bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antimicrobial Effects of Essential Oils, Nisin, and Irradiation Treatments against Listeria monocytogenes on Ready‐to‐Eat Carrots
Authors: Ndoti‐Nembe Aude , Vu Khanh Dang , Doucet Nicolas , Lacroix Monique
Published: March 2015

The study aimed at using essential oil (EO) alone or combined EO with nisin and low dose γ‐irradiation to evaluate their antibacterial effect against Listeria monocytogenes during storage of carrots at 4 °C. Minicarrots were inoculated with L. monocytogenes at a final concentration of approximately 7 log CFU/g. Inoculated samples were coated by nisin at final concentration of 103 International Unit (IU)/mL or individual mountain savory EO or carvacrol at final concentration of 0.35%, w/w) or nisin plus EO. The samples were then irradiated at 0, 0.5, and 1.0 kGy. The treated samples were kept at 4 °C and microbial analysis of samples were conducted at days 1, 3, 6, and 9. The results showed that coating carrots by carvacrol plus nisin or mountain savory plus nisin and then irradiating coated carrots at 1 kGy could reduce L. monocytogenes by more than 3 log at day 1 and reduced it to undetectable level from day 6. Thus, the combined treatments using nisin plus carvacrol or nisin plus mountain savory and irradiation at 1.0 kGy could be used as an effective method for controlling L. monocytogenes in minicarrots.
Development of bioelectrocatalytic activity stimulates mixed‐culture reduction of glycerol in a bioelectrochemical system
Authors: Zhou Mi , Freguia Stefano , Dennis Paul G. , Keller Jürg , Rabaey Korneel
Published: March 2015

In a microbial bioelectrochemical system (BES), organic substrate such as glycerol can be reductively converted to 1,3‐propanediol (1,3‐PDO) by a mixed population biofilm growing on the cathode. Here, we show that 1,3‐PDO yields positively correlated to the electrons supplied, increasing from 0.27 ± 0.13 to 0.57 ± 0.09 mol PDO mol−1 glycerol when the cathodic current switched from 1 A m−2 to 10 A m−2. Electrochemical measurements with linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) demonstrated that the biofilm was bioelectrocatalytically active and that the cathodic current was greatly enhanced only in the presence of both biofilm and glycerol, with an onset potential of −0.46 V. This indicates that glycerol or its degradation products effectively served as cathodic electron acceptor. During long‐term operation (> 150 days), however, the yield decreased gradually to 0.13 ± 0.02 mol PDO mol−1 glycerol, and the current–product correlation disappeared. The onset potentials for cathodic current decreased to −0.58 V in the LSV tests at this stage, irrespective of the presence or absence of glycerol, with electrons from the cathode almost exclusively used for hydrogen evolution (accounted for 99.9% and 89.5% of the electrons transferred at glycerol and glycerol‐free conditions respectively). Community analysis evidenced a decreasing relative abundance of Citrobacter in the biofilm, indicating a community succession leading to cathode independent processes relative to the glycerol. It is thus shown here that in processes where substrate conversion can occur independently of the electrode, electroactive microorganisms can be outcompeted and effectively disconnected from the substrate.
Four‐stage dissolved oxygen strategy based on multi‐scale analysis for improving spinosad yield by Saccharopolyspora spinosa ATCC49460
Authors: Bai Yun , Zhou Peng‐Peng , Fan Pei , Zhu Yuan‐Min , Tong Yao , Wang Hong‐bo , Yu Long‐Jiang
Published: March 2015

Dissolved oxygen (DO) is an important influencing factor in the process of aerobic microbial fermentation. Spinosad is an aerobic microbial‐derived secondary metabolite. In our study, spinosad was used as an example to establish a DO strategy by multi‐scale analysis, which included a reactor, cell and gene scales. We changed DO conditions that are related to the characteristics of cell metabolism (glucose consumption rate, biomass accumulation and spinosad production). Consequently, cell growth was promoted by maintaining DO at 40% in the first 24 h and subsequently increasing DO to 50% in 24 h to 96 h. In an in‐depth analysis of the key enzyme genes (gtt, spn A, spn K and spn O), expression of spinosad and specific Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP), the spinosad yield was increased by regulating DO to 30% within 96 h to 192 h and then changing it to 25% in 192 h to 240 h. Under the four‐phase DO strategy, spinosad yield increased by 652.1%, 326.1%, 546.8%, and 781.4% compared with the yield obtained under constant DO control at 50%, 40%, 30%, and 20% respectively. The proposed method provides a novel way to develop a precise DO strategy for fermentation.
Are the Public Health Responsibility Deal alcohol pledges likely to improve public health? An evidence synthesis
Authors: Knai Cécile , Petticrew Mark , Durand Mary Alison , Eastmure Elizabeth , Mays Nicholas
Published: March 2015

Aims

The English Public Health Responsibility Deal (RD) is a public–private partnership involving voluntary pledges between industry, government and other actors in various areas including alcohol, and designed to improve public health. This paper reviews systematically the evidence underpinning four RD alcohol pledges.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of reviews of the evidence underpinning interventions proposed in four RD alcohol pledges, namely alcohol labelling, tackling underage alcohol sales, advertising and marketing alcohol, and alcohol unit reduction. In addition, we included relevant studies of interventions where these had not been covered by a recent review.

