bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A systematic review of the literature on counselling and psychotherapy for the prevention of suicide: 1. Quantitative outcome and process studies
Authors: Winter David , Bradshaw Siobhan , Bunn Frances , Wellsted David
Published: February 2013

Scope of review: The paper reports a meta‐review of 15 previous systematic reviews and meta‐analyses of the literature concerning the outcome of counselling and psychotherapy with people at risk of suicide; a meta‐analysis of 67 outcome studies in this area; and a narrative review of 17 studies of the therapeutic process. Publication time span: The literature reviewed was published between 1981 and 2008. Publication origin: The majority of the literature reviewed was by authors from the USA or the UK, but there were also authors from other European countries, Australia, Canada, India, and Sri Lanka. Findings: There is evidence of the effectiveness of dialectical behaviour therapy, cognitive‐behavioural therapy, and problem solving therapy, but also for other forms of therapy. Therapist and client variables, as well as the therapeutic relationship, appear to be related to treatment outcome. Conclusions: People at risk of suicide should have access to psychological interventions, including, but not necessarily limited to, those within the cognitive‐behavioural spectrum. Therapies for which there have been promising findings, but which are under‐researched, should be a research priority.
The experiences of therapy from the perspectives of carers of people with dementia: An exploratory study
Authors: Elvish Ruth , Cawley Rosanne , Keady John
Published: February 2013

Design: Interviews were conducted with six carers of people with dementia about their experience of receiving counselling/psychotherapy. Interviews were conducted in the carer's own home, and data were analysed thematically using a narrative approach. Findings: Three themes were identified from the data: ‘Still doing the best I can’ (identified as losses and processes of personal growth); ‘Feeling connected and being understood’ (identified as attributes believed to be important within the therapeutic relationship); and ‘Wanting to share information’ (identified as sharing information with someone ‘neutral’). Carers placed emphasis on the age of the therapist and the amount of therapist self‐disclosure. Attending counselling and/or psychotherapy also helped the carer to find a ‘safe space’ to disclose and share concerns. Discussion: Carer loss and personal growth are explored, together with the importance of building therapeutic relationships and, for the therapist, seeking supervision when managing personal self‐disclosure. The theme of therapist self disclosure is explored together with the importance of therapists seeking supervision when managing personal self‐disclosure.
‘The bereaved therapist speaks’. An interpretative phenomenological analysis of humanistic therapists' experiences of a significant personal bereavement and its impact upon their therapeutic practice: An exploratory study
Authors: Broadbent Jeanne R.
Published: February 2013

Aim: The aim of the research was to explore the under‐researched area of therapists' personal bereavement and its impact upon their therapeutic practice. Method: Data were collected via semi‐structured interviews with four humanistic therapists and were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Findings: Four master and eight subordinate themes emerged from the rich data collected that exemplified both convergence with and divergence from the small body of extant literature on therapist bereavement and current thinking in thanatology. The findings suggest that bereavement is a unique experience that can affect the individual's personal and social identity and worldview. It can also be a transformative experience resulting in personal growth and a renewed sense of self and agency. In terms of professional practice, the findings suggest that the lived experience of the grieving process, mediated by supportive supervision, enabled participants to experience deeper levels of empathy and connectedness within their therapeutic relationships. Conclusion and implications: Bereavement is an experience that can profoundly impact upon therapists' personal identity and assumptive world. Such an experience can have an equally profound impact upon their therapeutic practice. There are therefore implications for students, trainers, therapists and supervisors particularly in terms of self‐care and the use of the ‘self’ in therapy. Further research needs to be undertaken in order to explore in greater depth the intersection between personal bereavement and therapists' evolving personal and professional identity development.
Three Levels of Hybridisation Practices in Post-conflict Kosovo
Authors: Visoka Gëzim
Published: February 2013

This article aims to advance conceptual and empirical knowledge about hybrid forms of peace by developing an analytical framework that conceptualises three levels of hybridity between international and local actors, namely the institutional, public and hidden practices of hybridisation. By differentiating hybridisation practices in this way, the article demonstrates a clearer understanding of figuration, articulation and the impact of local-international interactions in post-conflict societies. The analysis shows that the contingent, uncontrollable and unaccountable nature of hybridisation practices raises significant challenges to peacebuilding practices. The article concludes by questioning whether hybrid peace is able to reinforce, complement or undermine prospects for sustainable peace in post-conflict situations.
Hybridity, Political Order and Legitimacy: Examples from Nigeria
Authors: Johnson Kristin , Hutchison Marc L.
Published: February 2013

Africa is a region characterised by state fragility based largely on the failure of Western-style institutions. This article argues that local/hybrid political order can emerge as a response to lack of access and persistent sub-national concentrations (decentralisation) of power in post-colonial states. The role of sharia in producing political trust in three states in Nigeria is examined and the argument advanced that even in divided states it can function to increase trust, thereby providing legitimacy. The study finds broad support for the contention that hybrid political orders produce greater legitimacy, with trust in local and national governments reflected in Kebbi, Kaduna, and Zamfara states that generally exceed national averages.
Contextualising Liberal Peacebuilding for Local Circumstances: Unmiss and Local Peacebuilding in South Sudan
Authors: da Costa Diana Felix
Published: February 2013

