bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crisis response strategies in Finland and Spain
Authors: Luoma‐aho Vilma , Moreno Angeles , Verhoeven Piet
Published: February 2017

Crises are common in today's unpredictable environment rising the importance of crisis response strategies. Two societies in Europe are chosen: Finland, where trust in society is generalized to institutions, and Spain, where trust in society remains on the level of individuals. Using the results of the European Communication Monitor 2013 survey on crisis communication, we explored three hypotheses: “certain types of crises are often met with certain types of strategies,” “cultural context makes some crises more likely than others,” and “cultural context makes some response strategies more likely than others.” We find evidence for all three hypotheses and discuss our findings about perceived differences in the two societies. The results show that the cultural context plays an important role for crisis communication.
Guilt, blame, litigation and training
Authors: Marsh Michael
Published: February 2017

Deputy Editor‐in‐Chief, Dr Michael Marsh, discusses his top articles from this issue in an audio podcast available at: https://soundcloud.com/bjog/march-editors-choice-2017.
Assessing the Income Effects of Group Certification for Smallholder Coffee Farmers: Agent‐based Simulation in Uganda
Authors: Latynskiy Evgeny , Berger Thomas
Published: February 2017

Voluntary sustainability standards, aimed at improving the environmental, social and economic aspects of agricultural production and trade, are becoming increasingly common. The coffee sector is a prime example, where sustainability certification could improve livelihoods for poor smallholders. However, as individual production volumes are low, smallholder farmers need to cooperate in certification as a group, which makes impact assessment more complicated. Previous empirical studies, reporting premia of up to 30%, have neglected the costs associated with group certification. We explore the issue using an agent‐based simulation of coffee producer organisations in Uganda, including the certification‐related costs for farmers. Our results suggest that certification can have a small positive impact on participating households. But the added value of certification is substantially lower than the price premium, because of certification costs. Increasing both the membership of the producer groups and their deliveries of certified coffee are necessary to improve the rewards of certification.
Global Transcriptional Response of Human Liver Cells to Ethanol Stress of Different Strength Reveals Hormetic Behavior
Authors: Schmidt‐Heck Wolfgang , Wönne Eva C. , Hiller Thomas , Menzel Uwe , Koczan Dirk , Damm Georg , Seehofer Daniel , Knöspel Fanny , Freyer Nora , Guthke Reinhard , Dooley Steven , Zeilinger Katrin
Published: February 2017

Background

The liver is the major site for alcohol metabolism in the body and therefore the primary target organ for ethanol (EtOH)‐induced toxicity. In this study, we investigated the in vitro response of human liver cells to different EtOH concentrations in a perfused bioartificial liver device that mimics the complex architecture of the natural organ.

Methods

Primary human liver cells were cultured in the bioartificial liver device and treated for 24 hours with medium containing 150 mM (low), 300 mM (medium), or 600 mM (high) EtOH, while a control culture was kept untreated. Gene expression patterns for each EtOH concentration were monitored using Affymetrix Human Gene 1.0 ST Gene chips. Scaled expression profiles of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were clustered using Fuzzy c‐means algorithm. In addition, functional classification methods, KEGG pathway mapping and also a machine learning approach (Random Forest) were utilized.

Results

A number of 966 (150 mM EtOH), 1,334 (300 mM EtOH), or 4,132 (600 mM EtOH) genes were found to be differentially expressed. Dose–response relationships of the identified clusters of co‐expressed genes showed a monotonic, threshold, or nonmonotonic (hormetic) behavior. Functional classification of DEGs revealed that low or medium EtOH concentrations operate adaptation processes, while alterations observed for the high EtOH concentration reflect the response to cellular damage. The genes displaying a hormetic response were functionally characterized by overrepresented “cellular ketone metabolism” and “carboxylic acid metabolism.” Altered expression of the genes BAHD1 and H3F3B was identified as sufficient to classify the samples according to the applied EtOH doses.

Conclusions

Different pathways of metabolic and epigenetic regulation are affected by EtOH exposition and partly undergo hormetic regulation in the bioartificial liver device. Gene expression changes observed at high EtOH concentrations reflect in some aspects the situation of alcoholic hepatitis in humans.
Does educational diversity of managers matter for the performance of team‐managed funds?
Authors: Tan Eric K. M. , Sen Anindya
Published: February 2017

We study the effect of the educational diversity of managers on the performance of team‐managed mutual funds using a large sample of U.S. equity funds from 1994 to 2013. We consider diversity in terms of both final educational degree and field of educational specialisation. We find that, in general, both types of diversity have a positive impact on fund performance, and our results are robust over a wide range of performance metrics and changes in market conditions.
Addiction research and theory: a commentary on the Surgeon General's Report on alcohol, drugs, and health
Authors: Badiani Aldo , Berridge Kent C. , Heilig Markus , Nutt David J. , Robinson Terry E.
Published: February 2017

The Office of the Surgeon General recently produced its first Report on the consequences of alcohol and drug abuse on health, making several very laudable policy recommendations. The Report also emphasizes the importance of adequate funding for biomedical research, which is good news for both researchers and patients. However, the Report is marred by a biased viewpoint on the psychology and neurobiology of drug addiction. We highlight here four controversial issues that were depicted as facts in the Report, thereby potentially misleading non‐expert readers about the current state‐of‐the‐art understanding of the psychology and neurobiology of drug addiction. It will be important to recognize a fuller range of scientific viewpoints in addiction neuroscience to avoid amplifying this bias in the coming years.
Stump‐harvesting for bioenergy probably has transient impacts on abundance, richness and community structure of beetle assemblages
Authors: Shevlin Karen D. , Hennessy Roseanne , Dillon Aoife B. , O'Dea Philip , Griffin Christine T. , Williams Christopher D.
Published: February 2017

Harvesting of tree stumps for bioenergy is popular and, although the environmental impact has been considered with respect to ecosystem processes, there have been fewer studies on the impact of stump‐harvesting on biodiversity.

