bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sociodemographic and knowledge influence on attitudes towards food safety certification in restaurants
Authors: Uggioni Paula Lazzarin , Salay Elisabete
Published: May 2014

Food safety certification can provide a level of assurance that restaurants attain satisfactory sanitary standards. Attitude is a possible predictor of behaviour and has been shown to vary according to consumer characteristics. The objective of this study was to identify consumer attitude with respect to the voluntary private certification of safety of restaurants. The relationship among attitude and consumer knowledge of safe practices to prevent microbiological contamination in restaurants and sociodemographic characteristics were also studied. The data were collected in the city of Campinas, Brazil in 2010, by interviewing 350 individuals using a survey instrument with two scales previously validated (attitude and knowledge) and sociodemographic questions. Attitude was measured using a 7‐point response scale. Basic descriptive statistics and comparison tests were applied to the data using the software PASW, 18.0. The mean score of 5.3 indicates a positive attitude in respect to certification. The highest attitude scores were observed for the factor 5 (affect and inspection) and factor 4 (certification and consumer information). Comparing the scores, significant differences can be seen between total attitude and the age ranges (P = 0.040) and levels of knowledge (P = 0.014), individuals younger and with lower knowledge showing lower attitude scores. Higher knowledge was related to a more positive attitude score for factor ‘certification substitutes’; and higher income and education level to a lower score for the ‘importance of certification’ factor. It is possible to stimulate both the development and promotion of restaurant certifications aimed at food safety.
Understanding the buying behaviour of young consumers regarding packaging attributes and labels
Authors: Aday Mehmet Seckin , Yener Ugur
Published: May 2014

This study was conducted in Turkey (the place is the bridge between Europe and Asia) and several factors that might influence the young consumer's behaviour at the point of sale were highlighted. Self‐administered questionnaire consisting of 31 questions were filled out by 324 participants. A big part of respondents (87.34%) were young people between 18 and 25 years of age and majority of the test takers were single (91.05%), whereas only 8.95% of them were married. Relationships and connections between questions were displayed in detail with graphics in a multidimensional space and were analysed with multiple correspondence analysis tests. The results indicated that glass packages attracted the consumers with their protective structure, transparency and healthy nature, whereas plastic and paperboard packages attracted the consumers with their resistance to physical impacts and easy‐to‐use abilities. The majority of consumers checked the labels to get information; however, consumers indicated that label content was hard to understand. Production, best before dates and ingredients were identified as important information on the labels by consumers. Fat content was chosen as the most important part of labels by female consumers, whereas male consumers were more concerned about the protein content. Participants indicated that low price and special offered products were setting the basis for their unplanned shopping. The obtained results confirmed that packaging attributes and labels were the most important factors that might affect consumers' purchasing behaviours.
Identities and Identity Work in Organizations
Authors: Brown Andrew D.
Published: May 2014

Identities, people's subjectively construed understandings of who they were, are and desire to become, are implicated in, and thus key to understanding and explaining, almost everything that happens in and around organizations. The research contribution that this review paper makes is threefold. First, it analyses the often employed but rarely systematically explored concept ‘identity work’, and argues that it is one metaphor among many that may be useful in the analysis of professional and more generally work identities. Second, it focuses on five fundamental, interconnected debates in contemporary identities research centred on notions of choice, stability, coherence, positivity and authenticity. Third, it outlines the roles that the concept ‘identity work’ may play in bridging levels of analysis and disciplinary boundaries, and sketches some possible future identities‐focused ideas for further research. Under‐specification has meant that ‘identity’ has not always fulfilled its analytical promise in either theoretical explorations of identities issues or in empirical studies of identities in practice; and it is to these ends that this paper seeks to contribute.
Dynamic biological changes in fibroblasts during hypertrophic scar formation and regression
Authors: Chun Qing , ZhiYong Wang , Fei Song , XiQiao Wang
Published: May 2014

The human hypertrophic scar undergoes hyperplasia and regression during progression. This study aimed to investigate whether fibroblasts in scar tissue undergo biological changes during the formation and regression of human hypertrophic scar. Using 32 scar samples, we measured collagen production by Masson's staining and the expression levels of transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) by immunohistochemistry. In addition, fibroblasts from scar tissue were isolated and cultured, and total RNA was extracted for measurement of TGF‐β1, VEGF and collagen transcript levels by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). Masson's staining showed that the number of fibroblasts and microvessels increased gradually in early and proliferative scars but decreased in regressive scars. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the expression of TGF‐β1 and VEGF increased in early scars, peaked in proliferative scars and decreased in regressive scars. Moreover, the expression of TGF‐β1, VEGF, collagen I and collagen III mRNAs also increased in early and proliferative scars and decreased significantly in regressive scars. Dynamic changes in fibroblast biology correlated with the formation and progression of hypertrophic scar.
Overexpression of miR‐483‐5p/3p cooperate to inhibit mouse liver fibrosis by suppressing the TGF‐β stimulated HSCs in transgenic mice
Authors: Li Fuyuan , Ma Ning , Zhao Ruiqi , Wu Guodong , Zhang Yanfen , Qiao Yu , Han Dong , Xu Ya , Xiang Ying , Yan Bingzhu , Jin Jianfeng , Lv Guixiang , Wang Lei , Xu Changqing , Gao Xu , Luo Shanshun
Published: May 2014

