen M. , Magee John C. , Molleston Jean P. , Romero Rene , Shneider Benjamin L. , Sherker Averell H. , Sokol Ronald J. ,   Childhood Liver Disease Research Network (ChiLDReN)
Published: February 2015

Objectives:

α‐1‐Antitrypsin (A1AT) deficiency is a common genetic disease with an unpredictable and highly variable course. The Childhood Liver Disease Research and Education Network is a National Institutes of Health, multicenter, longitudinal consortium studying pediatric liver diseases, with the objective of prospectively defining natural history and identifying disease modifiers.

Methods:

Longitudinal, cohort study of A1AT patients' birth through 25 years diagnosed as having liver disease, type PIZZ or PISZ. Medical history, physical examination, laboratory, imaging, and standardized survey tool data were collected during the provision of standard of care.

Results:

In the present report of the cohort at baseline, 269 subjects were enrolled between November 2008 and October 2012 (208 with their native livers and 61 postliver transplant). Subjects with mild disease (native livers and no portal hypertension [PHT]) compared to severe disease (with PHT or postliver transplant) were not different in age at presentation. A total of 57% of subjects with mild disease and 76% with severe disease were jaundiced at presentation (P = 0.0024). A total of 29% of subjects with native livers had PHT, but age at diagnosis and growth were not different between the no‐PHT and PHT groups (P > 0.05). Subjects with native livers and PHT were more likely to have elevated bilirubin, ALT, AST, INR, and GGTP than the no‐PHT group (P << 0.001), but overlap was large. Chemistries alone could not identify PHT.

Conclusions:

Many subjects with A1AT presenting with elevated liver tests and jaundice improve spontaneously. Subjects with PHT have few symptoms and normal growth. Longitudinal cohort follow‐up will identify genetic and environmental disease modifiers.
Occult Blood and Perianal Examination
Authors: Moran Christopher J. , Kaplan Jess L. , Winter Harland S. , Masiakos Peter T.
Published: February 2015

Objectives:

Pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) often presents insidiously and standard blood tests are normal in 20% of patients. We hypothesize that fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) and the perianal examination in addition to blood tests provide important information during the screening process for IBD. The aim of the present study was to measure the diagnostic value of adding FOBT and perianal examination to standard screening laboratories in evaluating children and adolescents for IBD.

Methods:

The medical records of consecutive patients undergoing ileocolonoscopy for IBD were reviewed. Laboratory test results, FOBT, and perianal examination before the decision to perform the ileocolonoscopy were recorded. Standard limits of laboratory tests were used. Multivariate logistic regression was performed on a discovery cohort and applied to an independent validation cohort.

Results:

The discovery cohort included 335 patients (85 IBD and 250 non‐IBD). A total of 61.2% had FOBT and perianal examination performed before the decision to perform the ileocolonoscopy. A total of 119 patients had complete blood testing, FOBT, and perianal examination available for full analysis. The sensitivity of the laboratory testing was 80.5% for IBD, and the sensitivity of FOBT with perianal examination was 66.9%. The combined sensitivity of laboratory testing and FOBT with perianal examination was, however, 97.6%. The most predictive model included C‐reactive protein, platelet counts, and FOBT with perianal examination and was superior to the laboratory value‐only model (P < 0.001) that was validated in a separate cohort.

Conclusions:

Perianal examination and FOBT improve sensitivity in screening children for IBD.
Defining the biological bases of individual differences in musicality
Authors: Gingras Bruno , Honing Henkjan , Peretz Isabelle , Trainor Laurel J. , Fisher Simon E.
Published: February 2015

Advances in molecular technologies make it possible to pinpoint genomic factors associated with complex human traits. For cognition and behaviour, identification of underlying genes provides new entry points for deciphering the key neurobiological pathways. In the past decade, the search for genetic correlates of musicality has gained traction. Reports have documented familial clustering for different extremes of ability, including amusia and absolute pitch (AP), with twin studies demonstrating high heritability for some music-related skills, such as pitch perception. Certain chromosomal regions have been linked to AP and musical aptitude, while individual candidate genes have been investigated in relation to aptitude and creativity. Most recently, researchers in this field started performing genome-wide association scans. Thus far, studies have been hampered by relatively small sample sizes and limitations in defining components of musicality, including an emphasis on skills that can only be assessed in trained musicians. With opportunities to administer standardized aptitude tests online, systematic large-scale assessment of musical abilities is now feasible, an important step towards high-powered genome-wide screens. Here, we offer a synthesis of existing literatures and outline concrete suggestions for the development of comprehensive operational tools for the analysis of musical phenotypes.
Cross-cultural perspectives on music and musicality
Authors: Trehub Sandra E. , Becker Judith , Morley Iain
Published: February 2015

