bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The technical challenges of the Large Hadron Collider
Authors: Collier Paul
Published: November 2014

The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) is a 27 km circumference hadron collider, built at CERN to explore the energy frontier of particle physics. Approved in 1994, it was commissioned and began operation for data taking in 2009. The design and construction of the LHC presented many design, engineering and logistical challenges which involved pushing a number of technologies well beyond their level at the time. Since the start-up of the machine, there has been a very successful 3-year run with an impressive amount of data delivered to the LHC experiments. With an increasingly large stored energy in the beam, the operation of the machine itself presented many challenges and some of these will be discussed. Finally, the planning for the next 20 years has been outlined with progressive upgrades of the machine, first to nominal energy, then to progressively higher collision rates. At each stage the technical challenges are illustrated with a few examples.
Embracing thresholds for better environmental management
Authors: Kelly Ryan P. , Erickson Ashley L. , Mease Lindley A. , Battista Willow , Kittinger John N. , Fujita Rod
Published: November 2014

Three decades of study have revealed dozens of examples in which natural systems have crossed biophysical thresholds (‘tipping points’)—nonlinear changes in ecosystem structure and function—as a result of human-induced stressors, dramatically altering ecosystem function and services. Environmental management that avoids such thresholds could prevent severe social, economic and environmental impacts. Here, we review management measures implemented in ecological systems that have thresholds. Using Ostrom's social–ecological systems framework, we analysed key biophysical and institutional factors associated with 51 social–ecological systems and associated management regimes, and related these to management success defined by ecological outcomes. We categorized cases as instances of prospective or retrospective management, based upon whether management aimed to avoid a threshold or to restore systems that have crossed a threshold. We find that smaller systems are more amenable to threshold-based management, that routine monitoring is associated with successful avoidance of thresholds and recovery after thresholds have been crossed, and that success is associated with the explicit threshold-based management. These findings are powerful evidence for the policy relevance of information on ecological thresholds across a wide range of ecosystems.
Genetic landscape of populations along the Silk Road: admixture and migration patterns
Authors: Mezzavilla Massimo , Vozzi Diego , Pirastu Nicola , Girotto Giorgia , d’Adamo Pio , Gasparini Paolo , Colonna Vincenza
Published: November 2014

Background

The ancient Silk Road has been a trading route between Europe and Central Asia from the 2nd century BCE to the 15th century CE. While most populations on this route have been characterized, the genetic background of others remains poorly understood, and little is known about past migration patterns. The scientific expedition “Marco Polo” has recently collected genetic and phenotypic data in six regions (Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan) along the Silk Road to study the genetics of a number of phenotypes.

Results

We characterized the genetic structure of these populations within a worldwide context. We observed a West-East subdivision albeit the existence of a genetic component shared within Central Asia and nearby populations from Europe and Near East. We observed a contribution of up to 50% from Europe and Asia to most of the populations that have been analyzed. The contribution from Asia dates back to ~25 generations and is limited to the Eastern Silk Road. Time and direction of this contribution are consistent with the Mongolian expansion era.

Conclusions

We clarified the genetic structure of six populations from Central Asia and suggested a complex pattern of gene flow among them. We provided a map of migration events in time and space and we quantified exchanges among populations. Altogether these novel findings will support the future studies aimed at understanding the genetics of the phenotypes that have been collected during the Marco Polo campaign, they will provide insights into the history of these populations, and they will be useful to reconstruct the developments and events that have shaped modern Eurasians genomes.
Nuclear-weighted X-ray maximum entropy method – NXMEM
Authors: Christensen Sebastian , Bindzus Niels , Christensen Mogens , Brummerstedt Iversen Bo
Published: November 2014

Subtle structural features such as disorder and anharmonic motion may be accurately characterized from nuclear density distributions (NDDs). As a viable alternative to neutron diffraction, this paper introduces a new approach named the nuclear-weighted X-ray maximum entropy method (NXMEM) for reconstructing pseudo NDDs. It calculates an electron-weighted nuclear density distribution (eNDD), exploiting that X-ray diffraction delivers data of superior quality, requires smaller sample volumes and has higher availability. NXMEM is tested on two widely different systems: PbTe and Ba8Ga16Sn30. The first compound, PbTe, possesses a deceptively simple crystal structure on the macroscopic level that is unable to account for its excellent thermoelectric properties. The key mechanism involves local distortions, and the capability of NXMEM to probe this intriguing feature is established with simulated powder diffraction data. In the second compound, Ba8Ga16Sn30, disorder among the Ba guest atoms is analysed with both experimental and simulated single-crystal diffraction data. In all cases, NXMEM outperforms the maximum entropy method by substantially enhancing the nuclear resolution. The induced improvements correlate with the amount of available data, rendering NXMEM especially powerful for powder and low-resolution single-crystal diffraction. The NXMEM procedure can be implemented in existing software and facilitates widespread characterization of disorder in functional materials.
Do corporate social responsibility practices yield different business benefits in eastern and western contexts?
Authors: Wei Yu-Chen , P. Egri Carolyn , Yeh-Yun Lin Carol
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the extent to which societal culture has a moderating effect on the business benefits of corporate social responsibility (CSR).

