bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Depoliticisation, Resilience and the Herceptin Post-Code Lottery Crisis: Holding Back the Tide
Authors: Wood Matthew
Published: October 2014

Research Highlights and Abstract

This article:

Covers new empirical terrain in the study of depoliticisation, with an in-depth case study of health technology regulation; Analyses depoliticisation from a novel analytical perspective, examining how depoliticised institutions are resilient to external pressure for politicisation; Posits a distinctive framework for analysing resilience, drawing on cognate literatures on policy networks and agencification; Raises interesting and distinctive questions about the nature of depoliticisation in advanced liberal democracies, arguing it is more contested than commonly acknowledged.

Depoliticisation as a concept offers distinctive insights into how governments attempt to relieve political pressures in liberal democracies. Analysis has examined the effects of depoliticisation tactics on the public, but not how those tactics are sustained during moments of political tension. Drawing on policy networks and agencification literatures, this article examines how these tactics are resilient against pressure for politicisation. Using an in-depth case study of the controversial appraisal of cancer drug Herceptin in 2005/6 by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), the article examines how ‘resilient’ NICE was to external politicisation. It is argued that NICE was resilient because it was effectively ‘insulated’ by formal procedures and informal norms of deference to scientific expertise. This mechanism is termed ‘institutional double glazing’. The conclusion suggests developments to the conceptual and methodological framework of depoliticisation, and highlights theoretical insights into the nature of ‘anti-politics’ in contemporary democracies.
Evaluation of Plasma Exchange and Continuous Veno‐Venous Hemofiltration for the Treatment of Severe Avian Influenza A (H7N9): A Cohort Study
Authors: Liu Xiaoli , Zhang Yimin , Xu Xiaowei , Du Weibo , Su Kunkai , Zhu Chunxia , Chen Yuemei , Lei Shuiying , Zheng Shufa , Jiang Jianwen , Yang Shigui , Guo Jing , Shao Li , Yang Qian , Chen Jiajia , Li Lanjuan
Published: November 2014

Avian influenza A (H7N9) is a severe disease with high mortality. Hypercytokinemia is thought to play an important role in the pathogenesis. This study was to investigate the efficiency of plasma exchange (PE) + continuous veno‐venous hemofiltration (CVVH) on the removal of inflammatory mediators and their benefits in the management of fluid overload and metabolic disturbance. In total, 40 H7N9‐infected patients were admitted to our hospital. Sixteen critically ill H7N9‐infected patients received combination of PE and CVVH. Data from these 16 patients were collected and analyzed. The effects of PE + CVVH on plasma cytokine/chemokine levels and clinical outcomes were examined. H7N9‐infected patients had increased plasma levels compared to healthy controls. After 3 h of PE + CVVH treatment, the cytokine/chemokine levels descended remarkably to lower levels and were maintained thereafter. PE + CVVH also benefited the management of fluid, cardiovascular dysfunction and metabolic disturbance. Of the 16 critically ill patients who received PE + CVVH, 10 patients survived. PE + CVVH decreased the plasma cytokine/chemokine levels significantly. PE + CVVH were also beneficial to the management of severe avian influenza A (H7N9).
Comparison of Paricalcitol With Maxacalcitol Injection in Japanese Hemodialysis Patients With Secondary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Akizawa Tadao , Akiba Takashi , Hirakata Hideki , Kinugasa Eriko , Tominaga Yoshihiro , Fukagawa Masafumi , Yokoyama Keitaro , Zhang Wuyan , Linde Peter G. , Suzuki Masashi
Published: November 2014

Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is one of the major complications of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is associated with elevated serum intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH). Calcitriol, a non‐selective vitamin D receptor agonist (VDRA) that suppresses iPTH is used for SHPT treatment, but its use is frequently complicated by hypercalcemia. Paricalcitol, a selective VDRA, demonstrated efficacy in iPTH suppression compared to maxacalcitol in a Phase 2 study (M11‐609) in Japanese subjects. The current larger Phase 3 study (M11‐517), evaluated the efficacy of intravenous paricalcitol injection compared to intravenous maxacalcitol injection with respect to iPTH and calcium control using a non‐inferiority primary endpoint. In this double‐blind, double‐dummy, parallel‐group study, eligible Japanese CKD subjects with SHPT on hemodialysis were randomized 1:1 to receive intravenous paricalcitol or intravenous maxacalcitol injections for 12 weeks. Dynamic allocation of subjects on the basis of screening iPTH levels was used to ensure equal distribution of subjects with iPTH <500 pg/mL and ≥500 pg/mL into the two treatment groups. 255 subjects were randomized to receive paricalcitol (N = 127) or maxacalcitol (N = 128). Primary efficacy analysis indicated that 27.7% in the paricalcitol group vs. 30.5% in the maxacalcitol group (95% CI −14.34% to 8.79%, P = 0.353) achieved target iPTH in the last 3 weeks without hypercalcemia during treatment, failing to achieve the non‐inferiority margin of −5% that was set based upon agreement with the PMDA. Both intravenous paricalcitol and maxacalcitol were effective in reducing iPTH and provided similar safety profiles; however, non‐inferiority for paricalcitol vs. maxacalcitol was not demonstrated.
Patients' Care Needs: Documentation Analysis in General Hospitals
Authors: Paans Wolter , Müller‐Staub Maria
Published: October 2014

Purpose

The purpose of the study is (a) to describe care needs derived from records of patients in Dutch hospitals, and (b) to evaluate whether nurses employed the NANDA‐I classification to formulate patients' care needs.

