bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Off the Waterfront: The Long‐Run Impact of Technological Change on Dockworkers
Authors: El‐Sahli Zouheir , Upward Richard
Published: May 2017

We investigate how individual workers and local labour markets adjust over a long time period to a discrete and plausibly exogenous technological shock, namely the introduction of containerization in the UK port industry. This technology, which was introduced rapidly between the mid‐1960s and the late‐1970s, had dramatic consequences for specific occupations within the port industry. Using longitudinal micro‐census data, we follow dockworkers over a 40‐year period and examine the long‐run consequences of containerization for patterns of employment, migration and mortality. The results show that the job guarantees negotiated by the unions protected dockworkers' employment until the guarantees were removed in 1989. A matched comparison of workers in comparable unskilled occupations reveals that, even after job guarantees were removed, dockworkers did not fare worse than the comparison group in terms of their labour market outcomes. Our results suggest that job guarantees provided a safety net which reduced the cost to workers of sudden technological change.
Additional benefit of using a risk‐based selection for prostate biopsy: an analysis of biopsy complications in the Rotterdam section of the European Randomized Study of Screening for Prostate Cancer
Authors: Chiu Peter K. , Alberts Arnout R. , Venderbos Lionne D. F. , Bangma Chris H. , Roobol Monique J.
Published: May 2017

Objective

To investigate biopsy complications and hospital admissions that could be reduced by the use of European Randomized Study of Screening for Prostate Cancer (ERSPC) risk calculators.

Materials and Methods

All biopsies performed in the Rotterdam section of the ERSPC between 1993 and 2015 were included. Biopsy complications and hospital admission data were prospectively recorded in questionnaires that were completed 2 weeks after biopsy. The ERSPC risk calculators 3 (RC3) and 4 (RC4) were applied to men attending the first and subsequent rounds of screening, respectively. Applying the predefined RC3/4 probability thresholds for prostate cancer (PCa) risk of ≥12.5% and high‐grade PCa risk ≥3%, we assessed the number of complications, admissions and costs that could be reduced by avoiding biopsies in men below these thresholds.

Results

A total of 10 747 biopsies with complete questionnaires were included. For these biopsies a complication rate of 67.9% (7294/10 747), a post‐biopsy fever rate of 3.9% (424/10747) and a hospital admission rate of 0.9% (92/10747) were recorded. The fever rate was found to be static over the years, but the hospital admission rate tripled from 0.6% (1993–1996) to 2.1% (2009–2015). Among 7704 biopsies which fit the criteria for RC3 or RC4, 35.8% of biopsies (2757/7704), 37.4% of complications (1972/5268), 39.4% of fever events (128/325) and 42.3% of admissions (30/71) could have been avoided by using one of the risk calculators. More complications could have been avoided if RC4 had been used and for more recent biopsies (2009–2015). Our findings show that 35.9% of the total cost of biopsies and complication treatment could have been avoided.

Conclusion

A significant proportion of biopsy complications, hospital admissions and costs could be reduced if biopsy decisions were based on ERSPC risk calculators instead of PSA only. This effect was most prominent in more recent biopsies and in men with repeated biopsies or screening.
Revisits after adenotonsillectomy in children with sleep‐disordered breathing: A retrospective single‐institution study
Authors: Chang I.‐S. , Kang K.‐T. , Tseng C.‐C. , Weng W.‐C. , Hsiao T.‐Y. , Lee P.‐L. , Hsu W.‐C.
Published: May 2017

Objective

To investigate emergency room (ER) revisits and hospital readmissions following adenotonsillectomy (T&A) in children with sleep‐disordered breathing (SDB), and correlations between SDB severity and ER revisits.

Design

Retrospective chart review study.

Setting

Tertiary referral centre.

Participant

610 consecutive children underwent T&A for treating SDB.

Main outcome measures

Sleep‐disordered breathing severity was defined according to the apnoea–hypopnoea index (AHI) (primary snoring = AHI < 1; mild = AHI 1‐5; moderate = AHI 5‐10; and severe = AHI > 10). Revisit and readmission patterns within 30 days of the surgery were extracted and analysed.

Results

Of these children (mean age = 7.2 years; males = 72%), 49 (8.0%) had first ER revisit, nine (1.5%) had second ER revisits, and one (0.2%) had third ER revisits. Reasons for ER revisits were bleeding related (46%) or non‐bleeding related (54%). The timing for revisits was 6.9±1.9 postoperative days for bleeding‐related revisits and 9.3±10.0 days for non‐bleeding‐related revisits. Treatment strategies during these revisits were treat and release in 44 children (74.6%), admission for observation in eight children (13.5%), and admission for surgery in seven children (11.9%). The incidence of ER revisit and hospital readmission was similar among children with all levels of SDB severity. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that young children (<3 years) experienced an increased risk of non‐bleeding‐related revisits (odds ratio [OR] = 4.1).

Conclusions

Children with severe SDB do not experience increased risks of revisit or readmission; however, young children are at increased risk of non‐bleeding‐related revisits.
Evidence for silver in wound care – meta‐analysis of clinical studies from 2000–2015
Authors: Dissemond Joachim , Böttrich Johannes Georg , Braunwarth Horst , Hilt Jörg , Wilken Patricia , Münter Karl‐Christian
Published: May 2017

Background

Given that the scientific evidence for silver in wound care is generally considered insufficient, there is uncertainty among users regarding its clinical use.

