bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Public attitudes toward stuttering in Poland
Authors: Przepiorka Aneta M. , Blachnio Agata , St. Louis Kenneth O. , Wozniak Tomasz
Published: August 2013

Background

People who stutter often experience negative judgments and reactions to their stuttering from the nonstuttering majority. Many are stigmatized because of their stuttering and threatened with social exclusion, placing them at risk for compromised quality of life.

Aims

The purpose of this investigation was to measure public attitudes toward stuttering in Poland.

Methods & Procedures

A sample of 268 respondents (mean age = 29 years; range = 15–60 years) from numerous different geographic and urban‐rural settings in Poland filled out a Polish translation of the Public Opinion Survey of Human Attributes–Stuttering (POSHA–S).

Outcomes & Results

Polish respondents displayed attitudes toward stuttering and people who stutter that were generally similar or “average” in comparison with other samples around the world from the POSHA–S database.

Conclusions & Implications

Although generally typical of other Western societies studied, attitudes of adolescents and adults from Poland were notably different in some ways, such as in the beliefs that emotional trauma or viruses and disease can cause stuttering as well as in the self reaction that they would feel uncomfortable speaking with a stuttering person. Overall, social exclusion and stigma are as likely among Poles who stutter as among most other populations studied.
The Escherichia coli divisome: born to divide
Authors: Natale Paolo , Pazos Manuel , Vicente Miguel
Published: August 2013

Septation in Escherichia coli involves complex molecular mechanisms that contribute to the accuracy of bacterial division. The proto‐ring, a complex made up by the FtsZ, FtsA and ZipA proteins, forms at the beginning of the process and directs the assembly of the full divisome. Central to this complex is the FtsZ protein, a GTPase able to assemble into a ring‐like structure that responds to several modulatory inputs including mechanisms to position the septum at midcell. The connection with the cell wall synthesising machinery stabilizes the constriction of the cytoplasmic membrane. Although a substantial amount of evidence supports this description, many details on how individual divisome elements are structured or how they function are subjected to controversial interpretations. We discuss these discrepancies arising from incomplete data and from technical difficulties imposed by the small size of bacteria. Future work, including more powerful imaging and reconstruction technologies, will help to clarify the missing details on the architecture and function of the bacterial division machinery.
Identification and characterization of two novel toxins expressed by the lethal honey bee pathogen Paenibacillus larvae, the causative agent of American foulbrood
Authors: Fünfhaus Anne , Poppinga Lena , Genersch Elke
Published: August 2013

Paenibacillus larvae is a Gram‐positive bacterial pathogen causing the epizootic American foulbrood in honey bee larvae. Four so‐called enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC) genotypes of P. larvae exist with P. larvae genotypes ERIC I and ERIC II being responsible for disease outbreaks all over the world. Very few molecular data on the pathogen, on pathogenesis or on virulence factors exist. We now identified two genomic loci in P. larvae ERIC I coding for two binary AB toxins, Plx1 and Plx2. In silico analyses revealed that Plx1 is the third member of an enigmatic family of AB toxins so far only comprising MTX1 of Lysinibacillus sphaericus and pierisin‐like toxins expressed by several butterflies. Plx2 is also remarkable because the A‐domain is highly similar to C3 exoenzymes, which normally are single domain proteins, while the B‐domain is homologous to B‐domains of C2‐toxins. We constructed P. larvae mutants lacking expression of Plx1, Plx2 or both toxins and demonstrated that these toxins are important virulence factors for P. larvae ERIC I.
Phylogeny and phenotypes of clinical and environmental Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli O174
Authors: Zhang Wenlan , Nadirk Julia , Kossow Annelene , Bielaszewska Martina , Leopold Shana R. , Witten Anika , Fruth Angelika , Karch Helge , Ammon Andrea , Mellmann Alexander
Published: August 2013

Shiga toxin (Stx)‐producing Escherichia coli (STEC) of serogroup O174 are human pathogenic intimin gene (eae)‐negative STEC. To facilitate diagnosis and subtyping, we genotypically and phenotypically characterized 25 STEC O174 isolates from humans with different clinical outcomes and from animals and the environment. fliC genotyping resulted in four different genotypes (fliCH2: n = 5; fliCH8: n = 8; fliCH21: n = 11; fliCH46: n = 1). Twenty‐three strains were motile expressing the corresponding H antigen; two non‐motile isolates possessed fliCH8. The stx genotypes and non‐stx virulence loci, including toxins, serine‐proteases and adhesins correlated well with serotypes but showed no differences with respect to the isolates' origins. Multilocus sequence typing identified seven sequence types that correlated with serotypes. Core gene typing further specified the four serotypes, including a previously unknown O174:H46 combination, and revealed distant relationships of the different serotypes within serogroup O174 and in relation to other haemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS)‐associated STEC. Only serotype O174:H21 was associated with HUS. Differences in virulence factors and in the adherence capacity of STEC O174 corroborated this separation into four distinct groups. Our study provides a basis for O174 subtyping, unravels considerable genotypic and phenotypic heterogeneity and sheds light to potential environmental and animal reservoirs.
Canada's Republican Invention? On the Political Theory and Practice of Citizens' Assemblies
Authors: Grant John
Published: August 2013