The transition from liver fibrosis to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been suggested to be a continuous and developmental pathological process. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are recently discovered molecules that regulate the expression of genes involved in liver disease. Many reports demonstrate that miR‐483‐5p and miR‐483‐3p, which originate from miR‐483, are up‐regulated in HCC, and their oncogenic targets have been identified. However, recent studies have suggested that miR‐483‐5p/3p is partially down‐regulated in HCC samples and is down‐regulated in rat liver fibrosis. Therefore, the aberrant expression and function of miR‐483 in liver fibrosis remains elusive. In this study, we demonstrate that overexpression of miR‐483 in vivo inhibits mouse liver fibrosis induced by CCl4. We demonstrate that miR‐483‐5p/3p acts together to target two pro‐fibrosis factors, platelet‐derived growth factor‐β and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2, which suppress the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) LX‐2. Our work identifies the pathway that regulates liver fibrosis by inhibiting the activation of HSCs.
Ciliates and the Rare Biosphere: A Review
Authors: Dunthorn Micah , Stoeck Thorsten , Clamp John , Warren Alan , Mahé Frédéric
Published: May 2014

Here we provide a brief review of the rare biosphere from the perspective of ciliates and other microbial eukaryotes. We trace research on rarity from its lack of much in‐depth focus in morphological and Sanger sequencing projects, to its central importance in analyses using high throughput sequencing strategies. The problem that the rare biosphere is potentially comprised of mostly errors is then discussed in the light of asking community‐comparative, novel‐diversity, and ecosystem‐functioning questions.
Ciliates along Oxyclines of Permanently Stratified Marine Water Columns
Authors: Edgcomb Virginia P. , Pachiadaki Maria
Published: May 2014

Studies of microbial communities in areas of the world where permanent marine water column oxyclines exist suggest they are “hotspots” of microbial activity, and that these water features and the anoxic waters below them are inhabited by diverse protist taxa, including ciliates. These communities have minimal taxonomic overlap with those in overlying oxic water columns. Some ciliate taxa have been detected in multiple locations where these stable water column oxyclines exist; however, differences in such factors as hydrochemistry in the habitats that have been studied suggest local selection for distinct communities. We compare published data on ciliate communities from studies of deep marine water column oxyclines in Caricao Basin, Venezuela, and the Black Sea, with data from coastal, shallower oxycline waters in Framvaren and Mariager fjords, and from several deep‐sea hypersaline anoxic basins in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. Putative symbioses between Bacteria, Archaea, and ciliates observed along these oxyclines suggests a strategy of cooperative metabolism for survival that includes chemosynthetic autotrophy and exchanges of metabolic intermediates or end products between hosts and their prokaryotic partners.
Ciliates and the Rare Biosphere—Community Ecology and Population Dynamics
Authors: Weisse Thomas
Published: May 2014

Application of deep sequencing technologies to environmental samples and some detailed morphological studies suggest that there is a vast, yet unexplored rare ciliate biosphere, tentatively defined in terms of operational taxonomic units. However, very few studies complemented molecular and phylogenetic data with morphological and ecological descriptions of the species inventory. This is mainly because the sampling effort increases strongly with decreasing species abundance. In spite of this limited knowledge, it is clear that species that are rare under certain environmental conditions (temporal rare biosphere) may become abundant when the physical, chemical, and biological variables of their habitat change. Furthermore, some species may always be present in low numbers if their dispersal rates are exceedingly high (accidental rare biosphere). An intriguing question is whether there are some species that are always rare, i.e., in every suitable environment. This permanent rare biosphere is conceptually different from the temporal rare biosphere. This review characterizes typical aquatic habitats of the rare ciliate biosphere, portrays different scenarios under which some or even many species may be permanently rare (background fauna), and identifies some fundamental questions that need to be addressed to achieve a better understanding of the population dynamics of the rare ciliate biosphere.
External Financing in the Life Insurance Industry: Evidence From the Financial Crisis
Authors: Berry‐Stölzle Thomas R. , Nini Gregory P. , Wende Sabine
Published: May 2014

The financial crisis and subsequent recession generated sizable operating losses for life insurance companies, yet the consequences were far less significant than for other financial intermediaries. The ability to quickly generate new capital through external issuance and dividend reductions let life insurers maintain healthy levels of equity capital. We use this experience to examine the causes and consequences of external capital issuance by U.S. life insurance companies. We show that, in general, new capital is issued both to support the growth of new business and to replace capital depleted by operating losses. This second channel is particularly important during macroeconomic recessions. Notably, we do not find any evidence that insurers had difficulty generating new capital, unlike other financial service providers that required large amounts of public support. For life insurers, what changed following the financial crisis was the demand to raise external capital, but the supply of external capital appears to have remained constant.
On Lawsuits, Corporate Governance, and Directors' and Officers' Liability Insurance
Authors: Gillan Stuart L. , Panasian Christine A.
Published: May 2014

We examine whether information about firms' directors' and officers' (D&O) liability insurance coverage provides insights into the likelihood of shareholder lawsuits. Using Canadian firms, we find evidence that firms with D&O insurance coverage are more likely to be sued and that the likelihood of litigation increases with increased coverage. These findings are consistent with managerial opportunism or moral hazard related to the insurance purchase decision. We also find that higher premiums are associated with the likelihood of litigation, indicating that insurers price this behavior. Taken together, the findings suggest that coverage and premium levels have the potential to convey information about lawsuit likelihood, and a firm's governance quality, to the marketplace.
Metrolingual multitasking and spatial repertoires: ‘Pizza mo two minutes coming’
Authors: Pennycook Alastair , Otsuji Emi
Published: May 2014

Drawing on data from two restaurants in Sydney and Tokyo, this paper describes the ways in which linguistic resources, everyday tasks and social space are intertwined in terms ofmetrolingual multitasking. Rather than the demolinguistic enumeration of mappable multilingualism or the language‐to‐language or language‐to‐person focus of translingualism, metrolingualism focuses on everyday language practices and their relations to urban space. In order to capture the dynamism of the urban linguistic landscape, this paper explores this relationship between metrolingual multitasking – the ways in which linguistic resources, activities and urban space are bound together – and spatial repertoires – the linguistic resources available in a particular place – arguing that a focus on resources, repertoires, space, place and activity helps us understand how multilingualism from below operates in complex urban places.
Evaluation of toxicities from combined metronomic and maximal‐tolerated dose chemotherapy in dogs with osteosarcoma
Authors: Bracha S. , Walshaw R. , Danton T. , Holland S. , Ruaux C. , Obradovich J.
Published: May 2014

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the tolerability of a piroxicam and cyclophosphamide metronomic treatment protocol combined with carboplatin alone or carboplatin and doxorubicin at maximal‐tolerated doses.

METHODS

Retrospective study of 30 dogs diagnosed with osteosarcoma. All dogs underwent amputation and chemotherapy treatment with one of the two maximal‐tolerated dose protocols. Metronomic chemotherapy was administered in conjunction with these protocols, and continued subsequently. The protocols included 0 · 3 mg/kg piroxicam and 10 to 12 mg/M2cyclophosphamide with 300 mg/M2carboplatin alone, or 300 mg/M2carboplatin alternating with 30 mg/M2doxorubicin.

RESULTS

Fourteen dogs were treated with the carboplatin and metronomic protocol and 16 were treated with the carboplatin alternating with doxorubicin and metronomic protocol. Grades 3 and 4 toxicities overall were significantly (P = 0 · 018) more common in the former group. The disease‐free interval of the carboplatin and metronomic group was 192 days, which was not significantly different (P = 0 · 916) to the 182 days for the carboplatin alternating with doxorubicin and metronomic group. The median survival times of the two groups were 217 and 189 days, respectively.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Piroxicam and cyclophosphamide metronomic protocols can be safely administered in combination with maximal‐tolerated dose chemotherapy protocols. A significantly higher frequency of toxicities was observed in dogs treated with the carboplatin and metronomic protocol.
Lateral orbitotomy for treatment of an orbital abscess in a dog
Authors: Vallefuoco R. , Molas C. , Moissonnier P. , Chahory S.
Published: May 2014

A two‐year‐old Jack Russell terrier was diagnosed with a retrobulbar abscess and orbital cellulitis. The diagnosis was confirmed by ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging examination and ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration. Transoral ventral drainage was attempted but was unsuccessful. The abscess was successfully treated by open drainage through a lateral orbitotomy. Despite the exposure of the orbital structures, the orbital soft tissues healed by second intention without further complications. The open drainage was well tolerated and resulted in immediate reduction of inflammation and pain, allowing a quick recovery. This report describes the diagnosis and, surgical management and the long‐term (3 years) follow‐up of an unusual case of orbital abscess associated with diffuse periorbital cellulitis successfully treated by open drainage through a lateral orbitotomy.
Scaling functional diversity of small mammals in desert systems
Authors: Rodríguez D. , Ojeda R. A.
Published: May 2014

Although scaling biodiversity is a common topic in ecology, scaling functional biodiversity is a major theoretical and analytical challenge, mainly because trait differentiation and regulating processes occur at different spatial scales. Here, we propose a method to scale functional biodiversity by comparing the relative dominance of convergent versus divergent functional traits across environmental gradients. Particularly, in highly variable systems such as deserts, one would expect species convergence in the use of an abundant resource through niche filtering, promoting functional redundancy (stability hypothesis), but at which spatial scale? We tested this approach using small mammal assemblages of the Monte Desert (Argentina, South America) and found that divergent traits are dominant on smaller spatial scales, whereas convergent traits are present only at the highest spatial scale. Functional complementarity was recorded at the community and meta‐community levels, suggesting that niche partitioning is the main regulating process and diet the major divergent trait. At regional scale, divergent traits were also present, indicating that biodiversity is also regulated by niche filtering. Finally, we found that the stability hypothesis cannot be generalized for desert systems but depends on the spatial scale. This novel approach offers new insights into the search for an integrative perspective on functional biodiversity.
Self‐defence may not be enough: moonlight avoidance in a large, spiny rodent
Authors: Mori E. , Nourisson D. H. , Lovari S. , Romeo G. , Sforzi A.
Published: May 2014