Methods

A stratified cross‐sectional random‐sampling nursing documentation audit was conducted employing the D‐Catch instrument in 10 hospitals comprising 37 wards.

Findings

The most prevalent nursing diagnoses were acute pain, nausea, fatigue, and risk for impaired skin integrity.

Conclusions

Most care needs were determined in physiological health patterns and few in psychosocial patterns.

Implications for Nursing Practice

To perform effective interventions leading to high‐quality nursing‐sensitive outcomes, nurses should also diagnose patients' care needs in the health management, value‐belief, and coping stress patterns.
Waste recovered by‐products can increase growth of grass–clover mixtures in low fertility soils and alter botanical and mineral nutrient composition
Authors: Dahlin A.S. , Ramezanian A. , Campbell C.D. , Hillier S. , Öborn I.
Published: November 2014

The effectiveness of four by‐products (biogas digestate, pot ale, rockdust and wood ash) as fertilisers of a perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne)–red clover (Trifolium pratense) mixture in terms of biomass production, botanical composition and macro‐ and micronutrient concentrations was tested in an outdoor pot trial. This was carried out over two growing seasons using two inherently low‐fertility soils used for forage production. Macro‐ and micronutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Co, Cu, Mn, Mo and Zn) relevant for crops and livestock were determined in soils and plants. All the by‐products increased overall biomass production and affected nutrient concentrations of the individual plant species to varying degrees. In addition the competitive balance between grass and clover was altered leading to different botanical composition in the different treatments and consequently differences in the nutrient concentrations of the species mixture. Changes were due to the nutrients applied in the by‐products per se and/or to changes in the soil chemistry caused by the by‐products. The results suggest a potential to enhance agricultural productivity through improved production and quality of forage on less fertile land by matching of by‐products and soil properties.
Age‐related changes in functional postsynaptic nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunits in neurons of the laterodorsal tegmental nucleus, a nucleus important in drug addiction
Authors: Christensen Mark H. , Kohlmeier Kristi A.
Published: November 2014

The earlier an individual initiates cigarette smoking, the higher the likelihood of development of dependency to nicotine, the addictive ingredient in cigarettes. One possible mechanism underlying this higher addiction liability is an ontogenetically differential cellular response induced by nicotine in neurons mediating the reinforcing or euphoric effects of this drug, which could arise from age‐related differences in the composition of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subunits. In the current study, we examined whether the subunit composition of nAChRs differed between neurons within the laterodorsal tegmentum (LDT), a nucleus importantly involved in drug addiction associated behaviours, across two periods of ontogeny in which nicotine‐mediated excitatory responses were shown to depend on age. To this end, whole‐cell patch‐clamp recordings in mouse brain slices from identified LDT neurons, in combination with nAChR subunit‐specific receptor antagonists, were conducted. Comparison of the contribution of different nAChR subunits to acetylcholine (ACh)‐induced inward currents indicated that the contributions of the β2 and/or β4 and α7 nAChR subunits alter across age. Taken together, we conclude that across a limited ontogenetic period, there is plasticity in the subunit composition of nAChRs in LDT neurons. In addition, our data indicate, for the first time, functional presence of α6 nAChR subunits in LDT neurons within the age ranges studied. Changes in subunit composition of nAChRs across ontogeny could contribute to the age‐related differential excitability induced by nicotine. Differences in the subunit composition of nAChRs within the LDT would be expected to contribute to ontogenetic‐dependent outflow from the LDT to target regions, which include reward‐related circuitry.
The Bioarchaeology of Structural Violence and Dissection in the 19th‐Century United States
Authors: Nystrom Kenneth C.
Published: October 2014

Structural violence is harm done to individuals or groups through the normalization of social inequalities in political‐economic organization. Researchers working in both modern and prehistoric contexts focus on the lived experiences of individuals and the health disparities that arise from such violence. With this article, I seek to contribute to this literature by considering how skeletal evidence of dissection from the 19th‐century United States reflects structural violence. I focus on “death experiences” and suggest that studies of structural violence must consider not only how inequality may be embodied as health disparities in the living but also “disembodiment” and the treatment and fate of the dead body.
Development of a standardised training curriculum for robotic surgery: a consensus statement from an international multidisciplinary group of experts
Authors: Ahmed Kamran , Khan Reenam , Mottrie Alexandre , Lovegrove Catherine , Abaza Ronny , Ahlawat Rajesh , Ahlering Thomas , Ahlgren Goran , Artibani Walter , Barret Eric , Cathelineau Xavier , Challacombe Ben , Coloby Patrick , Khan Muhammad S. , Hubert Jacques , Michel Maurice Stephan , Montorsi Francesco , Murphy Declan , Palou Joan , Patel Vipul , Piechaud Pierre‐Thierry , Van Poppel Hendrik , Rischmann Pascal , Sanchez‐Salas Rafael , Siemer Stefan , Stoeckle Michael , Stolzenburg Jens‐Uwe , Terrier Jean‐Etienne , Thüroff Joachim W. , Vaessen Christophe , Van Der Poel Henk G. , Van Cleynenbreugel Ben , Volpe Alessandro , Wagner Christian , Wiklund Peter , Wilson Timothy , Wirth Manfred , Witt Jörn , Dasgupta Prokar
Published: October 2014

Objectives

To explore the views of experts about the development and validation of a robotic surgery training curriculum, and how this should be implemented.

