bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk Management: Its Adoption in Australian Public Universities within an Environment of Change Management – A Management Perspective
Authors: Christopher Joe , Sarens Gerrit
Published: March 2015

This study draws on the multi‐theoretical approach to governance and a qualitative methodology to examine the extent to which key players in Australian public universities have developed and implemented risk management within an environment of change management. The findings demonstrate that wider influences – largely the result of conflicting management cultures – have had differing impacts on the values of key players and the consequent adoption of the process. Key players’ values range from congruent with a corporate culture (at the strategic level) to incongruent with a corporate culture (at the operational level), and result in different outcomes. These different outcomes suggest that the adoption of risk management by Australian public universities under the influence of new public management is problematic. The study provides opportunities for further research to confirm these findings with a broader sample of actors and the adoption of other governance control processes.
Allergic conjunctivitis: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Leonardi A. , Piliego F. , Castegnaro A. , Lazzarini D. , La Gloria Valerio A. , Mattana P. , Fregona I.
Published: March 2015

Background

Ocular allergy is a common disease in daily practice.

Objectives

A cross‐sectional study was conducted to evaluate clinical aspects of and therapeutic approaches to ocular allergy in Italy.

Methods

Of the 3685 patients affected by ocular allergy and enrolled by 304 ophthalmologists nationally, 3545 were eligible to be included in the statistical analysis. A questionnaire was administered in office to record demographic data, comorbidities, trigger factors, number of conjunctivitis episodes, and past treatments. Signs and symptoms were graded according to their severity, frequency, and duration.

Results

Mean age of enrolled patients was 38 ± 19 years. Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (55% of patients) was equally distributed among the different age groups, while perennial allergic conjunctivitis (18%) increased with age and vernal keratoconjunctivitis (9%) was more frequent under the age of 18. Itching and redness were reported in 90% and 85%, respectively; lid skin involvement was observed in 22% of cases and keratitis in 11%. Pollen sensitivities were indicated as the most frequent triggers; however, exposure to non‐specific environmental conditions, pollutants, and cigarette smoke was frequently reported. Only 35% of patients underwent a diagnostic evaluation of specific allergic sensitization, with positive allergy tests found in 82% of this subset. With regard to treatment, topical decongestants were used in 43% of patients, corticosteroids in 41%, antihistamines in 29%, systemic antihistamines in 27%, and mast cell stabilizers in 15%.

Conclusion

This survey provided useful epidemiological information regarding the clinical characteristics and treatment options of a large cohort of patients affected by different forms of ocular allergy.

Clinical relevance

An understanding of ocular allergic disease, its incidence, demographics, and treatment paradigms provides important information towards understanding its pharmacoeconomics and burden on the national health system.
Cell-penetrable mouse forkhead box protein 3 alleviates experimental arthritis in mice by up-regulating regulatory T cells
Authors: Liu Xia , Ji Baoju , Sun Mengyi , Wu Weijiang , Huang Lili , Sun Aihua , Zong Yangyong , Xia Sheng , Shi Liyun , Qian Hui , Xu Wenrong , Shao Qixiang
Published: March 2015

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) have potential applications in clinical disease therapy, such as autoimmune diseases and transplant rejection. However, their numbers are limited. Forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3) is a key transcription factor that controls Treg development and function. Here, we generated a cell-permeable fusion protein, protein transduction domain (PTD)-conjugated mouse FoxP3 protein (PTD-mFoxP3), and evaluated whether PTD-mFoxp3 can alleviate rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mouse model. As expected, PTD-mFoxP3 was transduced into cells effectively, and inhibited T cell activation and attenuated the cell proliferation. It decreased interleukin (IL) 2 and interferon (IFN)-γ expression, and increased IL-10 expression in activated CD4+CD25− T cells. PTD-mFoxP3-transduced CD4+CD25− T cells attenuated proliferation of activated CD4+CD25− T cells. In addition, PTD-mFoxP3 blocked the Th17 differentiation programme in vitro and down-regulated IL-17 production from T cells by modulating induction and levels of retinoid-related orphan receptor gamma t (RORγt). Intra-articular delivery of PTD-mFoxP3 delayed disease incidence remarkably and alleviated autoimmune symptoms of CIA mice. Moreover, protective effects of PTD-mFoxP3 were associated with regulating the balance of T helper type 17 (Th17) and Tregs. These results suggest that PTD-mFoxP3 may be a candidate for RA therapy.
Fast Rendering of Image Mosaics and ASCII Art
Authors: Markuš Nenad , Fratarcangeli Marco , Pandžić Igor S. , Ahlberg Jörgen
Published: March 2015

