bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rethinking library resource sharing: new models for collaboration
Authors: Bailey-Hainer Brenda , Beaubien Anne , Posner Beth , Simpson Evan
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to highlight significant changes in the information discovery landscape; discuss evolution in discovery systems and their connection to resource sharing; discuss the use of best practices by resource sharing practitioners; and describe new collaborations among libraries that change the definition of resource sharing.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors observed the library landscape with a focus on discovery systems, interlending systems, and collaborative resource sharing models and reviewed literature related to these areas to structure discussion and draw conclusions about the changing role and definition of resource sharing.

Findings

– Innovations in discovery have significant impact on library resource sharing. Resource sharing practitioners are using best practices to improve services and develop new roles. New models for collaboration are changing the definition of library resource sharing.

Originality/value

– This paper positions resource sharing as a dynamic, highly strategic area of service with growing importance to twenty-first century libraries and challenges readers to consider what new partnerships and collaborative models will benefit both libraries and their communities.
Defining a corporate real estate management's (CREM) brand
Authors: Jalil Omar Abdul , A. Heywood Christopher
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to explore how branding theory can be used to understand corporate real estate management's (CREM's) relationships with its customers. Specifically, the perspectives of CREM executives and customers are used to develop a statement of a CREM brand.

Design/methodology/approach

– A multiple case study approach from four industry sections that consist of telecommunications, logistic, retail, and education from an emerging real estate market (Malaysia) and a mature real estate market (Australia). CREM executives and CREM customers from each case were interviewed to obtain information on CREM within organisations.

Findings

– The findings indicate that CREM supports the business by managing organisations' strategic real estate resources as its brand. CREM executives focus more on the technicality of real estate functions, while CREM customers expect corporate real estate (CRE) to support their business functions.

Research limitations/implications

– A CREM brand is important to CREM relationship building with the targeted customers. Successful brand development is able to increase CREM visibility to customers and at the same time gain appreciation of its contributions to the organisations.

Originality/value

– This is the first study that investigates CREM from a branding perspective. The mechanism for communicating CREM contributions using branding helps to increase acceptance from the customers.
A historical approach to realistic job previews
Authors: E. Baur John , Ronald Buckley M. , Bagdasarov Zhanna , S. Dharmasiri Ajantha
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– The aim of this paper is to provide some historical understanding of a popular recruitment procedure called a Realistic Job Preview (RJP). As long as individuals have worked for others there has been a need to exchange information about a focal job. Information can be exchanged through myriad channels. The aim here is to trace the origins of RJPs and discuss the initial studies that generated attention and interest in what has become known as “realistic recruitment”.

Design/methodology/approach

– Along with a historical account, this paper provides a summary of the limitations associated with this method, proposed psychological processes mediating effectiveness of RJPs, and issues with development, mode of presentation, implementation of RJPs, and an important alternative/accompanying technique (ELP).

Findings

– While this technique has been used for many years, it will continue to be a quality addition to any worker socialization program.

Originality/value

– The value of this paper is that it places this technique in an historical context.
Make or buy the brand: strategic direction of brand management
Authors: Uggla Henrik
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to unfold the strategic direction of different brand management paradigms.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper is based on comparison between diverse brand management paradigms.

Findings

– A make or buy approach to brand management eventually allows for an improved integration of brand strategy with business strategy, compared to more traditional approaches.

Practical implications

– The perspectives and ideas discussed may potentially encourage a more entrepreneurial and business oriented approach to brand management.

Originality/value

– The value of this paper emerge from the juxtaposition of different approaches to brand management, unfolding alternative approaches to the integration of brand and business strategy.
Copyright and creation: repositioning the argument
Authors: Parry Glenn , F. Bustinza Oscar , Vendrell-Herrero Ferran
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– This paper highlights the challenges and key arguments for digital copyright protection legislation for creative industries.

Design/methodology/approach

– This briefing is prepared by independent academics who place the arguments in context based upon literature and market data.

