bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Histological and ultrastructural findings of corneal tissue after failed descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty
Authors: Yoeruek Efdal , Hofmann Johanna , Bartz‐Schmidt Karl‐Ulrich
Published: June 2013

Purpose:  To investigate in a retrospective review the histological and ultrastructural findings after failed primary and early Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK), propose possible pathomechanisms of graft failure and give clinical implications.

Methods:  The explanted grafts underwent light‐ and electromicroscopical investigations in eight failed DMEK cases. Haematoxylin – Eosin, periodic acid Schiff and Alcian blue stainings were performed. Special note was given to any residual stromal remnants, absence of endothelial cells, lamellar structure and ‘activation’ of keratocytes.

Results:  Of the eight cases, six were re‐DMEKs and two penetrating keratoplasties. Partial graft separation was seen in six and no graft separation in two of the cases. The average time – interval to the re‐DMEK or penetrating keratoplasty was 4.6 months. Light and electron microscopy of the two explanted stromal specimens showed varying degrees of keratocyte activation. Endothelial cell loss was observed in essentially all explants with varying degrees and positive correlation with intraoperative difficulty. Assumed upside‐down situations showed large areas of intact endothelial cells. In addition, a new layer, situated between the endothelial cell layer and the posterior nonbanded layer, was observed with loose intercellular structure.

Conclusion:  A loss of the endothelial cell layer of varying degrees and positive correlation with intraoperative difficulty are the prominent feature of primary and early DMEK graft failure. Of note is the upside‐down situation, in which in some cases, the endothelial cell layer not only remains intact but also demonstrates metabolical activity in forming a novel cellular layer.
The microvasculature: a target for nutritional programming and later risk of cardio‐metabolic disease
Authors: Musa M. G. , Torrens C. , Clough G. F.
Published: June 2013

There is compelling evidence that microvascular deficits affecting multiple tissues and organs play an important role in the aetiopathogenesis of cardio‐metabolic disease. Furthermore, both in humans and animal models, deficits in small vessel structure and function can be detected early, often before the onset of macrovascular disease and the development of end‐organ damage that is common to hypertension and obesity‐associated clinical disorders. This article considers the growing evidence for the negative impact of an adverse maternal diet on the long‐term health of her child, and how this can result in a disadvantageous vascular phenotype that extends to the microvascular bed. We describe how structural and functional modifications in the offspring microcirculation during development may represent an important and additional risk determinant to increase susceptibility to the development of cardio‐metabolic disease in adult life and consider the cell‐signalling pathways associated with endothelial dysfunction that may be ‘primed’ by the maternal environment. Published studies were identified that reported outcomes related to the microcirculation, endothelium, maternal diet and vascular programming using NCBI PubMed.gov, MEDLINE and ISI Web of Science databases from 1980 until April 2013 using pre‐specified search terms. Information extracted from over 230 original reports and review articles was critically evaluated by the authors for inclusion in this review.
Eligibility for neoadjuvant/adjuvant cisplatin‐based chemotherapy among radical cystectomy patients
Authors: Thompson R. Houston , Boorjian Stephen A. , Kim Simon P. , Cheville John C. , Thapa Prabin , Tarrel Robert , Dronca Roxana , Costello Brian , Frank Igor
Published: June 2013

Objective

To determine renal function eligibility for cisplatin‐based chemotherapy using our experience with radical cystectomy (RC) patients.

Patients and Methods

Using the Mayo Clinic Cystectomy Registry, we identified 768 patients treated with RC without neoadjuvant chemotherapy for urothelial carcinoma from 1980–2005.

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was estimated using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD‐EPI) equation and a value of ≥60 mL/min was considered eligible for cisplatin‐based chemotherapy.

Factors associated with change in GFR (from preoperative to 3‐month postoperative) were assessed using linear regression.

Results

The median age was 68 years, while the median GFR was 60 mL/min both preoperatively and 3 months after RC.

Overall, 405 (53%) patients had a GFR of <60 mL/min before surgery and 387 (50%) had a GFR of <60 mL/min at 3 months after RC.

Patients with hydronephrosis (209 patients) had significantly lower preoperative GFRs than with patients without hydronephrosis (median 52 vs 62 mL/min, respectively; P < 0.001).

Among the 363 patients with a GFR of ≥60 mL/min before RC, 91 (25%) had a decline in renal function to a GFR of <60 mL/min at 3 months after RC.

In multivariable analyses, older age (P < 0.001), higher preoperative GFR (P < 0.001) and continent urinary diversion (P = 0.011) were significantly associated with a negative change in GFR after RC.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that nearly half of patients undergoing RC are not eligible to receive perioperative cisplatin‐based chemotherapy based on renal function status.

About a quarter of patients eligible for cisplatin before surgery are no longer eligible after RC.