This article compares variants of republican and liberal theory in order to assess which can make a stronger proprietary claim to the new democratic practice of citizens' assemblies (CAs). I argue that in respect of the categories of representation, liberty and citizenship, CAs are primarily republican in character. The argument is significant for three reasons. First, the political theory terrain is remapped, affirming clear differences between liberal and republican theories while maintaining an appreciation of what they share. Second, a complex intertwining of negative, positive and republican forms of liberty emerges, which runs contrary to an established tendency where modes of liberty are conceived according to excessively narrow parameters. Finally, supporters of the republican revival in political theory acknowledge that its future success depends on real institutional innovations. Yet this challenge has been taken on ‘timidly and inadequately’ in the judgement of one prominent republican. This article presents the CA model as an ideal existing institution worthy of full republican support.
Reading speed as a constraint of accuracy of self‐perception of reading skill
Authors: Kwon Heekyung , Linderholm Tracy
Published: August 2013

We hypothesised that college students take reading speed into consideration when evaluating their own reading skill, even if reading speed does not reliably predict actual reading skill. To test this hypothesis, we measured self‐perception of reading skill, self‐perception of reading speed, actual reading skill and actual reading speed to determine the relations that exist. The results supported our predictions. Primarily, self‐perceived reading speed strongly correlated with self‐perceived reading skill, whereas the correlation between actual reading speed and actual reading skill was low. Next, a multiple regression analysis showed that self‐perception of reading speed significantly predicted self‐perception of reading skill after controlling for actual reading skill. Lastly, how highly correlated reading skill was with self‐perceived reading speed was found to affect how accurately one perceived his or her reading skill. Consequently, the study results suggest a negative impact of self‐perceived reading speed on accuracy of self‐perceived reading skill, as hypothesised.
Is Asia Decoupling from the United States (Again)?
Authors: Leduc Sylvain , Spiegel Mark M.
Published: August 2013

The recovery from the recent global financial crisis exhibited a decline in the synchronization of Asian output with the rest of the world. However, a simple model based on output gaps demonstrates that the decline in business cycle synchronization during the recovery from the global financial crisis was exceptionally steep by historical standards. We posit two potential reasons for this exceptionally steep decline. First, financial markets during this recovery improved from particularly distressed conditions relative to previous downturns. Second, monetary policy during the recovery from the crisis was constrained in developed economies by the zero bound, but less so in Asia. To test these potential explanations, we examine the implications of an increase in corporate bond spreads similar to that which took place during the recent European financial crisis in a three‐region open‐economy dynamic stochastic general equilibrium model. Our results confirm that global business cycle synchronization is reduced when zero‐bound constraints across the world differ. However, we find that the impact of reduced financial contagion actually goes modestly against our predictions.
Capital Market Openness and Output Volatility
Authors: Hwang Kwang‐Myoung , Park Donghyun , Shin Kwanho
Published: August 2013

In this paper, using data from 21 advanced and 81 developing countries during 1971–2010, we empirically examine the impact of capital market openness on output volatility. We find that opening of capital markets increases the output volatility of developing countries. Furthermore, we find that the main channel through which capital market openness increases volatility is currency and external‐debt crisis. Finally, we find that while Asian countries are less likely to experience a crisis, they become even more unstable than other developing countries once a crisis occurs. Our evidence strengthens the case for caution in developing countries' opening up of their capital markets.
The Border as a Resource in the Global Urban Space: A Contribution to the Cross‐Border Metropolis Hypothesis
Authors: Sohn Christophe
Published: August 2013

In a globalized urban world, cross‐border metropolises represent a spatial configuration emblematic of the interplay between the space of flows and the space of places. The multiplicity of contexts and processes at work can complicate the identification of what constitutes the singularity of the concept. In order to contribute to these reflections the present article hypothesizes that the specificity of cross‐border metropolises does not fundamentally stem from the form they take or the nature of the cross‐border integration at work, but rather from the particular role played by national borders in their formation. Opening up borders offers new opportunities for border cities and urban border regions to reinforce their positions at the heart of global economic networks, and to affirm their autonomy as cross‐border regional entities. Without minimizing the possible obstructive effects of borders, it is helpful to recognize that they might also represent a resource in the composition of cross‐border metropolitan regions.
Differences in the efficacy of S‐1 monotherapy according to histological type in pretreated patients with advanced non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Hisamatsu Yasushi , Murakami Haruyasu , Akamatsu Hiroaki , Kimura Madoka , Mori Keita , Imai Hisao , Ono Akira , Shukuya Takehito , Taira Tetsuhiko , Kenmotsu Hirotsugu , Naito Tateaki , Endo Masahiro , Nakajima Takashi , Takahashi Toshiaki , Yamamoto Nobuyuki
Published: August 2013

Background

S‐1 is a novel antimetabolic agent that inhibits thymidylate synthase. The expression of thymidylate synthase is higher in squamous (Sq) non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) than in non‐Sq NSCLC. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the efficacy of S‐1 monotherapy for advanced NSCLC according to the histological subtype.

Methods

We reviewed the clinical records of patients with advanced NSCLC treated with S‐1 monotherapy as second‐ or third‐line therapy between May 2005 and July 2012 at the Shizuoka Cancer Center.