We carried out pitfall‐trap surveys of beetle communities at eight plots across four sites (four plots were clear‐fells where stumps remained and four were clear‐fells where stumps were harvested). Initially, we recovered 7743 beetles when stumps were extracted but still on site (Year 1). All beetles were identified to family level and ground beetles and wood‐associated beetles to species level. One year after stumps were extracted, the survey was repeated. In this collection, 2898 individual beetles were recovered.

In Year 1, stump‐harvesting had a negative impact on beetle abundance and richness. However, 1 year after stumps were removed, there were no significant differences in these variables at any site.

At the community level, stump‐harvesting weakly but significantly, affected carabid composition. One year after stumps were removed, stump‐harvesting had no effect on community composition.

Stump‐harvesting initially negatively affects beetle abundance, family‐richness and carabid species richness, as well as community structure, although any effects are not large, are site‐specific and are probably not persistent.
Sex chromosomal abnormalities associated with equine infertility: validation of a simple molecular screening tool in the Purebred Spanish Horse
Authors: Anaya G. , Molina A. , Valera M. , Moreno‐Millán M. , Azor P. , Peral‐García P. , Demyda‐Peyrás S.
Published: February 2017

Chromosomal abnormalities in the sex chromosome pair (ECAX and ECAY) are widely associated with reproductive problems in horses. However, a large proportion of these abnormalities remains undiagnosed due to the lack of an affordable diagnostic tool that allows for avoiding karyotyping tests. Hereby, we developed an STR (single‐tandem‐repeat)‐based molecular method to determine the presence of the main sex chromosomal abnormalities in horses in a fast, cheap and reliable way. The frequency of five ECAX‐linked (LEX026, LEX003, TKY38, TKY270 and UCDEQ502) and two ECAY‐linked (EcaYH12 and SRY) markers was characterized in 261 Purebred Spanish Horses to determine the efficiency of the methodology developed to be used as a chromosomal diagnostic tool. All the microsatellites analyzed were highly polymorphic, with a sizeable number of alleles (polymorphic information content > 0.5). Based on this variability, the methodology showed 100% sensitivity and 99.82% specificity to detect the most important sex chromosomal abnormalities reported in horses (chimerism, Turner's syndrome and sex reversal syndromes). The method was also validated with 100% efficiency in 10 individuals previously diagnosed as chromosomally aberrant. This STR screening panel is an efficient and reliable molecular–cytogenetic tool for the early detection of sex chromosomal abnormalities in equines that could be included in breeding programs to save money, effort and time of veterinary practitioners and breeders.
Transcriptional regulation of Hb‐α and Hb‐β through nuclear factor E2‐related factor‐2 (Nrf2) activation in human vaginal cells: A novel mechanism of cellular adaptability to oxidative stress
Authors: Saha Debarchana , Koli Swanand , Reddy Kudumula Venkata Rami
Published: February 2017

Problem

Hemoglobin (Hb), a major protein involved in transport of oxygen (O2), is expressed by erythroid lineages. Until recently, it was not known whether non‐erythroid cells express Hb. The objective was to evaluate the expression and functional significance of Hb‐α and Hb‐β in human primary vaginal epithelial cells (hPVECs) and decipher downstream signaling.

Methods of study

RT‐PCR, qRT‐PCR, flow cytometry, Western blot, immunofluorescence were used to evaluate the expression of Hb‐α, Hb‐β, and nuclear factor E2‐related factor‐2(Nrf2) after hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) induction. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay were used to determine the binding efficiency of Nrf2 on the Hb‐α promoter.

Results

Stimulation of hPVECs and human vaginal epithelial cell line, VK2/E6E7 with H2O2 augmented the expression of Hb‐α, Hb‐β, Nrf2, heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1), and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Treatment of these cells with Nrf2 inhibitor, trigonelline (Trig) inhibited Hb‐α and Hb‐β expressions. Hb‐α and Hb‐β overexpression downregulated H2O2‐induced ROS. The presence of Nrf2 binding domain was demonstrated within Hb‐α promoter.