Certain patient characteristics and surgical factors are more likely to experience a negative change in GFR after RC and should be counselled accordingly.
Impact of laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy on symptoms, health‐related quality of life and sexuality: a medium‐term analysis
Authors: Thibault Frédéric , Costa Pierre , Thanigasalam Ruban , Seni Gilles , Brouzyine Majid , Cayzergues Laure , De Tayrac Renaud , Droupy Stéphane , Wagner Laurent
Published: June 2013

Objective

To evaluate the impact of laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy on symptoms, health‐related quality of life (HRQL) and sexuality among women with symptomatic urogenital prolapse (UGP).

Patients and Methods

A prospective analysis was carried out including 148 women with symptomatic UGP.

Baseline characteristics, medical and obstetric history were recorded.

The Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP‐Q) classification was used to stage the UGP. Validated tools were used to evaluate symptoms (Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory, PFDI‐20) and HRQL (Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire, PFIQ‐7). Sexual function was evaluated using the Pelvic organ prolapse urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ‐12).

Measurements were recorded at the preoperative examination, then at 3 and 12 months after surgery. We compared the follow‐up results with preoperative data.

Results

The anatomical results at 3 months showed a significant correction (P < 0.05) relative to the preoperative values, on the three pelvic floor parameters measured, with a clinical relapse rate of 6.3%. This improvement remained significant after 12 months (P < 0.05). There was no difference between the results obtained at 3 months and those at 12 months.

At 3 months compared with the preoperative data, there was a significant improvement in PFDI‐20 total mean score (32.24 vs 94.31, P < 0.05). At 12 months, the improvement remained significant (38.06 vs 94.31, P < 0.05) for all scores compared with the preoperative scores. Again, there was no difference between results at 3 months, and those at 12 months.

The results showed a significant improvement in the PFIQ‐7 score at 3 (16.61 vs 64.04, P < 0.05) and 12 months (18.21 vs 64.04, P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the scores at 3 months and those at 12months.

The total PISQ‐12 score was linked significantly to urinary symptoms (P < 0.05), pelvic symptoms (P < 0.05) but not with ano‐rectal ones.

At 3 months, the total mean PISQ‐12 score had improved significantly compared with the preoperative score (35.42 vs 32.07, P < 0.05). At this time, only two items of the PISQ‐12 questionnaire were significantly increased: ‘existence of negative emotions during sexual activity’ (P < 0.05) and ‘the avoidance of sexual activity because of prolapse’ (P < 0.05). The total mean score remained significantly improved at 12 months (36.56 vs 32.07, P < 0.05) and there was no statistical difference compared with the results at 3 months.

Conclusions

Laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy resulted in the early improvement (primarily during the first 3 months) of all symptoms, HRQL and sexual function. This improvement was persistent in the medium term.

Symptoms linked with UGP had different effects on sexuality fields.

Anatomical improvement was not related to an improvement in all sexual fields.
A cohort study of digoxin exposure and mortality in men with prostate cancer
Authors: Flahavan Evelyn M. , Sharp Linda , Bennett Kathleen , Barron Thomas I.
Published: June 2013

Objective

To examine the association between digoxin exposure and mortality in men with prostate cancer using linked Irish National Cancer Registry and pharmacy claims data.

Patients and Methods

Prostate cancer cases were identified from the database and digoxin exposure at prostate cancer diagnosis was identified from prescription claims.

Digoxin users were matched to non‐users using a propensity score to identify men with similar cardiovascular comorbidity.

Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated for the association between digoxin exposure and all‐cause and prostate cancer‐specific mortality (PCSM).

Analyses were repeated in the propensity score‐matched cohort.

Effect modification of treatment with radiation or androgen‐deprivation therapy by digoxin exposure was also assessed.

Results

In all, 5732 men with a prostate cancer diagnosis (2001–2006) were identified (digoxin exposed, 391). The median follow‐up was 4.3 years.

Digoxin exposure was associated with a small non‐significant increase in PCSM in the full cohort (HR 1.13, 95% CI 0.91, 1.42) and the propensity. score‐matched cohort (HR 1.17, 95% CI 0.88, 1.57).

Adjusted HRs for all‐cause mortality were increased for digoxin exposed men (HR 1.24, 95% CI 1.07, 1.43).

Interactions with treatments received were not significant.

Conclusions

These results suggest digoxin exposure is not associated with reduced PCSM.

Further investigation of other cardiac glycosides that have shown anti‐cancer potential may be warranted.
Post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder in adult liver transplant recipients: a South American multicenter experience
Authors: Mendizabal Manuel , Marciano Sebastián , dos Santos Schraiber Luciana , Zapata Rodrigo , Quiros Rodolfo , Zanotelli Maria Lucia , Rivas María Marta , Kusminsky Gustavo , Humeres Roberto , Alves de Mattos Angelo , Gadano Adrián , Silva Marcelo O.
Published: June 2013