Musical behaviours are universal across human populations and, at the same time, highly diverse in their structures, roles and cultural interpretations. Although laboratory studies of isolated listeners and music-makers have yielded important insights into sensorimotor and cognitive skills and their neural underpinnings, they have revealed little about the broader significance of music for individuals, peer groups and communities. This review presents a sampling of musical forms and coordinated musical activity across cultures, with the aim of highlighting key similarities and differences. The focus is on scholarly and everyday ideas about music—what it is and where it originates—as well the antiquity of music and the contribution of musical behaviour to ritual activity, social organization, caregiving and group cohesion. Synchronous arousal, action synchrony and imitative behaviours are among the means by which music facilitates social bonding. The commonalities and differences in musical forms and functions across cultures suggest new directions for ethnomusicology, music cognition and neuroscience, and a pivot away from the predominant scientific focus on instrumental music in the Western European tradition.
Hannaella siamensis sp. nov. and Hannaella phetchabunensis sp. nov., two new anamorphic basidiomycetous yeast species isolated from plants
Authors: Kaewwichian Rungluk , Jindamorakot Sasitorn , Am-In Somjit , Sipiczki Matthias , Limtong Savitree
Published: February 2015

Eight strains, representing two novel anamorphic yeast species, consisted of five strains isolated from the external surfaces of rice leaves (DMKU-RP72T, DMKU-RP109, DMKU-RP119, YE-124 and YE-156) and one from a corn leaf (DMKU-CP430T)4 collected in Thailand, and one strain isolated from each of a composite flower (11-1114) and a fallen dead leaf (12-301); the latter two were collected in Belize. On the basis of sequence analysis of the D1/D2 region of the large subunit rRNA gene and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, they were suggested to be two novel species of the genus Hannaella. Seven strains (DMKU-RP72T, DMKU-RP109, DMKU-RP119, YE-124, YE-156, 11-1114 and 12-301) differed from each other by 0–3 nt substitutions in the D1/D2 region and by 0–1 nt substitutions in the ITS region. In terms of pairwise sequence similarities of the D1/D2 region these seven strains were closest to Hannaella zeae, but with 1.2–1.7 % (7–9) nucleotide substitutions. The sequences of the ITS region of these seven strains differed from H. zeae by 3.7–3.9 % (16–17) nucleotide substitutions. Therefore, they were assigned to a single novel species and the name Hannaella siamensis sp. nov. has been proposed. The type strain is DMKU-RP72T ( = BCC 69493T = NBRC 110425T = CBS 13533T). Strain DMKU-CP430T represents the second novel species and was also most closely related to H. zeae, but with 1.0 % (6) nucleotide substitutions in the D1/D2 region and 3.2 % (14) nucleotide substitutions in the ITS region. It was assigned to the proposed novel species, Hannaella phetchabunensis sp. nov. (type strain DMKU-CP430T = BCC 69492T = NBRC 110424T = CBS 13386T).
Fungal arthritis secondary to Colletotrichum gloeosporioides
Authors: Cho Jonathan C. , Sharma Rajendra S. , Sutton Deanna A. , Wiederhold Nathan P. , Sanders Carmita , Wickes Brian L. , Estrada Sandy J.
Published: February 2015

Introduction:

Colletotrichum spp. are common plant‐pathogenic fungi that usually occur as asymptomatic endophytes on aerial organs of host plants. Of the many Colletotrichum spp. described, only four have been associated with infections in humans, one of these being Colletotrichum gloeosporioides.

Case presentation:

Infections cited in humans due to Colletotrichum spp. typically involve the eye (keratitis/keratomycosis/endophthalmitis) or are subcutaneous in nature and secondary to trauma. We report a clinical case of septic arthritis caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides in an immunocompetent 55‐year‐old male. DNA sequencing was performed for identification of the organism. Antifungal susceptibility testing was performed according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute M38‐A2 standard for broth microdilution testing against filamentous fungi.

Conclusion:

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of a Colletotrichum sp., specifically Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, causing septic arthritis in humans. This report highlights the successful treatment of a case of septic arthritis due to Colletotrichum gloeosporioides with voriconazole.
Model-driven mapping of transcriptional networks reveals the circuitry and dynamics of virulence regulation
Authors: Maier Ezekiel J. , Haynes Brian C. , Gish Stacey R. , Wang Zhuo A. , Skowyra Michael L. , Marulli Alyssa L. , Doering Tamara L. , Brent Michael R.
Published: February 2015