Predation avoidance is one of the main factors determining nocturnal activity of mammals, which has been shaped by evolution in relation to local environmental variables. The nocturnal activity of 16 female and 11 male radio‐tagged adult crested porcupines Hystrix cristata was studied in four study sites of Southern Tuscany (Central Italy), with different environmental features. The activity patterns of porcupines, monitored for 16–23 h per week per individual, were correlated to lunar phases, in open/closed habitat types, throughout the year. The median duration of nocturnal activity was 7 h and 38 min, with no significant seasonal variation. Moonlight avoidance was shown in all our study sites, throughout the year, especially in open habitats. Full moon, irrespective of its visibility, always inhibited activity of this large rodent. Old World porcupines originated 5 million years ago in the forests of Asia and Africa, where a number of large carnivores must have preyed – and still prey – on them. Most likely, moonlight avoidance evolved as an antipredatory behaviour. In areas with no or little predation risk for example our study sites, moonlight avoidance could have been kept in the repertoire of porcupines because of its non‐maladaptive nature.
Cross‐Language Similarity Modulates Effectiveness of Second Language Grammar Instruction
Authors: Tolentino Leida C. , Tokowicz Natasha
Published: May 2014

We investigated the effects of instruction method and cross‐language similarity during second language (L2) grammar learning. English speakers learned a subset of Swedish using contrast and color highlighting (Salience Group), contrast and highlighting with grammatical explanations (Rule & Salience Group), or neither (Control Group with exposure only). Comprehension of grammatical features corresponding to three levels of L1–L2 similarity (similar, dissimilar, unique to L2) were contrasted in three posttests. Grammaticality judgments on L2 sentences: (a) improved across tests for all three training groups, (b) were least accurate for dissimilar features in all groups, and (c) were most accurate for cross‐linguistically similar features in both the Control and Salience groups. Only a trend was found for high language‐learning aptitude (as measured by the Words‐In‐Sentences instrument of the Modern Languages Aptitude Test) possibly facilitating the learning of grammatical features that are distinct from L1. The findings suggest that ideal instructional conditions for L2 morphosyntax may vary with cross‐language similarity.
An holistic ecological analysis of the diet of Cory's shearwaters using prey morphological characters and DNA barcoding
Authors: Alonso Hany , Granadeiro José P. , Waap Silke , Xavier José , Symondson William O. C. , Ramos Jaime A. , Catry Paulo
Published: May 2014

Knowledge of the dietary choices and trophic niches of organisms is the key to understanding their roles in ecosystems. In seabird diet studies, prey identification is a difficult challenge, often yielding results with technique‐specific biases. Additionally, sampling efforts are often not extensive enough to reveal intrapopulational variation. Immature animals, which may constitute up to 50% of a population, may occupy a significantly different trophic niche to more experienced birds, but this remains largely unexplored. We investigated the diet of Cory's shearwater (Calonectris diomedea) from Selvagem Grande, an island located off the northwest African coast, collecting a total of 698 regurgitate samples over three consecutive breeding seasons. The diet was assessed using two complementary approaches for prey identification: conventional morphological analysis (using fish vertebrae, otoliths and cephalopod beaks) and DNA barcoding of the 16S rRNA mitochondrial gene, in cases where a positive identification could not be retrieved. Species assignments employed BLAST and distance‐based methods, as well as direct optimization of the tree length based on unaligned sequences in POY. This method resulted in robust tree estimates and species assignments, showing its potential for DNA barcoding of stomach contents using hypervariable markers such as the 16S. The molecular approach increased taxonomic resolution and revealed an additional 17 taxa. Diet differed significantly according to breeding status, sex, breeding phase (prelaying and chick rearing) and year. Such direct evidence of trophic segregation within the same population has rarely been shown in seabirds and highlights the importance of including such variables in ecosystem‐based management approaches.
Guideline implementation powered by feedback and education improves manual hyperinflation performance
Authors: Paulus Frederique , Binnekade Jan M , Middelhoek Pauline , Vroom Margreeth B , SchuItz Marcus J
Published: May 2014

Aim

To determine whether a literature‐based guideline, powered by educational meetings and individual feedback, improves manual hyperinflation (MH) performance by intensive care unit (ICU) nurses.

Background

MH is frequently applied in intubated and mechanically ventilated ICU patients. MH is a complex intervention, and large variation in its performance has been found.

Materials and methods

First, a literature‐based guideline on MH was developed. The intervention consisted of education of this guideline and individual feedback. Before and 3 months after the intervention, ICU nurses performed MH maneuvers in a skills laboratory. Data collected included applied volumes, peak inspiratory flows (PIF) and peak expiratory flows (PEF), and the use of inspiratory holds.

Results

Eighty nurses participated. Decrease of PIF was not statistically significant. PEF increased from 52 ± 7 to 83 ± 23 L/min (P < 0·01). PIF to PEF ratio decreased from 1·4 [1·1–1·7] to 0·8 [0·6–1·1] (P < 0·01). Peak inspiratory pressures decreased from 40 ± 14 to 19 ± 6 cm H2O (P < 0·01). The proportion of nurses applying inspiratory holds increased from 14% to 58%; use of rapid release of the resuscitation bag, considered mandatory, increased from 4% to 61%.