Conclusion

The results revealed for the first time that Hb‐α and Hb‐β were induced by oxidative stress through the activation of Nrf2. Overexpression of Hb‐α and Hb‐β ameliorated H2O2‐induced oxidative stress, indicating one of the possible mechanism(s) to protect hPVECS from oxidative stress.
Microbiome, autoimmunity, allergy, and helminth infection: The importance of the pregnancy period
Authors: Chen Xian , Liu Su , Tan Qiao , Shoenfeld Yehuda , Zeng Yong
Published: February 2017

Pregnancy is a special physical period in reproductive age women, which has a beneficial influence on the course of certain autoimmune diseases. It has been recently suggested that the microbiome undergoes profound changes during pregnancy that are associated with host physiological and immunological adaptations. The maternal microbiome remodeling during pregnancy is an active response of the mother, possibly to alter immune system status and to facilitate metabolic and immunological adaptations, which are needed for a successful pregnancy. In this review, we attempt to discuss (i) the role of maternal microbiome in pregnancy outcomes known to adversely influence neonatal and infant health, including preterm birth, cardiometabolic complications of pregnancy, and gestational weight gain; (ii) the association of microbiome with autoimmunity, allergy diseases, and asthma during pregnancy; and (iii) the impact of helminth infection during pregnancy.
Dysregulation of interleukin 5 expression in familial eosinophilia
Authors: Prakash Babu S. , Chen Y.‐Y. K. , Bonne‐Annee S. , Yang J. , Maric I. , Myers T. G. , Nutman T. B. , Klion A. D.
Published: February 2017

Background

Familial eosinophilia (FE) is a rare autosomal dominant inherited disorder characterized by the presence of lifelong peripheral eosinophilia (>1500/μL). Mapped to chromosome 5q31‐q33, the genetic cause of FE is unknown, and prior studies have failed to demonstrate a primary abnormality in the eosinophil lineage.

Objective

The aim of this study was to identify the cells driving the eosinophilia in FE.

Methods

Microarray analysis and real‐time PCR were used to examine transcriptional differences in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), and in purified cell subsets from affected and unaffected family members belonging to a single large kindred. Cytokine levels in serum and PBMC culture supernatants were assessed by suspension array multiplexed immunoassays.

Results

Whereas IL‐5 mRNA expression was significantly increased in freshly isolated PBMC from affected family members, this was not accompanied by increased mRNA expression of other Th2 cytokines (IL‐4 or IL‐13). Serum levels of IL‐5 and IL‐5 receptor α, but not IgE, were similarly increased in affected family members. Of note, IL‐5 mRNA expression was significantly increased in purified CD3+ CD4+, CD14+, CD19+, and ILC2 cells from affected family members, as were IL‐5 protein levels in supernatants from both stimulated PBMC and ILC2 cultures.

Conclusions

These data are consistent with the hypothesis that the eosinophilia in FE is secondary to dysregulation of IL‐5 production in PBMC (and their component subsets).
Secure overlap stapling using a linear stapler with bioabsorbable polyglycolic acid felt
Authors: Naito Masanori , Sato Takeo , Nakamura Takatoshi , Yamanashi Takahiro , Miura Hirohisa , Tsutsui Atsuko , Watanabe Masahiko
Published: February 2017

Introduction

Despite the availability of various anastomosis techniques, postoperative anastomotic complications such as anastomosis failure and bleeding develop in some patients. Automatic suturing devices have been widely used for gastrointestinal anastomosis. However, overly thick or thin tissue, displacement of tissue, and the creation of a staple‐on‐staple site may lead to incomplete staple formation. These factors are considered to be related to postoperative complications such as anastomosis failure.

Methods

The iDrive™ Ultra Powered Stapling System was used to fire the automatic suturing device. Two types of automatic suturing devices were employed: (i) the Endo GIA™ Reinforced Reload with Tri‐Staple™ Technology with a cartridge with the reinforcement material Neoveil™; and (ii) the Endo GIA™ with Tri‐Staple™ Technology with no reinforcement material. Stapling was performed using a two‐stage crossing approach to make a staple‐on‐staple site.

Results

The rates of complete formation with the Endo GIA™ with Tri‐Staple™ Technology were 95.6 ± 0.6% for stomach tissue and 95.6 ± 2.3% for colon tissue, which is thinner than stomach tissue. In contrast, the rates of complete formation with the Endo GIA™ Reinforced Reload with Tri‐Staple™ Technology were 99.3 ± 1.27% for stomach tissue and 100.0 ± 0.0% for colon tissue.

Conclusion

Our results showed that the Endo GIA™ Reinforced Reload with Tri‐Staple™ Technology had higher rates of complete staple formation than the Endo GIA™ with Tri‐Staple™ Technology, irrespective of tissue thickness and the presence of a staple‐on‐staple site.
Sociologies of India's missing children
Authors: Bhattacharyya Rituparna
Published: February 2017

The sociologies of India's missing children merit spatial and contextual examination. The sociological space into which a child goes missing is highly under‐researched in India. Building on overarching narratives emerging from secondary sources and existing literature on Indian children's vulnerability and precarity, the article aims to evaluate the landscape of missing children. The analyses suggest that a number of interconnected sociologies contribute to the phenomenon of missing children – these children are mainly from the poorer backgrounds, who are kidnapped, trafficked, or lured largely for social, commercial, and sexual exploitation. This research was conducted to gain a deeper understanding into the problem of missing children in order to address the gaps that require intervention.
When organizations are too good: Applying Aristotle's doctrine of the mean to the corporate ethical virtues model
Authors: Kaptein Muel
Published: February 2017

Aristotle's doctrine of the mean states that a virtue is the mean state between two vices: a deficient and an excessive one. The Corporate Ethical Virtues (CEV) Model defines the mean and the corresponding deficient vice for each of its seven virtues. This paper defines for each of these virtues the corresponding excessive vice and explores why organizations characterized by these excessive vices increase the likelihood that their employees will behave unethically. The excessive vices are patronization, pompousness, lavishness, zealotry, overexposure, talkativeness, and oppressiveness.
Late Pleistocene glaciations at Lake Donggi Cona, eastern Kunlun Shan (NE Tibet): early maxima and a diminishing trend of glaciation during the last glacial cycle
Authors: Rother Henrik , Stauch Georg , Loibl David , Lehmkuhl Frank , Freeman Stewart P. H. T.
Published: February 2017

