bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What have we learned and what can we do about NPS?
Authors: D'Agnone Oscar
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to describe and summarize the recent emergence of NPS onto the drug market. To show the international and national responses, legal and guidance. To indicate some of the challenges NPS present to jurisdictions. To indicate some of the challenges NPS present to treatment agencies. To outline what is known about prevalence and effects.

Design/methodology/approach

– A narrative account of the substances becoming known and the response made by jurisdictions.

Findings

– The use and effects of NPS are slowly becoming known and exchanged between jurisdictions and treatment agencies. The user group appears to differ from the “traditional” substance users groups with which agencies are familiar. The use of the internet is a characteristic of this new market and user group.

Research limitations/implications

– New substances are constantly being identified. Previous treatment approaches may not be fully relevant to NPS. The new area of cognition enhancement is being gradually realized.

Practical implications

– Treatment agencies need to develop new approaches, both to treat the effects of NPS use and to attract NPS users, who do not identify as “drug users”.

Social implications

– A new user group appears to be emerging. Cognition enhancement is a feature of NPS composition and use/attraction.

Originality/value

– An attempt to summarize existing understanding of NPS use and marketing and to predict future trends and needs.
Exceptional HR leadership rests on four foundations
Authors: Longenecker Clinton , Fink Laurence S.
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– Considers the four foundations of exceptional human resource (HR) leadership – strong business acumen, trustworthy leadership, great HR expertise and cultural stewardship – that must be in place to meet current and future human resource challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

– Considers the four foundations of exceptional HR leadership – strong business acumen, trustworthy leadership, great HR expertise and cultural stewardship – that must be in place to meet current and future human-resource challenges.

Findings

– Advances the view that if one of the cornerstones is weak or ineffective, the ability of the HR leader and his or her team to be exceptional is greatly impaired.

Practical implications

– Reveals how to take HR to the next level.

Social implications

– Demonstrates how HR leaders can add value and improve the competitiveness of their enterprises.

Originality/value

– Explains how HR can best overcome the challenges it faces in respect of talent gaps, process failures, compensation and benefits repositioning, workforce realignment, dealing with budget cuts and fiscal constraints, lack of front-line management buy-in, compliance, increased time constraints and the need to help with technological implementation, strategy execution and improving profitability.
Authentic appreciation creates a winning workforce
Authors: White Paul
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– Emphasizes the importance of keeping staff happy and feeling appreciated and reveals how best to do this.

Design/methodology/approach

– Shows what happens when employees do not feel valued and explains how best to correct this.

Findings

– Claims that when employees do not feel valued, staff dissatisfaction, tension in the office, more errors, poor customer service and higher staff turnover may follow.

Practical implications

– Describes how team members feel appreciated when appreciation is: communicated regularly; in the language and actions important to the recipient; delivered individually and is about him or her personally; and when the appreciation is viewed as being authentic.

Social implications

– Reveals that almost 80 per cent of people who quit their jobs cite not feeling valued as a key reason.

Originality/value

– Shows how communicating appreciation effectively can help to transform the workplace.
Make your people before making your products
Authors: Turner Paul , Kalman Danny
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– Considers the challenges facing people developing talent strategy in global organizations and ways of overcoming them.

Design/methodology/approach

– Describes how to maximize the potential of a multi-generational, multi-cultural, cross-organizational, inclusive-talent workforce.

Findings

– Examines the importance of: highlighting the value of people to organizational success; making the business case; ensuring that the whole organization buys into the concept; having an inclusive/selective talent strategy with equal emphasis on each area; making the chief executive the chief talent officer; joining up talent-management activity with business activity and other people-management strategies; delivering talent management well; and making sure there is involvement from all of the organization’s stakeholders.

Practical implications

– Considers that people management works best when the interests of the organization coincide with the interests of individual employees. For the organization this, means achieving its stakeholder objectives. For the employee, it means satisfaction at work, a balanced life and visible career prospects.

Social implications

– Advances the view that the focus on talent has rarely been sharper and so the concept of “make your people before you make your products” is important.

Originality/value

– Emphasizes that the attraction, development, management and retention of talented people is critical to the success of all organizations.
The tools and techniques of effective change management
Authors: Rao M.S.
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– Equips leaders with tools and techniques to lead change effectively.

Design/methodology/approach

– Explains various aspects of change leadership, including the characteristics of change leaders, and outlines a blueprint to effect change successfully.

Findings

– Argues that change requires a new mind-set, tool-set and skill-set. Lists some of the reasons for resistance to change.

Practical implications

– Highlights the differences between change and growth and considers the implications of these.

Social implications

– Seeks to justify the need to change in the current global business environment.

Originality/value

– Concludes that change is imperative for an organization to succeed in the modern business environment.
Collaborative partnerships: bridging the knowledge practice gap in client-centred care in mental health
Authors: McCay Elizabeth , Cleverley Kristin , Danaher Audrey , Mudachi Naomi
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to describe a partnership, the Ryerson-Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Collaborative for Client-Centred and Family Sensitive Care Collaborative, between an urban university and tertiary care mental health facility to build capacity in using research evidence to support client-centred care. A cornerstone of the partnership was a study exploring the connection between effective interprofessional collaboration and the capacity to provide exemplary client-centred care in mental health.

