bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supply chain orientation in SMEs as an attitudinal construct
Authors: Schulze-Ehlers Birgit , Steffen Nina , Busch Gesa , Spiller Achim
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The paper aims to advance the conceptual understanding of supply chain orientation (SCO) in small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) as a general attitude and to empirically measure the link between SCO and willingness to implement supply chain management (SCM). Coordination among supply chain stages is widely considered important for competitiveness in all sectors. Recently, SCO of the actors has been discussed as a precondition for successful implementation of SCM.

Design/methodology/approach

– SCO is operationalized as a two-dimensional attitudinal construct. In all, 279 German dairy farmers participated in an online-survey. By means of factor and cluster analysis and one-way analysis of variance, the relation between the two SCO dimensions and their link with willingness to implement several currently discussed SCM measures is analysed.

Findings

– The SCO dimensions are not purely linearly related, as shown by three clusters with different patterns of vertical cooperation orientation and common goal orientation. No differences occur in terms of socio-economic characteristics, but the share of cooperative members varies. SCO is related to the intention to implement SCM. However, the greater the (monetary) efforts required by farmers, the lower their acceptance of an SCM measure. Trust and perception of the power relation play an important role, revealing patterns of coopetitive behaviour.

Originality/value

– SCO is a relatively new and little investigated construct. To the authors' best knowledge, this is the first time that a purely attitudinal measure was used, and that SMEs and the milk supply chain were investigated with respect to SCO and implementation of concrete SCM measures.
Who cares wins? A comparative analysis of household waste medicines and batteries reverse logistics systems
Authors: Xie Ying , Breen Liz
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to determine how best to reduce, reuse and dispose of household waste medicines in the National Health Service (NHS) (UK).

Design/methodology/approach

– Through a combination of literature review and empirical work, this research investigates the existing household waste medicines reverse logistics (RL) system and makes recommendations for improvement by benchmarking it against household waste batteries RL. The viability and feasibility of these recommendations are evaluated through in-depth interviews with healthcare professionals and end user surveys.

Findings

– The batteries RL system appears to be a more structured and effective system with more active engagement from actors/stakeholders in instigating RL practices and for this very reason is an excellent comparator for waste medicines RL practices. Appropriate best practices are recommended to be incorporated into the waste medicines RL system, including recapturing product value, revised processing approaches, system cooperation and enforcement, drivers and motivations and system design and facilitation.

Research limitations/implications

– This study offers academics and professionals an improved insight into the current household waste medicines RL system and provides a step towards reducing an existing gap in this under-researched area. A limitation is that only a small sample of healthcare professionals were involved in subjectively evaluating the feasibility of the recommendations, so the applicability of the recommendations needs to be tested in a wider context and the cost effectiveness of implementing the recommendations needs to be analysed.

Practical implications

– Reducing, reusing and properly disposing of waste medicines contribute to economic sustainability, environmental protection and personal and community safety. The information retrieved from analysing returned medicines can be used to inform prescribing practice so as to reduce unnecessary medicine waste and meet the medicine optimisation agenda.

Originality/value

– This paper advocates learning from best practices in batteries RL to improve the waste medicines RL design and execution and supports the current NHS agenda on medicine waste reduction (DoH, 2012). The recommendations made in the paper not only aim to reduce medicine waste but also to use medicines effectively, placing the emphasis on improving health outcomes.
Driving sustainable supply chain management in the public sector
Authors: Amann Markus , K. Roehrich Jens , Eßig Michael , Harland Christine
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide evidence of connections between sustainability policy goals included in public procurement tenders and offers and their achievement through contract award.

Design/methodology/approach

– Two hypotheses based on extant literature and the inducement–contribution theory were tested by means of a survey of 281 procurement files from 2007 to 2009 relating to eight product categories and four European Union (EU) member states. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Findings

– Findings indicate that public procurement was more effective in influencing socially responsible goals than environmental goals. In terms of supplier readiness, vendors achieved greater progress in delivering green than socially responsible operations.

Research limitations/implications

– The collection and analysis of data are based on procurement files, which is a new but also a complex procedure. In comparison to survey data, the data from procurement file analysis are less biased.

Practical implications

– Public procurement practitioners and sustainability policymakers should consider the use of public procurement as a lever to attain environmental and socially responsible goals.

Social implications

– Evidence has been provided to demonstrate the strategic use of public procurement impacts on environmental and socially responsible goals, thereby benefiting society.

Originality/value

– This study contributes in three main ways: first, by adding to existing, limited research on the use of public procurement as a lever of policy goals attainment; second, by examining environmental and socially responsible policy in one study; and third, through providing evidence across EU member states.
Time to raise the bar on nonprofit strategic planning and implementation
Authors: F. Reid Margaret , Brown Lynne , McNerney Denise , J. Perri Dominic
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– This large-scale survey, initiated in 2012 and concluded in 2013, marked the first time a broad cross-section of the nonprofit community was asked to describe the strategic planning and strategic management practices they employ and to rate them for their impact on overall organizational success.

Design/methodology/approach

– Respondents were asked to self-rate their organization for overall success and the likelihood for continued success in the foreseeable future. Results from this data were then used as a filter to analyze practices across all responses by level of success (N = 507).