Results

A total of 71 patients were included in this retrospective study. Patient characteristics were similar in the Sq NSCLC (n = 15) and non‐Sq NSCLC (n = 56) groups, except with regard to gender and smoking status. The overall response rates were 0% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0–17%) for Sq NSCLC and 11% (95% CI 3–19%) for non‐Sq NSCLC (P = 0.33). For Sq NSCLC and non‐Sq NSCLC, the median progression‐free survival times were 2.1 and 2.8 months (P = 0.02), respectively, and the median overall survival times were 6.1 and 10.1 months (P = 0.01), respectively.

Conclusion

S‐1 monotherapy may be more effective in patients with non‐Sq NSCLC than in those with Sq NSCLC.
Sodium molybdate prevents hypertension and vascular prostanoid imbalance in fructose‐overloaded rats
Authors: Peredo H. A. , Andrade V. , Donoso A. S. , Lee H. J. , Puyó A. M.
Published: August 2013

Fructose (F) overload produces elevated blood pressure (BP), hyperglycaemia, hypertriglyceridemia and insulin resistance, resembling human metabolic syndrome. Previously, we found altered vascular prostanoid (PR) production in this model.

Sodium molybdate (Mo), as well as sodium tungstate, causes insulin‐like effects and normalizes plasma glucose levels in streptozotocin‐treated diabetic rats. We studied the effects of Mo on BP, metabolic parameters and release of PR from the mesenteric vascular bed (MVB) in F‐overloaded rats.

Four groups of male Sprague‐Dawley rats were analysed: Control, tap water to drink; F, F solution 10% W/V to drink; CMo, Mo 100 mg kg day−1 and FMo, both treatments. After 9 weeks, the animals were killed and MVBs removed and the released PRs measured.

F increased BP, glycemia, triglyceridemia and insulinemia. Mo treatment prevented the increases in BP and glycemia, but did not modify triglyceridemia or insulinemia. In addition, Mo decreased BP in controls.

Prostaglandins (PG) F2alpha and E2, PG 6‐ketoF1alpha and thromboxane (TX) B2, as well as inactive metabolites of prostacyclin (PGI2) and TXA2 were detected. F decreased the production of vasodilator PRs PGI2 and PGE2 in MVB. Mo prevented these alterations and increased PGE2 in controls. Vasoconstrict or PRs PGF2alpha and TXA2 release was not modified.

Mo treatment, beyond its known lowering effect on glycemia, prevents the reduction in the vascular release of vasodilator PR observed in this model. This could be one of the mechanisms by which Mo avoids the increase in BP caused by F overload in the rat.
Chronobiology of mood disorders
Authors: Malhi G. S. , Kuiper S.
Published: August 2013

Objective

As part of a series of papers examining chronobiology [‘Getting depression clinical guidelines right: time for change?’ Kuiper et al. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2013;128(Suppl. 444):24–30; and ‘Manipulating melatonin in managing mood’ Boyce & Hopwood. ActaPsychiatrScand 2013;128(Suppl. 444):16–23], in this article, we review and synthesise the extant literature pertaining to the chronobiology of depression and provide a preliminary model for understanding the neural systems involved.

Method

A selective literature search was conducted using search engines such as MEDLINE/PubMed, combining terms associated with chronobiology and mood disorders.

Results

We propose that understanding of sleep–wake function and mood can be enhanced by simultaneously considering the circadian system, the sleep homoeostat and the core stress system, all of which are likely to be simultaneously disrupted in major mood disorders. This integrative approach is likely to allow flexible modelling of a much broader range of mood disorder presentations and phenomenology.

Conclusion

A preliminary multifaceted model is presented, which will require further development and testing. Future depression research should aim to examine multiple systems concurrently in order to derive a more sophisticated understanding of the underlying neurobiology.
Manipulating melatonin in managing mood
Authors: Boyce P. , Hopwood M.
Published: August 2013

Objective

Disturbances in circadian rhythms have been associated with major depression and may be an underlying mechanism for the disorder. Resynchronisation of circadian rhythms may provide a new approach to treatment, especially by manipulating melatonin secretion. Melatonin is secreted at night and is a stable marker of circadian rhythms. The timing of its secretion can be changed by exogenous melatonin, agonism of specific melatonin receptors in the suprachiasmatic nucleus, its suppression by light and by sleep deprivation.

Method

As part of a series of papers [‘Chronobiology of mood disorders’ Malhi & Kuiper. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2013;128 (Suppl. 444): 2–15; and ‘Getting depression clinical practice guidelines right: time for change?’ Kuiper et al. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2013;128 (Suppl. 444): 24–30.] addressing chronobiology, in this article, we conducted a selective review of studies that have examined the antidepressant effects of exogenous melatonin, light therapy, sleep deprivation and melatonin receptor agonists.

Results

Antidepressant effects were identified for bright light therapy, especially for seasonal affective disorder; sleep deprivation, although its antidepressant effect is time limited; and for the novel antidepressant agomelatine with agonistic properties for the MT1 and MT2 receptors and antagonism of 5HT2c receptor. The role of melatonin as an antidepressant has yet to be demonstrated.

Conclusion

Shifting the circadian secretion of melatonin using the strategies reviewed offers a new approach to treating depression.
Getting depression clinical practice guidelines right: time for change?
Authors: Kuiper S. , McLean L. , Fritz K. , Lampe L. , Malhi G. S.
Published: August 2013

Objective

As part of a series of papers [‘Chronobiology of mood disorders’ Malhi & Kuiper. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2013;128(Suppl. 444):2–15; and ‘It's time we managed depression: The emerging role of chronobiology’ Malhi et al. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2013;128(Suppl. 444):1] examining chronobiology in the context of depression, this article examines recent western clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for the treatment of depression with respect to the recommendations they make, in particular as regards chronobiological treatments, and briefly considers the implications of their methodology and approach.