The Burhan Budai Shan in NE Tibet represents a key location for examining the variable influence of the mid‐latitude westerly and monsoonal circulations on late Quaternary glaciations in this sector of the Tibetan Plateau. Our study investigates the glacial history of mountains near Lake Donggi Cona (35°17′N, 98°33′E) using field mapping in combination with 10Be surface exposure dating and numerical reconstructions of former glacial equilibrium line altitudes (palaeo‐ELA). A set of 23 new exposure ages, collected from moraines in four glacial valleys, ranges from 45 to 190 ka, indicating ice expansion during the early and middle part of the last glacial cycle, and during the penultimate and possibly an earlier Mid‐Pleistocene glaciation. Ice advances reaching 12–15 km in length occurred at around 190–180 ka (≥MIS 6), between 140–100 ka (late MIS 6/MIS 5), and 90–65 ka (late MIS 5/early MIS 4), with a maximum ELA depression of 400–500 m below the estimated modern snowline. Exposure ages from the valley headwaters further indicate a small glaciation between c. 60–50 ka (late MIS 4/early MIS 3), which was essentially restricted to the cirque areas. Significantly, we find no evidence for any subsequent glaciation in the area during MIS 2 or the Holocene period. These results indicate a diminishing trend of glaciation in the region since at least MIS 4, and corroborate the case of a ‘missing LGM’ in the more interior parts of the northeastern Tibetan Plateau. The emerging pattern suggests that the most favourable conditions for glaciation during the Late Pleistocene correspond to periods of relatively moderate cooling combined with an intermediate or rising East Asian monsoon strength.
Transforming conservation science and practice for a postnormal world
Authors: Colloff Matthew J. , Lavorel Sandra , van Kerkhoff Lorrae E. , Wyborn Carina A. , Fazey Ioan , Gorddard Russell , Mace Georgina M. , Foden Wendy B. , Dunlop Michael , Prentice I. Colin , Crowley John , Leadley Paul , Degeorges Patrick
Published: February 2017

We examine issues to consider when reframing conservation science and practice in the context of global change. New framings of the links between ecosystems and society are emerging that are changing peoples’ values and expectations of nature, resulting in plural perspectives on conservation. Reframing conservation for global change can thus be regarded as a stage in the evolving relationship between people and nature rather than some recent trend. New models of how conservation links with transformative adaptation include how decision contexts for conservation can be reframed and integrated with an adaptation pathways approach to create new options for global‐change‐ready conservation. New relationships for conservation science and governance include coproduction of knowledge that supports social learning. New processes for implementing adaptation for conservation outcomes include deliberate practices used to develop new strategies, shift world views, work with conflict, address power and intergenerational equity in decisions, and build consciousness and creativity that empower agents to act. We argue that reframing conservation for global change requires scientists and practitioners to implement approaches unconstrained by discipline and sectoral boundaries, geopolitical polarities, or technical problematization. We consider a stronger focus on inclusive creation of knowledge and the interaction of this knowledge with societal values and rules is likely to result in conservation science and practice that meets the challenges of a postnormal world.
Young children perceive less humanness in outgroup faces
Authors: McLoughlin Niamh , Tipper Steven P. , Over Harriet
Published: February 2017

We investigated when young children first dehumanize outgroups. Across two studies, 5‐ and 6‐year‐olds were asked to rate how human they thought a set of ambiguous doll‐human face morphs were. We manipulated whether these faces belonged to their gender in‐ or gender outgroup (Study 1) and to a geographically based in‐ or outgroup (Study 2). In both studies, the tendency to perceive outgroup faces as less human relative to ingroup faces increased with age. Explicit ingroup preference, in contrast, was present even in the youngest children and remained stable across age. These results demonstrate that children dehumanize outgroup members from relatively early in development and suggest that the tendency to do so may be partially distinguishable from intergroup preference. This research has important implications for our understanding of children's perception of humanness and the origins of intergroup bias.
Development of an acceptable and feasible self‐management group for children, young people and families living with Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Cai R. A. , Holt R. I. G. , Casdagli L. , Viner R. M. , Thompson R. , Barnard K. , Christie D.
Published: February 2017

Aims

This study developed an acceptable and feasible self‐management intervention that addresses the self‐identified needs of children and young people with Type 1 diabetes and their parents.

Methods

Phase 1 reviewed previous interventions and interviewed the clinical team, young people and families. Phase 2 ran three age‐matched focus groups with 11 families of children aged 8–16 years. Feedback was used to modify the workshop. Phase 3 evaluated feasibility of delivery, as well as the effects on metabolic control, quality of life and fear of hypoglycaemia, measured at baseline and 1–3 months post intervention.

Results

Eighty‐nine families were invited to take part. Twenty‐two (25%) participated in seven pilot groups (median age of young people 10 years, 36% girls). The intervention comprised a developmentally appropriate workshop for young people and parents addressing: (1) blood glucose control, (2) the potential impact of long‐term high HbA1c, (3) the effects of ‘hypos’ and ‘hypers’, (4) self‐management techniques and (5) talking confidently to people about diabetes. Participants were enthusiastic and positive about the workshop and would recommend it to others. Young people liked sharing ideas and meeting others with diabetes, while parents enjoyed listening to their children talk about their diabetes knowledge.