An image mosaic is an assembly of a large number of small images, usually called tiles, taken from a specific dictionary/codebook. When viewed as a whole, the appearance of a single large image emerges, i.e. each tile approximates a small block of pixels. ASCII art is a related (and older) graphic design technique for producing images from printable characters. Although automatic procedures for both of these visualization schemes have been studied in the past, some are computationally heavy and cannot offer real‐time and interactive performance. We propose an algorithm able to reproduce the quality of existing non‐photorealistic rendering techniques, in particular ASCII art and image mosaics, obtaining large performance speed‐ups. The basic idea is to partition the input image into a rectangular grid and use a decision tree to assign a tile from a pre‐determined codebook to each cell. Our implementation can process video streams from webcams in real time and it is suitable for modestly equipped devices. We evaluate our technique by generating the renderings of a variety of images and videos, with good results. The source code of our engine is publicly available.
Investigation of a Novel PLGA/CaP Scaffold in the Healing of Tooth Extraction Sockets to Alveolar Bone Preservation in Humans
Authors: Araujo‐Pires Ana Claudia , Mendes Vanessa Cristina , Ferreira‐Junior Osny , Carvalho Paulo Sérgio Perri , Guan Limin , Davies John Edward
Published: March 2015

Background

It is expected that 40% to 60% of initial alveolar bone volume will be lost up to 6 months after tooth extraction. OsteoScafTM (TRT, Toronto, ON, Canada) (poly (DL‐lactide‐co‐glycololide/calcium phosphate [PLGA/CaP] scaffold) is a novel bone substitute material and represents a promising alternative for maintaining alveolar bone integrity in this clinical scenario.

Purpose

Here it was hypothesized that OsteoScaf would reduce alveolar bone lost after tooth extraction in patient, acting as a clot‐retention device.

Material and Methods

A total of 10 patients (32 sockets) were included in the study, of which 16 sockets were grafted with OsteoScaf and 16 were used as control (coagulum alone). Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) was performed both immediately following extraction and also at 120 days postoperatively, at which time biopsy samples were also harvested for histological analyses.

Results

Quantitative analysis of CBCT showed less bone resorption in the OsteoScaf groups, being 10.5% to 14.4% less bone lost in the center of the socket, 15.4% in the buccal region, and 12.6% in the palatal. Qualitative histological analysis showed new bone tissue in direct apposition to the scaffold – demonstrating its osteoconductive nature.

Conclusion

OsteoScaf diminished the expected bone lost during the postextraction remodeling of the alveolar bone ridge at 120 days postextraction.
Providing an extended use of an otological‐specific outcome instrument to derive cost‐effectiveness estimates of treatment
Authors: Frew E.J. , Harrison M. , Rossello Roig M. , Martin T.P.C.
Published: March 2015

Objectives

Although quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs) are increasingly being used by decision‐makers to make comparisons of cost‐effectiveness, there are no otological‐specific outcome measures that fit within this QALY framework. This study had two main objectives. The first was to provide a means to derive QALYs from a condition‐specific otological instrument (Cambridge Otology Quality of Life, COQOL), and the second was to assess the convergent validity, or degree of correlation, between the COQOL and SF‐6D, an established QALY instrument.

Design

Longitudinal cohort study designed to assess the convergent validity between SF‐6D and COQOL and to generate a mapping function to enable SF‐6D values to be predicted from the COQOL responses.

Setting

Cambridge University Hospital, UK.

Participants

A total of 207 patients attending a routine outpatient general otology clinic.

Main outcome measures

SF‐6D and the COQOL instrument completed at baseline and again 3 months later.

Results

Convergent validity was demonstrated with mean SF‐6D values decreasing linearly with increasing severity on the COQOL instrument. Overall, the correlation between the COQOL scores and the SF‐6D values was moderate and statistically significant (r = 0.490, P = <0.001). A simple mapping model based on an ordinary least squares (OLS) regression function predicted SF‐6D values from the COQOL data with a reasonable degree of accuracy. Further validation using the follow‐up 3‐month data confirmed the prediction power of this mapping model.

Conclusions

This study provides a method for estimating QALYs from condition‐specific COQOL data and provides the opportunity for the cost‐effectiveness of otological treatment to be measured and placed within the national QALY framework.
Methylchloroisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone contact allergy: an occupational perspective
Authors: Urwin Rachel , Warburton Katharine , Carder Melanie , Turner Susan , Agius Raymond , Wilkinson S Mark
Published: March 2015

Background

Sensitivity to either methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI)/methylisothiazolinone (MI) or MI has increased, with a reported frequency of up to 11.1% among dermatitis patients, the main context being allergic contact dermatitis caused by MCI or MCI/MI in personal care products. Case reports have described occupational allergic contact dermatitis caused by MI in paints and within the beauty industry.

Patients/materials/methods

This study identified incident cases of occupational allergic contact dermatitis caused by MCI/MI and or MI reported from 1996 to 2012 to a UK‐wide surveillance scheme (EPIDERM), with the aim of identifying changes in incidence over the study period.

Results

The data show an increase in occupational allergic contact dermatitis caused by MCI/MI and or MI from 1996 to 2012 of 4.1% [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.6–6.9] per annum. Analysis by industry showed a 3.8% (95% CI: −0.3 to 8.0) per annum increase in those exposed to personal care products in the workplace as a primary exposure [healthcare workers, 8.1% (95% CI: 2.1–14.4) per annum; beauty workers, 6.6% (95% CI: −2.2 to 16.2) per annum; hairdressers, 1.5% (95% CI: −4.7 to 8.1) per annum]. There was a 6.3% (95% CI: 1.8–10.9) per annum increase for manufacturing workers. A statistically significant rise in the frequency of occupational allergic contact dermatitis was shown to be attributable to MCI/MI and or MI between 1996 and 2012.

