bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transatlantic revolutions and the war of ideas
Authors: Garnett Mark
Published: January 2015

The study of the history of political ideas has been greatly enhanced in recent decades by the work of scholars who emphasise the importance of ‘context’. This approach has promoted more sophisticated analysis from anyone who hopes to enter the field, as well as drawing attention to previously neglected texts which are worthy of serious attention. However, texts can be read in a multiplicity of contexts, and it can be argued that the complex relationship between ideas, individuals and political practice merits further investigation. The books under review are all welcome contributions to this endeavour, showing that important progress can be made as well as suggesting that further methodological refinements are possible. In particular, these books demonstrate that careful scholarship can be undermined if the results are presented without an obvious attempt to show a sympathetic understanding of rival theories (and of their proponents as individual human beings). This might be particularly challenging in respect of the controversies surrounding the American and French Revolutions, but that only makes it more important to present these debates without betraying an overt preference for one side over another.
Development, implementation, and initial evaluation of a foundational open interoperability standard for oncology treatment planning and summarization
Authors: Warner Jeremy L , Maddux Suzanne E , Hughes Kevin S , Krauss John C , Yu Peter Paul , Shulman Lawrence N , Mayer Deborah K , Hogarth Mike , Shafarman Mark , Stover Fiscalini Allison , Esserman Laura , Alschuler Liora , Koromia George Augustine , Gonzaga Zabrina , Ambinder Edward P
Published: January 2015

Objective Develop and evaluate a foundational oncology-specific standard for the communication and coordination of care throughout the cancer journey, with early-stage breast cancer as the use case.

Materials and Methods Owing to broad uptake of the Health Level Seven (HL7) Consolidated Clinical Document Architecture (C-CDA) by health information exchanges and large provider organizations, we developed an implementation guide in congruence with C-CDA. The resultant product was balloted through the HL7 process and subsequently implemented by two groups: the Health Story Project (Health Story) and the Athena Breast Health Network (Athena).

Results The HL7 Implementation Guide for CDA, Release 2: Clinical Oncology Treatment Plan and Summary, DSTU Release 1 (eCOTPS) was successfully balloted and published as a Draft Standard for Trial Use (DSTU) in October 2013. Health Story successfully implemented the eCOTPS the 2014 meeting of the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) in a clinical vignette. During the evaluation and implementation of eCOPS, Athena identified two practical concerns: (1) the need for additional CDA templates specific to their use case; (2) the many-to-many mapping of Athena-defined data elements to eCOTPS.

Discussion Early implementation of eCOTPS has demonstrated successful vendor-agnostic transmission of oncology-specific data. The modularity enabled by the C-CDA framework ensures the relatively straightforward expansion of the eCOTPS to include other cancer subtypes. Lessons learned during the process will strengthen future versions of the standard.

Conclusion eCOTPS is the first oncology-specific CDA standard to achieve HL7 DSTU status. Oncology standards will improve care throughout the cancer journey by allowing the efficient transmission of reliable, meaningful, and current clinical data between the many involved stakeholders.
Appropriateness of Gram-Negative Agent Use at a Tertiary Care Hospital in the Setting of Significant Antimicrobial Resistance
Authors: Vora Neil M. , Kubin Christine J. , Furuya E. Yoko
Published: January 2015

Background.  Practicing antimicrobial stewardship in the setting of widespread antimicrobial resistance among gram-negative bacilli, particularly in urban areas, is challenging.

Methods.  We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study at a tertiary care hospital with an established antimicrobial stewardship program in New York, New York to determine appropriateness of use of gram-negative antimicrobials and to identify factors associated with suboptimal antimicrobial use. Adult inpatients who received gram-negative agents on 2 dates, 1 June 2010 or 1 December 2010, were identified through pharmacy records. Clinical data were collected for each patient. Use of gram-negative agents was deemed optimal or suboptimal through chart review and according to hospital guidelines. Data were compared using χ2 or Fischer's exact test for categorical variables and Student t test or Mann–Whitney U test for continuous variables.

Results.  A total of 356 patients were included who received 422 gram-negative agents. Administration was deemed suboptimal in 26% of instances, with the most common reason being spectrum of activity too broad. In multivariable analysis, being in an intensive care unit (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], .49; 95% confidence interval [CI], .29–.84), having an infectious diseases consultation within the previous 7 days (aOR, .52; 95% CI, .28–.98), and having a history of multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacilli within the past year (aOR, .24; 95% CI, .09–.65) were associated with optimal gram-negative agent use. Beta-lactam/beta-lactamase inhibitor combination drug use (aOR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.35–5.16) was associated with suboptimal use.