In recent literature on international peacekeeping and peacebuilding interventions, attention has been drawn increasingly to local level dynamics and the reciprocal relationships with national conflict dynamics. This article places local social structures and networks at the centre of analysis and action, while unpacking the category of the ‘external actor’. Through a case study of UN civilian peacekeeping support to local peacebuilding in South Sudan, it argues that there are important efforts being made to contextualise peacebuilding activities for local circumstances, notwithstanding significant institutional obstacles limiting the impact of these efforts. It also argues for further empirical scrutiny of if and how international peacebuilders are engaging with the local dynamics of conflict, seeking to improve the understanding of the heterogeneity of and interaction between actors at these levels.
Blinded by Fear? Prior Exposure to Fearful Faces Enhances Attentional Processing of Task-Irrelevant Stimuli
Authors: Berggren Nick , Derakshan Nazanin
Published: February 2013

Threatening information has been shown to both capture attention and enhance sensory processing. Recent evidence has also suggested that exposure to fearful stimuli may enhance perceptual processing of subsequently presented information, as well as increase attentional capacity. However, these results are inconsistent with other findings that fearful stimuli reduce task-irrelevant distraction and improve selective attention. Here, we investigated the effect of prior exposure to fearful faces on performance in the Eriksen flanker task. Across experiments, fearful cues led to increased task-irrelevant distraction for items positioned across visual space, in contrast to other emotional expressions and inverted face items, and under conditions of attentional load. Findings support the view that fearful images enhance attentional capacity, allowing one to attend to as much visual information as possible when danger is implied. Conflicting findings on the effect of fear and selective attention are discussed.
Transcriptome signature in young children with acute otitis media due to non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae
Authors: Liu Keyi , Chen Linlin , Kaur Ravinder , Pichichero Michael E.
Published: February 2013

Non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) causes acute otitis media (AOM) in young children. In our recent paper in Microbes and Infection we described the transcriptome signature elicited from PBMCs at onset of AOM caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. In the current study we found very different results with NTHi AOM infections; 5.1% of 29 187 genes were differentially regulated by more than 2-fold at the onset of AOM compared with the pre-infection healthy state in the same children. Among the 1487 transcripts, 100 genes associated with the immune defense response were specifically analyzed. About half of the differentially regulated genes associated with antibacterial activity and the cell-mediated immune response were activated and half were suppressed. The important signatures for NTHi in children suggested that the balance of the immune response was toward suppression. Moreover, 90% of the genes associated with a pro-inflammatory cytokine response were down-regulated. The genes associated with the classic complement pathway were down-regulated, although the alternative complement pathway genes were up-regulated. These results provide the first human transcriptome data identifying gene expression in the immune response to be predominantly down-regulated at the onset of AOM due to NTHi.
Distinct groups and antimicrobial resistance of clinical Stenotrophomonas maltophilia complex isolates from Korea
Authors: Rhee Ji-Young , Choi Ji Young , Choi Myung-Jin , Song Jae-Hoon , Peck Kyong Ran , Ko Kwan Soo
Published: February 2013

One hundred and twenty-one isolates of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia complex were collected from seven Korean hospitals. Species and groups were identified using partial gyrB gene sequences and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using a broth microdilution method. Based on partial gyrB gene sequences, 118 isolates were identified as belonging to S. maltophilia complex, including S. maltophilia, S. pavanii, Pseudomonas beteli, P. geniculata and P. hibisciola. The S. maltophilia isolates were further divided into three groups, I to III. S. maltophilia groups II and III were clustered into clade A with S. pavanii and P. beteli; S. maltophilia group I was clustered into clade B with P. geniculata and P. hibisciola. For all S. maltophilia complex isolates, the resistance rate to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) was very high (30.5 %). Antimicrobial resistance rates varied among species or groups of S. maltophilia complex. Isolates of clade A showed significantly lower antimicrobial resistance rates than those of clade B; while 25 % of clade A isolates were multidrug resistant, 46 % of clade B isolates were multidrug resistant (P = 0.001). The finding of high antimicrobial resistance rates, particularly to TMP/SMX, among S. maltophilia complex isolates from Korea, and the existence of distinct groups among the isolates, with differences in antimicrobial resistance rates, suggests consideration of alternative agents to TMP/SMX to treat S. maltophilia infections and indicates the importance of accurate identification for appropriate selection of treatment options.
Identification of a Dual-Targeted Protein Belonging to the Mitochondrial Carrier Family That Is Required for Early Leaf Development in Rice
Authors: Xu Jiming , Yang Jian , Wu Zhongchang , Liu Huili , Huang Fangliang , Wu Yunrong , Carrie Chris , Narsai Reena , Murcha Monika , Whelan James , Wu Ping
Published: February 2013