Results

We synthesized the evidence from 14 reviews published between 2002 and 2013. Overall, alcohol labelling is likely to be of limited effect on consumption: alcohol unit content labels can help consumers assess the alcohol content of drinks; however, labels promoting drinking guidelines and pregnancy warning labels are unlikely to influence drinking behaviour. Responsible drinking messages are found to be ambiguous, and industry‐funded alcohol prevention campaigns can promote drinking instead of dissuading consumption. Removing advertising near schools can contribute to reducing underage drinking; however, community mobilization and law enforcement are most effective. Finally, reducing alcohol consumption is more likely to occur if there are incentives such as making lower‐strength alcohol products cheaper.

Conclusions

The most effective evidence‐based strategies to reduce alcohol‐related harm are not reflected consistently in the RD alcohol pledges. The evidence is clear that an alcohol control strategy should support effective interventions to make alcohol less available and more expensive.
Incidence and risk factors for life‐threatening bleeding after allogeneic stem cell transplant
Authors: Labrador Jorge , López‐Corral Lucia , Vazquez Lourdes , Sánchez‐Guijo Fermin , Guerrero Carmen , Sánchez‐Barba Mercedes , Lozano Francisco S. , Alberca Ignacio , del Cañizo María C. , Caballero Dolores , González‐Porras Jose R.
Published: March 2015

Bleeding is a frequent complication after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and may affect survival. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence and risk factors for life‐threatening bleeding after HSCT by retrospective evaluation of 491 allogeneic HSCT recipients. With a median follow‐up of 33 months, 126 out of 491 allogeneic HSCT recipients experienced a haemorrhagic event (25·7%) and 46 patients developed a life‐threatening bleeding episode (9·4%). Pulmonary and gastrointestinal bleeding were the most common sites for life‐threatening bleeding, followed by central nervous system. In multivariate analyses, the presence of severe thrombocytopenia after day +28 and the development of grade III–IV acute graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) or thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) retained their association with life‐threatening bleeding events. The overall survival at 3 years among patients without bleeding was 67·1% for only 17·1% for patients with life‐threatening bleeding (P < 0·001). In conclusion, life‐threatening bleeding is a common complication after allogeneic HSCT. Prolonged severe thrombocytopenia, acute grade III–IV GVHD and TMA were associated with its development.
Long‐term outcome of patients with acquired chronic pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) following immunosuppressive therapy: a final report of the nationwide cohort study in 2004/2006 by the Japan PRCA collaborative study group
Authors: Hirokawa Makoto , Sawada Kenichi , Fujishima Naohito , Teramura Masanao , Bessho Masami , Dan Kazuo , Tsurumi Hisashi , Nakao Shinji , Urabe Akio , Fujisawa Shin , Yonemura Yuji , Kawano Fumio , Oshimi Kazuo , Sugimoto Koichi , Matsuda Akira , Karasawa Masamitsu , Arai Ayako , Komatsu Norio , Harigae Hideo , Omine Mitsuhiro , Ozawa Keiya , Kurokawa Mineo ,   the PRCA Collaborative Study Group
Published: March 2015

Immunosuppressive therapy has been employed as the initial treatment for acquired chronic pure red cell aplasia (PRCA), such as idiopathic, thymoma‐associated, or large granular lymphocyte (LGL) leukaemia‐associated PRCA, which is thought to be immune‐mediated. To explore the overall long‐term outcome following immunosuppression and to identify the risk factors for death in these disorders, we conducted nationwide surveys in Japan 2004 and 2006, and identified a total of 185 patients with acquired chronic PRCA, including 72 idiopathic, 41 thymoma‐associated and 14 LGL leukaemia‐associated cases of PRCA for whom data was available. The
present study evaluated 127 patients with these three subsets of PRCA. The median overall survival has not yet been reached in idiopathic PRCA. The estimated median overall survival times in patients with thymoma‐associated and LGL leukaemia‐associated PRCA were 142·1 and 147·8 months, respectively. Twenty‐two deaths were reported, and the response to induction therapy and relapse of anaemia were found to be associated with death. The major causes of death were infection in seven patients and organ failure in another seven patients. The results suggest that maintenance therapy and the management of infectious complications are crucial for improving the prognosis of chronic PRCA.
Impact of social norms and social support on diet, physical activity and sedentary behaviour of adolescents: a scoping review
Authors: Draper C. E. , Grobler L. , Micklesfield L. K. , Norris S. A.
Published: March 2015

