bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Imitation (rather than core language) predicts pragmatic development in young children with ASD: a preliminary longitudinal study using CDI parental reports
Authors: Miniscalco Carmela , Rudling Maja , Råstam Maria , Gillberg Christopher , Johnels Jakob Åsberg
Published: March 2014

Background

Research in the last decades has clearly pointed to the important role of language and communicative level when trying to understand developmental trajectories in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD).

Aims

The purpose of this longitudinal study was to investigate whether (1) core language skills, measured as expressive vocabulary and grammar, and/or (2) pre‐linguistic social‐communicative skills, including gestures and imitation abilities, drive pragmatic language development in young children with ASD.

Methods & Procedures

We examined correlates and longitudinal predictors of pragmatic growth in a sample of 34 children with Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), whose parents were given parts of two MacArthur Communicative Developmental Inventories (CDI: Words & Gestures and CDI: Words & Sentences) for completion at two time points (at time 1 the mean child age was 41 months, and at time 2 it was 54 months). A novel feature in this study is that the relevant parts from both CDI forms were included at both time points, allowing us to examine whether pre‐linguistic social‐communication skills (e.g. imitation and gesturing) and/or core language skills (i.e. grammar and vocabulary) predict pragmatic language growth.

Outcomes & Results

The results show that basically all pre‐linguistic, linguistic and pragmatic skills were associated concurrently. When controlling for possible confounders and for the autoregressive effect, imitation skills predicted pragmatic growth over time, whereas core language did not. This could only have been shown by the use of both CDI forms.

Conclusions & Implications

This preliminary study may be of both conceptual and methodological importance for research in the field of language and communication development in ASD. Imitation may play a pivotal role in the development of subsequent conversational pragmatic abilities in young children with ASD. Future research should be directed at unravelling the mechanisms underlying this association.
The biosurfactant viscosin produced by Pseudomonas fluorescens SBW25 aids spreading motility and plant growth promotion
Authors: Alsohim Abdullah S. , Taylor Tiffany B. , Barrett Glyn A. , Gallie Jenna , Zhang Xue‐Xian , Altamirano‐Junqueira Astrid E. , Johnson Louise J. , Rainey Paul B. , Jackson Robert W.
Published: March 2014

Food security depends on enhancing production and reducing loss to pests and pathogens. A promising alternative to agrochemicals is the use of plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), which are commonly associated with many, if not all, plant species. However, exploiting the benefits of PGPRs requires knowledge of bacterial function and an in‐depth understanding of plant‐bacteria associations. Motility is important for colonization efficiency and microbial fitness in the plant environment, but the mechanisms employed by bacteria on and around plants are not well understood. We describe and investigate an atypical mode of motility in Pseudomonas fluorescens SBW25 that was revealed only after flagellum production was eliminated by deletion of the master regulator fleQ. Our results suggest that this ‘spidery spreading’ is a type of surface motility. Transposon mutagenesis of SBW25ΔfleQ (SBW25Q) produced mutants, defective in viscosin production, and surface spreading was also abolished. Genetic analysis indicated growth‐dependency, production of viscosin, and several potential regulatory and secretory systems involved in the spidery spreading phenotype. Moreover, viscosin both increases efficiency of surface spreading over the plant root and protects germinating seedlings in soil infected with the plant pathogen Pythium. Thus, viscosin could be a useful target for biotechnological development of plant growth promotion agents.
Unmasking the measles‐like parchment discoloration: molecular and microanalytical approach
Authors: Piñar Guadalupe , Sterflinger Katja , Pinzari Flavia
Published: March 2014

Many ancient parchments are defaced by red or purple maculae associated with localized destruction of collagen fibres. Although the main characteristics of this damage were present in most of the manuscripts analysed by many authors, no common microbial or fungal denominator has been found so far, and little or no correspondence between the microbial or fungal species isolated from materials could be addressed. In this study, culture‐independent molecular methods and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to identify fungal and bacterial communities on parchments affected by the purple stains. Protocols for c extraction and nucleic‐acid‐based strategies were selected for assays examining the community structure of fungi and bacteria on biodeteriorated parchment. Both SEM and molecular analysis detected the presence of bacterial and fungal cells in the damaged areas. Halophilic, halotolerant proteolytic bacterial species were selected by the saline environment provided by the parchment samples. As common microbial denominators, members of the Actinobacteria, mainly Saccharopolyspora spp. and species of Aspergillus, were detected in all investigated cases. It is proposed that a relationship exists between the phenomenon of purple spots on ancient parchments and that of the ‘red heat’ phenomenon, known to be present in some products manufactured with marine salt.
Apolipoprotein C1 (APOC1) as a novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for lung cancer: A marker phase I trial
Authors: Ko Hui‐Ling , Wang Yu‐Shan , Fong Weng‐Lam , Chi Mau‐Shin , Chi Kwan‐Hwa , Kao Shang‐Jyh
Published: March 2014

Background

Tumor cells continuously evolve over time in response to host pressures. However, explanations as to how tumor cells are influenced by the inflammatory tumor microenvironment over time are, to date, poorly defined. We hypothesized that prognostic biomarkers could be obtained by exploring the expression of inflammation‐associated genes between early and late stage lung cancer tumor samples.