A dual-targeted protein belonging to the mitochondrial carrier family was characterized in rice (Oryza sativa) and designated 3′-Phosphoadenosine 5′-Phosphosulfate Transporter1 (PAPST1). The papst1 mutant plants showed a defect in thylakoid development, resulting in leaf chlorosis at an early leaf developmental stage, while normal leaf development was restored 4 to 6 d after leaf emergence. OsPAPST1 is highly expressed in young leaves and roots, while the expression is reduced in mature leaves, in line with the recovery of chloroplast development seen in the older leaves of papst1 mutant plants. OsPAPST1 is located on the outer mitochondrial membrane and chloroplast envelope. Whole-genome transcriptomic analysis reveals reduced expression of genes encoding photosynthetic components (light reactions) in papst1 mutant plants. In addition, sulfur metabolism is also perturbed in papst1 plants, and it was seen that PAPST1 can act as a nucleotide transporter when expressed in Escherichia coli that can be inhibited significantly by 3′-phosphoadenosine 5′-phosphosulfate. Given these findings, together with the altered phenotype seen only when leaves are first exposed to light, it is proposed that PAPST1 may act as a 3′-phosphoadenosine 5′-phosphosulfate carrier that has been shown to act as a retrograde signal between chloroplasts and the nucleus.
Burden of multiple disabilities among the older population in India
Authors: Maikho Apollo Pou Ladumai , Goli Srinivas
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The aim of this study is twofold, first, to estimate the prevalence of multiple disabilities among the older population in India; second, to examine the socio economic determinants of multiple disabilities among the older population.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used the India Human Development Survey Data (IHDS) for the analysis. Bivariate, multinomial logit regression and multiple classification analysis are used as methods for the study. Disability score is constructed for measuring the multiple disabilities among the older population.

Findings

The results of disability prevalence show, a high prevalence of multiple disabilities among the older population in India. Further, disability prevalence varies considerably by age and socio‐economic characteristics of the older population. Among all the socioeconomic factors, economic factor emerged as a dominant predictor of prevalence of disabilities among the older population in India. The findings of the dimension specific assessment reveal that the disability in walking is the highest among all the disabilities. The distribution of disabled older population by living arrangement and the social network indicates that a large proportion of disabled older population lives with their children. In addition, only a few of the disabled older people have social networks. The distribution of disabled older people by employment and financial source reveal that there is a meager government support to the disabled older population in India. This study evidently suggests that a significant number of older populations in India are suffering from multiple disabilities. The number of multiple disabilities increases with the decrease in the socioeconomic status. The living arrangement and financial security assessment suggest that there is an increasing need of children and government support to the disabled older population.

Originality/value

The distinctiveness of this study can be primarily found in the type of the data used, the assessment of additional disability dimensions, and the inclusion of differentials such as living arrangement, social network and work status as part of the analysis. Overall, the study with its robust statistical assessment provides a number of key insights into the social, economic security, and health care needs of the disabled older population in India.
Steel supply chain management by simulation modelling
Authors: Sandhu Maqsood Ahmad , Helo Petri , Kristianto Yohanes
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to propose a simulation study of the “steel supply chain” to demonstrate the effect of inventory management and demand variety on the bullwhip effect mitigation.

Design/methodology/approach

The relevant literature is reviewed, and then the simulation model proposed.

Findings

This study identifies reasons for sharing information under varying levels of demand and some variants, and demonstrates the benefits of mitigating the bullwhip effect by applying a design of experiment. It is shown that the information sharing is able to mitigate the bullwhip effect in the steel supply chain by extending the order interval and minimising the order batch size.

Research limitations/implications

This study explores the factors associated with the bullwhip effect. This research is focused on built‐to‐order simulation, so the results are only oriented on the basis of orders; hence a simultaneous order‐ and forecast‐based steel supply chain should be carried out in the future.

Practical implications

This framework is expected to provide a convenient way to measure the optimum inventory level against a limited level of demand uncertainty, and thus enterprises can promote the supply chain coordination.

Originality/value

An innovative simulation model of the “steel supply chain” is proposed, which includes information sharing in the simulation model. Furthermore, dynamic scheduling is shown by applying a continuous ordering and order prioritization rule to replace traditional scheduling methods.
The supplemental role of operating cash flows in explaining share returns
Authors: Agnes Cheng C.S. , Johnston Joseph , Zishang Liu Cathy
Published: February 2013

Purpose

In response to recent concerns on earnings quality and a firm's fundamental performance, the purpose of this paper is to re‐examine salient questions under accrual accounting: how earnings quality affects the role of earnings and operating cash flows in a firm's valuation.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a large sample ranging from 1989 to 2008, the authors contrast the effects of three representative accrual‐based earnings quality measures on the association between earnings, operating cash flows and a firm's abnormal stock returns.