Materials and methods

An international expert panel was invited to a structured session for discussion. The study was of a mixed design, including qualitative and quantitative components based on focus group interviews during the European Association of Urology (EAU) Robotic Urology Section (ERUS) (2012), EAU (2013) and ERUS (2013) meetings. After introduction to the aims, principles and current status of the curriculum development, group responses were elicited. After content analysis of recorded interviews generated themes were discussed at the second meeting, where consensus was achieved on each theme. This discussion also underwent content analysis, and was used to draft a curriculum proposal. At the third meeting, a quantitative questionnaire about this curriculum was disseminated to attendees to assess the level of agreement with the key points.

Results

In all, 150 min (19 pages) of the focus group discussion was transcribed (21 316 words). Themes were agreed by two raters (median agreement κ 0.89) and they included: need for a training curriculum (inter‐rater agreement κ 0.85); identification of learning needs (κ 0.83); development of the curriculum contents (κ 0.81); an overview of available curricula (κ 0.79); settings for robotic surgery training ((κ 0.89); assessment and training of trainers (κ 0.92); requirements for certification and patient safety (κ 0.83); and need for a universally standardised curriculum (κ 0.78). A training curriculum was proposed based on the above discussions.

Conclusion

This group proposes a multi‐step curriculum for robotic training. Studies are in process to validate the effectiveness of the curriculum and to assess transfer of skills to the operating room.
The activation of supraspinal GPR40/FFA1 receptor signalling regulates the descending pain control system
Authors: Nakamoto K , Nishinaka T , Sato N , Aizawa F , Yamashita T , Mankura M , Koyama Y , Kasuya F , Tokuyama S
Published: November 2014

Background and Purpose

The ω‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids exert antinociceptive effects in inflammatory and neuropathic pain; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Docosahexaenoic acid‐induced antinociception may be mediated by the orphan GPR40, now identified as the free fatty acid receptor 1 (FFA1 receptor). Here, we examined the involvement of supraspinal FFA1 receptor signalling in the regulation of inhibitory pain control systems consisting of serotonergic and noradrenergic neurons.

Experimental Approach

Formalin‐induced pain behaviours were measured in mice. Antinociception induced by FFA1 receptor agonists was examined by intrathecal injections of a catecholaminergic toxin, 5‐HT lowering drug or these antagonists. The expression of FFA1 receptor protein and c‐Fos was estimated by immunohistochemistry, and the levels of noradrenaline and 5‐HT in the spinal cord were measured by LC‐MS/MS.

Key Results

FFA1 receptors colocalized with NeuN (a neuron marker) in the medulla oblongata and with tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH; a serotonergic neuron marker) and dopamine β‐hydroxylase (DBH; a noradrenergic neuron marker). A single i.c.v. injection of GW9508, a FFA1 receptor agonist, increased the number of c‐Fos‐positive cells and the number of neurons double‐labelled for c‐Fos and TPH and/or DBH. It decreased formalin‐induced pain behaviour. This effect was inhibited by pretreatment with 6‐hydroxydopamine, DL‐p‐chlorophenylalanine, yohimbine or WAY100635. Furthermore, GW9508 facilitated the release of noradrenaline and 5‐HT in the spinal cord. In addition, GW1100, a FFA1 receptor antagonist, significantly increased formalin‐induced pain‐related behaviour.

Conclusion and Implications

Activation of the FFA1 receptor signalling pathway may play an important role in the regulation of the descending pain control system.
How Motor and Visual Experiences Shape Infants' Visual Processing of Objects and Faces
Authors: Schwarzer Gudrun
Published: October 2014

Infants' impressive achievements in processing objects and faces during the 1st year of life lead to questions about the factors driving that development. In this article, I review and discuss how infants' experiences that are related to their emerging motor skills and their development of face expertise lead to such crucial developmental agents. During the 1st year of life, infants' visual processing of objects is primarily associated with their object exploration and crawling experiences. Infants' development of face processing is influenced by their increasing experience with face categories that they encounter most frequently. A link also exists between infants' processing of faces, on one hand, and their exploration of objects and their experience with sitting, on the other. Thus, experiences that result from acquiring motor skills seem to facilitate infants' visual processing across domains.
Racial and Gender Identity Among Black Adolescent Males: An Intersectionality Perspective
Authors: Rogers Leoandra Onnie , Scott Marc A. , Way Niobe
Published: November 2014

A considerable amount of social identity research has focused on race and racial identity, while gender identity, particularly among Black adolescents, remains underexamined. The current study used survey data from 183 Black adolescent males (13–16 years old) to investigate the development and relation between racial and gender identity centrality and private regard, and how these identities impact adjustment over time. It was found that dimensions of racial and gender identity were strongly correlated. Levels of racial centrality increased over time while gender centrality, and racial and gender private regard declined. In addition, racial and gender identity uniquely contributed to higher levels of psychological well‐being and academic adjustment. These findings are discussed within the context of existing identity theories and intersectionality theory.
Long‐term L‐Triiodothyronine (T3) treatment in stable systolic heart failure patients: a randomised, double‐blind, cross‐over, placebo‐controlled intervention study
Authors: Holmager Pernille , Schmidt Ulla , Mark Peter , Andersen Ulrik , Dominguez Helena , Raymond Ilan , Zerahn Bo , Nygaard Birte , Kistorp Caroline , Faber Jens
Published: October 2014

Background

Chronic heart failure (HF) is characterized by reduced serum T3 levels and increased activity of the T3 degrading enzyme deiodinase D3. This may result in an intracellular composition of the cardiomyocyte mimicking that of hypothyroidism. Short‐term T3‐administration to systolic HF patients might be beneficial.