Conclusion

Implementation of a literature‐based guideline on MH, powered by educational meetings and individual feedback, improves MH performance by ICU nurses.

Relevance to clinical practice

If it is decided to practice MH in the care of the intubated and mechanical ventilated patient, a standardized, uniform performed MH procedure is a prerequisite.
Randomized Controlled Trial of Perioperative ICD Management: Magnet Application versus Reprogramming
Authors: GIFFORD JANET , LARIMER KAREN , THOMAS CELIA , MAY PATRICIA , STANHOPE STEPHEN , GAMI APOOR
Published: May 2014

Background

There are insufficient data to guide perioperative implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) management for patients undergoing surgical procedures using electrocautery.

Methods

We conducted a multicenter randomized controlled trial of patients with ICDs undergoing surgery with monopolar electrocautery. Subjects were randomized to an “Off” group (ICD therapy programmed off, then postoperatively programmed on) or a “Magnet” group (ICD therapy suspended with a magnet and no immediate postoperative ICD interrogation). Also, a registry was maintained of ICD patients with procedures within 6 inches of the ICD (all programmed off). The primary endpoint was ICD off time with secondary endpoints being caregiver handoffs and incidence of electromagnetic interference (EMI).

Results

All patients (n = 80) had pectoral ICDs. Subject demographics were well matched in each group, and duration of electrocautery was similar (80 minutes vs 64 minutes, P = 0.58). The mean “excess” ICD off time (ICD off time – electrocautery time) was significantly higher in the Off group than the Magnet group (115 minutes vs 28 minutes, P < 0.001). Mean number of caregiver handoffs were higher in the Off group (6.6 vs 5.5, P < 0.001). There was no EMI in any lower abdominal or lower extremity procedures. Neither group had arrhythmic events or device reset.

Conclusion

A magnet protocol simplifies perioperative ICD management for procedures using electrocautery more than 6 inches from the ICD. This protocol results in significantly shorter time with ICD therapy off, fewer provider handoffs, no risk of inadvertently discharging patients home with ICD therapies off, and no device reset.
Best practices in the pediatric pretransplant psychosocial evaluation
Authors: Lefkowitz Debra S. , Fitzgerald Christopher J. , Zelikovsky Nataliya , Barlow Katherine , Wray Jo
Published: May 2014

Assessment of psychosocial functioning is an often‐included component of the pretransplant evaluation process. This study reviews several domains of assessment that have been related to post‐transplant outcomes across solid organ transplant populations. These include evaluation of patient and family past adherence, knowledge about the transplantation process, and their neurocognitive, psychological, and family functioning. To date, few comprehensive pretransplant evaluation measures have been standardized for use with children; however, several assessment measures used to evaluate the aforementioned domains are reviewed throughout the study. Additionally, this article discusses some developmental, illness‐specific, and cultural considerations in conducting the psychosocial evaluation. We also discuss ethical issues specific to the pediatric psychosocial evaluation. Recommendations are advanced to promote a comprehensive evaluation that identifies family strengths and risk factors as they begin the transplant journey.
Three‐yr safety and efficacy of everolimus and low‐dose cyclosporine in de novo pediatric kidney transplant patients
Authors: Ferraresso Mariano , Belingheri Mirco , Ginevri Fabrizio , Murer Luisa , Dello Strologo Luca , Cardillo Massimo , Parodi Angelica , Ghirardo Giulia , Guzzo Isabella , Innocente Annalisa , Ghio Luciana
Published: May 2014

The three yr results of a multicenter trial in de novo pediatric KT treated with a proliferative signal inhibitor and low dose CNI are presented. Thirty‐seven children (9.1 ± 5 yr old) received basiliximab, cyclosporine A (CyA C2:1400 ng/mL), (MMF C0:1.5–3 μg/mL), and prednisone. Three wk later everolimus was started (C0:5–10 ng/mL), CyA was reduced (C2:600 ng/mL after 90 days 300 ng/mL), and MMF discontinued. During the three‐yr period patient and graft survivals were 96%. One patient died for causes unrelated to the immunosuppression. Cumulative acute rejection rate including protocol and indication biopsies was 21.9%. None of the patients had signs of chronic humoral rejection. Incidence of dnDSA was 5%, 11%, and 22% at one, two, and three yr post‐transplant, respectively. Mean glomerular filtration rate measured at one yr and three yr post‐transplant was 105.5 ± 31 and 110.7 ± 27 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively. A growth velocity of 7.7 ± 6.7 cm/yr was achieved with positive catch‐up growth. No malignancy or post‐transplant lymphoproliferative diseases were diagnosed. In conclusion, the treatment based on basiliximab induction, everolimus, low‐dose cyclosporine, and low‐dose prednisone leads to good long‐term efficacy in de novo pediatric KT recipients.
Home care during neutropenia after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children and adolescents is safe and may be more advantageous than isolation in hospital
Authors: Ringdén Olle , Remberger Mats , Törlén Johan , Engström Mats , Fjaertoft Gustav , Mattsson Jonas , Svahn Britt‐Marie
Published: May 2014