Methods

Candidate inflammation‐associated genes, apolipoprotein C‐1 (APOC1), MMP1, KMO)1, CXCL5, CXCL)7, IL‐1α, IL‐1β, TNF‐α and IL‐6 were verified by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Gene expression profiles and immunofluorescence staining of 30 lung cancer tissues were compared.

Results

Expressions of APOC1 and IL‐6 mRNA on tumor tissues in late stage disease were significantly higher than in early stage lung cancer samples. Immunofluorescence staining of tumor samples showed that the expression of APOC1 gradually increased from early to late stage in lung cancer patients. The expression levels of IL‐6 and APOC1 in tumor samples were positively correlated; however, no prognostic value of APOC1 can be identified in serum samples.

Conclusions

We found that the level of tumor APOC1 was highly expressed in late stage lung cancer. Further research is warranted to determine the molecular mechanisms underlying the cross talk of APOC1 and IL‐6 in tumor progression. An expanded sample size marker phase II study may lead to the discovery of new lung cancer therapeutics targeting APOC1.
“Much in Blood and Money”: Necropolitical Ecology on the Margins of the Uganda Protectorate
Authors: Cavanagh Connor Joseph , Himmelfarb David
Published: March 2014

Increasingly, political ecologists invoke the concept of “green grabbing” to refer to the ways in which processes of accumulation by dispossession articulate with various imperatives for environmental protection. This paper traces these contemporary processes to their roots in the colonial era, focusing on how dispossession in the name of environmental protection intersects with complex historical geographies of state formation and internal territorialisation. Drawing upon the case of Mount Elgon in Britain's Uganda Protectorate, in particular, we reconstruct the ways in which the interrelated “birth” of both conservation and transcontinental agrarian markets were intimately connected to the emergence and normalisation of the colonial state itself. In doing so, we propose the term necropolitical ecology as a framework to encompass the ways in which contemporary “green grabs” partially emerge from racialised modes of colonial appropriation, the violence of which often still lingers in agencies and institutions of environmental governance in the contemporary postcolony.
Beliefs About Infant Regulation, Early Infant Behaviors and Maternal Postnatal Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Muscat Tracey , Obst Patricia , Cockshaw Wendell , Thorpe Karen
Published: March 2014

Background

Young infants may have irregular sleeping and feeding patterns. Such regulation difficulties are known correlates of maternal depressive symptoms. Parental beliefs about their role in regulating infant behaviors also may play a role. We investigated the association of depressive symptoms with infant feeding/sleeping behaviors, parent regulation beliefs, and the interaction of the two.

Method

In 2006, 272 mothers of infants aged up to 24 weeks completed a questionnaire about infant behavior and regulation beliefs. Participants were recruited from general medical practices and child health clinics in Brisbane, Australia. Depressive symptomology was measured using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Other measures were adapted from the ALSPAC study.

Results

Regression analyses were run controlling for partner support, other support, life events, and a range of demographic variables. Maternal depressive symptoms were associated with infant sleeping and feeding problems but not regulation beliefs. The most important infant predictor was sleep behaviors with feeding behaviors accounting for little additional variance. An interaction between regulation beliefs and sleep behaviors was found. Mothers with high regulation beliefs were more susceptible to postnatal depressive symptoms when infant sleep behaviors were problematic.

Conclusion

Mothers of young infants who expect greater control are more susceptible to depressive symptoms when their infant presents challenging sleep behavior.
Downregulation of DAB2IP results in cell proliferation and invasion and contributes to unfavorable outcomes in bladder cancer
Authors: Shen Yi‐Jun , Kong Zhao‐Lu , Wan Fang‐Ning , Wang Hong‐Kai , Bian Xiao‐Jie , Gan Hua‐Lei , Wang Chao‐Fu , Ye Ding‐Wei
Published: March 2014

The DOC‐2/DAB2 interactive protein (DAB2IP) is a member of the Ras GTPase‐activating protein family. It has been shown to be often downregulated and a poor prognostic factor in several human malignancies. In this study, we analyzed the clinicopathological features and outcomes of DAB2IP expression in 135 patients with urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCB) treated by radical cystectomy plus bilateral lymph node dissection, and evaluated the effect of DAB2IP knockdown in vitro using the MTT method, colony formation assay, cell cycle assay, and cell migration and invasive assay. We found low expression of DAB2IP was significantly associated with high pathological stage (P = 0.002), high pathological grade (P = 0.02), tumor size more than 3 cm (P = 0.04), and presence of histological variants (P = 0.01). DAB2IP was an independent prognostic factor of disease recurrence (hazard ratio, 2.67; P = 0.034) and cancer‐specific survival (hazard ratio, 2.79; P = 0.038). Knockdown of DAB2IP could promote cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Downregulation of DAB2IP could activate the ERK and Akt pathways and was correlated with the expression of epithelial–mesenchymal transition markers, such as E‐cadherin and vimentin. In conclusion, downregulation of DAB2IP is associated with features of biologically aggressive UCB and results in cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of bladder cancer. DAB2IP may serve as a promising biomarker in patients with UCB treated by radical cystectomy and bilateral lymph node dissection.
Gene expression and morphometric parameters of human bone biopsies after maxillary sinus floor elevation with autologous bone combined with Bio‐Oss® or BoneCeramic®
Authors: Caubet Jorge , Ramis Joana M. , Ramos‐Murguialday Mikel , Morey Miguel Á. , Monjo Marta
Published: March 2014