Method

Five international treatment guidelines, which had been published in the past 5 years, were identified, representing North American and European views. Chosen guidelines were reviewed by the authors, and the relevant recommendations were distributed for discussion and subsequent synthesis.

Results

Most current guidelines do not address chronobiology in detail. Chronotherapeutic recommendations are tentative, although agomelatine is considered as an option for major depression and bright light therapy for seasonal affective disorder. Sleep deprivation is not routinely recommended.

Conclusion

Recommendations are limited by the lack of reliable therapeutic markers for chronotherapeutics. Current evidence supports use of light therapy in seasonal depression, but in non‐seasonal depression there is insufficient evidence to support reliance on chronotherapeutics over existing treatment modalities.
Maternal Floor Infarction/Massive Perivillous Fibrin Deposition: A Manifestation of Maternal Antifetal Rejection?
Authors: Romero Roberto , Whitten Amy , Korzeniewski Steven J. , Than Nandor Gabor , Chaemsaithong Piya , Miranda Jezid , Dong Zhong , Hassan Sonia S. , Chaiworapongsa Tinnakorn
Published: August 2013

Objective

Massive perivillous fibrin deposition (MPFD) and maternal floor infarction (MFI) are related placental lesions often associated with fetal death and fetal growth restriction. A tendency to recur in subsequent pregnancies has been reported. This study was conducted to determine whether this complication of pregnancy could reflect maternal antifetal rejection.

Methods

Pregnancies with MPFD were identified (n = 10). Controls consisted of women with uncomplicated pregnancies who delivered at term without MPFD (n = 175). Second‐trimester maternal plasma was analyzed for panel‐reactive anti‐HLA class I and class II antibodies. The prevalence of chronic chorioamnionitis, villitis of unknown etiology, and plasma cell deciduitis was compared between cases and controls. Immunohistochemistry was performed on available umbilical vein segments from cases with MPFD (n = 4) to determine whether there was evidence of complement activation (C4d deposition). Specific maternal HLA‐antibody and fetal HLA‐antigen status were also determined in paired specimens (n = 6). Plasma CXCL‐10 concentrations were measured in longitudinal samples of cases (n = 28 specimens) and controls (n = 749 specimens) by ELISA. Linear mixed‐effects models were used to test for differences in plasma CXCL‐10 concentration.

Results

(i) The prevalence of plasma cell deciduitis in the placenta was significantly higher in cases with MPFD than in those with uncomplicated term deliveries (40% versus 8.6%, P = 0.01), (ii) patients with MPFD had a significantly higher frequency of maternal anti‐HLA class I positivity during the second trimester than those with uncomplicated term deliveries (80% versus 36%, P = 0.01); (iii) strongly positive C4d deposition was observed on umbilical vein endothelium in cases of MPFD, (iv) a specific maternal antibody against fetal HLA antigen class I or II was identified in all cases of MPFD; and 5) the mean maternal plasma concentration of CXCL‐10 was higher in patients with evidence of MPFD than in those without evidence of MFPD (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

A subset of patients with MPFD has evidence of maternal antifetal rejection.
Susceptibility difference between methicillin‐susceptible and methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus to a bovine myeloid antimicrobial peptide (BMAP‐28)
Authors: Takagi Shiaki , Nishimura Junko , Bai Lanlan , Miyagi Hikaru , Kuroda Kengo , Hayashi Shunji , Yoneyama Hiroshi , Ando Tasuke , Isogai Hiroshi , Isogai Emiko
Published: August 2013

A bovine myeloid antimicrobial peptide antimicrobial peptide (BMAP‐28) is a member of the cathelicidin family and acts as a component of innate immunity. There are few reports of susceptibility difference of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and susceptible strains (MSSA) against BMAP‐28. This study aims to clarify how a few amino acid substitutions of BMAP‐28 are related to its antimicrobial activity using four analog peptides of BMAP‐28. We also compared cellular fatty acid components of MSSA and MRSA using gas chromatography. We found that a few amino acid substitutions of BMAP‐28 do not change antimicrobial activity. It was also revealed that the percentage of cis‐11‐eicosenoic acid in total detected fatty acids of MRSA was significantly higher than that of MSSA. In addition, the percentage of palmitic acid in total detected fatty acids of MRSA tended to be lower than that of MSSA. Our results will provide new information to deal with the question of differences in bacterial susceptibility against BMAP‐28.
Leptin and ghrelin levels in colostrum, milk and blood plasma of sows and pig neonates during the first week of lactation
Authors: Woliński Jarosław , Słupecka Monika , Romanowicz Katarzyna
Published: August 2013