After ASCT, children are isolated in hospital to prevent neutropenic infections. Patients living within two‐h drive from the hospital were given the option of treatment at home after ASCT. Daily visits by an experienced nurse and phone calls from a physician from the unit were included in the protocol. We compared 29 children and adolescents treated at home with 58 matched hospital controls. The children spent a median time of 13 days at home (range 2–24 days) and 6 (0–35) days in hospital. The cumulative incidence of acute GVHD grades II–IV was 21% in the home‐care children and 39% in the controls (p = 0.1). Chronic GVHD and probability of relapse were similar in the two groups. TRM at five yr was 11% in the home‐care patients and 18% in the controls. Overall survival at three yr was 77% and 62%, respectively (p = 0.33). None of the patients died at home. Median costs were 38 748 euros in the home‐care patients and 49 282 euros in those treated in the hospital (p = 0.2). We conclude that it is safe for children and adolescents to be treated at home during the pancytopenic phase after ASCT.
Antifungal prophylaxis in pediatric lung transplantation: An international multicenter survey
Authors: Mead Lee , Danziger‐Isakov Lara A. , Michaels Marian G. , Goldfarb Samuel , Glanville Allan R. , Benden Christian ,   International Pediatric Lung Transplant Collaborative (IPLTC)
Published: May 2014

Fungal infections create a significant risk to pediatric lung transplant recipients. However, no international consensus guidelines exist for fungal infection prevention strategies. It was the aim to describe the current strategies of antifungal prophylaxis in pediatric lung transplant centers. A self‐administered, web‐based survey on current practices to prevent fungal infection was circulated to centers within the IPLTC. Twenty‐one (88%) IPLTC centers participated, predominantly from Europe and the US. More than 50% of respondents perform adult and pediatric lung transplant operations. Twenty‐four percent use universal prophylaxis, 28% give prophylaxis to all patients but stratify the antifungal coverage based on pretransplant risk, and 48% target prophylaxis to only the children with CF or pretransplantation fungal colonization. Commonly, centers aim to target Aspergillus and Candida infection. Monotherapy with either voriconazole or inhaled amphotericin B is used in the majority of centers. Institutions utilize prophylactic therapy for variable time periods (40% 3–6 months; 30% ≥12 months). Alternative drugs were prescribed for lack of tolerance, toxicity, or positive surveillance culture. TDM (itraconazole/voriconazole) was used in 86% of centers. The survey revealed a wide range of antifungal prophylaxis strategies as current international practice in pediatric lung transplant recipients.
Outcome of liver re‐transplantation in children—Impact and special analysis of early re‐transplantation
Authors: Herden Uta , Ganschow Rainer , Grabhorn Enke , Briem‐Richter Andrea , Nashan Bjoern , Fischer Lutz
Published: May 2014

In case of graft failure, re‐LTX is the only life‐saving option but it has been associated with inferior results. This study analyzes the outcome following pediatric re‐LTX with a main focus on the timely relation between initial transplant and re‐LTX. All pediatric LTX at our institution between 2000 and 2010 divided into patients with primary LTX and patients undergoing re‐LTX early (≤30 days) or late (>30 days) after previous LTX were analyzed. Two hundred and ninety‐eight primary LTX(79%), 33 early (9%), and 46 late (12%) re‐LTX were performed. Patient/graft survival was significantly worse for children undergoing early re‐LTX compared to primary LTX and late re‐LTX (p = 0.024/0.001 and p = 0.015/0.03). One‐/five‐yr graft survival rates were 66%/49% for early re‐LTX compared to 86%/76% for late re‐LTX and 90%/74% for primary LTX. The inferior results in children undergoing early re‐LTX were due to events occurring in the first six months with similar survival thereafter. No difference in outcome was evident after adjustment of the groups for high‐urgency status. Outcome was excellent for primary LTX and late re‐LTX, supporting late re‐LTX in children. Early re‐LTX takes an elevated risk of early graft loss and patient death; however, beyond the early postoperative period, the outcome was comparable.
Neurological complications after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children, a single center experience
Authors: Azik Fatih , Yazal Erdem Arzu , Tavil Betül , Bayram Cengiz , Tunç Bahattin , Uçkan Duygu
Published: May 2014

In this study, we retrospectively examined the data of children who underwent allo‐HSCT from HLA‐matched family donors. We analyzed the incidence, etiological factors, clinical characteristics, possible reasons, risk factors, and follow‐up of neurologic complications. BU‐based conditioning regimens were used in most of the cases (n = 62). The median duration of follow‐up for the 89 patients was 20 months (range 1–41 months). Eleven percent of transplanted children developed one or more neurological symptoms after HSCT with a median observation time of two months (range −6 days to 18 months). The median age of the four girls and six boys with neurological complication was 13 yr (range 5.3–17.6 yr). Cylosporine A neurotoxicity was diagnosed in five children, four of them were PRES. The rest of complications were BU and lorazepam toxicity, an intracranial hemorrhage, a sinovenous thrombosis, and a transient ischemic attack during extracorpereal photopheresis. No difference was found between groups of neurological complication according to age, gender, diagnosis, hospitalization time, neutrophil and platelet engraftment time, stem cell source, and conditioning regimen, acute and chronic GVHD or VOD. Neurological complication was the cause of death in one patient (1.1%).
Combination of Oral Vitamin D3 with Photodynamic Therapy Enhances Tumor Cell Death in a Murine Model of Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Anand Sanjay , Rollakanti Kishore R. , Horst Ronald L. , Hasan Tayyaba , Maytin Edward V.
Published: May 2014