Findings

– Many of the arguments used against copyright protection laws draw upon flawed analysis. Artistic creators should be treated fairly and their work should be afforded the same protection as other property.

Practical implications

– Digital legislation warrants review, but not for the frequently cited reasons of “stifling innovation” or “restriction” of others using the work. Rather, artists need better protection for their work and fairer treatment with regards their property rights.

Originality/value

– The paper provides context and practical insights into the data used to influence policy decision makers, providing a stronger case for legislative review.
Genome‐wide association studies of atopic dermatitis
Authors: Tamari Mayumi , Hirota Tomomitsu
Published: March 2014

Atopic dermatitis is a common inflammatory disease caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Genome‐wide association study (GWAS) is a comprehensive and unbiased approach to identify the genetic components of human diseases and to discover the cellular pathways underlying them. GWAS and recent immunochip analysis of atopic dermatitis have identified a total of 19 associated loci with a genome‐wide level of significance (P < 5 × 10−8). The candidate genes identified by GWAS suggest a role for epidermal barrier functions, innate‐adaptive immunity, interleukin‐1 family signaling, regulatory T cells, the vitamin D pathway and the nerve growth factor pathway in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis. Combinations of these genetic factors may influence a wide range of phenotypes of atopic dermatitis among individuals. Although a more complete collection of associated genes and pathways is needed, genetic components revealed by GWAS provide valuable insights into the pathophysiology of atopic dermatitis.
The involvement of ATPase activity in the acid tolerance of Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain GG
Authors: Bang Miseon , Oh Sangnam , Lim Kwang‐Sei , Kim Younghoon , Oh Sejong
Published: March 2014

This study examined the survival and acid stress response of nine lactic acid bacteria (LAB) including Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain GG in commercially available yoghurt products (low pH environment) during the long‐term storage. Under the storage conditions investigated (52 weeks period at 5 °C), there was a loss of the viability of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei and Bifidobacterium sp. within 35 weeks. However, L. rhamnosus strain GG, one of starter strains in a commercially available yoghurt product, exhibited excellent survival throughout the whole storage period. Our results indicate that the viability of L. rhamnosus strain GG was increased by modulating the stress‐related factors as well as the activity of ATPase with exposure to the low pH conditions.
Beta‐Blockers increase the risk of being born small for gestational age or of being institutionalised during infancy
Authors: Xie R‐h , Guo Y , Krewski D , Mattison D , Walker MC , Nerenberg K , Wen SW
Published: March 2014

Objective

To compare infant outcomes between mothers with hypertension treated by beta‐blockers alone and by methyldopa alone during pregnancy.

Design

Historical cohort study.

Setting

Saskatchewan, Canada.

Population

Women who delivered a singleton birth in Saskatchewan during the periods from 1 January 1980 to 30 June 1987 or from 1 January 1990 to 31 December 2005 (women who delivered between 1 July 1987 and 31 December 1989 were excluded because the information recorded on maternal drug use during pregnancy is incomplete) with a diagnosis of a hypertensive disorder during pregnancy, and who were dispensed only beta‐blockers (n = 416) or only methyldopa (n = 1000).

Methods

Occurrences of adverse infant outcomes were compared between women who received beta‐blockers only and women who received methyldopa only during pregnancy, first in all eligible women, and then in women with chronic hypertension and in women with gestational hypertension or pre‐eclampsia/eclampsia, separately. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to adjust for potential confounding.

Main outcome measures

Small for gestational age (SGA) < 10th percentile, SGA < 3rd percentile, preterm birth, stillbirth, institutionalisation for respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), sepsis, seizure during infancy, and infant death.

Results

Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for infants born to mothers with chronic hypertension who were dispensed beta‐blockers only, as compared with infants born to mothers who were dispensed methyldopa only, during pregnancy were: 1.95 (1.21–3.15), 2.17 (1.06–4.44), and 2.17 (1.09–4.34), respectively, for SGA < 10th percentile, SGA < 3rd percentile, and being institutionalised during infancy.

Conclusions

For infants born to mothers with chronic hypertension, compared with those treated by methyldopa alone, those treated by beta‐blockers appear to be at increased rates of SGA and hospitalisation during infancy.
Psychiatric illness in women requesting caesarean section
Authors: Sydsjö G , Möller L , Lilliecreutz C , Bladh M , Andolf E , Josefsson A
Published: March 2014

Objective

To compare psychiatric in‐ and outpatient care during the 5 years before first delivery in primiparae delivered by caesarean section on maternal request with all other primiparae women who had given birth during the same time period.

Design

Prospective, population‐based register study.

Setting

Sweden.

Sample

Women giving birth for the first time between 2002 and 2004 (n = 64 834).

Methods

Women giving birth by caesarean section on maternal request (n = 1009) were compared with all other women giving birth (n = 63 825). The exposure of interest was any psychiatric diagnosis according to the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ninth revision, ICD–9, 290–319; tenth revision, ICD–10, F00–F99) in The Swedish national patient register during the 5 years before first delivery.

Main outcome measures

Psychiatric diagnoses and delivery data.

Results

The burden of psychiatric illnesses was significantly higher in women giving birth by caesarean section on maternal request (10 versus 3.5%, P < 0.001). The most common diagnoses were ‘Neurotic disorders, stress‐related disorders and somatoform disorders’ (5.9%, aOR 3.1, 95% CI 1.1–2.9), and ‘Mood disorders’ (3.4%, aOR 2.4, 95% CI 1.7–3.6). The adjusted odds ratio for caesarean section on maternal request was 2.5 (95% CI 2.0–3.2) for any psychiatric disorder. Women giving birth by caesarean section on maternal request were older, used tobacco more often, had a lower educational level, higher body mass index, were more often married, unemployed, and their parents were more often born outside of Scandinavia (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Women giving birth by caesarean section on maternal request more often have a severe psychiatric disease burden. This finding points to the need for psychological support for these women as well as the need to screen and treat psychiatric illness in pregnant women.
Spider mite infestations reduceBacillus thuringiensistoxin concentration in corn leaves and predators avoid spider mites that have fed onBacillus thuringiensiscorn
Authors: Prager S.M. , Martini X. , Guvvala H. , Nansen C. , Lundgren J.
Published: March 2014

Perceived benefits of insecticidal transgenic crops include reduced usage of broad‐based insecticides, and therefore lower risk to non‐target organisms. Numerous studies have documented low or no direct toxicity ofBacillus thuringiensis(Bt)‐derived toxins against non‐target organisms, but there has been less research on (a) effects of secondary pest infestations onBtexpressing in crops and (b) behavioural responses by predators feeding on host arthropods fromBtcrops – both topics are investigated in this study. We quantified predation by the obligate spider mite predatorPhytoseiulus persimilisof carmine spider mites (Tetranychus cinnabarinus), reared onBtor non‐Btcorn (Zea mays). Both no‐choice and two‐choice studies were conducted. In addition, we quantified toxin levels in corn leaves with/without spider mite infestation. Under no‐choice conditions,P. persimilisconsumed non‐Btspider mites at a faster rate thanBtspider mites. Under two‐choice conditions,P. persimilisspent more time in the vicinity of non‐Btspider mites than nearBtspider mites. Corn infested with spider mites exhibited lower toxin levels than non‐infested plants. These results suggest potentially complex interactions among non‐target herbivores, their natural enemies andBtcrops.
Addressing the yield by density interaction is a prerequisite to bridge the yield gap of rain‐fed wheat
Authors: Tokatlidis I.S.
Published: March 2014

Environmental variability induced by climate change is connected with inter‐annual variation in grain yield of rain‐fed wheat. Density‐dependent cultivars, relying on high populations, usually vary in optimum population. The optimum population is primarily affected by the water regime, while sowing date, heat, terminal drought, frost and type of soil are also indicators. These forces make it difficult to estimate optimum population on the basis of the expected yield level. Furthermore, accounting for the difficulty in foreseeing long‐term weather by variation in the planting versus seeding ratio, an appropriate population might be hard to establish and thus, harvested yield lags behind the highest possible yield. The greater the reliance on high populations, the larger the potential level of this gap and poor yield performance of individual plants is the root cause. Thus, while for drought‐prone environments cultivation at lower populations is prudent, cultivars that fall short of efficient resource capture at the single‐plant level demand much higher populations for seasons with adequate rainfalls. Therefore, flexible density‐independent cultivars performing well at wide range of populations are imperative to meet the future demands in the matter of sustainability and food adequacy. The goal appears attainable through improvement of the single‐plant performance, and the implementation of breeding for yield compensation components offers such a possibility.
Cross‐sectional and prospective relation of cannabis potency, dosing and smoking behaviour with cannabis dependence: an ecological study
Authors: van der Pol Peggy , Liebregts Nienke , Brunt Tibor , van Amsterdam Jan , de Graaf Ron , Korf Dirk J. , van den Brink Wim , van Laar Margriet
Published: March 2014

Background and Aims

Increased delta‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentrations in cannabis may lead to higher THC exposure, cannabis dependence and treatment need, but users may also adapt the actual intake of THC through reduced inhalation of THC containing smoke (titration). We investigated whether consumers of stronger cannabis use less cannabis per joint or inhale less smoke than those using less potent cannabis and whether these factors predict cannabis dependence severity.

Methods

Heavy cannabis users (n = 98) brought their own cannabis, rolled a joint and smoked it ad libitum in a naturalistic setting. We analysed the content of the joint, its association with smoking behaviour and the cross‐sectional and prospective (1.5‐year follow‐up) relations between smoking behaviour and cannabis dependence severity (total number of DSM‐IV dependence symptoms).

Results

THC concentration in cannabis (range 1.10–24.70%) was correlated positively with cannabis dose per joint (b = 0.008, P = 0.01), but the resulting THC concentration per joint (range 0.24–15.72%) was associated negatively with inhalation volume (b = −0.05, P = 0.03). Smoking behaviour measures (number of puffs, inhaled volume, reduction of puff volume and puff duration while smoking) predicted follow‐up dependence severity, independently of baseline dependence severity and monthly THC dose (number of joints × cannabis dose × cannabis THC concentration). Monthly THC dose only predicted follow‐up dependence severity when unadjusted for baseline severity.

Conclusions

Cannabis users titrate their delta‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol intake by inhaling lower volumes of smoke when smoking strong joints, but this does not fully compensate for the higher cannabis doses per joint when using strong cannabis. Thus, users of more potent cannabis are generally exposed to more delta‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol. Smoking behaviour appears to be a stronger predictor for cannabis dependence severity than monthly delta‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol dose.
Recent Advances in Understanding Endometrial Receptivity: Molecular Basis and Clinical Applications
Authors: von Grothusen Carolina , Lalitkumar Sujata , Rao Boggavarapu Nageswara , Gemzell‐Danielsson Kristina , Lalitkumar Parameswaran G.
Published: March 2014

Advancement in the field of ART has lead to the possibility of achieving good quality embryos. However, the success rate in ART needs further improvement. This is largely dependent on identifying the receptive endometrium for the successful implantation of embryos as well as modulating the endometrium to the receptive stage. In the last half‐a‐decade, focus has been shifting toward identifying the receptive endometrium. Here, we summarize different tools explored to identify receptive endometrium from the literature, mainly focusing on the past decade, with the help of PubMed. The quest to identify endometrial receptivity markers has lead to the exploration of morphological features at micro and macro scale levels. A large number of studies at molecular levels have focused on genomic, proteomic and lipidomic targets. Recent development of endometrial receptivity array is a promising diagnostic instrument. However, a noninvasive possibility for the diagnosis of endometrial receptivity would be an ideal tool, which could be used in the clinic to improve the success rate of ART. Improved knowledge on endometrial receptivity will not only help to improve the diagnosis and treatment of infertility but will also give possibilities to develop new contraceptive methods targeting the endometrium.
Persistent Occiput Posterior: OUTcomes following digital rotation: A pilot randomised controlled trial
Authors: Graham Kathryn , Phipps Hala , Hyett Jon A. , Ludlow Joanne P. , Mackie Adam , Marren Anthony , De Vries Bradley
Published: March 2014

Aim

To determine the feasibility of a multicentre randomised controlled trial (RCT) to investigate whether digital rotation of the fetal head from occiput posterior (OP) position in the second stage of labour reduces the risk of operative delivery (defined as caesarean section (CS) or instrumental delivery).

Methods

We conducted the study between December 2010 and December 2011 in a tertiary referral hospital in Australia. A transabdominal ultrasound was performed early in the second stage of labour on women with cephalic, singleton pregnancies to determine the fetal position. Those women with a fetus in the OP position were randomised to either a digital rotation or a sham procedure. In all other ways, participants received their usual intrapartum care. Data regarding demographics, mode of delivery, labour, post natal period and neonatal outcomes were collected.

Results

One thousand and four women were consented, 834 achieved full dilatation, and 30 were randomised. An additional portable ultrasound scan and a blinded ‘sham’ digital rotation were acceptable to women and staff. Operative delivery rates were 13/15 in the digital rotation (four CS and nine instrumental) and 12/15 in the sham (three CS and nine instrumental) groups, respectively.

Conclusion

A large double‐blinded multicentre RCT would be feasible and acceptable to women and staff. Strategies to improve recruitment such as consenting women with an effective epidural in active labour should be considered. This would be the first RCT to answer a clinically important question which could significantly affect the operative delivery rate in Australia and internationally.
Health knowledge and iodine intake in pregnancy
Authors: Martin Julie C. , Savige Gayle S. , Mitchell Eleanor K. L.
Published: March 2014

Background

Pregnant women have much higher iodine requirements as compared to all other population groups. The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) recommends pregnant women take a daily iodine supplement of 150 μg to meet their high iodine requirements.

Aim

To investigate iodine supplement use and health knowledge among pregnant women.

Method

A cross‐sectional sample of 200 pregnant women aged 18 years or older, in their third trimester based in Gippsland (Victoria, Australia) undertook a self‐administered questionnaire from August 2011–May 2012. The women were recruited from antenatal classes and clinics from all birthing hospitals across Gippsland. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression.

Results

A total of 46% of participants did not follow the NHMRC recommendation of 150 μg/day iodine supplement. The participants lacked knowledge about iodine and the need for supplementation. Only 18.5% of pregnant women believed they needed an iodine supplement. The majority of participants (83.5%) indicated their medical practitioners were the main source of health information, yet only 34.5% indicated being made aware of the importance of increasing iodine intake during pregnancy by their medical practitioner. The predictors of iodine supplementation are general supplementation use and knowledge of the importance of iodine.

Conclusions

Despite NHMRC guidelines for iodine supplementation during pregnancy, many women were not taking a sufficient iodine supplement. Pregnant women may be inclined to take an iodine supplement if they had greater knowledge of their increased iodine needs during pregnancy. Medical practitioners are best placed to provide this information to pregnant women.
Voter Learning in State Primary Elections
Authors: Hirano Shigeo , Lenz Gabriel S. , Pinkovskiy Maksim , Snyder James M.
Published: March 2014

When voters learn about candidates' issue positions during election campaigns, does it affect how they vote? This basic question about voters remains unanswered in part because of a methodological obstacle: learning candidates' issue positions may influence not only voters' vote choice but also their issue positions. To surmount this obstacle, we attempt to answer this question by examining statewide primary elections, which are arguably less vulnerable to this reverse causation problem because they lack partisan cues and are of much lower salience than presidential elections. Using both existing polling data and our own panel Internet surveys, we find that voters learn about the ideologies of candidates during statewide primary campaigns and that this learning affects their voting decisions in senate and gubernatorial primaries. We fail to find similar results for down‐ballot primaries, raising questions about voters' ability to make informed judgments for these types of elections.
Gridlock and Delegation in a Changing World
Authors: Callander Steven , Krehbiel Keith
Published: March 2014

Fixed statutes and regulations often have variable consequences over time. If left unattended, such drift can severely erode the performance of government as an institution of representation. To better understand the mechanics of policy‐making in a changing world, we develop a positive theory that captures political drift in a dynamic separation‐of‐powers system. We show analytically that a distinctive combination of legislative supermajoritarianism and agency discretion—institutional features that, in isolation, elicit widespread criticism—can effectively ameliorate policies' susceptibility to the vicissitudes of exogenous change. The critical mechanism for governmental accommodation of drift is delegation, which increases all decision makers' well‐being by reducing fluctuations in outcomes. Although the complete smoothing of outcomes is attainable in a separation‐of‐ powers system, we show that this is typically not achieved in equilibrium. The presence of drift provides an opportunity for self‐interested legislators to extract a distributional benefit from their fellow legislators at the expense of overall policymaking efficiency.
Ready‐made allogeneic ABO‐specific serum eye drops: production from regular male blood donors, clinical routine, safety and efficacy
Authors: Harritshøj Lene Holm , Nielsen Connie , Ullum Henrik , Hansen Morten Bagge , Julian Hanne Olsen
Published: March 2014

Purpose

To overcome problems and delays of the preparation of autologous serum eye drops, a production line of ABO‐specific allogeneic serum eye drops from male blood donors was set up in a blood bank. Feasibility, clinical routine, safety and efficacy were evaluated in a cohort of patients with severe ocular surface disorders.

Methods

Serum was derived from 450 ml whole‐blood donations from regular male blood donors, produced and tested according to good manufacturing practice and legislation regulating blood products in Denmark. Serum was diluted to 20% (v/v) with NaCl 0.9%, filtered, bottled, registered and stored at −30°C in the blood bank. Upon request, frozen ABO‐identical serum drops in lots of 14 bottles could be provided immediately. Safety and efficacy were evaluated in 34 patients with severe ocular surface disease refractory to conventional medical therapy. Patients were treated six times daily for minimum 2–4 weeks. Objective findings and subjective symptoms were compared between day 0 and after 4 weeks of treatment using the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test.

Results

Clinically, no side‐effects were observed. In total, 59% of the patients with ocular surface changes improved objectively (slit‐lamp examination). Partial or full healing of corneal changes, as well as subjective relief of symptoms, was observed in 16 of 20 patients with keratoconjunctivitis sicca (p < 0.001). The 14 patients with persistent epithelial defect experienced neither objective nor subjective improvements during serum treatment.

Conclusion

Ready‐made ABO‐identical allogeneic serum eye drops were straightforwardly produced, quality‐assured and registered as a safe standard blood product for the treatment of certain cases of severe dry eye disease. Therapeutic efficacy was comparable to previous reports on autologous serum drops.
A novel luminescence-based method for the detection of functionally active antibodies to muscarinic acetylcholine receptors of the M3 type (mAchR3) in patients' sera
Authors: Preuss B , Tunaru S , Henes J , Offermanns S , Klein R
Published: March 2014

In different bioassays, functional antibodies reacting with the human muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M3(mAchR3) have been detected in sera from patients with Sjögren's syndrome (SS), and there is strong evidence that those antibodies may have pathogenetic relevance. However, depending on the method of detection, their prevalence varied. Furthermore, those bioassays are difficult to standardize. We report on the development and optimization of a novel test system based on a luminometric method to determine downstream signalling of mAchR3 which produces specific and reproducible results. Chinese hamster ovarian (CHO) cells were transfected with plasmids encoding mAchR3 and a green fluorescence protein (GFP)/aequorin fusion protein. Incubation of cells with carbachol resulted in an increase in intracellular [Ca2+], which was detected by measuring light emission with a luminometer, and the effect of incubation with patients' immunoglobulins (Ig) was evaluated. Optimal cell density, Ig preparation and time of incubation with patients' sera were determined. Sera from patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS; n = 40), systemic sclerosis (SSc; n = 47), myasthenia gravis (MG; n = 133) and 50 blood donors were analysed. Optimal assay conditions were obtained with a cell density of 100 000 cells/ml, isolation of Ig by ammonium sulphate precipitation and short-term incubation. Based on this highly reliable assay, 50% of the pSS patients had antibodies which inhibited carbachol-induced activation of mAchR3; none of the SSc patients, 6% of the patients with MG and 12% of the blood donors had antibodies which reacted with the mAchR3. This method facilitates the determination of functional anti-mAchR3 antibodies in patients' sera, confirmed their high prevalence in pSS patients and may, therefore, help to analyse their pathogenetic and clinical relevance in more detail.
Diagnostic potential of antibody titres against Candida cell wall β-glucan in Kawasaki disease
Authors: Ishibashi K , Fukazawa R , Miura N N , Adachi Y , Ogawa S , Ohno N
Published: March 2014

Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute vasculitis syndrome of unknown aetiology in children. The administration of Candida cell wall antigens induced KD-like coronary vasculitis in mice. However, the responses of KD patients to Candida cell wall antigen are unknown. In this study, we examined the response of KD patients to β-glucan (BG), one of the major fungal cell wall antigens, by measuring the anti-BG titre. In KD patients, the anti-C. albicans cell wall BG titre was higher than that in normal children. The anti-BG titre was also higher in KD patients compared to children who served as control subjects. The efficacy of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy in KD is well established. We categorized the KD patients into three groups according to the therapeutic efficacy of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and compared the anti-BG titre among these groups. Anti-BG titres were similar in the control group and the non-responsive group. In the fully responsive group, the anti-BG titre showed higher values than those in the normal children. This study demonstrated clinically that KD patients have high antibody titres to Candida cell wall BG, and suggested the involvement of Candida cell wall BG in the pathogenesis of KD. The relationship between IVIG therapy and anti-BG titre was also shown. These results provide valuable insights into the therapy and diagnosis of KD.
Inordinate Glucose Variation Poststroke is Associated with Poor Neurological Improvement in Patients Without History of Diabetes
Authors: Yu Jian , Zhang Cheng‐Guo , Zhang Su‐Ping , Xiao Wei‐Min , Pan Xiao‐Ping , Liu Zhen‐Hua , Chu Xiao‐Fan , Gao Qing‐Chun , Xu An‐Ding , Xu Zhi‐Qiang , Zeng Jin‐Sheng
Published: March 2014

Introduction

Glucose variation is an important risk factor for the complications of diabetes mellitus. The plasma glucose level poststroke is in continuous fluctuation. However, whether the variation influences neurological improvement remains unknown.

Aims

This observational study aimed to investigate the association of glucose variation with neurological improvement poststroke.

Methods

We consecutively enrolled 216 ischemic stroke patients with no history of diabetes mellitus within 72 h of onset, with instant blood glucose <11.1 mmol/L at admission. The glucometabolic status was evaluated by an oral glucose tolerance test 1 day after admission and 14 days after stroke, respectively. The severity of neurological deficit was assessed with the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS).

Results

Fourteen days after stroke, 31% patients were found to have impaired glucose tolerance and 30.6% were newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus by oral glucose tolerance test. A higher level of instant blood glucose at admission or fasting plasma glucose (FPG) at 1 day correlated with a less neurological improvement. The number of patients with no <20% decrease in NIHSS was significantly decreased in patient group with higher than 30% variation of either FPG or 2‐h postprandial glucose. Similar correlation between glucose variation and neurological improvement was also found in 117 patients with 2‐h postprandial glucose ≥7.8 mmol/L at 1 day.

Conclusions

Inordinate glucose variation correlated with less neurological improvement poststroke, giving the evidence that the fluctuation of glucose levels in stroke patients should be taken into consideration during glucose modulation.
Longitudinal measurement of physical activity following kidney transplantation
Authors: Dontje M. L. , de Greef M. H. G. , Krijnen W. P. , Corpeleijn E. , