bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fast continuous energy scan with dynamic coupling of the monochromator and undulator at the DEIMOS beamline
Authors: Joly L. , Otero E. , Choueikani F. , Marteau F. , Chapuis L. , Ohresser P.
Published: March 2014

In order to improve the efficiency of X-ray absorption data recording, a fast scan method, theTurboscan, has been developed on the DEIMOS beamline at Synchrotron SOLEIL, consisting of a software-synchronized continuous motion of the monochromator and undulator motors. This process suppresses the time loss when waiting for the motors to reach their target positions, as well as software dead-time, while preserving excellent beam characteristics.
Three different fluoro- or chloro-substituted 1′-deoxy-1′-phenyl-β-D-ribofuranoses
Authors: Bats Jan W. , Živković Aleksandra , Parsch Jörg , Engels Joachim W.
Published: March 2014

Crystal structures are reported for three fluoro- or chloro-substituted 1′-deoxy-1′-phenyl-β-D-ribofuranoses, namely 1′-deoxy-1′-(2,4,5-trifluorophenyl)-β-D-ribofuranose, C11H11F3O4, (I), 1′-deoxy-1′-(2,4,6-trifluorophenyl)-β-D-ribofuranose, C11H11F3O4, (II), and 1′-(4-chlorophenyl)-1′-deoxy-β-D-ribofuranose, C11H13ClO4, (III). The five-membered furanose ring of the three compounds has a conformation between a C2′-endo,C3′-exotwist and a C2′-endoenvelope. The ribofuranose groups of (I) and (III) are connected by intermolecular O—H...O hydrogen bonds to six symmetry-related molecules to form double layers, while the ribofuranose group of (II) is connected by O—H...O hydrogen bonds to four symmetry-related molecules to form single layers. The O...O contact distance of the O—H...O hydrogen bonds ranges from 2.7172 (15) to 2.8895 (19) Å. Neighbouring double layers of (I) are connected by a very weak intermolecular C—F...π contact. The layers of (II) are connected by one C—H...O and two C—H...F contacts, while the double layers of (III) are connected by a C—H...Cl contact. The conformations of the molecules are compared with those of seven related molecules. The orientation of the benzene ring is coplanar with the H—C1′ bond or bisecting the H—C1′—C2′ angle, or intermediate between these positions. The orientation of the benzene ring is independent of the substitution pattern of the ring and depends mainly on crystal-packing effects.
Hydrogen bonding in polyamino-polyalcohols: a monohydrated cocrystal of 1,3-diamino-5-azaniumyl-1,3,5-trideoxy-cis-inositol iodide and 1,3,5-triamino-1,3,5-trideoxy-cis-inositol
Authors: Neis Christian , Hegetschweiler Kaspar
Published: March 2014

In the title monohydrated cocrystal, namely 1,3-diamino-5-azaniumyl-1,3,5-trideoxy-cis-inositol iodide–1,3,5-triamino-1,3,5-trideoxy-cis-inositol–water (1/1/1), C6H16N3O3+·I−·C6H15N3O3·H2O, the neutral 1,3,5-triamino-1,3,5-trideoxy-cis-inositol (taci) molecule and the monoprotonated 1,3-diamino-5-azaniumyl-1,3,5-trideoxy-cis-inositol cation (Htaci+) both adopt a chair conformation, with the three O atoms in axial and the three N atoms in equatorial positions. The cation, but not the neutral taci unit, exhibits intramolecular O—H...O hydrogen bonding. The entire structure is stabilized by a complex three-dimensional network of intermolecular hydrogen bonds. The neutral taci entities and the Htaci+cations are each aligned into chains along [001]. In these chains, two O—H...N interactions generate a ten-membered ring as the predominant structural motif. The rings consist of vicinal 2-amino-1-hydroxyethylene units of neighbouring molecules, which are pairedviacentres of inversion. The chains are interconnected into undulating layers parallel to theacplane, and the layers are further held together by O—H...N hydrogen bonds and additional interactions with the iodide counter-anions and solvent water molecules.
A qualitative inquiry of multi-brand loyalty
Authors: Quoquab Farzana , Mohd. Yasin Norjaya , Abu Dardak Rozhan
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– It is evident that most consumers are polygamous and are loyal to several brands within a particular product or service category. This circumstance is coined as “multi-brand loyalty” (MBL). The present research tries to shade light on consumers' motivation to become a multi-brand loyal by answering the research question: “why consumers become multi-brand loyal within a particular service category?” The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– Four focus group discussions and 13 in-depth interviews were carried out to gain deeper insights regarding the drivers of MBL.

Findings

– The findings of this study suggest that “financial benefits”, “need for privacy”, “competitor's attractive promotional campaign”, “public self-consciousness” and “availability of cheap handset and SIM card” are the most frequently cited reasons that can make mobile phone service users multi-brand loyal. In addition, the study reveals heterogeneity among consumers, i.e. along with “multi-brand loyals”, “sole-brand loyals”, “switchers” and “cross-buyers” also exist in the Malaysian mobile phone service market.