Question

Does long‐term treatment with T3 have a beneficial effect on cardiac function and neurohormonal activation in chronic systolic HF patients with serum T3 levels below 1·6 nmol/l?

Design

A randomized, double‐blind, cross‐over, placebo‐controlled intervention study with oral T3 treatment twice daily for 3 months. The T3 dose was uptitrated to a final dose avoiding reduced TSH levels.

Primary end‐point

Left‐ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).

Methods

Cardiac imaging was performed using multiple gated tomographic radionuclide ventriculography (MUGA‐SPECT). Neurohormonal stimulation was evaluated by plasma measurements of natriuretic peptides, aldosterone, renin, noradrenalin and copeptin levels. The patients were monitored for potential cardiac arrhythmias at the start of each treatment period.

Results

Thirteen patients completed the protocol. Mean LVEF was 43%, range: 37–52 and serum T3 levels 1·4 nmol/l (0·9–1·6). The T3 dose was 20 μg per day (10–40). TSH levels did not change between groups, whereas serum T3 levels increased in the active arm. Cardiac function as measured by LVEF, end‐diastolic and end‐systolic volumes and cardiac output did not change during T3‐treatment and neither did the neurohormonal profile. There were no side‐effects in terms of cardiac arrhythmias and no change in resting heart rate.

Conclusions

This study does not support the hypothesis that oral T3 treatment might be beneficial to patients with chronic, stable systolic HF with a modest degree of reduced LVEF and low‐normal serum T3 concentrations. The study included both functional studies of heart contractility as well as measures of the neurohormonal activation.
A FEW GOODMEN: SURNAME‐SHARING ECONOMIST COAUTHORS
Authors: Goodman Allen C. , Goodman Joshua , Goodman Lucas , Goodman Sarena
Published: October 2014

We explore the phenomenon of coauthorship by economists who share a surname. Prior research has included at most three economist coauthors who share a surname. Ours is the first paper to have four economist coauthors who share a surname, as well as the first where such coauthors are unrelated by marriage, blood, or current campus. (JEL Y9)
Favourable impact of regular swimming in young people with haemophilia: experience derived from ‘Desafio del Caribe’ project
Authors: Boadas A. , Osorio M. , Gibraltar A. , Rosas M. M. , Berges A. , Herrera E. , Gadea S. , Gutiérrez M. Á. , Salazar F. , Ruiz‐Sáez A. ,   the Desafio del Caribe Project
Published: October 2014

Swimming is beneficial for persons with haemophilia (PWH) providing good maintenance of the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal system and improving many psychological characteristics. In the Desafío del Caribe Project, young PWH from Venezuela and Mexico took part in an open water competition in the Gulf of Mexico under a multidisciplinary team supervision. Eight severe haemophilia A, two moderate haemophilia A, one severe haemophilia B and two moderate haemophilia B subjects were included. Haematological, musculoskeletal and psychological evaluations were carried out before and during training for the competition. Training program included physical exercise routines and swimming practices that alternated between pools and open water. Swimmers had coverage with factor concentrates before pool and open water trainings. In physiatric evaluations, the Hemophilia Joint Health Score (HJHS) was used. The objective of the psychology area was to analyse self‐esteem, precompetition anxiety, coping mechanisms and relaxation levels. The need of factor prophylaxis before intense trainings was confirmed. In the musculoskeletal system a decrease of elbow pain as well as an increase of muscle strength in the ankles were observed. In the psychological area significant differences between the first and second test in self‐esteem levels, cognitive anxiety and group cohesion were found. PWH must be provided with orientation and encouragement to practice swimming regularly. High competition exercise must be supervised by a multidisciplinary team which must evaluate the pros and cons of the activity to make relevant recommendations.
Political Corporate Social Responsibility: Reviewing Theories and Setting New Agendas
Authors: Frynas Jędrzej George , Stephens Siân
Published: October 2014

There has been rising interest in political corporate social responsibility (political CSR), defined as activities where CSR has an intended or unintended political impact, or where intended or unintended political impacts on CSR exist. Based on a survey and content analysis of 146 peer‐reviewed academic articles from 18 journals over the 14‐year period 2000–2013, this paper systematically reviews the existing applications of general theories (such as legitimacy theory, the resource‐based view and Habermasian political theory) within the political CSR literature. The survey indicates that the political CSR field is dominated by institutional theory and stakeholder theory, but future theory development needs to go beyond these theories in order to address a number of critical gaps. This review specifically points to several avenues for future political CSR research with regard to the individual level of analysis, domain integration and political CSR in multinational enterprises. The paper ends with a call for a new theory‐informed and pluralist research agenda on political CSR to integrate different perspectives and re‐examine the role of the state.
Facilitating Access to Effective and Appropriate Care for Youth With Mild to Moderate Mental Health Concerns in New Zealand
Authors: Clark Terryann Coralie , Johnson Elizabeth Anne , Kekus Maria , Newman John , Patel Preekesh Suresh , Fleming Theresa , Robinson Elizabeth
Published: October 2014

Problem

Youth with mild–moderate mental health concerns often go unrecognized, and find access to and the navigation of support services difficult.

