bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sports Mega-Events as Part of a Nation's Soft Power Strategy: The Cases of Germany (2006) and the UK (2012)
Authors: Grix Jonathan , Houlihan Barrie
Published: April 2013

Research Highlights and Abstract

The article discusses how states are increasingly using sports mega-events as part of their ‘soft power’ strategies The limited literature on ‘soft power’ and sports mega-events fails to either explain the concept and how it pertains to sport or provide examples that operationalize the concept empirically. Further research can build on the idea of sports mega-events being used for public diplomacy; the case of Germany, it could be argued, has led many ‘emerging’ states to seek to bid for and host such events. We show how the UK—with a very different international image to Germany prior to 2006—engage in a different manner in its ‘soft power’ strategy. Finally, the macro-level concept of ‘soft power’ offers at least a partial answer to the unanswered question (in the sports studies literature) of why states host sports ‘megas’.

The potential positive impact on a nation's image has moved from being a welcome consequence to a significant justification for investing in hosting sports mega-events. Mobilising Joseph Nye's concept of ‘soft power’ we empirically investigate Germany's strategic use of a sports ‘mega’ (the 2006 FIFA World Cup) to successfully alter their image among ‘foreign publics'. We then analyse the example of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games for Britain's international prestige. For both cases we draw on and analyse official government documents and newspaper sources written before and after the Games. The findings reveal the stark contrast between Germany's and Britain's sport and ‘soft power’ strategies: the former undertook a long-term, well-planned and resourced approach to altering its poor international image; the latter appeared far less concerned about capitalising on the Olympics to enhance Britain's (seemingly robust) international image.
Salivary progesterone as a biochemical marker to predict early preterm birth in asymptomatic high‐risk women
Authors: Priya B , Mustafa MD , Guleria K , Vaid NB , Banerjee BD , Ahmed RS
Published: April 2013

Objective

To evaluate salivary progesterone as a predictor of early preterm birth (PTB) and compare it with transvaginal sonographic (TVS) cervical length in asymptomatic high‐risk women.

Design

Prospective study.

Setting

Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Biochemistry at UCMS & GTBH, Delhi, India.

Sample

Ninety pregnant women.

Methods

The progesterone concentration in saliva of asymptomatic pregnant women at high risk for preterm delivery was estimated by immunoassay, and cervical length was measured by TVS, at the first antenatal visit at 24–28 weeks of gestation, and then repeated 3–4 weeks later.

Main outcome measures

Early PTB, mean and critical cut‐off values of salivary progesterone, and a diagnostic value comparison of salivary progesterone with TVS cervical length.

Results

The mean value of salivary progesterone was significantly lower in all women who delivered at <37 weeks of gestation (n = 38), compared with the term group (n = 52; P < 0.001). Salivary progesterone decreased significantly from the first to the second visit, with the maximum decrease observed in women who delivered at <34 weeks of gestation (29.6%, 95% CI 17.8–41.4%, P < 0.002). The single predictive critical cut‐off value for salivary progesterone was 2575 pg/ml, below which more than 80% of women delivered prematurely before 34 weeks of gestation, with sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of 83% (95% CI 58.6–96.4%), 86% (95% CI 75.9–93.1%), 60% (95% CI 38.6–78.8%) and 95% (95% CI 87.1–99.0%), respectively. The TVS cervical length decreased significantly (P < 0.001) in the women who delivered prematurely.

Conclusions

Low salivary progesterone concentration can be used for predicting early PTB in asymptomatic high‐risk women.
Potential of Sawdust as a Green and Economical Sorbent for Simultaneous Preconcentration of Trace Amounts of Cadmium, Cobalt, and Lead from Water, Biological, Food, and Herbal Samples
Authors: Baki Mostafa Hossein , Shemirani Farzaneh , Khani Rouhollah
Published: April 2013

Application of treated sawdust with NaOH as a green and economical sorbent for simultaneous preconcentration of trace amounts of Cd(II), Co(II), and Pb(II) ions from liver, lettuce, fish, and water as test samples with complicated matrices was investigated. Various parameters, such as effect of pH and contact time, breakthrough volume, type, and concentration of eluent and interference of ions were studied. The sorption was quantitative in the pH of 5.0 to 7.0 and desorption occurred instantaneously with 5.0 mL of mixed solutions of ethanol and 2.0 mol/L HNO3–HCl and the amount of ions was measured by using flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Linearity was maintained at 3 to 500 μg/L for cobalt, 5.0 to 800 μg/L for lead, and 2.0 to 300 μg/L for cadmium in the original solution. The relative standard deviation was less than 1.80% (n = 6, with concentration of 0.3 mg/L for cadmium and 0.5 mg/L for lead and cobalt). Detection limits and maximum capacity of the sorbent for Co (II), Cd (II), and Pb (II) in the original solution were 0.86, 0.50, and 1.7 μg/L and 28.5, 30.6, and 47.3 mg/g, respectively. The results for spiked real samples, effect of interfering ions, and adsorption capacity indicated that the applicability of this method for lead preconcentration is better than cadmium and cobalt preconcentration from complicated matrices.