Findings

In the univariate analysis it was found that earnings explain returns similarly to operating cash flows. With control of earnings quality, the results indicate that earnings' role in explaining contemporaneous abnormal returns remains unchanged when earnings quality is better. Conversely, operating cash flows explain more contemporaneous abnormal returns when earnings quality is better. The findings could suggest that the market reacts to operating cash flows conditionally on earnings quality. Intriguingly, the results also indicate that the market perceives better earnings quality captures superior performance of operating cash flows rather than that of earnings. These findings are further fortified by additional analyses revealing that the earnings quality measure with control of operating cash flows affects the supplemental role of operating cash flows most.

Originality/value

The paper's findings provide insights on how the market processes firm value signals embedded in earnings quality, which have direct implications for regulators, standard setters, academics and practitioners.
Petrogenesis of Cenozoic Basaltic Rocks from Jiangsu Province, China: Evidence from Geochemical Constraints
Authors: LEE Yung‐Tan , CHEN Ju‐Chin , SHIH Jyh‐Yi , HO Kung‐Suan , YANG Huai‐Jen , LIN Meng‐Lung , HU Yen‐Tsui , CHIU Ching‐Hsing
Published: February 2013

Cenozoic (Miocene to Pleistocene) basaltic rocks in Jiangsu province of eastern China include olivine tholeiite and alkali basalt. We present major, trace element and Sr‐Nd isotopic data as well as Ar‐Ar dating of these basalts to discuss the petrogenesis of the basalts and identify the geological processes beneath the study area. On the basis of chemical compisitions and Ar‐Ar dating of Cenonoic basaltic rocks from Jiangsu province, we suggest that these basalts may belong to the same magmatic system. The alkali basalts found in Jiangsu province have higher σFeO, MgO, CaO, Na2O, TiO2 and P2O5 and incompatible elements, but lower Al2O3 and compatible elements contents than olivine tholeiite which may be caused by fractional crystallization of olivine, pyroxene and minor plagioclase. In Jiangsu basaltic rocks the incompatible elements increase with decreasing MgO/σFeO ratios. The primitive mantle‐normalized incompatible elements and chondrite‐normalized REE patterns of basaltic rocks found in Jiangsu province are similar to those of OIB. Partial loss of the mantle Uthosphere accompanied by rising of asthenospheric mantle may accelerate the generation of the basaltic magma. The 143Nd/144Nd vs. 87Sr/86Sr plot indicates a mixing of a depleted asthenospheric mantle source and an EM1 component in the study area. According to Shaw's equation, the basalts from Jiangsu province may be formed by 1%–5% partial melting of a depleted asthenospheric mantle source. On the basis of Ar‐Ar ages of this study and the fractional crystallization model proposed by Brooks and Nielsen (1982), we suggest that basalts from Jiangsu province may belong to a magmatic system with JF‐2 as the primitive magma which has undergone fractional crystallization and evolved progressively to produce other types of basalts.
Geochemical Characteristics and Genesis of the Metallogenic Rocks in the Chagande'ersi Molybdenum Deposit in Wulatehouqi, Inner Mongolia
Authors: Kai YAN , Rongge XIAO , Zhongyin HE , Gang FENG , Shuli WANG
Published: February 2013

Geochemical characteristics of the Chagande'ersi molybdenum deposit in Inner Mongolia and its genesis were analyzed in this study using rock mineralography and rock geochemical testing. The mineralized country rocks of the Chagande'ersi molybdenum deposit consist mainly of medium‐to fine‐grained monzogranite, medium‐to fine‐grained rich‐K granite, with minor fine‐grained K‐feldspar granite veins and quartz veins. The rocks are characterized by high silica, rich alkali, high potassium, which are favorable factors for molybdenum mineralization. The rocks have the Rittmann index ranging from 1.329 to 1.961, an average Na2O+K2O value of 7.41, and Al2O3/(CaO+Na2O+K2O) >1, suggesting that the rocks belong to the high‐K calc‐alkaline peraluminous granite. The typical rock samples are enriched in Rb, Th, K and light rare earth elements, depleted in Sr, Ba, Nb, P and Ti, and these features are similar to that of the melt granite resulting from collision of plate margins. The δEu of the rocks falls the zone between the crust granite and crust‐mantle granite, and are close to that of the crust granite; (La/Lu)N indicates the formation environment of granite is a continental margin setting. The Nb/Ta ratios are close to that of the average crust (10); the Zr/Hf ratios of monzogranite are partly below the mean mantle (34–60), while the Zr/Hf ratio of K‐feldspar granite are close to the mean value in the crust Comprehensive analyses show that the granite in this area formed during the transition period between tectonic collision and post‐collision. During the plate collision and orogeny, the crust and mantle material were mixed physically, remelting into lava and then crystal fractionation, finally gave rise to the formation of the rock body in this area. This has close spatial and temporal relation with the molybdenum mineralization.
Introduction of complementary foods in infancy and atopic sensitization at the age of 5 years: timing and food diversity in a Finnish birth cohort
Authors: Nwaru B. I. , Takkinen H.‐M. , Niemelä O. , Kaila M. , Erkkola M. , Ahonen S. , Tuomi H. , Haapala A.‐M. , Kenward M. G. , Pekkanen J. , Lahesmaa R. , Kere J. , Simell O. , Veijola R. , Ilonen J. , Hyöty H. , Knip M. , Virtanen S. M.
Published: February 2013

Objective

To study the associations between timing and diversity of introduction of complementary foods during infancy and atopic sensitization in 5‐year‐old children.