Objectives

Although the clinical success of Bio‐Oss® and BoneCeramic® has been corroborated by histologic and histomorphometric findings, the biological events that occur during healing after maxillary sinus floor elevation (MSFE) are unknown. Here, we evaluated biopsies of grafted bone with a mixture of autologous bone and Bio‐Oss® or BoneCeramic® after two different healing time periods to understand the molecular process underlying bone formation after MSFE.

Material and methods

Seven patients, following a bilateral split‐mouth design model and needing a MSFE to allow implant placement, were recruited for this study. Right or left sinuses were grafted with autologous maxillary bone combined either with Bio‐Oss® or BoneCeramic®, respectively. Twenty biopsies were taken at the time of implant insertion after 4–5 months or 6–8 months of MSFE, and analyzed by micro‐computed tomography (microCT) and gene‐expression analysis.

Results

MicroCT analysis revealed no differences in the morphometric parameters or BMD either after 4–5 months or 6–8 months of MSFE between Bio‐Oss® and BoneCeramic®. At molecular level, a higher expression of bone forming gene Runx2 was observed after 4–5 months of MSFE in the Bio‐Oss® compared with the BoneCeramic® group.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that differences found at the molecular level between Bio‐Oss® and BoneCeramic® are not translated to important differences in the 3D microstructure and BMD of the grafted bone.
Peri‐implant evaluation in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients: a 3‐year study
Authors: Gómez‐Moreno Gerardo , Aguilar‐Salvatierra Antonio , Rubio Roldán Jerónimo , Guardia Javier , Gargallo Jordi , Calvo‐Guirado José Luis
Published: March 2014

Objective

The aim of this study was to analyze the changes produced in peri‐implant tissues in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with different glycemia levels, measured by monitoring glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), over a period of 3 years following dental implant placement.

Materials and methods

Sixty‐seven patients were divided into four groups according to their HbA1c levels: 21 patients in Group 1 (<6); 24 patients in Group 2 (6.1–8); and 11 patients in Group 3 (8.1–10) and Group 4 (>10.1). Each patient received one implant. All implants were placed in the anterior zone of the maxilla. The variables selected to assess the general state of patients' peri‐implant health were as follows: probing depth, bleeding on probing, and marginal bone loss.

Results

Marginal bone loss was found to increase in relation to increases in HbA1c levels. Bleeding on probing showed statistically significant differences between groups. When the peri‐implant area was probed, mean levels of bleeding varied from 0.43 in Group 1 at 1 year after implant surgery to 0.62 in Group 4 (P = 0.042 between the four study groups). After the second year, greater bleeding on probing was observed in Group 4 (0.63) in comparison with groups with lower HbA1c levels. Peri‐implant pocket depths presented values that were too low to be considered pathological and without statistically significant differences between the study groups.

Conclusion

Implant therapies for diabetic patients can be predictable, providing these patients fall within controlled ranges of glycemia over time, assessed by monitoring HbA1c levels.
Do insulation products of man‐made vitreous fibres still cause skin discomfort?
Authors: Lundgren Lennart , Moberg Cecilia , Lidén Carola
Published: March 2014

Background

Man‐made vitreous fibres (MMVFs) are used in products for insulation and as reinforcement in materials. Contamination of the skin may arise through direct or indirect contact, and from the deposition of airborne fibres. The scientific basis regarding the effects on skin of MMVFs dates from 1970–1980.

Objectives

To investigate whether currently used insulation MMVF products still cause skin discomfort.

Methods

Focus group interviews and structured interviews were performed among workers engaged in insulation tasks and among do‐it‐yourself consumers with a recent experience of MMVF products.

Results

A majority of interviewees experienced skin discomfort when handling MMVF products. Complaints caused by traditional (yellow) glass fibre products were more severe than those caused by products of rock or slag wool fibres. The wrists, forearms, neck and face were the locations where the skin was most affected. The situations causing problems varied between occupational tasks, but working with the hands over the head or in narrow spaces were described as the worst situations. Building construction apprentices performed insulation tasks more often than senior workers.