Photodynamic therapy (PDT), in which 5‐ALA (a precursor for protoporphyrin IX, PpIX) is administered prior to exposure to light, is a nonscarring treatment for skin cancers. However, for deep tumors, ALA‐PDT is not always effective due to inadequate production of PpIX. We previously developed and reported a combination approach in which the active form of vitamin D3 (calcitriol) is given systemically prior to PDT to improve PpIX accumulation and to enhance PDT‐induced tumor cell death; calcitriol, however, poses a risk of hypercalcemia. Here, we tested a possible strategy to circumvent the problem of hypercalcemia by substituting natural dietary vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol; D3) for calcitriol. Oral D3 supplementation (10 days of a 10‐fold elevated D3 diet) enhanced PpIX levels 3‐ to 4‐fold, and PDT‐mediated cell death 20‐fold, in subcutaneous A431 tumors. PpIX levels and cell viability in normal tissues were not affected. Hydroxylated metabolic forms of D3 were only modestly elevated in serum, indicating minimal hypercalcemic risk. These results show that brief oral administration of cholecalciferol can serve as a safe neoadjuvant to ALA‐PDT. We suggest a clinical study, using oral vitamin D3 prior to PDT, should be considered to evaluate this promising new approach to treating human skin cancer.
Effect of water content and temperature on seed longevity of seven Brassicaceae species after 5 years of storage
Authors: Mira S. , Estrelles E. , González‐Benito M. E.
Published: May 2014

Maximising seed longevity is crucial for genetic resource preservation and longevity of orthodox seeds is determined by environmental conditions (water content and temperature). The effect of water content (down to 0.01 g·H2O·g−1) on seed viability was studied at different temperatures for a 5‐year storage period in taxonomically related species. Seeds of seven Brassicaceae species (Brassica repanda, Eruca vesicaria, Malcolmia littorea, Moricandia arvensis, Rorippa nasturtium‐aquaticum, Sinapis alba, Sisymbrium runcinatum) were stored at 48 environments comprising a combination of eight water contents, from 0.21 to 0.01 g·H2O·g−1 DW and six temperatures (45, 35, 20, 5, −25, −170 °C). Survival curves were modelled and P50 calculated for those conditions where germination was reduced over the 5‐year assay period. Critical water content for storage of seeds of six species at 45 °C ranged from 0.02 to 0.03 g·H2O·g−1. The effect of extreme desiccation at 45 °C showed variability among species: three species showed damaging effects of drying below the critical water content, while for three species it was neither detrimental nor beneficial to seed longevity. Lipid content could be related to longevity, depending on the storage conditions. A variable seed longevity response to water content among taxonomically related species was found. The relative position of some of the species as long‐ or short‐lived at 45 °C varied depending on the humidity at which storage behaviour was evaluated. Therefore, predictions of survival under desiccated conditions based on results obtained at high humidity might be problematic for some species.
The Impact of Costliness, Competitive Importance, and Modularity of Investments on Outsourcing
Authors: Grahovac Jovan , Parker Geoffrey , Shittu Ekundayo
Published: May 2014

This study is motivated by examples of outsourcing that are not readily explained by widely established economic theories. We extend recent literature that develops the idea that outsourcing can help firms avoid overinvestment by specifying more precisely the conditions under which this thesis is likely to apply. Our extension is realized through a two‐period game theoretic model in which the outsourcing and in‐house investments are driven by (1) the cost required to develop a product or process module, (2) competitive relevance, defined as the module's share in the production cost or the module's importance to the customer, and (3) modularity, defined as the extent to which generic investments in the module can approach firm‐specific investments in terms of the overall product/process performance. The analysis generates predictions about what types of insourcing, outsourcing, and non‐sourcing behaviors are likely to emerge in different parts of the parameter space. Outsourcing to a more concentrated industry upstream emerges at equilibrium when modularity is high, relevance low to medium, and development cost high enough that none or only a subset of focal firms wants to invest. While firms are forced to insource and overinvest due to a prisoner's dilemma when the development cost is sufficiently high relative to the module's relevance, we do not find outsourcing equilibria that solve this problem in a two‐period game with no commitment. This result implies that some form of tacit coordination in a multi‐period game may be necessary. We conclude the study with a discussion of empirical implications.
Optimal Software Free Trial Strategy: Limited Version, Time‐locked, or Hybrid?
Authors: Cheng Hsing Kenneth , Li Shengli , Liu Yipeng
Published: May 2014

Limited version, time‐locked, and hybrid are three software free trial strategies employed by software firms to exploit increased installed base and/or reduction of consumers' uncertainty about software quality. We develop an analytical model to examine these three software free trial strategies. We find that the hybrid strategy weakly dominates the limited and time‐locked versions, and the intensity of the network effects is a key factor determining which strategy is optimal.
Stillbirth Rates among Haitians in Canada
Authors: Auger Nathalie , Vecchiato Léa , Naimi Ashley I. , Costopoulos André , Fraser William D.
Published: May 2014

Background

Data on cultural groups at risk of stillbirth in high‐income countries are scarce. We sought to determine disparities in stillbirth by gestational age for Haitian vs. non‐Haitian Canadians.