Practical Application: Sawdust can be applied as a green and economical sorbent for simultaneous preconcentration and solid‐phase extraction of metal ions from food and environmental samples with complicated matrices.
Seasonal Variation in Proximate Composition and Fatty Acid Profile of Grey Triggerfish (Balistes capriscus) Captured Along the Coast of Portugal
Authors: Simões Tiago , Carvalho João , Sousa Ana , Lemos Marco F.L. , Gil Maria M. , Pedrosa Rui , Tecelão Carla
Published: April 2013

Proximate composition (ash, moisture, total protein, and fat contents) and fatty acid profile of Balistes capriscus (grey triggerfish) were assessed over a 6‐months period (April to September, 2011) in animals captured along the coast of Peniche (Portugal). High protein (18.9% to 21.4%) and low lipid (0.5% to 0.8%) contents were determined. The highest lipid level was found in June‐captured animals. High proportions of n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n‐3 PUFA) were observed (53.87 ± 2.00%) together with substantial quantities of oleic acid (27.58 ± 1.09%) and palmitic acid (16.52 ± 0.93%). Docosahexaenoic acid accounted for 77% of the total PUFA and was 7 times more abundant than eicosapentaenoic acid, and the n‐3/n‐6 ratio was 7.2. Gender did not influence lipid levels and the fatty acid profile, but seasonal variations were observed for PUFA and monounsaturated fatty acid contents. Overall, the nutritional properties of this underexploited species may be comparable to those of other lean fish species with higher economic value.
Aberrant expression of sonic hedgehog pathway in colon cancer and melanosis coli
Authors: Wang Zhong Chuan , Gao Jun , Zi Shu Ming , Yang Ming , Du Peng , Cui Long
Published: April 2013

Objective

To determine the hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway correlated with the development of colon cancer and melanosis coli.

Methods

Protein and mRNA levels of Hh signaling pathway components (sonic hedgehog [Shh], protein patched homolog 1 [Ptch 1], GLI family zinc finger 1 [Gli 1] and suppressor of fused homolog [Drosophila] [Sufu]) in 127 patients with colon cancer, 36 with melanosis coli and 20 adjacent normal mucosal tissues taken from surgical specimens were evaluated using antibody staining and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction.

Results

In adjacent normal tissue Shh and Ptch1, but not Gli1 or Sufu, were weakly expressed and mainly in the lining epithelium of the colonic mucosa. In cancerous tissues Shh and Gli1 were uniformly strong while Ptch1 was patchy and weak, and Sufu uniformly weak, which paralleled their levels of corresponding mRNA. Elevated protein levels of Shh and Ptch were significantly associated with mucinous colonic tissues. Elevated Sufu protein levels were positively correlated with the diameter and invasion of the tumor. In patients with melanosis coli, mRNA levels of Shh, Ptch1, Gli1 and Sufu were very low, which was similar to those of adjacent normal tissues; but protein levels of Shh, Ptch1 and Gli1, but not Sufu, were high, which was similar to those of cancerous tissues.

Conclusions

The mRNA and protein levels of Hh pathway components are aberrantly elevated in colon cancer, which may be the potential molecular classification markers. Further studies are required to determine the role of melanosis coli in the colon tumorigenesis.
Contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance angiography of the peripheral arteries: Technique, tips, pitfalls and problems
Authors: Welman Christopher J , Harrison Colin , Low Ronny S
Published: April 2013

Contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance angiography is a reliable way to assess peripheral vascular disease. This article reviews the basic physics behind this technique and discusses our institution's experience with regard to the clinical role, recent advances in image acquisition and use of contrast agents. Problems that can affect image quality and interpretation are also highlighted.
Do Board Characteristics Influence the Shareholders' Assessment of Risk for Small and Large Firms?
Authors: Christy Jonathan A. , Matolcsy Zoltan P. , Wright Anna , Wyatt Anne
Published: April 2013

This paper investigates the association between board characteristics and shareholders' assessment of their exposure to economic and agency risks as reflected in the volatility of stock returns. Our hypotheses incorporate prior evidence that small and large firms have ‘dramatically’ different board structures, reflecting the firms' different monitoring and advising needs. We hypothesize and find evidence that only the shareholders of well‐established large firms are able to generate positive net benefits, in the form of lower equity risk, from independent boards and well‐connected independent directors with multiple directorships. We also find professional and formal industry degree qualifications on the board are associated with shareholders' risk assessment for some small firms consistent with the focus of small firms on building growth and scale. While we find evidence that formal industry professional affiliations (weak evidence) and MBAs provide benefits for the shareholders of large firms, there is limited evidence that financial expertise on the board systematically influences shareholders' risk assessments for small or large companies. The key conclusion from the evidence in this paper is that a ‘one size fits all’ approach to governance in relation to the board of directors may not meet the diverse needs of companies at different stages of economic development.
Evaluation of diagnostic value of four tumor markers in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of peripheral lung cancer
Authors: Li Jian , Chen Ping , Mao Chao‐Ming , Tang Xing‐Ping , Zhu Li‐Rong
Published: April 2013

Aim

The diagnostic role of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) antigen, Cyfra 21‐1 and neuron‐specific enolase (NSE) in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) for lung cancer is still controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of these four tumor markers in BALF for peripheral lung cancer.

Methods

We measured and compared the levels of CEA, SCC, Cyfra21‐1 and NSE in BALF in 42 patients with peripheral lung cancer and 22 patients with benign lung disease. In the patients with peripheral lung cancer, the BAL was separately performed in the bronchus of the tumor‐bearing lung and in the corresponding bronchus of the opposite healthy lung.