Material and methods

A group of experts evaluated the clinical studies on silver in wound management published from 2000–2015.

Results

Overall, 851 articles were identified, 173 of which were included and categorized. There were 31 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and eight cohort studies. Twenty‐eight of these studies showed statistically significant outcome parameters in support of silver. While nine of these studies investigated burn injuries, 20 addressed other indications (venous leg ulcers: 9; pressure ulcers: 3; chronic wounds: 2; diabetic foot ulcer: 1; other types of wounds: 5). In 16 studies, the primary parameter was wound healing, whereas quality of life including pain was assessed in twelve studies; cost‐effectiveness, in eight studies; reduction of bacterial load, in three studies. Based on these results, a treatment algorithm for the clinical use of silver in wound care has been developed.

Conclusions

The present meta‐analysis shows that the evidence base for silver in wound management is significantly better than perceived in the current scientific debate. Thus, if used selectively and for a limited period of time, silver not only has antimicrobial effects but is also characterized by an improvement in quality of life and good cost‐effectiveness.
Langzeitauswertung des Nutzens der digitalen Dermatoskopie an einem Referenzzentrum
Authors: Rinner Christoph , Tschandl Philipp , Sinz Christoph , Kittler Harald
Published: May 2017

Hintergrund und Ziele

Wir untersuchten den Nutzen der sequentiellen digitalen Dermatoskopie für die Kontrolle von Patienten mit multiplen Nävi in einem spezialisierten Zentrum.

Patienten und Methodik

Das ist eine retrospektive Kohortenstudie mit 2 824 Patienten und 23 241 kontrollierten Läsionen, wobei für Schlüsselparameter, wie der Anzahl der kontrollierten und exzidierten Melanome und Nävi, eine Trendberechnung durchgeführt wurde.

Ergebnisse

Im Zuge der Kontrolluntersuchungen haben wir bei 709 Patienten 1 266 Läsionen exzidiert, darunter waren 146 (11,5 %) Melanome. Der Anteil der im Zuge der Kontrolle detektierten in‐situ‐Melanome war signifikant höher als bei der Erstuntersuchung. (46,6 % gegenüber 23,4 %; p ≤ 0,001). Bei Patienten mit einem Melanom bei der Erstuntersuchung war das Risiko, während der Nachsorge ein Melanom zu detektieren, höher als bei Patienten ohne Melanom (relatives Risiko: 3,59; 95 % CI: 2,15 bis 6,00). Die Zahl der dokumentierten Läsionen korrelierte positiv mit dem Verhältnis von gutartigen zu bösartigen excidierten Läsionen und die Exzisionen bei Erstuntersuchungen gingen während des Untersuchungszeitraums signifikant zurück.

Schlussfolgerungen

Die Überwachung mit digitaler Dermatoskopie verbessert die Detektion dünner Melanome bei Patienten mit multiplen Nävi. Patienten mit einem Melanom im Rahmen der Erstuntersuchung haben ein erhöhtes Risiko, während der Nachsorge ein Melanom zu entwickeln und sollten daher eine Zielgruppe für die sequentielle Dermatoskopie sein.
Diagnostische Präzision der komponentenbasierten vs. der extraktbasierten In‐vitro‐Diagnostik von Insektengift‐Allergien: Auswirkungen auf das klinische Management
Authors: Seyfarth Florian , Miguel Diana , Schliemann Sibylle , Hipler Uta‐Christina
Published: May 2017

Hintergrund

Die Bestimmung von spezifischen IgE‐Antikörpern spielt eine zentrale Bedeutung bei der Diagnostik von Bienen‐ und Wespengiftallergien. In den letzten Jahren wurden die komponentenbasierte Diagnostik (CRD) eingeführt, die die Bestimmung spezifischer IgE‐Antikörper gegen die Allergene Api m 1, Ves v 1, Ves v 5 und Pol d 5 sowie kreuzreaktive Kohlenhydratdeterminanten (CCDs) erlaubt. Hierdurch soll vor allem bei Probanden mit Doppelsensibilisierungen die klinische Relevanz der einzelnen Sensibilisierungen besser beurteilt werden können.

Probanden und Methodik

Die spezifischen IgE‐Antikörper‐Bestimmungen an 143 Probanden mit Bienen‐ und/oder Wespengiftallergie erfolgten mit den extraktbasierten ImmunoCAP®‐Allergenen i1 und i3 sowie den ImmunoCAP®‐Allergenkomponenten i208‐211 und o214 (Api m 1, Ves v 1, Ves v 5, Pol d 5, CCD). Bei Doppelsensibilisierten wurde zusätzlich ein Inhibitionstest durchgeführt. An einem Teilkollektiv der Studienpopulation erfolgten sIgE‐Bestimmungen gegen Api m 1, Api m 4, Pol d 5 und Ves v 5 mittels Allergiechip (ISAC®, n  =  44).

Ergebnisse

Die Sensitivität von Ves v 5 bei isolierten Wespengiftallergikern betrug 78,5 %, gemeinsam mit Ves v 1 stieg diese auf 92,3 %. Die Sensitivität von Api m 1 bei isolierten Bienengiftallergikern betrug 25 %. Die komponentenbasierte Diagnostik und Inhibitionstests bei Doppelsensibilisierten lieferten divergente Ergebnisse. Die CRD mittels ISAC®‐Allergiechip erbrachte deutliche Unterschiede vor allem im Hinblick auf die Diagnostik von Api m 1 und CCDs.