Post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a major and potentially life‐threatening complication after solid‐organ transplantation. The aim of this study was to describe the disease characteristics, clinical practices, and survival related to PTLD in adult orthotopic liver transplant (OLT) recipients in South America. We conducted a survey at four different transplant groups from Argentina, Brazil, and Chile. Among 1621 OLT recipients, 27 developed PTLD (1.7%); the mean age at diagnosis was 53.7 (±14) yr with a mean time of 39.7 (±35.2) months from OLT to PTLD diagnosis. Initial therapy included reduction in immunosuppression alone in 23.1% of the patients. Either rituximab or chemotherapy was employed as initial or second‐line therapy in 76.9% of the patients. PTLD location was frequently extranodal (80.7%) and mostly involving the transplanted liver (59.3%). The overall survival at one and five yr post‐PTLD diagnosis was 53.8% and 46.2%, respectively. Significant univariate risk factors for post‐PTLD mortality included lactate dehydrogenase ≥250 U/L (HR 9.66, p = 0.02), stage III/IV PTLD (HR 5.34, p = 0.004), and HCV infection (HR 7.68, p = 0.01). In conclusion, PTLD in OLT adult recipients is predominantly extranodal, and although mortality is high, long‐term survival is possible.
Catechol‐O‐Methyltransferase Genotype Modulates Opioid Release in Decision Circuitry
Authors: Mitchell Jennifer M. , O'Neil James P. , Jagust William J. , Fields Howard L.
Published: June 2013

Impulsivity, a risk factor for substance abuse disorders, is modulated by the Val158 variant of the catechol‐O‐methyltransferase (COMT) gene. Rodent studies have shown that opioids enhance impulsivity. Furthermore, alcohol consumption leads to endogenous opioid release in the cortex and nucleus accumbens (NAc), and this opioid release is correlated with greater positive hedonic effect. Using the selective mu opioid receptor radioligand [11C] carfentanil, we find that, following alcohol consumption, individuals with the COMT Val158 allele have greater opioid release in the right NAc but less release in medial orbital frontal cortex (OFC). These data suggest that genetic regulation of dopamine levels can affect alcohol consumption in part by modulating endogenous opioid release in specific brain regions implicated in reward, which in turn promotes impulsive choice.
Effect of Hydrogen‐Rich Water on Oxidative Stress, Liver Function, and Viral Load in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B
Authors: Xia Chunxiang , Liu Wenwu , Zeng Dongxiao , Zhu Liyao , Sun Xiaoli , Sun Xuejun
Published: June 2013

Objective

To investigate effects of hydrogen‐rich water (HRW) on oxidative stress, liver function and HBV DNA in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB).

Methods

Sixty patients with CHB were randomly assigned into routine treatment group or hydrogen treatment group in which patients received routine treatment alone or additional oral HRW (1200–1800 mL/day, twice daily), respectively, for 6 consecutive weeks. Serum oxidative stress, liver function, and HBV DNA level were detected before and after treatment. Thirty healthy subjects served as controls.

Results

When compared with controls, oxidative stress was obvious in CHB patients, and the liver function also significantly impaired. After treatment, the oxidative stress remained unchanged in routine treatment group, but markedly improved in hydrogen treatment group. The liver function was improved significantly and the HBV DNA reduced markedly after corresponding treatments. Although a significant difference was noted in the oxidative stress between two groups after treatment, the liver function and HBV DNA level were comparable after treatment and both had improved tendencies.

Conclusion

HRW significantly attenuates oxidative stress in CHB patients, but further study with long‐term treatment is required to confirm the effect of HRW on liver function and HBV DNA level. Clin Trans Sci 2013; Volume #: 1–4
The reliability and validity of a research‐grade pedometer for children and adolescents with cerebral palsy
Authors: Maher Carol , Kenyon Amanda , McEvoy Maureen , Sprod Judy
Published: June 2013

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine the reliability, validity, and optimal placement of pedometers in children with cerebral palsy (CP) who ambulate without aids.

Method

Seventeen participants aged 7 to 17 years with CP (eight males, nine females; mean age 12y 4mo; SD 3y 2mo), who could ambulate without aids, wore four New Lifestyles pedometers (NL–1000) on an elasticized waist belt. Fourteen participants had hemiplegia, two diplegia, and one triplegia; all were classified in Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level I (n=8) or II (n=9). Participants completed 3‐minute walking and running trials around an indoor course and were videotaped to verify the actual number of steps taken during each trial. Inter‐pedometer reliability was determined by comparing pedometer readings using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Validity was determined by comparing pedometer step counts with video step counts using ICC, t‐tests, and Bland–Altman plots. Optimal pedometer placement was determined using Wilcoxon signed‐rank tests to compare the percentage error for pedometers positioned on the dominant and non‐dominant hips.

Results

Excellent reliability (ICC 0.88–0.99) and validity (ICC 0.78–0.95) were demonstrated with no significant difference between the video step counts and pedometer step counts. There was no significant difference between the step counts recorded by pedometers on the dominant and non‐dominant hips.

Interpretation

This study showed that NL‐1000 pedometers have a high degree of reliability and validity in ambulant children with CP in controlled conditions.
Sensitivity to itch and pain in patients with psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: van Laarhoven Antoinette I. M. , Kraaimaat Floris W. , Wilder‐Smith Oliver H. , van Riel Piet L. C. M. , van de Kerkhof Peter C. M. , Evers Andrea W. M.
Published: June 2013

Symptoms of itch and pain in chronic inflammatory conditions of psoriasis (PS) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can highly affect patients’ quality of life. Studies in other patient groups indicate that sensitivity to itch and pain is altered in line with the patient's main symptom of either chronic itch or pain, as a result of sensitization processes. This study directly compared whether patients with chronic inflammatory conditions associated with chronic itch or pain display a heightened sensitivity to itch and pain, respectively. Sensitivity to itch and pain was measured by applying stimuli of quantitative sensory testing (QST) in female patients with chronic itch due to PS or chronic pain due to RA. Levels of itch and pain evoked by the QST stimuli as well as the tolerance to the stimuli were determined. Patients with PS reacted to the stimuli with a higher itch response (histamine), while the patients with RA displayed a lowered tolerance to the stimuli (cold pressor test and mechanical stimulation) in comparison with the other patient group. In line with previous studies in other patient groups with chronic itch or pain, further support was found that somatosensory stimuli are processed in line with the patients’ main symptom through generic sensitization processes, also in chronic inflammatory conditions such as PS and RA.
Impaired learning of predators and lower prey survival under elevated CO2: a consequence of neurotransmitter interference
Authors: Chivers Douglas P. , McCormick Mark I. , Nilsson Göran E. , Munday Philip L. , Watson Sue‐Ann , Meekan Mark G. , Mitchell Matthew D. , Corkill Katherine C. , Ferrari Maud C. O.
Published: June 2013

Ocean acidification is one of the most pressing environmental concerns of our time, and not surprisingly, we have seen a recent explosion of research into the physiological impacts and ecological consequences of changes in ocean chemistry. We are gaining considerable insights from this work, but further advances require greater integration across disciplines. Here, we showed that projected near‐future CO2 levels impaired the ability of damselfish to learn the identity of predators. These effects stem from impaired neurotransmitter function; impaired learning under elevated CO2 was reversed when fish were treated with gabazine, an antagonist of the GABA‐A receptor – a major inhibitory neurotransmitter receptor in the brain of vertebrates. The effects of CO2 on learning and the link to neurotransmitter interference were manifested as major differences in survival for fish released into the wild. Lower survival under elevated CO2, as a result of impaired learning, could have a major influence on population recruitment.
Cognitive impairment, oral self‐care function and dental caries severity in community‐dwelling older adults
Authors: Chen Xi , Clark Jennifer J. , Chen Hong , Naorungroj Supawadee
Published: June 2013

Objective

To investigate whether oral self‐care function mediates the associations between cognitive impairment and caries severity in community‐dwelling older adults.

Background

Cognitive impairment affects activities of daily living and compromises oral health, systemic health and quality of life in older adults. However, the associations among cognitive impairment, oral self‐care capacity and caries severity remain unclear. This increases difficulty in developing effective interventions for cognitively impaired patients.

Materials and methods

Medical, dental, cognitive and functional assessments were abstracted from the dental records of 600 community‐dwelling elderly. 230 participants were selected using propensity score matching and categorised into normal, cognitive impairment but no dementia (CIND) and dementia groups based on their cognitive status and a diagnosis of dementia. Multivariable regressions were developed to examine the mediating effect of oral self‐care function on the association between cognitive status and number of caries or retained roots.

Results

Cognitive impairment, oral self‐care function and dental caries severity were intercorrelated. Multivariable analysis showed that without adjusting for oral self‐care capacity, cognition was significantly associated with the number of caries or retained roots (p = 0.003). However, the association was not significant when oral self‐care capacity was adjusted (p = 0.125). In contrast, individuals with impaired oral self‐care capacity had a greater risk of having a caries or retained root (RR = 1.67, 95% CI 1.15, 2.44).

Conclusion

Oral care capacity mediates the association between cognition and dental caries severity in community‐dwelling older adults.
Things I Should Have or Could Have Accomplished
Authors: Urban Wayne J.
Published: June 2013

I want to divide this essay into two sections, one indicating things I might have added to a few earlier works, and a second indicating a project or two that I did not do but would like to have done.
A Grander Grand Narrative
Authors: Wollons Roberta
Published: June 2013

These essays by our thoughtful colleagues open a wide range of ideas to consider. I offer some comments on several categories that emerged from reading their essays, each of which leads us to a more complex and interconnected grand narrative for our field: access to evidence, transnational studies, local studies, biography, and autobiography.
Release and in vitro skin permeation of polyphenols from cosmetic emulsions
Authors: Zillich O. V. , Schweiggert‐Weisz U. , Hasenkopf K. , Eisner P. , Kerscher M.
Published: June 2013

Synopsis

Objective

Polyphenols are natural antioxidants, which can inhibit oxidative chain reactions in human skin and prevent therefore some skin diseases and premature ageing. A prerequisite of this behaviour is their permeation through the skin barrier, in particular the stratum corneum (SC). In this study, we investigated the skin permeation kinetic of polyphenols, incorporated to semisolid emulsions, and the release of polyphenols from the emulsions.