Methods

In the Finnish DIPP (Type 1 Diabetes Prediction and Prevention) birth cohort (n = 3781), data on the timing of infant feeding were collected up to the age of 2 years and serum IgE antibodies toward four food and four inhalant allergens measured at the age of 5 years. Logistic regression was used for the analyses.

Results

Median duration of exclusive and total breastfeeding was 1.4 (interquartile range: 0.2–3.5) and 7.0 (4.0–11.0) months, respectively. When all the foods were studied together and adjusted for confounders, short duration of breastfeeding decreased the risk of sensitization to birch allergen; introduction of oats <5.1 months and barley <5.5 months decreased the risk of sensitization to wheat and egg allergens, and oats additionally associated with milk, timothy grass, and birch allergens. Introduction of rye <7.0 months decreased the risk of sensitization to birch allergen. Introduction of fish <6 months and egg ≤11 months decreased the risk of sensitization to all the specific allergens studied. The introduction of <3 food items at 3 months was associated with sensitization to wheat, timothy grass, and birch allergens; the introduction of 1–2 food items at 4 months and ≤4 food items at 6 months was associated with all endpoints, but house dust mite. These results were particularly evident among high‐risk children when the results were stratified by atopic history, indicating the potential for reverse causality.

Conclusions

The introduction of complementary foods was consecutively done, and with respect to the timing of each food, early introduction of complementary foods may protect against atopic sensitization in childhood, particularly among high‐risk children. Less food diversity as already at 3 months of age may increase the risk of atopic sensitization.
Mast cell activation syndromes: definition and classification
Authors: Valent P.
Published: February 2013

Mast cell activation (MCA) occurs in a number of different clinical conditions, including IgE‐dependent allergies, other inflammatory reactions, and mastocytosis. MCA‐related symptoms may be mild, moderate, severe, or even life‐threatening. The severity of MCA depends on a number of different factors, including genetic predisposition, the number and releasability of mast cells involved in the reaction, the type of allergen, presence of specific IgE, and presence of certain comorbidities. In severe reactions, MCA can be documented by a substantial increase in the serum tryptase level above baseline. When symptoms are recurrent, are accompanied by an increase in mast cell–derived mediators in biological fluids, and are responsive to treatment with mast cell–stabilizing or mediator‐targeting drugs, the diagnosis of mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) is appropriate. Based on the underlying condition, these patients can further be classified into i) primary MCAS where KIT‐mutated, clonal mast cells are detected, ii) secondary MCAS where an underlying inflammatory disease, often in the form of an IgE‐dependent allergy, but no KIT‐mutated mast cells, is found, and iii) idiopathic MCAS, where neither an allergy or other underlying disease, nor KIT‐mutated mast cells are detectable. It is important to note that in many patients with MCAS, several different factors act together to lead to severe or even life‐threatening anaphylaxis. Detailed knowledge about the pathogenesis and complexity of MCAS, and thus establishing the exact final diagnosis, may greatly help in the management and therapy of these patients.
Obligatory duetting behaviour in theChrysoperla carnea‐group of cryptic species (Neuroptera:Chrysopidae): its role in shaping evolutionary history
Authors: Henry Charles S. , Brooks Stephen J. , Duelli Peter , Johnson James B. , Wells Marta M. , Mochizuki Atsushi
Published: February 2013

An unusual system of communication has evolved in green lacewings of theChrysoperla carnea‐group, triggering rapid proliferation of numerous cryptic species across all of the Northern Hemisphere and large portions of Africa. The system is based on sexually monomorphic, substrate‐borne vibrational signals, produced by abdominal oscillation. These low‐frequency signals are exchanged between courting individuals in a precise duetting format. The song of each of the more than 20 described species exhibits a unique acoustical phenotype that reproductively isolates the taxon from all other species with which it might come into contact. Here, we review what is known about duetting behaviour in thecarnea‐group, emphasizing the dominant role that duetting has played in the evolution, ecology, and speciation of the complex. Included are descriptions and discussions of song diversity and its impact on reproductive isolation among species, the genetic basis of interspecific song differences, partitioning of acoustic space among sympatric species, parallel song evolution in allopatric species pairs, and modes of speciation within the complex. We also emphasize the importance of correctly identifying by song all species of thecarnea‐group that are to be used either in experimental studies or programs of biological control, while acknowledging the continuing relevance of morphology tocarnea‐group systematics.
Serum lysozyme – a surrogate marker of pulmonary microvascular injury in smokers?
Authors: Schmekel Birgitta , Blomstrand Peter , Venge Per
Published: February 2013