Schlussfolgerungen

Die CRD bereichert das diagnostische Spektrum, sofern sie nicht allein sondern zusätzlich zu den etablierten Verfahren eingesetzt wird. Sie sollte neben Ves v 5 stets die Bestimmung der IgE‐Antikörper gegen Ves v 1 umfassen.
Die chronische venöse Insuffizienz – Eine Zusammenfassung der Pathophysiologie, Diagnostik und Therapie
Authors: Santler Bettina , Goerge Tobias
Published: May 2017

Die chronische Venenerkrankung ist eine weit verbreitete Krankheit, die in späteren Stadien mit einer Vielzahl an Symptomen, aber auch Komplikationen wie dem Ulcus cruris, einhergeht. Dies wiederum hat weitreichende Auswirkungen auf die Lebensqualität der Patienten wie auch auf das Gesundheitssystem. Für die Diagnostik der chronischen Venenerkrankungen steht eine Auswahl an Verfahren zur Verfügung, wobei sich die farbkodierte Duplexsonographie als Goldstandard etabliert hat. Im Bereich der Therapie kam es in den letzten Jahrzehnten zu großen Fortschritten, sodass heute auch Alternativen zum klassischen Stripping durch die endoluminalen Verfahren zur Verfügung stehen. Die Wahl der Therapieoption ist jedoch weiterhin stark abhängig von mehreren Faktoren, unter anderem von den anatomischen Gegebenheiten und dem Krankheitsstadium. Im folgenden Artikel werden die Anatomie und Pathophysiologie, sowie die aktuellen Standards der Diagnostik und Therapie zusammengefasst.
Genomic insights into adaptive divergence and speciation among malaria vectors of theAnopheles niligroup
Authors: Fouet Caroline , Kamdem Colince , Gamez Stephanie , White Bradley J.
Published: May 2017

Ongoing speciation in the most important African malaria vectors gives rise to cryptic populations, which differ remarkably in their behavior, ecology, and capacity to vector malaria parasites. Understanding the population structure and the drivers of genetic differentiation among mosquitoes is crucial for effective disease control because heterogeneity within vector species contributes to variability in malaria cases and allow fractions of populations to escape control efforts. To examine population structure and the potential impacts of recent large‐scale control interventions, we have investigated the genomic patterns of differentiation in mosquitoes belonging to theAnopheles niligroup—a large taxonomic group that diverged ~3 Myr ago. Using 4,343 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), we detected strong population structure characterized by high‐FSTvalues between multiple divergent populations adapted to different habitats within the Central African rainforest. Delineating the cryptic species within theAnopheles niligroup is challenging due to incongruence between morphology, ribosomal DNA, and SNP markers consistent with incomplete lineage sorting and/or interspecific gene flow. A very high proportion of loci are fixed (FST = 1) within the genome of putative species, which suggests that ecological and/or reproductive barriers are maintained by strong selection on a substantial number of genes.
Unilateral nephrolithiasis with renal rupture in a horse
Authors: Saetra T. , Breuhaus B. , Hildebran A.
Published: May 2017

A 22‐year‐old Thoroughbred mare presented to North Carolina State University Large Animal Hospital for evaluation of acute colic. After initial work‐up, the mare was diagnosed and treated for presumed gas colic. She was subsequently further diagnosed and treated for gastric ulcers and mild sand accumulation in her large colon, based on gastroscopy and abdominal radiographs, respectively. The mare initially responded well to medical management of colic, but on Day 3 of hospitalisation, developed a low grade fever and signs of mild discomfort returned. Abdominocentesis at that time revealed an aseptic peritonitis and she was placed on antibiotics andNSAIDs. When no significant improvement was achieved, the mare was taken to surgery 2 days later. In surgery, she was diagnosed with nephrolithiasis of the left kidney that had erupted through the renal capsule and into the retroperitoneal space, as well as into the abdomen. Two nephroliths were found in the omentum. The mare was subjected to euthanasia due to a poor prognosis and submitted for necropsy, where 54 nephroliths were identified, associated with the left kidney. This report describes significant unilateral nephrolithiasis (to the point of renal rupture) in a horse with no azotaemia or other clinical signs of urinary tract disease.
Minor food sources can play a major role in secondary production in detritus‐based ecosystems
Authors: Crenier Clément , Arce‐Funck Julio , Bec Alexandre , Billoir Elise , Perrière Fanny , Leflaive Joséphine , Guérold François , Felten Vincent , Danger Michael
Published: May 2017

In many ecosystems, detritus is the dominant source of energy and the driver of ecosystem functioning. In particular, in forested headwater streams, allochthonous detritus (e.g. leaf litter, dead wood) constitute the main energy source for detritivores and living primary producers contribute marginally to ecosystem metabolism and energy flows.

We hypothesised that a low consumption of benthic diatoms, a high‐quality resource, could be of major importance for the growth of detritivores. In particular, these resources might represent an essential source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs).

In a microcosm experiment, three food resources were manipulated: alder (Alnus glutinosa: Betulaceae) leaf litter, fungal mycelium and a common benthic diatom. They were offered to juveniles of Gammarus fossarum (Crustacea: Amphipoda) as food resources, either alone or in combination, with each resource type being enclosed in agarose pellets. Juveniles were fed for 5 weeks in controlled conditions. Survival, feeding and growth rates were monitored. The fatty acids content of food resources and gammarids were also quantified.