Conclusions.  Gram-negative agents were used too broadly despite numerous antimicrobial stewardship program activities.
Melghiribacillus thermohalophilus gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel filamentous, endospore-forming, thermophilic and halophilic bacterium
Authors: Addou Nariman Ammara , Schumann Peter , Spröer Cathrin , Ben Hania Wajdi , Hacene Hocine , Fauque Guy , Cayol Jean-Luc , Fardeau Marie-Laure
Published: January 2015

A novel filamentous, endospore-forming, thermophilic and moderately halophilic bacterium designated strain Nari2AT was isolated from soil collected from an Algerian salt lake, Chott Melghir. The novel isolate was Gram-staining-positive, aerobic, catalase-negative and oxidase-positive. Optimum growth occurred at 50–55 °C, 7–10 % (w/v) NaCl and pH 7–8. The strain exhibited 95.4, 95.4 and 95.2 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to

Thalassobacillus devorans

G19.1T,

Sediminibacillus halophilus

EN8dT and

Virgibacillus kekensis

YIM-kkny16T, respectively. The major menaquinone was MK-7. The polar lipid profile consisted of phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, three unknown phosphoglycolipids and two unknown phospholipids. The predominant cellular fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C17 : 0. The DNA G+C content was 41.9 mol%. Based on the phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic data, strain Nari2AT is considered to represent a novel species of a new genus in the family

Bacillaceae

, order

Bacillales

, for which the name Melghiribacillus thermohalophilus gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Melghiribacillus thermohalophilus is Nari2AT ( = DSM 25894T = CCUG 62543T).
Comparison of potential diatom ‘barcode’ genes (the 18S rRNA gene and ITS, COI, rbcL) and their effectiveness in discriminating and determining species taxonomy in the Bacillariophyta
Authors: Guo Liliang , Sui Zhenghong , Zhang Shu , Ren Yuanyuan , Liu Yuan
Published: January 2015

Diatoms form an enormous group of photoautotrophic micro-eukaryotes and play a crucial role in marine ecology. In this study, we evaluated typical genes to determine whether they were effective at different levels of diatom clustering analysis to assess the potential of these regions for barcoding taxa. Our test genes included nuclear rRNA genes (the nuclear small-subunit rRNA gene and the 5.8S rRNA gene+ITS-2), a mitochondrial gene (cytochromec-oxidase subunit 1, COI), a chloroplast gene [ribulose-1,5-biphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase large subunit (rbcL)] and the universal plastid amplicon (UPA). Calculated genetic divergence was highest for the internal transcribed spacer (ITS; 5.8S+ITS-2) (p-distance of 1.569, 85.84 % parsimony-informative sites) and COI (6.084, 82.14 %), followed by the 18S rRNA gene (0.139, 57.69 %),rbcL(0.120, 42.01 %) and UPA (0.050, 14.97 %), which indicated that ITS and COI were highly divergent compared with the other tested genes, and that their nucleotide compositions were variable within the whole group of diatoms. Bayesian inference (BI) analysis showed that the phylogenetic trees generated from each gene clustered diatoms at different phylogenetic levels. The 18S rRNA gene was better than the other genes in clustering higher diatom taxa, and both the 18S rRNA gene andrbcLperformed well in clustering some lower taxa. The COI region was able to barcode species of some genera within the Bacillariophyceae. ITS was a potential marker for DNA based-taxonomy and DNA barcoding of Thalassiosirales, while species ofCyclotella,SkeletonemaandStephanodiscusgathered in separate clades, and were paraphyletic with those ofThalassiosira. Finally, UPA was too conserved to serve as a diatom barcode.
Ichthyenterobacterium magnum gen. nov., sp. nov., a member of the family Flavobacteriaceae isolated from olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus)
Authors: Shakeela Qismat , Shehzad Ahmed , Tang Kaihao , Zhang Yunhui , Zhang Xiao-Hua
Published: January 2015

A novel marine bacterium isolated from the intestine of cultured flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) was studied by using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. The isolate was Gram-stain-negative, pleomorphic, aerobic, yellow and oxidase- and catalase-negative. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that isolate Th6T formed a distinct branch within the family

Flavobacteriaceae

and showed 96.6 % similarity to its closest relative,

Bizionia hallyeonensis

T-y7T. The DNA G+C content was 29 mol%. The major respiratory quinone was MK-6. The predominant fatty acids were iso-C15 : 1 G, iso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 0 3-OH, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH and summed feature 3 (C15 : 1ω6c and/or C16 : 1ω7c). On the basis of the phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic characteristics, the novel bacterium has been assigned to a novel species of a new genus for which the name Ichthyenterobacterium magnum gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Th6T ( = JCM 18636T = KCTC 32140T).
Mutation detection in candidate genes for parauberculosis resistance in sheep
Authors: Moioli Bianca , De Grossi Luigi , Steri Roberto , D’Andrea Silvia , Pilla Fabio
Published: January 2015