Design/methodology/approach

– A cross-national research design was conducted using survey data collected from 164 firms in Taiwan and 196 firms in Canada.

Findings

– We found societal differences in the positive influence of CSR on corporate image and employee commitment. Specifically, we found that the relationships between CSR (customer-oriented and employee-oriented) and corporate image were stronger for Taiwanese firms than for Canadian firms. In addition, employee CSR was found to be more strongly associated with higher employee commitment in Taiwan than in Canada. While customer CSR was associated with enhanced customer loyalty, this relationship was similar for firms in both countries.

Research limitations/implications

– Multi-informants for data collection and longitudinal research design in future research would be required for further understanding of the relationships among the variables in this study.

Practical implications

– This paper suggests that the business benefits of customer and employee CSR practices may yield relatively greater competitive advantages in East Asian countries where CSR is not as established or taken for granted as in Western countries.

Originality/value

– This study draws on the strategic perspective to investigate the value of CSR practices yielding different business benefits in contrasting cultural contexts.
The relative informational efficiency of stocks, options and credit default swaps during the financial crisis
Authors: Amadori Maria Chiara , Bekkour Lamia , Lehnert Thorsten
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to investigate informational efficiency of stock, options and credit default swap (CDS) markets. Previous research suggests that informed traders prefer equity option and CDS markets over stock markets to exploit their informational advantage. As a result, equity and credit derivative markets contribute more to price discovery compared to stock markets.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this study, the authors investigate the dynamics behind informed investors’ trading decisions in European stock, options and CDS markets. This allows to identify the predictive explanatory power of the unique information contained in each market with respect to future stock, CDS and option market movements.

Findings

– A lead-lag relation is found between the CDS market and the other markets, in which changes in CDS spreads are able to consistently forecast changes in stock prices and equity options’ implied volatilities, indicating how the fast-growing CDS market seems to play a special role in the price discovery process. Moreover, in contrast to results of US studies, the stock market is found to forecast changes in the other two markets, suggesting that investors also prefer stock market involvement to exploit their information advantages before moving to CDS and option markets. Interestingly, these patterns have only emerged during the recent financial crisis, while before the crisis, the option market was found to be of major importance in the price discovery process.

Originality/value

– The authors are the first to study the lead-lag relationship among European stock, option and CDS markets for a large sample period covering the financial crisis.
Ethics and values
Authors: Feikis Jonelle , McHugh Avery , Lane Samuel
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the similarities and differences in the ethics and values seen within the USA, Brazil, Canada and the United Kingdom. By comparing these three countries to the USA, we can conclude the appropriate means in which to conduct business and research with any of the corresponding countries. This, in turn, will serve as a major asset to global business alike and prove to be monumental in the ways it breaks down cultural barriers to promote the sanctity of business worldwide.

Design/methodology/approach

– The USA, Brazil, Canada and the United Kingdom were examined extensively on each of their ethics and values to fully grasp what the literature of previous empirical research stated. Throughout the literary research, data and surveys can be found to further emphasize the value and reliability of empirical research. Through the collaboration of thoughts and the literature that was discovered, we can draw conclusions about the similarities and differences between the USA, Brazil, Canada and the United Kingdom. It is clear that among the different countries ethics, values and cultural norms come into play when partaking in business.

Findings

– There were many similarities and differences that lied between the different countries. Of those similarities, it was especially noticeable between the USA, Canada and the United Kingdom. This is due to the fact that these three countries have similar forms of common law governmental systems that are established and help form moral guidelines and parameters for doing business. Despite the fact that both the United Kingdom and Canada are under the rule of a Constitutional Monarchy, it is apparent that because the USA, United Kingdom and Canada have a free market economy all three operate at a similar capacity in terms of business.

Originality/value

– This paper is original and provides value by taking a unique review of literature and reviewing previous research on the topic. Specific suggestions for future research are offered at the end of this paper.
The house gun: White writing, white fears and black justice (Respond to this article at http://www.therai.org.uk/at/debate)
Authors: Scheper‐Hughes Nancy
Published: November 2014

One way of understanding the Pistorius case is through the powerful writings of white South African authors such as Nobel Prize laureate Nadine Gordimer's anticipatory post‐apartheid novel, The house gun, in which she imagined a scenario similar to the one played out in the Pistorius trial where white fears and black justice met in the courtroom. South Africa is not unique. The mobilization of white peoples' fear of black or brown ‘intruders’ has infected other divided nations, like the United States and Israel. Here the social and architectural construction of ‘white’ settler or settler‐like special enclosures fortified by the legal right to self‐defence with private weapons has reproduced a colonial ‘paranoid ethos’ and a dangerous denial of the violence that is nested like a coiled rattlesnake from within their own segregated and hypervigilant enclosures.
Fei Xiao Tong: A public intellectual in Communist China (Respond to this article at http://www.therai.org.uk/at/debate)
Authors: Morgan W. John
Published: November 2014