Design/methodology/approach

– The Collaborative brings together organizations with shared values and a commitment to client-centred interprofessional care. It is a strategic approach in amplifying opportunities for the uptake of research evidence and knowledge transfer. One of the principal deliverables for the Collaborative was a multi-phased study exploring the relationship between team collaboration and client-centred care.

Findings

– Research findings identified a significant association between the level of team effectiveness and collaboration and the staffs’ perceived capacity to deliver client-centred care. Client and family member perspectives highlighted the importance of interprofessional team functioning and collaboration. The work of the Collaborative helped narrow the knowledge practice gap through: a research practicum to mentor graduate students; knowledge exchange and dissemination; and working with advanced practice staff to support change within the organization.

Originality/value

– Inter-organizational relationships, such as the Collaborative, support initiatives that accelerate the use of clinically relevant research and bridge the knowledge practice gap. A university/tertiary care teaching facility partnership represents a promising model for advancing and disseminating evidenced-based knowledge.
How friendship networks work in online P2P lending markets
Authors: Li Siming , Lin Zhangxi , Qiu Jiaxian , Safi Roozmehr , Xiao Zhongyi
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to study the effects of multidimensional friendship networks on economic outcomes in the domain of online people-to-people (P2P) lending markets.

Design/methodology/approach

– The empirical analysis is based on the data set of transactions and friendship networks from PPDai.com market, the most prominent P2P lending market in China. A friendship hierarchy is proposed in this paper to conceptualize friendship network types. Furthermore, methodologies of t-test, logistic regression and ordinary least squares regression are implemented to measure the impact of multidimensional friendship network variables on the probability of successful funding, as well as the interest rates on funded loans.

Findings

– The study demonstrates significant effects of structural, relational and cognitive friendship networks using PPDai.com data. The results indicate that structural friendship network measured in terms of the number of friendship ties is a significant factor of funding performance. Additionally, borrowers, who are involved in higher-quality friendship networks, are more likely to be funded and pay lower interest rates on funded loans. Also, the deeper the level of the relationship is in the friendship hierarchy, the more significant will be the effect of friendship on the final economic results. Furthermore, quality is more important than quantity in determining funding performance.

Originality/value

– This paper is the first to study the effects of multidimensional friendship networks on economic outcome variables in the domain of online P2P lending, thus broadening the theory of multidimensional social capital, which can deepen our understanding about how social networks work and have significant implications practically and theoretically.
The frontier and evolution of the strategic management theory
Authors: Tan Liwen , Ding Jingkun
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to help scholars to know the frontiers in the strategic management field. On studying, it was noted that business strategic management originated from America in the 1960s and has experienced more than half a century. However, strategic management development lacks systematical summary in the twenty-first century. The scientometric method was appliedto find out the frontiers and progress of the research of strategic management in the twenty-first century, based on the literature from 2001 to 2012 in theStrategic Management Journal.

Design/methodology/approach

– In the paper, the authors mainly used the scientometric method and applied keywords, co-occurrence method combined with multistatistical methods and mutation words analysis, author co-citation, literature co-citation and keywords co-occurrence (national).

Findings

– The findings show that the strategic management research focuses on the following theories and academic thoughts: knowledge-based view, network organization research and dynamic capability are the mainstream; besides, strategy risk, the stakeholders analysis of strategy management, corporate reputation and strategic concept also attract the attention of researchers; Barney, Teece and Porter have made significant contributions to strategy management research since the twenty-first century.

Originality/value

– The findings in the paper will help scholars in the field of strategic management to know the main frontiers of the theory, as well as the main contributors.
A phenomenological and quantitative model for shape/temperature memory effect in polypyrrole undergoing relaxation transition
Authors: Lu haibao , Yao Yongtao , Lin Long
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to present a phenomenological and quantitative model to study the constitutive relations and working mechanism for shape/temperature memory effect in polypyrrole (PPy)-based shape memory polymers (SMPs).

Design/methodology/approach

– In this paper, the origin of relaxation law was used to theoretically predict the relationships between relaxation time and internal energy and temperature based on the thermodynamics of polymers.

Findings

– A phenomenological model was proposed to quantitatively identify the factors that influence the stored mechanical energy, shape memory effect (SME) and temperature memory effect (TME) in PPy. Both structural relaxation law and Tool-Narayanaswamy (TN) model were used to couple the constitutive relations of stress and transition temperature as a function of relaxation frequency, respectively. Furthermore, the simulation of the phenomenological model was compared with experimental results reported in relevant literature for purpose of verification.

Research limitations/implications

– Exploration of the working mechanism underpinning the experimental (or phenomenal) results and significant enhancement of the understanding of relevant experimental features reported previously.

