bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A review of the interactive marketing literature in the context of personal selling and sales management
Authors: Rodriguez Michael , L. Dixon Andrea , W. Peltier James
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this 16-year review is to summarize interactive marketing literature in the context of personal selling and sales management. This paper serves as precursor to the Special Issue on the Convergence of Interactive Marketing and Personal Selling and Sales Management to be published by the Journal of Research in Interactive Marketing. Key research needs are identified.

Design/methodology/approach

– A content analysis was performed on 106 articles categorized over 1998-2013. Ebsco Host was used as the database search engine, running impendent searches using personal selling, professional selling and sales management as identifiers across a variety of interactive marketing topics identified by Journal of Research in Interactive Marketing (JRIM)’s Editorial Board.

Findings

– The examination of the convergence of interactive marketing in a personal selling/sales management context revealed 106 articles, with approximately 60 per cent being published in the past eight years. Although the interactive marking field is growing, there is clearly a significant opportunity for scholarly work across wide-ranging personal selling and sales management topics, and specifically in the areas of performance indices, evolving technologies, social media and tactical sales and management issues.

Practical implications

– The paper reviews personal selling and sales management articles that have been published in the time period of 1998-2013 across marketing, business and non-business journals. While the Journal of Personal Selling and Sales Management has been the dominant outlet, other marketing and non-marketing journals are increasing their exposure in these areas.

Originality/value

– The study provides both academics and practitioners with an updated review of the interactive marketing literature along with a sense of how personal selling and sales management research is evolving. This review offers value as a standalone article and as input for scholars submitting manuscripts to JRIM’s Special Issue on the Convergence of Interactive Marketing and Personal Selling and Sales Management.
Student satisfaction toward e-textbooks in higher education
Authors: Hao Yungwei , Jackson Kathy
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– This study aims to add to the body of literature by examining students’ satisfaction with e-textbooks. As higher education evolves, one instructional tool, the classic textbook, is undergoing various transformations. In today’s classrooms, many e-textbooks are in use and there are implications.

Design/methodology/approach

– A researcher-developed instrument measured 115 undergraduate students’ satisfaction levels for e-textbooks used in two courses, and a learning styles instrument was given to identify student learning preferences.

Findings

– Through factor analysis, a few dimensions emerged regarding factors related to satisfaction. The factors included features, usability and learning facilitation provided by the e-textbooks. In general, students had a moderately above-neutral, positive attitude toward the e-textbooks. Gender, grade point average, time spent weekly reading e-textbooks and a few learning style tendencies can significantly predict, to some extent, different dimensions of satisfaction.

Practical implications

– Usability design of e-textbooks plays a key role in student satisfaction toward digital materials. Moreover, instructors need to use meaningful instructional activities as they adopt the usage of e-textbooks.

Originality/value

– The findings can help shed light on ways to enable students to become more satisfied with digital textbooks and can help policymakers and instructors evaluate and effectively adopt the appropriate digital materials to meet individual needs.
From low tech to modern industry
Authors: Tian He Tian , Hu Hao , Tao Wang Yi
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The aim of this paper was to attempt to investigate the transformation of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) industry in Guangdong Province of China by applying a perspective of sectoral system of innovation (SSI). TCM industry in China has experienced an evolution path from low-tech to modern industry.

Design/methodology/approach

– An analytical framework of sectoral system innovation for explaining the change in TCM industry in Guangdong Province has been conducted.

Findings

– It shows that during the successful transformation of the TCM industry in Guangdong from low-tech to modern sector, national and provincial institution are acting as main drivers. Knowledge integration is the decision factor of modernization and innovation strategy as an actor that makes the transformation adjust and operate efficiently. Other actors, such as demand and external networks interplay together and led to a gradual organizational, structural and institutional change and modernization of TCM industry.

Originality/value

– SSI analyses of TCM in China have never been conducted before, this paper also contributes to enrich the experience of low-tech industry transformation and provide references to other low-tech industries around the world.
Dublin Core is still dead
Authors: Beall Jeffrey
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– This article aims to update an earlier article by the same author published in Library Hi Tech News in 2004 and analyses the failure of the Dublin Core metadata standard.

Design/methodology/approach

– The article is a commentary.

Findings

– The article finds that the Dublin Core metadata standard is moribund and that a newer, competing standard has rendered it essentially useless.

Originality/value

– The paper updates Dublin Core’s increasing obsolescence and will help librarians understand the standard’s rapid rise and slow fall.
Environmental sustainability and libraries: facilitating user awareness
Authors: K. Townsend Andrea
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this research paper is to examine how Canadian Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-certified libraries are facilitating awareness about environmental sustainability to library users.

Design/methodology/approach

– Twenty-four Canadian LEED-certified libraries were surveyed regarding internal initiatives, and methods used to promote their certification and green building features to library users.

Findings

– The research found that the majority of Canadian LEED-certified libraries were incorporating a variety of internal initiatives and methods to highlight their LEED-certification to library users. The findings show the majority of these libraries were actively involved in creating awareness about this topic to library users.