Findings

– Fully 93 percent of the most successful organizations, regardless of size or budget, credited their strategic planning and strategic-management efforts as having “some” to “critical” impact on their organization’s overall success.

Practical implications

– The evidence in this survey is so compelling that we believe the successful practices it identifies should be adopted by nonprofits of all sizes, demanded by boards, and supported by funders.

Originality/value

– This research indicates that funders should consider not only supporting strategic plan development, but also supporting development of ongoing plan management/implementation practices and requiring plan assessment reports/updates as part of the grantee’s reporting
Crowdsourcing the ecosystem’s expectations: a decision-making process to manage the unmanageable
Authors: Shaughnessy Haydn
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The author warns that nowadays a company must learn to be “co-productive” with an app developer community, a supplier community, a content community, an advocacy community or a customer ecosystem in order to stay competitive through continuous innovation. Leaders need new tools to promote informed decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

– The article shows how companies monitoring dynamic ecosystem change can develop crowd-based reporting scorecards to guide decision making.

Findings

– Increasingly it is the innovations and expertise of the ecosystem, not the talents and resources of the firm, that are crucial to its future wealth generation. But many of the consequences of ecosystem change are, in fact, unmanageable in any traditional sense. An experimental way to identify the uncertainty produced by a dynamic ecosystem offers decision support.

Practical implications

– The uncertainty monitoring experiments described in this article can clarify the risk levels and the need for preparatory investments. They offer a high level view of the dynamics of the new market ecosystem environment.

Originality/value

– This article offers cutting-edge insights for managers struggling to make decisions about investments related to the dynamic ecosystem of users, suppliers, partners and customers in their companies’ markets.
Concentration estimation of formaldehyde using metal oxide semiconductor gas sensor array-based e-noses
Authors: Zhang Lei , Tian Fengchun , Peng Xiongwei , Yin Xin , Li Guorui , Dang Lijun
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present a novel concentration estimation model for improving the accuracy and robustness of low-cost electronic noses (e-noses) with metal oxide semiconductor sensors in indoor air contaminant monitoring and overcome the potential sensor drift.

Design/methodology/approach

– In the quantification model, a piecewise linearly weighted artificial neural network ensemble model (PLWE-ANN) with an embedded self-calibration module based on a threshold network is studied.

Findings

– The nonlinear estimation problem of sensor array-based e-noses can be effectively transformed into a piecewise linear estimation through linear weighted neural networks ensemble activated by a threshold network.

Originality/value

– In this paper, a number of experimental results have been presented, and it also demonstrates that the proposed model has very good accuracy and robustness in real-time indoor monitoring of formaldehyde.
Light-sensitive biosensors based on photoactive marine cultivated strains
Authors: Habibi Mehdi , Fanaei Maryam , Emtiazi Giti
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to construct imaging pixels using novel bioactive films. Despite the notable progress in electronic imaging devices, these sensors still cannot compete with biological vision counterparts such as the human eye. Light sensitive biolayers and pigments in living organisms show superior performance in terms of low noise operation and speed. Although photoactive biolayers have been used to construct electronic imaging devices, they are usually hard to develop, and the organisms that produce these active layers have low growth rates.

Design/methodology/approach

– Among 40 pigment producing prokaryotic marine bacteria, four strains which show faster growth rates in the presence of light are screened and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and visible absorption. Subsequently, they are used as active layers in light sensitive sensors. The performance of the obtained cells is eventually evaluated by time domain photoresponse measurements.

Findings

– It is shown that while the obtained strains have high growth rates and their mass volume reproduction is relatively simple, they provide many interesting characteristics such as high speed and low noise operation when incorporated as photosensitive layers.

Originality/value

– Because the mass reproduction of the obtained cultures is simple, they are an appropriate choice for use in planner and flexible document imaging devices and DNA microarray sensors.
Some clinical factors affecting quality of the response to ustekinumab for psoriasis
Authors: Umezawa Yoshinori , Saeki Hidehisa , Nakagawa Hidemi
Published: July 2014

Ustekinumab has demonstrated efficacy for psoriasis. However, it is known that approximately 30% of patients have shown insufficient response. The aim of the current study is to clarify the specific clinical factors that could be associated with response to ustekinumab treatment. We reviewed the medical records of all patients who were treated with ustekinumab. The Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score was calculated, and the efficacy was evaluated at week 0 and week 16. The relationship between clinical efficacy and the patients’ background was investigated. The patients, who showed a <74% reduction in the PASI score, were classified as insufficient‐responders. A total of 74 patients (average 60.3 years old, male to female ratio 54:20) were examined retrospectively. Eighteen patients were identified as insufficient‐responders. Each of the factors, body weight (BW) over 80 kg, body mass index (BMI) over 25, or smoking habit over 20 cigarettes/day showed a higher proportion of insufficient‐responders compared with responders, although the difference was not statistically significant. Patients with previous exposure to biologics showed a significantly lower response to the treatment. Furthermore, a statistical difference was identified between patients with none of these factors and patients with some of these factors. Our data suggest that some factors, such as high BW, high BMI, a smoking habit over 20 cigarettes/day, or exposure previous treatment with biologics are likely to affect the quality of the response to ustekinumab. Therefore, these factors need to be taken into account when ustekinumab is administrated.
Effect of increased initial ripening temperature on the sensory characteristics of Reggianito cheese
Authors: Ceruti Roberto J , Zorrilla Susana E , Sabbag Nora G , Costa Silvia C , Sihufe Guillermo A
Published: July 2014