Results

The levels of CEA, SCC, Cyfra21‐1 and NSE were significantly elevated in BALF from the tumor‐bearing lung compared with the opposite healthy lung in the lung cancer patients (P < 0.001) or the benign lung disease patients (P < 0.005). The diagnostic sensitivities of Cyfra21‐1 (86 and 76%), with a specificity of 91%, were the highest among the four tumor markers for the tumor‐bearing lung versus the opposite healthy lung and benign lung disease. The combination of Cyfra21‐1 and CEA increased the sensitivity to 93 and 86 percent, respectively.

Conclusion

The assay of these tumor markers in BALF may be used as a diagnostic tool to complement a cytological examination in the diagnosis of peripheral lung cancer.
Clinical significance of vascular endothelial growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor‐2 gene polymorphisms in patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors
Authors: Kang Byung Woog , Kim Jong Gwang , Chae Yee Soo , Bae Han Ik , Kwon Ohkyoung , Chung Ho Young , Yu Wansik , Song Hong Suk , Kang Yu Na , Ryu Seung Wan , Lee Kyung Hee , Bae Young Kyung , Choi Joon Hyuk , Kim Se Won , Ryoo Hun‐Mo , Cho Chang‐Ho , Chae Hyun‐Dong , Park Kyun Woo , Gu Mi Jin , Bae Byung‐Jo
Published: April 2013

Aim

The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) or its family might play role in tumor‐related angiogenesis in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), thereby affecting the prognosis. Accordingly, the present study analyzed the impact of VEGF and VEGF receptor‐2 (VEGFR‐2) gene polymorphisms on the prognosis for GIST patients.

Methods

In all, 213 consecutive patients with GIST from five medical centers were enrolled in the present study. The genomic DNA was extracted from paraffin‐embedded tumor tissue, and four VEGF (−2578C/A, −1498C/T, −634G/C, and +936C/T) and one VEGFR‐2 (+1416A/T) gene polymorphisms were determined using a Sequenom MassARRAY system.

Results

With a median follow up of 18.4 months, the estimated 5‐year relapse‐free survival and overall survival rates were 70 and 87%, respectively. In a multivariate analysis including age, sex, primary site of disease, pathology and risk stratification, no significant association was observed between the polymorphism of the VEGF and VEGFR‐2 genes and survival.

Conclusion

None of the five VEGF and VEGFR‐2 gene polymorphisms investigated in this study was found to be an independent prognostic marker for Korean patients with surgically resected GIST. However, further studies on a larger scale are warranted to clarify the role of VEGF and VEGFR gene polymorphisms as a prognostic biomarker for GIST patients.
Systematic review: the quality of the scientific evidence and conflicts of interest in international inflammatory bowel disease practice guidelines
Authors: Feuerstein J. D. , Akbari M. , Gifford A. E. , Cullen G. , Leffler D. A. , Sheth S. G. , Cheifetz A. S.
Published: April 2013

Background

Guidelines published by the international gastroenterology societies establish standards of care and seek to improve patient outcomes.

Aim

We examined inflammatory bowel disease guidelines (IBD) for quality of evidence, methods of grading evidence and conflicts of interest (COI).

Methods

All 182 guidelines published by the American College of Gastroenterology, American Gastroenterological Association, British Society of Gastroenterology, Canadian Association of Gastroenterology, Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America and European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation as of 27 September 2012 were reviewed. Nineteen IBD guidelines were found.

Results

Eighty‐nine per cent (n = 17/19) of the guidelines graded the levels of evidence using seven different systems. Of the 1070 recommendations reviewed, 23% (n = 249) cited level A evidence; 28% (n = 302) level B; 36% (n = 383) level C and 13% (n = 136) level D. The mean age of the guidelines was 4.2 years. In addition, 61% (n = 11/19) of the guidelines failed to comment on COI. All eight articles commenting on COI had conflicts with 81% (n = 92/113) of authors reported an average 11.7 COI. Lastly, there were variations in the recommendations between societies.

Conclusions

Nearly half the IBD guideline recommendations are based on expert opinion or no evidence. Majority of the guidelines fail to disclose any COI, and when commenting, all have numerous COI. Furthermore, the guidelines are not updated frequently and there is a lack of consensus between societal guidelines. This study highlights the critical need to centralize and redesign the guidelines development process.
Identification through high‐throughput screening of 4'‐methoxyflavone and 3',4'‐dimethoxyflavone as novel neuroprotective inhibitors of parthanatos
Authors: Fatokun A A , Liu J O , Dawson V L , Dawson T M
Published: April 2013

Background and Purpose

The current lack of disease‐modifying therapeutics to manage neurological and neurodegenerative conditions justifies the development of more efficacious agents. One distinct pathway leading to neuronal death in these conditions and which represents a very promising and attractive therapeutic target is parthanatos, involving overactivation of PARP‐1. We therefore sought to identify small molecules that could be neuroprotective by targeting the pathway.

Experimental Approach

Using HeLa cells, we developed and optimized an assay for high‐throughput screening of about 5120 small molecules. Structure–activity relationship (SAR) study was carried out in HeLa and SH‐SY5Y cells for molecules related to the initial active compound. The neuroprotective ability of each active compound was tested in cortical neuronal cultures.

Key Results

4'‐Methoxyflavone (4MF) showed activity by preventing the decrease in cell viability of HeLa and SH‐SY5Y cells caused by the DNA‐alkylating agent, N‐methyl‐N‘‐nitro‐N‐nitrosoguanidine (MNNG), which induces parthanatos. A similar compound from the SAR study, 3',4'‐dimethoxyflavone (DMF), also showed significant activity. Both compounds reduced the synthesis and accumulation of poly (ADP‐ribose) polymer and protected cortical neurones against cell death induced by NMDA.