Practical implications

– These insights put forth the importance for managers of mobile phone service industry to be more cautious in formulating their retention strategies. Moreover, they will be aware of the complicated loyalty pattern of their consumers which will eventually guide them to consider different strategic moves for each different loyalty segments.

Originality/value

– Although the existence of MBL has been proven empirically, little attention is given to understand consumers' motive to become a multi-brand loyal, particularly in the context of services. Therefore, taking this opportunity into account, the present study fills this gap by providing an in-depth understanding of the phenomenon.
An empirical model of home internet services quality in Thailand
Authors: Thaichon Paramaporn , Lobo Antonio , Mitsis Ann
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– This study aims to investigate the antecedents to service quality and their relationship with affective evaluations of customers of internet service providers (ISPs) in Thailand.

Design/methodology/approach

– In order to achieve the research objectives, a model is proposed. The literature review and formulation of hypotheses related to each construct are then discussed.

Findings

– The findings reveal that service quality is influenced by network quality, customer service, information support, privacy and security. Service quality in turn also impacts customer loyalty attributes, including satisfaction, value, trust and commitment. Satisfaction is a determinant of customer trust, whereas the direct relationship between value and customer commitment is not supported.

Research limitations/implications

– The model in this study was tested in the Thai ISP context which may be different in other service industries as well as in other countries.

Practical implications

– By enhancing service quality, firms can influence customers' satisfaction, value, trust and commitment, which are critical for an ISP's success and long-term sustainability.

Originality/value

– By applying the findings of this study, ISPs can strategise in making customers more central in their day-to-day operations, which would create competitive advantage for them.
An empirical study on continuance intention of mobile social networking services
Authors: Gao Lingling , Bai Xuesong
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– Users' continuance intention is vital to the future of mobile social networking service (SNS) with rapid development and intensive competitions among its providers. The purpose of this research is to identify the factors affecting mobile SNS users' continuance intention.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data from an online survey administered to 228 mobile SNS users are used to test the research model through the use of structural equation modelling.

Findings

– The results show that flow, perceived usefulness and satisfaction determine continuance intention of mobile SNS. Moreover, the authors found that referent network size and perceived complementarity are the main factors affecting flow, whereas information quality is the main factor affecting perceived usefulness. Only system quality significantly affects satisfaction.

Practical implications

– The results imply that mobile service providers need to take the functional characteristics of the mobile SNS (e.g. system quality and information quality), network externalities (referent network size and perceived complementarity) and flow experience into consideration when encouraging users' continuance intention towards mobile SNS.

Originality/value

– Extant research has focused on initial adoption and usage of mobile SNS and has seldom considered post-adoption usage, which is critical to mobile service providers' success. This research tries to fill the gap by examining continuance intention to use mobile SNS. The theory embedded within the IS success model, network externalities and flow theory articulated that these three research domains can be integrated to better understand the factors that influence mobile SNS users' continuance intention.
On the use of structural equation modeling in marketing image research
Authors: Koubaa Yamen , Srarfi Tabbane Rym , Chaabouni Jallouli Rim
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to assess the use of structural equation modeling in one specific field of marketing research, the image research.

Design/methodology/approach

– A meta-analysis of a sample of image marketing works using structural equation modeling (SEM). The period of investigation is limited to the last five years to test for possible positive return of previous assessments of SEM use on the current SEM application.

Findings

– Following this work, three major conclusions emerged: the study of homogenous samples of SEM models is required to get to accurate assessment of using the technique; SEM application is getting better probably due to learning from SEM reviews; and the reliance on a conjoint assessment of the various SEM issues is necessary to avoid parsimonious assessments. This study has provided a concise and refreshed view on the use of SEM in one marketing field, the image research.

Research limitations/implications

– 47 SEM papers and 99 models along five years were examined through this research. Although the authors reviewed four of the most consulted databases in marketing, the authors might miss several interesting works not available in these databases during the investigation. It is interesting to add on the works reviewed in this study and to re-conduct the analysis. The objective is not to doubt the consistency of SEM image research but to provide writers and readers with tools that enable them to produce better quality SEM research. Moreover, the quantitative analysis could be larger. Future research can consider computing other statistics. Finally, in the standards of most of marketing journals, this paper is a bit long. But as suggested by Babin et al., journal editors should allow more space to SEM-based reviews as the nature of the discussion requires lengthening.

Practical implications

– Mastering the statistical tool in marketing research is as important as mastering the conceptual tool. Statistical learning and/or cooperation with statisticians is recommended.

Originality/value

– A multi-criteria review of works from one specific field in marketing research and across a recent period of time allowing for the test of possible positive return from previous reviews of SEM use on the quality of the current publications of SEM papers.
A phenomenological view of the behavioural tourism research literature
Authors: Gnoth Juergen , Matteucci Xavier
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to discuss a framework in which the behavioural tourism and leisure literature is organised. It seeks to demonstrate the practical use of Gnoth's Tourism Experience Model (TEM), and provide future directions in holiday tourism research.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper takes a phenomenological approach to tourists' experiencing as a critical and productive tool for tourism development. The literature reviewed is structured through the four modes of experiencing outlined in the TEM: experience as pure pleasure, as re-discovery, as existentially authentic exploration, and as knowledge seeking.

