bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Control mechanisms of MNEs: an empirical study
Authors: Singh Satwinder , Wood Geoffrey , Alharbi Jaithen , Darwish Tamer K.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

This purpose of this paper is to explore variations in the extent of control mechanisms, according to country of origin and organizational characteristics, in a challenging country of domicile.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey research design involving the use of a questionnaire as the primary data source was adopted. A total of 350 subsidiaries were initially randomly selected and contacted in person, or via telephone and e-mail, of which 147 agreed to take part in the study and responded to the survey.

Findings

The authors find that Multinational Enterprises (MNEs) from highly financialized Liberal Market Economies will be associated with a greater reliance on formalized control mechanisms; this will enable the MNE’s headquarters to closely monitor subsidiary managers according to objective measures, to ensure that the maximum shareholder value is released.

Research limitations/implications

This study reveals a greater reliance on control mechanisms in larger firms, reflecting a desire to maximize bureaucratic economies of scale.

Practical implications

The authors find that the presence of expatriates regardless of country of origin leads to greater decentralization, suggesting foreign firms do not trust local staff.

Originality/value

This is one of the few studies of this nature conducted for the region of Middle East – and the only one the authors are aware of for Saudi Arabia. Further, it sheds new light on the impact of contextual circumstances on how closely firms monitor their subsidiaries, the challenges of doing business in the Gulf region and the consequences of the large-scale usage of expatriates.
Advancing environmental sustainability via deliberative democracy
Authors: Arunachalam Murugesh , Singh-Ladhar Jagdeep , McLachlan Andrea
Published: September 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the planning and policy processes in relation to the pollution in Lake Taupo. This paper describes and explains the manifestation of the tenets of deliberative democracy and the impediments of mobilising the tenets in the planning and policy-making processes.

Design/methodology/approach

This interpretive case study makes sense of interview transcripts, minutes of meetings, media reports and public documents and adopts deliberative democratic theory as the theoretical framework for the interpretive analysis.

Findings

Some factors fostered and others challenged the mobilization of the tenets of deliberative democracy. Local government processes facilitated the expression of multiple views in relation to the impacts of human activities on the Lake. Confrontations and tensions were inevitable elements of the deliberative processes. Pre-determined outcomes and domination of local authorities, aiming for environmental sustainability of Lake Taupo, posed as challenges to the operation of deliberative democracy. Some stakeholders need to sacrifice more than others, but recognition of pluralism, conflicts and differences is an essential part of deliberative democracy.

Originality/value

There is scarcity of research that empirically examines local government processes in light of deliberative democratic principles. The study also extends environmental and social studies that have explored the arena approach to accountability and decision-making.
Impaired Japanese encephalitis virus replication in p62/SQSTM1 deficient mouse embryonic fibroblasts
Authors: Tasaki Takafumi , Nukuzuma Souichi , Takegami Tsutomu
Published: September 2016

The role of the autophagy adaptor protein p62/SQSTM1 in Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) replication in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) was investigated. Amounts of JEV RNA and E protein were significantly smaller in p62‐deficient cells than wild‐type cells at 24 hr post‐infection (p.i.). JEV RNA quantitation and viral plaque assays showed significant reductions in viral titers in p62‐deficient cell culture fluid. Our results indicate that JEV replication is impaired in p62‐deficient MEFs, suggesting that p62 positively regulates JEV replication in host cells.
Curvilinear telomere length dynamics in a squamate reptile
Authors: Ujvari Beata , Biro Peter A. , Charters Jordan E. , Brown Gregory , Heasman Kim , Beckmann Christa , Madsen Thomas
Published: September 2016

The lack of consensus concerning the impact of telomere length (TL) dynamics on survival emphasizes the need for additional studies to evaluate the effect of TL on key life‐history processes.

Using both cross‐sectional and longitudinal data, we therefore explored age‐specific TL dynamics in a squamate reptile: the frillneck lizard (Chlamydosaurus kingii).

Our cross‐sectional analyses revealed that young lizards had short TL, TL increased in medium‐aged lizards, but TL decreased in older age cohorts, revealing a curvilinear relationship between TL and frillneck lizard age.

Neither our cross‐sectional nor our longitudinal analyses revealed any association between TL dynamics and lizard survival.

We observed a significant positive relationship between TL and telomerase expression (TE), suggesting that TE is a significant determinant of frillneck lizard TL dynamics.

Importantly, our longitudinal analyses revealed a positive relationship between initial TL and telomere attrition rate within individual lizards, that is lizards with short initial telomeres were subjected to reduced telomere attrition rates compared to lizards with long initial TL.

Our results strongly suggest that TL and TE dynamics in frillneck lizards is not associated with lizard survival but rather reflect an adaptation to maintain TL above a critical minimum length in order to sustain cellular homeostasis.