Our results showed that detritus alone permits survival, but not the significant growth of detritivores. The presence of diatoms in food resources was necessary to ensure a significantly positive mass growth of detritivores over the 5‐week experiment. More importantly, detritivores that did not receive algae in their food were generally unable to maintain their PUFA levels when compared to juveniles collected in the field.

Gut‐content analysis of field‐collected G. fossarum showed that low amounts of benthic algae were always visible, indicating that most individuals fed at least for a small part on benthic algae. These minor, but high quality, food sources might therefore be essential for ensuring the growth and survival of detritivores. Our results clearly highlight the need to consider the functional importance of such minor food sources.
Beyond Exile and Inner Emigration: Rereading Max Horkheimer on Theodor Haecker'sDer Christ und die Geschichte(1935)
Authors: Tomko Helena M.
Published: May 2017

Through analysis of Max Horkheimer's 1936 review of Theodor Haecker'sDer Christ und die Geschichte(), this article proposes an interdisciplinary, revisionist approach to German inner emigration after 1933 and its relationship to exile culture. Horkheimer wrote his review in American exile, adeptly deciphering the anti‐Nazi subtext of Haecker's inner‐exile argument. The left‐wing Horkheimer inevitably rejects the conservative Haecker's Catholic historiography and account of moral agency, but his review testifies to forgotten lines of continuity between inner and outer exiles. Horkheimer's commitment to a post‐metaphysical critical theory ultimately shifts focus away from Haecker's theologically framed anti‐Nazi critique, a shift from intellectual generosity to ideological foreclosure that anticipates the emergent polarization evident in postwar scholarship on exile in‐ and outside of Germany. Scrutiny of this complex critical legacy offers insight, however, into how significant theologically framed discourses remained for inner and outer exiles responding to National Socialism.
Different aggregation states of a nuclear localization signal‐tagged 25‐kDa C‐terminal fragment of TAR RNA/DNA‐binding protein 43 kDa
Authors: Kitamura Akira , Yuno Sachiko , Muto Hideki , Kinjo Masataka
Published: May 2017

The mechanism and cause of motor neuronal cell death in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a devastating neurodegenerative disorder, are unknown; gain of function of oligomers and aggregation of misfolded proteins, including carboxyl‐terminal fragments (CTFs) of TAR RNA/DNA‐binding protein 43 kDa (TDP‐43), have been proposed as important causative factors in the onset of ALS. We recently reported that a nuclear localization signal (NLS)‐tagged 25‐kDa CTF of TDP‐43 (TDP25) could decrease the cell‐death proportion compared with that promoted by TDP25. Here, we show oligomeric states of NLS‐TDP25 and its detailed localization property using super‐resolution fluorescence microscopy, FRET, fluorescence recovery after photobleaching, and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy analysis. NLS‐TDP25 efficiently formed a nucleolar cap structure via RNA binding in the presence of actinomycin D, but TDP25 did not. Although cytoplasmic inclusion bodies including TDP25 had a disordered and immobile structure, NLS‐TDP25 in the nucleolus was ordered and dynamic. In the diffuse state, TDP25 formed fewer oligomers and interacted with the molecular chaperone, HSP70; however, NLS‐TDP25 formed oligomers. These results suggested that NLS‐tagged TDP25 can change its structure to use ordered oligomeric but nontoxic state. Moreover, the structure of ordered oligomers as well as nuclear sequestration may be important in mediating cytotoxicity in ALS pathology.
Identification of ACA‐28, a 1′‐acetoxychavicol acetate analogue compound, as a novel modulator of ERK MAPK signaling, which preferentially kills human melanoma cells
Authors: Satoh Ryosuke , Hagihara Kanako , Matsuura Kazuki , Manse Yoshiaki , Kita Ayako , Kunoh Tatsuki , Masuko Takashi , Moriyama Mariko , Moriyama Hiroyuki , Tanabe Genzoh , Muraoka Osamu , Sugiura Reiko
Published: May 2017

The extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway is essential for cell proliferation and is frequently deregulated in human tumors such as melanoma. Melanoma remains incurable despite the use of conventional chemotherapy; consequently, development of new therapeutic agents for melanoma is highly desirable. Here, we carried out a chemical genetic screen using a fission yeast phenotypic assay and showed that ACA‐28, a synthetic derivative of 1′‐acetoxychavicol acetate (ACA), which is a natural ginger compound, effectively inhibited the growth of melanoma cancer cells wherein ERK MAPK signaling is hyperactivated due to mutations in the upstream activating regulators. ACA‐28 more potently inhibited the growth of melanoma cells than did the parental compound ACA. Importantly, the growth of normal human epidermal melanocytes (NHEM) was less affected by ACA‐28 at the same 50% inhibitory concentration. In addition, ACA‐28 specifically induced apoptosis in NIH/3T3 cells which were oncogenically transformed with human epidermal growth factor receptor‐2 (HER2/ErbB2), but not in the parental cells. Notably, the ACA‐28‐induced apoptosis in melanoma and HER2‐transformed cells was abrogated when ERK activation was blocked with a specific MEK inhibitor U0126. Consistently, ACA‐28 more strongly stimulated ERK phosphorylation in melanoma cells, as compared in NHEM. ACA‐28 might serve as a promising seed compound for melanoma treatment.
Biology of Neuropeptides: Orexinergic Involvement in Primary Headache Disorders
Authors: Holland Philip R.
Published: May 2017