Findings

– The TEM provides a model for all potential experiencing, that is, it models the boundaries of what experiencing could be throughout the tourist journey. The discussion of the literature also shows that, in many occasions, different experiential stages, states and modes of feeling await far more detailed research.

Originality/value

– The paper highlights not a particular mode or phase within an experience but better captures the latency of experiencing. The paper argues that the model helps to better distinguish the processes of experiencing and challenges research to identify phases and developments, strategies and heuristics that take the tourist's potential “travel career” or self-developmental trajectories into consideration.
Parents-to-be and future holiday planning: what is it all about?
Authors: Lalicic Lidija
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– The aim of this study is to understand how parents-to-be expect their future holidays with their first child to change accordingly, and most important the reasoning behind this.

Design/methodology/approach

– By the use of a qualitative-explorative research approach (Grounded Theory method), ten in-depth interviews were done with Dutch parents-to-be, expecting their first child.

Findings

– The results show that emotional response ranks high in terms of the occurred changes, which originate from a set of interrelated consequences. A strong link with a deep fundamental basis rooted in daily life values can be made.

Research limitations/implications

– To surmount the limitations of this study observational methods would have to be employed. The collection of information relating to decision making can only evoke faults if the research would take place after the couples transform into parents-to-be through a setting of a longitudinal study. In addition, generalization should be carefully taken into account in terms of cultural backgrounds, which can devise changes as well.

Practical implications

– This will oblige the tourism industry to consider product differentiation to serve this segment better and to capture a competitive position in the dynamic tourism industry.

Originality/value

– The holiday has been perceived as a part of daily life and should create a certain degree of added value which refers to a deeper fundamental basis. Therefore, it can be argued that this study contributed to the decision-making literature by going beyond the scope of family holidays.
Doing good at a nonprofit tourist attraction
Authors: Karin Olsson Anna , Gellerstedt Martin
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the growing field of membership research by applying a relationship marketing perspective on members in tourism settings. Focus is on exploring why consumers are members (motivational dimensions) and how motivations are related to member behaviours (retention, participation and co-creation), and to member demographics (gender, age, distance between the member's home and the supported organization).

Design/methodology/approach

– A survey was conducted among members of a nonprofit tourist attraction (n=755). Classical chi-square tests, t-tests and multivariate analysis using logistic regression were used to analyze data and to test eight hypotheses on member demographics, member motivations and member behaviours.

Findings

– Findings show that among the three motivational dimensions, altruism, i.e. doing good for others, was the strongest motive, followed by self-interest, i.e. doing good for yourself, and then the social motive, i.e. doing good with others, which scored lowest. Furthermore, findings show that gender, age and distance were significantly related to member motivations and member behaviours. Member behaviours were significantly related to motivations.

Research limitations/implications

– This study was conducted at a single nonprofit tourist attraction. However, it provides insights into different motivational dimensions for why people pay to become members and what kind of member behaviour they demonstrate. This topic calls for further research to explore the complex membership phenomenon such as extending this study by identifying member motives and behaviour in other contexts.

Practical implications

– This explorative study of members of a nonprofit tourist attraction contributes insights into why consumers are members (motivational dimensions), how motivations are related to member behaviours in a membership relationship context, and how member demographics are related to motivations and behaviours. Findings have implications for membership managers and the development of memberships in terms of giving a deeper insight into members as consumers in order to develop memberships as strategic resources and hence use the full potential of memberships especially vital to non-profit organizations. Several aspects of memberships are discussed that may inspire the development of member offerings. The present study contributes to the developing field of membership research as it is a response to the calls for more empirical studies of members to develop an integrated understanding of motivations of memberships. Furthermore it contributes with research of co-creation in customer relationships linking the co-creation concept to research of members in tourism settings.

Originality/value

– This study contributes to the developing field of membership research and furthermore gives insights into consumer motivations and behaviours that may inspire development of innovative and competitive membership offerings building membership relationships in tourism settings.
“This is a piece of coral received from captain Bob”: meanings and functions of tourist souvenirs
Authors: Decrop Alain , Masset Julie
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– Tourists' special possessions are under-studied in consumer research despite their importance in self-identity development. Furthermore, extant studies about tourist souvenirs fail in providing an extensive and in-depth view of souvenirs, and in exploring both their functional and symbolic dimensions. This paper aims to better and deeply understand the symbols and meanings attached to tourist souvenirs as well as the functions they fulfil in contemporary consumption.

Design/methodology/approach

– A naturalistic interpretive approach has been privileged. A total of 19 informants have been interviewed and observed at home in a triangulation perspective. Interview transcripts, field notes, and pictorial material were analyzed and interpreted through the grounded theory approach.

Findings

– A new typology of four types of symbolic souvenirs including touristic trinkets, destination stereotypes, paper mementoes, and picked-up objects is developed. The typology is grounded on four major functions souvenirs may fulfil in terms of meanings and identity construction, that is: categorization, self-expression, connectedness, and self-creation.