The prevalence of non‐communicable diseases (NCDs) in adulthood is rapidly increasing, and it is essential that risk factors for NCDs be addressed in adolescence, both for the health of individuals during adolescence and for their health in later life. These risk factors include diet, physical activity and sedentary behaviour. No literature has been published that comprehensively summarizes the impact of social norms and social support on these behaviours among adolescents. Therefore, a scoping review was conducted to determine the extent of recent (since 2000) literature available on this topic. A comprehensive search strategy was used to search PubMed and EMBASE for eligible reviews. Review papers (narrative reviews, systematic and non‐systematic reviews) published in English in peer‐reviewed journals from 2000 to February 2013 were included in the overview. Two of the authors screened the titles and abstracts of the search results independently. Thirty reviews were included in the scoping review. This scoping review has shown sufficient evidence for parental influences, and especially the positive impact of an authoritative parenting style, on healthy behaviours of adolescents, although the evidence is somewhat more compelling for diet than for physical activity and sedentary behaviour. More research is needed to investigate parental and family influences on physical activity and sedentary behaviour. And the effect of peer influences on diet, physical activity and sedentary behaviour of adolescents requires further investigation. The evidence presented affirms the consideration of social norms and social support in the development of interventions to address these behaviours in adolescents. The evidence regarding parenting style provides some concrete guidance for such interventions.
Development of a reliable, valid measure to assess parents' and teachers' understanding of postural care for children with physical disabilities: the (UKC PostCarD) questionnaire
Authors: Hotham S. , Hutton E. , Hamilton‐West K. E.
Published: March 2015

Background

Previous research has highlighted lack of knowledge, understanding and confidence among parents and teachers responsible for the postural care of children with physical disability. Interventions designed to improve these qualities require a reliable and validated tool to assess pre‐ and post‐intervention levels. Currently, however, no validated measure of postural care confidence (i.e. self‐efficacy) exists. Hence, the aim of this research was to develop a reliable and valid questionnaire to assess parents' and teachers' confidence, alongside knowledge and understanding of postural care – the Understanding Knowledge and Confidence in providing POSTural CARe for children with Disabilities (UKC PostCarD) questionnaire.

Methods

Items were developed by a multidisciplinary team and designed to map onto the content of ‘An A‐to‐Z of Postural Care’. Parents, teachers and therapists assessed items for face validity. Scale reliability was then assessed using Cronbach's alpha and known‐group validity was assessed by comparing scores of an ‘expert’ group (physiotherapists and occupational therapists) with those of a ‘non‐expert’ group (with no formal training in postural care).

Results

The total scale and all three subscales (understanding and knowledge, confidence and concerns) demonstrated adequate reliability (α > 0.83) and subscale correlations formed a logical pattern (understanding and knowledge correlated positively with confidence and negatively with concerns). Experts' (n = 111) scores were higher than non‐experts' (n = 79) for the total scale and all subscales (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Findings support the reliability and validity of the UKC PostCarD questionnaire as a measure of understanding, knowledge and confidence in providing postural care for children with disabilities.
Postpartum SMS reminders to women who have experienced gestational diabetes to test for Type 2 diabetes: the DIAMIND randomized trial
Authors: Van Ryswyk E. M. , Middleton P. F. , Hague W. M. , Crowther C. A.
Published: March 2015

Aims

This parallel group randomized controlled trial assessed whether an SMS reminder system for women, after gestational diabetes, would increase their attendance for an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) by six months postpartum.

Methods

Women were eligible for inclusion if they were diagnosed with gestational diabetes in their recent pregnancy, had a mobile phone and normal blood glucose profile prior to postnatal discharge from the Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide. A computer‐generated random number sequence and telephone randomization were used. Two hundred and seventy‐six women were randomized. Women in the six‐week group (n = 140) were sent a text reminder to attend for an OGTT at six weeks postpartum, with further reminders at three and six months if required. Women in the control group (n = 136) received one text reminder at six months postpartum. Blinding was not feasible. The primary outcome was OGTT attendance within six months postpartum.

Results

Women in the six‐week group did not increase their attendance for an OGTT within six months postpartum compared with women in the control group, 104 (77.6% of 134) versus 103 (76.8% of 134), relative risk (RR) 1.01, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.89–1.15.

Conclusions

The SMS reminder system did not increase postpartum OGTT, fasting plasma glucose or HbA1c completion, although high rates of test completion were measured in both groups. Further research is required into factors influencing attendance for postpartum testing from the perspective of women, and into optimal counselling relating to Type 2 diabetes risk in the postpartum period for increasing postpartum glucose testing rates.
Fall in population‐based mortality from coronary heart disease negated in people with diabetes mellitus: data from England
Authors: Ecclestone T. C. , Yeates D. G. R. , Goldacre M. J.
Published: March 2015

Aims

Mortality rates for coronary heart disease (CHD) have declined substantially in developed countries. Diabetes mellitus is an important risk factor for CHD; its prevalence is increasing. We aimed to compare trends in population‐based mortality for CHD without diabetes on the death certificate with trends for CHD with diabetes on the same certificate.

Methods

Analysis of an all‐England dataset with multiple‐cause coded mortality records from 1995 to 2010. Analysis of a similar dataset for Oxford, because it has the longest run of multiple‐cause coded mortality in England, from 1979. Age‐specific and age‐standardized mortality rates were calculated.

Results

In the all‐England dataset, there were 1 772 760 deaths with CHD and no mention of diabetes; and 173 184 deaths with CHD and diabetes on the same death certificate. Of deaths with CHD without a mention of diabetes, rates per million men fell by more than half from 2843 (95% confidence interval: 2822–2862) in 1995 to 1379 (1366–1391) in 2010; and those in women halved from 1324 (1314–1336) to 628 (621–635). Of deaths with CHD and diabetes, rates per million men increased from 194 (188–200) to 215 (210–220); and those for women fell, but only very slightly, from 114 (111–118) to 101 (98–104). The longer run in Oxford, from 1979, showed that rates in men and women without diabetes had fallen by two‐thirds; but that rates for CHD with diabetes had not fallen.