Migraine is a very common, severe disabling condition that can last for days and strike multiple times per month. Attacks, often characterized by severe unilateral throbbing pain that is exacerbated by activity, are commonly preceded by several diverse symptoms including fatigue, irritability, and yawning. This premonitory (prodromal) phase represents the earliest identifiable feature of an attack that is a reliable predictor of ensuing headache. The diversity of these symptoms underlines the complex nature of migraine and focuses considerable attention on the hypothalamus due to its prominent role in homeostatic regulation allowing state dependent behavioral modifications. While multiple neurotransmitter and neuropeptide systems have been proposed to play a role in migraine, the current review will focus on the emerging role of the hypothalamic orexinergic system in primary headache disorders. Specifically the potential role of altered orexinergic signalling in premonitory symptomatology and the future potential of targeted orexinergic therapies that could with other approaches act during the premonitory phase to prevent the occurrence of the headache or reduce an individual's susceptibility to attacks by altering the brain's response to external and internal triggers.
Overview of Neuropeptides: Awakening the Senses?
Authors: Russo Andrew F.
Published: May 2017

Humans have a diverse collection of neuropeptides that can influence a multitude of activities. There are now over 100 known neuropeptides and probably many more yet to be identified from the over 1000 predicted peptides encoded in the genome. While diverse, peptides generally share three common characteristics: (1) post‐translational processing and release from vesicles, (2) activation of cell‐surface receptors over a relatively large distance, and (3) modulation of target cells that are often in the brain and periphery. Within the brain, neuropeptides can modulate the activity of co‐released neurotransmitters to either increase or decrease the strength of synaptic signaling. Within the periphery, neuropeptides can function similar to peptide hormones and modulate nearly all bodily functions. Given the clear involvement of the neuropeptide CGRP in migraine and the emerging evidence for other peptides, it seems likely that neuropeptides may help “awaken” the senses and contribute to the heightened sensory state of migraine.
Alterted SLIT2/ROBO1 signalling is linked to impaired placentation of missed and threatened miscarriage in early pregnancy
Authors: Li Ping , Shi Yuxun , Shuai Hanlin , Cai Yanzhen , Lu Wenhui , Wang Guang , Gao Lufen , Wang Lijing , Fan Xiujun , Yang Xuesong
Published: May 2017

Aims

Two‐thirds of early pregnancy failures present with reduced trophoblast invasion, and SLIT2/ROBO1 signalling is considered to play an important role in trophoblast function during pregnancy. We investigated SLIT2/ROBO1 signalling associated with missed and threatened miscarriage during early gestation.

Methods and results

Human placenta samples were collected from women with missed miscarriage (n = 25), threatened miscarriage (n = 22) and termination of pregnancy controls (n = 32). Corresponding decreases in beta human chorionic gonadotrophin (β‐hCG) levels and shallow trophoblast invasion were observed in patients with missed and threatened miscarriage, immunohistological staining revealed abnormal Slit2 and Robo1, as well as E‐cadherin and activating protein‐2 alpha (AP‐2α) expression in villi and extravillous trophoblasts, and the expression of these proteins were confirmed in villi and decidua of miscarriage material by Western blotting. Using HTR8/SVneo cells, blocking SLIT2/ROBO1 signalling promoted cell migration, proliferation and suppressed differentiation. Moreover, blocking SLIT2/ROBO1 signalling in HTR8/SVneo cells altered trophoblast differentiation‐related and angiogenesis‐related gene mRNA expression, which also occurred in the tissues of missed and threatened miscarriage.

Conclusions

SLIT2/ROBO1 signalling may regulate trophoblast differentiation and invasion causing restricting β‐hCG production, shallow trophoblast invasion and inhibiting placental angiogenesis in missed and threatened miscarriage during the first trimester.
What Drives Remittances from Saudi Arabia to Pakistan? Home Versus Host Country's Economic Conditions
Authors: Umair Muhammad , Waheed Abdul
Published: May 2017

Saudi Arabia is the largest source country of remittances to Pakistan since the 1970s. This study examined the impact of home versus host country’s economic conditions on remittances from Saudi Arabia to Pakistan. The ARDL bounds testing is used on the annual data set from 1973 to 2014. The study concluded that economic growth in the host country and economic crises in the home country increase remittances. 1% decrease in domestic output increases remittances by 2.79% while 1% increase in sending country’s output growth increases remittances by 5.2% in the long‐run. The bilateral trade has a positive while financial deepening has a negative impact on inflows. The impact of oil shock is insignificant. We suggest cautious foreign policy as remittances depend significantly on the host country’s economic condition that is not directly under the control of the home country but remittances can be sustained with bilateral trade.
Stability of rare‐earth‐doped spherical yttria‐stabilized zirconia synthesized by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis
Authors: Nafsin Nazia , Li Hui , Leib Elisabeth W. , Vossmeyer Tobias , Stroeve Pieter , Castro Ricardo H. R.
Published: May 2017