The marker-assisted selection exploits anonymous genetic markers that have been associated with measurable differences on complex traits; because it is based on the Linkage Disequilibrium between the polymorphic markers and the polymorphisms which code for the trait, its success is limited to the population in which the association has been assessed. The identification of the gene with effect on the target and the detection of the functional mutations will allow selection in independent populations, while encouraging studies on gene expression. The results of a genome-wide scan performed with the Illumina Ovine SNP50K Beadchip, on 100 sheep, 50 of which positive at paratuberculosis serological assessment, identified two candidate genes of immunity response, the PCP4 and the CD109, located in proximity of the markers with different allele frequency in positive and negative sheep. The coding region of the two genes was directly sequenced: three missense mutations were detected: two in the PCP4 gene and one in the second exon of the CD109 gene. The PCP4 mutations had a very low frequency (.12 and .07) so making hazardous to hypothesize their direct effect on immune response. On the contrary, the mutation detected in the CD109 gene showed a strong linkage disequilibrium with the anonymous marker. Direct sequencing of the DNA of sheep of different populations showed that disequilibrium was maintained. Allele frequency at the hypothesized marker associated to immune response, calculated for other breeds of sheep, showed that the marker allele potentially associated to disease resistance is more frequent in the local breeds and in breeds that have not been submitted to selection programs.
How to build an innovators’ network
Authors: Barnes B. Kim , LeCointre Olivier
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how to build and maintain an active network of innovators inside a large organization.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper describes the process used by a senior manager at a large pharmaceutical company in France to create a flexible structure that would enable innovators and seekers of innovation to connect and move interesting and promising ideas toward implementation.

Findings

– One of the authors describes his approach, which included inviting graduates of a program in innovation management to design the structure of the network. He has successfully conducted about 30 problem-centered network sessions, based upon the process taught in the Managing Innovation program (a copyrighted program of Barnes & Conti Associates Inc. and David Francis, PhD) These sessions have successfully moved a number of practical and creative ideas forward.

Research limitations/implications

– The authors believe that this type of innovation network could be replicated successfully in other large organizations. The process, however, requires a senior manager who is a very involved and invested sponsor/champion.

Practical implications

– Problems that require innovative solutions can be brought to a diverse group of innovators who are interested in working on it. The format involves multiple, rapid prototyping, and saves considerable time and money while providing practical and vetted solutions or inventions.

Social implications

– An innovation network provides an outlet for members to use their creative imagination to address a wide variety of problems. In this way, they can continue to build their own skills while contributing value to their organizations.

Originality/value

– Leaders always hope to maximize the value of their investment in training and development. Creating a format that takes advantage of and continues to build skills in areas such as innovation management optimizes an organization's ROI in leadership development while providing a valuable service to the organization.
Training the world: using archetypes to create a practical global learning strategy
Authors: Mesch Richard , Comolli Stacie
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to define a new methodology for designing corporate learning for a global audience and to provide a case study of that methodology in action. The Global Learning Archetypes approach adapts well-established cultural preference models and combines them with insightful learning models. The result is three primary Global Learning Archetypes and six secondary archetypes that allow training to be designed once and used around the world.

Design/methodology/approach

– The Global Learning Archetype approach was created by evaluating well-established global cultural preferences models, integrating them with a proprietary learning criteria model, and developing a model for rapidly and cost-effectively creating learning for multiple geographies. Additionally, a case study illustrates both the challenges and successes when implementing this model in a large global corporation.

Findings

– Most organizations create global learning either by creating content in their “home” location and then adapting it for other locations, or by distributing a single version of content and trusting local facilitators to provide context for it. The first method is expensive and time-consuming; the second method is risky and unreliable. The Global Archetype method provides for creating learning interactions that are appropriate for multiple geographies in a single effort.

Practical implications

– Most large organizations are global, and smaller organizations increasingly have a global footprint. According to Fortune Magazine, the Fortune Global 500 are headquartered in 37 different countries and do business in over 150 different countries. An Institute for the Future/Intuit study notes that by 2018, half of all US small businesses will be involved in international trade. CSA Research observes that businesses spend about US$31 billion a year on localization. A method for providing global learning in both an impactful and cost-effective way is clearly necessary.

Originality/value

– The Global Learning Archetypes method is comparatively new, but it draws from well-established and well-vetted content on worldwide cultural preferences and on effective learning criteria. As such, it is a valuable synthesis of the proven and the innovative. Far more than a conceptual model, the Global Archetypes have been used by some of the largest organizations in the world; a case study of one such implementation is provided in this paper.
Peace Diplomacy and the Domestic Dimension of Norwegian Foreign Policy: The Insider's Accounts
Authors: Pisarska Katarzyna
Published: January 2015

By focusing on the internal conditions and rationale behind the development of Norwegian peace diplomacy (as seen by Norwegian diplomats and nongovernmental organisation representatives), this study argues that the high level of the country's engagement in international peace efforts and its success in pursuing a ‘niche diplomacy’ can be attributed to two factors. First, it is the ability of the Norwegian government to capitalise on the society's belief that Norwegians are a ‘Peace Nation’ with a missionary obligation. Second, it is the existence of the so‐called ‘Norwegian Model’, which allows creating efficient interactions between government, civil society and research institutions in specific foreign policy efforts. Both factors combined make Norwegian peace diplomacy a model example representing New Public Diplomacy, where domestic civil society remains both an audience (‘Norway as a Peace Nation’ notion) and a driver (Norwegian model of cooperation) of state public diplomacy efforts.
Crisis Accountability: Ministerial Resignations in Sweden
Authors: Brändström Annika
Published: January 2015

Accountability processes after crisis events sometimes entail harsh criticism from public and political players alike, forcing cabinet ministers to be on top of the political game and sometimes even resign. However, harsh accountability processes are just as likely to leave ministers undamaged. This article combines two existing theories that propose different factors to account for variation in outcomes: ministerial resignations as a consequence of cabinet formation and individual positions; or resignations as a result of blame management strategies involving individual actors within the cabinet and beyond. Ten crisis episodes in Sweden are analysed and compared. The findings suggest that individual political power bases and experience matter to how well blame management strategies can be employed, while the composition of the government gives structural constraints. The dynamic interplay and framing battle between incumbent decision makers, and external arenas and the skill with which individual ministers engage and frame responsibility, play a key role in determining their post‐crisis careers.
Pet Grief: When is Non-Human Life Grievable?
Authors: Redmalm David
Published: January 2015

This study explores how pet owners grieve their pets and view their pets' transience. Drawing on Butler's notion of the differential allocation of grievability, I have analysed interviews with eighteen pet owners. Butler argues that grievability is made possible by a normative framework which allows for some human or humanlike lives to be grieved, while other lives are rendered ‘lose-able’. All the interviewed pet owners say that they are capable of grieving a non-human animal, but analysis suggests that they make their pets grievable and ungrievable by turns. I argue that by maintaining this ambivalence, the interviewees negotiate pets' inclusion in a human moral community while simultaneously defending human exceptionalism. The article concludes with a discussion of pet grief as a potentially destabilizing emotion. I suggest that grieving beings on the border between grievable human and lose-able animal – ‘werewolves’ according to Giorgio Agamben – may be a powerful way of challenging normative frameworks which arbitrarily render some human and non-human lives lose-able.
Forecasting virus disease in seed potatoes using flight activity data of aphid vectors
Authors: Steinger T. , Goy G. , Gilliand H. , Hebeisen T. , Derron J.
Published: January 2015

We compiled data from the Swiss seed certification programme for the country‐wide incidence of viruses in seed potato crops for the years 1989–2012. Model selection techniques were used to regress year‐to‐year variation in the incidence of potato viruses – largely dominated by Potato virus Y (PVY) – in three susceptible varieties against the abundance of virus vectors (winged aphids), obtained in a suction trap, to identify the most important vector species. The ultimate aim of this study was to develop a decision‐support system capable of forecasting virus spread during the current season using trap data of aphid flights. The average virus incidence in the varieties Bintje, Sirtema and Charlotte varied considerably among years, ranging from 1.0% in 2009 to 13.6% in 1989 (N = 150–611 seed lots per year). A linear regression model including the cumulative sums (until mid‐June) of two aphid species (Brachycaudus helichrysi and Phorodon humuli) as predictor variables for virus disease was remarkably well supported by the data (R2 = 0.86). Similarly, using counts of B. helichrysi alone resulted in a good model fit (R2 = 0.81). Cross‐validation revealed high predictive accuracy of the model. Although prediction root mean squared errors (RMSE) calculated for different timings of forecasts were high for extremely early forecasts, they rapidly declined for forecasts conducted by the end of May (i.e. 2–4 weeks after potato emergence). Winter temperature (January–February) was positively correlated with the abundance of B. helichrysi in early summer as well as with post‐harvest virus incidence. Remarkably, the abundance of Myzus persicae, often considered the main vector of PVY, was not correlated with virus incidence. Taken together, our analysis suggests that the early migrating aphid B. helichrysi, rather than M. persicae, is the main vector of PVY in Switzerland, and that suction trap data are useful for the design of decision‐support systems aimed to optimise virus control in seed potato production.
Effects of untreated two‐phase olive mill pomace on potted olive plantlets
Authors: Endeshaw S.T. , Lodolini E.M. , Neri D.
Published: January 2015

Two‐phase pomace represents an important environmental problem in Mediterranean areas. With its high organic content, direct application of two‐phase pomace in the field is recommended to improve soil organic carbon levels and fertility. However, this does not consider any antagonistic effects that this application might have on root proliferation and biomass partitioning. We studied the effects of untreated two‐phase pomace on properties of growth substrate, and on shoot and root growth and biomass allocation of potted olive plantlets. A pot experiment was carried out in a greenhouse over 90 days, with five levels of two‐phase pomace and using two olive cultivars. The effects on shoot growth, leaf pigment content and maximum quantum efficiency of photosystem II (ΦPSII) were assessed each month. After 90 days, the shoot and root biomass of the olive plants was quantified, along with total organic matter, and carbon, nitrogen and polyphenol contents of the growth substrate and shoots, and the fine root nutritional status. Two‐phase pomace increased the total organic matter, total nitrogen and polyphenol contents of the growth substrate. It significantly altered biomass partitioning in the olive plantlets, with reduced shoot dry mass and leaf area, and new shoot formation. It also increased fine and total root dry mass for all two‐phase pomace levels except 40%. There were no significant differences in leaf pigment content and ΦPSII across the treatment levels. Therefore, application of untreated two‐phase pomace at more than 4% induces a severe imbalance in olive plantlet biomass partitioning, and shoot and root growth.
Consent: a practical guide
Authors: Khoury BS , Khoury JN
Published: January 2015

Societal change through an increase in knowledge and accessibility of education as well as a push for autonomy has contributed to a shift in the balance of power from clinician to patient (especially in the last 20 years). This drive for personal autonomy has seen a shift from medical paternalism, a consequence of ignorance, to personal autonomy, a continuously evolving by‐product of 17th century liberalism as expressed and facilitated by access of information. Consequently, patient‐centred care has become the new standard for health care involving a two‐way communication process of shared information and informed decision‐making. At its centre is the patient's right to accept or decline treatment recommended by a clinician, be it detrimental or beneficial. Clinicians must recognize and appreciate this shift to patient‐centred care and its legal ramifications.
Development and validation of a symptom‐based severity score for haemorrhoidal disease: the Sodergren score
Authors: Pucher P. H. , Qurashi M. , Howell A.‐M. , Faiz O. , Ziprin P. , Darzi A. , Sodergren M. H.
Published: January 2015

Aim

One major obstacle in assessing the efficacy of treatment of haemorrhoids and the comparison of trials has been the lack of a standardized, validated symptom severity score. This study aimed to develop an objective, validated symptom‐based score of severity for haemorrhoids that can be used to compare treatments, monitor disease and assist in surgical decisions.

Method

A symptom and quality‐of‐life questionnaire was developed from the literature in conjunction with expert surgical opinion. The questionnaire was circulated to patients with confirmed haemorrhoids. A statistical model was used to derive a weighted score of symptoms most affecting patients' quality of life. Patients who were offered operative treatment were independently judged by specialists to have more severe symptoms, with further validation of the scoring system against treatment.

Results

Forty‐five patients were included in final validation analysis, of whom 44 (98%) reported multiple symptoms, the most common being rectal bleeding. Patient‐reported effects on quality of life were 47.5 ± 36.3 (1–100 visual analogue scale). Calculated symptom severity scores were used to compare patients receiving operative or ambulatory care, with significant difference in the scores (7.7 ± 3.9 vs 2.8 ± 3.5, P = 0.002) and a receiver operating characteristic area under the curve of 0.842.

Conclusion

A novel validated score for the assessment of haemorrhoidal disease adopting a standardized global score for symptom severity may have important implications in future for research, assessment and the management of this common pathology.
Silencing dishevelled‐1 sensitizes paclitaxel‐resistant human ovarian cancer cells via AKT/GSK‐3β/β‐catenin signalling
Authors: Zhang Kun , Song Haixing , Yang Ping , Dai Xiaozhen , Li Ya , Wang Lan , Du Jun , Pan Kejian , Zhang Tao
Published: January 2015

Objectives

Expression of dishevelled‐1 (DVL1) has recently been linked to cancer progression, however, its role in resistance to cancer therapy is unclear. In this study, we aimed to explore the function of DVL1 in paclitaxel‐resistant human ovarian cancer cells.

Materials and methods

The MTT assay was used to assess effects of DVL1 silencing on sensitivity of cells that were otherwise resistant to paclitaxel (Taxol). Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining were used to examine effects of DVL1 on AKT/GSK‐3β/β‐catenin signalling.

Results

Dishevelled‐1 was found to be over‐expressed in a paclitaxel‐resistant cell line derived from human ovarian cancer cell line A2780 (A2780/Taxol line) as well as parental A2780 cells. Down‐regulation of DVL1 (using the inhibitor 3289‐8625 or siRNA (siDVL1) against DVL1) sensitized A2780/Taxol cells to paclitaxel. Over‐expression of DVL1 in A2780 cells increased protein levels of P‐gp, BCRP and Bcl‐2, which are known targets of β‐catenin. Silencing DVL1 in A2780/Taxol cells also reduced levels of these proteins, and led to accumulation of β‐catenin. In addition, DVL1 aberrantly activated AKT/GSK‐3β/β‐catenin signalling. Inactivation of AKT signalling attenuated DVL1‐mediated inhibition of GSK‐3β and accumulation of β‐catenin, in both A2780 and A2780/Taxol cells.

Conclusions

Taken together, these results suggest that silencing DVL1 sensitized A2780/Taxol cells to paclitaxel, by down‐regulating AKT/GSK‐3β/β‐catenin signalling, providing a novel strategy for chemosensitization of ovarian cancer to paclitaxel‐induced cytotoxicity.
Cardiovascular risk and events after liver transplantation. Experiences from 313 consecutive transplants with a follow‐up of 20 years
Authors: Schoening Wenzel , Neidel Nadja , Buescher Niklas , Andreou Andreas , Pascher Andreas , Seehofer Daniel , Bahra Marcus , Schmitz Volker , Pratschke Johann , Puhl Gero
Published: January 2015

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the third leading cause of late death after liver transplantation (LT). The old PROCAM score was described in males (aged 35–65 yr) to estimate cardiovascular events after LT. New PROCAM is now available to estimate risks for cardiovascular events in both genders and for a wider age range (25–75 yr). We tested old and new PROCAM in long‐term follow‐up (10 and 20 yr) and described CVD risk factors, kidney function, and immunosuppression over two decades.