Conclusions and Implications

Our data reveal additional neuroprotective members of the flavone class of flavonoids and show that methoxylation of the parent flavone structure at position 4′ confers parthanatos‐inhibiting activity while additional methoxylation at position 3′, reported by others to improve metabolic stability, does not destroy the activity. These molecules may therefore serve as leads for the development of novel neurotherapeutics for the management of neurological and neurodegenerative conditions.
Complication and Failure Rates with Implant‐Supported Fixed Dental Prostheses and Single Crowns: A 10‐Year Retrospective Study
Authors: Wittneben Julia‐Gabriela , Buser Daniel , Salvi Giovanni E. , Bürgin Walter , Hicklin Stefan , Brägger Urs
Published: April 2013

Purpose

Clinical studies related to the long‐term outcomes with implant‐supported reconstructions are still sparse. The aim of this 10‐year retrospective study was to assess the rate of mechanical/technical complications and failures with implant supported fixed dental prostheses (FDPs) and single crowns (SCs) in a large cohort of partially edentulous patients.

Materials and Methods

The comprehensive multidisciplinary examination consisted of a medical/dental history, clinical examination, and a radiographic analysis. Prosthodontic examination evaluated the implant‐supported reconstructions for mechanical/technical complications and failures, occlusal analysis, presence/absence of attrition, and location, extension, and retention type.

Results

Out of three hundred ninety seven fixed reconstructions in three hundred three patients, two hundred sixty eight were SCs and one hundred twenty seven were FDPs. Of these three hundred ninety seven implant‐supported reconstructions, 18 had failed, yielding a failure rate of 4.5% and a survival rate of 95.5% after a mean observation period of 10.75 years (range: 8.4–13.5 years). The most frequent complication was ceramic chipping (20.31%) followed by occlusal screw loosening (2.57%) and loss of retention (2.06%). No occlusal screw fracture, one abutment loosening, and two abutment fractures were noted. This resulted in a total mechanical/technical complication rate of 24.7%. The prosthetic success rate over a mean follow‐up time of 10.75 years was 70.8%. Generalized attrition and FDPs were associated with statistically significantly higher rates of ceramic fractures when compared with SCs. Cantilever extensions, screw retention, anterior versus posterior, and gender did not influence the chipping rate.

Conclusions

After a mean exposure time of 10.75 years, high survival rates for reconstructions supported by Sand‐blasted Large‐grit Acid‐etched implants can be expected. Ceramic chipping was the most frequent complication and was increased in dentitions with attrition and in FDPs compared with SCs.
Precision of fit and retention force of cast non‐precious‐crowns on standard titanium implant‐abutment with different design and height
Authors: Enkling Norbert , Ueda Takayuki , Gholami Hadi , Bayer Stefan , Katsoulis Joannis , Mericske‐Stern Regina
Published: April 2013

Objective

The cost‐effectiveness of cast nonprecious frameworks has increased their prevalence in cemented implant crowns. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of the design and height of the retentive component of a standard titanium implant abutment on the fit, possible horizontal rotation and retention forces of cast nonprecious alloy crowns prior to cementation.

Materials and Methods

Two abutment designs were examined: Type A with a 6° taper and 8 antirotation planes (Straumann Tissue‐Level RN) and Type B with a 7.5° taper and 1 antirotation plane (SICace implant). Both types were analyzed using 60 crowns: 20 with a full abutment height (6 mm), 20 with a medium abutment height (4 mm), and 20 with a minimal (2.5 mm) abutment height. The marginal and internal fit and the degree of possible rotation were evaluated by using polyvinylsiloxane impressions under a light microscope (magnification of ×50). To measure the retention force, a custom force‐measuring device was employed. Statistical analysis: one‐sided Wilcoxon rank‐sum tests with Bonferroni–Holm corrections, Fisher′s exact tests, and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient.

Results

Type A exhibited increased marginal gaps (primary end‐point: 55 ± 20 μm vs. 138 ± 59 μm, P < 0.001) but less rotation (P < 0.001) than Type B. The internal fit was also better for Type A than for Type B (P < 0.001). The retention force of Type A (2.49 ± 3.2 N) was higher (P = 0.019) than that of Type B (1.27 ± 0.84 N). Reduction in abutment height did not affect the variables observed.

Conclusion

Less‐tapered abutments with more antirotation planes provide an increase in the retention force, which confines the horizontal rotation but widens the marginal gaps of the crowns. Thus, casting of nonprecious crowns with Type A abutments may result in clinically unfavorable marginal gaps.
An investigation into the socioeconomic aspects of two major earthquakes in Iran
Authors: Amini Hosseini Kambod , Hosseinioon Solmaz , Pooyan Zhila
Published: April 2013

An evaluation of the socioeconomic consequences of earthquakes is an essential part of the development of risk reduction and disaster management plans. However, these variables are not normally addressed sufficiently after strong earthquakes; researchers and relevant stakeholders focus primarily on the physical damage and casualties. The importance of the socioeconomic consequences of seismic events became clearer in Iran after the Bam earthquake on 26 December 2003, as demonstrated by the formulation and approval of various laws and ordinances. This paper reviews the country's regulatory framework in the light of the socioeconomic aspects of two major and destructive earthquakes: in Manjil–Rudbar in 1990, and in Bam in 2003. The results take the form of recommendations and practical strategies for incorporating the socioeconomic dimensions of earthquakes in disaster risk management planning. The results presented here can be applied in other countries with similar conditions to those of Iran in order to improve public preparedness and risk reduction.
Flooding, resettlement, and change in livelihoods: evidence from rural Mozambique
Authors: Arnall Alex , Thomas David S.G. , Twyman Chasca , Liverman Diana
Published: April 2013