Conclusion

The findings support recommendations for a review of the regulations relating to MCI/MI and/or MI in cosmetic and personal care products and in industrial settings.
Spatial Spillovers from Foreign Direct Investment: Evidence from the Yangtze River Delta in China
Authors: Tanaka Kiyoyasu , Hashiguchi Yoshihiro
Published: March 2015

This paper examines the spatial externality from foreign direct investment on domestic firms. Using Chinese firm‐level data for 2004, and after accounting for an endogeneity problem, we find that foreign firms generate a significantly positive spillover effect on the regional productivity of domestic firms in similar counties and industries. Estimating a spatial‐autoregressive model, we further show that such local spillovers could transmit to domestic firms in other counties and industries through interactions among domestic firms. However, these spatial multiplier effects decline with distance, thereby reducing the foreign direct investment spillover effects for domestic firms in distant locations.
Health Status and Earnings of Migrant Workers from Rural China
Authors: Qin Lijian , Chen Chien‐Ping , Liu Xun , Wang Chenggang , Jiang Zhongyi
Published: March 2015

The migration of rural laborers into cities for employment has been one of the main driving forces of China's economic growth over the past three decades. Based on a dataset collected by the Ministry of Agriculture of China from 2003 to 2007, this paper examines the impact of health on the earnings of migrant workers engaging in physically‐intensive work requiring good health. Our findings indicate that a poor health status not only weakens the incentive of rural laborers to participate in the migrant labor force but also significantly reduces their earnings. A migrant worker in poor health only earns 67 percent of what a healthy worker makes. Among all the human capital characteristics and family economic factors, health status is the most influential on earnings for less educated workers. Labor productivity has a greater impact on earnings than the annual number of days that a person works. Ongoing health‐care reforms aimed at the improvement of the health‐care services available to rural laborers are urged to help reduce poverty in rural China.
Impact of Childcare and Eldercare on Off‐farm Activities in Rural China
Authors: Qiao Fangbin , Rozelle Scott , Zhang Linxiu , Yao Yi , Zhang Jian
Published: March 2015

Using individual data collected in rural China and adopting Heckman's two‐step function, we examined the impact of childcare and eldercare on laborers' off‐farm activities. Our study finds that having school‐aged children has a negative impact on rural laborers' migration decisions and a positive impact on their decision to work in the local off‐farm employment market. As grandparents can help to take care of young children, the impact of preschoolers is insignificant. Having elderly family to care for decreases the income earned by female members of the family. Although both men and women are actively engaged in off‐farm employment today in rural China, this study shows that women are still the primary care providers for both children and the elderly. Therefore, reforming public school enrollment and high school/college entrance examination systems so that migrant children can stay with their parents, this will help rural laborers to migrate to cities. The present study also calls for more public services for preschoolers and the elderly in rural China.
Valproate‐induced enuresis: a prospective study
Authors: Yamak Wissam R , Hmaimess Ghassan , Makke Yamane , Sabbagh Sandra , Arabi Maher , Beydoun Ahmad , Nasreddine Wassim
Published: March 2015

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and characteristics of secondary enuresis in children initiated on valproate treatment.

Method

This was a prospective study conducted in children aged 5 to 12 years with suspected newly diagnosed epilepsy and maintained on valproate for at least 1 month. Adverse events spontaneously reported by parents were recorded at each follow‐up visit. In addition, we specifically asked about enuresis and other side effects known to occur with valproate treatment. We assessed the frequency of enuresis and its association with a number of variables.

Results

Seventy‐two children (43 males and 29 females) with a mean age of 8 years 7 months (range 5–12y) were included in this study. Secondary enuresis developed in 17 (24%) of these children after, on average, 19.8 days of exposure to valproate. The data obtained from a multivariate analysis indicate that age was the only significant factor in predicting the development of enuresis. Enuresis ceased in all children after discontinuation of valproate use, and in 10 out of 11 children still on the drug.

Interpretation

Secondary enuresis is a common adverse event associated with valproate use in children, which is not usually spontaneously reported and is reversible in most cases.
Variation in health care for children and young people with cerebral palsies: a retrospective multicentre audit study
Authors: Horridge Karen , Tennant Peter W G , Balu Rajesh , Rankin Judith
Published: March 2015

Aim

To explore the provision and variations in care for children and young people with cerebral palsies (CP) registered with the population‐based North of England Collaborative Cerebral Palsy Survey (NECCPS).

Method

This is a retrospective multicentre record audit of 389 children with CP (220 males, 148 females, 21 no data; median age at time of audit 12y 3mo), born between 1995 and 2002. Data were collected on cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), hip and spine surveillance and management, and pain presence and management. Variations over time and between the districts in the north of England (Northumberland, North and West Cumbria, North and South Tyneside, Newcastle‐upon‐Tyne, Gateshead, Sunderland, Durham, Darlington, Bishop Auckland, Hartlepool, Stockton‐on‐Tees, Middlesbrough, Redcar, and Cleveland), and by socio‐economic status (SES) (estimated from the Index of Multiple Deprivation [IMD] 2004) were estimated by generalized estimating equations.