Radioimmunology was used to determine leptin and ghrelin levels in sow colostrum and milk in relation to those in sow and neonatal pig blood plasma and to the body weight of piglets during the first week of lactation. The highest concentration of leptin was found in colostrum on the second day of lactation (69.3 ± 6.3 ng/mL). Leptin concentrations in sow plasma were significantly lower than in colostrum/milk (2.19 ± 0.9 ng/mL, P = 0.7692) and were stable in the first 7 days of lactation. Total and active ghrelin concentrations in colostrum/milk were stable in the measured time points (6734 ± 261 pg/mL, P = 0.3397; 831 ± 242 pg/mL, P = 0.3988, respectively). Total ghrelin concentrations in sow plasma were lower than in colostrum/milk. These results indicate that pigs follow a unique species‐specific pattern of leptin and ghrelin synthesis, release and existence, and that the mammary gland is an important source of leptin and ghrelin contained in colostrum/milk.
Effect of muscle type and vacuum chiller ageing period on the chemical compositions, meat quality, sensory attributes and volatile compounds of Korean native cattle beef
Authors: Ba Hoa Van , Park KyoungMi , Dashmaa Dashdorj , Hwang Inho
Published: August 2013

The present study demonstrates the effects of different muscle types and chiller ageing periods on the chemical composition, meat quality parameters, sensory characteristics and volatile compounds of Karean native cattle beed. Longissimus dorsi (LD) and Semitendinosus (ST) muscles aged for 7 days and 28 days were used. Moisture, cooking loss, total collagen and Warner‐Bratzler shear force (WBSF) values for the ST were higher than the LD muscle regardless of ageing period (P < 0.05). The LD muscle had higher intramuscular fat (IMF) (P < 0.05). Ageing for 28 days decreased WBSF values whereas it increased thiobarbituric acid of both muscles. Moreover, tenderness, juiciness and flavor scores were significantly higher for the LD muscle at both ageing periods. Increased ageing time improved tenderness of both muscles, and increased juiciness of the LD muscle, whereas there was decreased flavor score of ST muscle (P < 0.05). The majority of the volatile compounds formed from the oxidation of lipids showed differences between the two muscles. Ageing for 28 days increased in the amounts of many volatile compounds; however, the amounts of some important volatile compounds were decreased. These results clearly demonstrate that muscle type and ageing have a potential effect on meat quality, sensory characteristics and volatile profile.
Increase in plasma total antioxidant capacity of grazing Japanese Black heifers and cows in forestland in Japan
Authors: Haga Satoshi , Ishizaki Hiroshi , Nakano Miwa , Nakao Seiji , Hirano Kiyoshi , Yamamoto Yoshito , Kitagawa Miya , Sasaki Hiroyuki , Kariya Yoshihiro
Published: August 2013

Blood total antioxidant capacity (TAC) has become a key bio‐marker for animal health. Forest‐grazing cattle are known to forage various native plants that have high TAC. This study evaluated differences of plasma TAC between forest‐grazing (FG) and pasture‐grazing cattle (PG). Experiment 1 monitored the plasma TAC levels of 32 Japanese Black cattle. The level in PG did not change throughout the grazing period. However, that in FG, which increased from summer, was significantly higher than that in PG through fall (P < 0.05). In experiment 2, we used nine Japanese Black heifers and investigated their blood antioxidant parameters and the TAC in plants that the cattle consumed in late June and September. The plasma TAC levels in FG were significantly higher than those in PG in both periods (P < 0.05). Plasma levels of lipid peroxidation in FG tended to be lower than that in PG (P = 0.098). Furthermore, the TAC levels in various species of shrubs and trees consumed by FG were higher than those in pasture grasses. Results of this study show that plasma TAC of grazing Japanese Black cattle in forestland increase from summer through fall.
Rituals of Infant Death: Defining Life and Islamic Personhood
Authors: Shaw Alison
Published: August 2013

This article is about the recognition of personhood when death occurs in early life. Drawing from anthropological perspectives on personhood at the beginnings and ends of life, it examines the implications of competing religious and customary definitions of personhood for a small sample of young British Pakistani Muslim women who experienced miscarriage and stillbirth. It suggests that these women's concerns about the lack of recognition given to the personhood of their fetus or baby constitute a challenge to customary practices surrounding burial as a Muslim. The article suggests that these women's concerns cannot be adequately glossed as a clash of Islamic belief versus Western medicine. Rather, they represent a renegotiation of Islamic opinion and customary practices within the broader context of changes in the medical and social norms surrounding pregnancy loss and infant death in multi‐ethnic British society.
Assessing the crossdisciplinarity of technology‐enhanced learning with science overlay maps and diversity measures
Authors: Kalz Marco , Specht Marcus
Published: August 2013

This paper deals with the assessment of the crossdisciplinarity of technology‐enhanced learning (TEL). Based on a general discussion of the concept interdisciplinarity and a summary of the discussion in the field, two empirical methods from scientometrics are introduced and applied. Science overlay maps and the Rao‐Stirling diversity index are used to analyze the TEL field with a scientometric analysis. The science overlay maps show that a wide variety of disciplines contributes to research in the field. The analysis reveals that the field has been operating on a relatively high level of crossdisciplinarity in the last 10 years compared with six other fields of reference. Only in 2004 a decrease in the level of crossdisciplinarity could be identified.
A multi‐centre retrospective study of rituximab use in the treatment of relapsed or resistant warm autoimmune haemolytic anaemia
Authors: Maung Su W. , Leahy Maeve , O'Leary Hilary M. , Khan Irfan , Cahill Mary R. , Gilligan Oonagh , Murphy Philip , McPherson Suzanne , Jackson Fred , Ryan Mary , Hennessy Brian , McHugh Johnny , Goodyer Matthew , Bacon Larry , O'Gorman Peter , Nee Aisling , O'Dwyer Michael , Enright Helen , Saunders Jean , O'Keeffe Denis
Published: August 2013

