bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real estate management: incentives for effort
Authors: Palm Peter
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to examine how the real estate owner (decision maker) can ensure that the preferred tasks are prioritised. In particular, the incentives to ensure motivation to perform to accomplish the strategic goals of the decision maker are investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is based on an interview study of 19 firm representatives, 6 decision makers and 13 management representatives, all from the Swedish commercial real estate sector.

Findings

The study concludes that the real estate management organisation in the outsourced management setting is governed by the contract, in detail constituting work tasks, and in the in-house management setting, there is freedom with responsibilities instead of regulations.

Research limitations/implications

The research in this paper is limited to Swedish commercial real estate sector.

Practical implications

The insight in the paper regarding how decision makers create incentives for the real estate management organisation in the different organisational settings can provide inspiration to design incentives for effort.

Originality/value

It provides an insight regarding how the industry, depending on organisation setting, prioritise different work tasks and how incentives are created to enable effort.
The right to walk in cities, a comparative review of Macau, Lisbon and Las Vegas
Authors: Balsas Carlos J.L.
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze walking activity and recent efforts at augmenting walkability conditions in the cities of Macau, Lisbon and Las Vegas.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology consisted mostly of in-loco observations, pedestrian counts and extensive reviews of the literature, city plans and regulations.

Findings

The findings include the need to properly design, maintain and retrofit pedestrian facilities, while reducing safety conflicts among street users as well as the establishment and the nurturing of a culture of walking.

Research limitations/implications

A fivefold international walkability research agenda with implications for other cities around the world is established: the value and the need for comparative studies and best practices; the need for urban design interventions; the cultivation of attractiveness and aesthetics; the implementation of safety, construction and maintenance criteria; and responsible funding programs.

Practical implications

This paper has twofold implications for stakeholders with direct responsibilities in the design, planning, building and maintenance of streets and public spaces, and for those who simply use those places at their own discretion.

Social implications

A succinct set of recommendations include the need to augment endogeneity, the need to make cities for people and not for automobiles and commitment to resolving pedestrian safety concerns.

Originality/value

This paper discusses the factors affecting street vibrancy from both a stakeholder’s and a user’s perspective. The fundamental and inalienable right to walk is analyzed using the WPPFUS framework (walking levels, purposes, primacy of walking, facilities, unique features and safety concerns).
Why the youth are so eager for university education? Evidence from Iran’s labor market
Authors: K. Haddad GholamReza , Habibi Nader
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to estimate the wage difference between overeducated and adequately educated workers in a sample of semi-skilled and low-skill occupations in Iran’s labor market. The objective is to see if overeducated employees in these occupations enjoy higher wages in comparison to their adequately educated co-workers.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use the propensity score matching (PSM) model to estimate the wage difference between overeducated and adequately educated workers in a sample of semi-skilled and low-skill occupations in Iran’s labor market. The PSM method allows the authors to prevent selection bias by comparing each group of overeducated workers with a matched group of adequately educated workers with similar socio-economic characteristics.

Findings

The results show that in Iran’s labor market, the overeducated workers enjoy a wage premium in the range of 10-25 percent for their excess education when they have to work in semi- or low-skill occupations. While this relative advantage has gradually declined for private sector employees over the period 2001-2013, it has remained stable for public sector jobs. The result is attributable to the fact that salary and benefits for public sector employees are directly linked to education attainment and their work experience. The findings show that the relative wage advantage of overeducation is larger for the younger employees with ten or fewer years of experience who have more education than older workers. Overall these findings offer an explanation for the strong desire of Iranian youth for university education. If a university graduate finds a job that matches her/his specialization she/he will enjoy a higher salary than a high school graduate. If she/he has to accept a semi-skilled or low-skill job for which she/he is overeducated, she/he still enjoys a wage premium over her/his co-workers who are not overeducated.

Originality/value

The analysis makes three unique contributions: first, the authors use a unique and detailed micro-data for an economy (Iran) in which the public sector dominates the private sector. The authors investigate the hypothesis for private and public sectors separately. Second, the authors divide the sample of workers into market newcomers and experienced workers. The authors analyze the impact of overeducations on each group separately. Third, the authors use the treatment effect of being overeducated on the individual’s monthly wage by the PSM. The advantage of the PSM method is that it eliminates the selection bias in the wage effect of overeducation, whereas the traditional regression-based techniques may result in this type of bias.
External debt among HIPCs in Africa: accounting and panel VAR analysis of some determinants
Authors: Mensah David , Aboagye Anthony Q.Q. , Abor Joshua Y. , Kyereboah-Coleman Anthony
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The management of external debt among highly indebted poor countries (HIPCs) in Africa still remains a challenge despite numerous packages and attempts to ameliorate the consequences of such odious debt. The purpose of this paper is to establish the factors that contribute to the growth rate of external debt and how these factors respond to shocks to external debt growth rate in Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were obtained from 24 African countries and analyzed using a panel vector autoregression estimation methodology.

Findings

The study found that external debt growth rates respond positively to unit shock or changes in government investment spending, consumption spending, and domestic borrowings over a long period of time. In the medium term, external debt growth rates respond negatively to shocks in tax revenue, inflation, and output growth rates. The paper also provides empirical support that external debt may be consumed rather than invested among HIPCs in Africa.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this paper are limited to only HIPCs in Africa.