This article focuses on Fei Xiao Tong's status as a public intellectual in Maoist China, his place in the ‘red or expert’ struggle, his fate during the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution, and his cautious return to academic prominence and as an influential Chinese public intellectual in post‐Maoist China.
Comparison and Chemometric Analysis of the Phenolic Compounds and Organic Acids Composition of Chinese Wines
Authors: Tang Ke , Ma Lei , Han Ye‐Hui , Nie Yao , Li Ji‐Ming , Xu Yan
Published: November 2014

Characteristics of 106 wines from 5 major grape varieties and 3 typical geographic regions in China were investigated by means of profiling of organic acids and phenolic compounds analysis. An ultra‐performance liquid chromatography method was developed and thus, large number of samples could be determined in a quick and reliable way. The results showed that different origins and varieties were characteristic of various profiles of organic acid and phenolic compounds. In order to investigate possible correlation between organic acids and phenolic compounds content and grape variety and/or geographical origin, analysis of variance and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) were conducted. A satisfactory LDA result for red wines according to geographic origin was obtained, in which the correct classification was 100% and the leave‐one‐out validation accuracy was 90%. The corresponding results of white wines were 91% and 86%, respectively. When LDA was processed, according to grape varieties, the proportionality of successfully classified wines was 96%, while the leave‐one‐out validation accuracy was 94%. The organic acids and phenolic compounds profiles were useful in the classification of Chinese wines according to grape variety and geographic origin.
Widespread Effects of Alcohol on White Matter Microstructure
Authors: Fortier Catherine B. , Leritz Elizabeth C. , Salat David H. , Lindemer Emily , Maksimovskiy Arkadiy L. , Shepel Juli , Williams Victoria , Venne Jonathan R. , Milberg William P. , McGlinchey Regina E.
Published: November 2014

Background

Evidence suggests that chronic misuse of alcohol may preferentially affect the integrity of frontal white matter (WM) tracts, which can impact executive functions important to achieve and maintain abstinence.

Methods

Global and regional WM microstructure was assessed using diffusion magnetic resonance measures of fractional anisotropy (FA) for 31 abstinent alcoholics (ALC) with an average of 25 years of abuse and approximately 5 years of sobriety and 20 nonalcoholic control (NC) participants. Data processing was conducted with FreeSurfer and FSL processing streams. Voxelwise processing of the FA data was carried out using tract‐based spatial statistics. Clusters of significance were created to provide a quantitative summary of highly significant regions within the voxelwise analysis.

Results

Widespread, bilateral reductions in FA were observed in ALC as compared to NC participants in multiple frontal, temporal, parietal, and cerebellar WM tracts. FA in the left inferior frontal gyrus was associated with drinking severity.

Conclusions

This study found widespread reductions in WM integrity in a group of ALC compared to NC participants, with most pronounced effects in frontal and superior tracts. Decreased FA throughout the frontostriatal circuits that mediate inhibitory control may result in impulsive behavior and inability to maintain sobriety.
Fn14 Receptor Appears as a Modulator Of Ovarian Steroid‐Related Regulation Of Goat Endometrial Epithelial Cell IL‐18 expression
Authors: Lei Mingzhu , Qin Lijuan , Wang Aihua , Jin Yaping , Zhao Xianjun , Qi Xuefeng
Published: November 2014

Problem

Tumor necrosis factor‐like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK)/fibroblast growth factor‐inducible 14 (Fn14) interactions affect the regulation of cytotoxic/immunotrophic pathways that are themselves under control of IL‐18. The effect of Fn14 on regulation of endometrium IL‐18 expression, however, remains unclear.

Method and study

The aim was to determine the mode of ovarian steroid action in regulating Fn14 expression by goat endometrial epithelial cells (EECs) in the presence and absence of endometrial stromal cells (ESCs). The possible role of Fn14 on the expression of IL‐18 by EECs was also evaluated.

Results

Opposite effects of E2 and/or P4 on the regulation of both Fn14 mRNA and protein expression by EECs were observed in the presence and absence of ESCs. Fn14 knockdown by blocking antibody or siRNA resulted in a decrease of IL‐18 mRNA and protein levels in EECs cocultured with ESCs, and no significant difference of the IL‐18 mRNA and protein levels in the EECs was observed between steroid treatment group and control group.

Conclusion

These findings confirm the importance of steroids in controlling Fn14 expression in goat EECs. Furthermore, Fn14 appears as a novel modulator of the steroid‐related IL‐18 expression in EECs in the presence of ESCs.
No association between rs6897932 in the gene encoding interleukin‐7 receptor α and low‐grade inflammation or self‐reported health – results from the Danish Blood Donor Study
Authors: Hartling Hans J. , Sørensen Cecilie J. , Rigas Andreas S. , Burgdorf Kristoffer S. , Nielsen Susanne D. , Pedersen Ole B. , Petersen Mikkel S. , Sørensen Erik , Kotzé Sebastian , Thørner Lise W. , Hjalgrim Henrik , Erikstrup Christian , Ullum Henrik
Published: November 2014