A lay summary is available for this article.
An application of 4D seismic monitoring technique to modern coal mining
Authors: Du Wenfeng , Peng Suping
Published: September 2016

To study the impact of modern coal mining on the overlying formation, a full‐life‐cycle four‐dimensional seismic monitoring study has been carried out. Four seismic data campaigns have been performed using flexi‐bin geometry with square bins, with total duration of 171 days. The four seismic datasets have been processed with the same processing workflow and parameters; major problems such as statics correction, signal‐to‐noise ratio, resolution, and consistency processing are addressed taking into account the geological features of the research area. This guarantees that remaining four‐dimensional differences between the time‐lapse datasets show mostly geological factors due to the coal mining and effects such as surface subsidence. Our four‐dimensional seismic monitoring of modern coal mining shows that mined and unmined areas have significant zoning characteristics; coal mining has a direct impact on the overlying formation. The mining leads to obvious event subsidence, which reflects that overlying formations undergo subsidence during the mining process. The overlying formation appears as two zones called caving zone and fractured zone. We determine the fault dip of the overlying formation at one end of the working face to be 56°or so by calculation and conversion. We also see that, during the coal mining process, over time, the overlying formation has a self‐recovery capability, which gradually strengthens from the roof siltstone upward to the Aeolian sandstone near the surface. The stability of 20‐m coal pillars between working faces displays a strengthening trend and remains safe during the mining process due to both coal seam supporting and formation compaction effects.
Intraspecific competition, not predation, drives lizard tail loss on islands
Authors: Itescu Yuval , Schwarz Rachel , Meiri Shai , Pafilis Panayiotis
Published: September 2016

Tail autotomy is mainly considered an antipredator mechanism. Theory suggests that predation pressure relaxes on islands, subsequently reducing autotomy rates.

Intraspecific aggression, which may also cause tail loss, probably intensifies on islands due to the higher abundance.

We studied whether tail autotomy is mostly affected by predation pressure or by intraspecific competition. We further studied whether predator abundance or predator richness is more important in this context.

To test our predictions, we examined multiple populations of two gecko species: Kotschy's gecko (Mediodactylus kotschyi; mainland and 41 islands) and the Mediterranean house gecko (Hemidactylus turcicus; mainland and 17 islands), and estimated their abundance together with five indices of predation.

In both species, autotomy rates are higher on islands and decline with most predation indices, in contrast with common wisdom, and increase with gecko abundance. In M. kotschyi, tail‐loss rates are higher on predator and viper‐free islands, but increase with viper abundance.

We suggest that autotomy is not simply, or maybe even mainly, an antipredatory mechanism. Rather, such defence mechanisms are a response to complex direct and indirect biotic interactions and perhaps, in the case of tail autotomy in insular populations, chiefly to intraspecific aggression.
Troxerutin attenuates diet‐induced oxidative stress, impairment of mitochondrial biogenesis and respiratory chain complexes in mice heart
Authors: Rajagopalan Geetha , Chandrasekaran Sathiya Priya , Carani Venkatraman Anuradha
Published: September 2016

Mitochondrial abnormality is thought to play a key role in cardiac disease originating from the metabolic syndrome (MS). We evaluated the effect of troxerutin (TX), a semi‐synthetic derivative of the natural bioflavanoid rutin, on the respiratory chain complex activity, oxidative stress, mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamics in heart of high fat, high fructose diet (HFFD) ‐induced mouse model of MS. Adult male Mus musculus mice of body weight 25‐30 g were fed either control diet or HFFD for 60 days. Mice from each dietary regimen were divided into two groups on the 16th day and were treated or untreated with TX (150 mg/kg body weight [bw], per oral) for the next 45 days. At the end of experimental period, respiratory chain complex activity, uncoupling proteins (UCP)‐2 and ‐3, mtDNA content, mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamics, oxidative stress markers and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation were analyzed. Reduced mtDNA abundance with alterations in the expression of genes related to mitochondrial biogenesis and fission and fusion processes were observed in HFFD‐fed mice. Disorganized and smaller mitochondria, reduction in complexes I, III and IV activities (by about 55%) and protein levels of UCP‐2 (52%) and UCP‐3 (46%) were noted in these mice. TX administration suppressed oxidative stress, improved the oxidative capacity and biogenesis and restored fission/fusion imbalance in the cardiac mitochondria of HFFD‐fed mice. TX protects the myocardium by modulating the putative molecules of mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamics and by its anti‐oxidant function in a mouse model of MS.
The disorganized family: institutions, practices and normativity
Authors: Smyth Lisa
Published: September 2016

This paper considers the value of a normative account of the relationship between agents and institutions for contemporary efforts to explain ever more complex and disorganized forms of social life. The character of social institutions, as they relate to practices, agents and norms, is explored through an engagement with the common claim that family life has been de‐institutionalized. The paper argues that a normative rather than empirical definition of institutions avoids a false distinction between institutions and practices. Drawing on ideas of social freedom and creative action from critical theory, the changes in family life are explained not as an effect of de‐institutionalization, but as a shift from an organized to a disorganized institutional type. This is understood as a response to changes in the wider normative structure, as a norm of individual freedom has undermined the legitimacy of the organized patriarchal nuclear family, with gender ascribed roles and associated duties. Contemporary motherhood is drawn on to illustrate the value of analysing the dynamic interactions between institutions, roles and practices for capturing both the complexity and the patterned quality of social experience.
Endometriosis has no negative impact on outcomes of in vitro fertilisation in women with poor ovarian response
Authors: Yang X , Huang R , Cai M , Liang X
Published: September 2016

Objective

To compare the in vitro fertilisation (IVF) outcomes of poor ovarian responders among women with laparoscopically diagnosed minimal–mild endometriosis (Group A), moderate–severe endometriosis (Group B) and those without endometriosis (Group C). The comparisons were made separately for age groups younger than 35 years and 35 years or older.