Originality/value

– This study contributes to a better knowledge of tourist souvenirs, which is a typical case of consumers' special possessions that may be central in self-identity processes. Considered as powerful “messengers of meaning”, tourist souvenirs help consumers to maintain material links with cherished past experiences and to convey individual and cultural meanings to their broader existence. Typologies such as the one developed in this paper are crucial not only for researchers but also for marketers and retailers.
A practical guide to e-journal and e-book supply – a UK perspective
Authors: Kluzek Mark
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to report on current interlending and document delivery of e-books and e-journals in the UK and analyse the challenges encountered in such practices, using the experiences at King's College London as an example.

Design/methodology/approach

– The author uses a case study approach.

Findings

– Most UK libraries and higher education institutions negotiate the usage terms for their e-resources through Jisc's NESLI2 model license agreement. While the terms of this agreement work relatively well for document delivery of e-journal articles, allowing for secure electronic document transmission under prescribed circumstances, the interlending of e-books remains problematic.

Research limitations/implications

– The paper provides insight into how UK document supply services can better use electronic holdings to offset the costs of requesting. It discusses the dilemma of e-books and potential solutions.

Practical implications

– This will enable UK library professionals to better use e-resources in a legally compliant way for the purpose of document delivery. It will explain to non-UK library professionals how supplying from e-resources works in the UK.

Originality/value

– The paper provides insight into how UK document supply services can better use electronic holdings to offset the costs of requesting. It discusses the dilemma of e-books and potential solutions.
Dispute resolution in corporate multi-tenanted property management: a case study
Authors: Tunde Oladokun Timothy , Tajudeen Aluko Bioye
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– This study aims to evaluate the practice of dispute resolution in Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, Lagos State.

Design/methodology/approach

– Questionnaires were distributed to two study groups of 400 users/occupiers and officials of the managing agents. A total of 100 were returned and found useable for the study. The study adopted the descriptive method of percentages, mean and proportion method for analysis.

Findings

– The study found that there often existed disputes and when it occurs, the common reaction is for them to alert other users of the building. Other findings are that the methods of dispute resolution adopted are arbitration, mediation, conciliation and litigation and that the most commonly adopted method is arbitration.

Research limitations/implications

– Limiting the scope of the study to the perception of the respondents could reflect an element of bias and might pose a great challenge to the representativeness of the findings. Also, the use of closed question questionnaire may limit the validity of the results.

Practical implications

– The study has major implications on real estate investment and practice in Nigeria. There is the need to incorporate behavioural knowledge in the curriculum of estate management and valuation to prepare graduates for efficient practice and the continuous re-training of practitioners to prevent future declining real estate profession.

Originality/value

– The paper documents the requisite information needed for developing contemporary policy on real estate education in the country. It also serves as a guide for real estate practitioners and regulatory bodies for developing contemporary real estate practice to meet emerging trends in CREM practice and for relevance in the practice of CREM as an evolving sub-discipline of estate management.
Effect of anti‐CCR4 monoclonal antibody (mogamulizumab) on adult T‐cell leukemia–lymphoma: Cutaneous adverse reactions may predict the prognosis
Authors: Yonekura Kentaro , Kanzaki Tamotsu , Gunshin Kanayo , Kawakami Nobuyo , Takatsuka Yoshifusa , Nakano Nobuaki , Tokunaga Masahito , Kubota Ayumu , Takeuchi Shogo , Kanekura Takuro , Utsunomiya Atae
Published: March 2014

Adult T‐cell leukemia–lymphoma (ATL) is one of the most malignant lymphomas with poor prognosis. ATL cells express CC chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4) and mogamulizumab, a monoclonal antibody against CCR4 that exhibits very strong cytotoxicity for ATL cells via antibody‐dependent cellular cytotoxicity. Although its effect is dramatic in ATL, serious adverse reactions such as Stevens–Johnson syndrome have been reported. However, these eruptions can appear as therapeutic signs of mogamulizumab. We evaluated the effectiveness of mogamulizumab in five acute‐type ATL patients. Peripheral blood (PB) and lymph nodes (LN) were affected in three and four patients, respectively. In PB, complete response (CR) was obtained in all three patients and partial response (PR) was recorded in LN of one patient. In skin lesions, four of five patients manifested CR; in two, the lesions worsened after the start of mogamulizumab treatment and subsequently improved. In these lesions, CD4+8−25+ ATL cells were replaced by CD3+8+ cytotoxic T cells. Cutaneous adverse reactions (CAR) developed in two patients with CR; they did not show a relapse of ATL over the course of 9 months. Our findings suggest that mogamulizumab should be continued and surface marker evaluation should be performed even in patients whose skin lesions show aggravation, and that CAR may be a marker for a favorable prognosis.
Lost in translation? ‘Evidence’ and the articulation of institutional logics in integrated care pathways: from positive to negative boundary object?
Authors: Allen Davina
Published: March 2014