Originality/value

– The outcome of this study will provide a powerful phenomenological and quantitative tool for studies on SME and TME in SMPs.
Enhancement of styrene-butadiene rubber composites using kaolin covered with metal oxide pigments
Authors: El-Sabbagh Salwa H , Ahmed Nivin M.
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to express in detail the rheological, morphological and thermal properties of unpigmented and pigmented styrene-butadiene rubber composites with new prepared inorganic pigment based on kaolin covered with a thin layer of calcium and magnesium oxides or mixed oxide of both together. These new pigments combine the properties of both their constituents (kaolin and metal oxides), which are a new trend in inorganic pigments called core-shell pigments. The pigments used for comparison are kaolin (K), CaO/kaolin (CaO/K), MgO/kaolin (MgO/K) and CaO.MgO/kaolin (CaO.MgO/K).

Design/methodology/approach

– The different pigments were characterized using different analytical and spectrophotometric techniques, such as X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray and transmission electron microscopy, while rubber vulcanizates' rheological, morphological, swelling and thermal properties were examined using different standard and instrumental testing and methods.

Findings

– The study revealed that there is a significant effect of the new prepared pigments on SBR properties, where the optimum pigment loading was 40 phr for CaO/kaolin, while it was 2.5 phr for MgO/kaolin. Studying the effect of different ratios of oxides on kaolin (5, 10 and 20 per cent), different loadings of these pigments ranging between 2.5 and 40 phr were done for each pigment. These modified kaolin or core-shell metal oxide/kaolin pigments imparted new and improved reinforcing properties to SBR vulcanizates.

Research limitations/implications

– No research limitations were found.

Practical implications

– Core-shell MgO/kaolin pigments are eco-friendly and can replace other expensive pigments that are usually used as fillers in the rubber industry with less expenses and comparable efficiency.

Originality/value

– These new pigments are cheap and efficient and can be used in different fields other than rubber.
Refractory Kasabach–Merritt phenomenon successfully treated with sirolimus, and a mini‐review of the published work
Authors: Wang Zuopeng , Li Kai , Dong Kuiran , Xiao Xianmin , Zheng Shan
Published: February 2015

Kasabach–Merritt phenomenon (KMP) is a rare and life‐threatening disease involving a vascular tumor combined with severe consumptive coagulopathy. We present for the first time a case of KMP with the vascular tumor involving two anatomical sites; the patient failed to respond to steroids and vincristine. Following sirolimus therapy at a dose of 0.8 mg/m2 twice daily, the lesions shrank and the platelet count improved and remained normal 4 months after initial therapy. Current treatments for KMP are not particularly effective. Sirolimus at 0.8 mg/m2 per dose, administrated twice daily, appears to be a safe and effective management option. It appears to be an interesting therapeutic option in refractory KMP, but the time to response is variable.
Pemphigoid with antibodies to laminin γ1, BP180 and BP230, associated with psoriasis vulgaris: Successful disease control with cyclosporin
Authors: Imanishi Akiko , Tateishi Chiharu , Imanishi Hisayoshi , Sowa‐Osako Junko , Koga Hiroshi , Tsuruta Daisuke , Hashimoto Takashi
Published: February 2015

Both anti‐laminin γ1 pemphigoid and bullous pemphigoid are autoimmune subepidermal blistering diseases. The former is rare and characterized by autoantibodies to laminin γ1, a 200‐kDa dermal protein, while the latter is common among the elderly and characterized by autoantibodies to BP180 and BP230, both of which are hemidesmosomal proteins. We experienced a 69‐year‐old Japanese male patient with blister formation secondary to erythrodermic psoriasis, which was successfully treated with cyclosporin. The histopathology of erythema corresponded with psoriasis and that of a blistering lesion showed infiltration of neutrophils and eosinophils in and around the subepidermal blisters. Patient immunoglobulin G antibodies labeled both the epidermal and dermal sides of 1 mol/L NaCl‐split human skin by indirect immunofluorescent microscopy and recognized laminin γ1, BP180 and BP230 by immunoblotting. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of coexistence of psoriasis and atypical pemphigoid with these three autoantibodies.
Merkel cell carcinoma showing regression after biopsy: Evaluation of programmed cell death 1‐positive cells
Authors: Fujimoto Noriki , Nakanishi Gen , Kabuto Miho , Nakano Toshiaki , Eto Hikaru , Nakajima Hideki , Sano Shigetoshi , Tanaka Toshihiro
Published: February 2015

We present a cases of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) with Merkel cell polyomavirus that showed complete regression after biopsy. The exact mechanism of regression in MCC has remained unclear. It has been reported that apoptosis caused by T‐cell immunity was implicated in the regression, and programmed cell death 1 (PD‐1), an inhibitory receptor, was expressed in approximately half of tumor‐infiltrating T cells in MCC. However, the contribution of PD‐1‐positive cells for the regression of MCC has not been evaluated. We examined the rate of PD‐1‐positive cells among the peritumoral mononuclear cells, which showed that the percentage of PD‐1‐positive cells in the case was significantly lower compared with in MCC without regression. We propose that PD‐1‐positive cells suppress tumor immunity for MCC, and that reduction of PD‐1‐positive cells may be associated with tumor regression.
Lysine acetyltransferases cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element‐binding binding protein and acetyltransferase p300 attenuate transcriptional activity of the mineralocorticoid receptor through its acetylation
Authors: Seo Minchul , Song Minji , Seok Young Mi , Kang Seol Hee , Lee Hae Ahm , Sohn Uy Dong , Kim In Kyeom
Published: February 2015

