bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and risk factors of atopic diseases in German children and adolescents
Authors: Schmitz Roma , Atzpodien Karen , Schlaud Martin
Published: August 2012

To cite this artcle: Schmitz R, Atzpodien K, Schlaud M. Prevalence and risk factors of atopic diseases in German children and adolescents – findings from the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS). Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2012: 23: 716–723.

Background:  Atopic diseases became an important health problem in affluent Western societies.

Methods:  To study the prevalence and factors associated with the risk of atopic diseases in Germany, data from the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS) were analysed (n = 17,450). Standardized, computer‐assisted personal interviews with parents and parent‐administered questionnaires provided physician diagnoses of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, atopic dermatitis and asthma as well as data on demographic characteristics, migration background, birth order, age at the beginning of nursery, atopic diseases of parents, parents’ smoking status, parents’ occupation, breastfeeding and living environment.

Results:  The life‐time prevalence of atopic dermatitis was 13.2% (95% confidence limit: 12.5–13.9%), 10.7% (10.1–11.3%) for allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and 4.7% (4.3–5.1%) for asthma. At least one atopic disease in parents was the strongest factor associated with atopic diseases in the offspring, with a prevalence ratio of up to 2.6. High and middle socio‐economic status (prevalence ratio, 95% confidence limit: 1.28, 1.12–1.46; 1.15, 1.01–1.32) were associated with the risk of atopic dermatitis, whereas a two‐sided background of migration reduced the risk (0.76, 0.65–0.88). Factors that reduced the risk of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis were parents working as self‐employed farmers (0.48, 0.30–0.76) and older siblings (0.80, 0.71–0.89), whereas the beginning of nursery school at older age was associated with an increased risk in children who were cared for outside the family before school age (1.05, 1.00–1.10). Living in mould‐infested rooms (1.64, 1.23–2.19), an urban living environment (1.20, 1.02–1.42) and a smoking mother and/or father (1.20, 1.02–1.40) were associated with the risk of asthma.

Conclusions:  Our results are in line with the so‐called ‘hygiene hypothesis’, which emphasizes the role of environmental factors in addition to a genetic predisposition in the development of atopic diseases. Research on factors associated with atopic diseases can facilitate decisions on preventive strategies. Further studies are needed to explore trends in prevalence and risk factors for atopic diseases.
Patch Use in Free‐Ranging Goats: Does a Large Mammalian Herbivore Forage like Other Central Place Foragers?
Authors: Shrader Adrian M. , Kerley Graham I. H. , Brown Joel S. , Kotler Burt P.
Published: August 2012

Classic central place foraging theory does not focus on the foraging of central place herbivores. This is especially true with regard to large mammalian herbivores. To understand the foraging dynamics of these neglected foragers, we measured giving‐up densities (GUDs) in artificial food patches. We did this at different distances away from the central point (i.e. corral) for a herd of free‐ranging domestic goats. To determine temporal changes, we conducted the study over a 3‐mo period during an extended dry season. Throughout our study, goats foraged across a gradient of food availability where forage was more available farther away from the central point. In contrast to the prediction that predation risk and/or increased travel costs were the main drivers of foraging decisions, we found that the goats increased their feeding effort (i.e. achieved lowerGUDs) the farther away they moved from the central point. This suggests that either metabolic or missed opportunity costs were the main factors that influenced foraging decisions. In addition, we suggest that social foraging may have also played a role. With increases in foraging opportunities away from the central point, a herd will likely move slowly while foraging. As a result, individuals can feed intensively from patches but remain part of the group. Ironically, owing to the sustained close proximity of other group members, individuals may perceive patches farther from the central point as being safer. Temporally, the goats increased their feeding effort throughout the dry season. This suggests there was a decline in food quality and/or availability across the environment as the study progressed. Despite this increase in feeding effort, the negative relationship with distance did not change. Ultimately, our results provide key insight into how metabolic, missed opportunity and perceived predation costs influence the feeding decisions of large central place herbivores.
Kodamaea ohmeri isolate from two immunocompromised patients: first report in Italy
Authors: Santino I. , Bono S. , Borruso L. , Bove M. , Cialdi E. , Martinelli D. , Alari A.
Published: August 2012

Kodamaea ohmeri is an unusual yeast‐form fungus that has recently been identified as an important aetiological agent of fungaemia, endocarditis, cellulitis, funguria and peritonitis in immunocompromised patients. We present two new isolated of K. ohmeri. The microorganisms were identified by CHROMagar Candida medium, VitekII system and API ID32C. Biochemical identification of the two yeast isolates was confirmed by sequence analysis of the 26S ribosomal DNA. Antifungal susceptibility testing done by Sensititre YeastOne showed that the isolates were susceptible to amphotericin B, voriconazole and itraconazole. This work is the first report of isolation of K. ohmeri in immunocompromised patients in Italy.
Ulcerative necrobiosis lipoidica responsive to colchicine
Authors: Schofield Clare , Sladden Michael J
Published: August 2012