This article examines the translation of a clinical governance concept – integrated care pathways (ICPs) – into an infrastructural technology. Building on previous work, the application of boundary object theory is extended in this article to argue that stakeholder enrolment in pathway methodology may be less thoroughgoing than originally assumed. Pathways have effectively aligned management and nursing interests around a quality agenda and nurses have emerged as the leaders in this field, but doctors have rather lower levels of engagement. It is suggested that the contradictory logics inherent in pathway philosophy (primarily as these relate to ‘evidence’) and the social organisation of ICP development foster a transformation of the concept when this is translated into the technology, creating a negative boundary object from the perspective of doctors. Medicine is a powerful actor in health care, which is consequential for whether pathways, as designated boundary objects, become boundary objects‐in‐use. It also has implications for the diffusion of the concept as a mechanism of clinical governance and the credibility of nurses as emergent leaders in this field. Qualitative case studies of ICP development processes undertaken in the UK National Health Service and ethnographic research on the ICP community provide the empirical foundations for the analysis.
An Overview of Antiretroviral Pre‐Exposure Prophylaxis of HIV Infection
Authors: McGowan Ian
Published: March 2014

Despite improvements in access to antiretroviral therapy and the use of simplified dosing regimens, HIV infection is still an important global public health problem. As a consequence, significant research efforts have been focused on the development of strategies to prevent the acquisition of HIV infection. These efforts have begun to produce results. The HPTN‐052 study demonstrated the effectiveness of treating infected individuals as a means to prevent onward transmission of HIV infection. In addition, Phase 2B/3 studies have shown that the use of oral and topical antiretroviral pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can significantly reduce the acquisition of HIV infection in serodiscordant couples, young women in sub‐Saharan Africa, men who have sex with men, and intravenous drug users. Despite these successes, challenges remain. Adherence to daily PrEP is variable, and some large studies have failed to demonstrate the effectiveness of PrEP in reducing HIV acquisition. Novel PrEP technologies, including sustained delivery intravaginal rings and long‐acting injectable products, are being developed to try and circumvent adherence problems associated with daily PrEP regimens. The purpose of this article is to briefly summarize recent progress in the development of antiretroviral PrEP.
The TLR2 Ligand FSL‐1 and the TLR5 Ligand Flagellin Mediate Pro‐Inflammatory and Pro‐Labour Response via MyD88/TRAF6/NF‐κB‐Dependent Signalling
Authors: Lim Ratana , Barker Gillian , Lappas Martha
Published: March 2014

Problem

Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) 2 and 5 induce inflammation via the adapter proteins myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) and TNFR‐associated factor 6 (TRAF6) and the transcription factor nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB). The aims of this study were to determine the effects of the TLR5 ligand flagellin and the TLR2 ligand FSL‐1 on pro‐inflammatory and pro‐labour mediators in human fetal membranes and myometrium, and to establish whether their actions are dependent on MyD88, TRAF6 and NF‐κB.

Method of Study

Tissue explants were performed to determine the effect of flagellin and FSL‐1 on pro‐labour mediators in fetal membranes and myometrium. siRNA knockdown was performed in primary amnion and myometrium cells to determine the role of MyD88, TRAF6 and NF‐κB.

Results

Flagellin and FSL‐1 increased pro‐inflammatory cytokines (IL‐6 and IL‐8), MMP‐9 expression and activity, and COX‐2 expression and prostaglandin release. siRNA knockdown of TLR2 decreased FSL‐1 induced production of IL‐6, IL‐8, COX‐2, prostaglandins and MMP‐9; similarly, siRNA knockdown of TLR5 decreased flagellin induced production of these pro‐labour mediators. The effects of flagellin and FSL‐1 are mediated by MyD88 and TRAF6, as siRNA knockdown of MyD88 and TRAF6 decreased flagellin and FSL‐1 induced pro‐labour mediators. Additionally, the effects of flagellin and FSL‐1 are mediated via NF‐κB, as flagellin and FSL‐1 increased NF‐κB transcriptional activity, and the NF‐κB inhibitor BAY 11‐7082 attenuated flagellin and FSL‐1 induced expression and secretion of pro‐labour mediators.

Conclusion

TLR2 engagement by the synthetic lipoprotein FSL‐1 and TLR5 engagement by bacterial flagellin enhances pro‐inflammatory and pro‐labour mediators in human fetal membranes and myometrium via MyD88/TRAF6/NF‐κB.
Cancer during pregnancy
Authors: Van Calsteren Kristel , Amant Frédéric
Published: March 2014

Cancer during pregnancy is a rare and complex problem involving many different health care professionals, which emphasizes the need for a multidisciplinary teamwork. Obstetricians are continuously involved from antenatal care to delivery and the puerperal period including lactation. Recent research indicates that most chemotherapy administered in the second and third trimester does not have serious impact on the health and development of the children and that most pregnant women with cancer treatment should go to term and aim for a vaginal delivery. However, continuous registration and follow‐up of these women and their children is needed in an international setting to obtain sufficient numbers, and not least a multidisciplinary contribution to cover the different aspects of management and surveillance of pregnant women with cancer.
The short‐term effect of flavonoid‐rich dark chocolate on retinal vessel diameter in glaucoma patients and age‐matched controls
Authors: Terai Naim , Gedenk Alexandra , Spoerl Eberhard , Pillunat Lutz E , Stodtmeister Richard
Published: March 2014

Purpose

To investigate the effect of flavonoid‐rich dark chocolate and non‐flavonoid‐rich white chocolate on retinal vessel diameter in glaucoma patients and age‐matched controls.