Acetylation of the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) by inhibition of lysine deacetylases attenuates MR's transcriptional activity. However, the specific lysine acetyltransferases that are responsible for acetylation of the MR remain unknown. We hypothesized that the acetyltransferases cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element‐binding binding protein (CBP) and acetyltransferase p300 (p300) attenuate transcriptional activity of the MR through its acetylation. Expression of MR target genes was measured by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Recruitment of MR and RNA polymerase II (Pol II) on promoters of target genes was analysed by chromatin immunoprecipitation. Acetylation of the MR was determined by western blot with an anti‐acetyl‐lysine antibody after immunoprecipitation with an anti‐MR antibody. In human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells, overexpression of CBP or p300, but not p300/CBP‐associated factor, increased MR acetylation and decreased expression of MR target genes. The downregulation of target genes coincided with a decrease in the recruitment of MR and Pol II to specific hormone response elements. These results demonstrate that overexpression of CBP or p300 attenuates the transcriptional activity of the MR through its acetylation in HEK 293 cells. Our data provide strong evidence identifying CBP and p300 as lysine acetyltransferases responsible for the regulation of MR that may provide new therapeutic targets for the treatment of hypertension.
Can colonic migrating motor complexes occur in mice lacking the endothelin‐3 gene?
Authors: Barnes Kyra J , Spencer Nick J
Published: February 2015

In mammals, colonic migrating motor complexes (CMMC) are a major propulsive contraction responsible for the expulsion of faecal content. Mice with a mutation of the endothelin‐3 gene raised on a 129SL background strain have ~70% colonic aganglionosis, lack CMMC, and are lethal within 12 days postpartum. In contrast, endothelin‐3 mutant mice raised and maintained on a C57BL6 background strain (lethal‐spotted (ls/ls) mice) can live for much longer, but it is unclear whether CMMC generation is preserved in these mice also lacking the endothelin‐3 gene. The aim of this study was to determine whether CMMC exist in ls/ls mouse colon and, if so, whether their existence and frequency are related to the length of aganglionosis. Spatiotemporal mapping and mechanical recordings of colonic wall movements were made from isolated whole colons obtained from wild‐type and ls/ls mice. Although ls/ls mice had a megacolon, they still generated CMMC in the ganglionic segment, which on some occasions could propagate short distances into the aganglionic region. There was large variability in aganglionosis length, which showed a weak correlation with the existence or frequency of CMMC. Interestingly, CMMC propagation velocity was slower in ls/ls mice when evoked by intraluminal fluid. A myogenic motor pattern was identified in the aganglionic region that was maintained under tonic inhibition. We show that despite megacolon, ls/ls mice still generate CMMC in the ganglionic region. These offspring have sufficient propulsive motility in the ganglionic segment to live a normal murine lifespan and rarely die of bowel obstruction.
The Evolving Disclosure Landscape: How Changes in Technology, the Media, and Capital Markets Are Affecting Disclosure
Authors: MILLER GREGORY S. , SKINNER DOUGLAS J.
Published: February 2015

Recent changes in technology and the media are causing significant changes in how capital markets assimilate and respond to information. We identify important themes in the disclosure literature and use this as a framework to discuss the conference papers that appear in this volume. These papers examine how managers’ disclosure practices are being affected by changes in technology, the media, and capital markets. While this work makes important progress, we discuss how continuing technological change and the emergence of new forms of media offer further opportunities for research on the role of disclosure in capital markets.
Positron emission tomography/ultrasound fusion technique in patients with malignant melanoma
Authors: Freesmeyer Martin , Elsner Peter , Goetze Steven , Kaatz Martin , Winkens Thomas
Published: February 2015

18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET)/CT is commonly used to assess tumour recurrence in high‐risk patients with malignant melanoma (MM). However, results can be ambiguous either because of the CT's insufficient soft‐tissue contrast or non‐specific FDG accumulation caused by inflammation. Ultrasound (US) can provide additional morphologic information that is superior to CT. For precisely combining PET and US findings, we used a real‐time fusion technique based on navigated US (PET/US fusion). Here, we describe our results from patients where PET/US fusion proved helpful in differentiating unclear PET/CT findings. This fusion technique is likely to be helpful for decision making in MM patients and biopsy guidance.
Effects of Intrauterine Growth Restriction During Late Pregnancy on the Development of the Ovine Fetal Thymus and the T‐Lymphocyte Subpopulation
Authors: Liu Yingchun , He Shan , Zhang Yuan , Xia Wei , Li Ming , Zhang Chongzhi , Gao Feng
Published: February 2015

Problem

The retarded development of fetal thymus in intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) from maternal undernutrition during late pregnancy destroys the tridimensional structure and modifies the development of fetal T lymphocytes. The mechanisms, however, remain unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of IUGR during late pregnancy on the development of the ovine fetal thymus and the T‐lymphocyte subpopulation.