Design

Retrospective study.

Setting

A university‐affiliated hospital in Guangzhou, China.

Population

495 women younger than 35 years old and 543 women aged 35 or older who had poor ovarian response with or without laparoscopically diagnosed endometriosis.

Methods

Poor ovarian response (POR) was diagnosed using the Bologna criteria. First cycle parameters were analysed over the same period of time from January 2011 to October 2014.

Main outcome measures

The primary endpoint was the live birth rate per embryo transfer cycle. Secondary outcome measures were clinical pregnancy rate, cycle cancellation rate and miscarriage rate.

Results

In women aged 35 or older no differences were found among the three subgroups in terms of live birth rate, clinical pregnancy rate, cycle cancellation rate or miscarriage rate; in women aged younger than 35 years, the clinical pregnancy rates were 62.96, 45.45 and 43.27% for Groups A, B and C, respectively (P = 0.028). The live birth rate, cycle cancellation rate and miscarriage rate were not significantly different. Compared with the older group of women, the younger women had a significantly higher live birth rate (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

A woman's age is the most important factor governing the live birth rate with IVF. Endometriosis has no consistent impact on IVF outcomes in women with POR.

Tweetable abstract

Endometriosis has no negative impact on IVF outcomes in women with poor ovarian response.
Editor's Choice
Authors: Zhang Jun
Published: September 2016

Lead Editor, Jun Jim Zhang discusses the special issue ‘Women's Health in China’ in an audio podcast available in Chinese https://soundcloud.com/bjog/china-editors-choice-2016-chinese and English https://soundcloud.com/bjog/china-editors-choice-2016-english.
编辑的话
Authors: 军 张
Published: September 2016

特邀编辑张军教授在录音摘要中谈论这期关于中国妇女健康的特刊。 https://soundcloud.com/bjog/china-editors-choice-2016-chinese
Reliability and relative validity of a diet index score for adults derived from a self‐reported short food survey
Authors: Hendrie Gilly A. , Rebuli Megan A. , Golley Rebecca K.
Published: September 2016

Aim

Assess the reliability and relative validity of a diet index score for adults derived using a 38‐item online survey.

Methods

The short food survey (SFS) measured ‘usual’ intake of seven food groups, three food choice indicators and variety; and was completed by 61 adults aged 19‐50 years from Adelaide, Australia. A score was applied to assess compliance with the 2013 Australian Dietary Guidelines. Reliability of the survey was measured between two administrations one week apart; and validity by comparing the first administration to the average of three 24‐hour dietary recalls. Statistical analyses included paired samples t‐tests, intra‐class correlation coefficient (ICC), percentage agreement, Cohen's kappa coefficients and Bland‐Altman plots.

Results

Estimates of daily food group servings were reliable (within 0.3 servings, P > 0.05) but not valid for all foods groups. The mean total index score was approximately 70 points (out of 100) on both SFS administrations (ICC = 0.71 (95% CI 0.56:0.81). Relative validity analysis showed moderate correlation between SFS#1 and 24‐hour recalls (ICC = 0.43 (0.21:0.62, P < 0.001)), with 51% agreement in allocation to tertiles of diet quality between methods (k = 0.262, P = 0.004). The survey overestimated the diet index score by an average of 12.7 points out of 100 [‐20.11:42.94] in comparison to recalls.

Conclusions

The survey overestimated compliance with guidelines relative to dietary recalls. It demonstrated good reliability; however, the validity of estimating intake of some food groups needs improvement. Future refinement will provide a valuable online tool to assess compliance with the Australian dietary recommendations.
Nontargeted, Rapid Screening of Extra Virgin Olive Oil Products for Authenticity Using Near‐Infrared Spectroscopy in Combination with Conformity Index and Multivariate Statistical Analyses
Authors: Karunathilaka Sanjeewa R. , Kia Ali‐Reza Fardin , Srigley Cynthia , Chung Jin Kyu , Mossoba Magdi M.
Published: September 2016

A rapid tool for evaluating authenticity was developed and applied to the screening of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) retail products by using Fourier‐transform near infrared (FT‐NIR) spectroscopy in combination with univariate and multivariate data analysis methods. Using disposable glass tubes, spectra for 62 reference EVOO, 10 edible oil adulterants, 20 blends consisting of EVOO spiked with adulterants, 88 retail EVOO products and other test samples were rapidly measured in the transmission mode without any sample preparation. The univariate conformity index (CI) and the multivariate supervised soft independent modeling of class analogy (SIMCA) classification tool were used to analyze the various olive oil products which were tested for authenticity against a library of reference EVOO. Better discrimination between the authentic EVOO and some commercial EVOO products was observed with SIMCA than with CI analysis. Approximately 61% of all EVOO commercial products were flagged by SIMCA analysis, suggesting that further analysis be performed to identify quality issues and/or potential adulterants. Due to its simplicity and speed, FT‐NIR spectroscopy in combination with multivariate data analysis can be used as a complementary tool to conventional official methods of analysis to rapidly flag EVOO products that may not belong to the class of authentic EVOO.
Efficacy and safety of dapagliflozin in Asian patients: A pooled analysis
Authors: Yang Wenying , Ji Linong , Zhou Zhiguang , Cain Valerie A. , Johnsson Kristina M. , Sjöström C. David
Published: September 2016

Background

The efficacy and safety of dapagliflozin, a sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor, has been demonstrated predominantly in Western populations. This study examined the efficacy and safety of dapagliflozin in Asian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) from eight Phase IIb/III double‐blind trials of up to 24 weeks, treated with placebo (n = 497) or dapagliflozin 5 mg (n = 491) or 10 mg (n = 465).