Practical implications

This study has some few debilitating implications for external debt management among HIPCs in Africa. First, the paper suggests that debt repayment may be a problem. This is largely because external debt is consumed rather than invested. External debt sustainability needs a holistic approach in less developed countries. The findings place much emphasis on improvements in gross domestic product and tax revenues as the principal routes out of the debt doldrums. However, this option must be exploited with great caution as there is ample evidence that these poor countries increase their external borrowing capacities with improvements in economic outlook.

Originality/value

This paper fills a research gap that identifies specific components of government deficit budgets that may be contributing to the growth rate of external debts among HIPCs.
FDI and incumbent R&D behavior: evidence from Indian manufacturing sector
Authors: Khachoo Qayoom , Sharma Ruchi
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The study is an attempt to analyze the impact of foreign direct investment (FDI) on research and development (R&D) behavior of incumbent firms’, both domestic and foreign, operating in Indian manufacturing sector. FDI inflows into the host country escalates the level of competition compelling domestic as well as existing foreign firms to adjust their spending on R&D. The purpose of this paper is to propose that response of domestic and existing foreign firms to the FDI entry vary, with domestic firms increasing their spending on R&D whereas foreign firms reducing it.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a rich firm level data set from Indian manufacturing for the period 2000-2012, the study utilizes Heckman’s two- step estimation strategy to estimate the impact of FDI entry on R&D behavior of incumbents.

Findings

FDI entry significantly increases the tendency of domestic and foreign firms to invest in R&D; however, the impact on R&D intensity for both domestic and foreign firms appears to be minimal.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the existing literature on two fronts. One, unlike other studies, it examines the impact of FDI entry not only on R&D behavior of domestic firms but also on the R&D behavior of existing foreign firms. Second, it addresses the problem of selection bias that has been largely ignored by majority of empirical studies on R&D.
Diversifying Cores but Stagnant Peripheries: Mining and Other Industry Employment Contributions to Development in Local Government Areas of the Northern Territory
Authors: Blackwell Boyd D. , McFarlane Jim A. , Fischer Andrew M. , Dollery Brian E.
Published: June 2017

The economic structure of local government areas (LGAs) of the Northern Territory (NT) are mapped and analysed using economic base theory. Using a three‐stage geospatial visualisation we find that: (i) Mining and agriculture are predominantly providing job concentration in a handful of remote LGAs. (ii) Employment growth is derived from public services, with private sector industries contributing almost equally in most LGAs. (iii) NT LGAs exhibit core‐periphery characteristics including vulnerable peripheries, often alongside mature mining operations. (iv) However, mature mining is also found alongside diversified sub‐cores, providing a model for more vulnerable LGAs.
TORC1‐mediated sensing of chaperone activity alters glucose metabolism and extends lifespan
Authors: Perić Matea , Lovrić Anita , Šarić Ana , Musa Marina , Bou Dib Peter , Rudan Marina , Nikolić Andrea , Sobočanec Sandra , Mikecin Ana‐Matea , Dennerlein Sven , Milošević Ira , Vlahoviček Kristian , Raimundo Nuno , Kriško Anita
Published: June 2017

Protein quality control mechanisms, required for normal cellular functioning, encompass multiple functions related to protein production and maintenance. However, the existence of communication between proteostasis and metabolic networks and its underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we report that enhanced chaperone activity and consequent improved proteostasis are sensed by TORC1 via the activity of Hsp82. Chaperone enrichment decreases the level of Hsp82, which deactivates TORC1 and leads to activation of Snf1/AMPK, regardless of glucose availability. This mechanism culminates in the extension of yeast replicative lifespan (RLS) that is fully reliant on both TORC1 deactivation and Snf1/AMPK activation. Specifically, we identify oxygen consumption increase as the downstream effect of Snf1 activation responsible for the entire RLS extension. Our results set a novel paradigm for the role of proteostasis in aging: modulation of the misfolded protein level can affect cellular metabolic features as well as mitochondrial activity and consequently modify lifespan. The described mechanism is expected to open new avenues for research of aging and age‐related diseases.
The SKN‐1/Nrf2 transcription factor can protect against oxidative stress and increase lifespan in C. elegans by distinct mechanisms
Authors: Tullet Jennifer M.A. , Green James W. , Au Catherine , Benedetto Alexandre , Thompson Maximillian A. , Clark Emily , Gilliat Ann F. , Young Adelaide , Schmeisser Kathrin , Gems David
Published: June 2017

In C. elegans, the skn‐1 gene encodes a transcription factor that resembles mammalian Nrf2 and activates a detoxification response. skn‐1 promotes resistance to oxidative stress (Oxr) and also increases lifespan, and it has been suggested that the former causes the latter, consistent with the theory that oxidative damage causes aging. Here, we report that effects of SKN‐1 on Oxr and longevity can be dissociated. We also establish that skn‐1 expression can be activated by the DAF‐16/FoxO transcription factor, another central regulator of growth, metabolism, and aging. Notably, skn‐1 is required for Oxr but not increased lifespan resulting from over‐expression of DAF‐16; concomitantly, DAF‐16 over‐expression rescues the short lifespan of skn‐1 mutants but not their hypersensitivity to oxidative stress. These results suggest that SKN‐1 promotes longevity by a mechanism other than protection against oxidative damage.
Rural specialists: The nature of their work and professional satisfaction by geographical location of work
Authors: O'Sullivan Belinda , McGrail Matthew , Russell Deborah
Published: June 2017

Objective

Systematically describe the characteristics of rural specialists, their work and job satisfaction by geographical location of work.