Method of study

Eighteen time‐mated ewes with singleton fetuses were allocated to three groups at day 90 of pregnancy: restricted group 1 (RG1, 0.18 MJ ME/BW0.75/day, n = 6), restricted group 2 (RG2, 0.33 MJ ME/BW0.75/day, n = 6) and a control group (CG, ad libitum, 0.67 MJ ME/BW0.75/day, n = 6). Fetuses were recovered at slaughter on day 140.

Results

Fetuses in RG1 exhibited decreased (P < 0.05) thymic weight, cortical thickness, cortical:medullary, DNA content, total antioxidant capacity, and superoxide dismutase; intermediate changes were found in RG2 fetuses, including decreased thymic weight, cortical thickness, and DNA content (P < 0.05). The reductions (P < 0.05) of CD4+CD8+T cells, relative mRNA expression of keratin 8, recombination activating gene 1 (RAG1), and B‐cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl‐2) were found in both restricted groups. In addition, there was reduced mRNA expression (P < 0.05) of T‐cell receptor, apoptosis antigen 1 ligand, and RAG2 in the RG1 group. In contrast, increases in glutathione peroxidase, malondialdehyde, caspase‐3, Cytochrome c, and CD4+T cells were observed (P < 0.05), and higher mRNA expressions (P < 0.05) of protein 53, Bcl‐2 associated X protein (Bax), and apoptosis antigen 1 (Fas) were found in RG1 fetuses; and thymuses of RG2 fetuses had increased caspase‐3, and expression of Fas and Bax (P < 0.05), relative to control fetuses.

Conclusion

These results indicate that reduced cell proliferation, oxidative stress, and increased cell apoptosis were the potential mechanisms for impaired development and microenvironment of IUGR fetal thymus, and for modifying the maturation of CD4+CD8+ thymocytes underlying their reduced numbers .
Medium‐term outcomes of bovine jugular vein graft and homograft conduits in children
Authors: Yong Matthew S. , Yim Deane , d'Udekem Yves , Brizard Christian P. , Robertson Terry , Galati John C. , Konstantinov Igor E.
Published: February 2015

Background

The bovine jugular vein (Contegra) conduit has been described as an alternative to the homograft for right ventricle (RV) to pulmonary artery (PA) connection. We assessed the outcomes of Contegra conduits and homografts at a single institution.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of children (n = 249) who underwent RV‐to‐PA conduit (Contegra or homograft) implantation from 2001 to 2011.

Results

Median operation age was 4.8 years (2 days–18 years). Indications for surgery were as follows: primary conduit insertion (n = 131; 53%), previous conduit failure (n = 57; 23%) or Ross procedure (n = 61; 25%). There were 113 (45%) Contegra conduits and 136 (55%) homografts (92 pulmonary, 44 aortic) inserted. Early mortality was 5% (n = 12). Overall survival was 89% (95% confidence interval (CI): 84–92%) at 5 years and 87% (95% CI: 81–92%) at 10 years. Mortality was associated with smaller conduit size (P = 0.044) and syndrome diagnosis (P = 0.012). Freedom from reoperation was 85% (95% CI: 77–91%) and 75% (95% CI: 59–86%) at 5 years for homografts and Contegra conduits, respectively. Patients required conduit replacement (15%) for endocarditis (n = 4; 11%) or graft failure (n = 34; 89%). Eleven patients developed distal conduit stenosis with the majority occurring in Contegra conduits (n = 7; 64%) (P = 0.004). A larger conduit (P = 0.007) was protective against reoperation. There was no difference in reoperation between conduits (P = 0.41). Mean follow‐up was 5 ± 3.2 years (96% complete). Majority of survivors (99%) were in New York Heart Association Class II/I.

Conclusion

The Contegra conduit and homograft demonstrate similar mid‐term outcomes in children. Smaller conduit size is associated with higher graft failure and mortality.
Hysterectomy types in Estonia are still different from the Nordic countries
Authors: Veerus Piret , Lang Katrin , Toompere Karolin , Kirss Fred
Published: February 2015

Objective

To describe hysterectomy rates in different age groups, indications and proportion of surgery types over time.

Design

Nationwide register‐based study.

Setting

Estonia.

Population

Women who had hysterectomies for benign indications from 2004 to 2011.

Methods

For each case, diagnosis according to ICD‐10, type of surgery according to Nordic Medico‐Statistical Committee, age, and time of operation were retrieved from the Estonian Health Insurance Fund database. Mid‐year female population statistics were obtained from Statistics Estonia.

Main outcome measures

Rate of hysterectomies per 100 000 women, proportions of different operation types, and main indications for hysterectomies.

Results

The total number of hysterectomies was 12 336, with a yearly mean of 1542. The rate of hysterectomies per 100 000 women/year decreased between 2004 and 2011 from 239.1 to 204.9. The proportion of abdominal hysterectomies decreased from 86.0 to 56.1% and the proportion of laparoscopic hysterectomies increased from 6.3 to 34.7%, while the proportion of vaginal hysterectomies remained more or less stable (7.8–9.1%). Most hysterectomies (74.4%) occurred in the age group 35–54 years. The main indications for hysterectomies were leiomyoma (61.5%), female genital prolapse (9.0%) and endometriosis (8.8%).