Phase stability is one of the crucial requirements for any material that can be used at elevated temperature applications such as thermal barrier coating (TBC). The most traditional TBC material, partially stabilized zirconia, limits the operating temperature due to its phase transformation. Conversely, the low thermal conductivity of fully stabilized zirconia (YSZ) may enable effective reduction in the surface temperature on the coated component, while avoiding deleterious phase transitions, although still being subjected to sintering and grain growth. It has been reported that addition of rare‐earths as dopants to YSZ can significantly increase resistance to grain growth at high temperature. Keeping this under consideration, this work investigates the role of rare‐earths (lanthanum and gadolinium) in increasing thermal stability of YSZ microspheres, the building blocks for high‐temperature photonics for reflective TBC. The spheres were produced by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis, and the doping led to significant improvement of stability by significant inhibition of grain growth. While the individual dopants showed significant growth and sintering inhibition up to 900°C, co‐doping with 4% (in mol) of each (Gd and La) led to coarsening resistance up to 1000°C for 3 hours, when particles retained reasonable spherical features with nanometric crystallite sizes.
Substrate‐dependent risk stratification for implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapies using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging: The importance of T1 mapping in nonischemic patients
Authors: Claridge Simon , Mennuni Silvia , Jackson Thomas , Behar Jonathan M. , Porter Bradley , Sieniewicz Benjamin , Bostock Julian , O'Neill Mark , Murgatroyd Francis , Gill Jaswinder , Carr‐White Gerald , Chiribiri Amedeo , Razavi Reza , Chen Zhong , Rinaldi Christopher Aldo
Published: May 2017

Introduction

The role of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) in nonischemic cardiomyopathy is unclear and better risk‐stratification is required. We sought to determine if T1 mapping predicts appropriate defibrillator therapy in patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy. We studied a mixed cohort of ischemic and nonischemic patients to determine whether different cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) applications (T1 mapping, late gadolinium enhancement, and Grayzone) were selectively predictive of therapies for the different arrhythmic substrates.

Methods and results

We undertook a prospective longitudinal study of consecutive patients receiving defibrillators in a tertiary cardiac center. Participants underwent CMR myocardial tissue characterization using T1 mapping and conventional CMR scar assessment before device implantation. QRS duration and fragmentation on the surface electrocardiogram were also assessed. The primary endpoint was appropriate defibrillator therapy. One‐hundred thirty patients were followed up for a median of 31 months (IQR ± 9 months). In nonischemic patients, T1_native was the sole predictor of the primary endpoint (hazard ratio [HR] 1.12 per 10 millisecond increment in value [95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04–1.21; P ≤ 0.01]). In ischemic patients, Grayzone_2SD‐3SD was the strongest predictor of appropriate therapy (HR 1.34 per 1% left ventricular increment in value [95% CI 1.03–1.76; P = 0.03]). QRS fragmentation correlated well with myocardial scar core (receiver operating characteristic area under the curve [ROC AUC] 0.64; P = 0.02) but poorly with T1_native (ROC AUC 0.4) and did not predict appropriate therapy.

Conclusions

In the medium–long term, T1_native mapping was the only independent predictor of therapy in nonischemic patients, whereas Grayzone was a better predictor in ischemic patients. These findings suggest a potential role for T1_native mapping in the selection of patients for ICDs in a nonischemic population.
First description of a double‐wall balloon breach during cryoballoon ablation for atrial fibrillation
Authors: Suarez Keith , Banchs Javier E. , Lim Hae W. , Black James N.
Published: May 2017

Balloon breach during cryoablation

To date, this is the first published report of a double‐wall breach while using the cryoballoon ablation catheter during the treatment of a patient with atrial fibrillation; however, there have been previous balloon breaches in both the second and third‐generation cryoballoon ablation catheter usage. In this report, we describe the case of a double‐wall balloon breach and the intraoperative care that was necessary to stabilize the patient. Additionally, we review other known cases of double‐wall balloon breaches, and we examine the safety systems of the cryoballoon catheter that mitigate some of the potential patient complications.
The aggravation of arthritis by periodontitis is dependent of IL‐17 receptor A activation
Authors: de Aquino Sabrina G. , Talbot Jhimmy , Sônego Fabiane , Turato Walter M. , Grespan Renata , Avila‐Campos Mario J. , Cunha Fernando Q. , Cirelli Joni A.
Published: May 2017

Aim

To evaluate whether Porphyromonas gingivalis‐induced periodontitis aggravates the antigen‐induced arthritis (AIA) model, and whether this effect is dependent on the Th17/IL‐17 signalling pathway.

Materials and methods

Antigen‐induced arthritis was triggered by local injection of methylated bovine serum albumin into the knee joint of previously immunized C57BL/6 wild‐type (WT) and IL‐17 receptor A (IL‐17RA)‐knockout mice. Periodontal disease in naïve or arthritic mice was induced by oral infection with P. gingivalis. Animals were sacrificed 7, 15 and 30 days after infection. Alveolar bone loss, joint histopathology, articular hyperalgesia and joint cytokine production were assessed, in addition to the proportion of Th17 and Treg cells isolated from the inguinal lymph nodes.

Results

No influence of experimentally‐induced arthritis was found on the alveolar bone resorption induced by P. gingivalis. However, mice with experimentally‐induced arthritis that were exposed to P. gingivalis presented higher joint damage and Th17 frequencies when compared to non‐infected mice. The aggravation of arthritis by periodontitis was accompanied by increased TNF and IL‐17 production and articular neutrophil infiltration, whereas arthritis aggravation and changes in neutrophil infiltration were absent in IL‐17RA‐deficient mice.