This retrospective analysis assessed the response, safety and duration of response to standard dose rituximab 375 mg/m2 weekly for four weeks as therapy for patients with primary or secondary warm autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (WAIHA), who had failed initial treatment. Thirty‐four patients received rituximab for WAIHA in seven centres in the Republic of Ireland. The overall response rate was 70·6% (24/34) with 26·5% (9/34) achieving a complete response (CR). The time to response was 1 month post‐initiation of rituximab in 87·5% (21/24) and 3 months in 12·5% (3/24) of patients. The median duration of follow‐up was 36 months (range 6–90 months). Of the patients who responded, 50% (12/24) relapsed during follow up with a median time to next treatment of 16·5 months (range 6–60 months). Three patients were re‐treated with rituximab 375 mg/m2 weekly for four weeks at relapse and responded. There was a single episode of neutropenic sepsis. Rituximab is an effective and safe treatment for WAIHA but a significant number of patients will relapse in the first two years post treatment. Re‐treatment was effective in a small number of patients, suggesting that intermittent pulse treatment or maintenance treatment may improve long‐term response.
Serum Cystatin C as a Biomarker of Cardiac Diastolic Dysfunction in Patients With Cardiac Disease and Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Nosaka Kazumasa , Nakamura Kazufumi , Kusano Kengo , Toh Norihisa , Tada Takeshi , Miyoshi Toru , Doi Masayuki , Kohno Kunihisa , Morita Hiroshi , Ito Hiroshi
Published: August 2013

Diastolic dysfunction of the heart is correlated with cardiac mortality. Serum cystatin C (CysC) is an endogenous marker of kidney function. It is not clear whether serum CysC is associated with diastolic dysfunction in patients with varying cardiac conditions with concomitant diastolic abnormalities and preserved ejection fraction (EF). The authors measured serum CysC levels in patients with cardiac diseases and examined the relationships between serum CysC levels and diastolic function. Serum CysC was measured and echocardiography was performed in 124 consecutive patients with cardiac diseases. Transmitral flow (TMF) patterns surrogating diastolic function were categorized into two groups: a normal group and an abnormal group. Serum CysC and BNP showed a significant positive correlation. There were no significant differences in serum CysC among those cardiac diseases. Seventy‐eight patients with cardiac disease and preserved EF (left ventricular EF ≥50%) and without renal dysfunction (estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥60 mL/minute/1.73 m2) were examined. Multivariate linear regression analysis demonstrated that left atrium diameter and abnormal TMF patterns were independent determinants of serum CysC. Furthermore, patients with elevated serum CysC levels had poor prognosis. Serum CysC is associated with diastolic dysfunction in patients with various cardiac diseases and preserved EF. Serum CysC might be a biomarker of cardiac diastolic dysfunction in patients with preserved EF.
Usage test with palladium‐coated earrings in patients with contact allergy to palladium and nickel
Authors: Tillman Cecilia , Engfeldt Malin , Hindsén Monica , Bruze Magnus
Published: August 2013

Background

Since theEU NickelDirective came into force, concern has been raised that palladium may increasingly replace nickel in alloys used in jewellery and dentistry, and that it may cause as many allergy problems as nickel.

Objectives

(i) To investigate the clinical relevance of contact allergy to palladium resulting from the wearing of palladium‐coated earrings, and (ii) to evaluate the concordance in test results between palladium chloride (PdCl2), sodium tetrachloropalladate (Na2PdCl4), and nickel(II) sulfate hexahydrate (NiSO4.6H2O), as well as variability in patch test reactivity.

Materials/methods

Forty female patients with pierced earlobes and previously known contact allergy to palladium and nickel were patch tested with dilution series of nickel and palladium salts. They wore earrings covered with palladium and titanium for 9 weeks to monitor the appearance of any clinical manifestations.

Result/conclusion

There is a low risk of eczema in palladium‐allergic and nickel‐allergic individuals when they wear jewellery coated with pure palladium, but further studies are needed to determine whether palladium, when present in alloys, could cause allergic reactions.PdCl2, likeNiSO4.6H2O, shows variability in patch test reactivity over time. Furthermore, Na2PdCl4seems to be a more sensitive test substance thanPdCl2for the detection of palladium allergy.
Topical botanically derived products: use, skin reactions, and usefulness of patch tests. A multicentre Italian study
Authors: Corazza Monica , Borghi Alessandro , Gallo Rosella , Schena Donatella , Pigatto Paolo , Lauriola Maria Michela , Guarneri Fabrizio , Stingeni Luca , Vincenzi Colombina , Foti Caterina , Virgili Annarosa
Published: August 2013

Background

The evidence on the safety of topical preparations containing botanical extracts is limited.

Objectives

To assess (i) the use of botanically derived compounds in a large population, (ii) the incidence of cutaneous side‐effects, and (iii) the diagnostic usefulness of patch testing.

Methods

A questionnaire was used in 2661 patients to assess both the prevalence and type of topical botanical preparations used, and the occurrence of adverse skin reactions. Patients declaring adverse reactions were patch tested with (i) the Italian (SIDAPA) baseline series, (ii) an additional botanical series, and (iii) the patients' own products.