The effects of increased initial ripening temperature on the sensory characteristics of Reggianito cheese were evaluated in relation to different temperature–time combinations. Control cheeses stored at 12 °C for 6 months and experimental cheeses stored at 20 °C for 2 or 4 weeks then at 12 °C up to 6 months were analysed at 61, 124, and 180 days of ripening by physicochemical, microbiological and quantitative descriptive analysis. The use of an initial increased ripening temperature results in controlled and limited changes on mesophilic lactobacilli growth and in a mild acceleration of the sensory characteristic development of Reggianito cheese.
Influence of inulin and demineralised whey powder addition on the organic acid profiles of probiotic yoghurts
Authors: Kavaz Arzu , Bakirci Ihsan
Published: July 2014

In this study, the effect of the different concentrations of inulin and demineralised whey (d‐whey) powder on the chemical characteristics and organic acid profiles of probiotic yoghurts were investigated. Analysis of chemical composition was performed on the first day, while pH and organic acid profiles were carried out during storage. The results indicated that different proportions of inulin and d‐whey powder significantly influenced the levels of the organic acids, produced while the duration of storage affected the orotic, pyruvic, citric, lactic and acetic acid levels. There was a direct relationship between the level of d‐whey powder and organic acid (except for butyric acid) concentration in the probiotic yoghurt.
Co‐movements in commodity prices: a note based on network analysis
Authors: Matesanz David , Torgler Benno , Dabat Germán , Ortega Guillermo J.
Published: July 2014

This article analyses co‐movements in a wide group of commodity prices during the time period 1992–2010. Our methodological approach is based on the correlation matrix and the networks inside. Through this approach we are able to summarize global interaction and interdependence, capturing the existing heterogeneity in the degrees of synchronization between commodity prices. Our results produce two main findings: (a) we do not observe a persistent increase in the degree of co‐movement of the commodity prices in our time sample, however from mid‐2008 to the end of 2009 co‐movements almost doubled when compared with the average correlation; (b) we observe three groups of commodities which have exhibited similar price dynamics (metals, oil and grains, and oilseeds) and which have increased their degree of co‐movement during the sampled period.
‘Being useful’ after the Ivory Tower: combining research and activism with the Brixton Pound
Authors: Taylor Myfanwy
Published: July 2014

This article draws on research and activism with a local currency group, the Brixton Pound, in order to extend discussions of scholar‐activism to encompass broad and inclusive notions of activism. As broad and inclusive notions of activism dislodge the boundaries between academia and activism, they have enabled scholars to challenge the idea that it is necessary to keep activism separate from research and to explore why and how activism and research might be combined. Despite this, however, the academic literature on scholar‐activism is presently dominated by ‘capital A’ activism and activists, suggesting there is more to do to embed inclusive notions of activism within it. This article makes a contribution to such efforts, positioning involvement in a local currency group, the Brixton Pound, as combining activism with research, in order to provide motivation and resources to a more diverse audience, particularly those who may not have previously combined research with activism or who may be ‘put off’ by narrow notions of ‘capital A’ activism. In light of the continued centrality of concerns about the usefulness of academics in debates about activism and the academy, I choose ‘being useful’ as a rubric through which to organise this article. My involvement with the Brixton Pound suggests that the loss of the privileged position of critique atop the ‘Ivory Tower’ opens up a range of other contributions extending across boundaries between activism and research and between theory and method. I identify three ways of ‘being useful’, including practising ethics of reciprocity, developing embedded research projects through engagement and building more generative critical (geographical) scholarship. Together, these ways of being useful make a contribution towards transforming critical geography into a more hopeful, generative (sub‐)discipline, more closely connected with issues of practical significance to (broadly understood) activism.
DNA methylation and expression of KCNQ3 in bipolar disorder
Authors: Kaminsky Zachary , Jones Ilenna , Verma Ranjana , Saleh Lena , Trivedi Hersh , Guintivano Jerry , Akman Ryan , Zandi Peter , Lee Richard S , Potash James B
Published: July 2014

Objectives

Accumulating evidence implicates the potassium voltage‐gated channel, KQT‐like subfamily, member 2 and 3 (KCNQ2 and KCNQ3) genes in the etiology of bipolar disorder (BPD). Reduced KCNQ2 or KCNQ3 gene expression might lead to a loss of inhibitory M‐current and an increase in neuronal hyperexcitability in disease. The goal of the present study was to evaluate epigenetic and gene expression associations of the KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 genes with BPD.