Progression rate of disease processes in smoke‐induced lung injuries varies greatly. Diverse pathophysiological mechanisms may trigger these divergences. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether circulating markers of monocytes/macrophages and/or neutrophil [i.e. lysozyme (LZM) or myeloperoxidase (MPO)] were associated with reduced values of diffusion capacity (DL,CO), which is considered to serve as a mirror of pulmonary microvascular derangement and an early sign of tissue remodelling in smokers. Data obtained from 134 smokers (GOLD stage ≤1) and 24 matched healthy non‐smoking volunteers were evaluated in a cross‐sectional study design. Lung function tests as well as single breath test of DL,CO were assessed according to ATS/ERS guidelines. Biomarkers were measured in serum by means of sensitive immunoassays. A subgroup of smokers with normal lung function was created to minimize confounding, by excluding datasets showing significant airflow limitation and abnormally high values of carboxy haemoglobin (COHb), the latter indicating recent smoking. The capacity of serum lysozyme to correctly identify abnormally low values of DL,CO (i.e. <1·9SD units), tended to be higher than that of Myeloperoxidase as assessed by analyses of receiver operated curves (ROC; AUC 0·81, 95%CI: 0·69–0·89 versus AUC 0·67, 95%CI: 0·60–0·81). It is concluded that serum levels of lysozyme, reflecting mainly activated monocytes/macrophages but also neutrophils, were significantly associated with isolated decrements of DL,CO in smokers with normal lung function tests. This suggests monocytes/macrophages to have a significant mechanistic role in early phases of the disease process and/or pulmonary microvascular damage.
Great Expectations: Teaching Ethics to Medical Students in South Africa
Authors: Behrens Kevin Gary , Fellingham Robyn
Published: February 2013

Many academic philosophers and ethicists are appointed to teach ethics to medical students. We explore exactly what this task entails. In South Africa the Health Professions Council's curriculum for training medical practitioners requires not only that students be taught to apply ethical theory to issues and be made aware of the legal and regulatory requirements of their profession, it also expects moral formation and the inculcation of professional virtue in students. We explore whether such expectations are reasonable. We defend the claim that physicians ought to be persons of virtuous character, on the grounds of the social contract between society and the profession. We further argue that since the expectations of virtue of health care professionals are reasonable, it is also sound reasoning to expect ethics teachers to try to inculcate such virtues in their students, so far as this is possible. Furthermore, this requires of such teachers that they be suitable role models of ethical practice and virtue, themselves. We claim that this applies to ethics teachers who are themselves not members of the medical profession, too, even though they are not bound by the same social contract as doctors. We conclude that those who accept employment as teachers of ethics to medical students, where as part of their contractual obligation they are expected to inculcate moral values in their students, ought to be prepared to accept their responsibility to be professionally ethical, themselves.
γ‐Secretase binding sites in aged and Alzheimer's disease human cerebrum: the choroid plexus as a putative origin of CSF Aβ
Authors: Liu Fei , Xue Zhi‐Qin , Deng Si‐Hao , Kun Xiong , Luo Xue‐Gang , Patrylo Peter R. , Rose Gregory M. , Cai Huaibin , Struble Robert G. , Cai Yan , Yan Xiao‐Xin
Published: February 2013

Deposition of β ‐amyloid (Aβ) peptides, cleavage products of β‐amyloid precursor protein (APP) by β‐secretase‐1 (BACE1) and γ‐secretase, is a neuropathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD). γ‐Secretase inhibition is a therapeutical anti‐Aβ approach, although changes in the enzyme's activity in AD brain are unclear. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Aβ peptides are thought to derive from brain parenchyma and thus may serve as biomarkers for assessing cerebral amyloidosis and anti‐Aβ efficacy. The present study compared active γ‐secretase binding sites with Aβ deposition in aged and AD human cerebrum, and explored the possibility of Aβ production and secretion by the choroid plexus (CP). The specific binding density of [3H]‐L‐685,458, a radiolabeled high‐affinity γ‐secretase inhibitor, in the temporal neocortex and hippocampal formation was similar for AD and control cases with similar ages and post‐mortem delays. The CP in post‐mortem samples exhibited exceptionally high [3H]‐L‐685,458 binding density, with the estimated maximal binding sites (Bmax) reduced in the AD relative to control groups. Surgically resected human CP exhibited APP, BACE1 and presenilin‐1 immunoreactivity, and β‐site APP cleavage enzymatic activity. In primary culture, human CP cells also expressed these amyloidogenic proteins and released Aβ40 and Aβ42 into the medium. Overall, our results suggest that γ‐secretase activity appears unaltered in the cerebrum in AD and is not correlated with regional amyloid plaque pathology. The CP appears to be a previously unrecognised non‐neuronal contributor to CSF Aβ, probably at reduced levels in AD.
Vemurafenib: an unusual UVA‐induced photosensitivity
Authors: Gelot Pauline , Dutartre Hervé , Khammari Amir , Boisrobert Aurélie , Schmitt Caroline , Deybach Jean‐Charles , Nguyen Jean‐Michel , Seité Sophie , Dréno Brigitte
Published: February 2013