Conclusions

The fall in mortality from CHD without diabetes has been spectacular. There has been no comparable fall in mortality from CHD with diabetes.
Clinical Evaluation of Coronary In‐Stent Restenosis Using Dual‐Source Computed Tomography
Authors: Wang Lian‐Fa , Tao Li‐Wei , Huang Meng‐Xun , Liao Wen‐Bin , Zhu You‐Zhi , Zhou Wen‐Bing , Li Hua , Li Dan , Lu Hong‐Tao , Zhang Bang‐Zhu , Chen Zhen
Published: March 2015

Objective

To explore the feasibility of dual‐source computed tomography (DSCT) in the evaluation of coronary in‐stent restenosis (ISR) by comparing the results of DSCT and selective coronary angiography (CAG).

Methods

In‐stent restenosis examination results from DSCT were compared with those obtained using CAG.

Results

Among 173 stents studied, 156 yielded good quality images when evaluated with DSCT. CAG identified 38 ISR cases, while DSCT found 40. Among the 112 stents in the study with an inner diameter ≥3.0 mm, CAG identified 29 as having ISR, while DSCT reported the same finding in 30; among the 44 stents with inner diameter <3.0 mm, CAG identified ISR in 9, while DSCT found ISR in 10.

Conclusions

Stent inner diameter is a key factor influencing the imaging of the stent lumen. DSCT demonstrated a higher negative predictive value in ISR assessment, suggesting that it could replace CAG for assessing the patency of stents with a larger inner diameter (≥3 mm).
Swiss Cheese‐Like Atrial Septal Defect Detected by Three‐Dimensional Echocardiography
Authors: Vatankulu Mehmet A. , Jafarov Parviz , Kahraman Ay Nuray
Published: March 2015

Mini‐Abstract

A 33‐year‐old female presented to the outpatient clinic with progressive exertional dyspnea. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed enlarged right heart chambers with left‐to‐right shunting. Two‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography confirmed these findings and showed three defects on interatrial septum. Real time three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography was performed to better visualize the anatomy of the interatrial septum. Reconstruction of the three‐dimensional images revealed multiple defects of interatrial septum like a Swiss cheese. The patient underwent surgical closure of the atrial septal defect.
Dynamic LVOT Obstruction and Aortic Stenosis in the Same Patient: A Case of Challenging Doppler Hemodynamics
Authors: Parker Matthew W. , Kiernan Francis J.
Published: March 2015

We present a patient with both dynamic left ventricular outflow tract obstruction and valvular aortic stenosis. The aortic valve was calcified, and velocities and gradients measured by continuous‐wave Doppler met standard criteria for severe aortic stenosis. The increased subvalvular velocities invalidated assumptions of the simplified Bernoulli equation; correction using the longer form of the Bernoulli equation suggested a lower but still significant gradient. The complex shape of the subvalvular spectral Doppler envelope indicated supranormal systolic function and dynamic left ventricular outflow obstruction. Left heart catheterization with an end‐hole catheter was required to determine the subvalvular and valvular components of the obstruction.
Trileaflet Mitral Valve with Three Papillary Muscles Associated with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: A Novel Case
Authors: Rosanio Salvatore , Simonsen Cameron J. , Starwalt John , Keylani Abdul M. , Vitarelli Antonio
Published: March 2015

Congenital mitral valve (MV) malformations are uncommon, except for MV prolapse. Despite their infrequency, most of them are well‐known and defined entities, such as congenital MV stenosis with two papillary muscles, parachute MV, supravalvular mitral ring, hypoplastic MV, isolated cleft in the anterior and/or posterior leaflets, and double‐orifice MV. A trileaflet MV with three separate papillary muscles with concordant atrioventricular and ventricle–arterial connections is exceptionally rare. To the best of the authors' knowledge, it has been reported only once in association with subaortic valvular stenosis. We hereby describe a novel case associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Aortic Arch Interruption and Persistent Fifth Aortic Arch in Phace Syndrome: Prenatal Diagnosis and Postnatal Course
Authors: Chiappa Enrico , Greco Antonella , Fainardi Valentina , Passantino Silvia , Serranti Daniele , Favilli Silvia
Published: March 2015

PHACE is a rare congenital neurocutaneous syndrome where posterior fossa malformations, hemangiomas, cerebrovascular anomalies, aortic arch anomalies, cardiac defects, and eye abnormalities are variably associated. We describe the prenatal detection and the postnatal course of a child with PHACE syndrome with a unique type of aortic arch anomaly consisting of proximal interruption of the aortic arch and persistence of the fifth aortic arch. The fifth aortic arch represented in this case a vital systemic‐to‐systemic connection between the ascending aorta and the transverse portion of the aortic arch allowing adequate forward flow through the aortic arch without surgical treatment.
Stereological estimation of neuron number and plaque load in the hippocampal region of a transgenic rat model of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Heggland Ingrid , Storkaas Inge S. , Soligard Hanne T. , Kobro‐Flatmoen Asgeir , Witter Menno P.
Published: March 2015