Methods

DNA methylation and gene expression levels of alternative transcripts of KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 capable of binding the ankyrin G (ANK3) gene were evaluated using bisulfite pyrosequencing and the quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction in the postmortem prefrontal cortex of subjects with BPD and matched controls from the McLean Hospital. Replication analyses of DNA methylation findings were performed using prefrontal cortical DNA obtained from the Stanley Medical Research Institute.

Results

Significantly lower expression was observed in KCNQ3, but not KCNQ2. DNA methylation analysis of CpGs within an alternative exonic region of KCNQ3 exon 11 demonstrated significantly lower methylation in BPD, and correlated significantly with KCNQ3 mRNA levels. Lower KCNQ3 exon 11 DNA methylation was observed in the Stanley Medical Research Institute replication cohort, although only after correcting for mood stabilizer status. Mood stabilizer treatment in rats resulted in a slight DNA methylation increase at the syntenic KCNQ3 exon 11 region, which subsequent analyses suggested could be the result of alterations in neuronal proportion.

Conclusion

The results of the present study suggest that epigenetic alterations in the KCNQ3 gene may be important in the etiopathogenesis of BPD and highlight the importance of controlling for medication and cellular composition‐induced heterogeneity in psychiatric studies of the brain.
A multi‐centre, single‐arm, open‐label study evaluating the safety and efficacy of fixed dose rituximab in patients with refractory, relapsed or chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (R‐ITP1000 study)
Authors: Tran Huyen , Brighton Tim , Grigg Andrew , McRae Simon , Dixon Joanna , Thurley Daniel , Gandhi Maher K. , Truman Matt , Marlton Paula , Catalano John
Published: July 2014

The efficacy of a fixed‐dose rituximab schedule was prospectively explored in primary/acute refractory, relapsed or chronic (platelet count >10 × 109/l and ≤50 × 109/l) idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Patients received two doses of rituximab (1000 mg) on days 1 and 15 and were followed‐up on weeks 1–8, 12, 26, 39 and 52. A total of 122 patients were included in the safety population; efficacy was analysed in 108 patients. Overall response rate (ORR) at week 8, defined as the proportion of patients achieving complete response (CR; platelet count >150 × 109/l) or partial response (PR; platelet count >50 × 109/l) was 44%. Therapeutic response, defined as achieving a response at week 8, with at least a minor response (MR; platelet count >30 × 109/l), sustained up to weeks 26 and 52 and accompanied by a reduction in ITP medications, was achieved in 44% (week 26) and 35% (week 52) of patients, respectively. Treatment was well tolerated with no safety concerns. While this study failed to meet its primary endpoint of an ORR of 50%, the efficacy of two fixed doses of rituximab appear to provide similar efficacy to the standard 375 mg/m2 four‐dose schedule in relapsed/chronic ITP.
TAXES AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN OECD COUNTRIES
Authors: Baliamoune‐Lutz Mina
Published: July 2014

I examine how taxes and tax progressivity affect two different types of entrepreneurship—established business ownership and nascent entrepreneurship—in a large group of Organization for Economic Co‐operation and Development countries, using 2000–2009 macro‐level Global Entrepreneurship Monitor data. Empirical evidence from Arellano‐Bond generalized method of moments estimation suggests that higher tax progressivity exerts a negative influence on nascent enterprises but appears to have no impact on established business ownership. Changes in marginal and average tax rates are found to have no significant influence on either type of entrepreneurship. The most important contribution of the article is the comparison of tax impacts on actual and nascent entrepreneurship rates. (JEL H24, H29, M13, M19)
Relationship between radiological (X‐ray/HRCT), spirometric and clinical findings in dental technicians' pneumoconiosis
Authors: Berk Serdar , Dogan Derya Ozdemir , Gumus Cesur , Akkurt Ibrahim
Published: July 2014

Introduction

Pneumoconiosis in dental technicians' has rarely been evaluated.

Objectives

To evaluate clinical, functional and radiological impacts of exposure to dust on respiratory functions via chest X‐ray (CXR), high‐resolution computed tomography (HRCT) and spirometry in dental technicians.

Methods

Demographic data, respiratory symptoms, spirometry results, CXR and HRCT scans of 32 dental technicians were evaluated. The opacities on the radiological images were categorized based on their intensity. We investigated the relation of radiological scores with clinical, radiological and functional findings.

Results

The mean age of the study population was 31 ± 9 years and mean employment duration was 14 ± 9 years. Twenty‐two (69%) technicians had a history of smoking. The most common symptom was phlegm, while dyspnea prevalence was higher in those with an elevated International Labour Office (ILO) profusion score (P < 0.01). Parenchymal opacities were determined in 10 (31%) technicians by CXR and in 22 (69%) technicians by HRCT (P < 0.01). There was a positive correlation between ILO profusion score and HRCT score (r = 0.765, P < 0.01). ILO profusion score and HRCT score showed positive correlation with employment duration (r = 0.599, P = 0.01; r = 0.514, P = 0.01, respectively), while exhibiting negative correlation with FVC (r = −0.509, P < 0.05; r = −0.627, P = 0.01 respectively), FVC% (r = −0.449, P < 0.05; r = −0.457, P < 0.05, respectively) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (r = −0.473, P < 0.05; r = −0.598, P = 0.01, respectively).