Methods

Mixtures of model substances, consisting of catechin, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), resveratrol, quercetin, rutin and protocatechuic acid (PCA), were formulated into o/w emulsions with different oil phase content. The in vitro experiments were carried out in Franz‐type diffusion cells by means of ex vivo pig skin and a cellulose membrane.

Results

The increased oil content in the emulsion led to a significant decrease in initial release coefficients (Kr), diffusion coefficients within the formulation (Dv) and skin permeation coefficients (Kp), respectively. The study considered the dependence of Kr on molecular weight and lipophilicity of polyphenolics. For both more hydrophilic and more lipophilic substance groups, the values for Kr were inverse proportional to molecular weight. For catechin, quercetin, rutin, resveratrol and PCA, a good correlation between Kp and Kr parameters was obtained. The most permeable substance was PCA (Kp = 1.2·10−3 cm h−1), and the least permeable was quercetin (Kp = 1.5·10−5 cm h−1).

Conclusion

All substances could pass the SC barrier and were found mostly in the epidermis and dermis, confirming the potential of polyphenols as anti‐ageing active cosmetic ingredients.
Adolescents' experiences of a two‐year oral health intervention programme in two Swedish secondary schools
Authors: Hedman E , Gabre P , Birkhed D , Lepp M
Published: June 2013

Objectives

To describe adolescents' experiences of participating in a school‐based oral health intervention programme for 2 years containing education about oral health and fluoride varnish treatment at the school clinic.

Methods

Sixteen adolescents aged 13–16 were interviewed in three focus group sessions. A phenomenographic approach was used for analysis.

Results

The results are presented as three themes and seven descriptive categories. The three themes were ‘Seeing the dental hygienist’, ‘Treatments at the dental hygiene clinic’ and ‘Education about oral health in class’. The results demonstrate satisfaction with the intervention, such as accessibility, time gain and expanding knowledge. On the other hand, feelings of vulnerability in the treatment sessions were expressed. The fluoride varnish treatment was given both positive and negative reviews. The contact between the participants and the dental hygienist was important, and the opportunity to ask questions about oral health issues was emphasized.

Conclusions

Both positive and negative experiences of the programme were found. Adolescence is a transitional period of life, and for this reason, it is important to create a good working alliance between students and the dental hygienist in future school‐based oral health interventions.
Immigrant Naturalization in the Context of Institutional Diversity: Policy Matters, but to Whom?
Authors: Vink Maarten Peter , Prokic‐Breuer Tijana , Dronkers Jaap
Published: June 2013

Why do some immigrants naturalize and others not? While much of the literature emphasizes the importance of country of origin features and individual characteristics, there is surprisingly little systematic research on the relation between citizenship policies in destination countries and citizenship take‐up among immigrants. Most research in this field draws on data from single country cases and has limited comparative scope. In this paper we analyze citizenship take‐up among first generation immigrants in 16 European countries. We apply an explicit cross‐national perspective and argue that immigrant naturalization in Europe is determined not only by country of origin features and individual characteristics, but also by the opportunity structure set by the citizenship laws in the countries of origin and destination. We show that more accessible citizenship policies matter little for immigrants from highly developed countries, particularly those with fewer years of residence, but matter significantly for immigrants from less developed countries. As the composition of immigrant populations and citizenship policies across Europe vary significantly, this comparative design is ideally suited to testing the relative importance of factors related to country of origin, individual background and legal opportunity structure.
Working for Legality: Employment and Migrant Regularization in Europe
Authors: Chauvin Sébastien , Garcés‐Mascareñas Blanca , Kraler Albert
Published: June 2013

Recent programs to regularize undocumented migrants suggest the increasing role of employment as a requirement for foreigners to legally reside in Europe. Taking as illustrations the cases of Spain, France, Austria, Belgium and Germany, this article examines how regularization policies frame work. Employment provisions follow a civic‐performance frame that breaks with the criterion of vulnerability. While secure forms of employment paying standard wages are privileged, the crisis has made such jobs even less accessible to migrants seeking to regularize or maintain their status. Residence permits granted through legalization have become increasingly temporary and conditional, often involving repeated transitions in and out of illegality. A vicious circle of “disintegration” thus threatens to set in where employment precariousness becomes both the source and the consequence of legal precariousness.

Policy Implications

The article shows how employment provisions are tightly linked to policies of “earned legalization”.

The article shows that employment can be part of a broader regularization policy emphasizing ties to the host country.

The article brings attention to potential conflicts between access requirements based on migrant vulnerability, and those based on migrant integration.