The main hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD) are senile plaques, neurofibrillary tangles and neuronal death. The McGill‐R‐Thy1‐APP rat is one of the few transgenic rat models of AD that displays progressive amyloid pathology. This study aimed to further characterise this rat model, focusing on the pathological changes in the hippocampal formation and the parahippocampal region. These structures, that are important for episodic memory and spatial navigation, are affected in the early stages of the disease. This study used unbiased stereology to investigate possible neuronal loss in the CA1, subiculum and entorhinal cortex of 18‐month‐old homozygous McGill‐R‐Thy1‐APP rats, and also quantified the plaque load in all the areas of the hippocampal formation and parahippocampal region from 9 to 18 months old. A significant reduction of neurons at 18 months was only seen in the subiculum. The first plaque pathology was seen at 9 months in the subiculum. Although the quantified plaque load was variable between animals, the pattern of spatiotemporal progression was similar for all animals. The spread of plaque pathology mainly affected anatomically connected regions. Overall, the plaque pathology observed in the transgenic rats was similar to the early phases of amyloid beta (Aβ)‐deposition described in human patients. The findings here thus indicate that the McGill‐R‐Thy1‐APP rat could be a good model of the Aβ pathology in AD, but less so with respect to neuron loss.
Responses of cyanobacteria to herbivorous zooplankton across predator regimes: who mows the bloom?
Authors: Urrutia‐Cordero Pablo , Ekvall Mattias K. , Hansson Lars‐Anders
Published: March 2015

The massive growth of large, toxic cyanobacteria in eutrophic waters has traditionally been explained by their evolution of defences to herbivorous zooplankton. These conclusions come mostly from studies using the large‐bodied cladoceran Daphnia as a grazer model. In contrast, very little is known about the effects of other zooplankters such as copepods and small cladocerans that, unlike Daphnia, often coexist with cyanobacterial blooms and under high levels of fish predation.

We performed a series of grazing experiments during a cyanobacterial bloom in a eutrophic lake, subject to decreasing predation on zooplankton (removal of cyprinid fish). We also used long‐term observational data to analyse the response of cyanobacteria to changes in abundance, body size and biomass of the naturally, coexisting zooplankton community across different predator regimes.

A natural grazer community, dominated by selective herbivores like calanoid and cyclopoid copepods, positively affected cyanobacterial growth in early summer at low cyanobacterial densities. However, cyclopoid copepods and small cladocerans suppressed the growth of Anabaena, Microcystis and Planktothrix species under bloom conditions in late summer, with the exception of the highly toxic Microcystis botrys.

Long‐term observational data support the results from the grazing experiments regarding the potential capacity of the natural zooplankton community to suppress cyanobacterial growth, especially of the dominant taxon Microcystis (including the most toxic species, M. botrys). In particular, these results suggest that direct grazing may contribute significantly to the observed 72% decrease in Microcystis biomass through a 111% increase in abundance of cyclopoid copepods, and an 18% increase in body size of cyclopoid copepods and a 31% increase in body size of the generalist feeder Daphnia, during the biomanipulation.

Together, these results suggest that, within the complex interactions brought about by trophic cascades, direct grazing by the coexisting zooplankton community is a strong driver regulating cyanobacterial growth in eutrophic lakes and that this can display contrasting effects, both seasonally and under different levels of fish predation. Importantly, we show that herbivory may be enhanced along a gradient of decreasing fish predation by the combined action of copepods (selective herbivores) and Daphnia (generalist herbivores).
The smell of change: warming affects species interactions mediated by chemical information
Authors: Sentis Arnaud , Ramon‐Portugal Felipe , Brodeur Jacques , Hemptinne Jean‐Louis
Published: March 2015

Knowledge of how temperature influences an organism's physiology and behaviour is of paramount importance for understanding and predicting the impacts of climate change on species' interactions. While the behaviour of many organisms is driven by chemical information on which they rely on to detect resources, conspecifics, natural enemies and competitors, the effects of temperature on infochemical‐mediated interactions remain largely unexplored. Here, we experimentally show that temperature strongly influences the emission of infochemicals by ladybeetle larvae, which, in turn, modifies the oviposition behaviour of conspecific females. Temperature also directly affects female perception of infochemicals and their oviposition behaviour. Our results suggest that temperature‐mediated effects on chemical communication can influence flows across system boundaries (e.g. immigration and emigration) and thus alter the dynamics and stability of ecological networks. We therefore argue that investigating the effects of temperature on chemical communication is a crucial step towards a better understanding of the functioning of ecological communities facing rapid environmental changes.
From admission to discharge in mental health services: a qualitative analysis of service user involvement
Authors: Wright Nicola , Rowley Emma , Chopra Arun , Gregoriou Kyriakos , Waring Justin
Published: March 2015

Background

User involvement and recovery are now widely used terms within the mental health policy, research and practice discourse. However, there is a question mark about the impact these ideas have in everyday practice. Of interest is the degree of involvement in key transitions of care. In particular, admission to and discharge from acute inpatient mental health wards.

Objective

To explore the nature of service user involvement in the admission and discharge process into and out of acute inpatient mental health care.

Design

A qualitative study using focus groups.

Setting and Participants

One acute, inpatient mental health ward was the focus of the study. Seven uniprofessional focus group interviews were conducted with ward staff, community staff and service users (total number of participants = 52). Conventional, thematic qualitative techniques were used to analyse the data.