Key steps in understanding a biological process include identifying genes that are involved and determining how they are regulated. We developed a novel method for identifying transcription factors (TFs) involved in a specific process and used it to map regulation of the key virulence factor of a deadly fungus—its capsule. The map, built from expression profiles of 41 TF mutants, includes 20 TFs not previously known to regulate virulence attributes. It also reveals a hierarchy comprising executive, midlevel, and “foreman” TFs. When grouped by temporal expression pattern, these TFs explain much of the transcriptional dynamics of capsule induction. Phenotypic analysis of TF deletion mutants revealed complex relationships among virulence factors and virulence in mice. These resources and analyses provide the first integrated, systems-level view of capsule regulation and biosynthesis. Our methods dramatically improve the efficiency with which transcriptional networks can be analyzed, making genomic approaches accessible to laboratories focused on specific physiological processes.
Efficiency, productivity and Islamic banks: an application of DEA and Malmquist index
Authors: Abbas Muhammad , Hammad Rayan S , Elshahat Mohamed Fathy , Azid Toseef
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to compute the Malmquist Index of Islamic and conventional banks to compare their performance in the sample period of 2005-2009. Islamic banks have been showing tremendous growth throughout the world in recent past. Their progress is exceptional in Islamic countries on account of patronization for religious reasons. There existed vacuum in research of their productivity change over the years.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study tries to apply the Malmquist Index. The Malmquist Total Factor Productivity Index has been further divided into Efficiency Change Index, Technological Change Index, Pure Efficiency Change Index and Scale Efficiency Change Index to obtain an insight about the reasons for the change in productivity.

Findings

– Results indicate that the productivity of Islamic banks decreased in 2007 but it increased in 2008 to 2009. Islamic banks had higher productivity growth from 2005 to 2006, but they experienced lower growth in subsequent years as compared to their conventional counterparts.

Research limitations/implications

– Data were not available before 2005 in Pakistan.

Practical implications

– This study is helpful for the investors and bankers for formulating the future policy.

Social implications

– This study also provides a guideline for establishing the ethical financial institutions.

Originality/value

– This is an original attempt.
Dialogue between the formal and the informal sector in open innovations at the grassroots’ level
Authors: Saxena Stuti
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– Whereas a lot of emphasis has been placed on the open innovations (Chesbrough, 2003, von Hippel, 2005) and their implications in the formal sector, this paper purports to fill the literature gap in identifying the process of dialogue between the formal and the informal sector with reference to the open innovations, emanating at the grassroots’ level, for effecting inclusive and a sustainable development. This causality is being sought to be achieved through initiation, accessibility, building-the-bridges and finding unique solutions to the problems through mutual dialogue and reciprocity. Thus, this interplay of interaction shall facilitate the shaping up of sustainable and inclusive development through the open innovations. It may be pertinent to note here that the present paper shall specifically limit its scope to the conceptualization for such a dialogue to eventually happen in due course of time.

Design/methodology/approach

– Theoretical build-up.

Findings

– For harnessing the potential of the innovations at the grassroots, it is important that bridges be built between the informal and the formal spaces.

Originality/value

– Hitherto, the notion of inclusive and sustainable development was not studied in the research with respect to the open innovations at the grassroots (informal sector). The paper is attempt at filling this gap.
The problems facing the agricultural sector in Nigeria and the prospect of Muzara’ah and supply chain model
Authors: Oladokun Nafiu Olaniyi , Larbani Moussa , Mohammed Mustafa Omar
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to develop a Muzara’ah–supply chain model for the purpose of enhancing agricultural financing and productivity in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this paper, an expert survey approach was employed to validate the newly developed model.

Findings

– A survey result on the model reveals that majority of the respondents agreed with the Muzara’ah–supply chain model and preferred it to the existing models.

Research limitations/implications

– The main limitation of this study is limited number of respondents.

Practical implications

– With this newly developed financing model that is based risk sharing principles, the application of this model could help to reduce moral hazard and enhance agricultural productivity.

Originality/value

– To the best knowledge of the researchers, such kind of study for financing agriculture does not exists in the case of Nigeria.
Shock events and corporate announcements
Authors: Ferretti Marco , Profumo Giorgia , Tutore Ilaria
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to verify if, in case of a shock event, there are types of corporate announcement that may influence stock price behaviour better than others. The authors also try to determine if the communication strategy may be affected by the type of shock event.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using the event study analysis, the authors estimate the Cumulative Abnormal Returns associated to the stocks of the selected firms hit by a shock event, in order to visualise the effectiveness of different types of corporate announcements after the event.

Findings

– The research confirms the negative effect of shock events on corporate stocks’ value. Moreover, the study envisages that financial market rewards companies that assume consistent and reassuring announcements during the event window. The authors also find that the effectiveness of corporate announcements is related to the shock’s typology.

Research limitations/implications

– The study employs a small and unbalanced sample of shock events. Moreover, it does not exist a generally accepted criterion to define and classify corporate announcements and the authors cannot exclude the influence of the media in the categorisation process of the announcements.

Practical implications

– Since shock events may threat firms’ survival, by knowing which response strategy fits better a shock situation, a manager can assess the potential effect of his communication options and choose the right type of announcement.

Originality/value

– There is a lack of literature on this theme, in particular on the effects that the different corporate announcements following a shock event may have on shareholders’ value.
Collusion with denial: leadership development and its evaluation
Authors: King Elizabeth , Nesbit Paul
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate ways to gain deeper understanding of the evaluation challenge by reporting on insights about the impact of a leadership development program. It focusses on participants’ reflective post-course analysis of their learning, comparing this to a traditional evaluative analysis. Recently there has been a greater focus on programs to develop leaders who have the requisite cognitive and behavioral complexity to lead in challenging environments. However models for the evaluation of such programs often rely on methodologies that assume learning of specific skills rather than assessment of how well participants are able to cognitively and behaviorally adapt to uncertain and complex environments.