A retrospective study of 313 consecutive LTs was conducted. At 10 (T2) and 20 (T3) yr, patients were screened for cardiovascular events, and for T1 (0.5 yr) and T2, CVD risk factors were recorded and old and new PROCAM calculated. PROCAM estimates were compared with observed events.

CVD risk factors increased significantly over time and kidney function decreased. Between T1 and T2 in males, fewer events were observed (o) than estimated (e) (males: o: 3 vs. e: 6.05–9.88; females o: 2 vs. e: 1.35–4.21). For both genders, new PROCAM was appropriate between T2 and T3 (males o: 8; e: 4.5–8.57; females o: 2; e: 1.2–4.46).

New PROCAM sufficiently estimates cardiovascular risk after LT, while overestimation in T1‐T2 may be due to strict surveillance.
Prevalence and incidence of clinically recognized cases of Type 1 diabetes in children and adolescents in Rwanda, Africa
Authors: Marshall S. L. , Edidin D. , Arena V. C. , Becker D. J. , Bunker C. H. , Gishoma C. , Gishoma F. , LaPorte R. E. , Kaberuka V. , Ogle G. , Sibomana L. , Orchard T. J.
Published: January 2015

Aims

To determine prevalence and incidence estimates for clinically recognized cases of Type 1 diabetes from the Life For a Child Program (LFAC) with onset < 26 years in six representative districts, and the capital, of Rwanda.

Methods

Cases were identified from the LFAC registry and visits to district hospitals. Denominators were calculated from district‐level population surveys. Period prevalence data were collected from 1 August 2011 to 31 July 2012 and annual incidence rates were calculated, retrospectively, for 2004–2011. Ninety‐five per cent confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated using a Poisson distribution.

Results

The prevalence of known Type 1 diabetes in seven districts in Rwanda for ages < 26 years was 16.4 [95% CI 14.6–18.4]/100 000 and for < 15 years was 4.8 [3.5–6.4]/100 000. Prevalence was higher in females (18.5 [15.8–21.4]/100 000) than males (14.1 [11.8–16.7]/100 000; P = 0.01) and rates increased with age. The annual incidence rate for those < 26 years was stable between 2007 and 2011 with a mean incidence over that time of 2.7 [2.0–3.7]/100 000 ( < 15 years = 1.2 [0.5–2.0]/100 000). Incidence rates were higher in females than males and peaked in males at ages 17 and 22 years and in females at age 18 years.

Conclusions

Our report of known Type 1 diabetes cases shows lower incidence and prevalence rates in Rwanda than previously reported in the USA and most African countries. Incidence of recognized cases has increased over time, but has recently stabilized. However, the likelihood of missed cases due to death before diagnosis and misdiagnosis is high and therefore more definitive studies are needed.
Atypical Abnormal Pulmonary Vein Drainage with Atrial Septal Defect: Surgical Treatment
Authors: Szychta Wojciech , Cerin Gheorghe , Popa Bogdan Adrian , Felice Armienti , Lanzillo Guido , Diena Marco , Opolski Grzegorz
Published: January 2015

Sinus venosus atrial septal defect (SV‐ASD) usually coexists with partial anomalous pulmonary vein connection (PAPVC). It is a difficult diagnosis in transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) due to eccentric position of defects. We present a rare case of atypical anatomical variation in PAPVC, which was never described before. Two right pulmonary veins drained into superior vena cava, which overrode SV‐ASD and interatrial septum, a third pulmonary vein into the right atrium. Complete diagnosis could not be set after TTE, nor transesophageal echocardiography, whereas angio‐CT was finally conclusive. This diagnostic approach allowed the surgical planning.
Challenges in applying scientific evidence to width recommendations for riparian management in agricultural Australia
Authors: Hansen Birgita D. , Reich Paul , Cavagnaro Timothy R. , Lake P. S.
Published: January 2015

Intact riparian zones maintain aquatic–terrestrial ecosystem function and ultimately, waterway health. Effective riparian management is a major step towards improving the condition of waterways and usually involves the creation of a ‘buffer’ by fencing off the stream and planting vegetation. Determination of buffer widths often reflects logistical constraints (e.g. private land ownership, existing infrastructure) of riparian and adjacent areas, rather than relying on rigorous science. We used published information to support riparian width recommendations for waterways in agricultural Victoria, Australia. We focused on different ecological management objectives (e.g. nutrient reduction or erosion control) and scrutinised the applicability of data across different environmental contexts (e.g. adjacent land use or geomorphology). Not surprisingly, the evidence supported variable ‘effective’ riparian widths, depending on the objective and environmental context. We used this information to develop a framework for determining riparian buffer widths to meet a variety of ecological objectives in south‐east Australia. Widths for reducing nutrient inputs to waterways were most strongly supported with quantitative evidence and varied between 20 and 38 m depending on environmental context. The environmental context was inconsistently reported, making it difficult to recommend appropriate widths, under different land‐use and physiographic scenarios. The evidence to guide width determination generally had high levels of uncertainty. Despite the considerable amount of published riparian research, there was insufficient evidence to demonstrate that implemented widths achieved ecological objectives. We emphasise the need for managers to clearly articulate the objectives of proposed riparian management and carefully consider the environmental context. Monitoring ecological responses associated with different riparian buffer widths is essential to support future management decisions.
Endothelin‐1 protects human melanocytes from UV‐induced DNA damage by activating JNK and p38 signalling pathways
Authors: von Koschembahr Anne M. , Swope Viki B. , Starner Renny J. , Abdel‐Malek Zalfa A.
Published: January 2015

Endothelin‐1 is a paracrine factor with mitogenic, melanogenic and survival effects on cultured human melanocytes. We report that endothelin‐1 signalling reduced the generation and enhanced the repair of ultraviolet radiation (UV)‐induced DNA photoproducts, and inhibited apoptosis of human melanocytes, without increasing cAMP levels, melanin content or proliferation. Treatment with endothelin‐1 activated the MAP kinases JNK and p38, as evidenced by phosphorylation of their target, activating transcription factor‐2 (ATF‐2). Endothelin‐1 also enhanced the phosphorylation of JNK, p38 and ATF‐2 by UV. The effects of endothelin‐1 were dependent on increasing intracellular calcium mobilization by endothelin B receptor signalling. Activation of both JNK and p38 was required for reducing DNA photoproducts, but only JNK partially contributed to the survival effect of endothelin‐1. ATF‐2 activation depended mainly on JNK, yet was not sufficient for the effect of endothelin‐1 on UV‐induced DNA damage, suggesting the requirement for other JNK and p38 targets for this effect. Our results underscore the significance of endothelin‐1 and endothelin B receptor signalling in reducing the genotoxic effects of UV via activating JNK and p38, hence restoring genomic stability of melanocytes.
Effect of testing experience and profession on provider acceptability of rapid HIV testing after implementation in public sexual health clinics in Sydney
Authors: Conway DP , Guy R , McNulty A , Couldwell DL , Davies SC , Smith DE , Keen P , Cunningham P , Holt M ,   Sydney Rapid HIV Test Study
Published: January 2015

Objectives

Rapid HIV testing (RHT) is well established in many countries, but it is new in Australia since a policy change in 2011. We assessed service provider acceptability of RHT before and after its implementation in four Sydney public sexual health clinics.

Methods

Service providers were surveyed immediately after training in RHT and again 6–12 months later. Differences in mean scores between survey rounds were assessed via t‐tests, with stratification by profession and the number of tests performed.

Results

RHT was rated as highly acceptable among staff at baseline and acceptability scores improved between survey rounds. Belief in being sufficiently skilled and experienced to perform RHT (P = 0.004) and confidence in the delivery of nonreactive results increased (P = 0.007), while the belief that RHT was disruptive declined (P = 0.001). Acceptability was higher for staff who had performed a greater number of tests regarding comfort with their role in RHT (P = 0.004) and belief that patients were satisfied with RHT (P = 0.007). Compared with nurses, doctors had a stronger preference for a faster rapid test (P = 0.027) and were more likely to agree that RHT interfered with consultations (P = 0.014).

Conclusions

Differences in responses between professions may reflect differences in staff roles, the type of patients seen by staff and the model of testing used, all of which may affect the number of tests performed by staff. These findings may inform planning for how best to implement RHT in clinical services.
Treatment initiation factors and cognitive outcome in youth with perinatally acquired HIV infection
Authors: Lazarus J Rutstein , Rutstein RM , Lowenthal ED
Published: January 2015

Objectives

Although cognitive outcomes among perinatally infected youth have improved with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), the impact of the age of initiation of treatment and the central nervous system (CNS) penetration effectiveness (CPE) of the regimen on cognitive outcomes is unknown. We aimed to describe the association between initiation age/regimen CPE score and cognitive outcomes in perinatally HIV‐infected youth.

Methods

Linear regression was used to retrospectively assess the association between full‐scale IQ score (FSIQ) and age of initiation of HAART, regimen CPE, and the presence/absence of an AIDS diagnosis before initiation of HAART in an urban US cohort.

Results

A total of 88 of 181 subjects (48.6%) had an AIDS diagnosis. In 69, AIDS preceded the start of HAART. Mean FSIQ (mean age 155.4 months) was 86.3 [standard deviation (SD) 15.6]. Neither age of initiation of HAART (P = 0.45) nor regimen CPE score (P = 0.33) was associated with FSIQ. Mean FSIQ for patients with an AIDS diagnosis before HAART initiation [82 (SD 17.0)] was significantly lower than for patients initiating HAART before an AIDS diagnosis [90 (SD 13)] (P = 0.001). Of the 129 subjects without AIDS by age 5 years, 41 (31.8%) initiated HAART before age 5 years; four of 41 later developed AIDS, compared with 32 of 88 of those who did not initiate HAART before age 5 years. The relative risk of AIDS if HAART was initiated before age 5 years was 0.19 (95% confidence interval 0.05‐0.60).