Results

The data analysed and presented in this article relate to the loss of the service user voice at the key transition points into and out of acute inpatient care. Due to the lack of resources (inpatient beds and community care follow‐up), the role service users could play was diminished. In their narratives, clinical staff associated the person with the process and used language which dehumanized the individual.

Conclusion

Service users experience numerous care transitions into and out of hospital. As there is the potential for these encounters to have a lasting negative effect, the importance of ensuring service users have a voice in what is happening to them is crucial.
Clinicopathological significance of ARID1B in breast invasive ductal carcinoma
Authors: Shao Fei , Guo Tiantian , Chua Pei Jou , Tang Lili , Thike Aye Aye , Tan Puay‐Hoon , Bay Boon Huat , Baeg Gyeong Hun
Published: March 2015

Aims

Identification of prognostic and predictive biomarkers for breast cancer is essential to better stratify patients for treatment and evaluate patient outcome. AT‐rich interactive domain‐containing protein 1B (ARID1B) is implicated in cell proliferation, but its role in tumorigenesis remains unclear.

Methods and results

Immunohistochemical analysis of ARID1B expression using breast cancer tissue microarrays containing 156 breast invasive ductal carcinoma patient samples and subsequent statistical data analysis based on ARID1B immunoreactivity score were performed to examine the correlation between clinicopathological parameters in breast cancer and ARID1B expression. In‐vitro assays were also performed to study the role of ARID1B in cell cycle progression. Univariate analysis revealed that high ARID1B expression is correlated closely with histological grade (P = 0.045) and size (P = 0.043) of invasive breast cancer. These findings were confirmed by multivariate analysis. Notably, increased ARID1B expression was frequently detected in the aggressive triple‐negative breast cancer subtypes (P = 0.039) and associated with decreased 5‐year disease‐free survival rate. Lastly, MDA‐MB‐231 cells with reduced ARID1B activity displayed a delay in G1 to S phase cell cycle transition and consequently showed a decrease in cell proliferation compared with controls (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

ARID1B potentially serves as a valuable prognostic and predictive biomarker as well as a therapeutic target in breast cancer.
A novel multimodular methodology to investigate external cervical tooth resorption
Authors: Mavridou A. M. , Pyka G. , Kerckhofs G. , Wevers M. , Bergmans L. , Gunst V. , Huybrechts B. , Schepers E. , Hauben E. , Lambrechts P.
Published: March 2015

Aim

To introduce a multimodular combination of techniques as a novel minimal invasive approach to investigate efficiently and accurately external cervical resorption (ECR).

Methodology

One case of a central incisor with extensive external cervical resorption was selected to demonstrate the potential of a comparative novel study methodology. ECR diagnosis was based on clinical inspection, digital radiography and cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT). After extraction, the tooth was investigated using microfocus computed tomography (micro‐CT), nano‐CT and hard tissue histology. These techniques were compared for their accuracy and applicability to highlight their advantages and disadvantages.

Results

Nano‐CT was more effective than micro‐CT and CBCT for detailed ex vivo exploration of ECR. The reparative tissue, pericanalar resorption resistant sheet (PRRS), pulp tissue reactions, resorption channels and their interconnection with the periodontal ligament space were accurately visualized by detailed processing and analysis of the nano‐CT data set with Dataviewer and CTAn software. Nano‐CT analysis provided better insight in the true extent of the resorption, based on quantitative measurements and 3D visualization of the tooth structure. Nano‐CT imaging results were similar to hard tissue histology at the mineralized tissue level. To clarify the dynamic phenomenon of reparative tissue formation and substitution of the resorbed tissues, nano‐CT needed to be associated with hard tissue histology.

Conclusion

Nano‐CT is a fast and minimal invasive technique for the ex vivo analysis and understanding of ECR and is complementary with hard tissue histology. A combined approach of clinical and CBCT examination, with nano‐CT and histological mapping measurements, can provide an ideal platform for future ECR imaging and exploration studies.
The outcome of apical microsurgery using MTA as the root‐end filling material: 2‐ to 6‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Çalışkan M. K. , Tekin U. , Kaval M. E. , Solmaz M. C.
Published: March 2015

Aim

To evaluate the influence of various predictors on the healing outcome 2–6 years after apical microsurgery (AMS) using MTA as the root‐end filling material.

Methodology

A total of 90 anterior teeth with asymptomatic persistent periradicular periodontitis of strictly endodontic origin that failed after either nonsurgical or surgical treatment were included. Surgery was completed under local anaesthesia using a standardized clinical protocol. Clinical and radiographic measures as well as the follow‐up period were used to determine the healing outcome. For statistical analysis of the predictors, the outcome was dichotomized into healed cases and nonhealed cases. Odds ratios were calculated, and Pearson chi‐square or Fisher's exact tests were used to analyse the data.

Results

Clinical and radiographic assessment of AMS revealed that 80% were healed, 14.4% were nonhealed, whilst 5.6% were judged to be uncertain. None of the various predictors investigated had a significant influence on the outcome of AMS.