Originality/value

– This research may provide valuable information for libraries wanting to incorporate initiatives that bring awareness to environmental sustainability, or for libraries wanting to use existing green building features to help leverage awareness and learning about this topic.
Look good when you’re googled: creating and optimizing your digital identity
Authors: Izenstark Amanda
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to describe techniques librarians can use to enhance their online presence, so that students, patrons, researchers and prospective employers can locate them easily. It is an extension of a presentation given at the Association of College and Research Libraries New England Chapter Annual Conference held in Worcester, MA on May 9, 2014.

Design/methodology/approach

– The presentation focused on a number of established and emerging tools to share professional contact information and professional output, such as Google, Google+, Twitter, LinkedIn, SlideShare and ImpactStory, among others.

Findings

– The audience of library faculty and staff from across the Northeastern USA examined the results that appeared when they searched for themselves in major search engines (Google, Bing and DuckDuckGo) and learned strategies and tools for optimizing the results that come up when others search for their contact information.

Practical implications

– Librarians who focus on enhancing their professional profiles online make it easier for constituents to get assistance with research questions, they can make their value and the institution’s value more visible, and facilitate the sharing of information in a field that looks to other institutions and individuals for inspiration for new programs and innovations.

Originality/value

– While many of these tools are used in the business world to build and cultivate networks and seek employment, even steadily employed librarians can use these tools to make their expertise available to researchers at their institutions and beyond.
Remarkable lives: Caitlin Jenkins in conversation with Jerome Carson
Authors: Jenkins Caitlin , Carson Jerome
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to offer a profile of Caitlin Jenkins.

Design/methodology/approach

– Caitlin gives a short biographical account and is then interviewed by Jerome. Areas covered in the interview include her interest in psychiatric diagnosis, the helpfulness of counselling and personal narrative.

Findings

– Caitlin believes that her recovery was only really possible when she was allowed to tell her own story, to be allowed the time and space to talk about events in her life. She mentions how psychodynamic therapy and CBT prevented her from truly exploring her personal story.

Research limitations/implications

– While this is of course one person's account, it will find resonance with many others.

Practical implications

– Reinforces the central role of narrative and its role in personal recovery.

Social implications

– It stresses the importance of a truly therapeutic relationship. As Caitlin states, this enabled her to begin, “joining the dots of my experience to construct a meaningful personal narrative”.

Originality/value

– Counselling is often undervalued in contrast to more established therapies. This account demonstrates that what really matters to individuals recovering from mental health problems, is being listened to and being helped to make sense of their experiences.
Transitions in later life: a review of the challenges and opportunities for policy development
Authors: Kerr Robertson Guy
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to outline an approach to understanding later life issues through the conceptual framework of “transitions”.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper draws on a wide ranging review of the literature, supported by two workshop sessions involving key stakeholders and experts in the field.

Findings

– An analysis of efficacy or otherwise of the support available for people undergoing some of the major transitions is undertaken and some of the key issues arising from this are presented.

Research limitations/implications

– The study derives its data largely from a review of published literature and therefore lacks the input from older people themselves.

Practical implications

– The analysis provides guidance to policy makers and others interested in the later life agenda with well-researched recommendations for change.

Social implications

– There are significant social implications in the recommendations and the opportunity for the experiences in later life to be framed in a transitions paradigm.

Originality/value

– This is a very original piece of work as no other review has presented the conceptual framework of transitions alongside a practical analysis of the value of current support arrangements across the major transitions.
The compadrePlant Matrix Database: an open online repository for plant demography
Authors: Salguero‐Gómez Roberto , Jones Owen R. , Archer C. Ruth , Buckley Yvonne M. , Che‐Castaldo Judy , Caswell Hal , Hodgson David , Scheuerlein Alexander , Conde Dalia A. , Brinks Erik , de Buhr Hendrik , Farack Claudia , Gottschalk Fränce , Hartmann Alexander , Henning Anne , Hoppe Gabriel , Römer Gesa , Runge Jens , Ruoff Tara , Wille Julia , Zeh Stefan , Davison Raziel , Vieregg Dirk , Baudisch Annette , Altwegg Res , Colchero Fernando , Dong Ming , de Kroon Hans , Lebreton Jean‐Dominique , Metcalf Charlotte J. E. , Neel Maile M. , Parker Ingrid M. , Takada Takenori , Valverde Teresa , Vélez‐Espino Luis A. , Wardle Glenda M. , Franco Miguel , Vaupel James W.
Published: November 2014

Schedules of survival, growth and reproduction are key life‐history traits. Data on how these traits vary among species and populations are fundamental to our understanding of the ecological conditions that have shaped plant evolution. Because these demographic schedules determine population growth or decline, such data help us understand how different biomes shape plant ecology, how plant populations and communities respond to global change and how to develop successful management tools for endangered or invasive species.

Matrix population models summarize the life cycle components of survival, growth and reproduction, while explicitly acknowledging heterogeneity among classes of individuals in the population. Matrix models have comparable structures, and their emergent measures of population dynamics, such as population growth rate or mean life expectancy, have direct biological interpretations, facilitating comparisons among populations and species.

Thousands of plant matrix population models have been parameterized from empirical data, but they are largely dispersed through peer‐reviewed and grey literature, and thus remain inaccessible for synthetic analysis. Here, we introduce the compadre Plant Matrix Database version 3.0, an open‐source online repository containing 468 studies from 598 species world‐wide (672 species hits, when accounting for species studied in more than one source), with a total of 5621 matrices. compadre also contains relevant ancillary information (e.g. ecoregion, growth form, taxonomy, phylogeny) that facilitates interpretation of the numerous demographic metrics that can be derived from the matrices.