Conclusions

Families living with Type 1 diabetes participated in developing a self‐management group intervention. Although we demonstrated acceptability and feasibility, the pilot study results do not support the development of a randomized control trial to evaluate the effectiveness in improving HbA1c.
RAGE polymorphisms and oxidative stress levels in Hashimoto's thyroiditis
Authors: Giannakou Maria , Saltiki Katerina , Mantzou Emily , Loukari Eleni , Philippou Georgios , Terzidis Konstantinos , Lili Kiriaki , Stavrianos Charalampos , Kyprianou Miltiades , Alevizaki Maria
Published: February 2017

Background

Polymorphisms of the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) gene have been studied in various autoimmune disorders, but not in Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Also, increased oxidative stress has been described in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible role of two common RAGE polymorphisms (−429T>C, −374T>A) in Hashimoto's thyroiditis; in parallel, we studied oxidative stress levels.

Materials and methods

A total of 300 consecutive euthyroid women were examined and classified into three groups: Hashimoto's thyroiditis with treatment (n = 96), Hashimoto's thyroiditis without treatment (n = 109) and controls (n = 95). For a rough evaluation of oxidative stress, total lipid peroxide levels in serum were measured. The −429T>C AluI and −374T>A MfeI polymorphisms of RAGE were studied in genomic DNA.

Results

Significant association of the RAGE system with Hashimoto's thyroiditis was found only with regard to the prevalence of the −429T>C, but not with −374T>A polymorphism. The levels of oxidative stress were significantly elevated in Hashimoto's thyroiditis patients under treatment. Further analysis demonstrated that an oxidative stress cut‐off value of 590 μmol/L is associated with an increased risk of progression of Hashimoto's thyroiditis from euthyroidism to hypothyroidism; this risk is further increased in carriers of the RAGE −429T>C polymorphism.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that both examined risk factors may be implicated in the occurrence of Hashimoto's thyroiditis, but this covers only a fraction of the pathophysiology of the disease.
Institutional quality and new firm survival
Authors: Che Yi , Lu Yi , Tao Zhigang
Published: February 2017

The existing literature on firm survival focuses almost exclusively on firm‐ and industry‐level determinants. What is generally overlooked, albeit extremely important for firm survival in developing countries, is the impact of institutional quality. Using data from manufacturing firms in China for the 1998–2005 period, we find that institutional quality has a significant and positive impact on the survival of private enterprises. Specifically, a one‐standard‐deviation increase in the security of property rights protection leads to an 8.8 percent decrease in the hazard rate of private enterprises. Our results are robust to the inclusion of control variables and to various checks.
HELOs and student centred learning – where's the link?
Authors: Sweetman Rachel
Published: February 2017

Learning outcomes are presented as a tool that can enhance teaching and learning in higher education, in particular by fostering student‐centred learning. However, the ways in which this change can and should take place and the specific kinds of enhancement involved are often unclear. This article analyses common claims about the advantages of learning outcomes for teaching and learning and their relationship to student‐centred learning. The potential links between these concepts are investigated, based on interviews with teachers and students from a range of degree programmes at Norwegian and English universities. The interviews with 29 teachers and students suggest that learning outcome approaches are influencing course planning and some aspects of teaching practice, supporting more transparency and clear communication with students and offering a way to address particularly weak or traditional teaching. However, there is limited evidence that learning outcome approaches promote student‐centred learning, and the analysis identifies several tensions between the challenges student‐centred learning ideals pose to traditional teaching practices, in terms of transferring power and choice to students, and perceived pressures to specify and assess learning outcomes. It also suggests that teachers’ and students’ beliefs about the conditions and practices that lead to the most satisfying and successful elements of learning in degree courses are unlikely to be addressed through either learning‐outcome or student‐centred reforms.
What is it to Depsychologize Psychology?
Authors: Bäckström Stina
Published: February 2017

In this essay, I distinguish two ways of depsychologizing psychology: ‘anti‐psychologism’ and ‘non‐psychologism’. Both positions are responses to the Fregean sharp distinction between the logical and the psychological. But where anti‐psychologism, which I find in John McDowell, attempts to overcome the sharp distinction by arguing that psychological states and their expressions are apt to be articulated into judgments, Stanley Cavell's non‐psychologism, a powerful and neglected alternative, wants to overcome the sharp distinction by abandoning judgment as the paradigm expression of thought and communication.
Action and Variation in Perception
Authors: Laasik Kristjan
Published: February 2017

In her paper, ‘Action and Self‐location in Perception’, Susanna Schellenberg argues that perceptual experience of an object's intrinsic spatial properties, such as its size and shape, requires a capacity to act. More specifically, Schellenberg argues that, to have a perceptual experience of an object's intrinsic spatial properties, a subject needs to have a certain practical conception of space, or a spatial know‐how. That, in turn, requires self‐locating representations, which locate the subject, relative to the perceptual object, as a perceiver and an agent, viz., someone who has a capacity for actions. She also makes two objections, viz., the unification objection and the sentient statue objection, to Alva Noë's sensorimotor view, a different account of how perceptual experience depends on actions. I will argue that her objections jointly render problematic not only Noë's but also her own view.
Distal hyperintense vessel sign is associated with neurological deterioration in acute ischaemic stroke
Authors: Nam K.‐W. , Kwon H.‐M. , Park S.‐W. , Lim J.‐S. , Han M.‐K. , Lee Y.‐S.
Published: February 2017

Background and purpose

The aim was to evaluate the relationship between distal hyperintense vessel sign (HVS) and early neurological deterioration (END) in acute ischaemic stroke with large vessel steno‐occlusion.