Conclusions

MMVF insulation products do still cause skin discomfort. Updated knowledge about people's experiences of work with such products should influence legislation.
Is there a problem with the status quo? Debating the need for standalone ethical guidelines for research with people who use alcohol and other drugs
Authors: Olsen Anna , Mooney‐Somers Julie
Published: March 2014

In 2011, the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) initiated an inquiry to determine whether there is a need for expanded ethical guidance in the form of a discrete guidance document for alcohol and other drug (AOD) research. An issues paper was developed to frame the inquiry. AOD researchers, Human Research Ethics Committees and others were invited to discuss whether there are distinctive ethical issues facing researchers and Human Research Ethics Committees in the AOD setting. Based on the public submissions, the NHMRC recommended that no AOD research‐specific guidance is required. The inquiry and the NHMRC decision were not widely publicized, and we feel there is a need for further discussion. In order to do so, we have analysed the public inquiry submissions and described the central themes. Few submissions in the inquiry explicitly agreed AOD research warrants a specific guidance framework. Most were concerned that the NHMRC issues paper unfairly targeted people who use drugs as complex research participants. The inquiry highlights tensions around research governance and ethics review boards dealing with illicit and stigmatised behaviours. While we agree that a specific guidance framework for AOD research is not needed and could potentially be harmful and restrictive, we are concerned that the wholesale rejection of a guidance framework has closed the door to much needed debate. There remains, we argue, a need for alternative strategies and tools to support ethical research, inform and streamline institutional ethics approval, and engage and protect participants. [Olsen A, Mooney‐Somers J. Is there a problem with the status quo? Debating the need for standalone ethical guidelines for research with people who use AODs. Drug Alcohol Rev 2014;33:637‐642]
Comparison of endoscopic band ligation and endoclip closure of colonic perforation: Technical feasibility and efficacy in an ex vivo pig model
Authors: Lee Tae Hoon , Han Joung‐Ho , Jung Yunho , Lee Suck‐Ho , Kim Dae Hoon , Shin Ji Yun , Lee Tae Soo , Kim Myunghwan , Choi Seok‐Hwa , Kim Hyun , Park Seonmee , Youn Seijin
Published: March 2014

Background and Aim

Recent reports have indicated several instances of successful treatment of bowel perforation by using endoscopic band ligation (EBL) when treatment with endoclipping is unsuccessful, but this salvage method has not been investigated in any prospective model. Herein we aimed to compare the technical feasibility and efficacy of EBL and endoclip use in intraluminal closure of colon perforation, in an ex vivo model.

Methods

Standardized colonic perforations were created using fresh porcine colon and subsequently closed by full‐thickness interrupted sutures, endoclip (QuickClip2TM), or EBL. Each closure site was tested with compressed air by using a digital pressure monitor for evaluating leak pressure.

Results

No significant differences were noted between the endoclip and EBL in leak pressures. Mean (± SD) pressures for air leakage from the perforations closed using the different devices were as follows: normal colon samples, 52.0 ± 13.2 mmHg; perforations closed with hand‐sewn sutures, 32.3 ± 8.3 mmHg; perforations closed with endoclipping, 53.5 ± 22.7 mmHg; and perforations closed with EBL, 50.4 ± 12.5 mmHg. Time taken for closure by EBL was significantly less than that for closure by endoclipping (3.2 ± 1.7 min vs 6.8 ± 1.3 min, P < 0.01). Further, the number of devices used to achieve complete closure in the EBL group was lower than that with endoclipping (1.6 ± 0.5 vs 3.7 ± 0.8, P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Endoluminal closure of a 1.5‐cm colon perforation with EBL decreased procedure time and was not inferior in leak pressure compared with endoclipping in this ex vivo porcine model.
Stylet penetration activities linked to the acquisition and inoculation of Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum by its vector tomato potato psyllid
Authors: Sandanayaka W.R.M. , Moreno A. , Tooman L.K. , Page‐Weir N.E.M. , Fereres A.
Published: March 2014

The tomato potato psyllid (TPP), Bactericera cockerelli (Sulc) (Hemiptera: Triozidae), is the main vector of the bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum (Lso), a major disease of solanaceous crops. Feeding of TPP is associated with Lso transmission. However, very little is known about the stylet penetration activities linked to acquisition and inoculation of Lso. The electrical penetration graph (EPG)‐DC system was used to monitor stylet penetration activities during acquisition and inoculation of Lso by individual TPP on tomato [Solanum lycopersicum L. (Solanaceae)]. Female TPP from Lso‐free and Lso‐infected colonies were used in acquisition and inoculation tests, respectively. In the acquisition tests, TPP were tested for Lso after EPG recording of their stylet penetration activities on Lso‐infected tomato shoots. In the inoculation tests, samples from the tomato plants on which the stylet penetration of Lso‐infected TPP had been recorded were tested for Lso infection. The relationships between qPCR results and the EPG waveforms (C, G, D, E1, and E2) representing the main stylet penetration activities performed by individual insects in inoculation and acquisition tests were investigated. Results confirmed that a single adult TPP is capable of infecting a plant with Lso. Our data suggest that acquisition of the bacteria occurs during phloem ingestion (E2), and inoculation is likely associated with salivation into the phloem sieve elements (E1). The durations of EPG parameters were not significantly different between Lso‐infected and Lso‐free TPP (later shown by qPCR) in acquisition tests. In inoculation tests, the durations of E1 or E2 recorded from TPP on Lso‐infected and Lso‐free plants that were later shown by qPCR were not significantly different. However, C was shorter on Lso‐infected plants than on Lso‐free plants, where TPP performed phloem activities. The minimum plant access period required for Lso transmission by a single TPP was estimated to be ca. 2 h, with an acquisition threshold of about 36 min.
A review of 16 years of quality control parameters at a mass‐rearing facility producing Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni
Authors: Fanson B.G. , Sundaralingam S. , Jiang L. , Dominiak B.C. , D'Arcy G.
Published: March 2014