Methods

Efficacy was assessed in the pooled population receiving dapagliflozin 5, 10 mg or placebo over 24 weeks. Safety and tolerability were assessed by collating data for overall adverse events (AEs) and AEs of special interest over the 24‐week period.

Results

Demographic and baseline characteristics were comparable across treatment groups. Placebo‐corrected adjusted mean changes from baseline at 24 weeks in the dapagliflozin 5 and 10 mg groups, respectively, were −0.52% and −0.58% for HbA1c and −1.34 and −1.80 kg for body weight. Modest reductions in blood pressure were also noted with dapagliflozin. Overall, 56.5%, 53.6%, and 58.7% of patients in the placebo and dapagliflozin 5 and 10 mg groups, respectively, experienced AEs, compared with 2.8%, 4.1%, and 2.4% experiencing serious AEs. Genital infections were more frequent with dapagliflozin 10 mg than placebo, whereas the pattern for urinary tract infections was less clear. A transient reduction in mean estimated glomerular filtration rate was noted with dapagliflozin, but was not associated with an increased frequency of serious renal AEs. In contrast, placebo‐corrected reductions in urinary albumin : creatinine ratio in patients with albuminuria at baseline suggest a potential renoprotective effect of dapagliflozin.

Conclusion

Dapagliflozin was efficacious and well tolerated in Asian patients with T2DM.
Endogenous reactive oxygen species cause astrocyte defects and neuronal dysfunctions in the hippocampus: a new model for aging brain
Authors: Ishii Takamasa , Takanashi Yumi , Sugita Koichi , Miyazawa Masaki , Yanagihara Rintaro , Yasuda Kayo , Onouchi Hiromi , Kawabe Noboru , Nakata Munehiro , Yamamoto Yorihiro , Hartman Phil S. , Ishii Naoaki
Published: September 2016

The etiology of astrocyte dysfunction is not well understood even though neuronal defects have been extensively studied in a variety of neuronal degenerative diseases. Astrocyte defects could be triggered by the oxidative stress that occurs during physiological aging. Here, we provide evidence that intracellular or mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) at physiological levels can cause hippocampal (neuronal) dysfunctions. Specifically, we demonstrate that astrocyte defects occur in the hippocampal area of middle‐aged Tet‐mev‐1 mice with the SDHCV69E mutation. These mice are characterized by chronic oxidative stress. Even though both young adult and middle‐aged Tet‐mev‐1 mice overproduced MitoSOX Red‐detectable mitochondrial ROS compared to age‐matched wild‐type C57BL/6J mice, only young adult Tet‐mev‐1 mice upregulated manganese and copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (Mn‐ and Cu/Zn‐SODs) activities to eliminate the MitoSOX Red‐detectable mitochondrial ROS. In contrast, middle‐aged Tet‐mev‐1 mice accumulated both MitoSOX Red‐detectable mitochondrial ROS and CM‐H2DCFDA‐detectable intracellular ROS. These ROS levels appeared to be in the physiological range as shown by normal thiol and glutathione disulfide/glutathione concentrations in both young adult and middle‐aged Tet‐mev‐1 mice relative to age‐matched wild‐type C57BL/6J mice. Furthermore, only middle‐aged Tet‐mev‐1 mice showed JNK/SAPK activation and Ca2+ overload, particularly in astrocytes. This led to decreasing levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein and S100β in the hippocampal area. Significantly, there were no pathological features such as apoptosis, amyloidosis, and lactic acidosis in neurons and astrocytes. Our findings suggest that the age‐dependent physiologically relevant chronic oxidative stress caused astrocyte defects in mice with impaired mitochondrial electron transport chain functionality.
Moving from autonomous to planned adaptation in the montane forests of southeastern Australia under changing fire regimes
Authors: Doherty Michael D. , Lavorel Sandra , Colloff Matthew J. , Williams Kristen J. , Williams Richard J.
Published: September 2016

Forest ecosystems and their associated natural, cultural and economic values are highly vulnerable to climate driven changes in fire regimes. A detailed knowledge of forest ecosystem responses to altered fire regimes is a necessary underpinning to inform options for adaptive responses under climate change, as well as for providing a basis for understanding how patterns of distribution of vegetation communities that comprise montane forest ecosystems may change in the future. Unplanned consequential adaptation of both natural and human systems, i.e. autonomous adaptation, will occur without planned intervention, with potentially negative impacts on ecosystem services. The persistence of forest stands under changing fire regimes and the maintenance of the ecosystem services that they provide pivot upon underlying response traits, such as the ability to resprout, that determine the degree to which composition, structure and function are likely to change. The integration of ecosystem dynamics into conceptual models and their use in exploring adaptation pathways provides options for policy makers and managers to move from autonomous to planned adaptation responses. Understanding where autonomous adaptation provides a benefit and where it proves potentially undesirable is essential to inform adaptation choices. Plausible scenarios of ecological change can be developed to improve an understanding of the nature and timing of interventions and their consequences, well before natural and human systems autonomously adapt in ways that may be detrimental to the long‐term provision of ecosystem services. We explore the utility of this approach using examples from temperate montane forest ecosystems of southeastern Australia.
The efficacy and safety of external cephalic version after a previous caesarean delivery
Authors: Weill Yishay , Pollack Raphael N.
Published: September 2016

Background

External cephalic version (ECV) in the presence of a uterine scar is still considered a relative contraindication despite encouraging studies of the efficacy and safety of this procedure. We present our experience with this patient population, which is the largest cohort published to date.