Conclusions

The results of this clinical study demonstrated that 80% of cases that received apical microsurgery healed when using MTA as the root‐end filling material.
Theory and Practice? A Comparative Analysis of Migration and Development Policies in Eleven European Countries and the European Commission
Authors: Keijzer Niels , Héraud Julie , Frankenhaeuser Malin
Published: March 2015

This article analyses international policy discussions on migration and development (M&D) and contrasts these with the actual M&D policies and practices of 11 European countries who were among the main proponents of this international discourse. Desk research of public documents and accompanying information sought from these 11 governments as well as in the European Commission (EC) provide the basis for a comparative analysis of their overall M&D policies and strategies, and institutional settings for formulating and implementing these. The comparison shows that M&D policy and practice remains in a tentative and experimental phase, and that countries experience difficulties reflecting their international positions in their own policies, as well as in learning from their own efforts and those of others. While stressing the developmental potential of migration in international discussions, most of the countries’ policies still reflect an understanding of migration as a problem and a preoccupation with short‐term domestic interests.
Alternative Indicators for the Risk of Non‐response Bias: A Simulation Study
Authors: Nishimura Raphael , Wagner James , Elliott Michael
Published: March 2015

The growth of non‐response rates for social science surveys has led to increased concern about the risk of non‐response bias. Unfortunately, the non‐response rate is a poor indicator of when non‐response bias is likely to occur. We consider in this paper a set of alternative indicators. A large‐scale simulation study is used to explore how each of these indicators performs in a variety of circumstances. Although, as expected, none of the indicators fully depict the impact of non‐response in survey estimates, we discuss how they can be used when creating a plausible account of the risks for non‐response bias for a survey. We also describe an interesting characteristic of the fraction of missing information that may be helpful in diagnosing not‐missing‐at‐random mechanisms in certain situations.
Practice Leadership at the Front Line in Supporting People with Intellectual Disabilities and Challenging Behaviour: A Qualitative Study of Registered Managers of Community‐based, Staffed Group homes
Authors: Deveau Roy , McGill Peter
Published: March 2015

Background

The front‐line management role in services for people with intellectual disabilities remains rather under‐researched. The aim of this study was to examine the experiences of registered managers in services for adults with intellectual disability who exhibit challenging behaviour.

Method

Interviews, primarily focussed upon staff practice, were conducted with 19 managers of staffed group homes in SE England. Transcripts were analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis.

Results

Five groups of themes emerged: monitoring staff performance, supporting new ways of working, shaping staff performance, influence of external and employing agencies, and importance of participants' personal values and experiences.

Conclusion

The themes identified contribute to a conceptual framework for thinking about front‐line management/practice leadership. The limitations, and potential implications, of the findings are discussed.
Patient‐derived olfactory mucosa for study of the non‐neuronal contribution to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis pathology
Authors: García‐Escudero Vega , Rosales María , Muñoz José Luis , Scola Esteban , Medina Javier , Khalique Hena , Garaulet Guillermo , Rodriguez Antonio , Lim Filip
Published: March 2015

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a degenerative motor neuron disease which currently has no cure. Research using rodent ALS models transgenic for mutant superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) has implicated that glial–neuronal interactions play a major role in the destruction of motor neurons, but the generality of this mechanism is not clear as SOD1 mutations only account for less than 2% of all ALS cases. Recently, this hypothesis was backed up by observation of similar effects using astrocytes derived from post‐mortem spinal cord tissue of ALS patients which did not carry SOD1 mutations. However, such necropsy samples may not be easy to obtain and may not always yield viable cell cultures. Here, we have analysed olfactory mucosa (OM) cells, which can be easily isolated from living ALS patients. Disease‐specific changes observed when ALS OM cells were co‐cultured with human spinal cord neurons included decreased neuronal viability, aberrant neuronal morphology and altered glial inflammatory responses. Our results show the potential of OM cells as new cell models for ALS.
Selection of cell‐type specific antibodies on tissue‐sections using phage display
Authors: Larsen Simon Asbjørn , Meldgaard Theresa , Lykkemark Simon , Mandrup Ole Aalund , Kristensen Peter
Published: March 2015

With the advent of modern technologies enabling single cell analysis, it has become clear that small sub‐populations of cells or even single cells can drive the phenotypic appearance of tissue, both diseased and normal. Nucleic acid based technologies allowing single cell analysis has been faster to mature, while technologies aimed at analysing the proteome at a single cell level is still lacking behind, especially technologies which allow single cell analysis in tissue. Introducing methods, that allows such analysis, will pave the way for discovering new biomarkers with more clinical relevance, as these may be unique for microenvironments only present in tissue and will avoid artifacts introduced by in vitro studies. Here, we introduce a technology enabling biomarker identification on small sub‐populations of cells within a tissue section. Phage antibody libraries are applied to the tissue sections, followed by washing to remove non‐bound phage particles. To eliminate phage antibodies binding to antigens ubiquitously expressed and retrieve phage antibodies binding specifically to antigens expressed by the sub‐population of cells, the area of interest is protected by a ‘shadow stick’. The phage antibodies on the remaining areas on the slide are exposed to UV light, which introduces cross‐links in the phage genome, thus rendering them non‐replicable. In this work we applied the technology, guided by CD31 expressing endothelial cells, to isolate recombinant antibodies specifically binding biomarkers expressed either by the cell or in the microenvironment surrounding the endothelial cell.
Intensified antineoplastic effect by combining an HDAC‐inhibitor, an mTOR‐inhibitor and low dosed interferon alpha in prostate cancer cells
Authors: Tsaur Igor , Hudak Lukasz , Makarević Jasmina , Juengel Eva , Mani Jens , Borgmann Hendrik , Gust Kilian M. , Schilling David , Bartsch Georg , Nelson Karen , Haferkamp Axel , Blaheta Roman A.
Published: March 2015