Results

Of the patients, 1274 (48%) reported the use of topical botanical products; 139 patients (11%) commented on adverse cutaneous reactions; 75 (54%) showed positive reactions with the Italian baseline series. Among the 122 patients tested with the botanical series, 19 (16%) showed positive reactions, in many cases with concomitant relevant positivity to at least one allergen of the Italian series connected with cosmetics. The commonest botanically derived allergens were propolis, Compositae extracts, and Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil.

Conclusions

Contact allergy is a possible adverse effect of natural products. Baseline series supplemented with the commonest botanical allergens may be adequate for detecting most of the cases of contact allergy to natural topical products.
Do we need animal hands‐on courses for transplantation surgery?
Authors: Golriz Mohammad , Hafezi Mohammadreza , Garoussi Camelia , Fard Nassim , Arvin Jalal , Fonouni Hamidreza , Nickkholgh Arash , Kulu Yakob , Frongia Giovani , Schemmer Peter , Mehrabi Arianeb
Published: August 2013

Background

Transplantation surgery requires many years of training. This study evaluates and presents the results of our recent four‐yr animal hands‐on courses of transplantation surgery on participants' training.

Methods

Since 2008, five two‐d hands‐on courses of transplantation surgery were performed on swine models at our department. Sixty‐one participants were asked to answer three questionnaires (pre‐course, immediate post‐course, subsequent post‐course). The questions pertained to their past education, expectations, and evaluation of our courses, as well as our course's effectiveness in advancing their surgical abilities. The results were analyzed, compared and are presented herein.

Results

On average, 1.8 multiorgan procurements, 2.3 kidney, 1.5 liver, and 0.7 pancreas transplantations were performed by each participant. 41.7% of participants considered their previous practical training only satisfactory; 85% hoped for more opportunities to practice surgery; 73.3% evaluated our courses as very good; and 95.8% believed that our courses had fulfilled their expectations. 66% found the effectiveness of our course in advancing their surgical abilities very good; 30% good, and 4% satisfactory.

Conclusion

Animal hands‐on courses of transplantation surgery are one of the best options to learn and practice different operations and techniques in a near to clinical simulated model. Regular participation in such courses with a focus on practical issues can provide optimal opportunities for trainees with the advantage of direct mentoring and feedback.
Factors limiting organ donation in Baden‐Württemberg
Authors: Fischer‐Fröhlich Carl‐Ludwig
Published: August 2013

In the German state of Baden‐Wurttemberg, the number of deceased donors from whom organs have been recovered has been decreasing over the past several years. We questioned whether changing donor age and/or cause of death (COD) were contributing to this trend.

Methods

All potential donors who reported to our regional Baden‐Württemberg organ procurement organization were reviewed (2006–2010, n = 1771). Changes in age distribution and COD were analyzed, factors we thought might have affected the conversion from potential to successful organ donation.

Results

Between 2006 and 2010, the annual number of reported cases with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) as the COD decreased from 117 to 65, while the number of deaths from other reasons increased from 264 to 294. Conversion rates were higher in the SAH group (56%) compared with the other reasons group (37%).

Discussion

Mortality rates are changing in certain devastating brain injuries. This, and other factors, may contribute adversely to organ donation rates.
Do They Work? Assessing the Impact of Transparency and Accountability Initiatives in Service Delivery
Authors: Joshi Anuradha
Published: August 2013

Transparency and accountability initiatives (TAIs) have emerged as a key strategy for improving public services, but the links between transparency and accountability and their impact on service delivery are often largely assumed. This article reviews several TAIs to assess their impact. It finds evidence suggesting that a range of accountability initiatives have been effective in their immediate goals and have had a strong impact on public services in a few cases, but that overall evidence of impact on the quality and accessibility of services is more mixed.
Accounting for Big‐City Growth in Low‐Paid Occupations: Immigration and/or Service‐Class Consumption
Authors: Gordon Ian Richard , Kaplanis Ioannis
Published: August 2013

The growth of “global cities” in the 1980s was supposed to have involved an occupational polarization, including the increase in low‐paid service jobs. Although held to be untrue for European cities at the time, some such growth did emerge in London a decade later than first reported for New York. The question is whether there was simply a delay before London conformed to the global city model or whether another distinct cause was at work in both cases. This article proposes that the critical factor in both cases was actually an upsurge of immigration from poor countries that provided an elastic supply of cheap labor. This hypothesis and its counterpart based on the growth in elite jobs are tested econometrically for the British case with regional data spanning 1975–2008, finding some support for both effects, but with immigration from poor countries as the crucial influence in late 1990s London.
Suitability of four palm species for the development of the invasive pest Brontispa longissima (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in the field
Authors: Takano Shun‐ichiro , Takasu Keiji , Fushimi Tsutomu , Ichiki Ryoko T. , Nakamura Satoshi
Published: August 2013

The coconut hispine beetle Brontispa longissima (Gestro) supposedly originated in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. It is a serious invasive pest of the coconut palm Cocos nucifera L. in Southeast and East Asia. In Japan, it has established itself using Satakentia liukiuensis (Hatushima) H.E. Moore as a main host on Ishigaki and Iriomote Islands where C. nucifera is rare. To assess the probability of further establishment of B. longissima in novel habitats where C. nucifera and S. liukiuensis are not available, we examined the suitability of four common palm species in Japan for oviposition and immature development of B. longissima: Chrysalidocarpus lutescens (Bory) H. Wendl., Phoenix roebelenii O'Brien, S. liukiuensis and Washingtonia filifera (Linden ex André) H. Wendl. When seedlings of the four palm species were placed in pots in an experimental field on Ishigaki Island, all four species were inhabited and infested by wild B. longissima adults. Oviposition and immature development were observed on P. roebelenii and S. liukiuensis but not on C. lutescens and W. filifera. When field‐collected adults were released into mesh bags enclosing the potted seedlings, they oviposited on all four species. The eggs developed into adults on P. roebelenii, S. liukiuensis and W. filifera. On C. lutescens, however, hatched larvae died during the first or second instar.
Development of new treatment approaches for epilepsy: Unmet needs and opportunities
Authors: French Jacqueline A. , White H. Steve , Klitgaard Henrik , Holmes Gregory L. , Privitera Michael D. , Cole Andrew J. , Quay Ellinor , Wiebe Samuel , Schmidt Dieter , Porter Roger J. , Arzimanoglou Alexis , Trinka Eugen , Perucca Emilio
Published: August 2013

A working group was created to address clinical “gaps to care” as well as opportunities for development of new treatment approaches for epilepsy. The working group primarily comprised clinicians, trialists, and pharmacologists. The group identified a need for better animal models for both efficacy and tolerability, and noted that animal models for potential disease‐modifying or antiepileptogenic effect should mirror conditions in human trials. For antiseizure drugs (ASDs), current animal models have not been validated with respect to their relationship to efficacy in common epilepsy syndromes. The group performed an “expert opinion” survey of perceived efficacy of the available ASDs, and identified a specific unmet need for ASDs to treat tonic–atonic and myoclonic seizures. No correlation has as yet been demonstrated between animal models of tolerability and adverse effects (AEs), versus tolerability in humans. There is a clear opportunity for improved therapies in relation to dose‐related AEs. The group identified common and rare epilepsy syndromes that could represent opportunities for clinical trials. They identified opportunities for antiepileptogenic (AEG) therapies in both adults and children, acknowledging that the presence of a biomarker would substantially improve the chances of a successful trial. However, the group acknowledged that disease‐modifying therapies (given after the first seizure or after the development of epilepsy) would be easier to study than AEG therapies.
Proposal for a “phase II” multicenter trial model for preclinical new antiepilepsy therapy development
Authors: O'Brien Terence J. , Ben‐Menachem Elinor , Bertram Edward H. , Collins Stephen D. , Kokaia Merab , Lerche Holger , Klitgaard Henrik , Staley Kevin J. , Vaudano Elisabetta , Walker Matthew C. , Simonato Michele
Published: August 2013

There is a pressing need to address the current major gaps in epilepsy treatment, in particular drug‐resistant epilepsy, antiepileptogenic therapies, and comorbidities. A major concern in the development of new therapies is that current preclinical testing is not sufficiently predictive for clinical efficacy. Methodologic limitations of current preclinical paradigms may partly account for this discrepancy. Here we propose and discuss a strategy for implementing a “phase II” multicenter preclinical drug trial model based on clinical phase II/III studies designed to generate more rigorous preclinical data for efficacy. The goal is to improve the evidence resulting from preclinical studies for investigational new drugs that have shown strong promise in initial preclinical “phase I” studies. This should reduce the risk for expensive clinical studies in epilepsy and therefore increase the appeal for funders (industry and government) to invest in their clinical development.
European Economic Governance and Parliamentary Representation. What Place for the European Parliament?
Authors: Fasone Cristina
Published: August 2013

This article aims to analyse the European Parliament's (EP) position in the reform of the European economic governance, in particular after the adoption of the ‘six‐pack,’ the ‘two‐pack’ and the ‘fiscal compact.’ References are made to the involvement of the EP in the decision‐making process that led to the adoption of the new measures as well as to the substantive role assigned to this institution in the new regulatory framework. The article argues that the new provisions, which undermine the budgetary authority of national parliaments while, at the same time, designing a limited role for the EP—though strengthened compared to the previous version of the Stability and Growth Pact—can jeopardise the effectiveness of the landmark principle of ‘no taxation without parliamentary representation’ in the EU.
Preliminary evidence on the Feldenkrais Method as an alternative therapy for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Ramli Ayiesah , Leonard Joseph H , Harun Roslan
Published: August 2013

Background

The Feldenkrais Method (FM) is an alternative therapy used by patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, evidence of the effectiveness of the FM among persons with COPD is lacking.

Objective

To investigate the impact of the FM in patients with COPD.

Methods

An observational pilot study was conducted in 11 COPD patients attending a university teaching hospital. The FM was administered for a period of 8 weeks. The 6‐min walking test (6MWT) was used to measure functional capacity; forced expiratory volume in 1‐s, predicted percent (FEV1 pred %) was used to evaluate lung function, and the Health‐Related Quality of Life questionnaire was used to measure QoL before and after the intervention.

Results

Paired t‐tests showed significant improvements in 6MWT from baseline to 8 weeks post‐FM [P=0.01, t=−4.869, difference (Df)=10, 95% confidence interval (CI): −113.9, 42.4] with a large effect size (d=0.72). Similarly, there was a significant improvement in the FEV1 pred % (P=0.01, t=6.278, Df=10, 95% CI: 17.9, −37.6) with a large effect size (d=−2.0).

Conclusion

The FM improve functional capacity and lung function among patients with COPD.