Necrobiosis lipoidica is an uncommon granulomatous disease of unknown aetiology. Few treatments have emerged with consistent efficacy and the ulcerated form of necrobiosis lipoidica can be particularly difficult to treat. A 56‐year‐old non‐diabetic woman with chronic ulcerative necrobiosis lipoidica unresponsive to other therapies was commenced on colchicine treatment. Complete resolution of the ulcers was observed after 2 months therapy with colchicine 500 µg twice daily.
Palmar herald patch in pityriasis rosea
Authors: Polat Mualla , Yildirim Yasemin , Makara Anil
Published: August 2012

Pityriasis rosea is an acute self‐limited inflammatory disorder of the skin. The initial clinical features of typical cases are the appearance of a herald patch. The herald patch is commonly located on the thigh, upper arm, trunk or neck; rarely the patch may be on the face, scalp or penis. There are no reports of a palmar herald patch in pityriasis rosea. In this article we present a 14‐year‐old male patient who had a palmar herald patch with truncal lesions of pityriasis rosea.
Quantifying acute changes in volume and nutritional status during haemodialysis using bioimpedance analysis
Authors: CHUA HORNG‐RUEY , XIANG LING , CHOW PEK‐YEE , XU HUI , SHEN LIANG , LEE EVAN , TEO BOON‐WEE
Published: August 2012

Aim:  To determine the precision of multi‐frequency bioimpedance analysis (MFBIA) in quantifying acute changes in volume and nutritional status during haemodialysis, in patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD).

Methods:  Using whole‐body MFBIA, we prospectively studied changes in total body water (TBW), extracellular volume (ECV), intracellular volume (ICV), lean body mass (LBM), body cell mass (BCM) and fat mass (FM), pre‐ and post‐haemodialysis and tested the agreement of volume changes with corresponding acute weight change and ultrafiltration volume (UF) using Bland‐Altman analysis.

Results:  Forty‐four prevalent and 17 incident haemodialysis patients were studied (median age 55 years, 56% males). MFBIA‐derived TBW, ECV, ICV, LBM and BCM were significantly reduced after haemodialysis (P < 0.001), but FM remained constant. TBW change estimated weight change with mean bias of −0.52 L, with 56/61 (91.8%) data points within limits of agreement (−2.74 L, 1.69 L). TBW change estimated UF with mean bias of −0.62 L, with 55/61 (90.2%) data points within limits of agreement (−2.68 L, 1.43 L). ECV change underestimated weight change and UF with mean bias of −1.17 L and −1.27 L respectively. Similarly, ICV change underestimated both clinical measures with corresponding mean bias of −1.34 L and −1.44 L. Comparing incidents versus prevalent haemodialysis patients, TBW change estimated weight change with smaller mean bias (−0.10 L vs−0.69 L, respectively) and narrower limits of agreement.

Conclusion:  Multi‐frequency bioimpedance analysis‐derived TBW change has the best agreement with acute clinical volume change during haemodialysis compared to ECV or ICV change alone, but overall degree of precision remains poor. Nutritional assessment using LBM and BCM measurements is significantly confounded by hydration status.
Taxonomic revision of the genus Cutleria proposing a new genus Mutimo to accommodate M. cylindricus (Cutleriaceae, Phaeophyceae)
Authors: Kawai Hiroshi , Kogishi Keita , Hanyuda Takeaki , Kitayama Taiju
Published: August 2012

Molecular phylogenetic analyses of representative Cutleria species using mitochondrial cox3, chloroplast psaA, psbA and rbcL gene sequences showed that C. cylindrica Okamura was not included in the clade composed of other Cutleria species including the generitype C. multifida (Turner) Greville and the related taxon Zanardinia typus (Nardo) P.C. Silva. Instead, C. cylindrica was sister to the clade composed of the two genera excluding C. cylindrica. Cutleria spp. have heteromophic life histories and their gametophytes are rather diverse in gross morphology, from compressed or cylindrical‐branched to fan‐shaped, whereas the sporophytes are rather similar. In contrast, the monotypic species Z. typus has an isomorphic life history and resembles fan‐shaped Cutleria in morphology. Morphological comparisons of these taxa revealed that C. cylindrica is morphologically distinct from other Cutleria spp. and Z. typus in having cylindrical gametophytes with multiseriate trichothallic filaments instead of uniseriate filaments (hairs) characteristic of Cutleriales (or Cutleriaceae, Tilopteridales), and in lacking rhizoidal filaments in the crustose sporophytes. Therefore, based on the molecular and morphological data, the establishment of a new genus Mutimo to accommodate C. cylindrica, and the new combination of M. cylindricus, is proposed.
Restless legs syndrome: Impact on sleep‐related breathing disorders
Authors: ROUX FRANCOISE J.
Published: August 2012