Conclusions

We believe that a combined approach including spirometry, CXR and HRCT modalities should be employed in demonstrating respiratory disorders associated with exposure to inorganic dusts in dental technicians.
Foreign body giant cell reaction to tarSys™ xenograft
Authors: Munday William R. , Klett Zachary , McNiff Jennifer M. , Ko Christine
Published: July 2014

Objective

A foreign body giant cell (FBGC) reaction may occur in response to implanted xenogenic biomaterials. Here we report a FBGC reaction to the recently introduced xenogenic biomaterial, tarSys™, used for correction of lower eyelid retraction.

Method

A retrospective chart review of two patients with FBGC reaction to tarSys™ implantation was performed.

Results

Two patients (aged 51, 58 year) with lower eyelid retraction underwent surgical implantation of tarSys™ spacer grafts for correction. Both patients subsequently experienced chronic swelling requiring graft removal. Examination of the specimens showed a palisading FBGC reaction around acellular pink fibrillar material.

Conclusion

A FBGC reaction may follow implantation of the tarSys™ xenograft.
On the Old Saw That Dialogue Is a Socratic But Not an Aristotelian Method of Moral Education
Authors: Kristjánsson Kristján
Published: July 2014

Kristján Kristjánsson's aim in this article is to bury the old saw that dialogue is exclusively a Socratic but not an Aristotelian method of education for moral character. Although the truncated discussion in Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics of the character development of the young may indicate that it is merely the result of a mindless process of behavioral conditioning, Nancy Sherman has argued convincingly that such a process would never yield the end result that Aristotle deems all‐important — a precondition for the ascription of virtue — namely, reason‐infused phronesis. Rather than having to rely on impressionistic Aristotelian reconstructions here, Kristjánsson observes, considerable enlightenment can be gleaned by studying Aristotle's account of friendship, especially his account of how character friends reciprocally construct each other's selfhoods through sustained, dialectical engagement. It is clear from this description that ideal character building essentially involves dialogue. If that is correct, however, in the case of character friendship, new light can be shed on other Aristotelian staples of character education, such as role modeling and the use of literature and music, as those will then also, by parity of reasoning, involve sustained use of a dialogical method.
Effect of modulated photo‐activation on polymerization shrinkage behavior of dental restorative resin composites
Authors: Tauböck Tobias T. , Feilzer Albert J. , Buchalla Wolfgang , Kleverlaan Cornelis J. , Krejci Ivo , Attin Thomas
Published: July 2014

This study investigated the influence of modulated photo‐activation on axial polymerization shrinkage, shrinkage force, and hardening of light‐ and dual‐curing resin‐based composites. Three light‐curing resin composites (SDR bulk‐fill, Esthet X flow, and Esthet X HD) and one dual‐curing material (Rebilda DC) were subjected to different irradiation protocols with identical energy density (27 J cm−2): high‐intensity continuous light (HIC), low‐intensity continuous light (LIC), soft‐start (SS), and pulse‐delay curing (PD). Axial shrinkage and shrinkage force of 1.5‐mm‐thick specimens were recorded in real time for 15 min using custom‐made devices. Knoop hardness was determined at the end of the observation period. Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences among the curing protocols for both Knoop hardness and axial shrinkage, irrespective of the composite material. Pulse‐delay curing generated the significantly lowest shrinkage forces within the three light‐curing materials SDR bulk‐fill, Esthet X flow, and Esthet X HD. High‐intensity continuous light created the significantly highest shrinkage forces within Esthet X HD and Rebilda DC, and caused significantly higher forces than LIC within Esthet X flow. In conclusion, both the composite material and the applied curing protocol control shrinkage force formation. Pulse‐delay curing decreases shrinkage forces compared with high‐intensity continuous irradiation without affecting hardening and axial polymerization shrinkage.
Expression of Oct‐4, SOX‐2, and MYC in dental papilla cells and dental follicle cells during in‐vivo tooth development and in‐vitro co‐culture
Authors: Peng Zhengjun , Liu Lu , Wei Xi , Ling Junqi
Published: July 2014

During tooth development, the special structure of dental follicle and dental papilla enables dental papilla cells (DPCs) and dental follicle cells (DFCs) to make contact with each other. Octamer‐binding transcription factor 4 (Oct‐4), sex determining region Y box‐2 (SOX‐2), and cellular homologue of avian myelocytomatosis virus oncogene (MYC) (OSM) are associated with reprogramming and pluripotency. However, whether the expression of OSM could be activated through cell–cell communication is not known. In this study, the distribution of OSM in rat tooth germ was investigated by immunohistochemical staining. An in‐vitro co‐culture system of DPCs and DFCs was established. Cell proliferation, cell apoptosis, cell cycle stages, and expression of OSM were investigated by Cell Counting Kit 8 (CCK8) analysis, flow cytometry, real‐time PCR, and immunohistochemical staining. We found that Oct‐4 and SOX‐2 were strongly expressed in tooth germ on days 7 and 9 after birth, whereas MYC was expressed only on day 9. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were inhibited, the cell cycle was arrested in the G0/G1 phase, and the propidium iodide (PI) value was downregulated. Expression of Oct‐4 and SOX‐2 was significantly elevated in both cell types after 3 d of co‐culture, whereas expression of MYC was not significantly elevated until day 5. These results indicate that the optimized microenvironment with cell–cell communication enhanced the expression of reprogramming markers associated with reprogramming capacity in DPCs and DFCs, both in vivo and in vitro.
Does source population size affect performance in new environments?
Authors: Yates Matthew C. , Fraser Dylan J.
Published: July 2014