Synthesis. Large collections of data allow broad questions to be addressed at the global scale, for example, in genetics (genbank), functional plant ecology (try, bien, d3) and grassland community ecology (nutnet). Here, we present compadre, a similarly data‐rich and ecologically relevant resource for plant demography. Open access to this information, its frequent updates and its integration with other online resources will allow researchers to address timely and important ecological and evolutionary questions.
Considering Technical and Allocative Efficiency in the Inverse Farm Size–Productivity Relationship
Authors: Henderson Heath
Published: November 2014

In the leading explanations for the oft‐observed inverse relationship (IR) between farm size and productivity in developing country agriculture, labour market imperfections have commonly occupied a central role. However, an emerging literature suggests that disparities in technical or allocative efficiency may be driving productivity differentials. Using nationally‐representative panel data from Nicaragua, we develop and employ a four‐stage empirical framework to simultaneously test the competing explanations for the IR. While efficiency differences exert a significant impact on all productivity indicators, their explanatory power is insufficient to rule out labour market imperfections as the driving force behind the relationship.
Information, Certification and Demand for Food Safety: Evidence from an In‐store Experiment in Mumbai
Authors: Birol Ekin , Karandikar Bhushana , Roy Devesh , Torero Maximo
Published: November 2014

Is demand for safe food in developing countries low because of limited ability to pay, or because of lack of consumer awareness and absence of credible certification? To answer this question we conducted a controlled market experiment in Mumbai, India, selling grapes with credible certification labels alongside unlabeled grapes while providing randomly selected consumers with information on salient features of food safety certification. We confirm that informed consumers are more likely to purchase labeled grapes, controlling for prior information and attitudes, and using two (intensive versus extensive) information treatments. Policies related to information/certification could be an important component of improving public health by mobilising latent demand for food safety and hence supply of safer food for the public.
Sensitivity of proposed clinical decision rules for subarachnoid haemorrhage: An external validation study
Authors: Kelly Anne‐Maree , Klim Sharon , Edward Simon , Millar Nicola
Published: November 2014

Objectives

Subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) is an uncommon but important cause of sudden‐onset headache. Three clinical decision rules (CDRs) for investigation in sudden headache have been proposed, but concerns were raised about the generalisability of some variables. Our aim was to determine what proportion of patients with confirmed SAH has the identified high‐risk factors and the sensitivity of the proposed CDR in an Australasian cohort.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study of alert and neurologically intact adult patients with confirmed SAH attending two community teaching hospitals between 2000 and 2011. The outcomes of interest were the proportion of patients with each high‐risk criterion (descriptive statistics) and sensitivity of each proposed CDR (%, interquartile range [IQR]).

Results

There were 59 confirmed SAH that met the inclusion criteria. Sensitivity of proposed CDR 1 was 96.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 88.5–99.1%), sensitivity of proposed CDR 2 was 100% (95% CI 93.9–100%) and sensitivity of proposed CDR 3 was 89.8% (95% CI 79.5–95.3%). The addition of vomiting to the criteria in CDRs 1 and 3 increased the sensitivity of both these CDRs to 100%.

Conclusion

CDR 2, or the refinement of CDRs 1 and 3 with the inclusion of at least one episode of vomiting as a criterion, has very high sensitivity. Although unlikely to reduce CT scan rates for patients in whom there is a clinical suspicion of SAH, they might be useful in guiding which patients require further testing (e.g. lumbar puncture) after a negative CT scan.
Theorising determinants of employee voice: an integrative model across disciplines and levels of analysis
Authors: Kaufman Bruce E.
Published: November 2014

This article critiques organisational behaviour (OB) research on employee voice and presents a broader‐based conceptual model that integrates ideas and concepts across employment relationship disciplines and levels of analysis.OBstudies err by taking an overly individualistic, psychological, managerialist and de‐institutionalised perspective on employee voice. This criticism is documented and illustrated with numerous examples from theOBliterature. To provide a constructive step forward, the article presents an enlarged model of employee voice that not only includesOBbut also brings in important contributions from the HRM, industrial relations, labour economics and labour process fields. The model provides an integrative framework for theoretical and empirical studies of voice and yields a number of research and practice implications.
Effects of Elaidic Acid, a Predominant Industrial Trans Fatty Acid, on Bacterial Growth and Cell Surface Hydrophobicity of Lactobacilli
Authors: Wu Qinglong , Shah Nagendra P.
Published: November 2014

The consumption of trans fatty acids (TFAs) increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases and coronary heart disease in human, and there are no effective ways to remove TFAs after consumption. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of elaidic acid on bacterial growth, cell surface hydrophobicity of lactobacilli, and metabolism of elaidic acid by lactobacilli. Lactobacilli were inoculated in MRS broth containing 0, 100, 200, and 500 mg/L of elaidic acid. Viable cell counts of lactobacilli were enumerated, concentrations of elaidic acid were determined, and cell surface hydrophobicity of lactobacilli was measured. The results showed that the growth of lactobacilli was significantly inhibited by 500 mg/L of elaidic acid, however, a cell count of 8.50 log10 CFU/mL was still reached for tested lactobacilli after 24‐h incubation. In particular, a reduction of elaidic acid was found for tested lactobacilli after 24‐h incubation as compared to its initial concentration of 200 mg/L. However, cell surface hydrophobicity showed no correlations with the metabolism of elaidic acid by lactobacilli. Moreover, elaidic acid was able to influence cell surface hydrophobicity, and the decrease in hydrophobicity was more obvious in Lactobacillus paracasei and Lactobacillus casei compared with that in other tested lactobacilli. This study suggests that elaidic acid could change physiochemical surface properties of lactobacilli and the lactobacilli have the potential to reduce TFAs.
SNP discovery in nonmodel organisms: strand bias and base‐substitution errors reduce conversion rates
Authors: Gonçalves da Silva Anders , Barendse William , Kijas James W. , Barris Wes C. , McWilliam Sean , Bunch Rowan J. , McCullough Russell , Harrison Blair , Hoelzel A. Rus , England Phillip R.
Published: November 2014

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have become the marker of choice for genetic studies in organisms of conservation, commercial or biological interest. MostSNPdiscovery projects in nonmodel organisms apply a strategy for identifying putativeSNPs based on filtering rules that account for random sequencing errors. Here, we analyse data used to develop 4723 novelSNPs for the commercially important deep‐sea fish, orange roughy (Hoplostethus atlanticus), to assess the impact of not accounting for systematic sequencing errors when filtering identified polymorphisms when discoveringSNPs. We usedSAMtools to identify polymorphisms in avelvetassembly of genomicDNAsequence data from seven individuals. The resulting set of polymorphisms were filtered to minimize ‘bycatch’—polymorphisms caused by sequencing or assembly error. An Illumina InfiniumSNPchip was used to genotype a final set of 7714 polymorphisms across 1734 individuals. Five predictors were examined for their effect on the probability of obtaining an assayableSNP: depth of coverage, number of reads that support a variant, polymorphism type (e.g. A/C), strand‐bias and IlluminaSNPprobe design score. Our results indicate that filtering out systematic sequencing errors could substantially improve the efficiency ofSNPdiscovery. We show thatBLASTXcan be used as an efficient tool to identify single‐copy genomic regions in the absence of a reference genome. The results have implications for research aiming to identify assayableSNPs and buildSNPgenotyping assays for nonmodel organisms.
A putative greigite‐type magnetosome gene cluster from the candidate phylumLatescibacteria
Authors: Lin Wei , Pan Yongxin
Published: November 2014

The intracellular biomineralization of magnetite and/or greigite magnetosomes in magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) is strictly controlled by a group of conserved genes, termed magnetosome genes, which are organized as clusters (or islands) inMTBgenomes. So far, all reportedMTBare affiliated within theProteobacteriaphylum, theNitrospiraephylum and the candidate divisionOP3. Here, we report the discovery of a putative magnetosome gene cluster structure from the draft genome of an uncultivated bacterium belonging to the candidate phylumLatescibacteria(formerly candidate divisionWS3) recently recovered by Rinke and colleagues, which contains 10 genes with homology to magnetosomemamgenes of magnetotacticProteobacteriaandNitrospirae. Moreover, these genes are phylogenetically closely related to greigite‐type magnetosome genes that were only found from theDeltaproteobacteria MTBbefore, suggesting that the greigite genes may originate earlier than previously imagined. These findings indicate that some members ofLatescibacteriamay be capable of forming greigite magnetosomes, and thus may play previously unrecognized roles in environmental iron and sulfur cycles. The conserved genomic structure of magnetosome gene cluster inLatescibacteriaphylum supports the hypothesis of horizontal transfer of these genes among distantly related bacterial groups in nature.
Modulation of Sinorhizobium meliloti quorum sensing by Hfq‐mediated post‐transcriptional regulation of ExpR
Authors: Gao Mengsheng , Tang Ming , Guerich Lois , Salas‐Gonzalez Isai , Teplitski Max
Published: November 2014

In Sinorhizobium meliloti, the timing of quorum sensing (QS)‐dependent gene expression is controlled at multiple levels. RNA binding protein Hfq contributes to the regulation of QS signal production, and this regulation is exerted both in the manner that involves the acyl homoserine lactone receptor ExpR, and via expR‐independent mechanisms. In the expR+ strain of S. meliloti, deletion of hfq resulted in the hyper‐accumulation of QS signals at low population densities, increased diversity of the QS signals in mid‐to‐late exponential phase and then led to a sharp decrease in QS signal accumulation in stationary phase. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction revealed that the accumulation of expR and sinI (but not sinR) mRNA was increased in the late exponential phase in an hfq‐dependent manner. A translational, but not transcriptional, expR‐uidA reporter was controlled by hfq, while both transcriptional and translational sinI‐uidA reporters were regulated in the hfq‐dependent manner. In co‐immunoprecipation experiments, expR mRNA was bound to and then released from Hfq, similar to the positive controls (small regulatory RNA SmrC9, SmrC15, SmrC16 and SmrC45). Neither sinI nor sinR transcripts were detected in the pool of RNA heat‐released from Hfq‐RNA complexes. Therefore, post‐transcriptional regulator Hfq controls the production and perception of QS signals, and at higher population densities this control is mediated directly via interactions with expR.
Intra‐operative assessment of pulmonary artery pressure by transoesophageal echocardiography
Authors: Soliman D. , Bolliger D. , Skarvan K. , Kaufmann B. A. , Lurati Buse G. , Seeberger M. D.
Published: November 2014