Design

Cross‐sectional.

Setting and participants

Three thousand, four hundred and seventy‐nine medical specialists participating in the 2014 Medicine in Australia: Balancing Employment and Life (MABEL) survey of doctors.

Main outcome measure

Location of practice, whether metropolitan, large (>50 000 population) or small regional centres (<50 000 population).

Result

Specialists working in large regional centres had similar characteristics to metropolitan specialists, however, those in small regional centres were more likely men, later career, overseas‐trained and less likely to work privately. Rural specialists had more on‐call requirements and poorer professional development opportunities. However, satisfaction with work hours, remuneration, variety of work, level of responsibility, opportunities to use abilities and overall satisfaction did not differ. Specialists in general medicine and general surgery were significantly more likely to work rurally compared with anaesthetists, particularly in small regional centres, whereas a range of other relevant specialists had lower than the average rural distribution and paediatricians and endocrinologists were significantly less likely to work in large regional centres.

Conclusion

Rural specialists are just as satisfied as metropolitan counterparts reporting equivalent variety and responsibility at work. Better support for on‐call demands and access to professional development could attract more specialists to rural practice. Increased rural training opportunities and regional workforce planning is needed to develop and recruit relevant specialties. Specifically, targeted support is warranted for training and development of specialists in general medicine and general surgery and overseas‐trained specialists, who provide essential services in smaller regional centres.
The Urban Majority and Provisional Recompositions in Yangon
Authors: Simone AbdouMaliq
Published: June 2017

Yangon is a city where the now predominant modalities of urban transformation arrived late, and after a prolonged period of political repression. As the urban system has been “set loose” to articulate itself to a broader range of inputs and dispositions, many residents attempt to remake long‐honed yet fragile mechanisms of social interchange in provisional forms. This ethos and practice of provisionality emphasizes ensemble work aimed at recomposing the character of local district life in various locations across Yangon. Most importantly, it raises questions of how an urban majority—as a confluence of heterogeneous ways of life that has long been critical to making viable urban lives in the postcolony—have endured and can continue to endure in changing circumstances. The article draws from critical black thought as a means of generating heuristic concepts to explore the ways in which residents of several Yangon districts make productive use of the simultaneity of seemingly contradictory inclinations.
Systematic review: pharmacotherapy for high‐output enterostomies or enteral fistulas
Authors: de Vries F. E. E. , Reeskamp L. F. , van Ruler O. , van Arum I. , Kuin W. , Dijksta G. , Haveman J. W. , Boermeester M. A. , Serlie M. J.
Published: June 2017

Background

High‐output enterocutaneous fistula or enterostomies can cause intestinal failure. There is a wide variety of options in medical management of patients with high output.

Aim

To systematically review the literature on available pharmacotherapy to reduce output and to propose an algorithm for standard of care.

Methods

Relevant databases were systematically reviewed to identify studies on pharmacotherapy for reduction in (high‐) output enterostomies or fistula. Randomised controlled trials and within subjects controlled prospective trials were included. An algorithm for standard of care was generated based on the outcomes of the systematic review.

Results

Two studies on proton pump inhibitors, six on anti‐motility agents, three on histamine receptor antagonists, one on an α2‐ receptor agonist and eight on somatostatin (analogues) were included. One study examined a proton pump inhibitor and a histamine receptor antagonist within the same patients. Overall, we found evidence for the following medical therapies to be effective: omeprazole, loperamide and codeine, ranitidine and cimetidine. On the basis of these outcomes and clinical experience, we proposed an algorithm for standard of care which consists of high‐dose proton pump inhibitors combined with high‐dose loperamide as the first step followed by addition of codeine in case of insufficient output reduction. So far, there is insufficient evidence for the standard use of somatostatin (analogues).

Conclusions

The available evidence on the efficacy of medication to reduce enterostomy or enterocutaneous fistula output is hampered by low quality studies. We propose an algorithm for standard of care output reduction in these patients.
Systematic review with meta‐analysis: faecal microbiota transplantation for the induction of remission for active ulcerative colitis
Authors: Costello S. P. , Soo W. , Bryant R. V. , Jairath V. , Hart A. L. , Andrews J. M.
Published: June 2017

Background

Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is emerging as a novel therapy for ulcerative colitis (UC). Interpretation of efficacy of FMT for UC is complicated by differences among studies in blinding, FMT administration procedures, intensity of therapy and donor stool processing methods.

Aim

To determine whether FMT is effective and safe for the induction of remission in active UC.

Methods

Medline (Ovid), Embase and the Cochrane Library were searched from inception through February 2017. Original studies reporting remission rates following FMT for active UC were included. All study designs were included in the systematic review and a meta‐analysis performed including only randomised controlled trials (RCTs).