Methods

A quasi‐experimental pre‐/postintervention design was used to explore the impact of facilitated access to free counseling support using the following outcome measures: Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), Substance Abuse Choices Scale (SACS), Children's Global Assessment Scale (C‐GAS), alongside consumer feedback questionnaires.

Findings

A total of 581 culturally diverse youth aged 10–24 completed the intervention. Those who completed reported significant improvements in global social and psychiatric functioning measured by C‐GAS (p < .001); reduced risk of clinically significant mental health concerns measured by SDQ (p < .001); and reductions in the use and impact of drugs/alcohol measured by SACS (p < .001). Participants and their families/whānau reported that the interventions were safe and appropriate, with perceived increased skill development around coping and communication.

Conclusions

This intervention appears to be an effective and acceptable strategy, particularly for Māori youth and those from lower socioeconomic groups, to reduce mild to moderate mental health symptoms and concerns. This approach could be replicated by other communities wishing to reduce mental health burden for youth by facilitating access to free, culturally appropriate, and accessible counseling via a multidisciplinary and collaborative triage approach.
Entrepreneurship: Cause and Consequence of Financial Optimism
Authors: Dawson Christopher , de Meza David , Henley Andrew , Arabsheibani G. Reza
Published: October 2014

Extant evidence that the self‐employed overestimate their returns by a greater margin than employees is consistent with two mutually inclusive possibilities. Self‐employment may foster optimism or intrinsic optimists may be drawn to self‐employment. Previous research is generally unable to disentangle these effects because of reliance on cross‐sectional data. Using longitudinal data, this paper finds that employees who will be self‐employed in the future overestimate their short‐term financial wellbeing by more than those who never become self‐employed. Optimism is higher still when self‐employed. These results suggest that the greater optimism of the self‐employed reflects both psychological disposition and environmental factors. By providing greater scope for optimism, self‐employment entices the intrinsically optimistic.
Establishment and characterization of an ovarian cell line from half‐smooth tongue sole Cynoglossus semilaevis
Authors: Sun A. , Wang T. Z. , Wang N. , Liu X. F. , Sha Z. X. , Chen S. L.
Published: October 2014

A new ovarian cell line, CSO, was established from half‐smooth tongue sole Cynoglossus semilaevis. Primary culture of CSO cells was initiated from digestion of ovarian tissues pieces by trypsin solution and cultured at 24° C in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium–F12 medium (DMEM–F12, 1:1) (pH 7·0), supplemented with 20% foetal bovine serum, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), insulin‐like growth factor‐I (IGF‐I) and human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). The cultured CSO cells, fibroblastic in morphology, proliferated to 100% confluency 3 days later and had been subcultured to passage 80. Chromosome analyses indicated that the CSO cells exhibited chromosomal aneuploidy with a modal chromosome number of 42 that displayed the normal diploid karyotype of C. semilaevis [2n = 42 t, fundamental number (NF) = 42]. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction revealed that CSO cells could express ovarian somatic cell functional genes p450armo, foxl2 and sox9a but not ovary germ cell marker gene vasa and male‐specific gene dmrt1. Transfection experiment demonstrated that CSO cells transfected with pEGFP‐N3 plasmid could express green fluorescence protein (GFP) with higher transfection efficiency. The CSO cell line might serve as a valuable tool for studies on the mechanism of sex determination and oogenesis of ovary in flatfish.
Eosinophilic oesophagitis: A paediatric update
Authors: Allen Katrina J , Heine Ralf G
Published: November 2014

Eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE) is a key differential for gastro‐oesophageal reflux (GOR) in children. It can be difficult for clinicians to decide which patients need referral for the assessment of EoE, which can only be confirmed by histological analysis of endoscopic biopsies. Recent guidelines recommend that EoE can only be diagnosed following the exclusion of GOR through empiric treatment with proton pump inhibitors prior to endoscopy. Some aspects of history are strongly suggestive of EoE: red flags for referral include poor weight gain in the context of reflux symptoms, choking during eating or food impaction. Therapeutic options include dietary allergen elimination or swallowed aerosolised corticosteroids. Other novel therapies have failed to demonstrate benefit, but novel diagnostic biomarkers to enable non‐invasive disease ascertainment and follow‐up show some promise.
Linking Soil Biotic and Abiotic Factors to Apple Replant Disease: a Greenhouse Approach
Authors: Spath Manuela , Insam Heribert , Peintner Ursula , Kelderer Markus , Kuhnert Regina , Franke‐Whittle Ingrid H.
Published: November 2014