Methods

Thirty glaucoma patients and 30 age‐matched subjects were assigned to dark or white chocolate by randomization with forced equal distribution. The number in each of the four groups was 15. Measured parameters included systemic blood pressure (BP), blood glucose levels, static retinal vessel analysis, as measured by central retinal artery equivalent (CRAE) (which relates to the diameter of the central retinal artery), central retinal vein equivalent (CRVE) (which relates to the diameter of central retinal vein) and the arterio‐venous ratio (AVR), which represents the CRAE/CRVE ratio, dynamic retinal vessel analysis as measured by the change in vessel diameter in response to flicker light stimulation. Three recording cycles from each were averaged.

Results

Blood pressure parameters (systolic BP, diastolic BP and pulse), IOP and blood glucose levels did not differ significantly between both groups before and after consumption of white or dark chocolate. Static vessel analysis did not show any significant changes in CRAE, CRVE or AVR before and after dark or white chocolate in both groups (p > 0.05).

Mean dilatation of the venules in the control group was 3.2 ± 0.9 % before dark chocolate and 4.2 ± 1.4 % after dark chocolate intake, which was statistically significantly different (p = 0.01). Mean dilatation of the arterioles in the control group was 2.8 ± 1.8 % before dark chocolate and 3.5 ± 1.8 % after dark chocolate intake with a trend to statistical significance (p = 0.14), but not reaching the significance level. Mean diameter changes in the glaucoma group did not show any significant differences after dark chocolate consumption.

Conclusion

The present study showed a significant improvement of venous vasodilatation 2 hr after dark chocolate intake in the control group, but not in the glaucoma group. This effect might be indicative of an increased bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO) after dark chocolate consumption. The lack of finding a significant venous response after dark chocolate in the glaucoma group might be related to the already impaired endothelial function in these patients.
Segregation analysis suggests that keratoconus is a complex non‐mendelian disease
Authors: Kriszt Ágnes , Losonczy Gergely , Berta András , Vereb György , Takács Lili
Published: March 2014

Purpose

Complex segregation analysis of 60 unrelated sporadic keratoconus (KC) families was performed to reveal the presumed mode of inheritance in our dataset.

Methods

Sixty probands, 212 family members and 212 age and gender matched healthy controls underwent clinical and videokeratographic examination. Family aggregation and distribution of videokeratography parameters were examined. Segregation of KSI, KISA and 6mm Fourier asymmetry alone or in covariate analysis with gender or the presence of Fleischer ring, exploring mendelian and non‐mendelian models of inheritance was tested using complex segregation analysis with the S.A.G.E. program package.

Results

In 145 relatives of probands, the estimated prevalence of manifest KC was 7.6% (95% CI: 3.3–11.9) based on KISA index, indicating strong familial aggregation. All examined videokeratography indices were able to differentiate between KC and non‐KC family members as well as normal controls (anova p < 0.001). Hypotheses accepted as most parsimonius models of inheritance (p > 0.1) for all indices indicated the presence of a non‐mendelian major gene effect (MG). Inclusion of Fleischer ring as covariate improved the fit of MG models. Mendelian, Sporadic and polygenic models were consistently rejected.

Conclusions

Complex segregation analysis indicates a strong genetic contribution to the transmission of keratoconus. Inheritance is most probably due to a non‐mendelian major gene effect. Low genotype‐phenotype correlation in sporadic KC families can make linkage studies difficult, thus genome wide association studies, epigenetic and pathway analyses may provide more information on disease pathogenesis in non‐familial keratoconus.
Melatonin attenuates antipsychotic metabolic effects: an eight‐week randomized, double‐blind, parallel‐group, placebo‐controlled clinical trial
Authors: Romo‐Nava Francisco , Alvarez‐Icaza González Dení , Fresán‐Orellana Ana , Saracco Alvarez Ricardo , Becerra‐Palars Claudia , Moreno Julia , Ontiveros Uribe Martha P , Berlanga Carlos , Heinze Gerhard , Buijs Ruud M
Published: March 2014

Objective

Second‐generation antipsychotics (SGAs) are among the first‐line treatments for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, but have a tendency to generate metabolic disturbances. These features resemble a metabolic syndrome for which a central autonomic imbalance has been proposed that may originate from the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nuclei. In a clinical trial, we hypothesized that melatonin, a hormone that regulates the suprachiasmatic nucleus, could attenuate SGA‐induced adverse metabolic effects.

Methods

In an eight‐week, double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group clinical trial, we evaluated the metabolic effect of melatonin in SGA‐treated patients in terms of weight, blood pressure, lipid, glucose, body composition, and anthropometric measures. A total of 44 patients treated with SGAs, 20 with bipolar disorder and 24 with schizophrenia, randomly received placebo (n = 24) or melatonin 5 mg (n = 20).