Design/methodology/approach

– The leadership development program was evaluated in two stages and the findings compared. Stage 1 elicited responses to the program using a traditional evaluation approach. Stage 2 involved 30 semi-structured interviews with the participants exploring the connections made between their development experience, work environment and approach to challenge.

Findings

– Evaluation approaches which focus on assessing reflection about personal learning provide greater detail on learning experience than traditional approaches to evaluation and can increase our understanding of the broader impact of leadership development programs. Current evaluation practices are mostly traditional despite dissatisfaction with outcomes. There are functional and financial benefits flowing from this practice suggesting collusion with denial between the suppliers and purchasers of leadership development and posing a question of causation.

Originality/value

– This study supports the use of qualitative evaluation techniques and in particular a focus on post-learning reflection to increase understanding of the impact of leadership development programs. The increased understanding provided by this type of evaluation can play a significant role in both the design of leader development programs and the creation of strategic alignment between business strategy, the purpose of leadership development interventions, learning objectives, program design and program evaluation.
Chemical characterization of the lipid fractions of pumpkin seeds
Authors: Veronezi Carolina Médici , Jorge Neuza
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to characterize the pumpkin (Cucurbita sp) seed oil from the varieties Nova Caravela, Mini Paulista, Menina Brasileira (Cucurbita moschata) and Moranga de Mesa (Cucurbita maxima) as to their physicochemical properties, vitamins and fatty acid and triacylglycerols profiles.

Design/methodology/approach

– The oils were extracted from oilseeds by the Bligh and Dyer (1959) method, and chemical characterization was performed by using standard methods for oils and fats. The vitamin A and E content, fatty acid profile and triacylglycerols profile also were determined.

Findings

– About the chemical properties, the oils showed values within the range for edible vegetable oils. The oil from variety Nova Caravela stood out for presenting better quality, as it showed lower values of free fatty acids, acidity and peroxides. However, it was found that the Moranga de Mesa oil was the most unsaturated, due to the high refractive and iodine index, and was also reported to have lower oxidative stability. Among the unsaturated fatty acids, ranging from 70 to 78 per cent of the total obtained, linoleic and oleic acids stood out, while among the saturated ones, palmitic and stearic did.

Practical implications

– These seeds are rich in high-quality lipids; therefore, their use could help to reduce the amount of waste produced in the industries, and consequently reduce environmental contamination. This study showed that the seeds could be used as a raw material for oil extraction, and also could be used for developing functional foods instead of being discarded.

Originality/value

– This study provides valuable information about the quality and fatty acid contents of pumpkin seed oils consumed in Brazil.
Effect of Aloe vera on the lipid stability and storage quality of chicken nuggets
Authors: Bhat Z. F. , Kumar Sunil , Kumar Pavan
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this study was to explore the potential of Aloe vera as a novel source of natural antioxidant and preservative in the muscle foods and to evaluate the effect of Aloe vera on the storage quality of aerobically packaged chicken nuggets.

Design/methodology/approach

– The Aloe vera pulp was incorporated at various levels, namely, 0, 5, 10 and 15 per cent, replacing lean meat in the formulation. The products were analyzed for proximate composition, physicochemical and sensory parameters. Chicken nuggets incorporated with optimum level of Aloe vera (10 per cent) along with control nuggets (0 per cent Aloe vera) were aerobically packaged and assessed for lipid oxidation, physicochemical and microbiological characteristics under refrigerated (4°C) conditions.

Findings

– pH, crude protein, ether extract and ash content of the nuggets showed significant (p < 0.05) decreasing trend with increasing levels of Aloe vera; however, there was a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the moisture content, emulsion stability and cooking yield. Aloe vera-enriched nuggets showed significantly (p < 0.05) lower values than control nuggets for almost all the lipid oxidation and microbiological parameters, i.e. free fatty acid, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances value, total plate count, psychrophillic count and yeast and mould count. No significant (p > 0.05) difference was observed in the sensory parameters of the Aloe vera-enriched nuggets and the control samples throughout the period of storage.

Originality/value

– The paper has demonstrated the use of Aloe vera as a potential natural antioxidant without any marginal decline in the sensorial characteristics and nutritive value of the muscle foods.
Chemical and functional properties of fermented, roasted and germinated tamarind (Tamarindus indica) seed flours
Authors: Oluseyi Ezekiel Olufunke , Temitayo Oyesiku Morenike
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to focus on the effect of fermentation, roasting and germination on tamarind seed flour.