Results

There were 14 cohort studies and four RCTs that used markedly different protocols. In the meta‐analysis of RCTs, clinical remission was achieved in 39 of 140 (28%) patients in the donor FMT groups compared with 13 of 137 (9%) patients in the placebo groups; odds ratio 3.67 (95% CI: 1.82‐7.39, P<.01). Clinical response was achieved in 69 of 140 (49%) donor FMT patients compared to 38 of 137 (28%) placebo patients; odds ratio 2.48 (95% CI: 1.18‐5.21, P=.02). In cohort studies, 39 of 168 (24%; 95% CI: 11%‐40%) achieved clinical remission.

Conclusions

Despite variation in processes, FMT appears to be effective for induction of remission in UC, with no major short‐term safety signals. Further studies are needed to better define dose frequency and preparation methods, and to explore its feasibility, efficacy and safety as a maintenance agent.
Diagnosis of inherited bleeding disorders in the genomic era
Authors: Sivapalaratnam Suthesh , Collins Janine , Gomez Keith
Published: June 2017

Inherited bleeding disorders affect between 1 in 1000 individuals for the most common disorder, von Willebrand Disease, to only 8 reported cases worldwide of alpha‐2‐antiplasmin deficiency. Those with an identifiable abnormality can be divided into disorders of coagulation factors (87%), platelet count and function (8%) and the fibrinolytic system (3%). Of the patients registered in the UK with a bleeding disorder, the remaining 2% are unclassifiable. In addition to bleeding symptoms, patients with an inherited bleeding disorder can manifest other abnormalities, making an accurate and complete diagnosis that reflects the underlying molecular pathology important. Although some inherited bleeding disorders can still be easily diagnosed through a combination of careful clinical assessment and laboratory assays of varying degrees of complexity, there are many where conventional approaches are inadequate. Improvements in phenotyping assays have enhanced our diagnostic armoury but genotyping now offers the most accurate and complete diagnosis for some of these conditions. The advent of next generation sequencing technology has meant that many genes can now be analysed routinely in clinical practice. Here, we discuss the different diagnostic tools currently available for inherited bleeding disorders and suggest that genotyping should be incorporated at an early stage in the diagnostic pathway.
Investigation of the dynamics of agricultural land at the urban fringe: A comparison of two peri‐urban areas in Canada
Authors: Wang Haoluan , Qiu Feng
Published: June 2017

Key Messages

Disparities in the peri‐urbanization patterns in two study areas are associated with mixed factors.

Distance from a major city is negatively correlated to agricultural land development.

Road density is negatively associated with agricultural land abandonment.
Effects of Antimutagens on the Teratogenicity of N‐Methyl‐N'‐Nitro‐N‐Nitrosoguanidine in Mice
Authors: Morita Yasunobu , Mizutani Masahiro
Published: June 2017

We examined whether vanillin (VA) and CoCl2∙6H2O(CoCl2), antimutagens, which have mutation suppressing effect, i.e., promotion of cellular repair function in vitro, can modify the teratogenicity in mice caused by N‐methyl‐N'‐nitro‐N‐nitrosoguanidine (MNNG), a direct‐acting monofunctional alkylating agent.

ICR mice were treated with MNNG alone (single IP dose of 40 or 60 mg/kg) or in combination with the antimutagen on day 11 of gestation. Embryotoxicity and teratogenicity were examined at term. The incidence of MNNG‐induced syndactyly in the fore‐ and hindlimbs was significantly decreased by VA (50 mg/kg, IP) or CoCl2 (10 mg/kg, IV) and a tendency to decrease in the incidence of oligodactyly was noted as well. On the other hand, the incidence of MNNG‐induced brachydactyly was increased by VA or CoCl2.

Though the mechanism of the modifying effects of both VA and CoCl2 on MNNG‐induced malformations could not be delineated in the present study, the results indicate that the antimutagens which stimulate DNA recombination repair in vitro modify the manifestation of malformations caused by teratogens that attack the fetal DNA in the initial teratogenic mechanism.
Estimating numbers of children with cerebral palsy: a call to action
Authors: Wood Rachael
Published: June 2017

This commentary is on the original article by Glinianaia et al. on pages 864–870 of this issue.
Two‐dimensional knowledge‐based volumetric reconstruction of the right ventricle documents short‐term improvement in pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Schwaiger Johannes P. , Knight Daniel S. , Kaier Thomas , Gallimore Adele , Denton Christopher P. , Schreiber Benjamin E. , Handler Clive , Coghlan John G.
Published: June 2017

Background

Data are scarce about short‐term right ventricular changes in pulmonary hypertension. Two‐dimensional knowledge‐based reconstruction of the right ventricle with 2D echocardiography (2DKBR) has been shown to be a valid alternative to Cardiac MRI.

Patients and Methods

In this longitudinal study 25 pulmonary hypertension patients underwent 2DKBR of the right ventricle, assessment of NT‐proBNP levels and functional class at baseline and after a mean follow‐up of 6.1 months. Patients were followed up clinically for a further mean of 8.2 months. The majority of patients had connective tissue disease (CTD) associated pulmonary arterial hypertension (n=15) or chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH; n=6). A total of 15 patients underwent an intervention, either new targeted therapy, escalation of targeted therapy or pulmonary endarterectomy. A total of 10 clinically stable patients were routinely followed up without any change in therapy.