Methods

We used data on 10 287 stillbirths and 2 482 364 livebirths from 1981–2010 in the province of Quebec, Canada. Stillbirth rates for Haitians were compared with non‐Haitians using fetuses at risk denominators, and Cox proportional hazards regression models with gestational age as the time scale.

Results

Stillbirth rates were much higher for Haitians than non‐Haitians during the study period (7.2 vs. 3.9 per 1000 total births). Disparities between Haitians and non‐Haitians were largest at 32–36 weeks of gestation [hazard ratio 2.22, 95% confidence interval 1.61, 3.07].

Conclusions

Stillbirth rates in Haitian Canadians giving birth in Quebec are exceptionally high. Disparities were greatest during the late preterm period.
Wage Assimilation of Foreigners: Which Factors Close the Gap? Evidence FromGermany
Authors: Lehmer Florian , Ludsteck Johannes
Published: May 2014

This study analyzes the development of the wages of male foreign workers from all important sending countries across time using longitudinal employment register data. A cohort analysis of the individuals entering theGerman labor market in the years 1999 to 2001 indicates that the raw wage gap of migrants compared to native Germans decreases by 14 log percentage points in the first eight years. The results of a decomposition method based on fixed effects regression models give evidence that this wage adjustment is mostly due to time‐varying observable characteristics. Selective return migration, and the trend effects play no role for the aggregate. We find that wage assimilation happens mainly through three channels: first, through the accumulation of firm‐specific human capital, which explains approximately 40 percent; second, search gains are approximately the same order of magnitude; and third, the accumulation of general human capital explains one‐fifth of the assimilation. We further demonstrate that the importance of these channels differs substantially by the origin groups.
Soil flooding and rice straw addition can increase isotopic exchangeable phosphorus in P‐deficient tropical soils
Authors: Rakotoson T. , Amery F. , Rabeharisoa L. , Smolders E.
Published: May 2014

Soil flooding increases phosphorus (P) availability due to reductive dissolution of P‐bearing Fe(III) minerals. It is, however, unclear whether such processes also act in P‐deficient soils of the tropics that have large Fe/P ratios (dithionite‐ and oxalate‐extractable P and Fe). The objective was to identify the extent of P release induced by flooding in such soils and the soil characteristics involved. Six topsoils (0.4–5% Fe) from rice fields in Madagascar were incubated aerobically and anaerobically for 66 days amended with factorial combinations of (0, 50 mg P/kg); half of the flooded soils were also amended with 1 g rice straw/kg prior to flooding to stimulate soil oxygen depletion. The release of P after flooding was measured at day 40 with 33P isotopic exchange, which detects both changes of labile P (exchangeable P) and changes in P solubility. Flooding increased labile P concentration in soil compared with aerobic soils by 1.4–60 mg P/kg, effects being significant in 6 of the 12 soil samples. Rice straw addition further increased the labile P in 5 of the 12 flooded soil samples by 2–27 mg P/kg. The release of labile P by flooding increased with soil oxalate‐extractable P concentration. Flooding combined with rice straw addition can increase the labile P in soil, even in soils with large amount of Fe; however, this release in unfertilized soils is likely insufficient for optimal nutrition of rice plants when evaluated against critical values for P solubility.
Plasmodium genome in blood donors at risk for malaria after several years of residence in Italy
Authors: Assennato Sonny Michael , Berzuini Alessandra , Foglieni Barbara , Spreafico Marta , Allain Jean‐Pierre , Prati Daniele
Published: May 2014

Background

At present, the main risk of transfusion‐transmitted malaria (TTM) in nonendemic countries is chronic, asymptomatic immigrants from malaria‐endemic areas. Semi‐immune donors may carry undetected parasitemia. This study examines Plasmodium infection in at‐risk blood donors in Northern Italy.

Study Design and Methods

Plasma samples from 97 candidate donors and 80 controls were tested for malarial antibodies using a commercial enzyme immunoassay. The conserved 18S rRNA and the mitochondrial genes of Plasmodium were amplified to detect and quantify parasite genomes (copies/mL). Plasmodium species were identified with a species‐specific nested polymerase chain reaction. Parasitemic samples were further tested by amplification of polymorphic repetitive regions in MSP‐1 Block 2, MSP‐2 Block 3, and glutamate‐rich protein (GLURP) confirmed by sequencing.

Results

Three of 83 seropositive (3.6%) and one of 14 seronegative at‐risk candidate donors carried Plasmodium genome (4 × 103‐8.5 × 104 copies/mL): two P. falciparum, one P. malariae (seronegative sample), and one coinfection with P. malariae and P. ovale. Alleles of MSP‐1 (MAD20 and K1), MSP‐2 (3D7 and FC27), and GLURP were amplified from Sample 261. In Sample 282 only one allele in MSP‐2 (FC27) and GLURP was amplified. No alleles were detected in Samples 283 and 331.

Conclusions

Immigrants from endemic countries might carry infectious Plasmodium after 2 to 5 years of continuous residence in Italy. Serologic screening may miss donors carrying P. malariae. Permanent exclusion or screening for both antibodies and genome are needed to prevent TTM.