The T‐allele in the single nucleotide polymorphism rs6897932 in the gene encoding the IL‐7 receptor α (IL7RA) is associated with reduced risk of autoimmune diseases including multiple sclerosis and also affects the course of HIV infection. Low‐grade inflammation (LGI) and self‐reported, health‐related quality of life (HRQL) are often associated with chronic diseases and widely used in assessing and monitoring health status. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether the T‐allele in rs6897932 is associated with reduced risk of LGI (hsCRP 3–10 mg/L), history of infectious mononucleosis (IM), and HRQL in healthy individuals. A total of 17, 293 healthy Danish individuals from the Danish Blood Donor Study were included in the analyses. We tested rs6897932 as a predictor of LGI, self‐reported IM, and HRQL in univariable and multivariable models stratified by sex. No associations between rs6897932 and LGI, self‐reported IM or HRQL were found in men or women. This suggests that rs6897932 is not associated with general inflammation, and the reported associations between the T‐allele in rs6897932 with several autoimmune diseases may be mediated through effects on a restricted part of the immune system.
Hyponatraemic encephalopathy in azotaemic neonatal foals: four cases
Authors: Hardefeldt LY
Published: November 2014

Case series

Four neonatal foals were presented, over a 2‐year period, (2011–2012) with aimlessly walking, head pressing, ‘chewing gum’ seizures and ataxia. The neurological lesion was consistent with increased intracranial pressure in all cases. All foals had severe hyponatraemia and azotaemia identified on biochemistry. Hyponatraemia was transient in 3/4 cases, with the foal in the final case requiring long‐term sodium supplementation. Three foals survived to hospital discharge; one was euthanased because of anuric renal failure and one of the surviving foals was euthanased with septic osteomyelitis 2 weeks after initial discharge.

Conclusion

Correction of the sodium deficit resulted in resolution of the neurological signs in these foals; however, azotaemia was slow to resolve, suggesting acute renal failure.
Prevalence and severity of anthelmintic resistance in ovine gastrointestinal nematodes in Australia (2009–2012)
Authors: Playford MC , Smith AN , Love S , Besier RB , Kluver P , Bailey JN
Published: November 2014

Objective

This study aimed to provide an indication of the prevalence and severity of anthelmintic resistance (AR) in the Australian sheep industry by compiling the results of faecal worm egg count reduction tests (FECRTs).

Methods

Government and private parasitology laboratories, pharmaceutical companies and veterinarians known to have conducted FECRTs were asked to provide results that conformed to Australian and New Zealand standard diagnostic procedures.

Results

Data were available from a total of 390 tests, with larval differentiation conducted in 222 cases. Pooled results from all states for the macrocyclic lactone (ML) class showed a lower prevalence of AR against combined species for moxidectin (54%) compared with abamectin (77%) and ivermectin (87%). Analysis by state revealed higher levels of ML‐resistant Teladorsagia sp. in Tasmania and Western Australia than in other states and ML‐resistant Haemonchus sp. was more frequently detected in New South Wales.

Conclusion

This compilation of results of FECRTs conducted by Australian parasitology laboratories in 2009–12 showed widespread AR of the common sheep nematodes (Teladorsagia, Trichostrongylus and Haemonchus) to all broad‐spectrum anthelmintics, with the exception of monepantel, whether used singly or in combination.
Inpatient Drug Utilization in Europe: Nationwide Data Sources and a Review of Publications on a Selected Group of Medicines (PROTECT Project)
Authors: Sabaté Mònica , Ferrer Pili , Ballarín Elena , Rottenkolber Marietta , Amelio Justyne , Schmiedl Sven , Reynolds Robert , Klungel Olaf , Ibáñez Luisa ,   PROTECT Work Package 2
Published: November 2014

Drug utilization (DU) studies in inpatient settings at a national level are rarely conducted. The main objective of this study was to review the general information on hospital medicine management in Europe and to report on the availability and characteristics of nationwide administrative drug consumption databases. A secondary objective was to perform a review of published studies on hospital DU of a group of selected drugs, focusing on methodological characteristics (ATC/DDD). General information on hospital drug management was retrieved from several websites, nationwide administrative drug consumption databases and reports published by governmental organizations. A PubMed search was conducted using keywords related to the selected group of drugs AND ‘hospital drug utilization’. The data sources for hospital DU information varied widely and included 14 databases from 25 reviewed countries. Bulgaria, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Hungary, Iceland, Latvia, Norway and Sweden obtain information on inpatient DU at a national level from wholesalers/manufacturers. In Belgium, Italy and Portugal, drugs dispensed to patients in hospitals are registered at a national level. Data are freely available online only for Denmark and Iceland. From the PubMed search, of a total of 868 retrieved studies, only 13 studies used the ATC/DDD methodology. Although the number of DDD/100 bed‐days was used in four studies, other units of measure were also used. The type of information provided for the inpatient sector allowed primarily for conducting DU research at an aggregated data level. The existence of national administrative structures to monitor hospital DU would contribute to promoting the rational use of medicines and improving the safety and quality of prescribing.
Pentraxin 3 is reduced in bipolar disorder
Authors: Dickerson Faith , Stallings Cassie , Origoni Andrea , Katsafanas Emily , Schweinfurth Lucy AB , Savage Christina LG , Khushalani Sunil , Yolken Robert
Published: November 2014

Objective

Immunologic abnormalities have been found in bipolar disorder but pentraxin 3, a marker of innate immunity, has not been studied in this population.