Aims

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ECV in the setting of a prior caesarean delivery.

Materials and methods

A total of 158 patients with a fetus presenting as breech, who had an unscarred uterus, had an ECV performed. Similarly, 158 patients with a fetus presenting as breech, and who had undergone a prior caesarean delivery also underwent an ECV. Outcomes were compared.

Results

ECV was successfully performed in 136/158 (86.1%) patients in the control group. Of these patients, 6/136 (4.4%) delivered by caesarean delivery. In the study group, 117/158 (74.1%) patients had a successful ECV performed. Of these patients, 12/117 (10.3%) delivered by caesarean delivery. There were no significant complications in either of the groups.

Conclusions

ECV may be successfully performed in patients with a previous caesarean delivery. It is associated with a high success rate, and is not associated with an increase in complications.
Women's questions about medicines in pregnancy – An analysis of calls to an Australian national medicines call centre
Authors: Pijpers Eva L. , Kreijkamp‐Kaspers Sanne , McGuire Treasure M. , Deckx Laura , Brodribb Wendy , van Driel Mieke L.
Published: September 2016

Background

For many medicines, safe use during pregnancy is not established and adherence is often poor due to safety concerns. Therefore, it is important to identify consumers’ medicines information needs during pregnancy.

Materials and methods

A retrospective, mixed methods analysis was conducted on eight years of pregnancy‐related calls to an Australian national medicines call centre. The call profile of pregnancy and non‐pregnancy‐related questions were compared. Medicines involved in pregnancy calls were categorised by class (Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC)3 level), and Therapeutic Goods Administration pregnancy category. Questions in these calls were also themed by pregnancy stage.

Results

We identified 4573 pregnancy‐related and 118 547 non‐pregnancy‐related calls. The caller profile for pregnancy‐related calls was female (93.7%), asking for herself (83.0%), and while 70.1% of questions involved one medicine, 9.6% involved three or more medicines. Pregnancy enquiries were prompted more often by conflicting information, inadequate information or desire for a second opinion. For 1166 calls, where the stage of pregnancy was available, most questions concerned safety. Medication classified as ‘safe’ during pregnancy accounted for 34% of these questions. After antidepressants, most calls were made about over‐the‐counter (OTC) medicines (paracetamol, dexchlorpheniramine, codeine). Safe treatment for everyday conditions was of increasing concern as the pregnancy progressed.

Conclusion

Pregnant women are concerned about the safety of medication use in pregnancy and a significant proportion overestimate risk. Psychotropic medication and fertility are strong drivers to seek information during preconception. Everyday illnesses and self‐medication with OTC medication are a common concern throughout pregnancy, even though many medicines are safe to use.
Incidence of normal white cell count and C‐reactive protein in adults with acute appendicitis
Authors: Dayawansa Nalin H. , Segan Julian D. S. , Yao Henry H. I. , Chong Hon I. , Sitzler Paul J.
Published: September 2016

Background

Normal C‐reactive protein (CRP) and white cell count (WCC) are often used to exclude a diagnosis of acute appendicitis in the Emergency Department (ED). Retrospective review of 281 adult patients with acute appendicitis was performed to study the incidence of normal CRP and WCC on admission and examine any possible predisposing factors.

Method

Retrospective analysis of patient clinical records yielded CRP, WCC, operative diagnosis, time of symptom onset, imaging results and history and examination features. Case–control analysis was performed with patients with normal CRP and WCC considered the case group and those with raised CRP or WCC considered controls. Groups were compared using Mann–Whitney U‐test and chi‐squared analysis.

Results

Of 281 consecutive patients with histologically proven appendicitis, 24 (8.54%) had normal CRP and WCC on presentation to ED. There were no significant differences in age, sex or time to blood collection between groups. Three patients had normal WCC and CRP and an Alvarado score of 4 or less on presentation. Three patients had persistently normal CRP and WCC on repeated testing. There was a trend towards earlier presentation in patients with normal CRP and WCC with 75.0% versus 58.4% presenting within 24 h of symptom onset (OR 2.14, P = 0.112).

Conclusion

Acute appendicitis remains diagnostically challenging and cannot be excluded on the basis of normal CRP and WCC. Serial clinical and biochemical assessment is warranted in patients with acute abdominal pain, particularly in those presenting early after symptom onset.
Proteinase activated receptor‐2 counterbalances the vascular effects of endothelin‐1 in fibrotic tight‐skin mice
Authors: Roviezzo Fiorentina , Brancaleone Vincenzo , Mattera Iacono Valentina , Bertolino Antonio , De Cunto Giovanna , Vellecco Valentina , Lungarella Giuseppe , Lucattelli Monica , Cirino Giuseppe
Published: September 2016

Background and Purpose

The majority of the severe vascular complications in fibrosis are a consequence of a deregulated activity of mediators controlling vasomotor tone. One of the most important of these mediators is endothelin‐1 (ET‐1). Here, we have investigated the role of proteinase‐activated receptor 2 (PAR2) in the vascular dysfunction in a model of fibrosis, using tight‐skin (Tsk) mice.