Small populations are predicted to perform poorly relative to large populations when experiencing environmental change. To explore this prediction in nature, data from reciprocal transplant, common garden, and translocation studies were compared meta‐analytically. We contrasted changes in performance resulting from transplantation to new environments among individuals originating from different sized source populations from plants and salmonids. We then evaluated the effect of source population size on performance in natural common garden environments and the relationship between population size and habitat quality. In ‘home‐away’ contrasts, large populations exhibited reduced performance in new environments. In common gardens, the effect of source population size on performance was inconsistent across life‐history stages (LHS) and environments. When transplanted to the same set of new environments, small populations either performed equally well or better than large populations, depending on life stage. Conversely, large populations outperformed small populations within native environments, but only at later life stages. Population size was not associated with habitat quality. Several factors might explain the negative association between source population size and performance in new environments: (i) stronger local adaptation in large populations and antagonistic pleiotropy, (ii) the maintenance of genetic variation in small populations, and (iii) potential environmental differences between large and small populations.
Cellular sources of IL‐17 in psoriasis: a paradigm shift?
Authors: Keijsers Romy R. M. C. , Joosten Irma , van Erp Piet E. J , Koenen Hans J. P. M. , van de Kerkhof Peter. C. M.
Published: July 2014

Psoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease that results from interplay between the immune system and the epithelium. In the light of very successful anticytokine therapies for psoriasis, the focus has been directed towards the adaptive immune system. Expression studies, genetic studies and treatments specifically targeting players of the IL‐23/IL‐17 pathway, point at an important role for IL‐17 in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. IL‐17 stimulates the keratinocytes to produce psoriasis‐associated molecules, eventually leading to chronic skin inflammation. The current opinion is that IL‐17 is mainly produced by T cells, so‐called T‐helper 17 (Th17) cells, in psoriasis. However, evidence is accumulating that cells of the innate immune system, like neutrophils, mast cells, γδ T cells and innate lymphoid cells are the main source of IL‐17 in psoriasis, rather than T cells. The paradigm in this field of research is shifting. With this viewpoint article, we will address this novel concept by critically summarizing the current literature on this subject. In psoriatic arthritis and atherosclerosis, important conditions related to psoriasis, it was also found that the majority of IL‐17 is associated with cells of the innate immune system. This new concept changes our view of IL‐17. Blocking IL‐17 with targeted treatments might be more far‐reaching than previously thought; not only IL‐17 production by T cells but also by innate immune cells is blocked. Furthermore, therapies specifically targeting IL‐17 may not only improve psoriasis, but also comorbidity that is associated with the IL‐17 pathway, hereby preventing serious complications on the long term.
The role of cytokines and chemokines in the T‐cell‐mediated autoimmune process in alopecia areata
Authors: Ito Taisuke , Tokura Yoshiki
Published: July 2014

The aetiology of alopecia areata (AA) is still not fully understood. However, recent clinical and experimental studies have provided insights into the pathomechanisms of AA and revealed that it is an organ‐specific and cell‐mediated autoimmune disease. Some triggers, such as viral infections, trauma, hormones and emotional/physical stressors, may cause activation of autoreactive T cells that target hair follicle (HF) autoantigens. In these immunological responses, cytokines and chemokines are regarded as key players that mediate the autoimmune inflammation. This results in the collapse of HF immune privilege, which is central to the pathogenesis of AA. This essay will focus on how cytokines and chemokines contribute to the immunological aspects of AA. The management of AA often remains difficult in a number of cases. Our review suggests that novel therapies for AA may involve targeting cytokines and chemokines.
The prevalence of Behçet's disease in a city in Central Anatolia in Turkey
Authors: Çölgeçen Emine , Özyurt Kemal , Ferahbaş Ayten , Borlu Murat , Kulluk Pınar , Öztürk Ahmet , Öner Ayşe Öztürk , Gün İskender , Aşçıoğlu Özcan
Published: July 2014

Background

The prevalence of Behçet's disease (BD) is much higher in countries along the ancient Silk Route, extending from Japan to Mediterranean countries including Turkey, than in northern Europe and the USA.

Objectives

The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of BD in Kayseri, a city in Central Anatolia in Turkey.

Methods

This study investigated cross‐sectional prevalences of BD in individuals aged >10 years in Kayseri, Turkey, in two stages. The first stage aimed to identify individuals with recurrent oral ulcers (ROUs) through home visits, and the second stage aimed to further examine those with ROUs for the presence of other BD‐related manifestations under hospital conditions. The study was conducted using the criteria defined by the International Study Group for Behçet's Disease. The sample size was determined to be 4697 with an expected sampling error of 5.5 per 10,000, with a 95% confidence interval. A standard questionnaire was administered to a total of 5218 individuals.