Results

There were significant improvements in the right ventricular end‐diastolic volume index (111±29 mL/m² vs 100±36 mL/m²; P=.038), end‐systolic volume index (72±23 mL/m² vs 61±25 mL/m²; P=.001), and ejection fraction (35±10% vs 40±9%; P=.030). Changes in NT‐proBNP levels correlated strongest with changes in end‐systolic volume index (r=−.77; P=<.0001). Four patients experienced clinical worsening during extended follow‐up, dilatation of the right ventricle was associated with clinical worsening.

Conclusion

In a CTD and CTEPH dominated patient population significant reverse remodeling and improvement of ejection fraction occurred despite a short follow‐up and was paralleled by significant changes in NT‐proBNP levels. Further right ventricular dilatation was associated with worse clinical outcome. 2DKBR is a feasible substitute for Cardiac MRI to follow‐up right ventricular indices in pulmonary hypertension.
Research and practice for ultra‐high risk for psychosis: A national survey of early intervention in psychosis services in England
Authors: Stain Helen J. , Mawn Lauren , Common Stephanie , Pilton Marie , Thompson Andrew
Published: June 2017

Background

Evidence from meta‐analyses of randomized clinical trials show interventions for young people at ultra‐high risk (UHR) of developing psychosis are effective both clinically and economically. While research evidence has begun to be integrated into clinical guidelines, there is a lack of research on the implementation of these guidelines. This paper examines service provision for UHR individuals in accordance with current clinical guidelines within the National Health Service (NHS) in England.

Method

A self‐report online survey was completed by clinical leaders of early intervention in psychosis (EIP) teams (N = 50) within the NHS across England.

Results

Of the 50 EIP teams responding (from 30 NHS trusts), 53% reported inclusion of the UHR group in their service mandate, with age range predominantly 14 to 35 years (81%) and service provided for at least 12 months (53%). Provision of services according to NICE clinical guidelines showed 50% of services offered cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for psychosis, and 42% offered family intervention. Contrary to guidelines, 50% of services offered antipsychotic medication. Around half of services provided training in assessment by Comprehensive Assessment of At Risk Mental States, psycho‐education, CBT for psychosis, family work and treatment for anxiety and depression.

Conclusions

Despite clear evidence for the benefit of early intervention in this population, current provision for UHR within EIP services in England does not match clinical guidelines. While some argue this is due to a lack of allocated funding, it is important to note the similar variable adherence to clinical guidelines in the treatment of people with established schizophrenia.
Why mutualist partners vary in quality: mutation–selection balance and incentives to cheat in the fig tree–fig wasp mutualism
Authors: Jandér K. Charlotte , Steidinger Brian S.
Published: June 2017

Mutualisms between species are ecologically ubiquitous but evolutionarily puzzling. Host discrimination mechanisms that reduce the fitness of uncooperative symbionts can stabilise mutualism against collapse, but also present a paradox – if discrimination is effective, why do uncooperative symbionts persist? Here, we test whether mutations or fitness benefits of cheating best explain the prevalence of uncooperative wasps in the fig tree–fig wasp mutualism. By combining theory with field‐collected data we demonstrate that the proportions of pollen‐free wasps of strongly discriminating hosts are reached with reasonable mutation rates. In contrast, in weakly discriminating hosts, the required mutation rates, assuming a single locus, are untenably high, but the required cheater advantages fall within expected ranges. We propose that when discrimination is weak, uncooperative symbionts proliferate until they reach the equilibrium proportion that balances costs and benefits of cheating. Our results suggest that mechanisms that resolve the paradox of uncooperative symbionts differ among host species.
IgG subclasses of FVIII inhibitors in an argentine cohort of severe hemophilia A patients: Analysis by flow cytometry
Authors: Irigoyen M. B. , Primiani L. , Felippo M. , Candela M. , de Bracco M. M. E. , Galassi N. V.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

FVIII inhibitors consist of a polyclonal population of antibodies. Previous studies have demonstrated different distribution of IgG subclasses. IgG4 was associated to high level of FVIII inhibitors and failure of immune tolerance induction (ITI) treatment. This study monitored the relative distribution of IgG subclasses of anti‐FVIII in patients with severe hemophilia A (SHA).

Methods

Anti‐FVIII antibodies were measured employing an immunomethod, developed in our laboratory, that combines flow cytometry (FC) with microspheres coupled (FVIII‐m) or not (Control‐m) to FVIII. Seventy‐five patients with SHA were studied, 17 without inhibitors (Group I); 58 with inhibitor history, 13 low responders: (LR: Group II), and 45 high responders (HR: Group III). Eight patients undergoing ITI were also included.

Results

We found anti‐FVIII antibodies in 11 of 27 patients (40%) without inhibitors and in 45 of 48 with inhibitors at the moment of the study. IgG4 was predominant only in the Group III: P=0.02 in patients with low level of inhibitors and P=0.0001 with high titer of inhibitors. Longitudinal analysis performed on patients undergoing ITI showed a gradual decrease of IgG4 values that was associated to improvement of clinical parameters during treatment.