Methods

Levels of pentraxin 3 were measured in individuals with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and non‐psychiatric controls. Linear regression models were used to compare the pentraxin 3 levels in each of the psychiatric groups to that in the control group, adjusting for demographic and clinical variables. Logistic regression models were used to calculate the odds ratios associated with levels of pentraxin 3 which differed from specified levels of the control group.

Results

The sample consisted of 831 individuals: 256 with bipolar disorder, 309 with schizophrenia, and 266 without a psychiatric disorder. The levels of pentraxin 3 in the bipolar disorder, but not in the schizophrenia, group were significantly lower than those of controls, adjusting for age, gender, race, maternal education, smoking status, and body mass index (t = −3.78, p < 0.001). The individuals with bipolar disorder also had significantly increased odds of having low levels of pentraxin 3 relative to both the 10th and 25th percentile level of the controls and significantly decreased odds of having a level greater than the 75th and the 90th percentile level of the controls, adjusting for the same covariates.

Conclusions

Individuals with bipolar disorder have low levels of pentraxin 3 which may reflect impaired innate immunity. An increased understanding of the role of innate immunity in the etiopathogenesis of bipolar disorder might lead to new modalities for the diagnosis and treatment of this disorder.
Tectonics of the Xining Basin in NW China and its implications for the evolution of the NE Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Zhang Jin , Wang Yannan , Zhang Beihang , Zhang Yiping
Published: November 2014

The continuous Cenozoic strata in the Xining Basin record the growth and evolution of the northeastern Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau. Here, the mechanisms and evolution of the Xining Basin during the Cenozoic were investigated by studying the sedimentary facies of 22 Cenozoic sections across the basin and detrital zircon U‐Pb ages of three Cenozoic sections located in the eastern, central and western basin, respectively. In the Eocene (ca. 50–44 Ma), the India‐Eurasia Collision affected the northeastern Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau. The Central Qilian Block rotated clockwise by ca. 24° to form the Xining Basin. The Triassic flysch sediments surrounding the basin were the primary sources of sediment. Between ca. 44–40 Ma, the basin enlarged and deepened, and sedimentation was dominated by saline lake sediments. Between ca. 40–25.5 Ma, the Xining Basin began to shrink and dry, resulting in the deposition of saline pan and saline mudflat sediments in the basin. After ca. 20 Ma, the Laji Shan to the south of the Xining Basin was uplifted due to the northward compression of the Guide Basin to the south. Clasts that eroded from this range dominated the sediments as the basin evolved from a lacustrine environment into a fluvial system. The Xining Basin was an extensional basin in the Early Cenozoic, but changed into a compressive one during the Late Cenozoic, it was not a foreland basin either to the Kunlun Shan or to the western Qinling Shan in the whole Cenozoic. The formation and deformation of the Xining Basin are the direct responses of the India‐Eurasia Collision and the growth of the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau.
Development of haemophilic arthropathy of the ankle: results of a Delphi consensus survey on potential contributory factors
Authors: McCarthy A. , Moore A. , Redhead L. , McLaughlin P. , Iorio A. , Chowdary P.
Published: November 2014

The evidence base to support the prevention of haemophilic arthropathy remains incomplete. In particular there is a lack of evidence regarding the potential influence of non‐haematological factors. Additionally the ankle joint, the most affected joint in the primary prophylaxis era, has biochemical and structural features that should offer some protection from degeneration. Therefore, this study aimed to ascertain expert opinions on the potential contributory factors in order to inform a research agenda. The Delphi method, a group forum technique to achieve consensus of expert opinion was selected. It allows anonymous participation of a geographically disparate panel. A modified three‐round design was used with a multi‐professional international panel from 11 countries, 280 suggestions with the potential to influence arthropathy development were submitted in Round 1. These were analysed for theme, giving 47 factors in four categories: musculoskeletal intrinsic, extrinsic affecting physical health, compliance, education and non‐haematological management, and haemophilia related. Subsequently, consensus was ascertained on their importance for study. At survey completion, 31 panellists (86%) completed. 41 factors reached the pre‐selected level for consensus and 6 were rejected. The breadth of the factors put forward suggests that the panel believe pathogenesis of HA is multifactorial. Panel composition indicates results with high face and content validity capable of guiding future research. Developing an understanding of the relative influence of factors in each patient has the potential of not only individualizing replacement therapy with regard to frequency and trough levels but also individualizing other interventions that promote musculoskeletal health.
Efficacy of naftopidil for nocturia in male patients with lower urinary tract symptoms: Comparison of morning and evening dosing
Authors: Tanaka Tomoaki , Kuratsukuri Katsuyuki , Yoshimura Rikio , Adachi Takahisa , Yamaguchi Tetsuo , Ohmachi Tetsuji , Yamamoto Shinji , Nakamura Takahiro , Tamada Satoshi , Nakatani Tatsuya
Published: November 2014

Objectives

To examine the difference in improvement of lower urinary tract symptoms between morning and evening dosing of α1‐blocker naftopidil.