Apple replant disease (ARD) is a frequently occurring plant disease, which causes retarded growth and mortality of young apple trees in replanted orchards. The aetiology is not well understood, but soil‐borne micro‐organisms are often discussed as primary causal agents of the replant problem. A greenhouse study was conducted in Laimburg, Italy, with orchard soils from the region, with the aim of obtaining information about the influence of soil biotic and abiotic factors on the aetiology of the disease. Apple rootstocks (M9) were planted into soils cultivated with apple trees that were either fumigated with chloropicrin or not fumigated, as well as mixtures of fumigated and non‐fumigated soils. In addition, uncultivated soils (from the inter‐row, from a fallow plot and from a meadow) were taken as controls. Various parameters were measured after 62 days in a controlled pot assay. Soils fumigated with chloropicrin resulted in higher apple shoot growth and lower microbial biomass carbon than non‐fumigated soils. Uncultivated soils had generally the highest microbial biomass carbon and the highest ergosterol contents. No considerable differences between basal respiration, ergosterol content, pH, electrical conductivity, and most nutrient and metal contents were observed between fumigated and non‐fumigated soils. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis gels of DNA extracted from the soils revealed differences in the fungal, bacterial and actinobacterial communities of the different soils, indicating significant shifts in microbial community composition after chloropicrin treatment. This study indicates biotic factors in soil to be a causal agent of apple replant disease.
Realism and Contingency
Authors: Brock Tom , Carrigan Mark
Published: October 2014

This paper constitutes an extended response to Athanasia Chalari's paper The Causal Impact of Resistance, which suggests that one may derive from internal conversations a causal explanation of resistance. In the context of our engagements with critical realism and digital research into social movements, we review Chalari's main argument, before applying it to a concrete case: the student protests in London, 2010. Whilst our account is sympathetic to Chalari's focus on interiority, we critique the individualism that is implicit in her argument, arguing that it emerges because of an underlying neglect of the relational aspects of resistance. Instead, we offer a relational realist analysis that treats resistance as process within an ontologically stratified account of reality that is mindful of the contingency of political acts. Taking this route, we establish resistance as an emergent relation, generative of distinctive “relational goods” in the context of collective action, which we locate at different levels of reality, as we move from an analysis of individual to collective reflexivity. In doing so we offer a sympathetic critique of Chalari, building on the thought provoking arguments contained within it, whilst also making a contribution to the theorisation of social movements and the “relational turn” within realist social theory (Archer, 2010, 2012).
Erratum: “Leprosy, Legal Mobilization, and the Public Sphere in Japan and South Korea”
Authors: Arrington Celeste L.
Published: October 2014

[Article in Law & Society Review, Volume 48, Number 3 pp 568–593 (2014)]

In the published article cited above, the following error was discovered.

On page 587: The last sentence before the conclusion section currently reads:

As of mid-2014, Hanvit, which was renamed the Korean Federation of Hansen Associations (Hanguk Hansen Chong Yeonhaphoe) in 2013, continues to work alongside the HHRLG on the two lawsuits concerning forced abortions and vasectomies and on activities to prejudice against people affected by leprosy.

The text is incorrect and should read be:

As of mid-2014, Hanvit, which was renamed the Korean Federation of Hansen Associations (Hanguk Hansen Chong Yeonhaphoe) in 2013, continues to work alongside the HHRLG on the two lawsuits concerning forced abortions and vasectomies and on activities to reduce prejudice against people affected by leprosy.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.
Contrasting nonstructural carbohydrate dynamics of tropical tree seedlings under water deficit and variability
Authors: O'Brien Michael J. , Burslem David F. R. P. , Caduff Alexa , Tay John , Hector Andy
Published: October 2014

Drought regimes can be characterized by the variability in the quantity of rainfall and the duration of rainless periods. However, most research on plant response to drought has ignored the impacts of rainfall variation, especially with regard to the influence of nonstructural carbohydrates (NSCs) in promoting drought resistance.

To test the hypothesis that these components of drought differentially affect NSC dynamics and seedling resistance, we tracked NSC in plant tissues of tropical tree seedlings in response to manipulations of the volume and frequency of water applied.

NSC concentrations decreased in woody tissues under infrequent–high watering but increased under no watering. A faster decline of growth relative to stomatal conductance in the no watering treatment was consistent with NSC accumulation as a result of an uncoupling of growth and photosynthesis, while usage of stored NSCs in woody tissues to maintain function may account for the NSC decline under infrequent–high watering.

NSCs, and specifically stem NSCs, contributed to drought resistance under severe water deficits, while NSCs had a less clear role in drought resistance to variability in water availability. The contrasting response of NSCs to water variability and deficit indicates that unique processes support seedling resistance to these components of drought.
Involvement of vacuolar H+‐ATPase in killing of human melanoma cells by the sphingosine kinase analogue FTY720
Authors: Tay Kwang Hong , Liu Xiaoying , Chi Mengna , Jin Lei , Jiang Chen Chen , Guo Su Tang , Verrills Nicole M. , Tseng Hsin‐Yi , Zhang Xu Dong
Published: October 2014