Conclusions

Population rates and indications for hysterectomies in Estonia were similar to those in most Nordic countries, but the proportion of abdominal hysterectomies was higher and that of vaginal hysterectomy lower. The rates of laparoscopic and vaginal hysterectomies should be increased.
Perioperative pharmacological management of choroidal detachment associated with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment
Authors: Shen Lijun , Mao Jianbo , Sun Shumao , Dong Yugui , Chen Yiqi , Cheng Lingyun
Published: February 2015

Purpose

To compare subtenon triamcinolone versus systemic dexamethasone for perisurgical management of primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment presenting with a choroidal detachment (RRD/CD).

Methods

Thirty consecutive primary RRD/CD patients were prospectively studied. Sixteen RRD/CD patients were injected with a 40 mg subtenon triamcinolone acetonide (TA) 5 days before a scheduled vitrectomy (TA group) while the other 14 RRD/CD patients were intravenously infused daily with 10 mg dexamethasone (Dex) for 5 days before a scheduled vitrectomy (Dex group). All patients were followed up for 6 months. Changes of choroid detachment on B ultrasonography and preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP), systemic and ocular steroid level, blood sugar, and postoperative macular oedema were compared between the two groups.

Results

During 5 days of presurgical treatment, the IOP recovery from the baseline was 3.29 ± 4.56 mmHg for the TA group versus 1.16 ± 1.60 mmHg for the Dex group (p = 0.021). The height of CD decreased significantly more for the TA group (3.55 ± 1.33 versus 1.84 ± 1.5 mm, p = 0.0029). The physiological cortisol level in the plasma was significantly suppressed for the Dex group (8.35 ± 10.35 versus 51.9 ± 35.9 ng/ml, p = 0.01). Postoperative 1‐month macula was less oedematous for TA group (401 ± 196 versus 256 ± 66 μm, p = 0.0498).

Conclusion

Subtenon TA seems to be a better option for perisurgical management of RRD/CD patients than systemic steroid application. Subtenon TA is more convenient for patients and imposes much less stress to patients’ hormones homeostasis. This is especially important for those who are suffering metabolic disorders and need vitrectomy surgery for repairing RRD/CD.
Impacts of visitor trampling on the taxonomic and functional community structure of calcareous grassland
Authors: Conradi Timo , Strobl Katharina , Wurfer Anna‐Lena , Kollmann Johannes
Published: February 2015

Question

Does long‐term visitor trampling close to hiking trails affect the taxonomic and functional composition and diversity of a calcareous grassland, thus reducing its nature conservation value?

Location

Ancient calcareous grassland (nature reserve Garchinger Heide) in the Munich Gravel Plain, south Germany.

Methods

We sampled plant species composition at four distance classes representing different trampling intensities along replicated transects running perpendicular to 20‐yr‐old hiking trails in the nature reserve. We used a combination of distance‐based multivariate methods and a series of univariate tests to study the effects of trampling on a number of conservation‐relevant aspects of taxonomic and functional plant community composition and diversity.

Results

The different trampling intensities led to a significant variation in plant species composition that was driven by trait‐mediated responses, mainly of traits related to dispersal and regeneration, but these patterns only occurred close to the trails (<1.5 m). Except directly on the trails, species richness, the number of habitat specialists and threatened species, as well as Functional Richness were not or marginally affected by trampling. Multivariate dispersion within levels of trampling intensities and evenness, the latter measured for either species or traits, remained constant across the gradient of trampling intensity.

Conclusions

Even after 20 yr of exposure to different intensities of trampling, calcareous grassland vegetation showed only few and spatially limited compositional responses, while its nature conservation value was not affected. Therefore, marked hiking trails are a good compromise between meeting the needs for recreation and environmental education, and the conservation of threatened habitat specialists and should be preferred to alternatives such as undirected access that would result in spatially extensive changes in community structure.
Human leukocyte antigen‐E alleles and expression in patients with serous ovarian cancer
Authors: Zheng Hui , Lu Renquan , Xie Suhong , Wen Xuemei , Wang Hongling , Gao Xiang , Guo Lin
Published: February 2015