Conclusion

We suggest the use of the FC method to supplement functional traditional assays and to help to improve the management of patients with SHA.
PTPRS and PER3 methylation levels are associated with childhood obesity: results from a genome‐wide methylation analysis
Authors: Samblas M. , Milagro F. I. , Mansego M. L. , Marti A. , Martinez J. A. ,   GENOI members
Published: June 2017

Background

The global prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity has increased in the last years. Epigenetic dysregulation affecting gene expression could be a determinant in early‐life obesity onset and accompanying complications.

Objective

The aim of the present investigation was to analyse the putative association between DNA methylation and childhood obesity.

Methods

DNA was isolated from white blood cells of 24 children obtained from the GENOI study and was hybridized in a 450K methylation array. Two CpG sites associated with obesity were validated in 91 children by MassArray® EpiTyper™ technology.

Results

Genome‐wide analysis identified 734 CpGs (783 genes) differentially methylated between cases (n = 12) and controls (n = 12). Ingenuity Pathway Analysis showed that these genes were involved in oxidative stress and circadian rhythm signalling pathways. Moreover, the DNA methylation levels of VIPR2, GRIN2D, ADCYAP1R1, PER3 and PTPRS regions correlated with the obesity trait. EpiTyper™ validation also identified significant correlations between methylation levels of CpG sites on PTPRS and PER3 with BMI z‐score.

Conclusions

This study identified several CpG sites and specifically several CpGs in the PTPRS and PER3 genes differentially methylated between obese and non‐obese children, suggesting a role for DNA methylation concerning development of childhood obesity.
Texture, microstructures, and mechanical properties of AlN‐based ceramics with Si3N4–Y2O3 additives
Authors: Liu Cong , Guo Wei‐Ming , Sun Shi‐Kuan , Zou Ji , Wu Shang‐Hua , Lin Hua‐Tay
Published: June 2017

Textured AlN‐based ceramics with improved mechanical properties were prepared by hot pressing using Si3N4 and Y2O3 as additives. The introduction of Si3N4–Y2O3 into AlN matrix led to the formation of secondary Y3AlSi2O7N2 and fiber‐like 2Hδ AlN‐polytypoid phases, the partial texture of all crystalline phases, and the fracture mode change from intergranular to transgranular. Consequently, Vickers hardness, fracture toughness and flexural strength of AlN‐based ceramics by the replacement of Y2O3 by Si3N4–Y2O3 increased significantly from 10.4±0.3 GPa, 2.4±0.3 MPa m½ and 333.3±10.3 MPa to 14.2±0.4 GPa, 3.4±0.1 MPa m½ and 389.5±45.5 MPa, respectively.
Regular exercise behavior is related to lower extremity muscle strength in patients with type 2 diabetes: Data from the Multicenter Survey of the Isometric Lower Extremity Strength in Type 2 Diabetes study
Authors: Nomura Takuo , Ishiguro Tomoyasu , Ohira Masayoshi , Ikeda Yukio
Published: June 2017

Owing to several contributing factors, continuation of exercise therapy is difficult for patients with type 2 diabetes. One potential factor that has not been well examined is the influence of muscle strength on regular exercise behavior. We examined the relationship between regular exercise behavior and knee extension force (KEF) in 1,442 patients with type 2 diabetes. In sex‐specific univariate analysis, KEF was significantly higher in patients who regularly exercised than in patients who did not regularly exercise. However, age, but not exercise behavior, was significantly different between KEF quartiles. Accordingly, KEF and age might strongly influence exercise behavior. In the multivariate analyses using age and other parameters as covariates, KEF was a significant explanatory variable of regular exercise in both men and women, suggesting that muscle strength could influence regular exercise behavior.
Evaluation of the added value of imaging the pelvis in patients with hepatocellular cancer
Authors: Szklaruk Janio , Kaya Diana , Wei Wei
Published: June 2017

Background and Aim

The study aims to evaluate added value of the pelvic portion of the computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination in patients with a primary diagnosis of hepatocellular cancer (HCC).

Methods

The study reviewed the medical records of 478 patients with 881 examinations of the abdomen and pelvis who underwent treatment at our institution between March 2015 and March 2016. These patients were reviewed for presence of pathology in the pelvis, which were classified into two categories as new or old (already known on prior imaging).

Results

Of 478 patients, 230 underwent MRI examination of the abdomen and pelvis, and the other 248 underwent CT scans of these regions. There were no findings on the CT or MRI of the pelvis in 80.5% of patients (n = 385), including 81.5% of those who had CT and 79.6% of those who had MRI. Ninety‐three patients had findings in the pelvis, the most common of which were bone metastases (31 patients), ascites (27 patients), implants (seven patients), and bladder wall thickening (five patients). In only 7.9% of patients, the findings were related to metastatic disease. In 5.4% of all imaging studies revealed a new finding in the pelvis.