Methods

A total of 177 male patients with nocturia were included in the present study and randomized to morning or evening dosing of naftopidil. The International Prostate Symptom Score, quality of life index and nocturia quality of life index were compared between the two study groups at 12 weeks.

Results

A total of 143 patients (morning group: n = 70, evening group: n = 73) were analyzed as a result of the dropout of 34 patients because of failure to give consent, adverse events and failure to attend. Nocturia, quality of life index and nocturia quality of life index at 12 weeks were significantly better in the evening group compared with the morning group. In a multivariate model, both the dosing time of naftopidil and the initial nocturia quality of life index were significantly associated with change in nocturia quality of life index.

Conclusions

Evening dosing of naftopidil seems to be more effective in treating nocturia in male patients with lower urinary tract symptoms.
Lessons learnt from a feasibility study on price incentivised healthy eating promotions in workplace catering establishments
Authors: Mackison D. , Mooney J. , Macleod M. , Anderson A. S.
Published: November 2014

Background

It is recognised that the worksite catering sector is likely to play a pivotal role in influencing dietary intake in adults of working age. The present study aimed to assess the feasibility of engaging worksites in a healthy eating intervention, implementing a price incentivised main meal intervention and measuring indicative intervention responses to inform the design of a future trial.

Methods

Workplaces registered with the Scottish Healthy Living Award were invited to participate. The EatSMART intervention (a reduced price, healthy meal combination plus promotions) was implemented over 10 weeks in two worksites. Implementation was assessed by observational and sales data. Indicative effects on food habits were measured using online pre‐ and post‐intervention questionnaires. Focus group discussions and interviews were used to determine catering staff and consumer acceptability.

Results

Thirty‐seven worksites were invited to participate and four worksites responded positively. Two sites (with 1600 and 500 employees, respectively) participated. Both required significant implementation support. Estimated sales data indicated that the uptake of promoted items varied by week (range 60–187 items) and by site. A poor response rate from questionnaires limited the evaluation of intervention impact. Consumers reported improved value for money and quality. Both sites reported an intention to continue the intervention delivery.

Conclusions

Significant efforts are required to engage worksite catering teams and implement healthy eating interventions. Evaluation methods require further development to improve data collection. Responses from consumers and catering staff suggest that further work in this area would be welcomed.
Effect of a high‐fat meal containing conventional or high‐oleic peanuts on post‐prandial lipopolysaccharide concentrations in overweight/obese men
Authors: Moreira A. P. B. , Teixeira T. F. S. , Alves R. D. M. , Peluzio M. C. G. , Costa N. M. B. , Bressan J. , Mattes R. , Alfenas R. C. G.
Published: November 2014

Background

An increased plasma lipopolysaccharide (LPS) concentration may favour metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance. The meal composition influences plasma LPS concentrations. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of the acute consumption of a high‐fat meal (49% of energy from fat) containing conventional or high‐oleic peanuts on post‐prandial LPS concentrations and its relationship with lipaemia and insulinaemia in overweight and obese men.

Methods

The test meal consisted of a shake containing conventional peanuts (CVP; n = 21), high‐oleic peanuts (HOP; n = 23) or a control biscuit (CT; n = 21). Blood samples were collected in the fasting state and 1, 2 and 3 h post‐prandially. LPS, insulin, lipids and glucose concentrations were assessed.

Results

LPS concentrations were lower in CVP [mean (SE) 0.7 (0.5) EU mL−1] and HOP [1.0 (0.9) EU mL−1] groups compared to CT [1.6 (1.2) EU mL−1] at 3 h post‐prandially. Triacylglycerol and insulin concentrations increased in all groups. Triacylglycerol started to increase only after 2 h in the CVP and HOP groups. LPS correlated positively with triacylglycerol. Insulin returned to basal concentrations at 3 h only in the CVP and HOP groups.

Conclusions

The acute consumption of peanuts delayed the increase in serum triacylglycerol and favoured the quicker return of insulin to basal concentrations, especially in the CVP group. Our results suggest that the consumption of conventional or high‐oleic peanuts may help to reduce the risk of endotoxaemia and metabolic disorders.
Bilingualism, executive control, and age at diagnosis among people with early‐stage Alzheimer's disease in Wales
Authors: Clare Linda , Whitaker Christopher J. , Craik Fergus I. M. , Bialystok Ellen , Martyr Anthony , Martin‐Forbes Pamela A. , Bastable Alexandra J. M. , Pye Kirstie L. , Quinn Catherine , Thomas Enlli M. , Gathercole Virginia C. Mueller , Hindle John V.
Published: November 2014