Results

There was significant variation between districts in access to MRI (p<0.001), orthopaedic surgeons (p=0.005), recording state of spine (p<0.001), and discussions about pain (p<0.001). Fifty‐seven per cent (95% CI 52–62) had evidence of a reported MRI brain scan, the proportion of which increased over time (p<0.001). Sixty‐seven per cent (95% CI 62–71) had a discussion about pain recorded. Of those in pain, 87% (95% CI 80–93) had a pain management plan. The proportion with documented discussion about pain increased with increasing SES (p=0.04).

Interpretation

The provision of care for children with CP in the north of England varies between districts. Internationally agreed, evidence‐based standards are urgently needed to ensure more equitable health care and improved outcomes for all.
Parent questionnaires measuring feeding disorders in preschool children: a systematic review
Authors: Sanchez Katherine , Spittle Alicia J , Allinson Leesa , Morgan Angela
Published: March 2015

Aim

Preschool feeding disorders are common and debilitating and are associated with a range of developmental and medical issues. Parent report allows assessment of feeding in a naturalistic environment over time, with advantages over time‐limited, clinic‐based observations. However, little is understood about the limitations and advantages of current parent‐report measures. We aimed to systematically review the psychometrics and clinometrics of parent‐administered feeding questionnaires.

Method

Five search engines were used to identify questionnaires that met inclusion criteria, i.e. being norm‐or criterion‐referenced, child focused, appropriate for preschool children, and measured two or more feeding domains (e.g. dysphagia/oral motor delay, food refusal).

Results

In total 3535 abstracts were identified and 215 full‐text articles were evaluated. Five questionnaires met the criteria. The Behavioral Pediatrics Feeding Assessment Scale (BPFAS) was the most reliable questionnaire identified, with good test–retest reliability and internal consistency. More predictive and concurrent validity data was available for the BPFAS, the Mealtime Behavior Questionnaire, and the Montreal Children's Hospital Feeding Scale than for other measures.

Interpretation

Further research is needed on the psychometric properties of feeding questionnaires used in research and clinical practice. To date, the BPFAS has the most comprehensive reliability and validity data of any parent‐administered feeding questionnaire for preschool children.
Thrombosis in thrombocythemic Ph‐ myeloproliferations is associated with higher platelet count prior to the event: results of analyses of prothrombotic risk factors from a registry of patients treated with anagrelide
Authors: Schwarz Jiří , Ovesná Petra , Černá Olga , Kissová Jarmila , Soukupová Jacqueline Maaloufová , Brychtová Yvona , Doubek Michael , Červinek Libor , Cmunt Eduard , Dulíček Petr , Campr Vít , Křen Leoš , Penka Miroslav ,   for CZEMP – Czech Group for Ph‐ Myeloproliferative Disorders
Published: March 2015

Controversies still exist regarding definition of the thrombotic risks in Ph‐ (BCR/ABL1‐) myeloproliferative disorders with thrombocythemia (MPD‐T). Platelet counts at diagnosis are currently not taken as a risk factor of thrombosis. In our cohort of 1179 patients with MPD‐T, prospectively registered for anagrelide treatment, we found that the median platelet count prior to the thrombotic event was significantly higher than at time points without any ensuing thrombosis (453 vs. 400 × 109/L, P < 0.001), albeit higher platelet counts at diagnosis tended to be connected with fewer thrombotic events (in contrast to WBC counts at diagnosis). The JAK2V617F mutation predicted both arterial and venous events, while age >65 yr, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking, elevated triglyceride and homocysteine levels predicted arterial events only. For venous events, the specific thrombophilic risk factors (factor V ‘Leiden’ and others), antiphospholipid antibodies, and elevated factor VIII levels played a major role. During anagrelide treatment (± aspirin), we documented a decrease in both venous (6.7‐fold) and arterial events (1.8‐fold), while bleeding (mostly minor events) increased twofold compared to history. Our results suggest that keeping platelet counts at low levels may be a meaningful therapeutic measure to prevent thrombosis, although their counts at diagnosis lack any prognostic value.
EFNS‐ENS/EAN Guideline on concomitant use of cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine in moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Schmidt R. , Hofer E. , Bouwman F. H. , Buerger K. , Cordonnier C. , Fladby T. , Galimberti D. , Georges J. , Heneka M. T. , Hort J. , Laczó J. , Molinuevo J. L , O'Brien J. T. , Religa D. , Scheltens P. , Schott J. M. , Sorbi S.
Published: March 2015

Background and purpose

Previous studies have indicated clinical benefits of a combination of cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEI) and memantine over ChEI monotherapy in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Our objective was the development of guidelines on the question of whether combined ChEI/memantine treatment rather than ChEI alone should be used in patients with moderate to severe AD to improve global clinical impression (GCI), cognition, behaviour and activities of daily living (ADL).

Methods

A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials based on a literature search in ALOIS, the register of the Cochrane Dementia and Cognitive Improvement Group, was carried out with subsequent guideline development according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system.