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common chronic sensory‐motor neurological disorder that remains a clinical diagnosis. Most RLS patients present with sleep complaints in the form of initiation and/or maintenance insomnia as RLS has a circadian rhythmicity. An increased number of periodic leg movements during sleep (PLMS) is a supportive criterion in the diagnosis of RLS. Abnormalities in the central dopaminergic and iron systems are involved in the physiopathology of RLS. There is a higher prevalence of RLS and PLMS in sleep‐disordered breathing patients, particularly those with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), the most common sleep disorder in western societies. The complex mechanisms underlying the association between OSA, RLS and PLMS remain unclear. Untreated OSA can lead to adverse cardiovascular consequences due to cardio‐metabolic dysfunction. It remains controversial whether RLS could further adversely impact the cardiovascular consequences of OSA. The PLMS do not have an additive effect on the hypersomnia experienced by some sleep‐disordered breathing patients. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is the most effective therapy for OSA. The presence of PLMS during CPAP treatment could be a marker of an incomplete resolution of sleep‐disordered breathing in the form of increased upper airway resistance syndrome, despite treatment. Dopaminergic agonists are the preferred agent for the treatment of RLS, and are indicated when RLS symptoms are frequent and affect quality of life. PLMS and RLS do not seem to contribute to the residual hypersomnia that can be observed in some sleep‐disordered breathing patients despite adequate compliance and effective CPAP therapy.
Fewer S‐alleles are maintained in plant populations with sporophytic as opposed to gametophytic self‐incompatibility
Authors: Busch Jeremiah W. , Witthuhn Tyler , Joseph Michael
Published: August 2012

Plants use self‐incompatibility to reject pollen bearing alleles in common at the S‐locus. These systems are classified as gametophytic (GSI) if recognition involves haploid pollen or sporophytic (SSI) if recognition involves diploid paternal genotypes. Dominance in SSI systems reduces the number of S‐alleles, but it has not been clear which system should maintain greater diversity when all else is equal. We simulated finite populations to compare the equilibrium number of S‐alleles in populations with either GSI or a co‐dominant SSI system. When population size was constant, SSI systems maintained more S‐alleles than GSI systems. When populations fluctuated in response to an S‐Allee effect, fewer S‐alleles were observed in SSI systems when S‐allele diversity was low, and SSI populations were vulnerable to extinction over a broader range of parameters. Turnover rates at the S‐locus were also faster in SSI populations experiencing strong S‐Allee effects. Given the variable expectations concerning S‐allele diversity in these systems, we reviewed published estimates of S‐allele diversity. GSI populations have significantly more S‐alleles on average than SSI populations (GSI = 25.70 and SSI = 16.80). Dominance likely contributes to this pattern, although the demographic consequences of the S‐Allee effect may be important in populations with fewer than 10 S‐alleles.
Oncological outcomes after radical nephroureterectomy for upper tract urothelial carcinoma: Comparison over the three decades
Authors: Adibi Mehrad , Youssef Ramy , Shariat Shahrokh F , Lotan Yair , Wood Christopher G , Sagalowsky Arthur I , Zigeuner Richard , Montorsi Francesco , Bolenz Christian , Margulis Vitaly
Published: August 2012

Objective:  To evaluate temporal trends in clinicopathological features and oncological outcomes after radical nephroureterectomy for upper tract urothelial carcinoma.

Methods:  Utilizing a multi‐institutional database of patients treated with radical nephroureterectomy between 1983 and 2007, we compared clinicopathological features and survival outcomes over the past three decades using the following cohorts: group 1 comprised of patients treated before the 1990s (n = 106), group 2 from 1990 to1999 (n = 655), and group 3 from 2000 to 2007 (n = 701). Survival rates were compared using Kaplan−Meier survival analysis.

Results:  The study included 1462 patients, 992 men and 470 women, with 36 months median follow up (range 1–250 months) after radical nephroureterectomy. Tumors were organ confined (≤T2/N0) in 88% and high‐grade in 64%. Neoadjuvant and adjuvant systemic chemotherapy was administered in 47 (3.2%) and 171 (11.7%) patients, respectively. There was a significant increase in the use of laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy, endoscopic management of urothelial carcinoma and utilization of perioperative chemotherapy between decades 1 to 3. There were no significant differences in pathological stage distribution. The overall 5‐year disease‐free survival rates were 66 ± 5%, 68.5 ± 2% and 71 ± 2%, and the 5‐year cancer‐specific survival rates were 75 ± 5%, 72 ± 2%, and 75 ± 2% for groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively, with no significant statistical differences between the three decades (P > 0.05).

Conclusion:  Outcomes after radical nephroureterectomy have not changed significantly over the past three decades, despite staging and surgical refinements. Utilization of perioperative systemic chemotherapy in urothelial carcinoma management remains low. Further improvements in outcomes of urothelial carcinoma patients necessitate rigorous investigation of multimodal treatment approaches.
Effects of Aglaia odorata granules on the seedling growth of major maize weeds and the influence of soil type on the granule residue's efficacy
Authors: LAOSINWATTANA CHAMROON , TEERARAK MONTINEE , CHAROENYING PATCHANEE
Published: August 2012