The clinical value of the estimation of systolic pulmonary artery pressure, based on Doppler assessment of peak tricuspid regurgitant velocity using transoesophageal echocardiography, is unclear. We studied 109 patients to evaluate the feasibility of obtaining adequate Doppler recordings, and compared Doppler estimates with values measured using a pulmonary artery catheter in a subset of 33 patients. Tricuspid regurgitation was evaluated at the mid‐oesophageal level at 0–120° using Doppler echocardiography. A Doppler signal was defined as adequate if there was a ≤ 20° alignment and a full envelope. Doppler estimates of systolic pulmonary artery pressure within 10 mmHg and 15% of the value recorded with the pulmonary artery catheter were considered to be in sufficient agreement. Adequate Doppler signals were obtained in 64/109 (59%) patients before and 54/103 (52%) after surgery. Doppler estimates by transoesophageal echocardiography were within 10 mmHg and 15% of values recorded with the pulmonary artery catheter in 28/33 (75%) patients and 22/31 (55%) patients, respectively. In 7 (21%) patients, the echocardiographic Doppler measurement exceeded the measured systolic pulmonary artery pressure by more than 30%. Our study indicates that estimation of the systolic pulmonary artery pressure using transoesophageal Doppler echocardiography is not a reliable and clinically useful method in anaesthetised patients undergoing mechanical ventilation.
Transnasal Humidified Rapid‐Insufflation Ventilatory Exchange (THRIVE): a physiological method of increasing apnoea time in patients with difficult airways
Authors: Patel A. , Nouraei S. A. R.
Published: November 2014

Emergency and difficult tracheal intubations are hazardous undertakings where successive laryngoscopy–hypoxaemia–re‐oxygenation cycles can escalate to airway loss and the ‘can't intubate, can't ventilate’ scenario. Between 2013 and 2014, we extended the apnoea times of 25 patients with difficult airways who were undergoing general anaesthesia for hypopharyngeal or laryngotracheal surgery. This was achieved through continuous delivery of transnasal high‐flow humidified oxygen, initially to provide pre‐oxygenation, and continuing as post‐oxygenation during intravenous induction of anaesthesia and neuromuscular blockade until a definitive airway was secured. Apnoea time commenced at administration of neuromuscular blockade and ended with commencement of jet ventilation, positive‐pressure ventilation or recommencement of spontaneous ventilation. During this time, upper airway patency was maintained with jaw‐thrust. Transnasal Humidified Rapid‐Insufflation Ventilatory Exchange (THRIVE) was used in 15 males and 10 females. Mean (SD [range]) age at treatment was 49 (15 [25–81]) years. The median (IQR [range]) Mallampati grade was 3 (2–3 [2–4]) and direct laryngoscopy grade was 3 (3–3 [2–4]). There were 12 obese patients and nine patients were stridulous. The median (IQR [range]) apnoea time was 14 (9–19 [5–65]) min. No patient experienced arterial desaturation < 90%. Mean (SD [range]) post‐apnoea end‐tidal (and in four patients, arterial) carbon dioxide level was 7.8 (2.4 [4.9–15.3]) kPa. The rate of increase in end‐tidal carbon dioxide was 0.15 kPa.min−1. We conclude that THRIVE combines the benefits of ‘classical’ apnoeic oxygenation with continuous positive airway pressure and gaseous exchange through flow‐dependent deadspace flushing. It has the potential to transform the practice of anaesthesia by changing the nature of securing a definitive airway in emergency and difficult intubations from a pressured stop–start process to a smooth and unhurried undertaking.
Metformin promotes irisin release from murine skeletal muscle independently of AMP‐activated protein kinase activation
Authors: Li D.‐J. , Huang F. , Lu W.‐J. , Jiang G.‐J. , Deng Y.‐P. , Shen F.‐M.
Published: November 2014

Aim

Irisin, a novel myocyte‐secreted hormone mediating beneficial effects of exercise on metabolism, is supposed to be an ideal therapeutic target for metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes. Here, we investigated the potential effects of metformin and glibenclamide, two antidiabetic medicines, on irisin release in mouse.

Methods

Wild‐type and diabetic obese db/db mice were administrated with metformin and glibenclamide for 2 weeks, and cultured C2C12 myotubes were treated by metformin. Expression of irisin precursor FNDC5 was measured and blood irisin concentration was detected. AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) was blocked by chemical inhibitor compound C or knocking down with specific siRNA.