From 1996 to 2012, the mass‐rearing facility at Camden (NSW, Australia) has been producing Queensland fruit flies, Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt) (Diptera: Tephritidae). During this time, the facility has regularly recorded fly quality parameters, creating a unique data set that provides an invaluable opportunity to evaluate the interrelationships among standard quality control (QC) parameters and test for redundant QC variables. Here, we conducted an exploratory data analysis to reveal relationships among the QC parameters. We found that pupal weight, adult lifespan, and longevity under nutritional stress (i.e., survival duration without food or water) had distinct monthly trends, suggesting that these QC parameters are sensitive to seasonal conditions. Furthermore, emergence percentage, flight ability, and adult lifespan were adversely affected by the dyeing/handling/irradiation process associated with sterile insect releases. Using a multivariate approach and controlling for monthly and yearly patterns, we showed that pupal weight and egg hatch are consistently negatively related and that percentage male and emergence rates are consistently negatively related. These results suggest that these correlation pairs measure similar quality information and hence one QC variable from each pair could be dropped. Flight ability was not strongly correlated with any of the QC variables, suggesting that this QC variable remains a useful QC metric. Finally, the longevity under nutritional stress QC appears to be fairly insensitive to QCs and we suggest that it should be replaced by the standard mortality under stress test.
The safety and acceptability of delivering an online intervention to secondary students at risk of suicide: findings from a pilot study
Authors: Robinson Jo , Hetrick Sarah , Cox Georgina , Bendall Sarah , Yung Alison , Pirkis Jane
Published: March 2014

Background

Suicide‐related behaviour is a major problem among adolescents. Yet relatively few studies have tested the efficacy, acceptability and safety of interventions for this population. We developed and pilot tested an online intervention for at‐risk school students, which has led to reduced suicidal ideation, hopelessness and depressive symptoms. The aims of this study were to examine the safety and acceptability of the programme, and to determine which components were found to be most helpful and enjoyable.

Methods

This pilot study employed a pre‐test/post‐test design, with an 8‐week intervention phase. Participants were assessed immediately before, and immediately after the intervention. Participants were also asked to complete a weekly questionnaire immediately after the intervention, and again 2 days later assessing suicidal ideation and distress.

Results

Twenty‐one young people completed the intervention. Overall, the intervention did not lead to increases in suicidal ideation or distress. Participants reported enjoying the programme, in particular watching the video diaries and completing the activities, and said they would recommend the programme to a friend. Overall, the cognitive components of the programme were found to be most helpful.

Conclusions

Overall, the programme appeared to be a safe and acceptable intervention for at‐risk adolescents. This was a small, pilot study so we need to interpret the results with caution. However, the findings are promising and suggest that young people at risk of suicide can safely be included in trials as long as adequate safety procedures are in place. The programme is now being tested in a randomized controlled trial.
Can an Internet‐based intervention reduce suicidal ideation, depression and hopelessness among secondary school students: results from a pilot study
Authors: Robinson Jo , Hetrick Sarah , Cox Georgina , Bendall Sarah , Yuen Hok Pan , Yung Alison , Pirkis Jane
Published: March 2014

Aim

Little evidence exists regarding the efficacy of suicide prevention programmes among the youth. This pilot study aimed to test the effects of a specifically designed, eight‐module Internet‐based programme on suicidal ideation among secondary school students.

Methods

The study employed a pre‐test/post‐test design. Outcomes of interest were suicidal ideation, depression and hopelessness. Participants were recruited via the school well‐being team, were assessed at baseline and immediately post‐intervention. The intervention was delivered weekly at the young persons' school.

Results

Twenty‐one students completed all eight modules and a post‐intervention assessment, and constitute the observed case sample used for the analysis. Overall levels of suicidal ideation, depressive symptoms and hopelessness decreased significantly over the course of the study.