Post‐disaster development policies, such as resettlement, can have major impacts on communities. This paper examines how and why people's livelihoods change as a result of resettlement, and relocated people's views of such changes, in the context of natural disasters. It presents two historically‐grounded, comparative case studies of post‐flood resettlement in rural Mozambique. The studies demonstrate a movement away from rain‐fed subsistence agriculture towards commercial agriculture and non‐agricultural activities. The ability to secure a viable livelihood was a key determinant of whether resettlers remained in their new locations or returned to the river valleys despite the risks posed by floods. The findings suggest that more research is required to understand i) why resettlers choose to stay in or abandon designated resettlement areas, ii) what is meant by ‘voluntary’ and ‘involuntary’ resettlement in the realm of post‐disaster reconstruction, and iii) the policy drivers of resettlement in developing countries.
Survival strategies of Dalbulus maidis during maize off‐season in Brazil
Authors: Oliveira Charles M. , Lopes João R.S. , Nault Lowell R.
Published: April 2013

Despite the importance of Dalbulus maidis (DeLong & Wolcott) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) as a vector of maize‐stunting pathogens, it is not understood how this leafhopper survives the maize off‐season in regions where overwintering hosts do not occur. We investigated migration and the use of alternate hosts as possible survival mechanisms for D. maidis during maize off‐season in Brazil. Dalbulus maidis populations were monitored with yellow sticky cards for 16–29 months in Anastácio (Mato Grosso do Sul State), in two farms with perennial pastures (Pasture1 and Pasture2), where maize had not been planted for >5 years, in a subsistence farm >20 km distant, where maize was annually planted (spring) (Maize1), and in Piracicaba (São Paulo State), where maize was grown year round (Maize2). RAPD‐PCR analysis of leafhoppers sampled on maize in two plots (Maize1 and Pasture1) at 15–20 and 110–120 days after germination was performed. Dalbulus maidis was trapped in the maize plots of all areas, but not in weedy or woody vegetation adjacent to the plots. Higher numbers were trapped throughout the year in Piracicaba, where maize was continuously grown under irrigation, and in the subsistence farm of Anastácio, where volunteer maize plants were available for long periods in the maize off‐season. In Anastácio farms, some population peaks were recorded in the absence of maize from midwinter to early spring, especially after soil plowing. RAPD‐PCR analysis showed that D. maidis populations sampled were genetically similar. Our data suggest that D. maidis uses a mixed strategy to survive the over‐season period in Brazil, in which part of the population overwinters locally on volunteer maize plants or nearby irrigated maize crops, whereas the other individuals migrate to colonize new maize crops in distant areas or regions. We hypothesize that immigrant D. maidis uses the contrast between plowed and vegetated soil as a visual cue for locating new maize crops.
Hymenoscyphus albidus is not associated with an anamorphic stage and displays slower growth than Hymenoscyphus pseudoalbidus on agar media
Authors: Kirisits T. , Dämpfle L. , Kräutler K.
Published: April 2013

Examination of isolates of Hymenoscyphus albidus from France revealed that this fungus does not form an anamorphic stage in culture. The lack of an asexual stage in this fungus is a conspicuous morphological difference to the ash dieback pathogen Hymenoscyphus pseudoalbidus, which is associated with its Chalara fraxinea anamorphic state. In growth studies on malt extract agar (MEA) and MEA amended with ash leaflets (ash leaf malt extract agar, AMEA) at 20°C, isolates of H. albidus grew slower than those of H. pseudoalbidus. On AMEA, the growth of cultures of both species was greatly enhanced.
Corporate Greening beyond Formal Programs, Initiatives, and Systems: A Conceptual Model for Voluntary Pro‐environmental Behavior of Employees
Authors: Lülfs Regina , Hahn Rüdiger
Published: April 2013

This paper draws on insights from environmental psychology to develop a conceptual model for explaining pro‐environmental behavior within companies. We delineate the voluntary pro‐environmental behavior of employees (VPBE) from other forms of pro‐environmental behavior (e.g., organizationally prescribed behavior) and identify determinants of VPBE. Specifically, we advance hitherto existing concepts by connecting different psychological models for the explanation of private sphere pro‐environmental behavior and then adapting them to the corporate sphere. We conclude by assessing some implications for corporate interventions and providing recommendations for further research.
Antiangiogenic factors and maternal hemodynamics during intensive hemodialysis in pregnancy
Authors: Cornelis Tom , Spaanderman Marc , Beerenhout Charles , Perschel Frank H. , Verlohren Stefan , Schalkwijk Casper G. , van der Sande Frank M. , Kooman Jeroen P. , Hladunewich Michelle
Published: April 2013

We report on a 21‐year‐old pregnant patient with IgA nephropathy who was initiated on intensive hemodialysis (8 hours of hemodialysis 3 times a week) at a gestational age of 26 weeks on the basis of worsening kidney function resulting in rapidly progressive fatigue and difficulties in metabolic control. Throughout the pregnancy, and while on intensive hemodialysis, 24‐hour ambulatory blood pressure control was within the target, and results of weekly 24‐hour measurement of central hemodynamics and pulse wave velocity, and of serial levels of circulating (anti‐)angiogenic factors were comparable to normal pregnancies. Estimated fetal growth evolved along the 50th percentile, and no polyhydramnios was detected. After induction for a sudden, unexplained increase in blood pressure, she delivered a healthy boy of 2480 g at a gestational age of 36 weeks. This case adds to the expanding literature that supports the use of intensive hemodialysis in pregnant patients with end‐stage renal disease and illustrates, for the first time, the potential use of serial (anti‐) angiogenic factors and 24‐hour measurements of blood pressure and hemodynamic indices in order to facilitate monitoring of these complicated patients.
High Levels of FOXP3+ Regulatory T Cells in Gastric MALT Lymphoma Predict Responsiveness to Helicobacter pylori Eradication
Authors: Iwaya Yugo , Kobayashi Motohiro , Momose Masanobu , Hiraoka Nobuyoshi , Sakai Yasuhiro , Akamatsu Taiji , Tanaka Eiji , Ohtani Haruo , Fukuda Minoru , Nakayama Jun
Published: April 2013

Background

Although Helicobacter pylori eradication is a first‐line treatment of gastric MALT lymphoma, roughly 25% of patients do not respond to treatment. CD4+ FOXP3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells regulate immune responses in physiological conditions and various inflammatory conditions, including H. pylori‐associated diseases. Our goal was to determine how Treg cells affect responsiveness to H. pylori eradication therapy.

Materials and methods

We performed dual immunohistochemistry for CD4 and FOXP3 to evaluate the prevalence of FOXP3+ Treg cells in the stomach of 63 patients with MALT lymphoma and 55 patients with chronic active gastritis. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was carried out to determine the best cut‐off point in differentiating H. pylori eradication responders from nonresponders.

Results

Both the FOXP3+/CD4+ cell ratio and the absolute number of FOXP3+ cells per high‐power field in MALT lymphoma were significantly greater in H. pylori eradication responders compared with nonresponders, suggesting that Treg cells function in regression mechanisms of MALT lymphomas. Cut‐off points with good sensitivities and specificities were obtained to predict eradication outcome.

Conclusions

A high number of Treg cells or a high ratio of Treg cells to the total number of CD4+ T cells in gastric MALT lymphoma could predict responsiveness to eradication therapy.
Utility of controlled attenuation parameter measurement for assessing liver steatosis in Japanese patients with chronic liver diseases
Authors: Masaki Keiichi , Takaki Shintaro , Hyogo Hideyuki , Kobayashi Tomoki , Fukuhara Takayuki , Naeshiro Noriaki , Honda Yoji , Nakahara Takashi , Ohno Atsushi , Miyaki Daisuke , Murakami Eisuke , Nagaoki Yuko , Kawaoka Tomokazu , Tsuge Masataka , Hiraga Nobuhiko , Hiramatsu Akira , Imamura Michio , Kawakami Yoshiiku , Aikata Hiroshi , Ochi Hidenori , Takahashi Shoichi , Arihiro Koji , Chayama Kazuaki
Published: April 2013

Aim

Steatosis is a common histological feature of chronic liver disease, especially alcoholic and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease, as well as chronic hepatitis C. A recent study showed that evaluating the controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) with transient elastography was an efficient way of non‐invasively determining the severity of hepatic steatosis. The objective of this study was to prospectively evaluate the utility of CAP for diagnosing steatosis in patients with chronic liver disease.

Methods

One hundred and fifty‐five consecutive patients with suspected chronic liver disease underwent steatosis diagnosis using CAP, blood sample analyses, computed tomography for assessing the liver/spleen ratio and liver biopsy. Steatosis was graded according to the percentage of fat‐containing hepatocytes: S0, less than 5%; S1, 5–33%; S2, 34–66%; and S3: more than 66%.

Results

The CAP was significantly correlated with steatosis grade, and there were significant differences between the CAP value of the S0 patients and those of the patients with other grades of steatosis. S0 and S1–3 hepatic steatosis were considered to represent mild and significant steatosis, respectively. The CAP values of the patients with mild and significant steatosis were significantly different (P < 0.0001). The area under the receiver–operator curve (AUROC) value of the CAP for diagnosing significant steatosis was 0.878 (95% confidence interval, 0.818–0.939), and the optimal CAP cut‐off value for detecting significant steatosis was 232.5 db/m. In multivariate analysis, the CAP (P = 0.0002) and the liver to spleen ratio (P = 0.004) were found to be significantly associated with significant steatosis.

Conclusion

The CAP is a promising tool for rapidly and non‐invasively diagnosing steatosis.
Full genome analysis of Philippine indigenous subgenotype IA hepatitis A virus strains from Japanese patients with imported acute hepatitis A
Authors: Watanabe Shunji , Isoda Norio , Ohtake Toshiya , Hirosawa Takuya , Morimoto Naoki , Aoki Kei , Ohnishi Hiroshi , Takahashi Masaharu , Sugano Kentaro , Okamoto Hiroaki
Published: April 2013

Aim

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is the most common cause of infectious hepatitis worldwide. Although hepatitis A cases imported from South‐East Asian countries, including the Philippines, have been reported in Japan, the molecular epidemiological data have been limited for these HAV‐endemic countries.

Methods

The full‐length genomic sequences of HAV isolates were determined and subjected to the phylogenetic analyses.