Methods

Acute ischaemic stroke patients with symptomatic severe steno‐occlusion in the middle cerebral artery or internal carotid artery were recruited within 24 h from symptom onset. Stroke outcomes were evaluated using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score at the time of admission and at 72 h and 7 days. END was defined as an increment of ≥1 in the motor NIHSS score or ≥2 in the total NIHSS score. Distal HVS was defined as hyperintensity on fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery image, located distal to the Sylvian fissure. The extent of distal HVS was divided into absent, subtle and prominent.

Results

Amongst a total of 325 participants, END was found in 103 (32%) patients. END was associated with age, atrial fibrillation, initial NIHSS score, initial infarct volume, severe leukoaraiosis, hemorrhagic infarction and distal HVS. In multivariate analysis, distal HVS remained an independent predictor of END [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.86, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.65–4.97, P < 0.001]. Initial infarct volume (aOR = 1.01, 95% CI 1.01–1.02, P < 0.001) and severe leukoaraiosis (aOR = 3.16, 95% CI 1.77–5.65, P < 0.001) were also associated with END, independently of distal HVS. In the analysis of the burden of distal HVS and stroke outcomes, prominent distal HVS was associated with stroke severity and infarct volume in a dose−response manner.

Conclusions

Distal HVS is associated with END in acute ischaemic stroke patients with large vessel steno‐occlusion.
Pyridostigmine bromide versus fludrocortisone in the treatment of orthostatic hypotension in Parkinson's disease – a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Schreglmann S. R. , Büchele F. , Sommerauer M. , Epprecht L. , Kägi G. , Hägele‐Link S. , Götze O. , Zimmerli L. , Waldvogel D. , Baumann C. R.
Published: February 2017

Background and purpose

Evidence for effective treatment options for orthostatic hypotension (OH) in Parkinson's disease (PD) is scarce. Elevation of cholinergic tone with pyridostigmine bromide has been reported as a way to improve blood pressure (bp) regulation in neurogenic hypotension without causing supine hypertension.

Methods

This was a double‐centre, double‐blind, randomized, active‐control, crossover, phase II non‐inferiority trial of pyridostigmine bromide for OH in PD (clinicaltrials.gov NCT01993680). Patients with confirmed OH were randomized to 14 days 3 × 60 mg/day pyridostigmine bromide or 1 × 0.2 mg/day fludrocortisone before crossover. Outcome was measured by peripheral and central bp monitoring during the Schellong manoeuvre and questionnaires.

Results

Thirteen participants were enrolled between April 2013 and April 2015 with nine participants completing each trial arm. Repeated measures comparison showed a significant 37% improvement with fludrocortisone for the primary outcome diastolic bp drop on orthostatic challenge (baseline 22.9 ± 13.6 vs. pyridostigmine bromide 22.1 ± 17.0 vs. fludrocortisone 14.0 ± 12.6 mmHg; P = 0.04), whilst pyridostigmine bromide had no effect. Fludrocortisone caused an 11% peripheral systolic supine bp rise (baseline 128.4 ± 12.8 vs. pyridostigmine bromide 130.4 ± 18.3 vs. fludrocortisone 143.2 ± 10.1 mmHg; P = 0.01) but no central mean arterial supine bp rise (baseline 107.2 ± 7.8 vs. pyridostigmine bromide 97.0 ± 12.0 vs. fludrocortisone 107.3 ± 6.3 mmHg; P = 0.047). Subjective OH severity, motor score and quality of life remained unchanged by both study interventions.

Conclusions

Pyridostigmine bromide is inferior to fludrocortisone in the treatment of OH in PD. This trial provides first objective evidence of the efficacy of 0.2 mg/day fludrocortisone for OH in PD, causing minor peripheral but no central supine hypertension. In addition to peripheral bp, future trials should include central bp measurements, known to correlate more closely with cardiovascular risk.
Early platelet and leukocyte decline in patients with neuroinflammatory disorders after intravenous immunoglobulins
Authors: Totzeck A. , Stettner M. , Hagenacker T.
Published: February 2017

Background and purpose

Intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIGs) are a common therapy in patients with neuroinflammatory disorders, especially chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy or Guillain−Barré syndrome. Hematological toxicities upon IVIG infusion are a known side effect and still an important subject of investigation.

Methods

Laboratory results and data for clinical efficacy and tolerability of 62 patients with neuroinflammatory disorders treated with IVIG (0.4 g/kg bodyweight per day over 5 days) at the Department of Neurology, University of Duisburg‐Essen, Germany, were retrospectively analyzed. Blood samples were taken before and 1 day after IVIG administration.