Experimental Approach

Aortas were collected from Tsk, transgenic over‐expressing PAR2 (TgPAR2), PAR2 deficient (PAR2−/−) or the corresponding WT mice. Histological and immunohistochemistry analysis for α‐smooth muscle actin, PAR2 and ET‐1 receptors were performed on aorta sections. Vascular responses to phenylephrine, ET‐1 and PAR2 activating peptide (PAR2‐AP) were assessed on aortic rings.

Key Results

In aortas from Tsk mice, responses to phenylephrine were reduced, contractions to ET‐1 were increased and vasorelaxation to PAR2‐AP was enhanced. These alterations matched changes observed in whole vessel architecture such as vascular fibre re‐organization, increased collagen deposition and enhanced α‐smooth muscle actin expression. Expression of both ETA receptors and PAR2 was enhanced in Tsk mice. Antagonism of PAR2 potentiated vascular effects of ET‐1, whereas antagonism of ETA receptors increased vasorelaxation induced by PAR2‐AP. In TgPAR2 mice, responses to ET‐1 and ET‐1 plasma levels were reduced. Conversely, PAR2−/− mice showed enhanced ET‐1 induced contraction in aortic rings and higher circulating ET‐1 levels.

Conclusions and Implications

Our data show that PAR2 counterbalanced enhanced contractions to ET‐1 in aortas from Tsk mice. PAR2 could represent a possible target for novel drugs in the treatment of vascular complications in fibrosis.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Targeting Inflammation to Reduce Cardiovascular Disease Risk. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.22/issuetoc and http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bcp.v82.4/issuetoc
Impact of woody encroachment on soil organic carbon storage in the Lopé National Park, Gabon
Authors: Chiti Tommaso , Mihindou Vianet , Jeffery Kathryn J. , Malhi Yadvinder , De Oliveira Fabiane L. , White Lee J. T. , Valentini Riccardo
Published: September 2016

This study quantifies changes in soil organic carbon (SOC) stock as a result of woody encroachment on savannas. Changes in SOC stocks occur below 30 cm depth, indicating the subsoil as the principal compartment contributing to SOC sequestration, and suggesting the need to consider the entire profile (0–100 cm) to thoroughly assess the effect of woody encroachment on SOC stocks.
YAP and TAZ modulate cell phenotype in a subset of small cell lung cancer
Authors: Horie Masafumi , Saito Akira , Ohshima Mitsuhiro , Suzuki Hiroshi I. , Nagase Takahide
Published: September 2016

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a highly aggressive and metastatic malignancy that shows rapid development of chemoresistance and a high rate of recurrence. Recent genome and transcriptome studies have provided the whole landscape of genomic alterations and gene expression changes in SCLC. In light of the inter‐individual heterogeneity of SCLC, subtyping of SCLC might be helpful for prediction of therapeutic response and prognosis. Based on the transcriptome data of SCLC cell lines, we undertook transcriptional network‐defined SCLC classification and identified a unique SCLC subgroup characterized by relatively high expression of Hippo pathway regulators Yes‐associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ‐binding motif (TAZ) (YAP/TAZ subgroup). The YAP/TAZ subgroup displayed adherent cell morphology, lower expression of achaete‐scute complex homolog 1 (ASCL1) and neuroendocrine markers, and higher expression of laminin and integrin. YAP knockdown caused cell morphological alteration reminiscent of floating growth pattern in many SCLC cell lines, and microarray analyses revealed a subset of genes regulated by YAP, including Ajuba LIM protein (AJUBA). AJUBA also contributed to cell morphology regulation. Of clinical importance, SCLC cell lines of the YAP/TAZ subgroup showed unique patterns of drug sensitivity. Our findings shed light on a subtype of SCLC with YAP and TAZ expression, and delineate molecular networks underlying the heterogeneity of SCLC.
First‐line epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)–tyrosine kinase inhibitor alone or with whole‐brain radiotherapy for brain metastases in patients with EGFR‐mutated lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Chen Yongshun , Yang Jing , Li Xue , Hao Daxuan , Wu Xiaoyuan , Yang Yuanyuan , He Chunyu , Wang Wen , Wang Jianhua
Published: September 2016