Results

The melatonin group showed a decrease in diastolic blood pressure (5.1 versus 1.1 mmHg for placebo, p = 0.003) and attenuated weight gain (1.5 versus 2.2 kg for placebo, F = 4.512, p = 0.040) compared to the placebo group. The strong beneficial metabolic effects of melatonin in comparison to placebo on fat mass (0.2 versus 2.7 kg, respectively, p = 0.032) and diastolic blood pressure (5.7 versus 5.5 mmHg, respectively, p = 0.001) were observed in the bipolar disorder and not in the schizophrenia group. No adverse events were reported.

Conclusions

Our results show that melatonin is effective in attenuating SGAs' adverse metabolic effects, particularly in bipolar disorder. The clinical findings allow us to propose that SGAs may disturb a centrally mediated metabolic balance that causes adverse metabolic effects and that nightly administration of melatonin helps to restore. Melatonin could become a safe and cost‐effective therapeutic option to attenuate or prevent SGA metabolic effects.
Brain electrical source imaging in manic and depressive episodes of bipolar disorder
Authors: Painold Annamaria , Faber Pascal L , Milz Patricia , Reininghaus Eva Z , Holl Anna K , Letmaier Martin , Pascual‐Marqui Roberto D , Reininghaus Bernd , Kapfhammer Hans‐Peter , Lehmann Dietrich
Published: March 2014

Objective

Bipolar disorder (BD) electroencephalographic (EEG) studies have reported varying results. The present study compared EEG in BD during manic and depressive episodes, using brain electrical source imaging [standardized low‐resolution electromagnetic tomography (sLORETA)] to assess the cortical spatial distribution of the sources of EEG oscillation frequencies.

Methods

Two independent datasets (a total of 95 patients with bipolar I disorder, of whom 59 were female) were analyzed. Dataset #1 comprised 14 patients in a manic as well as a depressive episode. Dataset #2 comprised 26 patients in a manic episode and 55 patients in a depressive episode. From the head surface‐recorded EEG, sLORETA cortical activity was computed in eight EEG frequency bands, and compared between mood states in both datasets. The results from the two datasets were combined using conjunction analysis.

Results

Conjunction analysis yielded significant differences between mood states: In manic compared to depressive states, patients had lesser theta frequency band activity (right‐hemispheric lateral lower prefrontal and anterior temporal, mainly Brodmann areas 13, 38, and 47), and greater beta‐2 and beta‐3 frequency band activity (extended bilateral prefrontal‐to‐parietal, mainly Brodmann area 6, and the cingulate).

Conclusions

The spatial organization of the brain's electrical oscillations differed in patients with BD between manic and depressive mood states. The brain areas implementing the main functions that show opposing abnormalities during manic and depressive episodes were affected by unduly increased or decreased activity (beta or theta). The discussion considers that facilitating (beta) or inhibiting (theta) electrical activity can in either case result in behavioral facilitation or inhibition, depending on the function of the brain area.
Determinants of Weight Changes During the First 96 Hours of Life in Full‐Term Newborns
Authors: Fonseca Maria João , Severo Milton , Barros Henrique , Santos Ana Cristina
Published: March 2014

Background

Newborn weight loss (NWL) in the first 3 days of life is around 6 percent of birthweight (BW). We aim to describe the determinants of an excessive and insufficient NWL in the first 96 hours of life.

Methods

A sample of 1,288 full‐term singletons without congenital abnormality belonging to Generation XXI birth cohort was selected. Newborns were recruited in 2005–2006 at all public units providing obstetrical and neonatal care in Porto, Portugal. Information was collected by face‐to‐face interview and additionally abstracted from clinical records. Anthropometrics were obtained by trained examiners and newborn weight change (NWC) was estimated as (weight–BW)/BW × 100. We categorized NWL as excessive (below 10th percentile of the sample distribution of NWC: ≤−9.4% of BW), normal (between 10th and 90th percentiles: −9.3 to −4.2%) and insufficient (above 90th percentile: ≥ −4.1%). Adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95 percent confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using multinomial regression models.

Results

Excessive NWL was positively associated with maternal age ≥40 years (OR = 3.32, 95%CI 1.19–9.25), maternal education (OR = 1.04, 95% CI 1.00–1.09), cesarean delivery (OR = 2.42, 95% CI 1.12–5.23), and phototherapy‐treated jaundice (OR = 1.69, 95% CI 1.00–2.87). Insufficient NWL was positively associated with low BW (OR = 2.68, 95% CI 1.13–6.33), and formula/mixed feeding (OR = 1.74, 95% CI 1.13–2.66).