Results

A history of ROU was recorded in 470 (9.0%) of the 5218 residents, and a previous diagnosis of BD was recorded in nine individuals. The prevalence rate of BD was estimated as 17 cases per 10,000 population in Kayseri, Turkey.

Conclusions

The present study contributes towards estimations of prevalences of BD in Turkey and towards raising public awareness about the disease. It also supports previous studies that have reported the world's highest prevalences of BD in Turkey.
Comparisons of gene expression in normal, lesional, and non‐lesional psoriatic skin using DNA microarray techniques
Authors: Xie Shaoqiong , Chen Zhongjian , Wang Qingliang , Song Xun , Zhang Linglin
Published: July 2014

Objectives

This study was designed to explore the pathogenesis of psoriasis and to identify potential bio‐targets. Genome array technology was used to analyze the gene expression profiles of lesional and non‐lesional psoriatic skin samples and normal skin samples.

Methods

Gene expression profile GSE14905 was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. This included skin biopsy samples from normal healthy donors (n = 21), lesional skin biopsy samples from psoriasis patients (n = 33), and non‐lesional skin biopsy samples from psoriasis patients (n = 28). Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using the Limma package in R language. Functions of specific DEGs were predicted by Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis. A protein–protein interaction network was constructed to display the interactions among common DEGs. Finally, DAVID and WebGestalt were used to achieve a functional analysis of common DEGs.

Results

Totals of 1020, 562, and 643 genes, respectively, were identified as being differentially expressed in normal versus lesional, normal versus non‐lesional, and lesional versus non‐lesional samples. The specific DEGs in the three groups were enriched for several GO terms, including mitotic cell cycle, immune response, and response to organic matter. The 40 common DEGs in the three groups may be involved in the defense response pathway in the development of psoriasis. Furthermore, three genes (RGS1, SOCS3, and NAMPT) may play key roles in distinguishing lesional and non‐lesional tissues from normal tissues, and 10 genes (PTRRC, ALDH1A3, SAMSA1, C15orf48, ZC3H12A, SOD2, IL8, LTF, RHCG, and IL7R) may play key roles in distinguishing non‐lesional from normal and lesional samples.

Conclusions

These genes may be considered as potential diagnostic markers and targets of therapeutics in psoriasis.
Lichen scrofulosorum caused by Mycobacterium leprae: first report
Authors: Fiallo Paolo , Cabiddu Francesco , Clapasson Andrea , Parodi Aurora
Published: July 2014

Background

Tuberculides are skin lesions caused by the hematogeneous dissemination of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Bacilli are rapidly destroyed in the skin and are thus neither visible histologically nor identifiable by culture. Diagnosis depends on previous knowledge of systemic and/or cutaneous tuberculosis. Lichen scrofulosorum (LS), the most uncommon variant of tuberculid, is usually associated with M. tuberculosis infection of lymph nodes or bone but was also reported in association with other mycobacterioses.

Objectives

We report a case of LS in a patient with M. leprae infection.

Methods

In 2008, a 51‐year‐old woman from the Philippines was diagnosed with tuberculoid leprosy and treated. In 2010 the leprosy was considered to have been cured, and treatment was stopped. In 2011 the patient presented with lesions on the trunk and legs. Biopsy specimens were obtained for histopathologic examination and DNA detection for polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results

Histopathology in the biopsy from the trunk revealed the dermis to be diffusely occupied by granulomas with perineural and periadnexal disposition. Granulomas were composed of epithelioid cells and lymphocytes. Fite–Faraco staining revealed a few solid acid‐fast bacilli within nerve fascicles. Reinfection or the re‐reactivation of multibacillary borderline tuberculoid leprosy was diagnosed. Histopathology in the biopsy taken from the leg showed superficial, well‐formed granulomas in the vicinity of hair follicles and sweat ducts. No acid‐fast bacilli were seen. Analysis by PCR revealed M. leprae DNA in specimens from both the leg and trunk. The clinical features of the papular eruption and the histopathologic findings and concomitant mycobacterial infection with M. leprae led to a diagnosis of LS. Treatment was commenced with dapsone 100 mg/day, clofazimine 50 mg/day and 300 mg/month, and rifampicin 600 mg/day. The lichenoid eruption on the legs disappeared at one month of therapy, whereas the other skin lesions resolved in one year leaving residual hypochromic macules.