Design/methodology/approach

– Tamarind seeds were treated using three different methods, namely, fermentation, roasting and germination. Fermentation was allowed for four days, roasting was carried out at 180°C at three time regimens of 10, 15 and 20 min and germination was done at 10, 15 and 20 days. Samples were analysed at intervals for proximate composition, antinutritional factors and functional properties using standard methods.

Findings

– Protein, crude fat, crude fibre contents and pH increased significantly (p < 0.05) as fermentation progressed, while ash content and carbohydrate reduced. Protein, crude fat and crude fibre contents decreased significantly (p < 0.05) as roasting progressed, while ash content, carbohydrate and pH increased. Protein and crude fibre contents increased significantly (p < 0.05) as germination progressed, while crude fat, ash content, carbohydrate and pH reduced. Processing resulted in significant reduction of the phytate, tannin and trypsin inhibitor.

Practical implications

– Processed seeds of Tamarindus indica can be used to fortify local cereals (millet/maize) with other ingredients to produce complementary foods with good nutritional quality and consequently as a tool for meeting community nutritional needs.

Originality/value

– The paper has demonstrated effect of fermentation, roasting and germination in enhancement of functional and nutritional properties of tamarind seed flour for utilization as a food ingredient.
A landscape triage approach: combining spatial and temporal dynamics to prioritize restoration and conservation
Authors: Rappaport Danielle I. , Tambosi Leandro R. , Metzger Jean P.
Published: February 2015

The spatial and temporal dynamics of landscape structure yield ecological constraints that may limit or promote the recovery of functioning habitat within human‐modified ecosystems. In planning restoration and conservation measures to optimize outcomes for biodiversity, such constraints should be evaluated at multiple scales.

This study presents a multi‐scale methodology based on the concept of triage that incorporates landscape and regional spatial context and temporal dynamics to prioritize restoration and conservation.

In applying the framework to a large Brazilian Atlantic forest study site that underwent substantial forest cover changes between 1990 and 2002, our results demonstrate the utility of this framework for navigating between different trade‐offs inherent to biodiversity conservation.

Landscapes are ranked in accordance with indicators that evaluate the relative urgency of intervention, feasibility of recovery and importance for broader‐scale biotic flows.

Synthesis and applications. Efforts to enhance biodiversity through restoration and/or conservation may be hampered when decisions are based exclusively on contemporary landscape structure, and not made through a historical perspective. In making such trade‐offs explicit, this framework can aid practitioners in defining the most appropriate set of restoration or conservation strategies given the ecological constraints, biodiversity goals and available budget.
Long‐term plant responses to climate are moderated by biophysical attributes in a North American desert
Authors: Munson Seth M. , Webb Robert H. , Housman David C. , Veblen Kari E. , Nussear Kenneth E. , Beever Erik A. , Hartney Kristine B. , Miriti Maria N. , Phillips Susan L. , Fulton Robert E. , Tallent Nita G.
Published: February 2015

Recent elevated temperatures and prolonged droughts in many already water‐limited regions throughout the world, including the southwestern United States, are likely to intensify according to future climate‐model projections. This warming and drying can negatively affect perennial vegetation and lead to the degradation of ecosystem properties.

To better understand these detrimental effects, we formulate a conceptual model of dryland ecosystem vulnerability to climate change that integrates hypotheses on how plant species will respond to increases in temperature and drought, including how plant responses to climate are modified by landscape, soil and plant attributes that are integral to water availability and use. We test the model through a synthesis of fifty years of repeat measurements of perennial plant species cover in large permanent plots across the Mojave Desert, one of the most water‐limited ecosystems in North America.

Plant species ranged in their sensitivity to precipitation in different seasons, capacity to increase in cover with high precipitation and resistance to decrease in cover with low precipitation.

Our model successfully explains how plant responses to climate are modified by biophysical attributes in the Mojave Desert. For example, deep‐rooted plants were not as vulnerable to drought on soils that allowed for deep‐water percolation, whereas shallow‐rooted plants were better buffered from drought on soils that promoted water retention near the surface.

Synthesis. Our results emphasize the importance of understanding climate–vegetation relationships in the context of biophysical attributes that influence water availability and provide an important forecast of climate‐change effects, including plant mortality and land degradation in dryland regions throughout the world.
Deictic motion verbs as passive auxiliaries: the case of italian andare ‘go’ (and venire ‘come’).
Authors: Sansò Andrea , Giacalone Ramat Anna
Published: February 2015