Results

The mRNA and protein expression of FNDC5 in skeletal muscle and blood irisin concentrations were lower in diabetic db/db mice than those in wild‐type mice. Metformin and glibenclamide decreased blood glucose in db/db mice. Metformin, but not glibenclamide, increased intramuscular FNDC5 mRNA/protein expression and blood irisin levels. Additionally, the reductions of blood glucose and body weight in metformin‐treated db/db mice were positively associated with blood irisin concentrations. In C2C12 myotubes, metformin upregulated intracellular FDNC5 mRNA/protein expression and promoted irisin release. Although metformin activated AMPK signalling in skeletal muscle cells, disrupting of AMPK signalling by chemical inhibitor or siRNA‐mediated knockdown did not abolish the promoting effect of metformin on irisin release.

Conclusion

Metformin promotes irisin release from murine skeletal muscle into blood, independently of AMPK pathway activation. Our results suggest that stimulation of irisin may be a novel molecular mechanism of metformin which is widely used for treatment of metabolic disorders.
The impact of timing and duration of thiopurine treatment on colectomy in ulcerative colitis: a national population‐based study of incident cases between 1989–2009
Authors: Chhaya V. , Saxena S. , Cecil E. , Chatu S. , Subramanian V. , Curcin V. , Majeed A. , Pollok R. C.
Published: November 2014

Background

The role of thiopurines in altering the risk of colectomy in ulcerative colitis (UC) remains unclear.

Aims

To examine predictors of colectomy in UC and determine the impact of thiopurines on the risk of colectomy.

Methods

We constructed a population‐based cohort of incident cases of UC in the United Kingdom between 1989 and 2009. We determined trends in thiopurine usage and colectomy for three defined cohorts: era 1 (1989–1995), era 2 (1996–2002), era 3 (2003–2009). We used Cox regression to determine predictors of colectomy and quantified the impact of duration and timing of thiopurine use on the risk of colectomy.

Results

We identified 8673 incident cases of UC. 5‐year colectomy rates increased from 4.2%, 5.1% to 6.9% (P = 0.001) for era 1, era 2 and era 3, respectively, despite increasing thiopurine use. This was not significant after adjustment for predictors of colectomy (P = 0.06). There was a higher risk of colectomy in men (HR 1.44, 95% CI: 1.19–1.73), those diagnosed at an early age (HR 1.35, 95% CI: 1.04–1.75; 16–24 vs. 25–64) and early steroid users (HR 1.94, 95% CI: 1.59–2.37). 5‐ASA users were less likely to require a colectomy (HR 0.35, 95% CI: 0.28–0.44). Amongst thiopurine users, those treated for greater than 12 months had a 71% reduction in risk of colectomy (HR 0.29, 95% CI: 0.21–0.40). Early thiopurines offered no additional benefit.

Conclusions

Thiopurine exposure for greater than 12 months reduces the likelihood of colectomy by 71%. Young men and those requiring steroids within 3 months of diagnosis are at greatest risk of colectomy, and most likely to benefit from sustained thiopurine use.
Histomorphological studies of the testis and male genital ducts of Supachai's caecilian, Ichthyophis supachaii Taylor, 1960 (Amphibia: Gymnophiona)
Authors: Pewhom Akkanee , Chumnanpuen Pramote , Muikham Itsares , Chatchavalvanich Kannika , Srakaew Nopparat
Published: November 2014

We investigated the structure of the male reproductive system in Ichthyophis supachaii. The testis comprises a series of mulberry‐like lobes, each of which contains testis lobules occupied by germ cysts. A single cyst consists of synchronously developing germ cells. Six spermatogenic cell types, viz. primary spermatogonia, secondary spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes, secondary spermatocytes, spermatids and spermatozoa, have been identified and described. Notably, the testis of I. supachaii encompasses specific organization patterns of spermatids and spermatozoa during spermiogenesis. Spermiating cysts rupture and release spermatozoa to the collecting ducts, which are subsequently transported to the sperm duct, Wolffian duct and cloaca. We report for the first time ciliated cells in the epithelium of the caecilian Wolffian duct. The cloaca is divided into the urodeum and phallodeum. The urodeum has ciliated and glandular epithelia at its dorsolateral and ventral regions, respectively, as the lining of its internal surface. The muscular phallodeum is lined by ciliated epithelium. Paired Mullerian ducts lie parallel to the intestine and join the cloaca. The posterior portion of the duct is modified as the Mullerian gland. The most posterior region is non‐glandular and lined by ciliated epithelium. Our findings contribute further to information on the reproductive biology of caecilians in Thailand.
Current status of antibody therapy in ALL
Authors: Ai Jing , Advani Anjali
Published: November 2014

Despite the significant advances in modern chemotherapy, it remains challenging to treat adult patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). The relapse rate remains high, and the outcome at the time of relapse is dismal. Antibody‐based therapies have demonstrated promising results in this patient group. Variable mechanisms have been applied to target surface antigens (CD20 [also termed MS4A1], CD22, CD52 and CD19) that are commonly expressed on malignant leukaemia cells. In this review, we will focus on the clinical application of such therapies in adult ALL, including the naked antibodies: Rituximab, Ofatumumab, Epratuzumab and Alemtuzumab; the immunotoxins: BL22 and Combotox; the immunoconjugates: inotuzumab and SAR 3419; as well as the Bi‐specific T cell engaging (BiTE)‐specific antibody, Blinatumomab.
The role of FDG‐PET/CT in the evaluation of residual disease in paediatric non‐Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Bhojwani Deepa , McCarville Mary B. , Choi John K. , Sawyer Jennifer , Metzger Monika L. , Inaba Hiroto , Davidoff Andrew M. , Gold Robert , Shulkin Barry L. , Sandlund John T.
Published: November 2014