Targeting the sphingosine 1‐phosphate (S1P)/S1P receptor (S1PR) signalling axis is emerging as a promising strategy in the treatment of cancer. However, the effect of such an approach on survival of human melanoma cells remains less understood. Here, we show that the sphingosine analogue FTY720 that functionally antagonises S1PRs kills human melanoma cells through a mechanism involving the vacuolar H+‐ATPase activity. Moreover, we demonstrate that FTY720‐triggered cell death is characterized by features of necrosis and is not dependent on receptor‐interacting protein kinase 1 or lysosome cathepsins, nor was it associated with the activation of protein phosphatase 2A. Instead, it is mediated by increased production of reactive oxygen species and is antagonized by activation of autophagy. Collectively, these results suggest that FTY720 and its analogues are promising candidates for further development as new therapeutic agents in the treatment of melanoma.
Increased prefrontal hemodynamic change after atomoxetine administration in pediatric attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder as measured by near‐infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Ota Toyosaku , Iida Junzo , Nakanishi Yoko , Sawada Satomi , Matsuura Hiroki , Yamamuro Kazuhiko , Ueda Shotaro , Uratani Mitsuhiro , Kishimoto Naoko , Negoro Hideki , Kishimoto Toshifumi
Published: October 2014

Aim

Atomoxetine, approved in Japan for the treatment of pediatric attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in April 2009, is a nonstimulant that is thought to act presynaptically via the inhibition of norepinephrine reuptake. Near‐infrared spectroscopy is a non‐invasive optical tool that can be used to study oxygenation and hemodynamic changes in the cerebral cortex. The present study examined the effects of a clinical dose of atomoxetine on changes in prefrontal hemodynamic activity in children with ADHD, as measured by near‐infrared spectroscopy using the Stroop Color–Word Task.

Methods

Ten children with ADHD participated in the present study. We used 24‐channel near‐infrared spectroscopy to measure the relative concentrations of oxyhemoglobin in the frontal lobes of participants in the drug‐naïve condition and those who had received atomoxetine for 8 weeks. Measurements were conducted every 0.1 s during the Stroop Color–Word Task. We used the ADHD Rating Scale‐IV‐Japanese version (Home Version) to evaluate ADHD symptoms.

Results

We found a significant decrease in ADHD Rating Scale‐IV‐Japanese version scores, from 30.7 to 22.6 (P = 0.003). During the Stroop Color–Word Task, we found significantly higher levels of oxyhemoglobin changes in the prefrontal cortex of participants in the atomoxetine condition compared with those in the drug‐naïve condition.

Conclusions

This increase in oxyhemoglobin changes might indicate an intensified prefrontal hemodynamic response induced by atomoxetine. Near‐infrared spectroscopy is a sensitive tool for measuring the pharmacological effects of atomoxetine in children with ADHD.
A Big Prince in a Tiny Realm: Smallness, Monarchy, and Political Legitimacy in the Principality of Liechtenstein
Authors: Veenendaal Wouter P.
Published: October 2014

The Principality of Liechtenstein challenges the prevailing view in political science that ‘small is democratic.’ Located in the heart of Western Europe, the Principality is ruled by a monarch with extensive political powers. The present article examines how the smallness of the Principality contributes to the maintenance of powerful traditional leadership, and which strategies are used to legitimize the Liechtensteiner system vis‐à‐vis its population. On the basis of interviews with Liechtensteiner respondents, it is found that the smallness of Liechtenstein contributes to the position of the monarchy due to (1) the lack of alternative sources of identification, (2) the perception of the Prince as a neutral arbiter standing above the quarreling political factions, and (3) the dominant cultural code that limits citizens' opportunities to criticize the monarchy. The article highlights several ways in which the Prince has sought to legitimize his own position, and to undercut the criticism against him.
Low birth weight followed by postnatal over‐nutrition in the guinea pig exposes a predominant player in the development of vascular dysfunction
Authors: Thompson Jennifer A. , Sarr Ousseynou , Piorkowska Karolina , Gros Robert , Regnault Timothy R. H.
Published: October 2014

Key points

Suboptimal intrauterine conditions and consequent intrauterine growth reduction (IUGR), resulting in low birth weight (LBW), increase the risk for hypertension and cardiovascular disease in adulthood.

LBW offspring who experience an accelerated growth in childhood have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease than those who grow more slowly, suggesting that the postnatal environment interacts with programmed deficits in organ function to influence disease risk.

We show here that arterial stiffening in LBW guinea pig offspring is exacerbated with postnatal feeding of a Western diet, suggesting that IUGR confers heightened vascular susceptibility to postnatal risk factors and thus may contribute to an individual's total risk score.

Our results also demonstrate that the independent effect of the intrauterine environment on vascular function in young adult guinea pigs is greater than the effect of a postnatal Western diet, thus highlighting the importance of prenatal factors on long‐term vascular health.