Results

Pooled data from four trials including 1549 AD patients in the moderate to severe disease stage demonstrated significant beneficial effects of combination therapy compared to ChEI monotherapy for GCI [standardized mean difference (SMD) −0.20; 95% confidence interval (CI) −0.31; −0.09], cognitive functioning (SMD −0.27, 95% CI −0.37; −0.17) and behaviour (SMD −0.19; 95% CI −0.31; −0.07). The quality of evidence was high for behaviour, moderate for cognitive function and GCI and low for ADL. Agreement of panellists was reached after the second round of the consensus finding procedure. The desirable effects of combined ChEI and memantine treatment were considered to outweigh undesirable effects. The evidence was weak for cognition, GCI and ADL so that the general recommendation for using combination therapy was weak.

Conclusions

We suggest the use of a combination of ChEI plus memantine rather than ChEI alone in patients with moderate to severe AD. The strength of this recommendation is weak.
Why All Researchers Should Report Effect Sizes and Their Confidence Intervals: Paving the Way for Meta–Analysis and Evidence–Based Management Practices
Authors: Schwab Andreas
Published: March 2015

The growing body of empirical entrepreneurship studies and the advent of meta–analytic methodologies create new opportunities to develop evidence–based management practices. To support research on evidence–based practices, empirical studies should report meta–analysis relevant information, such as standardized effect–size measures and their confidence intervals. The corresponding changes in reporting practices are simple and straight forward—yet they promise strong contributions to the systematic accumulation of entrepreneurship knowledge over time.
How Much Am I Expected to Pay for My Parents’ Firm? An Institutional Logics Perspective on Family Discounts
Authors: Zellweger Thomas , Richards Melanie , Sieger Philipp , Patel Pankaj C.
Published: March 2015

Recent evidence suggests that successors do not simply inherit their parents’ firm, but have to pay a certain price. Building on institutional logics literature, we explore successors’ family discount expectations, defined as the rebate expected from parents in comparison to nonfamily buyers when assuming control of the firm. We find that family cohesion increases discount expectations, while successors’ fear of failure and family equity stake in the firm decrease discount expectations. Higher education in business or economics weakens these effects. On average, in our study comprised of 16 countries, successors expect a 57% family discount.
Transglutaminase 2 interactions with extracellular matrix proteins as probed with celiac disease autoantibodies
Authors: Cardoso Inês , Stamnaes Jorunn , Andersen Jan Terje , Melino Gerry , Iversen Rasmus , Sollid Ludvig M.
Published: March 2015

Transglutaminases have been implicated in various human diseases. A prominent example is the involvement of transglutaminase 2 (TG2) in the gluten‐sensitive enteropathy celiac disease, where the enzyme is both the target of autoantibodies and responsible for the generation of immunogenic gluten epitopes. Here, we aimed to characterize the microenvironment of TG2 in the extracellular matrix (ECM) in order to gain insights into the antigenic structures that are recognized by autoantibodies in celiac disease. A panel of TG2‐specific mAbs established from gut plasma cells of celiac disease patients was employed as probes to characterize the interactions between TG2 and ECM constituents. With immunofluorescence staining, microplate protein‐binding and surface plasmon resonance assays, we found that the main epitope (epitope 1) recognized by TG2‐specific gut plasma cells overlaps with the fibronectin (FN)‐binding site of TG2. Furthermore, we found that the same TG2 amino acids that are involved in binding of epitope 1 mAbs are also important for efficient binding of FN. Notably, epitope 1 mAbs recognize TG2 in tissue sections, suggesting that some TG2 in the extracellular matrix has interaction partners in addition to FN. We demonstrate that collagen VI is a strong candidate, on the basis of its tissue expression pattern and ability to bind TG2. Collagen VI may thus serve as a matrix for deposition of TG2 in a context that can also be recognized by epitope 1‐targeting autoantibodies.
Isolation and characterization of 15 polymorphic genomic simple sequence repeat markers in Poa pratensis L.
Authors: Zhao Yanyan , Yu Feng , Li Yuan , Wang Haiqing , Dou Quanwen
Published: March 2015

Poa pratensis L. is an important perennial grass used both for forage and turf in temperate regions of the world. In this study, we isolated and characterized 15 novel polymorphic genomic simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers in P. pratensis. The polymorphism of each marker was assessed in 14 cultivars. The number of alleles of individual microsatellites ranged from three to six, with an average of 3.8 alleles per SSR. Cross‐species amplification tests showed that 13 and seven of the characterized P. pratensis markers could be effectively amplified in P. pratensis var. anceps Gaud and P. crymophila Keng, respectively. These polymorphic microsatellite markers should serve as powerful tools for the investigation of genetic diversity and related analyses, and also for molecular‐assisted breeding of P. pratensis.
‘No one wants to be the face of Herpes London’: a qualitative study of the challenges of engaging patients and the public in sexual and reproductive health and HIV/AIDS services
Authors: Robinson Nicola , Lorenc Ava
Published: March 2015

Objectives

To explore barriers, challenges and best practice within patient and public engagement (PPE) in sexual and reproductive health and HIV (SRHH) services in London.