Conclusion

Imaging of the pelvis (CT or MRI) does not seem to provide additional information in the majority of cases with HCC. The results suggest that the follow‐up evaluation of patients with HCC may not include a pelvis exam.
How HIV affects health and service use for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Authors: Durbin A. , Brown H. K. , Bansal S. , Antoniou T. , Jung J. K. H. , Lunsky Y.
Published: June 2017

Objective(s)

Although rates of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are similar for individuals with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), very little is known about the health needs and service use of those with IDD and HIV. Among a population with IDD, we compared the physical and mental health profiles, as well as general and mental health service use for those with and without HIV.

Design

Retrospective cohort study in Ontario, Canada using linked administrative health and social service databases.

Methods

The prevalence of physical conditions and mental health disorders, and patterns of service use for any reason and service use for mental health issues were compared among Ontario adults with IDD and HIV (n = 107) and without HIV (n = 63 901) in log‐binomial models adjusted for age, sex and neighbourhood income and rurality.

Results

Adults with IDD and HIV were more likely than those without HIV to have three types of mental health disorders: non‐psychotic disorders [aRR: adjusted rate ratio (aRR): 1.22 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01–1.47)], psychotic disorders [aRR: 1.57 (1.09, 2.28)] and substance use disorders [aRR: 3.52 (2.53, 4.91)]. Adults with IDD and HIV were also more likely to have emergency department visits [aRR: 1.68 (1.42, 1.98)] and hospital admissions [aRR: 2.55 (1.74, 3.73)] for any reason, and to have mental health emergency department visits and/or admissions [aRR: 2.82 (1.90, 4.18)].

Discussion

Adults with IDD and HIV have complex health profiles and greater health service use than HIV‐negative adults with IDD. These findings call for closer integration of programs delivered by the HIV and disability sectors to optimise the health of this patient population.
Inter‐rater reliability of professional‐caregiver‐reported life events in adults with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Hove O. , Assmus J. , Braatveit K. , Havik O. E.
Published: June 2017

Background

The inter‐rater reliability (IRR) of the measure of life events in adults with intellectual disabilities was investigated.

Method

Two staff members for each of 79 adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) living in group homes used a checklist to report the adults' exposure to and intensity of life events over the previous 12 months. The IRR was estimated with intraclass correlation analysis (ICC). The factors of the level of ID, number of years the rater knew the rated person and quality of community care were investigated for possible associations with level of reliability.

Results

The ICC values for the occurrence of life events were .44–.80 depending on the category of life events. In general, intensity measures showed lower ICC values. When the rater had known the person rated for 2 or more years or the quality of community care was high, the ICC values increased, whereas lower levels of ID were associated with lower ICC values.

Conclusions

Inter‐rater reliability in general was found to be acceptable. Further development and research are needed to improve the reliability of life event measures for more severe ID.
Association between speech–language, general cognitive functioning and behaviour problems in individuals with Williams syndrome
Authors: Rossi N. F. , Giacheti C. M.
Published: June 2017

Background

Williams syndrome (WS) phenotype is described as unique and intriguing. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between speech–language abilities, general cognitive functioning and behavioural problems in individuals with WS, considering age effects and speech–language characteristics of WS sub‐groups.

Methods

The study's participants were 26 individuals with WS and their parents. General cognitive functioning was assessed with the Wechsler Intelligence Scale. Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test, Token Test and the Cookie Theft Picture test were used as speech–language measures. Five speech–language characteristics were evaluated from a 30‐min conversation (clichés, echolalia, perseverative speech, exaggerated prosody and monotone intonation). The Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL 6‐18) was used to assess behavioural problems.

Results

Higher single‐word receptive vocabulary and narrative vocabulary were negatively associated with CBCL T‐scores for Social Problems, Aggressive Behaviour and Total Problems. Speech rate was negatively associated with the CBCL Withdrawn/Depressed T‐score. Monotone intonation was associated with shy behaviour, as well as exaggerated prosody with talkative behaviour. WS with perseverative speech and exaggerated prosody presented higher scores on Thought Problems. Echolalia was significantly associated with lower Verbal IQ. No significant association was found between IQ and behaviour problems. Age‐associated effects were observed only for the Aggressive Behaviour scale.

Conclusions

Associations reported in the present study may represent an insightful background for future predictive studies of speech–language, cognition and behaviour problems in WS.
Combined value of placental alpha microglobulin‐1 detection and cervical length via transvaginal ultrasound in the diagnosis of preterm labor in symptomatic patients
Authors: Bolotskikh Vyacheslav , Borisova Vera
Published: June 2017

Aim

We aimed to evaluate the combined value of placental alpha microglobulin‐1 (PAMG‐1) and cervical length (CL) via transvaginal ultrasound for assessing risk of imminent spontaneous preterm delivery in patients presenting with threatened preterm labor (PTL).

Methods

Clinical exam, PAMG‐1 test, cardiotocography, and CL measurement via transvaginal ultrasound were performed on all patients meeting inclusion criteria. Ninety‐nine patients at 22+0–36+6 gestational weeks with the symptoms of PTL were included. The interval between sample collection and delivery was measured for each method.