The two deictic motion verbs ‘go’ and ‘come’ serve as passive auxiliaries in a handful of languages, in combination with non‐finite participial forms of the main verb. Some passive constructions involving deictic motion verbs as auxiliaries are infused with special aspectual or modal meanings, even in the absence of overt aspectual or modal operators. The aim of this paper is to provide an in‐depth account of the emergence of the Italian passive with andare (‘go’) + past participle, and to explore the possible crosslinguistic implications of the proposed analysis, with a view to identifying the regularities in the diachronic processes leading to the emergence of passive constructions with deictic motion verbs as auxiliaries. On the basis of a large historical corpus of Italian, we will show that the Italian motion verbs andare ‘go’ and venire ‘come’ develop into passive auxiliaries passing through a stage in which they are used as semi‐copulas (with aspectual or modal values), and that this diachronic pathway appears to be valid for other languages in which such a construction type is attested.
Physiochemical, textural, sensory properties and probiotic survivability of Chinese Laosuan Nai (protein‐fortified set yoghurt) using polymerised whey protein as a co‐thickening agent
Authors: Wang Cuina , Gao Feng , Zhang Tiehua , Wang Yulong , Guo Mingruo
Published: February 2015

A new Chinese Laosuan Nai (protein‐fortified set yoghurt) was developed using polymerised whey protein (PWP, 0.4%, w/v) as a co‐thickening agent. The prototype was analysed for physiochemical, textural, sensory properties and probiotic survivability and compared with a commercial sample. Experimental yoghurts were significantly higher in pH, protein content, hardness and viscosity (P < 0.01). Microstructure indicated a uniform and denser protein network. Probiotics remained stable for Bifidobacterium during a 10‐week storage period. Results indicated that polymerised whey protein may be a novel protein‐based co‐thickening agent for making Chinese Laosuan Nai.
Determining Neu5Ac in infant formula with ultra‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Li Chun , Liu Libo , Xie Honglei , Liu Ning
Published: February 2015

The aim of this work was to measure N‐acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) in milk‐based infant formulas. The analysis was performed by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC‐MS/MS). The total Neu5Ac were released using trichloroacetic acid and hydrochloric acid and purified using a HLB column. The linearity from 0.05 to 5.0 μg/mg Neu5Ac was adequate. Sialic acid recoveries ranged from 91.8% to 112.4%. The detection and quantification limits (limit of detection, 0.01 μg Neu5Ac/mg; limit of quantitation, 1.08 μg Neu5Ac/mg) were low enough to determine the sialic acid in infant formulas. The validated method is highly reproducible and sensitive, and it is easy to perform.
Use of electroporation as an option to transform the horn fly, Haematobia irritans: a species recalcitrant to microinjection
Authors: Xu Qiang , Guerrero Felix D. , Palavesam Azhahianambi , Pérez de León Adalberto A.
Published: February 2015

The horn fly, Haematobia irritans, is a serious pest of cattle in North America. The control of horn flies has primarily relied on insecticides. However, the heavy use of insecticides has led to the development of insecticide resistance in horn flies. Novel methods to control horn flies are greatly needed. Transgenic technology is an effective tool to genetically modify insects and may lead to novel methods of pest control based on genomic approaches. Here we report a piggyBac‐mediated transformation of the horn fly via electroporation. Transformation with a DsRed fluorescent marker protein coding region was verified by PCR analysis of individual fly bodies and pupal cases and sequencing of PCR products. However, Southern blot analysis failed to indicate the DsRed gene was integrated into the horn fly genome. Thus, the electroporation protocol may have caused the DsRed gene to be integrated into bacterial symbionts of the horn fly.
An unusual case of osteonecrosis of the jaw associated with dengue fever and periodontitis
Authors: Indurkar MS , Sethi R
Published: February 2015

Osteonecrosis is a disorder rarely occurring in the jaw. Dengue fever is a common mosquito‐borne disease prevalent in many countries including India. The following report presents an interesting case of maxillary osteonecrosis in a middle aged male with a history of dengue infection. We also diagnosed symptoms of chronic periodontitis, which may have potentiated the necrosis. This case report will describe a novel clinical presentation and management of osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) of unknown origin and a possible pathogenesis explaining the association of ONJ with dengue fever and periodontitis.
Comprehensive metabolomics identifies the alarmin uric acid as a critical signal for the induction of peanut allergy
Authors: Kong J. , Chalcraft K. , Mandur T. S. , Jimenez‐Saiz R. , Walker T. D. , Goncharova S. , Gordon M. E. , Naji L. , Flader K. , Larché M. , Chu D. K. , Waserman S. , McCarry B. , Jordana M.
Published: February 2015

Background

Food allergy, in particular peanut allergy, is a growing concern in Western countries. The prevalence of allergy to peanut, which currently stands at 1.4%, nearly tripled between 1997 and 2008. Allergic sensitization is a particularly difficult process to study as it is clinically silent.

We sought to identify key pathways and mediators critically involved in the induction of allergic sensitization to peanut.

Methods

Comprehensive metabolomics analysis with liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry was used to detect metabolite changes in mice (C57BL/6) undergoing sensitization. Loss‐of‐function and gain‐of‐function studies were performed in mice subjected to two models of peanut sensitization and anaphylaxis that involved either oral or epicutaneous sensitization. Flow cytometric analyses on dendritic cells (DCs) in vitro and in vivo were used to investigate the mechanisms of immune activation.