Methods

Consultation exercise using qualitative interviews with 27 stakeholders including commissioners, managers, voluntary/community organizations (VCOs) clinicians and patients, analysed using Framework Analysis and Atlas.ti software.

Results

Participants recognized PPE's importance, echoing recent political and NHS drives, and highlighted the need for meaningful, empowering PPE, including user‐designed methods, peer research and participatory approaches. Although challenging in SRHH and requiring training and support, PPE may help tackle stigma, and promote self‐management and patient‐centred‐care, including peer education and role modelling. Expertise may come from experienced VCOs. Themes in priority order were: organizational commitment (including lack of dedicated staff, time and money); motivating patients; changing NHS philosophy; informing patients/public; using public awareness/education campaigns; overcoming stigma; working with VCOs. ‘Reaching out’ to engage underrepresented groups in this sensitive area was emphasized through community outreach, incentivization and linking with existing organizations. Making engagement easy and addressing issues of public value were also important. Stigma was less hindering than anticipated, except for ethnic minorities. PPE was seen to improve patient satisfaction, increase service uptake and reduce inequalities, key priorities in SRHH, and identify innovative service delivery ideas.

Conclusions

PPE is crucial in creating a patient‐led NHS and responsible society. If organizations, including the NHS, commit to implementing meaningful PPE which actively targets those at risk of poor SRHH, services can be truly patient‐led and patients and communities empowered to tackle the stigma of SRHH.
Job‐search Networks and Wage Attainment in China: A Comparison of Job Changers and Non‐changers
Authors: Huang Xianbi , Bian Yanjie
Published: March 2015

This article examines job‐search networks and entry‐level wage attainment using data from a large‐scale survey conducted in eight cities in China in 2009. Two key issues are addressed: (i) how the use of social networks is associated with entry‐level wage attainment in urban China, and (ii) whether the patterns of network effects on entry‐level wage differ between job changers and first‐job seekers. The results show that both strength of ties and social resources of job‐search networks are significantly associated with entry‐level wage attainment, and that the network effects on entry‐level wage are greater for job changers than for first‐job seekers. This study offers a solid empirical verification of the associations of weak ties with information and strong ties with influence in an analysis of entry‐level wages for job changers and first‐job seekers.
How to Get a Longer Job? Roles of Human and Social Capital in the Japanese Labor Market
Authors: Kobayashi Jun , Kagawa Mei , Sato Yoshimichi
Published: March 2015

This article investigates the roles of human and social capital played in the Japanese labor market. Our research question is whether they interact to accelerate or decelerate each other to provide first jobs of a long duration. Based on the literature, we focus on the bonding functions of friends and relatives. Using the 2005 Social Stratification and Social Mobility Survey Data, we measure human capital by educational attainment (college education) and social capital by job search methods (using friends or relatives). The dependent variable is the hazard rate of turnover from the first job. We find that social capital especially benefits those with low human capital (high school graduates). When friends or relatives introduce workers to jobs, high school graduates tended to stay longer in their first jobs and had a lower turnover than college graduates did. This means that social capital decelerated effects of human capital. Therefore, in the Japanese labor market, social capital plays a complementary role in mitigating educational disadvantage.
Autoextraction of twelve permanent teeth in a child with autistic spectrum disorder
Authors: Williams Anne C.
Published: March 2015

Background

This report discusses self‐injurious behaviour; this is not unusual in people with autistic spectrum disorders but is not commonly experienced as autoextraction.

Case Report

This case concerns a 12 year old child who presented as a new patient with two teeth missing. He then went on to remove a further ten teeth over a relatively short space of time.

Conclusion

The recognition of autoextraction by the dental team is important. its management involves a multidisciplinary team which includes professionals from education, health and social care who work together to prevent progressive self‐injury.
RURAL SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS LIVING IN A SMALL COMMUNITY: THEIR ATTITUDES, BELIEFS AND PERCEPTIONS TOWARDS GENERAL PRACTICE
Authors: Atkinson Kaye , Schattner Peter , Margolis Stephen
Published: March 2015

Objective: To study the attitudes and beliefs towards general practice of rural secondary school students, in particular, their perception of the barriers to the effective delivery of primary health care.

Setting: Students attending a government‐funded secondary school in a rural community of less than 4000 people.

Subjects: 250 students in years 7–12 were surveyed, with 177 (71%) replying, 45% of these being male.

Design: Cross‐sectional, self‐administered questionnaire survey.

Results: The study found that most students value general practitioners (GPs) as valuable sources of health care, feel they have reasonable access to care and in most instances appear to attend appropriately for their health problems. Most felt their doctor would be an empathetic listener, would provide sufficient time to provide effective care and communicated in a language they could understand. Confidentiality issues were considered important, especially by females.