The association between intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and hypertension is well established, yet the interaction between IUGR and other pathogenic contributors remains ill‐defined. This study examined the independent and interactive effects of fetal growth reduction resulting in low birth weight (LBW), and postnatal Western diet (WD) on vascular function. Growth reduction was induced in pregnant guinea pigs by uterine artery ablation. LBW and normal birth weight (NBW) offspring were randomly assigned to a control diet (CD) or a WD. In young adulthood, length–tension curves were generated in aortic rings and responses to methacholine (MCh) were evaluated in the carotid and aorta using wire myography. Relative to NBW/CD, aortae of NBW/WD offspring were stiffer, as determined by a leftward shift in the length–tension curve, yet the shift in the LBW/CD curve was considerably greater. Aortic stiffening was most severe in LBW/WD (slope: NBW/CD, 1.97 ± 0.04; NBW/WD, 2.16 ± 0.04; LBW/CD, 2.28 ± 0.05; LBW/WD, 2.34 ± 0.07). Maximal responses (Emax) to MCh were significantly blunted in the aorta of LBW/CD vs. NBW/CD (P < 0.05) and in LBW/WD vs. NBW/WD offspring (P < 0.05); but WD alone had no influence on MCh responses. Emax values for carotid responses to MCh were reduced in LBW/CD vs. NBW/CD (P < 0.05). Thus, aortic stiffening was influenced more by LBW than by a postnatal WD and the most severe stiffening was observed in LBW/WD offspring. In contrast, blunted endothelial responses in LBW/CD offspring were not exacerbated by WD. IUGR may have a greater independent impact on vascular function than a postnatal WD.
An examination and evaluation of mental health teaching and learning in “multi-level learner” general practices
Authors: Gaby M , Lyon E , Kilpatrick S
Published: October 2014

Background: This study was designed to identify the appropriateness of the rural multi- level general practice learning environment for mental health education. Methods: Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 56 practice personnel at five practices in Victoria and South Australia. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and input into N-Vivo qualitative analysis software. Data were analysed against a template derived from open coding merged with basic themes derived from a literature review. Results: Practice personnel in this study found the multi-level learning environment particularly well suited to mental health teaching but highlighted that learners sometimes had difficulty attaining the most suitable learning level. The study indicated that medical learners need further education about mental health, with exposure to mental health patients and scenarios emphasised as the most valuable ways to learn. An underutilisation of local mental health professionals as teachers was highlighted. Conclusion: The general practice multi-level learner environment can provide positive outcomes for learning about mental health because it offers diverse opportunities for educators to effectively facilitate group learning.
Professionalism and medicine’s social contract
Authors: Cruess S R , Cruess R L
Published: October 2014

Note: This paper is based in part on work previously published in Perspectives in Medicine and Biology (2008). 51, 579–598.
Complete Genome Sequence of West Nile Virus Strains Used for the Formulation of CBER/FDA RNA Reference Reagents and Lot Release Panels for Nucleic Acid Testing
Authors: Grinev Andriyan , Añez Germán , Rios Maria
Published: October 2014

We report the complete sequences of two West Nile virus strains (FDA-Hu02 and NY99) used for the formulation of CBER/FDA RNA reference reagents and lot release panels for use with nucleic acid technology testing.
Genome Sequence of the Plant Endophyte Bacillus pumilus INR7, Triggering Induced Systemic Resistance in Field Crops
Authors: Jeong Haeyoung , Choi Soo-Keun , Kloepper Joseph W. , Ryu Choong-Min
Published: October 2014

Bacillus pumilus
INR7 is an endophytic bacterium that has been commercialized as a biological control product against soilborne pathogens as well as foliar pathogens by direct antagonism and induction of systemic resistance. In the current study, we provide the genome sequence and a possible explanation of the function of strain INR7.
Whole-Genome Sequence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Korean Strain KIT87190
Authors: Park Young Kil , Kang Heeyoon , Yoo Heekyung , Lee Seung Heon , Roh Hanseong , Kim Hee Jin , Ryoo Sungweon
Published: October 2014

Mycobacterium tuberculosis
is a contagious agent that causes tuberculosis. A specific type (called the K cluster) of
M. tuberculosis
with 10 copies of IS
6110
in restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) has been found in about 4% of
M. tuberculosis
isolates in Korea. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of
M. tuberculosis
Korean strain KIT87190 belonging to the K cluster.
Draft Genome Sequence of Rhizobium rhizogenes Strain ATCC 15834
Authors: Kajala Kaisa , Coil David A. , Brady Siobhan M.
Published: October 2014

Here, we present the draft genome of
Rhizobium rhizogenes
strain ATCC 15834. The genome contains 7,070,307 bp in 43 scaffolds.
R. rhizogenes
, also known as
Agrobacterium rhizogenes
, is a plant pathogen that causes hairy root disease. This hairy root induction has been used in biotechnology for the generation of transgenic root cultures.
Primary omental gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST) presenting with a large abdominal mass and spontaneous haemoperitoneum
Authors: Seow-En Isaac , Seow-Choen Francis , Lim Tony Kiat Hon , Leow Wei Qiang
Published: November 2014

A 60-year-old Indonesian woman presented with a 9-day history of increasing abdominal distension, pain and tiredness. Physical examination revealed significant pallor with a palpable mass in the abdomen. CT of the abdomen reported a 22 cm complex mass in the peritoneal cavity with free intra-abdominal fluid. Laboratory results showed anaemia with a raised serum CA 125 level. At laparotomy a large haemorrhagic tumour with blood filled cystic cavities was found attached to both greater omentum and the transverse mesocolon with 2.2 L of blood in the peritoneal cavity. There was no invasion of any part of the stomach or intestines and there were no metastases seen. Histopathology of the resected specimen was consistent with that of a gastrointestinal stromal tumour arising from the omentum. Immunohistochemical studies revealed the tumour to be strongly positive for discovered on GIST-1 (DOG1) but negative for both CD117 and CD34. Platelet-derived growth factor receptor α (PDGFRA) exon 18 mutation D842V was detected.