The article warns against the exclusionary workings of employment‐based regularization in times of economic downturn.
Valuation of Family Firms: The Limitations of Accounting Information
Authors: Hasso Tim , Duncan Keith
Published: June 2013

This conceptual paper explores the extent to which reported accounting information captures unique family firm decision‐making and intangible asset factors that impact financial value. We review the family firm valuation‐relevant literature and identify that this body of research is predicated on the assumption that accounting information reflects the underlying reality of family firms. This research, however, fails to recognise that current accounting technology does not fully recognise the family firm factors in the book value of the firm or the implications for long‐run persistence of earnings. Thus, valuation models underpinning the extant empirical research, which are predicated on reported accounting information, may not fully reflect the intrinsic value of family firms. We present propositions on the interaction between accounting information, family factors and valuation as a road map for future empirical research with a discussion of appropriate methodologies.
Genetic divergence of a sympatric lake‐resident–anadromous three‐spined sticklebackGasterosteus aculeatusspecies pair
Authors: Drevecky C. J. , Falco R. , Aguirre W. E.
Published: June 2013

The genetic relationship between sympatric, morphologically divergent populations of anadromous and lake‐resident three‐spined sticklebackGasterosteus aculeatusin the Jim Creek drainage of Cook Inlet, Alaska, was examined using microsatellite loci and mitochondrial d‐loop sequence data. Resident samples differed substantially from sympatric anadromous samples in the Jim Creek drainage with the magnitude of the genetic divergence being similar to that between allopatric resident and anadromous populations in other areas. Resident samples were genetically similar within the Jim Creek drainage, as were the anadromous samples surveyed. Neighbour‐joining and Structure cluster analysis grouped the samples into four genetic clusters by ecomorph (anadromousv. all resident) and geographic location of the resident samples (Jim Creek, Mat‐Su and Kenai). There was no evidence of hybridization between resident and anadromousG. aculeatusin the Jim Creek drainage, which thus appear to be reproductively isolated.
Architectural analysis and predicted functional capability of the human latissimus dorsi muscle
Authors: Gerling Michael E. , Brown Stephen H. M.
Published: June 2013

The latissimus dorsi is primarily considered a muscle with actions at the shoulder, despite its widespread attachments at the spine. There is some dispute regarding the potential contribution of this muscle to lumbar spine function. The architectural design of a muscle is one of the most accurate predictors of muscle function; however, detailed architectural data on the latissimus dorsi muscle are limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to quantify the architectural properties of the latissimus dorsi muscle and model mechanical function in light of these new data. One latissimus dorsi muscle was removed from each of 12 human cadavers, separated into regions, and micro‐dissected for quantification of fascicle length, sarcomere length, and physiological cross‐sectional area. From these data, sarcomere length operating ranges were modelled to determine the force–length characteristics of latissimus dorsi across the spine and shoulder ranges of motion. The physiological cross‐sectional area of latissimus dorsi was 5.6 ± 0.5 cm2 and normalized fascicle length was 26.4 ± 1.0 cm, indicating that this muscle is designed to produce a moderate amount of force over a large range of lengths. Measured sarcomere length in the post‐mortem neutral spine posture was nearly optimal at 2.69 ± 0.06 μm. Across spine range of motion, biomechanical modelling predicted latissimus dorsi acts across both the ascending and descending limbs of the force–length curve during lateral bend, and primarily at or near the plateau region (where maximum force generation is possible) during flexion/extension and axial twist. Across shoulder range of motion, latissimus dorsi acts primarily on the plateau region and descending limbs of the force length curve during both flexion/extension and abduction/adduction. These data provide novel insights into the ability of the latissimus dorsi muscle to generate force and change length throughout the spine and shoulder ranges of motion. In addition, these findings provide an improved understanding of the spine and shoulder positions at which the force‐generating capacity of this muscle can become jeopardized, and consequently how this may affect its spine‐stabilizing ability.
Breech preterm infants are at risk of developmental dysplasia of the hip
Authors: Quan Teddy , Kent Alison L , Carlisle Hazel
Published: June 2013

Aim

There is uncertainty about the risk of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in breech preterm infants and therefore uncertainty about the benefits of using ultrasound screening in this population. The aim of this study was to determine if preterm infants born in the breech position are at risk of DDH.

Methods

A retrospective audit of preterm and term infants born in the breech position was performed to determine the incidence of DDH. Group 1 included breech preterm infants (<37 weeks gestational age) born between 2004 and 2008. Group 2 included breech term infants (≥37 weeks gestational age) born between 2005 and 2007. Infants were screened with clinical examination and ultrasound of the hip and were classified into two outcome groups: positive or negative for DDH.

Results

Three out of 129 (2.3%) preterm infants screened had DDH. For term infants, 3 out of 163 (1.8%) infants screened had DDH. The odds ratio for DDH in breech preterm infants compared with breech term infants was 1.27 (95% confidence interval 0.25 to 6.40).

Conclusion

Preterm infants born in the breech position appear to have a similar incidence of DDH to term infants and thus require similar screening guidelines.
Perinatal outcomes of intrauterine insemination/clomiphene pregnancies represent an intermediate risk group compared with in vitro fertilisation/intracytoplasmic sperm injection and naturally conceived pregnancies
Authors: Poon Woei Bing , Lian Wee Bin
Published: June 2013

Aim: 

To compare the pregnancy outcomes in terms of perinatal morbidities and mortality for different types of assisted reproductive technology (ART).

Methods: 

A retrospective cohort study was conducted of all babies born by ART in Singapore General Hospital, between 1 November 2001 and 11 January 2012.

Results: 

Incidence of ART was 3.5% in our birth cohort. Pregnancies conceived by ART were more likely to be multiple pregnancies OR 43.50, and were more likely to be premature OR 5.51. Mortality OR was 3.93. IVF/ICSI contributed to an increased OR for multiple gestation of 48.26, an increased OR for prematurity of 5.95 and increased OR for low birthweight of 5.54. Mortality OR was 4.33. Intrauterine insemination (IUI)/clomiphene may represent a lower risk group compared with in vitro fertilisation/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI). Prematurity OR was only 2.35, and low birthweight OR was 2.38. These were less than half of IVF/ICSI. Fewer neonatal morbidities were found. Mortality was insignificant. Multiplicity had significant impact on perinatal outcomes in ART and IVF/ICSI but not in IUI/clomiphene conceptions, demonstrated by singleton subgroup analyses and by logistic regression using prematurity as outcome.

Conclusion: 

IUI/clomiphene represented an intermediate risk group compared with the IVF/ICSI.
Sleeping through the night: A community survey of parents' opinions about and expectations of infant sleep consolidation
Authors: Henderson Jacqueline Mary Terese , Motoi Gabriel , Blampied Neville Morris
Published: June 2013

Aim

This study examined parents' expectations of and opinions about infant sleep consolidation, the temporal timing and definitions of sleeping through the night and sources of advice about their infant's sleep.

Methods

Participants were 412 parents (mean age 31 years ±6.8) with a child 2 years or younger recruited at shopping malls and other public places. Parents completed a brief survey on (i) the nocturnal duration they considered an infant should sustain uninterrupted sleep; (ii) a temporal location within the night for a criterion for sleeping through the night; (iii) their agreement or disagreement with Moore and Ucko's (1957) 24:00–05:00 h criterion defining sleeping through the night; and (iv) the sources of advice they had sought about infant's sleep.

Results

Parents expected infants to sustain sleep on average for 9.6 ± 3.4 h, with trends indicating the more children in the family (P = 0.02; d = 0.26) and lower family socio‐economic status (P = 0.01; d = 0.34) the shorter the durations expected. Sleeping through the night was defined within a temporal location from 20:00 to 06:30 h. Over 80% of parents disagreed that 24:00–05:00 h criterion defined sleeping through the night. Forty‐seven per cent of parents had sought advice regarding their infants' sleep, with Child Health Care Nurses the most popular source.

Conclusions

New Zealand parents have realistic expectations of infant capabilities for sleep consolidation that were within contemporary clinical guidelines. A new parent‐based definition of sleeping through the night is presented that has social and developmental validity.
Acute costs and predictors of higher treatment costs for major paediatric trauma in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Mitchell Rebecca J , Curtis Kate , Holland Andrew JA , Balogh Zsolt J , Evans Julie , Wilson Kellie L
Published: June 2013

Aims

To describe the costs of acute trauma admissions for children aged ≤15 years in trauma centres; to identify predictors of higher treatment costs and quantify differences in actual and state‐wide average cost in New South Wales (NSW), Australia.

Method

Admitted trauma patient data provided by 12 trauma centres was linked with financial data for 2008–2009. Demographic, injury details and injury severity scores (ISS) were obtained from trauma registries. Individual patient costs, Australian Refined Diagnostic Related Groups (AR‐DRG) and state‐wide average costs were obtained. Actual costs incurred by each hospital were compared with state‐wide AR‐DRG average costs. Multivariate multiple linear regression identified predictors of cost.

Results

There were 3493 patients with a total cost of AUD$20.2 million. Falls (AUD$6.7 million) and road trauma (AUD$4.4 million) had the highest total expenditure. The reduction in cost between ISS < 9 compared to ISS 9–12 and ISS > 12 was significant (P < 0.0001). The median cost of injury increased with every additional body region injured (P < 0.0001). For each additional day spent in hospital, there was an increased cost of AUD$1898 and patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) cost AUD$7358 more than patients not admitted to ICU. The total costs incurred by trauma centres were AUD$1.4 million above the NSW peer group average cost estimates.

Conclusions

The high financial cost of paediatric patient treatment highlights the need to ensure prevention remains a priority in Australia. Hospitals tasked with providing trauma care should be appropriately funded and future funding models should consider trauma severity.
Cross‐sectional and dynamic change of serum metabolite profiling for Hepatitis B‐related acute‐on‐chronic liver failure by UPLC/MS
Authors: Nie C. Y. , Han T. , Zhang L. , Li Y. , Liu H. , Xiao S. X. , Li Y. , Kang H. , Liu S. Y.
Published: June 2013