Results

Elevated levels of uric acid (UA) were detected in mice undergoing sensitization as well as in peanut‐allergic children who were not challenged with peanut. In mice, the depletion of UA during sensitization prevented the development of peanut‐specific immunoglobulins IgE and IgG1 as well as anaphylaxis while exogenous delivery of UA crystals (monosodium urate, MSU) restored the allergic phenotype. Monosodium urate enhanced CD86 and OX40L expression on DCs, independent of Toll‐like receptors 2 and 4, the NLRP3 inflammasome, and IL‐1β, via a PI3K signaling pathway.

Conclusion

Overproduction of the UA alarmin in the local microenvironment plays a critical role in the induction of peanut‐allergic sensitization, likely due to its ability to activate DCs. These finding suggest that cellular damage or tissue injury may be an essential requisite for the development of allergic sensitization to foods.
Social equity in perinatal survival: a case–control study at hospitals in Kigali, Rwanda
Authors: Musafili Aimable , Essén Birgitta , Baribwira Cyprien , Selling Katarina Ekholm , Persson Lars‐Åke
Published: February 2015

Aim

Rwanda has invested heavily in improving maternal and child health, but knowledge is limited regarding social equity in perinatal survival. We analysed whether perinatal mortality risks differed between social groups in hospitals in the country's capital.

Methods

A case–control study was carried out on singleton births aged at least 22 weeks of gestation and born in district or tertiary referral hospitals in Kigali from July 2013 to May 2014. Perinatal deaths were recorded as they occurred, with the next two surviving neonates born in the same hospital selected as controls. Conditional logistic regression was used to determine social determinants of perinatal death after adjustments for potential confounders.

Results

We analysed 234 perinatal deaths and 468 controls. Rural residence was linked to an increased risk of perinatal death (OR = 3.31, 95% CI 1.43–7.61), but maternal education or household asset score levels were not. Having no health insurance (OR = 2.11, 95% CI 0.91–4.89) was associated with an increased risk of perinatal death, compared to having community health insurance.

Conclusion

Living in a rural area and having no health insurance were associated with an increased risk of perinatal mortality rates in the Rwandan capital, but maternal education and household assets were not.
Pulse oximetry screening and prenatal diagnosis play complementary roles in reducing risks in simple transposition of the great arteries
Authors: Bartos Marie , Lannering Katarina , Mellander Mats
Published: February 2015

Aim

This study quantified the contribution of pulse oximetry screening to an early diagnosis of simple transposition. We also estimated the proportion of neonates with this life‐threatening cardiac defect who could benefit from prenatal diagnosis, even when pulse oximetry screening had been implemented.

Methods

This population‐based, retrospective, cohort study of cases born from 2003 to 2013 used data from surgical files, the Swedish Causes of Death Registry and the National Forensic Medicine database. The main outcome measures were early postnatal circulatory instability, pre‐operative death, neurological morbidity and risk of discharge before diagnosis.

Results

We identified 89 cases, including three diagnosed prenatally. Hospitals using pulse oximetry screening diagnosed all 31 neonates before discharge, including seven as a result of screening, but 10 of 55 infants in the nonscreening hospitals were discharged undiagnosed (p = 0.017). Prenatal diagnosis could have decreased the risk of early circulatory instability, pre‐operative death or neurological morbidity in 12 of the 72 infants born in referring hospitals (17%). There was one pre‐operative death and no postoperative deaths at a mean follow‐up of 4.7 years.

Conclusion

Pulse oximetry screening minimised the risk of discharging infants with transposition, but prenatal diagnosis would have been necessary to avoid early circulatory instability in 17% of cases.
Morbidity and mortality in hospitalised neonates in central Vietnam
Authors: Tran Hoang T. , Doyle Lex W. , Lee Katherine J. , Dang Na M. , Graham Stephen M.
Published: February 2015

Aim

This study explored neonatal morbidity and mortality in hospitalised patients in central Vietnam and risk factors associated with mortality.

Methods

We conducted a prospective cohort study of all newborn infants (<28 days) hospitalised in a neonatal unit over a 1‐year period and followed until discharge. The main outcome measures were case fatality rate and the rate of different clinical diagnoses.

Results

There were 2555 admissions during the study period. The leading primary causes of admissions were infections (41%), haematological problems such as jaundice (23%) and prematurity and its complications (18%). The overall case fatality rate was 8.6%, and it was 59% among very low‐birthweight (<1500 g) neonates. Mortality was inversely associated with birthweight and gestational age. Of the 220 deaths, 57% occurred within the first 7 days of life. Although the causes of death were often multifactorial, the leading primary causes were infections (32%), prematurity and its complications (25%), birth defects (24%) and birth asphyxia (6%). Risk factors associated with death were being outborn, early gestational age, small for gestational age, confirmed sepsis and birth defects.