Conclusion: Although students have very positive attitudes about general practice, the findings could be used to improve a number of GP services for young people in small rural communities. This is particularly so for presentations which require a high degree of confidentiality and skilful counselling, such as psychological problems and risk‐taking behaviours.
Symptoms Before Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome: A Nationwide Study Among the Young in Denmark
Authors: GLINGE CHARLOTTE , JABBARI REZA , RISGAARD BJARKE , LYNGE THOMAS HADBERG , ENGSTRØM THOMAS , ALBERT CHRISTINE M. , HAUNSØ STIG , WINKEL BO GREGERS , TFELT‐HANSEN JACOB
Published: March 2015

Symptoms Before SADS

Introduction

No studies in an unselected and nationwide setting have characterized the symptoms and medical history of patients with sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS). The aim of this study was to identify and describe the symptoms and medical history of patients before the presentation of SADS.

Methods and Results

We have previously identified all of the autopsied sudden cardiac deaths (SCD; n = 314) in Danes aged 1–35 years between 2000 and 2006. After comprehensive pathological and toxicological investigation did not reveal a cause of SCD, 136 of the patients were identified as SADS. The National Patient Registry was utilized to obtain information on all in‐ and outpatient activity in Danish hospitals. All medical records from hospitals and general practitioners, including death certificates and autopsy reports were reviewed.

Before death, 48 (35%) SADS patients had cardiac symptoms; among these, 30 (22%) had contacted the healthcare system. Antecedent symptoms (symptoms >24 hours before death) were present in 34 (25%) patients. Prodromal symptoms (symptoms ≤24 hours before death) were present in 23 (17%) patients. Cardiac symptoms included chest pain (n = 16, 12%), dyspnea (n = 18, 13%), palpitations (n = 2, 1%), presyncope/syncope (n = 23, 17%), and aborted SCD (n = 2, 1%). In addition, seizures (n = 25, 18%) were prevalent. In 61 (45%) SADS cases, no previous medical history were recorded.

Conclusion

In this unselected, nationwide study of 136 young SADS patients, 35% had experienced cardiac symptoms before death, most commonly presyncope/syncope, but only one out of five had contacted a healthcare provider with cardiac symptoms.
Improving the Transparency and Accountability of EU Institutions: The Impact of the Office of the European Ombudsman
Authors: Kostadinova Petia
Published: March 2015

This research focuses on the inquiries into alleged maladministration by EU institutions completed by the Office of the European Ombudsman (EO) during the period 1996–2012, seeking to highlight the ways in which the Ombudsman advances democracy in the European Union (EU). The article analyses the content of an original dataset consisting of 515 critical remarks and 113 follow‐up inquiries issued by the EO. The study shows that concerns about transparency and accountability dominate citizens’ complaints to the Ombudsman. Further, the analysis concludes that, when EU institutions were subject to critical remarks, in the majority of instances they adopted the EO's recommendation to increase the transparency and/or accountability of their practices. The EO's impact is observable both during the inquiry process and after it issues critical remarks. The article links these conclusions to a broader discussion of the democratic dilemmas in the EU.
Phenotypical characterization of circulating cell subsets in pyoderma gangrenosum patients: the experience of the Italian immuno‐pathology group
Authors: Quaglino P. , Fava P. , Caproni M. , Antiga E. , De Simone C. , Papini M. , Parodi A. , Novelli M. , Osella‐Abate S. , Ribero S. , Sanlorenzo M. , Ponti R. , Fierro M.T. , Marzano A.V. , Savoia P.
Published: March 2015

Background

No data are available as to the phenotype of circulating lymphocyte subsets in pyoderma gangrenosum (PG).

Aim

To analyse the expression of different chemokine receptors associated to T‐helper (Th)1 (CCR5), Th2 (CCR4) and Th17 (CCR6), as well as the regulatory T‐cell subset (Treg) and dendritic cell polarization in the blood of newly diagnosed untreated PG patients.

Materials and methods

Multi‐parameter flow cytometry was performed on blood samples from 10 PG patients collected at first diagnosis among centres belonging to the Italian Immuno‐pathology Group. Blood samples from 10 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls (HC) were used as controls.

Results

PG patients are characterized by an over‐expression in the blood of the CD4+CCR5+ and CD4+CCR6+ and a down‐regulation of CD4+CCR4+ counts with respect to healthy subjects. Moreover, they show increased levels of myeloid derived dendritic cells type1 and reduced levels of the Treg CD4+CD25highFOXP3+ subset.

Conclusions

The pattern of chemokine expression argues in favour of a Th1 (CCR5+) and Th17 (CCR6+) polarization with a down‐regulation of Th2 (CCR4+).
Evolution of slow and fast development in predatory ladybirds
Authors: Dixon A. F. G. , Sato S. , Kindlmann P.
Published: March 2015