Conclusions

This was a small pilot study with no control group. However, significant reductions were seen in suicidal ideation, depressive symptoms and hopelessness, indicating that Internet‐based interventions may hold promise when it comes to reducing suicide risk among youth. Further investigation is warranted.
Constantius, St Germanus and fifth‐century Britain
Authors: Higham N.J.
Published: March 2014

The two visits of Germanus to Britain that Constantius included in his Life of the saint were long a staple of insular history. Recently, however, they have come under close scrutiny, leading to the second visit in particular being considered unhistorical. This essay re‐examines the two visits in the context of the whole work, concluding that Constantius had access to good‐quality information for Germanus's activities. Focusing on two episodes of the first visit, Germanus's journey to the cult site of St Alban and the ‘Alleluia Victory’, allows us to explore what the bishop achieved in Britain. Recent suggestions that Germanus effectively ‘invented’ the cult of St Alban arguably go beyond the evidence available, but the bishop's interaction with the cult was an important, planned part of his anti‐Pelagian strategy. The passages describing the two visits are also explored in terms of Constantius's wider purposes in writing the Life. In those terms his investment in stories regarding Germanus in Britain enabled him to develop his hero in ways which accord with his overall vision of an exemplary bishop. Germanus's deeds in Britain, therefore, need to be read both in terms of what they can offer in terms of British history and in the context of this author's wider agenda.
Strategic manipulation of an industrial biocatalyst – evolution of a cephalosporin C acylase
Authors: Conti Gianluca , Pollegioni Loredano , Molla Gianluca , Rosini Elena
Published: March 2014

Semi‐synthetic cephalosporins are synthesized from the 7‐amino cephalosporanic acid (7‐ACA) nucleus produced from the antibiotic cephalosporin C (CephC). In recent years, a single‐step enzymatic process in which CephC is directly converted into 7‐ACA by a cephalosporin C acylase (CA) has attracted industrial interest because of the prospects of simplifying the process and reducing costs. CAs are members of the glutaryl acylase family that specifically use CephC as their substrate; however, known natural glutaryl acylases show very low activity on the antibiotic. We previously enhanced the catalytic efficiency on CephC of a glutaryl acylase from Pseudomonas N176 (named VAC) by a protein engineering approach, and solved the structures of the VAC, thus providing insight into the substrate binding and catalytic activity of CAs. However, the properties of such enzymes are not sufficient to encourage 7‐ACA manufacturers to shift to single‐step enzymatic conversion of CephC. Here, we combine structural knowledge, semi‐rational design, computational approaches and evolution analysis to isolate VAC variants with altered substrate specificity (i.e. with a > 11 000‐fold increase in specificity constant for CephC versus glutaryl‐7‐amino cephalosporanic acid, compared to wild‐type) and with the highest kinetic efficiency so far obtained for a CA. Indeed, the H57βS‐H70βS‐L154βY VAC variant shows the highest conversion of CephC into 7‐ACA under conditions resembling those used at industrial level because of its high kinetic efficiency and the absence of substrate or product inhibition effects, and may be suitable for industrial application of the mono‐step process for CephC conversion.
Transnational healthcare seeking: how ageing Taiwanese return migrants view homeland public benefits
Authors: SUN KEN CHIH‐YAN
Published: March 2014

In this article, I argue that, by offering ageing return migrants new opportunities both to organize their lives and to rethink their social attachments, the extension of public healthcare in Taiwan constitutes a new contextual feature of the transnational social field bridging Taiwan and the USA. I use the concept of ‘transnational healthcare seeking’ to describe how returning seniors try to maintain their physical, psychological and social well‐being by accessing the benefits of public healthcare available in their homeland rather than in the USA. Furthermore, I offer the concept of ‘logics of social right’ to demonstrate how older returnees seek to reconfirm their social commitment to their homeland and to defend their entitlement to its state‐provided benefits against public criticism that they are free riders. In so doing, this article contributes a nuanced understanding of how ageing migrants imagine, pursue and construct an ideal later life across national borders.
Linking Sexism and Speciesism
Authors: Wyckoff Jason
Published: March 2014

1.

Some feminists and animal advocates defend what I call the Linked Oppressions Thesis, according to which the oppression of women and the oppression of animals are linked causally, materially, normatively, and/or conceptually. Alasdair Cochrane offers objections to several versions of the Linked Oppressions Thesis and concludes that the Thesis should be rejected in all its forms. In this paper I defend the Thesis against Cochrane's objections as well as objections leveled by Beth Dixon, and argue that the failure of these objections illuminates the idea of linked oppressions as well as misunderstandings of the Linked Oppressions Thesis, and may provide guidance to philosophers theorizing animal rights from a feminist perspective.
Consumer consumption intentions of smaller packaged snack variants
Authors: Payne Collin R. , Niculescu Mihai , Barney Chet E.
Published: March 2014

Smaller snack package variants are ubiquitous in the food marketplace. Although it is assumed that consumers intend to consume less because snacks are placed into smaller packages, consumer intentions are never measured. This research examines dietary‐restrained consumers' consumption intentions of smaller snack package variants found in the marketplace described by snack type (i.e. less healthy, more healthy – as per Guiding Stars® food labelling system) and front‐of‐package calorie labelling (99 calories, 100 calories). We conducted an online experiment wherein 203 participants were exposed to the aforementioned snack package variants and their consumption intentions were subsequently measured. A regression analysis revealed that consumers who are highly dietary restrained intend to consume more when (a) the snack is relatively healthier and (b) it includes 99‐calorie front‐of‐package labelling. We discuss the idea that dietary‐restrained consumers are not likely to view smaller packaged snacks as portion control devices, but rather, as a means to eat more of a healthier food.
Angiographic Outcome of Endovascular Stroke Therapy Correlated with MR Findings, Infarct Growth, and Clinical Outcome in the DEFUSE 2 Trial
Authors: Marks Michael P. , Lansberg Maarten G. , Mlynash Michael , Kemp Stephanie , McTaggart Ryan A. , Zaharchuk Greg , Bammer Roland , Albers Gregory W. ,   for the DEFUSE Investigators
Published: March 2014

Background

DEFUSE 2 demonstrated that patients with magnetic resonance imaging mismatch had a favorable clinical response to tissue reperfusion assessed by magnetic resonance imaging. This study reports the endovascular results and correlates angiographic reperfusion with clinical and imaging outcomes.