Vemurafenib is a new‐targeted therapy approved for the treatment of patients with V600E BRAF‐mutant metastatic melanoma. Among the cutaneous adverse events reported, the photosensitivity is frequently experienced. We aimed to characterize more deeply the mechanism leading to this photosensitivity as well as the corresponding UV spectrum. Phototests showed that the phototoxicity was UVA‐dependent since from normal value prior to vemurafenib treatment, the UVA‐minimal erythema dose decreased in 17 of 18 patients (94.4%) while the minimal erythema dose remained unchanged. Furthermore, a vemurafenib‐induced erythema appeared quickly during the UVA exposure contrarily to what is observed with a conventional drug‐induced phototoxicity showing an erythema 12–24 h after the phototesting. Vitamin PP concentration decreased, and porphyrin level significantly increased after 2 months of vemurafenib. Our study confirms the high risk of vemurafenib‐induced photosensitivity and indicates that it is possibly vitamin PP‐ and porphyrin dependent.
Expression of Toll‐like receptors 2 and 4 and the OPG–RANKL–RANK system in inflammatory external root resorption and external cervical resorption
Authors: Lin Y. P. , Love R. M. , Friedlander L. T. , Shang H. F. , Pai M. H.
Published: February 2013

Aim

To investigate and compare the expression of the pathogen recognition receptors Toll‐like receptor (TLR) 2 and TLR4, and the hard tissue resorption triad osteoprotegerin (OPG)–receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa‐B ligand (RANKL)–receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa‐B (RANK) in external inflammatory root resorption of endodontic origin (ER) and external cervical root resorption (ECR) by immunohistochemistry.

Methodology

Formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded archival specimens collected from teeth that were diagnosed clinically, radiographically and histopathologically with either ER (n = 9) or ECR (n = 9) were processed for immunohistochemistry to investigate and compare levels of TLR2, TLR4, OPG, RANKL, RANK, CD3, CD19 and CD83 expression. The histological features were evaluated via haematoxylin and eosin stain. Taylor's modification of the Brown and Brenn Gram stain was used for examining the presence and distribution of bacteria. All stained slides were digitally photographed and qualitatively analysed, and F test and unpaired Student's t‐test were used for statistical analysis.

Results

Both ER and ECR showed similar immuno‐histopathology characteristics of a fibrovascular connective tissue with varying degrees of inflammatory infiltrate consisting of T and B lymphocytes, dendritic cells, polymorphonuclear lymphocytes and plasma cells. Colonies of bacteria were identified in the majority of lesions, and this correlated with the cellular expression of TLR2 and TLR4 in all lesions. Similarly, all lesions showed a significantly higher (P < 0.05) level of cells expressing RANKL than OPG, indicating hard tissue resorption processes where active in the lesions.

Conclusion

The immunohistopathology patterns of ECR samples were consistent with the bacteria‐driven ER specimens, suggesting bacteria‐induced inflammation may be involved in ECR.
“Crowding in” or “crowding out”? An examination of the impact of the welfare state on generalized social trust
Authors: Brewer Kathryne B , Oh Hans , Sharma Shilpi
Published: February 2013

Generalized social trust is correlated with increased levels of civic engagement, lower crime rates, and greater economic growth. Many scholars believe that equality provides the conditions in which social trust can flourish. Thus, welfare programs might be one way to generate social trust. However, the relationship between social spending and trust is contested: Some argue it is negative, while others argue it is positive. This study examined the effects of total social welfare expenditures on social trust in 18 OECD countries, holding constant individual characteristics, country characteristics, and country and year effects. Fixed effects analyses indicate that every additional percent of gross domestic product spent on social expenditures 5 years prior is associated with a 4.7 percent increased likelihood that respondents of that country will endorse trusting other people. Further testing for reverse causality found no significant association between trust and later social expenditures, supporting the claim that expenditures drive trust instead of the reverse.
Bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cell attenuates skin fibrosis development in mice
Authors: Wu Yan , Huang Sha , Enhe Jirigala , Ma Kui , Yang Siming , Sun Tongzhu , Fu Xiaobing
Published: February 2013

Recent studies showed that mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation significantly alleviated tissue fibrosis; however, little is known about the efficacy on attenuating cutaneous scar formation. In this study, we established a dermal fibrosis model induced by bleomycin and evaluated the benefit of bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM‐MSCs) on skin fibrosis development. Tracing assay of green fluorescent protein (GFP+)BM‐MSCs showed that the cells disappeared gradually within 24 hours upon administration, which hinted the action of BM‐MSCs in vivo was exerted in the initial phase of repair in this model. Therefore, we repeatedly transplanted syngeneic BM‐MSCs in the process of skin fibrosis formation. After 3 weeks, it was found that BM‐MSC‐treated lesional skin demonstrated a unanimous basket‐weave organisation of collagen arrangement similar to normal skin, with few inflammatory cells. In addition, lesional skin with BM‐MSC treatment exhibited a significant down‐regulation of transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1), type I collagen and heat‐shock protein 47 (HSP47), with higher expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)‐2, ‐9 and ‐13. Further experiments showed that α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) positive cells, the most reliable marker of myofibroblasts, apparently decreased after BM‐MSC transplantation, which revealed that BM‐MSCs could attenuate myofibroblast proliferation and differentiation as well as matrix production. Taken together, these findings suggested that BM‐MSCs can inhibit the formation process of bleomycin‐induced skin fibrosis, alleviate inflammation and favour the remodelling of extracellular matrix.
Comorbidities, metabolic risk profile and health‐related quality of life in German patients with plaque‐type psoriasis: a cross‐sectional prospective study
Authors: Jacobi Arnd , Kupke Carina , Behzad Melika , Hertl Michael
Published: February 2013