We proposed to compare the outcomes of first‐line epidermal growth factor receptor–tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR‐TKI) alone with EGFR‐TKI plus whole‐brain radiotherapy (WBRT) for the treatment of brain metastases (BM) in patients with EGFR‐mutated lung adenocarcinoma. A total of 1665 patients were screened from 2008 to 2014, and 132 were enrolled in our study. Among the 132 patients, 72 (54.5%) harbored a deletion in exon 19, 97 (73.5%) showed multiple intracranial lesions, and 67 (50.8%) had asymptomatic BM. Seventy‐nine patients (59.8%) were treated with EGFR‐TKI alone, 53 with concomitant WBRT. The intracranial objective response rate was significantly higher in the EGFR‐TKI plus WBRT treatment group (67.9%) compared with the EGFR‐TKI alone group (39.2%) (P = 0.001). After a median follow‐up of 36.2 months, 62.1% of patients were still alive. The median intracranial TTP was 24.7 months (95% CI, 19.5–29.9) in patients who received WBRT, which was significantly longer than in those who received EGFR‐TKI alone, with the median intracranial TTP of 18.2 months (95% CI, 12.5–23.9) (P = 0.004). There was no significant difference in overall survival between WBRT and EGFR‐TKI alone groups, (median, 48.0 vs 41.1 months; P = 0.740). The overall survival is significantly prolonged in patients who had an intracranial TTP exceeding 22 months compared to those who developed intracranial progression <22 months after treatment, (median, 58.0 vs 28.0 months; P = 0.001). For EGFR‐mutated lung adenocarcinoma patients with BM, treatment with concomitant WBRT achieved a higher response rate of BM and significant improvement in intracranial progression‐free survival compared with EGFR‐TKI alone.
‘You Feel It in Your Body’: How Australian Children and Young People Think about and Experience Feeling and Being Safe
Authors: Moore Tim , McArthur Morag
Published: September 2016

In 2012, the Australian Government announced the establishment of a Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. The aim of the Royal Commission is to understand how and why sexual abuse occurred within Australian institutions and to provide guidance as to how future abuse might be prevented. The Royal Commission commissioned a mixed methods study to explore what children need to be safe and to feel safe, to explore how they determine their level of safety, and their observations about how institutions act to prevent and respond to safety issues. This article reports on the findings from the first phase of the study that involved focus groups carried out with children aged 4–17 years from different types of institutions. The discussion focused particularly on how children conceptualise safety and how they make judgments about their levels of safety. Children and young people's conceptualisation of safety had multiple dimensions, which include the idea that being safe and feeling safe are two distinct, interrelated but sometimes non‐concurrent experiences; that safety is identified and experienced as a set of feelings; trusting relationships are the foundation of safety; familiarity helps children feel safe; and safe environments are those that are ordered and orderly.
The impact of a ‘vicious cycle’ on the daily functioning of a group of severely obese adults
Authors: Howard M. , Stapleton T. , Van den Bergh N. , Yoder R. , O'Shea D.
Published: September 2016

As the rates of obesity are steadily increasing, the relevance to occupational therapy (OT) is increasing accordingly. There is limited OT‐focused research internationally, particularly relating to the functional and social implications of obesity and none within an Irish context. This was the first research of its kind at a national level and aimed to explore the daily functional difficulties experienced by a group of adults attending an Irish weight management clinic. A mixed methods study design was deployed, and the two phases were combined to form an overall picture of the daily functional difficulties experienced. Of the 26 participants included in the study, 21 completed the quantitative phase, and 19 of those completed the follow‐on qualitative phase. Mean body mass index (BMI) of those involved in the quantitative phase was 52.6 (range 39–69). Of the 21 respondents, nine were partnered, and 10 were unemployed. A large number of participants (n = 16) were reported to experience comorbidities alongside their weight, and the number of comorbidities experienced varied between one and seven. A significant correlation was found between a greater number of comorbidities and a greater level of functional difficulties and a lower perceived health‐related quality of life. Interestingly, there was no relationship between BMI and both functional difficulty and perceived health status. The presence of a vicious cycle and interdependency between factors was seen to be an over‐riding, dominant theme throughout the qualitative interviews. The issue of a vicious cycle was reinforced in the quantitative measures where community participation in particular was reported to be an area of neglect due to the interaction of emotional difficulties, physiological difficulties, environmental barriers and societal attitudes. The complex interaction and incremental worsening of factors was also seen to be a major barrier to effective implementation of the advice given by the weight management clinic into everyday occupational performance. The findings indicate the complex interaction that exists between the consequences of obesity and their impact on health and well‐being. Understanding of such interactions will have important implications for OT practice as addressing these factors on a continuum rather than in isolation may lead to greater success with weight‐loss interventions and also with occupational re‐engagement.
Adolescent obesity in contextual settings: a scoping study of multilevel and hierarchical examinations
Authors: Utley J. M. , Affuso O. , Rucks A. C.
Published: September 2016

Multilevel/hierarchical obesity studies analyze adolescent and family, neighbourhood and social settings’ characteristics to generate data needed to design prevention interventions. This scoping study summarizes such studies’ characteristics and key findings to provide information to decision makers, which allows them to quickly grasp the state of the evidence and potential policy implications for adolescent obesity prevention. PubMed, CINAHLplus, PsychINFO and Sociological Abstracts were searched for peer‐reviewed studies spanning 1 January 2000–31 August 2014. Inclusion criteria included (i) outcome weight status, physical activity and weight status, or physical activity alone if the aim was obesity prevention; (ii) 12‐ to 19‐year‐old participants in a cross‐sectional study, a separate analysis in a cross‐sectional study or a longitudinal follow‐up. Nineteen studies were published in the United States of America; four in Canada; two in Spain, China and Vietnam, respectively; and one in Germany. Self‐efficacy, parental physical activity support, perceived neighbourhood support, social cohesion and access to recreational facilities were associated with increased activity levels; neighbourhood physical disorder and perceived lack of safety associated with reduced physical activity levels. Overweight or obesity was associated with sugar‐sweetened beverage intake and household availability thereof; reduced odds were reported with fruit and vegetable intake and household availability of these, daily breakfast and family meal frequency. Potential adolescent obesity risk regulators may be found at the individual, family or social contextual levels.
The city as a refuge for insect pollinators
Authors: Hall Damon M. , Camilo Gerardo R. , Tonietto Rebecca K. , Ollerton Jeff , Ahrné Karin , Arduser Mike , Ascher John S. , Baldock Katherine C. R. , Fowler Robert , Frankie Gordon , Goulson Dave , Gunnarsson Bengt , Hanley Mick E. , Jackson Janet I. , Langellotto Gail , Lowenstein David , Minor Emily S. , Philpott Stacy M. , Potts Simon G. , Sirohi Muzafar H. , Spevak Edward M. , Stone Graham N. , Threlfall Caragh G.
Published: September 2016