Conclusions

Earlier age at HAART initiation and higher CPE score of a regimen did not improve cognitive outcomes. However, initiating HAART prior to AIDS protected against AIDS and was associated with a significantly higher FSIQ.
The Ability to Map Differentially Stressed Labels to Objects Predicts Language Development at 24 months in 12‐month‐olds at High Risk for Autism
Authors: Ference Jennifer , Curtin Suzanne
Published: January 2015

Sensitivity to language‐specific stress patterns during infancy facilitates finding, mapping, and recognizing words, and early preferences for the predominate stress pattern of the infant's native language have been argued to facilitate language relevant outcomes (Ference & Curtin, 2013 Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, 116, 891; Weber et al., 2005 Cognitive Brain Research, 25, 180). We examined 12‐month‐old infant siblings of typically developing children (SIBS‐TD) and infant siblings of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD; SIBS‐A) on their ability to map differentially stressed labels to objects. We also examined whether success at this task relates to infants’ vocabulary size at 12 months, and more specifically to SIBS‐A's vocabulary at both 12 and 24 months. SIBS‐TD successfully mapped the word–object pairings, which related to their vocabulary comprehension at 12 months. In contrast, SIBS‐A as a group did not map the word–object pairings, which was unrelated to vocabulary size at 12 months. However, success on this task for SIBS‐A predicted expressive language abilities at 24 months using the Mullen Scales of Early Learning (MSEL; Mullen, 1995 Mullen Scales of Early Learning. Circle Pines, MN: American Guidance) and the MacArthur‐Bates Communicative Development Inventory (MB‐CDI; Fenson et al., 1993 MacArthur Communicative Development Inventory: Users Guide and Technical Manual. San Diego, CA: Singular Publishing Company). Our study is the first to demonstrate that 12‐month‐old SIBS‐A who succeed at word mapping using lexical stress are more likely to have stronger expressive language abilities at 24 months.
Do Underwriting Activities Bias Investment Banks’ Buy Recommendations? Lessons from the Latin American Bond Markets
Authors: Nieto‐Parra Sebastian
Published: January 2015

This paper examines whether banks’ recommendations to investors in the Latin American sovereign bond market are truly independent of the same banks’ underwriting activities in these countries. The main findings are the following. First, after controlling for macroeconomic and financial variables, I find that investment banks tend to provide optimistic recommendations to investors in sovereign bonds on which they act as lead managers. Second, econometric analysis shows that this association increases with the underwriting fee. These results are consistent with interviews with the main institutional investors in sovereign bonds. The findings of this research suggest the existence of a conflict of interest between the origination and research departments of investment banks in the Latin American bond market.
Molecular characterization, phylogenetic analysis and expression profiling of myoglobin and cytoglobin genes in response to heat stress in channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus
Authors: Feng J. B. , Liu S. K. , Wang R. J. , Zhang J. R. , Wang X. L. , Kaltenboeck L. , Li J. L. , Liu Z. J.
Published: January 2015

To understand the function of myoglobin (Mb) and cytoglobin (Cygb) in channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus in response to heat stress, mb and cygb genes were identified and characterized in this study. These genes were widely expressed in all the tested tissues, but strong tissue preferences were observed, with the mb gene being expressed most highly in the heart, cygb1 most highly expressed in the intestine and cygb2 most highly expressed in the brain. After heat‐stress challenge, mb and cygb genes were up‐regulated in almost all tested tissues. In general, such up‐regulation was more dramatic in the tolerant group than in the intolerant group, suggesting that higher expression of mb and cygb genes contributed to greater tolerance of I. punctatus to heat stress.
Effects of fasting and feeding on the fast‐start swimming performance of southern catfish Silurus meridionalis
Authors: Yan G. J. , He X. K. , Cao Z. D. , Fu S. J.
Published: January 2015

This study investigated the effects of fasting and feeding on the fast‐start escape swimming performance of juvenile southern catfish Silurus meridionalis, a sit‐and‐wait forager that encounters extreme fasting and famine frequently during its lifespan. Ten to 30 days of fasting resulted in no significant change in most of the variables measured in the fast‐start response except a 20–30% decrease in the escape distance during the first 120 ms (D120ms) relative to the control group (48 h after feeding). The ratio of the single‐bend (SB) response (lower energetic expenditure) to the double‐bend (DB) response increased significantly from 0% in the control group to 75 and 82·5% in the 20 and 30 day fasting groups, respectively. Satiated feeding (25% of body mass) resulted in a significantly lower (36·6%) maximum linear velocity (Vmax) and a significantly lower (43·3%) D120ms than in non‐fed fish (control group, 48 h after feeding). Half‐satiated feeding (12·5% of body mass), however, showed no significant effects on any of the measured variables of the fast‐start response relative to control fish. It is suggested that the increase in the ratio of SB:DB responses with fasting in S. meridionalis may reflect a trade‐off between energy conservation and maintaining high Vmax, while variables of fast‐start performance were more sensitive to feeding than fasting might be an adaptive strategy to their foraging mode and food availability in their habitat.