Background  Patients with psoriasis experience a higher risk of cardiovascular and metabolic comorbidities and have a high burden of treatment. There is still a gap between treatment options and quality of care. The purpose of this study was to determine the demographic data, comorbidities, and the limitations of quality of life in patients with plaque‐type psoriasis.

Materials and methods  This epidemiological evaluation was designed as a single‐center, cross‐sectional, prospective study in Marburg, Germany. To investigate the association between mild to severe psoriasis and comorbidities, data were obtained from 133 patients.

Results  The average Psoriasis Area and Severity Index was 13.4, and the average Dermatology Life Quality Index was 6.3. Among the patients with severe psoriasis, 95% had been prescribed systemic treatments. Comorbidities were evaluated, with depression 30.8%, arterial hypertension 39.1%, and hypercholesterolemia 20.3% in all patients.

Conclusions  Our findings underscore the importance of cardiovascular and metabolic risk screening for all patients with psoriasis. There is still a need for systemic treatments and the definition of treatment goals for psoriasis as a systemic inflammatory disease. Such goals should integrate parameters that include comorbidities and an improvement in health‐related quality of life.
Involvement of CD5+CD19+Cell in steroid‐dependent nephrotic syndrome treated with B‐cell targeting therapy
Authors: Nagatani Koji , Yamaoka Rie , Tezuka Yuko , Hayashi Masatoshi
Published: February 2013

We showed in this study the longitudinal changes of the B‐cell counts in patients with steroid‐dependent nephrotic syndrome (SDNS) treated with cyclophosphamide (CPM) and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). In our case with SDNS, this combined therapy not only decreased B‐cell counts but also increased CD5+CD19+
(CD5+B)/ CD5‐CD19+
(CD5‐B) cell ratio. Recurrence was not observed when an elevated CD5+B/CD5‐B cell ratio was maintained even after the B cells increased. Therefore, this ratio might be more important than the whole B‐cell counts. The changes of this ratio could be a good predictor of the clinical course of the patients treated with B‐cell targeting therapy.
Marketing Is from Mars, IT Is from Venus: Aligning the Worldviews for Firm Performance
Authors: Huang Ming‐Hui , Wang Eric T. G.
Published: February 2013

A typical firm is operated by multiple functional managers who may collaborate as well as compete to achieve firm performance. In the digital age, firm performance is essentially customer‐dependent and technology‐dependent, with both marketing and information technology (IT) playing key roles. Unfortunately the two functions often have very different worldviews. We show how these differences can damage firm performance, and suggest ways to mitigate this damage. We build a worldview difference model, synthesized from multiple disciplines. The model is tested using both matched and nonmatched observations from marketing and IT managers, and is analyzed with hierarchical linear models using both perceptual and objective firm performance data over a 4‐year period. We find that differences between the beliefs and perceptions of marketing managers and IT managers generate a negative impact on firm performance, and suggest appropriate technology‐culture associations to effectively align their worldviews for firm performance. To improve firm performance, a cross‐functional appreciation for market and technology drivers can be achieved by making marketing managers more learning‐oriented and by providing IT managers a culture that is congruent with technology.
Brown tawny owls moult more flight feathers than grey ones
Authors: Karell Patrik , Brommer Jon E. , Ahola Kari , Karstinen Teuvo
Published: February 2013

The mechanisms by which melanin‐based colour polymorphism can evolve and be maintained in wild populations are poorly known. Theory predicts that colour morphs have differential sensitivity to environmental conditions. Recently it has been proposed that colour polymorphism covaries genetically with intrinsic and behavioural properties. Plumage moult is a costly and crucial somatic maintenance function in birds. We used a long‐term data set consisting of 761 observations on 307 individuals captured between 1985 and 2010 to examine differences in partial flight feather moult between grey (pale) and brown (pheomelanic dark) colour morphs of the tawny owl. We find that the brown morph consistently moult more primary flight feathers than the grey morph whereas there is no clear difference between colour morphs in the moulting of secondary feathers. Contrary to expectations, the difference in the number of moulted flight feathers between the morphs was independent of environmental conditions, as quantified by the abundance of prey. We discuss the potential physiological and behavioural causes for and costs of the observed difference in maintenance functions between colour morphs.