Methods

Prospectively enrolled ischemic stroke patients underwent baseline magnetic resonance imaging and started endovascular therapy within 12 h of onset. Patients were classified as either target mismatch or no target mismatch using magnetic resonance imaging. The pre- and postprocedure angiogram was evaluated to determine thrombolysis in cerebral infarction scores. Favorable clinical response was determined at day 30, and good functional outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale 0–2 at day 90.

Results

One-hundred patients had attempted endovascular treatment. At procedure end, 23% were thrombolysis in cerebral infarction 0–1, 31% thrombolysis in cerebral infarction 2A, 28% thrombolysis in cerebral infarction 2B, and 18% thrombolysis in cerebral infarction 3. More favorable thrombolysis in cerebral infarction-reperfusion scores were associated with greater magnetic resonance imaging reperfusion ( P < 0·001). thrombolysis in cerebral infarction scores correlated with 30-day favorable clinical response ( P = 0·041) and 90-day modified Rankin Scale 0–2 ( P = 0·008). These correlations were significant for target mismatch patients at 30 days ( P = 0·034) and 90 days ( P = 0·003). Infarct growth was strongly associated with poorer thrombolysis in cerebral infarction scores in target mismatch patients ( P < 0·001). Patients with thrombolysis in cerebral infarctionnfarction 2A reperfusion had less magnetic resonance imaging reperfusion ( P = 0·004) and poorer clinical outcome at 90 days ( P = 0·01) compared with thrombolysis in cerebral infarction 2B-3 patients.

Conclusion

Thrombolysis in cerebral infarction reperfusion following endovascular therapy for ischemic stroke is highly correlated with magnetic resonance imaging reperfusion, infarct growth, and clinical outcome.
Health‐related quality of life after radical cystectomy and neobladder reconstruction in women: Impact of voiding and continence status
Authors: Zahran Mohamed H , El‐Hefnawy Ahmed S , Zidan Essam M , El‐Bilsha Mona A , Taha Diaa‐Eldin , Ali‐El‐Dein Bedeir
Published: March 2014

Objectives

To assess health‐related quality of life, and the impact of night‐time incontinence and chronic urinary retention on health‐related quality of life in women with bladder cancer after radical cystectomy and orthotopic neobladder.

Methods

The study included 74 women who underwent radical cystectomy and orthotopic neobladder, and completed 1 year of follow up. Health‐related quality of life was evaluated using the questionnaires of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer‐Quality of Life Questionnaire and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy bladder cancer‐specific form. Health‐related quality of life was compared with an age‐matched control group. The impact of night‐time incontinence and chronic urinary retention on health‐related quality of life was assessed.

Results

The study group included 18 completely continent patients with spontaneous voiding, 29 with night‐time incontinence and 27 with chronic urinary retention. The study group was statistically significantly lower in all domains of health‐related quality of life than the control group. In all domains of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer‐Quality of Life Questionnaire and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy bladder cancer‐specific form, completely continent women were comparable with those with chronic urinary retention. Women with night‐time incontinence had a significantly worse health‐related quality of life than completely continent women, shown by the mean global health score (P = 0.038), social functioning score (P = 0.012), pain European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer‐Quality of Life Questionnaire score (P = 0.04), and functional well‐being Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy bladder cancer‐specific form (P = 0.049) score.

Conclusions

After radical cystectomy and orthotopic neobladder in women, health‐related quality of life is lower than that of the normal population. Night‐time incontinence has a negative impact on social life and most domains of health‐related quality of life. Thus, night‐time incontinence has a higher social impact than chronic urinary retention.
Evaluating newly acquired authority of nurse practitioners and physician assistants for reserved medical procedures in the Netherlands: a study protocol
Authors: De Bruijn‐Geraets Daisy P. , Van Eijk‐Hustings Yvonne J.L. , Vrijhoef Hubertus J.M.
Published: March 2014

Aim

The study protocol is designed to evaluate the effects of granting independent authorization for medical procedures to nurse practitioners and physician assistants on processes and outcomes of health care.

Background

Recent (temporarily) enacted legislation in Dutch health care authorizes nurse practitioners and physician assistants to indicate and perform specified medical procedures, i.e. catheterization, cardioversion, defibrillation, endoscopy, injection, puncture, prescribing and simple surgical procedures, independently. Formerly, these procedures were exclusively reserved to physicians, dentists and midwives.