A significant proportion of men diagnosed with prostate cancer (PCa) eventually develop metastatic disease, which progresses to castration resistance, despite initial response to androgen deprivation. As anticancer therapy has become increasingly effective, acquired drug resistance has emerged, limiting efficacy. Combination treatment, utilizing different drug classes, exemplifies a possible strategy to foil resistance development. The effects of the triple application of the histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor valproic acid (VPA), the mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor everolimus and low dosed interferon alpha (IFNα) on PCa cell growth and dissemination capacity were investigated. For that purpose, the human PCa cell lines, PC‐3, DU‐145 and LNCaP were treated with the combined regimen or separate single agents. Cell growth was investigated by the MTT dye reduction assay. Flow cytometry served to analyse cell cycle progression. Adhesion to vascular endothelium or immobilized collagen, fibronectin and laminin was quantified. Migration and invasion characteristics were determined by the modified Boyden chamber assay. Integrin α and β subtypes were investigated by flow cytometry, western blotting and RT‐PCR. Integrin related signalling, Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFr), Akt, p70S6kinase and extracellular signal‐regulated kinases (ERK)1/2 activation were also assessed. The triple application of VPA, everolimus and low dosed IFNα blocked tumour cell growth and dissemination significantly better than any agent alone. Antitumour effects were associated with pronounced alteration in the cell cycle machinery, intracellular signalling and integrin expression profile. Combining VPA, everolimus and low dosed IFNα might be a promising option to counteract resistance development and improve outcome in PCa patients.
Sex differences in the effects of juvenile and adult diet on age‐dependent reproductive effort
Authors: Houslay T. M. , Hunt J. , Tinsley M. C. , Bussière L. F.
Published: March 2015

Sexual selection should cause sex differences in patterns of resource allocation. When current and future reproductive effort trade off, variation in resource acquisition might further cause sex differences in age‐dependent investment, or in sensitivity to changes in resource availability over time. However, the nature and prevalence of sex differences in age‐dependent investment remain unclear. We manipulated resource acquisition at juvenile and adult stages in decorated crickets, Gryllodes sigillatus, and assessed effects on sex‐specific allocation to age‐dependent reproductive effort (calling in males, fecundity in females) and longevity. We predicted that the resource and time demands of egg production would result in relatively consistent female strategies across treatments, whereas male investment should depend sharply on diet. Contrary to expectations, female age‐dependent reproductive effort diverged substantially across treatments, with resource‐limited females showing much lower and later investment in reproduction; the highest fecundity was associated with intermediate lifespans. In contrast, long‐lived males always signalled more than short‐lived males, and male age‐dependent reproductive effort did not depend on diet. We found consistently positive covariance between male reproductive effort and lifespan, whereas diet altered this covariance in females, revealing sex differences in the benefits of allocation to longevity. Our results support sex‐specific selection on allocation patterns, but also suggest a simpler alternative: males may use social feedback to make allocation decisions and preferentially store resources as energetic reserves in its absence. Increased calling effort with age therefore could be caused by gradual resource accumulation, heightened mortality risk over time, and a lack of feedback from available mates.
How Does Ambiguity Influence IPO Underpricing? The Role of the Signalling Environment
Authors: Park Haemin Dennis , Patel Pankaj C.
Published: March 2015

We explore the relationship between ambiguity, or low information clarity, in the IPO prospectus of newly public firms and their underpricing. Consistent with signalling theory, we find that IPO underpricing is low when the prospectus contains less ambiguous information that creates a more reliable signal conveying the quality of the IPO firm. However, the positive association between ambiguity and IPO underpricing is less pronounced when IPO firms display low strategic conformity with other firms in the industry, operate in industries with high valuation heterogeneity, or are medium‐sized. Using a sample of 398 IPOs between 1998 and 2007, our results support these predictions. This study shows the importance of the signalling environment influencing boundedly rational signal recipients interpreting ambiguous signals.
TATTOO OF VASCULAR CANNULATION SITE AS A SELF‐CANNULATION AID
Authors: Lagaac Regin , Meruz Rowena , Goh Mingzheng Aaron
Published: March 2015

Background

Haemodialysis can be provided either in a healthcare setting or home environment. Patients receiving dialysis at home report a better quality of life. Patients or their carers must be able to cannulate their fistula confidently and independently when dialysing at home.

Method

We describe a patient with a functional fistula which was difficult to palpate, leading to difficulties in cannulation and multiple referrals to the home therapies team.

Procedure

A series of discrete dots were tattooed to delineate the borders of the fistula and served to guide cannulation.

Results

Following this simple intervention, our patient was able to self‐cannulate confidently, dialysing at home four times per week. There were no further referrals to the home therapies team.

Conclusion

Permanent tattoo of the skin to guide cannulation can used when a fistula is difficult to palpate or if a further superficialisation procedure is not desired. Patients have to be made aware that the markings are permanent and might outlast the fistula.