The frequency distribution of the durations of development of 516 larvae of Adalia bipunctata is unimodal, and the fast‐ and slow‐developing larvae can be identified at the beginning of the fourth (=last) instar. To determine the advantages of fast and slow development, the survival, duration of development, growth and number of aphids consumed by fast‐ and slow‐developing fourth instar larvae fed different numbers aphids were recorded. The percentages of fast‐ and slow‐developing fourth instar larvae that survived when fed 0.5, 1 or an excess of aphids per day, surprisingly, did not differ. The slow‐developing larvae of both sexes took longer to complete their development than the fast‐developing larvae when fed 1 or an excess of aphids per day, and although the weights of the fast‐ and slow‐developing fourth instar larvae differed at the beginning of the instar, they did not differ at the end of this instar when fed 1 aphid per day. However, when reared on an excess of aphids per day, the adult weights of the fast‐developing individuals was greater than that of slow‐developing individuals. The average durations for which the larvae in the two groups survived when fed 0.5 aphids/day differed with the larvae of the fast‐developing individuals surviving for 9.8 ± 0.5 days and slow‐developing individuals 17 ± 1.3 days. Assuming that it is the rate of predator biomass increase, which is maximized by evolution, a model of the relationship between the rate of development/growth of a predator and that of its prey indicates that the optimum growth rate of a predator is positively associated with that of its prey. The evolutionary implications of these results are discussed.
Asia–Pacific consensus statements on Crohn's disease. Part 2: Management
Authors: Ooi Choon Jin , Makharia Govind K , Hilmi Ida , Gibson Peter R , Fock Kwong Ming , Ahuja Vineet , Ling Khoon Lin , Lim Wee Chian , Thia Kelvin T , Wei Shu‐chen , Leung Wai Keung , Koh Poh Koon , Gearry Richard B , Goh Khean Lee , Ouyang Qin , Sollano Jose , Manatsathit Sathaporn , de Silva H Janaka , Rerknimitr Rungsun , Pisespongsa Pises , Abu Hassan Muhamad Radzi , Sung Joseph , Hibi Toshifumi , Boey Christopher C M , Moran Neil , Leong Rupert W L ,   Asia Pacific Association of Gastroenterology (APAGE) Working Group on Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Published: March 2015

The Asia Pacific Working Group on Inflammatory Bowel Disease was established in Cebu, Philippines, at the Asia Pacific Digestive Week conference in 2006 under the auspices of the Asian Pacific Association of Gastroenterology (APAGE) with the goal of developing best management practices, coordinating research and raising awareness of IBD in the region. The consensus group previously published recommendations for the diagnosis and management of ulcerative colitis (UC) with specific relevance to the Asia‐Pacific region. The present consensus statements were developed following a similar process to address the epidemiology, diagnosis and management of Crohn's disease (CD). The goals of these statements are to pool the pertinent literature specifically highlighting relevant data and conditions in the Asia‐Pacific region relating to the economy, health systems, background infectious diseases, differential diagnoses and treatment availability. It does not intend to be all‐comprehensive and future revisions are likely to be required in this ever‐changing field.
Exploring End‐of‐Life Care in Veterans Affairs Community Living Centers
Authors: Ersek Mary , Thorpe Joshua , Kim Hyejin , Thomasson Arwin , Smith Dawn
Published: March 2015

Objectives

To compare quality of end‐of‐life (EOL) care indicators and family evaluation of care in community living centers (CLCs) with that of EOL care in acute, intensive, and hospice and palliative care units.

Design

Retrospective chart review and survey with next of kin of recently deceased inpatients.

Setting

Inpatient Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Centers (N = 145), including 132 CLCs, across the United States.

Participants

The chart review included all individuals who died in VA inpatient units (n = 57,397). Family survey results included data for 33,497 veterans.

Measurements

Indicators of optimal EOL care: palliative consultation in the last 90 days of life, contact with a chaplain, family contact with a chaplain, and emotional support given to family after death. The main outcome was a single Bereaved Family Survey item in which respondents provided a global evaluation of quality of EOL care (excellent to very good, good, fair to poor).

Results

Family evaluations of overall EOL care and quality of EOL care indicators for veterans who died in CLCs were better than those of veterans dying in acute or intensive care units but worse than those dying in hospice or palliative care units.

Conclusion

Care in CLCs can be enhanced through the integration of palliative care practices. Future research should identify critical elements of enhancing EOL care in nursing homes.
Optical microscopy with flexible axial capabilities using a vari‐focus liquid lens
Authors: QU YUFU , YANG HAIJUAN
Published: March 2015

The axial imaging range of optical microscopy is restricted by its fixed working plane and limited depth of field. In this paper, the axial capabilities of an off‐the‐shelf microscope is improved by inserting a liquid lens, which can be controlled by a driving electrical voltage, into the optical path of the microscope. First, the numerical formulas of the working distance and the magnification with the variation of the focus of the liquid lens are inferred using a ray tracing method and conclusion is obtained that the best position for inserting a liquid lens with consistent magnification is the aperture plane and the rear focal plane of the objective lens. Second, with the liquid lens embedded in the microscope, the numerical relationship between the magnification and the working distance of the proposed flexible‐axial‐capability microscope and the liquid lens driving voltage is calibrated and fitted using the inferred numerical formulas. Third, techniques including autofocus, extending depth of field and three‐dimensional imaging are researched and applied, improving the designed microscope to not only flexibly control its working distance, but also to extend the depth of field near the variable working plane. Experiments show that the presented flexible‐axial‐capability microscope has a long working distance range of 8 mm, and by calibrating the magnification curve within the working distance range, samples can be observed and measured precisely. The depth of field can be extended to 400 μm from the variable working plane and is 20 times that of the off‐the‐shelf microscope.