This study was undertaken to explore the potential of Aglaia odorata Lour. granules in various soil types (sand, sandy loam and clay) at 0.25, 0.5 and 1 t ai ha−1 to inhibit two major maize weeds, Digitaria adscendens and Trianthema portulacastrum L., in an experimental greenhouse. The results indicated that the emergence and seedling growth of both weeds were inhibited but varied with the soil type: the inhibitory effect of the A. odorata granules was stronger when applied in sand, followed by sandy loam and clay. The weed species responded differently to the A. odorata granule application. Generally, the inhibitory effect was greater for D. adscendens than for T. portulacastrum. Additionally, the potential of the A. odorata granules for weed control in maize field plots was evaluated. The three major weeds that were found in the experimental field were D. adscendens, T. portulacastrum and Amaranthus gracilis. The highest A. odorata granule dose (1 t ai ha−1) had a significant inhibitory effect on the emergence and growth of all of the weed species and their emergence was reduced by 96.7%, 47.2% and 56.2%, respectively, compared with the control treatment (unweeded). The dry weight of the weeds was reduced in a similar manner to their emergence. In contrast, the emergence of maize was not affected by any of the A. odorata granule applications. Rather, at an application rate of 1 t ai ha−1, the maize yield increased significantly and the effect was similar to that observed with an atrazine herbicide application under field conditions.
The dynamics of analogue signalling in local networks controlling limb movement
Authors: Angarita‐Jaimes Natalia , Dewhirst Oliver P. , Simpson David M. , Kondoh Yasuhiro , Allen Robert , Newland Philip L.
Published: August 2012

Communication by analogue signals is relatively common in arthropod local networks. In the locust, non‐spiking local interneurons play a key role in controlling sets of motor neurons in the generation of local reflex movements of the limbs. Here, our aim was two‐fold. Our first aim was to determine the coding properties of a subpopulation of these interneurons by using system identification approaches. To this end, the femoro‐tibial chordotonal organ, which monitors the movements of the tibia about the femur, was stimulated with Gaussian white noise and with more natural stimuli corresponding to the movements of the tibia during walking. The results showed that the sample of interneurons analysed displayed a wide, and overlapping, range of response characteristics. The second aim was to develop and test improved data analysis methods for describing neuronal function that are more robust and allow statistical analysis, a need emphasized by the high levels of background neuronal activity usually observed. We found that nonlinear models provided an improved fit in describing the response properties of interneurons that were then classified with statistical clustering methods. We identified four distinct categories of interneuron response that can be further divided into nine groups, with most interneurons being excited during extension movements of the leg, reflecting the outputs of upstream spiking local interneurons.
Stress‐induced sensitization to cocaine: actin cytoskeleton remodeling within mesocorticolimbic nuclei
Authors: Esparza Maria A. , Bollati Flavia , Garcia‐Keller Constanza , Virgolini Miriam B. , Lopez Lidia M. , Brusco Alicia , Shen Hao‐Wei , Kalivas Peter W. , Cancela Liliana M.
Published: August 2012

This study investigated the consequence of repeated stress on actin cytoskeleton remodeling in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and prefrontal cortex (Pfc), and the involvement of this remodeling in the expression of stress‐induced motor cross‐sensitization with cocaine. Wistar rats were restrained daily (2 h) for 7 days and, 3 weeks later, their NAc and Pfc were dissected 45 min after acute saline or cocaine (30 mg/kg i.p.). F‐actin, actin‐binding proteins (ABP) and GluR1 were quantified by Western blotting, and dendritic spines and postsynaptic density (PSD) size measured by electron microscopy. In the NAc from the stress plus cocaine group we observed a decrease in the phosphorylation of two ABPs, cofilin and cortactin, and an increase in the PSD size and the surface expression of GluR1, consistent with a more highly branched actin cytoskeleton. The Pfc also showed evidence of increased actin polymerization after stress as an increase was observed in Arp2, and in the number of spines. Inhibiting actin cycling and polymerization with latrunculin A into the NAc, but not the Pfc, inhibited the expression of cross‐sensitization to cocaine (15 mg/kg i.p.) and restored the expression of GluR1 to control levels. This study shows that a history of repeated stress alters the ability of a subsequent cocaine injection to modulate dendritic spine morphology, actin dynamics and GluR1 expression in the NAc. Furthermore, by regulating GluR1 expression in the NAc, elevated actin cycling contributes to the expression of cross‐sensitization between stress and cocaine, while stress‐induced changes in the Pfc were not associated with cross‐sensitization.
Rational indication for docetaxel rechallenge in metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Heck Matthias M. , Thalgott Mark , Retz Margitta , Wolf Petra , Maurer Tobias , Nawroth Roman , Hatzichristodoulou Georgios , Gschwend Jürgen E. , Kübler Hubert
Published: August 2012

Study Type – Therapy (case series)

Level of Evidence 4

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Docetaxel rechallenge has shown preserved anti‐tumour activity and has therefore been proposed as an option for further treatment in patients with metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer, who have shown a good response to first‐line chemotherapy with docetaxel.

The present study provides evidence of docetaxel activity in patients who were treated with full‐dose (75 mg/m2) 3‐weekly docetaxel at first‐line chemotherapy and rechallenge. It shows that PSA response to first‐line chemotherapy may provide a rational indication for docetaxel rechallenge.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) response at first‐line chemotherapy with docetaxel correlates with PSA response and survival at docetaxel rechallenge in patients with metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated the oncological outcomes of patients with mCRPC, who were treated with full‐dose (75 mg/m2), 3‐weekly docetaxel plus prednisone/prednisolone at first‐line chemotherapy and rechallenge, between 1999 and 2011, at our institution.

The endpoints were PSA‐progression‐free survival (PSA‐PFS) and overall survival (OS) at docetaxel rechallenge.