18F‐labelled–fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) findings are challenging to interpret for residual disease versus complete response in paediatric patients with non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). A biopsy is often warranted to confirm the presence or absence of viable tumour if there is clinical or radiographic evidence of residual disease. In this study, we compared conventional imaging and FDG‐PET/computerized tomography (CT) findings with biopsy results in 18 children with NHL. Our goal was to provide additional data to establish more reliable criteria for response evaluation. Residual disease was suspected after conventional imaging alone in eight patients, after FDG‐PET/CT alone in three and after both modalities in seven patients. Biopsy confirmed the presence of viable tumour in two patients. Two additional patients experienced progressive disease or relapse. The sensitivity and negative predictive value of FDG‐PET/CT using the London criteria to indicate residual tumour detectable by biopsy were 100%, but specificity was low (60%), as was the positive predictive value (25%). Thus, in this study, a negative FDG‐PET/CT finding was a good indicator of complete remission. However, because false‐positive FDG‐PET/CT findings are common, biopsy and close monitoring are required for accurate determination of residual disease in individual patients.
What Sort of Collective Bargaining Is Emerging in China?
Authors: Lee Chang‐Hee , Brown William , Wen Xiaoyi
Published: November 2014

China is experiencing a rapid expansion of what is termed ‘collective bargaining’. The article draws on workplace and sectoral examples to assess what underlies this. Recent changes in labour policy are outlined. Four studies at establishment level describe the use of hybrid representation in response to growing worker activism and internal union reform. Two studies of sectoral bargaining shed light on decentralized decision‐making on pay. Attention is drawn to the growth of employer organizations and increased articulation within the trade union. A form of collective bargaining is emerging where the union draws on state power to improve conditions of employment.
Patterns of surveillance imaging after nephrectomy in the Medicare population
Authors: Feuerstein Michael A. , Atoria Coral L. , Pinheiro Laura C. , Huang William C. , Russo Paul , Elkin Elena B.
Published: November 2014

Objectives

To characterize patterns of imaging surveillance after nephrectomy in a population‐based cohort of older patients with kidney cancer.

Patients and Methods

Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER)‐Medicare database, we identified patients aged ≥66 years who underwent partial or radical nephrectomy for localized kidney cancer diagnosed between 2000 and 2009. Primary outcomes were chest imaging (X‐ray or computed tomography [CT]) and abdominal imaging (CT, MRI or ultrasonography) in Medicare claims from 4 to 36 months after surgery. We estimated the frequency of imaging in three time periods (postoperative months 4–12, 13–24, 25–36), stratified by tumour stage. Repeated‐measures logistic regression was used to identify the patient and disease characteristics associated with imaging.

Results

Rates of chest imaging were 65–80%, with chest X‐ray surpassing CT in each time period. Rates of abdominal imaging were 58–76%, and cross‐sectional imaging was more common than ultrasonography in each time period. Use of cross‐sectional chest and abdominal imaging increased over time, while the use of chest X‐ray decreased (P < 0.01). Ultrasonography use remained stable for patients with T1 and T2 disease, but the rate of use decreased in patients with T3 disease (P < 0.05). Rates of chest and abdominal imaging increased with tumour stage (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Patterns of imaging suggest possible overuse in patients at low risk of recurrence and underuse in those at greater risk. New surveillance imaging guidelines may reduce unwarranted variability and promote risk‐based, cost‐effective management after nephrectomy.
The wingless-related integration site-5a/secreted frizzled-related protein-5 system is dysregulated in human sepsis
Authors: Schulte D M , Kragelund D , Müller N , Hagen I , Elke G , Titz A , Schädler D , Schumacher J , Weiler N , Bewig B , Schreiber S , Laudes M
Published: November 2014

Sepsis and type 2 diabetes exhibit insulin resistance as a common phenotype. In type 2 diabetes we and others have recently provided evidence that alterations of the proinflammatory wingless-related integration site (wnt)-5a/anti-inflammatory secreted frizzled-related protein (sFRP)-5 system are involved in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether this novel cytokine system is dysregulated in human sepsis, which may indicate a potential mechanism linking inflammation to metabolism. In this single-centre prospective observational study, critically ill adult septic patients were examined and proinflammatory wnt5a and wnt5a inhibitor sFRP5 were measured in serum samples by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) at admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) and 5 days later. Sixty sepsis patients were included, and 30 healthy individuals served as controls. Wnt5a levels were found to be increased significantly in septic patients compared to healthy controls (2·21 ± 0·33 versus 0·32 ± 0·03 ng/ml, P < 0·0001). In contrast, sFRP5 was not altered significantly in septic patients (19·72 ± 3·06 versus 17·48 ± 6·38 ng/ml, P = 0·07). On admission to the ICU, wnt5a levels exhibited a significant positive correlation with the leucocyte count (rs = 0·3797, P = 0·004). Interestingly, in patients recovering from sepsis, wnt5a levels declined significantly within 5 days (2·17 ± 0·38–1·03 ± 0·28 ng/ml, P < 0·01). In contrast, if sepsis was worsening, wnt5a levels increased in the same time-period by trend (2·34 ± 0·59–3·25 ± 1·02 ng/ml, P > 0·05). sFRP5 levels did not change significantly throughout the study period. The wnt5a/sFRP5 system is altered in human sepsis and might therefore be of interest for future studies on molecular pathophysiology of this common human disease.
Identification of eight novel mutations and transcript analysis of two splicing mutations in Chinese newborns with MCC deficiency
Authors: Yang L. , Yang J. , Zhang T. , Weng C. , Hong F. , Tong F. , Yang R. , Yin X. , Yu P. , Huang X. , Qi M.
Published: November 2014