Results

The HAV isolates (HA12‐0796 and HA12‐0938) obtained from two Japanese patients who developed acute hepatitis A in July 2012, 1 month after traveling to the Philippines, where they consumed undercooked shellfish, differed by only one nucleotide (nt) over the entire genome. These HAV isolates of genotype IA were 99.1–99.5% identical within 228–237 nt to those recovered from river water in the Philippines, suggesting that the HA12‐0796 and HA12‐0938 isolates represent HAV circulating in the Philippines. HAV isolates belonging to one of the two IA sublineages (IA‐2) which were implicated in some of the mini‐epidemics in 2010 in Japan are hypothesized to be connected with the Philippines. In support of this speculation, the present IA isolates (HA12‐0796 and HA12‐0938) shared 98.8% identity over the entire genome with one IA‐2 isolate (HAJIH‐Fukuo10) recovered from a Japanese female who developed a domestic HAV infection during the mini‐epidemics. In the phylogenetic tree constructed based on the entire genome, these three isolates (HA12‐0796, HA12‐0938 and HAJIH‐Fukuo10) segregated into a cluster with a bootstrap value of 100%.

Conclusion

These results indicate that HAV isolates belonging to the IA‐2 lineage might have been imported from the Philippines.
Reader engagement across cultures, languages and contexts of publication in business research articles
Authors: Lafuente‐Millán Enrique
Published: April 2013

Engagement markers are crucial interpersonal tools to interact with readers and draw support for the writer's positions. However, little is known about the effect of the writer's cultural background and language, as well as the context of publication, on the way authors use these strategies. The present study provides a quantitative and contrastive analysis based on a corpus consisting of business management articles written in different cultures and languages (Anglophone/English vs. Spanish) and aimed at different contexts of publication (local vs. international). The results obtained indicate that, although context of publication and national culture are powerful factors regulating the use of these strategies, other aspects such as L1 transfer and L2 proficiency may have some bearing on the use of these resources.
High susceptibility to pemphigus vulgaris due to HLA‐DRB1*14:54 in the Slovak population
Authors: Párnická Z. , Švecová D. , Javor J. , Shawkatová I. , Buc M.
Published: April 2013

The current work describes an association between pemphigus vulgaris (PV) and class II HLA alleles in the Slovak population, the first such study in Slovakia on the ‘high‐resolution level’. This work takes into account the new HLA allele nomenclature, officially adopted in 2010. In particular, we have focused on the associations between PV and DRB1*14:54 and DRB1*14:01. This case–control study was performed in a cohort of 43 PV Caucasian patients and 113 Caucasian control subjects from Slovakia. HLA typing was performed using PCR‐SSP (polymerase chain reaction with sequence‐specific primers). We found significantly positive associations between PV and the HLA alleles DRB1*04:02, DRB1*04:04, DRB1*14:54, DRB1*14:04, DRB1*14:05, DQB1*03:02 and DQB1*05:03. In contrast, HLA‐DQB1*06, DRB1*07 and DRB1*13 were negatively associated with PV. Importantly, 93% of PV patients possessed at least one of two HLA haplotypes, DRB1*04–DQB1*03 or HLA‐DRB1*14–DQB1*05. We confirmed the previously reported associations between HLA class II alleles and PV and described a new association between PV and DRB1*14:54. This allele was first described in 2005, and there has been only one report of its association with PV to date.
Who uses public childcare for 2‐year‐old children? Coherent family policies and usage patterns in Sweden, Finland and Western Germany
Authors: Krapf Sandra
Published: April 2013

European countries have increased their public childcare provision for children under age 3. However, it is unclear if and how usage patterns differ across countries. This study examined the relationship between the socio‐economic characteristics of mothers and the use of childcare for 2‐year‐old children. Using European Union Statistics on Income and Living Conditions data for the years 2005–2008, we analysed the characteristics of mothers and usage patterns in Sweden, Finland and Western Germany. To single out the effect of maternal employment, working and non‐working mothers were investigated separately. Our findings showed that, in Sweden, a country with strong support for dual‐earner families, usage was largely independent of mothers' characteristics. However, in Western Germany, where more support is given to male breadwinner families, and in Finland, a country with pluralistic family support, highly educated mothers were found to be more likely to use childcare than were mothers with lower levels of education.
Resistance to Lateral Luxation of Two Canine Total Elbow Replacement Systems Under Variable Mechanical Loads
Authors: Rose Nathan D. , Freeman Andy , Conzemius Michael G.
Published: April 2013

Objective

To measure the loads required to induce lateral luxation of the Iowa State University (ISU) elbow implant, a modified elbow implant, and the normal canine elbow with the ligaments and joint capsule removed.

Study Design

Mechanical testing on cadaveric specimens

Sample Population

Twelve thoracic limbs were harvested from adult, medium sized dogs that had been euthanatized for reasons unrelated to the study.

Methods

The torque needed for luxation was identified on potted cadaver elbows under variable axial load and compared to ISU implants and modified implants. Shear force needed to induce medial and lateral luxation were collected for the 2‐implant designs at 10, 109, 209, and 342 N of axial load based on. Shear force needed to induce lateral luxation were collected for the normal elbows (with and without an anconeal process) at 10 N of axial load.

Results

The modified implant had 5× higher torque at luxation than the ISU implant and cadavers elbows for both internal and external rotation. Luxation during shear testing was significantly higher in cadaver elbows when compared to either implant but the modified implant was 4–7× more resistant then the ISU implant.