Conclusion

Mortality rates were high among hospitalised neonates in central Vietnam, and this paper suggests interventions that might improve outcomes.
Epigenetics and Future Generations
Authors: del Savio Lorenzo , Loi Michele , Stupka Elia
Published: February 2015

Recent evidence of intergenerational epigenetic programming of disease risk broadens the scope of public health preventive interventions to future generations, i.e. non existing people. Due to the transmission of epigenetic predispositions, lifestyles such as smoking or unhealthy diet might affect the health of populations across several generations. While public policy for the health of future generations can be justified through impersonal considerations, such as maximizing aggregate well‐being, in this article we explore whether there are rights‐based obligations supervening on intergenerational epigenetic programming despite the non‐identity argument, which challenges this rationale in case of policies that affect the number and identity of future people. We propose that rights based obligations grounded in the interests of non‐existing people might fall upon existing people when generations overlap. In particular, if environmental exposure in F0 (i.e. existing people) will affect the health of F2 (i.e. non‐existing people) through epigenetic programming, then F1 (i.e. existing and overlapping with both F0 and F2) might face increased costs to address F2's condition in the future: this might generate obligations upon F0 from various distributive principles, such as the principle of equal opportunity for well being.
Transperineal biopsy prostate cancer detection in first biopsy and repeat biopsy after negative transrectal ultrasound‐guided biopsy: the Victorian Transperineal Biopsy Collaboration experience
Authors: Ong Wee Loon , Weerakoon Mahesha , Huang Sean , Paul Eldho , Lawrentschuk Nathan , Frydenberg Mark , Moon Daniel , Murphy Declan , Grummet Jeremy
Published: February 2015

Objectives

To present the Victorian Transperineal Biopsy Collaboration (VTBC) experience in patients with no prior prostate cancer diagnosis, assessing the cancer detection rate, pathological outcomes and anatomical distribution of cancer within the prostate.

Patients and Methods

VTBC was established through partnership between urologists performing transperineal biopsies of the prostate (TPB) at three institutions in Melbourne. Consecutive patients who had TPB, as first biopsy or repeat biopsy after previous negative transrectal ultrasound‐guided (TRUS) biopsy, between September 2009 and September 2013 in the VTBC database were included. Data for each patient were collected prospectively (except for TPB before 2011 in one institution), based on the minimum dataset published by the Ginsburg Study Group. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify factors predictive of cancer detection on TPB.

Results

In all, 160 patients were included in the study, of whom 57 had TPB as first biopsy and 103 had TPB as repeat biopsy after previous negative TRUS biopsies. The median patient age at TPB was 63 years, with the repeat‐biopsy patients having a higher median serum PSA level (5.8 ng/mL for first biopsy and 9.6 ng/mL for repeat biopsy) and larger prostate volumes (40 mL for first biopsy, and 51 mL for repeat biopsy). Prostate cancer was detected in 53% of first‐biopsy patients and 36% of repeat‐biopsy patients, of which 87% and 81%, respectively, were clinically significant cancers, defined as a Gleason score of ≥7, or more than three positive cores of Gleason 6. Of the cancers detected in repeat biopsies, 75% involved the anterior region (based on the Ginsburg Study Group's recommended biopsy map), while 25% were confined exclusively within the anterior region; a lower proportion of only 5% of cancers detected in first biopsies were confined exclusively within the anterior region. Age, serum PSA level and prostate volume were predictive of cancer detection in repeat biopsies, while only age was predictive in first biopsies.

Conclusions

TPB is an alternative approach to TRUS biopsy of the prostate, offering a high rate of detection of clinically significant prostate cancer. It provides excellent sampling of the anterior region of the prostate, which is often under‐sampled using the TRUS approach, and should be considered as an option for all men in whom a prostate biopsy is indicated.
Oral health impacts on self‐rated general and oral health in a cross‐sectional study of working age adults
Authors: Brennan David S. , Teusner Dana N.
Published: February 2015

Objectives

The aims were to assess the joint effects of oral health and general health functional problems on self‐ratings of general and oral health among adults.

Methods

Data were collected from adults aged 30–61 years in Australia by mailed survey in 2009–2010. Self‐rated health of ‘very good/excellent’ was analysed by oral health impact (OHIP‐14) and number of health problems (EQ‐5D) controlling for socio‐demographics.

Results

Responses were collected from n = 1093 persons (response rate = 39.1%). General health self‐ratings were higher in the high‐income group (prevalence ratio [PR] = 1.06, 1.00–1.12) but lower for those with a higher number of health problems (PR = 0.84, 0.76–0.93). The interaction of health problems with oral health impact indicated that self‐rated general health was worst when both the number of health problems and OHIP score were higher. Oral health self‐ratings were lower for males (PR = 0.92, 0.87–0.98), those aged 50–61 years (PR = 0.92, 0.85–0.99), for those with more health problems (PR = 0.82, 0.71–0.95) and higher oral health impact scores (PR = 0.54, 0.46–0.64).

Conclusions

For working age adults, oral health impact was associated with general health for those with more health problems indicating those in worse health suffer more impact from oral health problems.