The observation of a bilingual advantage in executive control tasks involving inhibition and management of response conflict suggests that being bilingual might contribute to increased cognitive reserve. In support of this, recent evidence indicates that bilinguals develop Alzheimer's disease (AD) later than monolinguals, and may retain an advantage in performance on executive control tasks. We compared age at the time of receiving an AD diagnosis in bilingual Welsh/English speakers (n = 37) and monolingual English speakers (n = 49), and assessed the performance of bilinguals (n = 24) and monolinguals (n = 49) on a range of executive control tasks. There was a non‐significant difference in age at the time of diagnosis, with bilinguals being on average 3 years older than monolinguals, but bilinguals were also significantly more cognitively impaired at the time of diagnosis. There were no significant differences between monolinguals and bilinguals in performance on executive function tests, but bilinguals appeared to show relative strengths in the domain of inhibition and response conflict. Bilingual Welsh/English speakers with AD do not show a clear advantage in executive function over monolingual English speakers, but may retain some benefits in inhibition and management of response conflict. There may be a delay in onset of AD in Welsh/English bilinguals, but if so, it is smaller than that found in some other clinical populations. In this Welsh sample, bilinguals with AD came to the attention of services later than monolinguals, and reasons for this pattern could be explored further.
Differences in the handover process and perception between nurses and residents in a critical care setting
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Amartya , Leong Benjamin SH , Lua Adela , Aroos Rana , Wong Jie Jun , Koh Nicola , Goh Nicholette , See Kay Choong , Phua Jason , Kowitlawakul Yanika
Published: November 2014

Aims and objectives

To identify the differences in practices and perceptions of handovers between nurses and residents in the critical care setting, so as to improve the quality of the process.

Background

Critically ill patients with complex problems are ideal for the study of handovers. However, few handover studies have been conducted in intensive care units.

Design

Descriptive study using questionnaires.

Methods

We interviewed all nurses and residents involved in handovers of patients admitted to and discharged from a medical intensive care unit over a period of one month. Interviews were guided by a questionnaire and conducted between 24–48 hours of handovers.

Results

Out of 672 eligible participants, 580 (290 nurses and 290 residents) agreed to participate in the study (86·3% response rate). Compared to residents, nurses received more training on handovers, covered issues specific to allied health specialties more frequently during handovers, and reviewed patients earlier after handovers. The perceived importance of the different components of handover varied significantly: donor residents, donor nurses, recipient residents and recipient nurses emphasised the overall management plan, case complexity, management plan over the next 48 hours and past medical history, including allergies, respectively. Satisfaction in the handover was related to pre‐handover review of electronic medical records, handover training and clarity level in the management plan following the handover, with only the last factor remaining significant on multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

More nurses than residents received prior training in handovers. Nursing handovers were more inclusive of allied health specialties. The perceived importance of the components of handover varied. Greater clarity in management plans was associated with better satisfaction.

Relevance to clinical practice

Deficiencies in the handover process (lack of prior training in handovers, not including allied health specialties and not reviewing electronic records before handover) were identified, thus providing opportunities for mutual learning between nurses and residents.
Using mobile phone text messages to improve insulin injection technique and glycaemic control in patients with diabetes mellitus: a multi‐centre study in Turkey
Authors: Celik Selda , Cosansu Gulhan , Erdogan Semra , Kahraman Alev , Isik Sengul , Bayrak Gulay , Bektas Belgin , Olgun Nermin
Published: November 2014

Aim and objectives

To improve the knowledge and skills of diabetic patients on insulin injections using mobile phone short message services and to evaluate the association of this intervention with metabolic outcomes.

Background

Mobile communication technologies are widely used in Turkey, which maintains a diabetic population of more than 6·5 million. However, there are a limited number of studies using mobile technologies in the challenging and complicated management of diabetes.

Design

A one group pretest–posttest design was used in this study.

Methods

The study sample consisted of 221 people with type 1 and type 2 Diabetes Mellitus from eight outpatient clinics in six cities in Turkey. The ‘Demographic and diabetes‐related information Form’ and ‘Insulin Injection Technique and Knowledge Form’ were used in the initial interview. Subsequently, 12 short messages related to insulin administration were sent to patients twice a week for six months. Each patient's level of knowledge and skills regarding both the insulin injection technique and glycaemic control (glycated haemoglobin A1c) levels were measured at three months and six months during the text messaging period and six months later (12 months total) when text messaging was stopped.

Results

The mean age of the patients with diabetes was 39·8 ± 16·2 years (min: 18; max: 75). More than half of the patients were females with a mean duration of diabetes of 11·01 ± 7·22 years (min 1; max: 32). Following the text message reminders, the patients’ level of knowledge and skills regarding the insulin injection technique improved at month 3 and 6 (p < 0·05). The patients’ A1c levels statistically significantly decreased at the end of month 3, 6 and 12 compared to the baseline values (p < 0·05). The number of insulin injection sites and the frequency of rotation of skin sites for insulin injections also increased.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that a short message services‐based information and reminder system on insulin injection administration provided to insulin‐dependent patients with diabetes by nurses resulted in improved self‐administration of insulin and metabolic control.