Results

In pre‐treated and first‐time treated patients, there was a significant decrease in white blood cell count (WBC) (8.10 ± 2.85/nl to 5.61 ± 2.50/nl, P < 0.001, n = 57) and platelets (255 ± 72/nl to 215 ± 66/nl, P < 0.001, n = 57). Mild hemolysis of red blood cells was found in patients who received IVIG for the first time (red blood cell count 4.61 ± 0.67/pl to 4.28 ± 0.52/pl, hemoglobin 13.7 ± 1.7 g/l to 13.0 ± 1.7 g/l, P < 0.001, n = 40). Hemolysis was associated with less tolerability of IVIG treatment and clinical efficacy was accompanied with a higher decline of WBC (not significant).

Conclusions

Next to mild hemolysis, a significant decrease in WBC and platelets can be detected early after high dose IVIGs in patients with neuroinflammatory disorders. Changes in blood counts may be possible markers for clinical efficacy and tolerability. Patients with low blood counts in advance should be particularly closely monitored whilst on IVIG treatment.
Evaluation of ISO 4049: water sorption and water solubility of resin cements
Authors: Müller Johannes A. , Rohr Nadja , Fischer Jens
Published: February 2017

The aim of this study was to evaluate the water sorption and solubility test design of ISO 4049 for resin cements. Sorption and solubility of six dual‐curing resin cements [RelyX Unicem 2 Automix (RUN), Multilink Speed CEM (MLS), Panavia SA Plus (PSA), RelyX Ultimate (RUL), Multilink Automix (MLA), and Panavia V5 (PV5)] were analyzed by storage in distilled water after dual‐curing. In addition, sorption and solubility during thermal cycling were assessed with self‐cured and dual‐cured specimens. After water storage, all cements revealed sorption in the range of 30 μg mm−3 except for PV5, for which sorption was markedly lower (mean ± SD = 20.8 ± 0.4 μg mm−3). Solubility values were negative for RUN and RUL (−2.1 ± 0.08 μg mm−3 and −1.9 ± 0.13 μg mm−3, respectively). All other cements attained positive values in the range of 0.4–0.8 μg mm−3. Thermal cycling effects were more pronounced. The assessment of water sorption according to ISO 4049 provides reliable results. Solubility results must be interpreted with care because absorbed water may distort the values.
Presurgical language localization with visual naming associated ECoG high‐ gamma modulation in pediatric drug‐resistant epilepsy
Authors: Arya Ravindra , Wilson J. Adam , Fujiwara Hisako , Rozhkov Leonid , Leach James L. , Byars Anna W. , Greiner Hansel M. , Vannest Jennifer , Buroker Jason , Milsap Griffin , Ervin Brian , Minai Ali , Horn Paul S. , Holland Katherine D. , Mangano Francesco T. , Crone Nathan E. , Rose Douglas F.
Published: February 2017

Objective

This prospective study compared presurgical language localization with visual naming–associated high‐γ modulation (HGM) and conventional electrical cortical stimulation (ECS) in children with intracranial electrodes.

Methods

Patients with drug‐resistant epilepsy who were undergoing intracranial monitoring were included if able to name pictures. Electrocorticography (ECoG) signals were recorded during picture naming (overt and covert) and quiet baseline. For each electrode the likelihood of high‐γ (70–116 Hz) power modulation during naming task relative to the baseline was estimated. Electrodes with significant HGM were plotted on a three‐dimensional (3D) cortical surface model. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were calculated compared to clinical ECS.

Results

Seventeen patients with mean age of 11.3 years (range 4–19) were included. In patients with left hemisphere electrodes (n = 10), HGM during overt naming showed high specificity (0.81, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.78–0.85), and accuracy (0.71, 95% CI 0.66–0.75, p < 0.001), but modest sensitivity (0.47) when ECS interference with naming (aphasia or paraphasic errors) and/or oral motor function was regarded as the gold standard. Similar results were reproduced by comparing covert naming‐associated HGM with ECS naming sites. With right hemisphere electrodes (n = 7), no ECS‐naming deficits were seen without interference with oral‐motor function. HGM mapping showed a high specificity (0.81, 95% CI 0.78–0.84), and accuracy (0.76, 95% CI 0.71–0.81, p = 0.006), but modest sensitivity (0.44) compared to ECS interference with oral‐motor function. Naming‐associated ECoG HGM was consistently observed over Broca's area (left posterior inferior‐frontal gyrus), bilateral oral/facial motor cortex, and sometimes over the temporal pole.

Significance

This study supports the use of ECoG HGM mapping in children in whom adverse events preclude ECS, or as a screening method to prioritize electrodes for ECS testing.
Current situation with invasiveErigeron annuus(l.) Pers. (daisy fleabane) in the Republic of Macedonia
Authors: Pacanoski Z.
Published: February 2017

Detailed surveys of populations ofErigeron annuus(L.) Pers., an invasive plant species native to Eastern North America, were made in three locations in north‐western, northern and eastern parts of the Republic of Macedonia. The population densities were not quantified, but several stands of different sizes were found. A rapid ecological risk assessment, mainly based on knowledge of invasion histories in South‐Eastern and Central European countries, showed that this species is a serious threat to Macedonian biodiversity, particularly in the north‐western part, where monospecific stands ofE. annuuswere recorded. Biological invasions ofE. annuusaffect biodiversity worldwide through its rapid growth and high seed production, phenotypic plasticity in the native range with regard to the availability of soil nutrients and release of compounds to the soil over the period of plant growth. Consequently, invaded ecosystems suffer from significant loss in economic and cultural value.
Predators, Parasites and Heterospecific Aggregations in Chrysomeline Larvae
Authors: Tan Eunice Jingmei , Reid Chris A. M. , Elgar Mark A.
Published: February 2017