Results

Performance metrics were calculated for PAMG‐1 test, CL < 25 mm, and contractions ≥ 8/h. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for the PAMG‐1 test were 100%, 95%, 75%, 100% and 100%, 98%, 88%, 100% for 7 and 14 days, respectively; the respective values for CL < 25 mm were 83%, 59%, 22%, 96% and 79%, 59%, 24%, 94% for 7 and 14 days; and those for contractions ≥ 8/h were 42%, 38%, 8%, 83% and 43%, 38%, 10%, 80% for 7 and 14 days. Specificity for the PAMG‐1 test was statistically significant (P < 0.001) in pairwise comparisons for all other methods. Patients were divided into four groups for analysis of PAMG‐1 test performance as follows: CL < 15 mm (100%, 100%, 100%, 100% and 100%, 100%, 100%, 100% for 7 and 14 days, respectively); CL < 25 mm (100%, 94%, 83%, 100% and 100%, 97%, 92%, 100% for 7 and 14 days, respectively); CL of 15–30 mm (100%, 95%, 64%, 100% and 100%, 97%, 82%, 100% for 7 and 14 days, respectively); and CL ≥ 30 mm (100%, 100%, 100%, 100% and 100%, 100%, 100%, 100% for 7 and 14 days, respectively).

Conclusion

The use of the PAMG‐1 test in patients with a CL of 15–30 mm is highly predictive of imminent spontaneous preterm delivery in women presenting with threatened PTL and could save hospital resources.
Determination of a lexicon for the sensory flavor attributes of smoked food products
Authors: Jaffe Taylor R. , Wang Hongwei , Chambers Edgar
Published: June 2017

Smoking of food is one of the oldest methods of food preservation and still is used widely to help preserve foods such as ham, bacon, sausage, fish, and cheeses. Apart from its conservation function, the smoking process also has a considerable influence on the sensory characteristics of the products. A highly trained, skilled descriptive sensory panel identified, defined, and referenced 14 attributes related to the flavor of food products labeled as smoked or smoky. The panel evaluated sauces, meats, fish, cheeses, vegetables, and flavorings that are on the market in addition to samples that were smoked in‐house. Attributes attributed to the smoke flavor in each sample were written down and discussed. The list was narrowed to include only those attributes that were thought to be specifically related to the smoke flavor and not to the base notes of the product or other cooked/processed notes. The lexicon includes: Smoky (Overall), Ashy, Woody, Musty/Dusty, Musty/Earthy, Burnt, Acrid, Pungent, Petroleum‐Like, Creosote/Tar, Cedar, Bitter, Metallic, and Sour. Definitions of these attributes were written and references were found that anchor a 0–15 point scale. The references include market products, chemical solutions and commonly found non‐food products. This lexicon can be used to evaluate the smoke flavor on all types of food products.

Practical applications

This research provides a list of sensory terms that can be used to describe the smoky flavor of products. The lexicon will help sensory analysts, product developers, researchers, and technologists better understand the flavor of products that have been naturally or artificially smoked to modify or improve the products.
Costly investment and complementarities in an international trade model with directed technological change
Authors: Afonso Óscar , Neves Pedro Cunha , Thompson Maria
Published: June 2017

We investigate the impacts on the skill premium and on economic growth in an innovator‐imitator general equilibrium growth model assuming: (a) directed technological change; (b) international trade of intermediate goods; (c) internal costly investment in both physical capital and R&D; and (d) complementarities between intermediate goods in aggregate production. With trade of intermediate goods, the complementarities degree and investment costs influence the economic growth of both countries, but do not affect the countries' skill premia, which are directed by technological knowledge. Additionally, in agreement with related empirical literature, openness to trade of intermediate goods leads to a higher equilibrium skill premium in both countries, whereas its impact on the common growth rate can vary in sign.
Lactoferrin protects against intestinal inflammation and bacteria‐induced barrier dysfunction in vitro
Authors: Hering Nina A. , Luettig Julia , Krug Susanne M. , Wiegand Stephanie , Gross Gabriele , van Tol Eric A. , Schulzke Jörg D. , Rosenthal Rita
Published: June 2017

The iron‐binding glycoprotein lactoferrin (LF) is naturally present in human breast milk. Several studies suggest that LF contributes to infant health and development owing to a variety of protective effects, including antimicrobial and anti‐inflammatory features. Therefore, we aimed to elucidate its protective properties on intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction induced by infection or inflammation using the human epithelial cell culture models HT‐29/B6 and T84. During barrier perturbation induced by the proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α), bovine LF restored tight junction (TJ) morphometry and inhibited TNF‐α–induced epithelial apoptosis. This resulted in an attenuation of the TNF‐α–induced decrease in transepithelial resistance (TER) and increases in permeability of fluorescein and FITC–dextran (4 kDa) and was as effective as the apoptosis inhibitor Q‐VD‐Oph. The enteropathogenic bacterium Yersinia enterocolitica is a frequent cause of diarrhea in early childhood. This involves focal changes in TJ protein expression and localization. LF diminished the Y. enterocolitica–induced drop in TER in the present in vitro model, which was paralleled by an inhibition of the Yersinia‐induced reduction of claudin‐8 expression via c‐Jun kinase signaling. In conclusion, LF exerts protective effects against inflammation‐ or infection‐induced barrier dysfunction in human intestinal cell lines, supporting its relevance for healthy infant development.