Conclusion

The effects of P. gingivalis‐induced periodontitis on arthritis are dependent on Th17 expansion and IL‐17RA signalling, which lead to increased neutrophil infiltration into the joints.
New evidence of cutaneous leishmaniasis in north‐eastern Italy
Authors: Gaspari V. , Ortalli M. , Foschini M.P. , Baldovini C. , Lanzoni A. , Cagarelli R. , Gaibani P. , Rossini G. , Vocale C. , Tigani R. , Gentilomi G.A. , Misciali C. , Pesci S. , Patrizi A. , Landini M.P. , Varani S.
Published: May 2017

Background

Human leishmaniasis is on increase in the Mediterranean Europe. However, the exact prevalence of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is largely unknown as underdiagnosis and under reporting are common.

Objective

To evaluate epidemiological, clinicopathological and microbiological aspects of CL cases occurring in the Bologna Province, north‐eastern Italy.

Methods

We performed a retrospective, observational study on CL cases diagnosed in the Bologna Province between January 2013 and December 2015.

Results

During 2013–2015, 30 cases of CL were identified in the Bologna Province with an average incidence of 1.00/100 000, with an increase of fourfold to 12‐fold as compared to previous years. 16 of 30 (53%) CL cases presented as single, typical lesions. CL diagnosis was carried out by histological and molecular techniques, although in 7 of 29 (24%) PCR‐positive cases, amastigotes were not visible on histology.

Conclusions

We report new evidence of CL cases in a focal area of north‐eastern Italy in 2013–2015. Our study highlights the importance of CL surveillance in the Mediterranean basin and emphasizes the need for the molecular laboratory surveillance of CL in endemic areas.
Epidemiology of human papillomavirus on anogenital warts in Portugal – The HERCOLES study
Authors: Azevedo J. , Pista A. , Lisboa C. , Santo I. , Azevedo L. , Cunha M.J. ,   the HERCOLES Study Group
Published: May 2017

Background

Anogenital warts (AGW) are one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted disease worldwide. Approximately, 90% of AGWs are related to infection by HPV 6 and 11. However, AGW have been associated with infection by multiple genotypes, including HR‐HPV, which may be associated with a long‐term increased risk of anogenital cancer.

Objective

This observational prospective epidemiological study aims to estimate the type‐specific HPV distribution on incident AGWs in both genders, and additionally to assess the frequency of anal and oral HPV infection in patients with AGWs.

Methods

According to defined inclusion criteria, individuals with incident clinical diagnosis of AGWs were recruited in seven Portuguese Centres. HPV genotyping was performed using CLART HPV2 test.

Results

Between November 2012 and March 2014, 162 women and 400 men (mean age: 34 years), were enrolled. After exclusion of patients with unqualified AGW samples, HPV was detected in 95.3% (505/530) AGW patients, 96.8% males and 91.6% females. Among men who have sex with men, HPV was detected in 98.5% patients. HPV 6 and/or HPV 11 were the most frequent genotypes (87.5%), and HPV 16 the most common HR‐HPV (9.2%). Infection with HPV 6/11 and any HR‐HPV was observed in 35.8% patients. HPV prevalence on the anal canal and oral mucosa was 83.1% and 15.0%, respectively.

Conclusion

Incident AGWs were more frequent in males than in females. LR‐HPVs were more common among males and HR‐HPVs among females. HPV 6 and 11 were the most common genotypes on both genders. However, there was also a high prevalence of HR‐HPVs, particularly of HPV 16. AGWs represent a clinical marker of both anal and oral HPV infections, including anal HR‐HPV infections in women and men who have sex with men. The HERCOLES study could be a clue to further investigations concerning HPV burden of disease by gender and sexual behaviour.
The Emergence of Circular Economy: A New Framing Around Prolonging Resource Productivity
Authors: Blomsma Fenna , Brennan Geraldine
Published: May 2017

In this article, we use Hirsch and Levin's notion of umbrella concepts as an analytical lens, in order to articulate the valuable catalytic function the circular economy (CE) concept could perform in the waste and resource management debate. We realize this goal by anchoring the CE concept in this broader debate through a narrative approach. This leads to the insight that whereas the various resource strategies grouped under the CE's banner are not new individually, the concept offers a new framing of these strategies by drawing attention to their capacity of prolonging resource use as well as to the relationship between these strategies. As such, the CE offers a new perspective on waste and resource management and provides a new cognitive unit and discursive space for debate. We conclude by discussing research opportunities for the industrial ecology (IE) community relating to the concept's theoretical development and its implementation. Specifically, we pose that reinvigorating and growing the social science aspects of IE is required for both. After all, it is in understanding and facilitating the collective implementation of any idea, also the CE concept, that the potential lies for shaping our material future.
Involvement of microglia in early axoglial alterations of the optic nerve induced by experimental glaucoma
Authors: Bordone Melina P. , González Fleitas María F. , Pasquini Laura A. , Bosco Alejandra , Sande Pablo H. , Rosenstein Ruth E. , Dorfman Damián
Published: May 2017

Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness, characterized by retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss and optic nerve (ON) damage. Cumulative evidence suggests glial cell involvement in the degeneration of the ON and RGCs. We analyzed the contribution of microglial reactivity to early axoglial alterations of the ON in an induced model of ocular hypertension. For this purpose, vehicle or chondroitin sulfate (CS) were weekly injected into the eye anterior chamber from Wistar rats for different intervals. The amount of Brn3a(+) RGC significantly decreased in CS‐injected eyes for 10 and 15 (but not 6) weeks. A reduction in anterograde transport of β‐subunit cholera toxin was observed in the superior colliculus and the lateral geniculate nucleus contralateral to CS‐injected eyes for 6 and 15 weeks. A disruption of cholera toxin β‐subunit transport was observed at the proximal myelinated ON. A significant decrease in phosphorylated neurofilament heavy chain immunoreactivity, an increase in ionized calcium‐binding adaptor molecule 1(+), ED1(+) (microglial markers), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (astrocytes) (+) area, and decreased luxol fast blue staining were observed in the ON at 6 and 15 weeks of ocular hypertension. Microglial reactivity involvement was examined through a daily treatment with minocycline (30 mg/kg, i.p.) for 2 weeks, after 4 weeks of ocular hypertension. Minocycline prevented the increase in ionized calcium‐binding adaptor molecule 1(+), ED‐1(+), and glial fibrillary acidic protein(+) area, the decrease in phosphorylated neurofilament heavy‐chain immunoreactivity and luxol fast blue staining, and the deficit in anterograde transport induced by 6 weeks of ocular hypertension. Thus, targeting microglial reactivity might prevent early axoglial alterations in the glaucomatous ON.

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Cover Image for this issue: doi: 10.1111/jnc.13807.
Soft Skills versus Hard Skills: Practitioners’ Perspectives on Interior Design Interns
Authors: Gale Amanda J. , Duffey Melanie A. , Park–Gates Shari , Peek Paula Frances
Published: May 2017

Interior design, like other applied disciplines, has a clear career cycle requiring education and professional experience before becoming eligible for examination. Internships are often encouraged in academic curriculums for increased career placement and enhancement of student learning outcomes; they also serve as a benchmark for academic programs to evaluate their curriculum and its relevance to practice. As the design industry rapidly shifts the scope and needs in projects, it becomes more difficult for academic programs to assess practitioners’ values as they relate to recent interns and entry–level hires. Using a social constructivist approach, this longitudinal study aims to better understand practitioners’ perceptions of soft and hard skill sets necessary for emerging interior design professionals. This study utilizes content analysis to evaluate practitioners’ responses ( N = 260) from 2006 to 2014 through a survey questionnaire that consisted of open–ended questions aimed to evaluate senior–level interior design students’ performance during the required 400–hour internship at a mid–sized Southeastern university. The findings showed that soft skills were more often listed as positive attributes where interns performed exceedingly well. Furthermore, soft skills affected the willingness of practitioners to hire interns.
Organic fertilizers alter the composition of pathogens and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in maize roots
Authors: Aguilar Ricardo , Carreón‐Abud Yazmin , López‐Carmona Dante , Larsen John
Published: May 2017

Roots of agricultural crops, including maize, are hosts of different microorganisms, many beneficial, like plant growth and health‐promoting arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), as well as pathogens including Pythium, Polymyxa and Microdochium. To improve crop nutrition and health, profound knowledge is required regarding how agricultural practices affect field populations of root‐associated microorganisms. Hence, the objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of crop genotype and organic fertilizers on the plant growth performance of maize and their root‐associated microorganisms. The experiment was conducted as a fully factorial greenhouse pot experiment with maize cultivars (two land races and two hybrids) and organic fertilizers (green manure, cow manure and compost) as the two main factors. Plants were harvested 8 weeks after sowing. In general, the different maize cultivars responded similarly to the applications of the organic fertilizers. Cow manure and compost increased plant growth, whereas green manure had limited effect on plant growth. Root colonization with AMF was reduced by green manure with rape. Infection with the root pathogens Pythium and Polymyxa was reduced by all organic fertilizers, whereas in contrast, infection with Microdochium increased with the majority of the organic fertilizers applied. In conclusion, both maize genotype and organic fertilizers affect the abundance of AMF and root pathogens in maize, which should be considered when developing management strategies of these root‐inhabiting microorganisms.
The Effect of Corporate Support Programs on Employees’ Innovative Behavior: A Cross‐Cultural Study
Authors: Engelen Andreas , Weinekötter Lea , Saeed Saadat , Enke Susanne
Published: May 2017

This article establishes a theoretical model that sheds light on whether corporate support programs can foster employees’ innovative behavior across nations and which national cultural dimensions moderate this relationship. To validate the arguments empirically, this research consists of two sequential, independent studies. The first study uses secondary data from the 2011 Global Entrepreneurship Monitor special report. Analysis of responses from 11,560 full‐time employees in 13 countries shows that the relationship between support and innovative behavior is more positive when the nation's levels of power distance and masculinity are low and individualism is strong. A second experimental study is conducted in Germany and China using employees’ individual behavior as the dependent variable and corporate support programs differentiated into three types of corporate support (providing time, providing budget, and providing advice) as the independent variable. Findings indicate that all three types of corporate support programs positively impact employees’ innovative behavior in the sample from Germany, at least indirectly via feasibility and desirability judgments as mediators, but no significant relationships in the sample from China. This study contributes to the research stream on employees’ innovative behavior and corporate support programs by adding national cultural properties as environmental factors. In addition, this study investigates the mediating effect of feasibility and desirability judgments between three types of corporate support programs and innovative behavior. This study also contributes to innovation research in general and to research on employees’ innovative behavior in particular by building and validating a multilevel model empirically.