Research on urban insect pollinators is changing views on the biological value and ecological importance of cities. The abundance and diversity of native bee species in urban landscapes that are absent in nearby rural lands evidence the biological value and ecological importance of cities and have implications for biodiversity conservation. Lagging behind this revised image of the city are urban conservation programs that historically have invested in education and outreach rather than programs designed to achieve high‐priority species conservation results. We synthesized research on urban bee species diversity and abundance to determine how urban conservation could be repositioned to better align with new views on the ecological importance of urban landscapes. Due to insect pollinators’ relatively small functional requirements—habitat range, life cycle, and nesting behavior—relative to larger mammals, we argue that pollinators put high‐priority and high‐impact urban conservation within reach. In a rapidly urbanizing world, transforming how environmental managers view the city can improve citizen engagement and contribute to the development of more sustainable urbanization.
Curcumin inhibits angiogenesis by up‐regulation of microRNA‐1275 and microRNA‐1246: a promising therapy for treatment of corneal neovascularization
Authors: Bai Yanhui , Wang Weiqun , Sun Guangli , Zhang Mingchang , Dong Jingmin
Published: September 2016

Objective

Curcumin (capable of inhibiting angiogenic growth of human umbilical vein endothelial cells [HUVECs]), can be employed in vitro as a model of pathogenesis of corneal neovascularization (CRNV). The aim of this study was to explore regulatory mechanisms of microRNA (miR) levels after curcumin treatment.

Materials and methods

Expression profiles of miRs in curcumin‐treated HUVECs were investigated by miR microassay. Specific mimics and inhibitors of miR‐1275 or miR‐1246 were transfected into HUVECs. Then, their target genes, vascular endothelial growth factor B (VEGFB) and nuclear transcription factor kappa B acting protein (NKAP) were detected by quantitative real‐time PCR, Western blotting assay or immunofluorescence assay. Cell proliferation and cell cycle parameters were measured with the help of CCK‐8 assay and flow cytometry.

Results

MiR‐1275 and miR‐1246 expression levels were up‐regulated by curcumin. Administration of the specific mimics and inhibitors of the two miRs led to significant changes in expression of VEGFB and NKAP as well as the indicators related to angiogenesis. Anti‐angiogenic effect of curcumin depended on expression patterns of the two miRs in that inhibition of either miR interfered with the effect of curcumin. Furthermore, overexpression of NKAP interrupted effects of curcumin on the cells.

Conclusion

Collectively, our findings demonstrate that curcumin inhibited HUVEC proliferation by up‐regulation of miR‐1275 and miR‐1246.
Are We Ready to Recommend a College Readiness Index? A Reply to Gaertner and McClarty (2015)
Authors: Lazowski Rory A. , Barron Kenneth E. , Kosovich Jeff J. , Hulleman Chris S.
Published: September 2016

In an article published in Educational Measurement: Issues and Practice, Gaertner and McClarty (2015) discuss a college readiness index based, in part, on nonacademic or noncognitive factors measured in middle school. Such an index is laudable as it incorporates important constructs beyond academic achievement measures that may be important in assessing college readiness. It also holds potential in identifying areas of need at a critical time and can theoretically inform important interventions that may be necessary prior to the later stages of high school. However, one of the noncognitive factors—motivation—appeared to be theoretically incomplete, underrepresented, and contained items irrelevant to the construct of academic motivation. We offer our concerns about the validity of this factor as measured by the index and the associated implications about the consequences of using this to inform educational interventions. Through this commentary, we hope to offer constructive feedback on future research that can build upon Gaertner and McClarty's important work.
The Case for a Middle School College Readiness Index: Rejoinder to Lazowski, Barron, Kosovich, and Hulleman and Mattern, Allen, and Camara
Authors: Gaertner Matthew N. , McClarty Katie Larsen
Published: September 2016

This rejoinder provides a reply to comments on a middle school college readiness index, which was devised to generate earlier and more nuanced readiness diagnoses to K‐12 students. Issues of reliability and validity (including construct underrepresentation and construct‐irrelevant variance) are discussed in detail. In addition, comments from Lazowski et al. and Mattern et al. provide a useful summary of areas where more college readiness research is needed. This rejoinder elaborates on those essential next steps, including deploying readiness indicators in school settings. Advances in the measurement of noncognitive skills will require more validity research using more contemporary data from authentic school settings. Still, the middle school college readiness index is a promising proof of concept, demonstrating the utility of diverse, early measures to support targeted, timely interventions.