Conclusion

Excessive NWL was positively associated with maternal age and education, cesarean delivery, and phototherapy‐treated jaundice. Insufficient NWL reflected child's feeding. As breastfed newborns did not lose weight excessively, but newborns with formula/mixed feeding had insufficient NWL, our study supports that breastfeeding provides excellent nutrition during this period.
Monocyte-derived dendritic cells from Crohn's disease patients exhibit decreased ability to activate T helper type 17 responses in memory cells
Authors: Nieminen J K , Sipponen T , Färkkilä M , Vaarala O
Published: March 2014

An increased activation of interleukin (IL)-17A-producing immune cells is a well-established feature of Crohn's disease (CD). Mechanisms that contribute to this aberrant immune activation are, however, less clear. Given that an enhanced induction of innate-immunity associated cytokines IL-6 and IL-23, which promote IL-17 immunity, is also clearly implicated in CD, we hypothesized that monocyte-derived dendritic cells (moDCs) of CD patient origin would mount exaggerated IL-17A responses in T cells. However, we found a significantly attenuated up-regulation of the IL-17A response in allogeneic T helper memory cells in the presence of culture media from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated moDCs of CD patients when compared with moDCs of control subjects (median fold-increase in IL-17A mRNA expression 1·09 versus 1·44, P = 0·038). This was accompanied by a lower expression of IL-1β and IL-6 transcripts in the LPS-treated moDCs (median 9·55 versus 13·9 relative units, P = 0·042, and 2·66 versus 9·06 relative units, P = 0·049, respectively). In addition, the up-regulation of autophagy-related LC3 transcripts was decreased in moDCs of CD patients (median fold-increase in mRNA expression 1·22 versus 1·52, P = 0·029). Our findings reveal similar immunological aberrancies in CD in the general population as reported in CD patients with mutated intracellular bacterial sensor NOD2, namely attenuated activation of innate cytokines and impaired autophagy, combined with a reduced capacity to up-regulate the T helper type 17 (Th17) response. The results presented here emphasize a defective anti-microbial response in the pathogenesis of CD. The increased mucosal Th1 and Th17 responses, which may contribute to the pathogenesis, could be the consequences of primary defects in the innate immunity.
Astrocytic JWA Expression is Essential to Dopaminergic Neuron Survival in the Pathogenesis of Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Miao Shu‐Han , Sun Hong‐Bin , Ye Yang , Yang Jing‐Jing , Shi Yao‐Wei , Lu Ming , Hu Gang , Zhou Jian‐Wei
Published: March 2014

Aims

To investigate the role of astrocytic JWA expression in dopaminergic (DA) neuron degeneration and in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD).

Methods

Conditional astrocytic JWA null (JWA∆2/∆2/GFAP‐Cre) mice and U251 glioma cells were used to evaluate the effects of JWA gene on DA neuron degeneration. The oxidative stress‐driven molecular events were determined in both in vivo and in vitro models.

Results

Conditional astrocytic JWA knockout resulted in significant activation of astrocytes measured by increase in glial fibrillary acidic protein‐positive cells (1.34 × 103 ± 74.5 vs. 8.44 × 103 ± 1.35 × 103, P < 0.01) in mouse substantia nigra, accompanied by loss of DA neurons (1.03 × 104 ± 238 vs. 6.17 × 103 ± 392, P < 0.001). Deficiency of JWA significantly aggravated reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in substantia nigra compared with the wild‐type mice. Increasing JWA expression in U251 glioma cells inhibited ROS with a concomitant increase in intracellular glutathione. Furthermore, suppression of IKKβ‐nuclear factor (NF)‐κB signaling pathway was shown to regulate JWA in a PD model.

Conclusions

The JWA gene exerts neuroprotective roles against DA neuronal degeneration via modulating intracellular redox status and NF‐κB signaling pathway and is a potential treatment target for PD.
Abnormally Altered Patterns of Whole Brain Functional Connectivity Network of Posterior Cingulate Cortex in Remitted Geriatric Depression: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Jiang Wen‐Hao , Yuan Yong‐Gui , Zhou Hong , Bai Feng , You Jia‐Yong , Zhang Zhi‐Jun
Published: March 2014

Aims

A longitudinal study investigated the remitted geriatric depression (RGD) patients' persistent cognitive impairment and potential correlation with their PCC functional connectivity network.

Methods

A total of 14 RGD patients and 18 matched controls were recruited. All subjects finished the neuropsychological tests and functional magnetic resonance imaging scan at baseline and follow‐up. A spherical region of interest was placed in PCC to calculate the functional connectivity, and further analysis was employed to detect correlations between longitudinal changes in the brain regions and neuropsychological data.

Results

There were significant cognitive declines in RGD patients at baseline and follow‐up. Altered patterns of functional connectivity were detected within the RGD group showing correlations with neuropsychological tests. The longitudinal change in functional connectivity between PCC and cerebellum posterior lobe was correlated with longitudinal changes in auditory verbal memory test‐recall (r = 0.550, P = 0.042). The longitudinal change in functional connectivity between PCC and right parahippocampal gyrus was correlated with Trail Making Test‐A (r = 0.631, P = 0.015). The longitudinal change in functional connectivity between PCC and supramarginal_R was correlated with Mini‐Mental State Examination (r = −0.630, P = 0.016).

Conclusions

RGD patients performed worse cognitive function, and altered PCC functional connectivity network might have a role in these cognitive declines.