3‐Methylcrotonyl‐CoA carboxylase (MCC) deficiency is an autosomal recessive inborn error of leucine metabolism, caused by mutations in either MCCC1 or MCCC2 gene. We identified eight novel mutations of MCCC1 or MCCC2 in six Chinese newborns screened by tandem mass spectrometry. Transcript analysis revealed that the novel splice mutation c.639+5G>T produced a normal transcript and a transcript of exon 6 skipping which led to truncated MCCC1 protein. The remaining seven novel mutations may cause structure damage and dysfunction of MCC as predicted by in silico analysis. In conclusion, our study expands the spectrum of mutations found in MCCC1 and MCCC2 and provides a rough prevalence of 1 of 68,333 in Chinese population. Although the affected patients remained asymptomatic during follow‐up, we hold the view that early detection through newborn screening, early intervention and follow‐up may provide an important guidance to prevent subsequent metabolic disorders and deal with crisis later in life.
Hopes and Fears: Teenage Mothers’ Experiences of Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Wood Marsha , Barter Christine
Published: November 2014

Research has shown that pregnancy and motherhood increase the risk of experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV) — physical, sexual and emotional — in relationships. Much of this research, however, explores this issue in relation to adults and little attention has been given to the experiences of pregnant teenagers or teenage mothers in violent relationships. This paper focuses on three main areas to explore this, disadvantage, sexual negotiations and stigma, and draws upon interviews conducted by the authors with 16 teenage mothers in theUKas part of a wider study aboutIPVin the relationships of disadvantaged young people.
Wildlife Harvest and Consumption in Amazonia's Urbanized Wilderness
Authors: Parry Luke , Barlow Jos , Pereira Heloisa
Published: November 2014

Urbanization of forested wilderness could threaten biodiversity if expanding cities drive demand for wildlife as food. We examined the scale and drivers of urban wildlife consumption in the forested prefrontier of Brazilian Amazonia, defined as municipalities (n = 73) with over 90% of their original forest cover still intact. A representative survey of two prefrontier cities indicated that virtually all urban households consume wildlife, including fish (99%), bushmeat (mammals and birds; 79%), chelonians (48%) and caimans (28%)—alarming evidence of an underreported wild‐meat crisis in the heart of Amazonia. We also report rapid growth of cities and inadequate resources to deter illegal consumption in this urbanized wilderness covering 1.86 million km2. We evaluate relevant policy levers and conclude that poverty‐alleviation programs may accelerate a long‐term transition from consumption of wildlife as an economical source of protein for the poor to luxury food for the wealthy. We argue that innovative environmental governance could limit wildlife consumption to only harvest‐tolerant species. Researchers and policy‐makers should engage with policies and ideas that promote poverty alleviation and supply poor city‐dwellers with affordable alternatives to eating wildlife.
Community gastroenterologists can learn diminutive colon polyp histology characterization with narrow band imaging by a computer‐based teaching module
Authors: Sinh Preetika , Gupta Neil , Rao Deepthi S. , Wani Sachin , Sharma Prateek , Bansal Ajay , Allen John , Ketover Scott R. , Rastogi Amit
Published: November 2014

Background and Aim

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of a computer‐based teaching module on the performance of community gastroenterologists for characterization of diminutive polyps (≤5 mm) using narrow band imaging video clips.

Methods

Eighty videos were distributed in pre‐ and post‐test DVD along with a 20‐min audiovisual teaching presentation detailing endoscopic features differentiating adenomas from hyperplastic polyps using narrow band imaging. Each participant first reviewed pretest video clips and entered their responses for polyp histology and their confidence in diagnosis: high: ≥90% or low: <90%. Following this, they reviewed the teaching module and assessed the post‐test videos. Performance characteristics were calculated for pre‐ and post‐test videos by comparing predicted histology with actual histology. Fisher's exact test was used for analysis and the kappa statistic was calculated for interobserver agreement.

Results

Fifteen gastroenterologists in community practice completed the study. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and negative predictive value in characterization of polyp histology improved significantly post‐test compared to pretest. In post‐test, accuracy was 92% for high‐confidence diagnoses and the proportion of these increased with training from 46% (pretest) to 64% (post‐test); P < 0.001. Interobserver agreement for diagnosis improved from fair (kappa = 0.23) in pretest to moderate (kappa = 0.56) in post‐test.

Conclusions

A teaching module using video clips can be used to teach community gastroenterologists polyp histology characterization by narrow band imaging. Whether this translates into real‐time high accuracy in polyp detection needs to be further evaluated.