Statistical analyses included Kaplan–Meier curves and log‐rank tests to evaluate the effect of PSA response at first‐line chemotherapy on PSA‐PFS and OS at rechallenge.

RESULTS

Fourty‐four patients were included in the analysis.

At a median (range) follow‐up of 26.4 (9.8–89.8) months after the first administration of docetaxel, 24 (55%) patients had died. At first‐line chemotherapy, 36 (82%) patients achieved a reduction in PSA level of ≥50%. At rechallenge, 10 (28%) patients responded with a reduction of ≥50% for a second time.

The median (95% confidence interval [CI]) PSA‐PFS was 5.9 (95% CI 3.5–6.8) months and the median OS was 21.8 (95% CI 19.9–23.7) months at docetaxel rechallenge.

Of the PSA response variables evaluated, only a PSA level reduction of ≥50% at first‐line chemotherapy correlated significantly with prolonged PSA‐PFS (5.8 vs. 4.5 months; P= 0.01) and OS (22.1 vs. 7.2 months; P= 0.03) at rechallenge.

CONCLUSION

In the present single‐institution study, a reduction in PSA level of ≥50% at first‐line chemotherapy with docetaxel correlated with superior PSA‐PFS and OS in the rechallenge setting and might, therefore, present a rational indication for docetaxel rechallenge.
CHANGES IN THE WELFARE STATE AND THEIR IMPACT ON THE SOCIAL ECONOMY: CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE THEORETICAL DEBATE FROM A SYSTEMIC AND COMPARATIVE APPROACH
Authors: ETXEZARRETA Enekoitz , BAKAIKOA Baleren
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACT:  The aim of the following article is to contextualize the intense internatinal debate on Social Economy from the point of view of the relationship between it and the evolution of the welfare states. And so, the first section deals with the review of the main theoretical proposals that have tackled the study regarding the relationship between the thrid sector and the public sector with the view to establishing the links between the different notions of the third sector (Social Economy and Non‐profit Entities) and the welfare system of which these notions form part. In the second section, we outline the main lines of change that the welfare states are adopting and the resulting rebalance which is generated in each regimen between the third sector and the public sector with a view to fixing the main coordinates at which the new conceptual challenges of Social Economy are presented. The article ends with a section on conclusions and a number of considerations.
COOPERATIVE BANK STRATEGIES FOR SOCIAL‐ECONOMIC PROBLEM SOLVING: SUPPORTING SOCIAL ENTERPRISE AND LOCAL DEVELOPMENT
Authors: GIAGNOCAVO Cynthia , GEREZ Silvia , SFORZI Jacopo
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACT:  The strategies cooperative banks use to address local socio‐economic challenges through the financing and promotion of cooperatives, socially oriented enterprises and local development initiatives are investigated. Two paradigmatic regions with strong cooperative bank sectors are compared, illustrating strategic differences in their approach to cooperative and social enterprise promotion and local development. The cooperative bank sector in the first region, Almería, Spain, has followed an aggressive growth strategy, both in terms of size and territory, resulting in a large and nationally present cooperative bank. In contrast, the cooperative bank sector in the province of Trentino, the most important region for cooperative banks in Italy, is comprised of many small scale cooperative banks, organized by consortium and tightly tied to territory. Related lines of inquiry include the trend of focusing on corporate social responsibility as opposed to local development and the relationship among different types of complementary actors in order to understand the process of promoting sustainable community development. As well, we comment on the relevance of other types of ‘alternative finance‘ in supporting such goals. These issues are particularly relevant given limited government resources to deal with pressing social and economic issues.
Coopératives et gouvernance: modernité ou archaïsme?*
Authors: BOUCHON Caroline , MICHARD Benoît , PLASSE Anthony , PARANQUE Bernard
Published: August 2012