Conclusion

The modified total elbow replacement implant may reduce lateral luxation in vivo by increased resistance to shear and torsional forces.
Socioeconomic status, infant feeding practices and early childhood obesity†
Authors: Gibbs B. G. , Forste R.
Published: April 2013

What is already known about this subject

Children from low socioeconomic households are at greater risk of obesity.

Children predominantly breastfed have a reduced risk of early childhood obesity.

Yet, it is not known how feeding patterns mediate the relationship between social class and obesity.

What this study adds

Based on a nationally representative, longitudinal study of early childhood, this study finds that healthy infant feeding practices, including predominant breastfeeding, mediates the negative association between social class and obesity at 24 months.

Background

Children from low socioeconomic households are at greater risk of obesity. As breastfeeding can protect against child obesity, disadvantaged infants are less likely to breastfeed relative to more advantaged children. Whether infant feeding patterns, as well as other maternal characteristics mediate the association between social class and obesity has not been established in available research.

Objectives

Examine the impact of infant feeding practices on child obesity and identify the mechanisms that link socioeconomic status (SES) with child obesity.

Methods

Based on a nationally representative longitudinal survey (ECLS‐B) of early childhood (n = 8030), we examine how breastfeeding practices, the early introduction of solid foods and putting an infant to bed with a bottle mediate the relationship between social class and early childhood obesity relative to the mediating influence of other maternal characteristics (BMI, age at birth, smoking, depression and daycare use).

Results

Infants predominantly fed formula for the first 6 months were about 2.5 times more likely to be obese at 24 months of age relative to infants predominantly fed breast milk. The early introduction of solid foods (< 4 months) and putting the child to bed with a bottle also increased the likelihood of obesity. Unhealthy infant feeding practices were the primary mechanism mediating the relationship between SES and early childhood obesity. Results are consistent across measures of child obesity although the effect size of infant feeding practices varies.

Conclusions

The encouragement and support of breastfeeding and other healthy feeding practices are especially important for low socioeconomic children who are at increased risk of early childhood obesity. Targeting socioeconomically disadvantaged mothers for breastfeeding support and for infant‐led feeding strategies may reduce the negative association between SES and child obesity. The implications are discussed in terms of policy and practice.
Parental perception of child weight: a concept analysis
Authors: Mareno Nicole
Published: April 2013

Aim

This article is a report of an analysis of the concept of parental perception of child weight.

Background

Perception is commonly studied, but lacks a strong conceptual definition. Concept analysis is important in providing a conceptual definition of parental perception of child weight.

Design

Rodgers's evolutionary view of concept analysis guided this enquiry.

Data sources

A search of multiple nursing and social sciences databases was undertaken, includingCINAHL, Academic Search Complete, Science Direct, ProQuest, PsychINFO, Medline and SocINDEX.

Review methods

Data from 2000–2012 related to the concept of interest were reviewed. Fifty‐eight articles meeting the inclusion criteria were included. Key attributes, antecedent occurrences and consequences of the concept's use were identified. Thematic analysis revealed common themes related to the concept attributes, antecedents and consequences.

Results

Five attributes were identified including: parental recognition of body size, physical appearance, functional abilities, psychosocial effects and health effects related to body weight. Antecedents of this concept are parental beliefs and values about body weight, fatalism, societal normalization of overweight, parental weight status and parental mental health status. The consequences of this concept are parental concern, increased knowledge about obesity‐related health risks, motivation to make changes and family lifestyle changes. The ultimate goal is a healthy weight for the child.

Conclusions

A middle‐range explanatory theory of parental perception of child weight was proposed. Parents who recognize child weight issues may be motivated to initiate lifestyle changes, resulting in a healthy weight for the child.
New Clinical and Electrocardiographic Classification in Patients with Idiopathic Ventricular Fibrillation
Authors: SEKIGUCHI YUKIO , AONUMA KAZUTAKA , TAKAGI MASAHIKO , AIHARA NAOHIKO , YOKOYAMA YASUHIRO , HIRAOKA MASAYASU
Published: April 2013

A Subgroup of IVF Patients

Introduction

The presence of early repolarization (ER) recently has been considered as a prognostic marker for sudden cardiac death in patients with idiopathic ventricular fibrillation (IVF), but there are certain numbers of IVF patients lacking ER. We aimed to clarify the clinical and electrocardiographic characteristics of the patients with IVF in the presence and absence of ER.

Methods and results

We studied 64 consecutive IVF patients from the Japan Idiopathic Ventricular Fibrillation Study (J‐IVFS) registry, which subjected with at least one episode of documented VF in the absence of structural heart diseases and excluding Brugada syndrome. We assessed clinical and electrophysiological characteristics in the IVF patients with and without ER. ER was defined as J‐point elevation of >0.1 mV in either inferior or lateral leads. Twelve‐lead electrocardiogram (ECG) demonstrated 24 (38%) of 64 patients with ER (ER[+] group) and the remaining 40 (62%) patients without ER (ER[–] group ). ER[+] group had a male predominance (92% for males) and ER[–] group revealed nearly equal distribution in both sexes. While no patients in ER[+] group showed intraventricular conduction disturbance (CD) with abnormal axis deviation and/or bundle branch block in ECG, 9 in ER[–] group had signs of CD (ER[–]/CD[+] subgroup). ER[–]/CD[+] subgroup had prolonged P‐R interval and QRS duration compared to other patient groups.

Conclusion

We found 3 distinct ECG patterns in IVF patients. In addition to the presence and absence of ER, there is a subgroup without ER demonstrating intraventricular CD, which represents a distinct clinical entity of IVF.