Design

A triangulation mixed method design is used to collect quantitative (surveys) and qualitative (interviews) data.

Methods

Outcomes are selected from evidence‐based frameworks and models for assessing the impact of advanced nursing on quality of health care. Data are collected in various manners. Surveys are structured around the domains: (i) quality of care; (ii) costs; (iii) healthcare resource use; and (iv) patient centredness. Focus group and expert interviews aim to ascertain facilitators and barriers to the implementation process. Data are collected before the amendment of the law, 1 and 2·5 years thereafter.

Groups of patients, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, supervising physicians and policy makers all participate in this national study. The study is supported by a grant from the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport in March 2011. Research Ethics Committee approval was obtained in July 2011.

Conclusion

This study will provide information about the effects of granting independent authorization for medical procedures to nurse practitioners and physician assistants on processes and outcomes of health care. Study findings aim to support policy makers and other stakeholders in making related decisions. The study design enables a cross‐national comparative analysis.
Nurses' perception of senior managers at the front line: people working with clipboards
Authors: Hoyle Louise
Published: March 2014

Aim

To provide an original perspective on front‐line nurses' perception of senior managers who are not nurses.

Background

A key element of new public management had been the drive for ‘hands‐on’ professional management within the UK National Health Service, meaning the employment of mangers with managerial experience but little or no healthcare experience.

Design

An interpretive qualitative study, based on a single case study design with semi‐structured interviews.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were carried out with 31 front‐line Scottish National Health Service nurses exploring their perceptions of the role of managers between July–September 2010.

Results/Findings

Nursing staff were often unsure of the responsibilities of managers and perceived that there were an unnecessarily high number of managers within the National Health Service. Nursing staff raised concerns over the non‐clinical background of managers, including their ability to understand the pressures faced at the front line.

Conclusions

The main reason for conflict between managers and nursing staff was their differing foci. Managers were seen to concentrate on decisions surrounding targets, audits and budgets with little consideration given to the impact of these decisions on patient care.
Adrenaline stimulates the proliferation and migration of mesenchymal stem cells towards the LPS‐induced lung injury
Authors: Wu Xiaodan , Wang Zhiming , Qian Mengjia , Wang Lingyan , Bai Chunxue , Wang Xiangdong
Published: March 2014

Bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) could modulate inflammation in experimental lung injury. On the other hand, adrenergic receptor agonists could increase DNA synthesis of stem cells. Therefore, we investigated the therapeutic role of adrenaline‐stimulated BMSCs on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced lung injury. BMSCs were cultured with adrenergic receptor agonists or antagonists. Suspensions of lung cells or sliced lung tissue from animals with or without LPS‐induced injury were co‐cultured with BMSCs. LPS‐stimulated alveolar macrophages were co‐cultured with BMSCs (with adrenaline stimulation or not) in Transwell for 6 hrs. A preliminary animal experiment was conducted to validate the findings in ex vivo study. We found that adrenaline at 10 μM enhanced proliferation of BMSCs through both α‐ and β‐adrenergic receptors. Adrenaline promoted the migration of BMSCs towards LPS‐injured lung cells or lung tissue. Adrenaline‐stimulated BMSCs decreased the inflammation of LPS‐stimulated macrophages, probably through the expression and secretion of several paracrine factors. Adrenaline reduced the extent of injury in LPS‐injured rats. Our data indicate that adrenaline‐stimulated BMSCs might contribute to the prevention from acute lung injury through the activation of adrenergic receptors, promotion of proliferation and migration towards injured lung, and modulation of inflammation.
Expert recommendations: the use of the fixed combination calcipotriol and betamethasone dipropionate gel for the topical treatment of psoriasis
Authors: Daudén E. , Bewley A. , Lambert J. , Girolomoni G. , Cambazard F. , Reich K.
Published: March 2014

Treatment non‐adherence is a general challenge and a complex problem. It is a key factor that impacts the ‘real‐life’ effectiveness of topical treatments for chronic disorders, such as psoriasis. Here, we provide our expert opinion on the real‐life effectiveness of topical psoriasis treatment, using the fixed combination gel (Daivobet® gel; calcipotriol plus betamethasone dipropionate) as a case study. The fixed combination gel is a first‐line topical treatment for mild‐to‐moderate psoriasis, developed to be the gold‐standard therapy for psoriasis patients. This fixed combination gel is an effective and well‐tolerated topical psoriasis treatment that the majority of our patients prefer to the ointment formulation. We assessed our real‐life experience and considered any gaps between daily practice and clinical trials data. We recommend a multifaceted approach to improve real‐life effectiveness and bridge the gap between investigational trials and treatment reality and propose the following recommendations: (1) educate primary healthcare providers on how to effectively manage topical psoriasis treatment and the patients who use the treatment; (2) educate the patient on why treatment needs to be maintained, even when symptoms improve; and (3) provide a supportive environment that will not allow the patient to feel abandoned. A patient‐centric approach may improve adherence, which will lead to patients receiving more effective treatment for psoriasis.