Human leukocyte antigen‐E (HLA‐E) is one of the most extensively studied non‐classical MHC class I molecules that is almost non‐polymorphic. Only two alleles (HLA‐E*0101 and HLA‐E*0103) are found in worldwide populations, and suggested to be functional differences between these variants. The HLA‐E molecule can contribute to the escape of cancer cells from host immune surveillance. However, it is still unknown whether HLA‐E gene polymorphisms might play a role in cancer immune escape. To explore the association between HLA‐E alleles and the susceptibility to serous ovarian cancer (SOC), 85 primary SOC patients and 100 healthy women were enrolled. Here, we indicated that high frequency of HLA‐E*0103 allele existed in SOC patients by the allele‐specific quantitative real‐time PCR method. The levels of HLA‐E protein expression in SOC patients with the HLA‐E*0103 allele were higher than those with the HLA‐E*0101 allele using immunohistochemistry analysis. The cell surface expression and functional differences between the two alleles were verified by K562 cells transfected with HLA‐E*0101 or HLA‐E*0103 allelic heavy chains. The HLA‐E*0103 allele made the transfer of the HLA‐E molecule to the cell surface easier, and HLA‐E/peptides complex more stable. These differences ultimately influenced the function of natural killer cells, showing that the cells transfected with HLA‐E*0103 allele inhibited natural killer cells to lysis. This study reveals a novel mechanism regarding the susceptibility to SOC, which is correlated with the HLA‐E*0103 allele.
Association between serum ligands and the skin toxicity of anti‐epidermal growth factor receptor antibody in metastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: Takahashi Naoki , Yamada Yasuhide , Furuta Koh , Nagashima Kengo , Kubo Akiko , Sasaki Yusuke , Shoji Hirokazu , Honma Yoshitaka , Iwasa Satoru , Okita Natsuko , Takashima Atsuo , Kato Ken , Hamaguchi Tetsuya , Shimada Yasuhiro
Published: February 2015

Skin toxicity is a known clinical signature used to predict the prognosis of anti‐epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antibody treatment in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). There are no biological markers to predict skin toxicity before anti‐EGFR antibody treatment in mCRC patients. Between August 2008 and August 2011, pretreatment serum samples were obtained from KRAS wild‐type (WT) patients who received anti‐EGFR antibody treatment. Serum levels of ligands were measured by ELISA. A total of 103 KRAS WT patients were enrolled in the study. Progression‐free survival and overall survival of patients with a high grade (grade 2–3) of skin toxicity were significantly longer than those with a low grade (grade 0–1) of skin toxicity (median progression‐free survival, 6.4 months vs 2.4 months, P < 0.001; median overall survival, 14.6 months vs 7.1 months, P = 0.006). There were significant differences in distribution of serum levels of epiregulin (EREG), amphiregulin (AREG), and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) between groups of low/high grade of skin toxicity (P < 0.048, P < 0.012, P < 0.012, respectively). In addition, serum levels of HGF, EREG, and AREG were inversely proportional to grades of skin toxicity as determined by the Cochran–Armitage test (P = 0.019, P = 0.047, P = 0.021, respectively). Our study indicated that serum levels such as HGF, EREG, and AREG may be significant markers to predict the grade of skin toxicity and the prognosis of anti‐EGFR antibody treatment, which contribute to improvement of the management of skin toxicity and survival time in mCRC patients.
Combined Molecular Docking, 3D‐QSAR, and Pharmacophore Model: Design of Novel Tubulin Polymerization Inhibitors by Binding to Colchicine‐binding Site
Authors: Li Dong‐Dong , Qin Ya‐Juan , Zhang Xin , Yin Yong , Zhu Hai‐Liang , Zhao Lin‐Guo
Published: February 2015

Interference with dynamic equilibrium of microtubule–tubulin has proven to be a useful tactics in the clinic. Based on investigation into the structure–activity relationship (SAR) studies of tubulin polymerization inhibitors obtained from several worldwide groups, we attempted to design 691 compounds covering several main heterocyclic scaffolds as novel colchicine‐site inhibitors (CSIs). Evaluated by a series of combination of commonly used computer methods such as molecular docking, 3D‐QSAR, and pharmacophore model, we can obtain the ultimate 16 target compounds derived from five important basic scaffolds in the field of medicinal chemistry. Among these compounds, compound A‐132 with in silico moderate activity was synthesized, and subsequently validated for preliminary inhibition of tubulin polymerization by immunofluorescence assay. In additional, the work of synthesis and validation of biological activity for other 15 various structure compounds will be completed in our laboratory. This study not only developed a hierarchical strategy to screen novel tubulin inhibitors effectively, but also widened the spectrum of chemical structures of canonical CSIs.
The cross‐lagged relationship between father absence and child problem behaviour in the early years
Authors: Flouri E. , Narayanan M. K. , Midouhas E.
Published: February 2015

Background

Father absence has negative consequences for children's behaviour. Yet research has not examined how father absence and child behaviour may influence each other. This study models the cross‐lagged relationship between father absence (non‐residence) and child problem behaviour in the early years.

Methods

We used data from the UK's Millennium Cohort Study, at children's ages 3, 5 and 7 years (Sweeps 2–4). The sample was 15 293 families in which both biological parents were co‐resident at Sweep 1, when the child was aged 9 months. Child problem behaviour was assessed using the clinical cut‐offs of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). We also investigated gender differences in the association between father absence and problem behaviour.

Results

Father absence at age 3 predicted a higher probability of the child scoring above cut‐off for total difficulties at age 5, as did father absence at age 5 for total difficulties at age 7. There were no significant effects for total difficulties on father absence. Similar father absence effects were found for individual SDQ subscales. Using these subscales, we found few child behaviour effects, mostly during the preschool years: children's severe externalizing and social (but not emotional) problems were associated with a greater probability of the father being absent in the next sweep. All cross‐lagged relationships were similar for boys and girls.