RESUME:  Dans quelles conditions l’exercice de la citoyenneté au sein de l’entreprise peut elle s’exercer ? Est‐ce que les coopératives, et plus précisément les SCOP (sociétés coopératives et participatives), seraient des formes d’organisations dépassées, expression de la survivance des corporations et de formes datées d’associations de producteurs devant réagir à la défaillance de leur entreprise ou au contraire porteraient elles une réponse opérationnelle efficiente aux problèmes de gouvernance et d’exercice non «cosmétique» de la responsabilité sociale des entreprises? Les études sur le sujet ou les décisions prises en France par nombre d’acteurs pour accéder aux marchés financiers montrent que beancoup d'interrogations existent sur la nature de la « modernité » des formes juridiques adaptées aux défis de la mondialisation.
THE WAGE GAP BETWEEN COOPERATIVE AND CAPITALIST FIRMS: EVIDENCE FROM SPAIN
Authors: CLEMENTE Jesús , DIAZ‐FONCEA Millán , MARCUELLO Carmen , SANSO‐NAVARRO Marcos
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACT:  This paper analyses the differences between the wages received by workers in cooperative and capitalist firms in Spain using a sample constructed from administrative data. This paper shows that size and the sign of the wage gap depend on economic sector, type of cooperative and the wage distribution. This approach let us explain some contradictory results obtained in previous literature. Additionally, the wage gap decomposition used let us identify the causes for this gap.
IMPACT OF MANAGEMENT AND INNOVATION CAPABILITIES ON PERFORMANCE: ARE COOPERATIVES DIFFERENT?
Authors: BASTERRETXEA Imanol , MARTÍNEZ Ricardo
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACT:  The principal purpose of this study is to evaluate if management and innovation capabilities differ between cooperatives and investor‐owned firms (IOF). We do also want to analyze if those differences, in case they exist, cause different business performance levels. The fieldwork is based on a sample representative of the population of Basque industrial firms comprising 861 firms, 44 of them cooperatives. The results of our analysis are contrary to Social Economy literature statements. Basque industrial cooperatives are in a situation of competitive parity to investor‐owned firms and do not differ in management and innovation capabilities. The large size of Basque industrial cooperatives, environmental factors, networking and the help of the supra‐structure of Mondragon Corporation are explored as possible causes of those results.
IS PRIVATE SOCIAL INVESTMENT A FORM OF PUBLIC GOODS COPRODUCTION? AN OVERVIEW OF THE BRAZILIAN REALITY
Authors: ANDION Carolina , BECKER Yara , VICTOR Ingrid
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACT: The aim of this article is to analyze Private Social Investment (PSI) in Brazil, based on an exploratory research, to discuss possibilities and limitations of this practice as a mean to promote civic participation. The article primarily defines the concept of PSI and presents the research problem. Then, it analyzes PSI as a strategy to promote citizen engagement in the public sphere, using the concepts of ‘collective action’, ‘coproduction of public goods’ and how they relate to each other. Based on these key concepts, a framework of analysis is built composed of variables that are used to examine the practice of PSI, in Brazil. Sources used in this article are nationwide surveys undertaken in recent years. Secondary data is discussed in comparison to the international ones. Data analysis allows some final considerations that are presented at the end of the article.
Chinese college students' general and relationship‐specific representations of adult attachment: Variable‐centred and person‐centred analysis
Authors: Wang Fei , Wang Dengfeng
Published: August 2012

Formerly, researchers often treated adult attachment as a trait‐like construct with consistency across relationship contexts. However, recent studies have shown that people possess multiple relationship‐specific attachment representations, and inter‐correlations among them are only in a small‐to‐medium range. The aim of this study is to test whether these variable‐centred results could be replicated in China and further supplement them with a person‐centred analysis focusing on identifying prototypical patterns of multiple working models across relationships. We administrated measurements of general and four relationship‐specific (mother/father/best friend/romantic partner) working models and indicators of psychological adjustment upon 302 Chinese college students. Results from variable‐centred analysis demonstrated the cross‐relationship variability in working models. Furthermore, global indicators of psychological adjustment were better predicted by general models, while relationship‐specific indicators were better predicted by corresponding relationship‐specific models. These results largely replicate previous Western studies, supporting the existence of multiple attachment representations in China. In person‐centred analysis, a latent profile analysis identified four typical classes of working model profiles: all‐average, all‐secure, romantic‐insecure and peer‐secure. These classes differed not only in the cross‐relationship variability of their working models, but also in their levels of psychological adjustment. These interesting patterns may have theoretical implications and are worthy of further examination.
Does Choice Deliver? Public Satisfaction with the Health Service
Authors: Curtice John , Heath Oliver
Published: August 2012

We examine how much the public say they want choice in the provision of public services, and how far perceptions of the amount of choice they feel they should and do have are related to satisfaction with public services. Our findings cast critical light on some of the claims made by both opponents and advocates of choice about the value the public place on choice. The claim of opponents that the public do not want choice is not supported. Citizens say they want choice and the more they say they want it the less satisfied they are with NHS hospital services. However, the claim that citizens value choice for its own sake is also not supported. Public perceptions of how much choice people have over which hospital they attend are not associated with service satisfaction once we take into account perceptions of how much patients are involved in their treatment.
The Relevance of an Incremental Approach to Ideational Change: A Rejoinder to Liam Stanley
Authors: Carstensen Martin B.
Published: August 2012

This rejoinder takes issue with two criticisms of my Political Studies article on incremental ideational change presented in a recent reply by Liam Stanley. It argues that by presenting my critique of historical and discursive institutionalism as focused on the lack of ‘realism’ in their standard conceptualisation of ideas, Stanley creates a straw man. Instead, my criticism aims at the analytical outcomes of the mainstream understanding of ideas as generally coherent and stable, an approach to ontological criticism that Stanley explicitly approves of. Second, using examples from recent analyses of the financial crisis, I try to show the relevance of an ontology conducive to theories that capture and explain incremental ideational change. I also defend an eclectic approach to theory building that is focused less on policing the boundaries of different approaches and more on building consistent theoretical approaches from multiple social scientific traditions.
New Aspects of Intra‐industry Trade in EU Countries
Authors: Ito Tadashi , Okubo Toshihiro
Published: August 2012

This paper discusses some new evidence on intra‐industry trade (IIT). In particular, we focus on EU trade with Eastern European countries, using trade data at the harmonised commodity description and coding system (HS) eight‐digit product level for the period 1988–2010. Our findings include Eastern European countries’ rise up the quality ladder, and by contrast, the substantially lower prices of China’s exports to EU countries vis‐à‐vis China’s imports from them. The contrast between EU trade with Eastern European countries and with China is present even in recent years.
Mole rats act as ecosystem engineers within a biodiversity hotspot, the Cape Fynbos
Authors: Hagenah N. , Bennett N. C.
Published: August 2012