Relevance to clinical practice

Today, with the increased use of mobile communication technologies, it is possible for nurses to facilitate diabetes management by using these technologies. We believe that mobile technologies, which are not only easy to use and to follow‐up with by healthcare providers, are associated with positive clinical outcomes for patients and should be more commonly used in the daily practice of diabetes management.
Melatonin compensates silencing of heat shock protein 70 and suppresses ultraviolet radiation‐induced inflammation in human skin ex vivo and cultured keratinocytes
Authors: Kleszczyński Konrad , Zwicker Stephanie , Tukaj Stefan , Kasperkiewicz Michael , Zillikens Detlef , Wolf Ronald , Fischer Tobias W.
Published: November 2014

Melatonin, a lipophilic compound synthesized and released from the pineal gland, effectively acts against ultraviolet radiation (UVR), one of the main inducers of epidermal damage, skin cancer, inflammation, and DNA photo damage. One of the common known stress protein induced by UVR is heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70), highly expressed in human keratinocytes, providing cellular resistance to such stressors. Here, using human full‐thickness skin and normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK), we investigated the interaction of melatonin and Hsp70 toward UVR‐induced inflammatory and apoptotic responses. The following observations were made: (i) UVR upregulated Hsp70 gene expression in human epidermis while melatonin significantly inverted this effect, (ii) similar patterns of regulation were observed within Hsp70 protein level, and (iii) mechanistic studies involving silencing of Hsp70 RNA (Hsp70 siRNA) showed prominent decrease of IκB‐α (an inhibitor of NF‐κB) and enhanced gene expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines (IL‐1β, IL‐6, Casp‐1) and pro‐apoptotic protein (Casp‐3) in NHEK. Parallel investigation using melatonin (10−3 m) significantly inverted these responses regardless depletion of Hsp70 RNA suggesting a compensatory action of this compound in the defense mechanisms. Our findings combined with data reported so far thus enrich existing knowledge about the potent anti‐apoptotic and anti‐inflammatory action of melatonin.
The Rab GTPase YPT‐1 associates with Golgi cisternae and Spitzenkörper microvesicles in Neurospora crassa
Authors: Sánchez‐León Eddy , Bowman Barry , Seidel Constanze , Fischer Reinhard , Novick Peter , Riquelme Meritxell
Published: November 2014

Vesicle traffic involves budding, transport, tethering and fusion of vesicles with acceptor membranes. GTP‐bound small Rab GTPases interact with the membrane of vesicles, promoting their association with other factors before their subsequent fusion. Filamentous fungi contain at their hyphal apex the Spitzenkörper (Spk), a multivesicular structure to which vesicles concentrate before being redirected to specific cell sites. The regulatory mechanisms ensuring the directionality of the vesicles that travel to the Spk are still unknown. Hence, we analyzed YPT‐1, the Neurospora crassa homologue of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Ypt1p (Rab1), which regulates different secretory pathway events. Laser scanning confocal microscopy revealed fluorescently tagged YPT‐1 at the Spk and putative Golgi cisternae. Co‐expression of YPT‐1 and predicted post‐Golgi Rab GTPases showed YPT‐1 confined to the Spk microvesicular core, while SEC‐4 (Rab8) and YPT‐31 (Rab11) occupied the Spk macrovesicular peripheral layer, suggesting that trafficking and organization of macro and microvesicles at the Spk are regulated by distinct Rabs. Partial colocalization of YPT‐1 with USO‐1 (p115) and SEC‐7 indicated the additional participation of YPT‐1 at early and late Golgi trafficking steps.
Can family history and cord blood IgE predict sensitization and allergic diseases up to adulthood?
Authors: Nissen Susanne P. , Kjær Henrik F. , Høst Arne , Nielsen Jan , Halken Susanne
Published: November 2014

Background

Long‐term studies of the predictive value of family history and cord blood IgE level until adulthood are few, and their conclusions have been contradictory.

Methods

Screening of total IgE in 1617 cord blood samples was performed in a Danish birth cohort. All infants with cord blood IgE (CB‐IgE) ≥0.5 kU/l and a corresponding randomly chosen group with CB‐IgE <0.5 kU/l were chosen for follow‐up. Questionnaire‐based interviews, physical examination, specific IgE testing, and from 10 yr also spirometry, were carried out at 1½, 5, 10, 15, and 26 yr. Predefined diagnostic criteria were used.

Results

A total of 455 infants were included, 188 with CB‐IgE ≥0.5 kU/l and 267 with CB‐IgE <0.5 kU/l. Follow‐up rates were high, 288 (63%) attended the 26‐yr follow‐up. Family history and elevated CB‐IgE were significantly associated to allergic disease until 26 yr. Concerning any allergic symptoms at 1½ yr the positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV), the sensitivity and specificity of CB‐IgE ≥0.5 kU/l, was 29%, 81%, 54%, and 61%, respectively. The corresponding figures at 26 yr were 46%, 62%, 43%, and 65%. Overall, family history as well as CB‐IgE ≥0.5 kU/l was associated with high NPV and specificity, but low PPV and sensitivity.

Conclusion

Although family history and elevated CB‐IgE were significantly associated with primarily atopic disease until 26 yr, none of these were strong predictors for subsequent sensitization and allergic symptoms from childhood until early adulthood. It appears that the predictive capacity of CB‐IgE decreases in adolescence and early adulthood.