Conclusions

Infection with M. leprae may cause LS. The use of PCR in skin biopsies from granulomatous dermatitis of unknown origin can help to identify the responsible agents.
Screening for latent tuberculosis infection in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis patients in a tuberculosis‐endemic country: a comparison of the QuantiFERON®‐TB Gold In‐Tube test and tuberculin skin test
Authors: Duman Nilay , Ersoy‐Evans Sibel , Karadağ Ömer , Aşçıoğlu Sibel , Şener Burçin , Kiraz Sedat , Şahin Sedef
Published: July 2014

Since the introduction of biologic therapies for tuberculosis (TB), screening for latent TB infection has increased in importance, especially in countries in which TB is endemic. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of psoriasis on tuberculin skin test (TST) results and to compare two TB screening tests, the TST and QuantiFERON®‐TB Gold In‐Tube (QFT–GIT) test, in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PA) patients living in a TB‐endemic country (Turkey). This prospective study included 61 psoriasis and 40 PA patients, and 58 healthy controls. Demographic data, medical history, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status, level of education, smoking status, exposure to TB, personal and family histories of TB, and bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccination status were recorded for all participants. The TST and QFT–GIT were performed in all participants. The mean ± standard deviation TST indurations in the patient and control groups were 12.6 ± 6.4 mm and 10.2 ± 6.5 mm, respectively (P = 0.051). The TST positivity rate was higher in patients than in controls (86.1% vs. 37.9%; P < 0.001), whereas QFT–GIT positivity did not differ significantly (patients: 20.8%; controls: 17.2%; P = 0.737). False positive results can lead to unnecessary prophylactic TB treatment; therefore, the cut‐off point for TST positivity in psoriasis and PA patients should be re‐evaluated, or other tests, such as the QFT–GIT, should be used.
Safety of performing invasive acne scar treatment and laser hair removal in patients on oral isotretinoin: a retrospective study of 110 patients
Authors: Chandrashekar Byalakere Shivanna , Varsha Danda Venkatesh , Vasanth Vani , Jagadish Puttarangappa , Madura Chandraiah , Rajashekar Maragowdanahalli Lingegowda
Published: July 2014

Background

It is reported that patients on oral isotretinoin have greater risk of developing scars and delayed wound healing with invasive procedures. It is recommended that these procedures be resumed 6–12 months after the last dose of oral isotretinoin.

Aim

To assess and compare the safety and look for delayed wound healing, during invasive acne scar treatment and laser hair removal on (a) patients who were on oral isotretinoin, and (b) patients who were not on oral isotretinoin.

Methods

A comparative, retrospective study of 110 patients was done. Fifty‐five patients with either acne scars or hirsutism who underwent procedures while on oral isotretinoin, and 55 patients who were not on oral isotretinoin were selected and grouped into A and B respectively. Group A patients were on 0.5 mg/kg/day isotretinoin orally through the entire procedure duration, while group B patients received topical medications alone. The subjects from both groups underwent invasive acne scar treatment and laser hair removal. Clinical and photographic assessment was done at baseline followed by four sessions with an interval of six weeks between each.

Results

Isotretinoin had not resulted in any untoward effects in patients who underwent the procedures. Atypical scarring, delayed wound healing, keloids, or hypertrophic scars were not observed in any patient.

Conclusion

Isotretinoin does not appear to delay wound healing, and hence invasive procedures can be considered on patients on oral isotretinoin without any compromise on the outcome.
Goltz syndrome and PORCN mosaicism
Authors: Stevenson David A. , Chirpich Meghan , Contreras Yvonne , Hanson Heather , Dent Karin
Published: July 2014

Goltz syndrome, also known as focal dermal hypoplasia, is characterized primarily by ectodermal and mesodermal defects. Manifestations include cutis aplasia, dermal hypoplasia, papillomas, chorioretinal colobomas, absent/dysplastic teeth, and skeletal anomalies. Goltz syndrome is an X‐linked disorder due to mutations in PORCN, with a predominance of females affected. Germline mutations in PORCN are thought to result in embryonically lethality in males. We present a boy with a phenotype consistent with Goltz syndrome with low‐level mosaicism for a novel mutation in PORCN from peripheral blood (c.956dupA; p.Asn320GlufsX99).
Luminescence and Microstructure of Nd Doped Y2Si2O7 Electrospun Fibers
Authors: Liu Yin , Olson Thomas L. , Wu Yiquan
Published: July 2014

Y2Si2O7:Nd3+ nanofibers were synthesized for the first time through a combination of sol–gel and electrospinning methods. Annealing effects on the Y2Si2O7 polymorph transformation and fiber morphology were examined under a scanning electron microscope. About 901, 1061, and 1337 nm emission bands were observed in the ultrafine nanofibers, while the rough fibers with pinholes and a larger grain size exhibited only slight photoluminescence. The one‐dimensional surface stress and low‐temperature crystalline distortion shifted the emission bands of the Nd3+‐ doped Y2Si2O7 fibers.
Color‐Matching Strategies for Non‐Vital Discolored Teeth: Part 1. Laboratory Ceramic Veneer Fabrication Solutions
Authors: Chu Stephen J. , Mieleszko Adam J.
Published: July 2014

The following is a case report exemplifying the restorative and esthetic correction of a discolored stump shade of a non‐vital tooth maxillary left central incisor tooth. Treatment options are non‐vital bleaching of the root canal‐treated tooth or esthetic restoration through an understanding of color and layered ceramics, where the latter was employed. Proper shade communication as well as additional facial tooth preparation and reduction are key clinical requirements in order to allow the ceramist adequate room to affect a color change without sacrificing translucency or vitality of the definitive restorations.

Clinical Significance

Esthetic restorative correction of a discolored stump tooth shade can be managed with an understanding of color, shade communication, proper tooth preparation, and ceramic layering techniques.