Through their burrowing and foraging activities, subterranean rodents disturb large amounts of soil. As a result, they may modify physical and chemical soil properties and thus change the productivity, structure and dynamics of plant communities. To date, research on the ecological importance of fossorial mammals has focused predominantly on subterranean rodents in North and South America, Europe and Asia. Surprisingly, despite the potential of them filling a similar ecological niche, very few studies have focused on the impacts of mole rats (Bathyergidae) in Africa. To determine how mole rats modulate their environment, we examined the soil and vegetation properties of mole rat‐modified habitats in the Cape Floristic Region, South Africa. We predicted that excavation would result in mound soils having higher nutrient levels, more uniform soil particle profiles and lower compactness compared with undisturbed soils. Furthermore, we expected their digging and foraging activities would change plant species composition and increase plant productivity and diversity. As predicted, we found that soils disturbed by mole rats had higher nutrient levels and lower compactness compared with undisturbed soils, and an altered plant species composition. However, in contrast to our predictions, mounds had a finer particle size profile, and mole rat burrowing and foraging lowered the overall aboveground plant biomass. Most importantly, the presence of mole rats enhanced plant species richness. However, as disturbance increased plant species richness declined. Our findings suggest that in Africa, mole rats fulfil the same ecological niche as their ecological cognates in other ecosystems and thus ultimately act as ecosystem engineers.
The natural history of hip development in cerebral palsy
Authors: TERJESEN TERJE
Published: August 2012

Aim  The purpose of this study was to evaluate a population‐based radiographic hip surveillance programme for children with cerebral palsy (CP) and to assess the natural history of hip displacement.

Method  The study comprised 335 children (188 males, 147 females), born during 2002 to 2006 in the 10 south‐eastern counties in Norway. Their mean age at the first radiograph was 3 years (range 6mo–7y 11mo) and the mean age at the most recent follow‐up was 5 years 5 months. Distribution according to CP type was spastic hemiplegia in 38%, diplegia in 27%, quadriplegia in 21%, dyskinesia in 10%, and ataxia in 3%; Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I to V were, 44%, 14%, 8%, 11%, and 23% respectively. Migration percentage (MP), acetabular index, and pelvic obliquity were measured on the radiographs.

Results  Hip displacement (MP>33%) occurred in 26% of all children (subluxation in 22% and dislocation in 4%) and in 63% of those in GMFCS levels IV or V. Dislocation occurred in 14 children at a mean age of 4 years 5 months (range 1y 10mo–9y 7mo). The mean migration percentage was 20.4% at the initial radiographs and 34.0% at the last follow‐up. Mean progression in migration percentage increased markedly with decreasing functional level, from 0.2% per year at GMFCS level I to 9.5% at level V.

Interpretation  There is a pronounced trend towards hip displacement in nonambulant children. Close surveillance from age 1 to 2 years is needed to find the appropriate time for preventive surgery. Since 12% of the nonambulant children developed dislocation, our routines for hip surveillance need improvement.
Manual dishwashing process – a pre‐assigned behaviour?
Authors: Gilleßen Claudia , Berkholz Petra , Stamminger Rainer
Published: August 2012

Global studies have observed many techniques of manual dishwashing causing different levels of performance and using quite different amounts of water, energy, time and detergent. It is not known, however, if these techniques are pre‐assigned to a person and persist when dishes are washed under different conditions, or are adapted to the specific type of dish‐cleaning process. Here we explored this question in a study with 40 test subjects selected equally from Germany and East European countries by asking them to wash two place settings of dishes with different amounts of soil three times. The results showed that the test subjects did not adapt their washing‐up behaviour to the amount of soil. In general, no significant differences were found in the water, energy and detergent consumption for all test subjects. Only the time used by the German test subjects to wash the fully soiled dishes was significantly longer compared with the dishes with only a quarter the quantity of soil, and no significant difference was observed for all other parts. The only significant difference found between the level of soiling of the dishes was the cleaning result achieved: The less soiled the dishes were, the better the final cleaning result was, and this related to all test subjects. This lends support to the proposition that the consumers did not adapt their washing‐up behaviour to the specific circumstances of the dishwashing job to be done but retained some pre‐assigned behaviour.
Vacuum‐assisted deliveries and the risk of obstetric anal sphincter injuries—a retrospective register‐based study in Finland
Authors: Räisänen S , Vehviläinen‐Julkunen K , Cartwright R , Gissler M , Heinonen S
Published: August 2012

Please cite this paper as: Räisänen S, Vehviläinen‐Julkunen K, Cartwright R, Gissler M, Heinonen S. Vacuum‐assisted deliveries and the risk of obstetric anal sphincter injuries—a retrospective register‐based study in Finland. BJOG 2012;119:1370–1378.

Objectives  To identify and quantify the risks of obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASIS) separately in nulliparae, including women admitted for a first vaginal delivery after a previous caesarean section for their first birth, and multiparae delivered by vacuum extraction in Finland where the type of episiotomy is exclusively lateral.