Summary Acute‐on‐chronic liver failure(ACLF) is an increasingly recognized entity encompassing an acute deterioration of liver function and results in the failure of one or more organs with high short‐term mortality. The focus of this study was to discover noninvasive and reliable biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of hepatitis B‐related ACLF. Ultra‐performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (UPLC/MS) was used to analyse serum metabolites of 28 patients with hepatitis B‐related ACLF, 35 patients with Child‐Pugh A cirrhosis, 30 patients with chronic hepatitis B and 35 healthy volunteers (HS). Characteristic metabolites were screened, identified and dynamically tracked to investigate their value for diagnosis and prognosis. After comparing serum metabolic profile of hepatitis B‐related ACLF and Child‐Pugh A cirrhosis, 99 characteristic metabolites were selected, and 38 of them were identified. Dynamic tracking model demonstrated that 17 metabolites were related to prognosis of hepatitis B‐related ACLF, and there were also 11 metabolites which improved with treatment in the survival group. The correlations between these characteristic metabolites and the model for end‐stage liver disease score were strong. These observations contributed to the investigation of the mechanisms of hepatitis B‐related ACLF manifestation and progression on the metabolic level, and they provided information for the identification of biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of hepatitis B‐related ACLF.
Investigating potential determinants of the distribution limits of a savanna woody plant:Colophospermum mopane
Authors: Stevens Nicola , Swemmer Anthony M. , Ezzy Leanne , Erasmus Barend F.N.
Published: June 2013

Questions

Early bioclimatic models predict that climate change in southern African savannas will cause a huge southward and westward range shift of the savanna treeColophospermum mopane(Kirk ex Benth.) Kirk ex J.Léon.C. mopaneis an economically and ecologically important subtropical savanna tree that forms mono‐dominant stands across 30% of southern African savannas. We investigate the validity of these initial range expansion predictions to answer the following questions: what are the regional‐scale drivers of the distribution ofC. mopanein southern African savannas; and what are the landscape‐scale distribution patterns of this species?

Location

Central Lowveld, Kruger National Park, South Africa.

Methods

We investigate the validity of very early range expansion modelling predictions using a regional‐scale, climate envelope niche model, and fine‐scale field mapping of the current boundary, to understand which environmental variables may determine the distribution limit of this signature species.

Results

Our findings indicate that both non‐climatic (dry season day length) and climatic (minimum temperatures) variables limit the regional distribution ofC. mopane. At the landscape scale, the distribution of this species is restricted to the warmer parts of the landscape, suggesting minimum temperature appears to be the primary factor determining its landscape‐scale distribution.

Conclusions

This study provides the first detailed model of environmental factors that may limit the regional distribution ofC. mopane, and allows us to formulate testable hypotheses regarding the determinants of the range of a keystone species.
Host plant genus‐level diversity is the best predictor of ectomycorrhizal fungal diversity in a Chinese subtropical forest
Authors: Gao Cheng , Shi Nan‐Nan , Liu Yue‐Xing , Peay Kabir G. , Zheng Yong , Ding Qiong , Mi Xiang‐Cheng , Ma Ke‐Ping , Wubet Tesfaye , Buscot François , Guo Liang‐Dong
Published: June 2013

Microbial diversity is generally far higher than plant diversity, but the relationship between microbial diversity and plant diversity remains enigmatic. To shed light on this problem, we examined the diversity of a key guild of root‐associated microbes, that is, ectomycorrhizal (EM) fungi along a plant diversity gradient in a Chinese subtropical forest. The results indicated that EM fungal diversity was positively correlated with host plant diversity. Furthermore, this relationship was best predicted by host genus‐level diversity, rather than species‐level diversity or family‐level diversity. The generality of this finding was extended beyond our study system through the analyses of 100 additional studies of EM fungal communities from tropical and temperate forests. Here as well, EM fungal lineage composition was significantly affected by EM plant diversity levels, and some EM fungal lineages were co‐associated with some host plant genera. These results suggest a general diversity maintenance mechanism for host‐specific microbes based on higher order host plant phylogenetic diversity.
Community genetics in the time of next‐generation molecular technologies
Authors: Gugerli Felix , Brandl Roland , Castagneyrol Bastien , Franc Alain , Jactel Hervé , Koelewijn Hans‐Peter , Martin Francis , Peter Martina , Pritsch Karin , Schröder Hilke , Smulders Marinus J. M. , Kremer Antoine , Ziegenhagen Birgit ,   Evoltree JERA3 Contributors
Published: June 2013

Understanding the interactions of co‐occurring species within and across trophic levels provides key information needed for understanding the ecological and evolutionary processes that underlie biological diversity. As genetics has only recently been integrated into the study of community‐level interactions, the time is right for a critical evaluation of potential new, gene‐based approaches to studying communities. Next‐generation molecular techniques, used in parallel with field‐based observations and manipulative experiments across spatio‐temporal gradients, are key to expanding our understanding of community‐level processes. Here, we introduce a variety of ‘‐omics’ tools, with recent studies of plant–insect herbivores and of ectomycorrhizal systems providing detailed examples of how next‐generation approaches can revolutionize our understanding of interspecific interactions. We suggest ways that novel technologies may convert community genetics from a field that relies on correlative inference to one that reveals causal mechanisms of genetic co‐variation and adaptations within communities.