Gregariousness is a common feature in aposematic insect prey and offers the additional benefit of enhancing the effectiveness of their toxic defences. Aggregations of the aposematic larvae of two species of leaf beetles, Paropsis atomaria and Paropsisterna variicollis, occur together on the same Eucalyptus trees over spring and summer. Conventionally, the colouration of these larvae is thought to provide aposematic protection against vertebrate predators, but supporting evidence is limited. We determine whether environmental preferences contribute to the heterospecific aggregations, and the potential costs for larvae of living in heterospecific aggregations. We surveyed natural aggregations of the larvae of both species in the field and recorded environmental variables of these aggregations. This revealed that heterospecific aggregations occurred more commonly at higher leaf temperatures, and in less visually conspicuous locations. Paropsis atomaria larvae were twice as likely to be found in heterospecific aggregations than Pa. variicollis. Next, we manipulated larval aggregations in the field to investigate the survival and gregarious behaviour of larvae in heterospecific aggregations. The gregarious behaviour of both species of larvae did not differ between heterospecific and monospecific aggregations. Further, the survival of larvae did not significantly differ between heterospecific and monospecific aggregations. We suggest that the preference for P. atomaria larvae to aggregate with Pa. variicollis at higher leaf temperature results in the observed heterospecific aggregations, with a potential benefit of lowerer parasitoidism rates for P. atomaria.
Comparison of four criteria for potentially inappropriate medications in Brazilian community‐dwelling older adults
Authors: Novaes Priscila Horta , da Cruz Danielle Teles , Lucchetti Alessandra Lamas Granero , Leite Isabel Cristina Gonçalves , Lucchetti Giancarlo
Published: February 2017

Aim

To compare four potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) criteria from different regions of the world in terms of their characteristics, concordance, sensitivity, specificity and predictive values in a community‐dwelling sample.

Methods

A cross‐sectional, observational, epidemiological study was carried out by a door‐to‐door survey in a Brazilian city. The following PIM criteria were applied: Beers‐2015, Screening Tool of Older People's Potentially Inappropriate Prescriptions (STOPP)‐2015, The European Union (EU)(7)‐PIM list and Taiwan criteria. The associations of criteria with the presence or absence of falls, hospitalizations and cognitive impairment were determined, and their sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and concordance among the criteria were assessed.

Results

A total of 368 (92%) older adults were in continuous use of at least one drug. A high prevalence of PIM by Beers (50.0 %), STOPP (46.2%), EU(7)‐PIM (59.5%) and Taiwan 31.3%) criteria was found. There was a high concordance among the PIM criteria (66.3–81.8%), and a moderate‐to‐high intraclass correlation between criteria (0.607–0.851). In general, the Taiwan criterion had lower levels of sensitivity (25.7–34.0%) and higher levels of specificity (67.8–70.3%), The EU(7)‐PIM criteria had higher levels of sensitivity (60–75.3%) and lower levels of specificity (41.1–46.9%), whereas the Beers and STOPP had a more balanced sensitivity/specificity ratio (sensitivity: STOPP 50.7–55.3% and Beers 53.0–56.9 %; specificity: STOPP 56–56.6% and Beers 51.6–53.8%).

Conclusions

The present study found moderate‐to‐high levels of concordance among the four PIM criteria assessed, pointing to a consensus in this field. However, each criterion showed particular characteristics: the EU(7)‐PIM criterion had higher sensitivity, the Taiwan criterion higher specificity, and the Beers and STOPP a more balanced profile. These results highlight that each criterion has its own characteristics, and should be used according to health providers’ objectives. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1628–1635.
The clinical relevance of orthostatic hypotension in elderly patients
Authors: Hartog Laura , Kleefstra Nanne , Luigies Rene , de Rooij Sophia , Bilo Henk , van Hateren Kornelis
Published: February 2017

Aim

Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is highly prevalent in old age. The impact of OH on orthostatic complaints and falling is questionable. We wondered if the consensus definition of OH plays an essential role in the accuracy and direction of the prediction of these endpoints. We aimed to explore the relation between different definitions of OH, including relative decrease of blood pressure, and orthostatic complaints and falling.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was performed with 1415 participants aged ≥65 years visiting a mobile fall‐prevention team. The CAREFALL Triage Instrument and data on blood pressure, orthostatic complaints and previous fall incidents were collected. Multivariate binary logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the association of different definitions of OH and orthostatic complaints or falling. Ten different definitions of OH based on different relative declines of systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were defined.

Results

The 2011 consensus definition of OH was not related to orthostatic complaints (Odds Ratio (OR) 1.07 (95 % Confidence Interval (CI) 0.68–1.69)) or previous fall incidents (OR 1.08 (95%CI 0.83–1.41)). A ≥ 25 % SBP decrease was significantly related to orthostatic complaints (OR 2.81 (95%CI 1.31–6.05)) and a ≥ 25 % DBP decrease was related to previous fall incidents (OR 2.56 (95%CI 1.08–6.09)).

Conclusions

With the exception of a decrease of ≥25 % SBP or DBP, the clinical relevance of incidental OH blood pressure measurements seems very limited with respect to orthostatic complaints or fall incidents in elderly patients. Using relative decreases may be more appropriate in clinical practice. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1881–1885.