Design  A retrospective population‐based register study.

Methods  Nulliparous and multiparous women with OASIS were compared separately with women without OASIS using stepwise logistic regression analysis.

Main outcome measures  Risk of OASIS.

Results  Among a sample of 16 802 women whose infants were delivered by vacuum extraction between 2004 and 2007, the incidence of OASIS was significantly higher among nulliparous women (475 of 13 981, 3.4%) than multiparous women (40 of 2821, 1.4%), with adjusted odds ratio 2.44 (95% CI 1.77–3.39). Lateral episiotomy was associated with 46% decreased incidence of OASIS (adjusted odds ratio 0.54, 95% CI 0.42–0.70) in nulliparae delivered by vacuum extraction. There was no statistically significant association for multiparous women. An increase of 1000 g in birthweight increased the OASIS incidence 2.10‐fold for nulliparae and 2.83‐fold for multiparae.

Conclusions  Nulliparous women with infants delivered by vacuum extraction had an increased risk of OASIS compared with multiparous women. Lateral episiotomy was associated with a decreased incidence of OASIS, especially in women with large babies and long second stage. These results support liberal use of lateral episiotomy at vacuum extraction for nulliparous women at high risk of OASIS, but the role of episiotomy should be re‐investigated in interventional randomised trials.
Inhibition of Yersinia pestisDNA adenine methyltransferase in vitro by a stibonic acid compound: identification of a potential novel class of antimicrobial agents
Authors: McKelvie JC , Richards MI , Harmer JE , Milne TS , Roach PL , Oyston PCF
Published: August 2012

Background and Purpose

Multiple antibiotic resistant strains of plague are emerging, driving a need for the development of novel antibiotics effective against Yersinia pestis. DNA adenine methylation regulates numerous fundamental processes in bacteria and alteration of DNA adenine methlytransferase (Dam) expression is attenuating for several pathogens, including Y. pestis. The lack of a functionally similar enzyme in humans makes Dam a suitable target for development of novel therapeutics for plague.

Experimental Approach

Compounds were evaluated for their ability to inhibit Dam activity in a high‐throughput screening assay. DNA was isolated from Yersinia grown in the presence of lead compounds and restricted to determine the effect of inhibitors on DNA methylation. Transcriptional analysis was undertaken to determine the effect of an active inhibitor on virulence‐associated phenotypes.

Key Results

We have identified a series of aryl stibonic acids which inhibit Dam in vitro. The most active, 4‐stibonobenzenesulfonic acid, exhibited a competitive mode of inhibition with respect to DNA and a Ki of 6.46 nM. One compound was found to inhibit DNA methylation in cultured Y. pestis. The effects of this inhibition on the physiology of the cell were widespread, and included altered expression of known virulence traits, including iron acquisition and Type III secretion.

Conclusions and Implications

We have identified a novel class of potent Dam inhibitors. Treatment of bacterial cell cultures with these inhibitors resulted in a decrease in DNA methylation. Expression of virulence factors was affected, suggesting these inhibitors may attenuate bacterial infectivity and function as antibiotics.
Exacerbation of DSS‐induced colitis in mice lacking kinin B1 receptors through compensatory up‐regulation of kinin B2 receptors: the role of tight junctions and intestinal homeostasis
Authors: Marcon R , Claudino RF , Dutra RC , Bento AF , Schmidt EC , Bouzon ZL , Sordi R , Morais RLT , Pesquero JB , Calixto JB
Published: August 2012

Background and Purpose

Kinins are pro‐inflammatory peptides that are released during tissue injury, including that caused by inflammatory bowel disease. Herein, we assessed the role and underlying mechanisms through which the absence of kinin B1 receptors exacerbates the development of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)‐induced colitis in mice.

Experimental Approach

B1 and B2 receptor antagonists and B1 receptor knockout mice (B1−/−) were used to assess the involvement of B1 and B2 receptor signalling in a DSS‐colitis. B1 receptor, B2 receptor, occludin and claudin‐4 expression, cytokine levels and cell permeability were evaluated in colon from wild‐type (WT) and B1−/− mice.

Key Results

DSS‐induced colitis was significantly exacerbated in B1−/− compared with WT mice. IL‐1β, IFN‐γ, keratinocyte‐derived chemokine and macrophage inflammatory protein‐2 were markedly increased in the colon from DSS‐treated B1−/− compared with DSS‐treated WT mice. Treatment of WT mice with a selective B1 receptor antagonist, DALBK or SSR240612, had no effect on DSS‐induced colitis. Of note, B2 receptor mRNA expression was significantly up‐regulated in colonic tissue from the B1−/− mice after DSS administration. Moreover, treatment with a selective B2 receptor antagonist prevented the exacerbation of colitis in B1−/− mice following DSS administration. The water‐ or DSS‐treated B1−/− mice showed a decrease in occludin gene expression, which was partially prevented by the B2 receptor antagonist.

Conclusions and Implications

A loss of B1 receptors markedly exacerbates the severity of DSS‐induced colitis in mice. The increased susceptibility of B1−/− may be associated with compensatory overexpression of B2 receptors, which, in turn, modulates tight junction expression.