Conclusions

Father absence seems to be mainly the cause rather than the outcome of child problem behaviour in young UK families, and to affect boys and girls similarly. There were some child (mostly externalizing) behaviour effects on father absence, particularly in the early years.
Child welfare workers' views of fathers in risk assessment and planned interventions, a comparison between English and Norwegian workers
Authors: Skramstad Heidi , Skivenes Marit
Published: February 2015

In a comparison of 53 child welfare workers' risk assessment based on a vignette case about a 9‐year‐old girl, less than one‐third of the child welfare workers in England and Norway, intended to work with fathers. Only 28% and 14%, respectively, suggested involving the stepfather, in spite that, the vignette said he lived with the girl and her mother. The invisible fathers in child welfare have been well documented, but fathers and stepfathers in particular, were surprisingly invisible in the Norwegian context, known for its strong focus on gender equality and institutionalized support for the father role. The child welfare workers seemed to prefer working with the mother and other professional agencies, rather than involving the father(s) and other family members. Although this may reflect the reality of families within child welfare, they are in contrast with the prevailing family ideology and practices in the society at large, both in England and in Norway.
Effects of Early Moderate Loading on Implant Stability: A Retrospective Investigation of 634 Implants with Platform Switching and Morse‐Tapered Connections
Authors: Romanos Georgios , Grizas Eleftherios , Laukart Elena , Nentwig Georg‐Hubertus
Published: February 2015

Purpose

This retrospective investigation aimed to evaluate the effect of early moderate loading (EML) on implant stability.

Materials and Methods

Following 6 weeks of conventional healing, 634 dental implants (Ankylos®, Dentsply Implants, Mannheim, Germany) inserted in 247 patients were uncovered. Provisional restorations were placed in infra‐occlusion in partially edentulous patients and in full occlusion in edentulous patients. Patients were instructed to consume a soft/liquid diet until final restorations were delivered after approximately 6 weeks. Periotest values (PTVs) at the time of uncovering and after EML were assessed in order to calculate the change in PTV (ΔPTV). Improvement of the PTV was analyzed to account for dependencies between measurements on multiple implants of a single patient, along with other factors.

Results

No implant was lost during the EML. After a mean loading time of 3 years (±1.7 years), the implant survival rate was 98.74%. The PTV of 556 implants decreased (improved) over the course of the study. The ΔPTV was statistically significant (p = .0001), and none of the factors analyzed appeared to influence it.

Conclusions

The EML of implants does not impair the implants' stability, as determined by Periotest. On the contrary, early moderate loading seems to be beneficial at compromised bone qualities.
Fate of growth plate hypertrophic chondrocytes: Death or lineage extension?
Authors: Tsang Kwok Yeung , Chan Danny , Cheah Kathryn S. E.
Published: February 2015

The vertebrate growth plate is an essential tissue that mediates and controls bone growth. It forms through a multistep differentiation process in which chondrocytes differentiate, proliferate, stop dividing and undergo hypertrophy, which entails a 20‐fold increase in size. Hypertrophic chondrocytes are specialized cells considered to be the end state of the chondrocyte differentiation pathway, and are essential for bone growth. They are characterized by expression of type X collagen encoded by the Col10a1 gene, and synthesis of a calcified cartilage matrix. Whether hypertrophy marks a transition preceding osteogenesis, or it is the terminal differentiation stage of chondrocytes with cell death as the ultimate fate has been the subject of debate for over a century. In this review, we revisit this debate in the light of new findings arising from genetic‐mediated lineage tracing studies showing that hypertrophic chondrocytes can survive at the chondro‐osseous junction and further make the transition to become osteoblasts and osteocytes. The contribution of chondrocytes to the osteoblast lineage has important implications in bone development, disease and repair.
Intrinsic regulations in neural fate commitment
Authors: Tang Ke , Peng Guangdun , Qiao Yunbo , Song Lu , Jing Naihe
Published: February 2015

Neural fate commitment is an early embryonic event that a group of cells in ectoderm, which do not ingress through primitive streak, acquire a neural fate but not epidermal or mesodermal lineages. Several extracellular signaling pathways initiated by the secreted proteins bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), fibroblast growth factors (FGFs), wingless/int class proteins (WNTs) and Nodal play essential roles in the specification of the neural plate. Accumulating evidence from the studies on mouse and pluripotent embryonic stem cells reveals that except for the extracellular signals, the intracellular molecules, including both transcriptional and epigenetic factors, participate in the modulation of neural fate commitment as well. In the review, we mainly focus on recent findings that the initiation of the nervous system is elaborately regulated by the intrinsic programs, which are mediated by transcriptional factors such as Sox2, Zfp521, Sip1 and Pou3f1, as well as epigenetic modifications, including histone methylation/demethylation, histone acetylation/deacetylation, and DNA methylation/demethylation. The discovery of the intrinsic regulatory machineries provides better understanding of the mechanisms by which the neural fate commitment is ensured by the cooperation between extracellular factors and intracellular molecules.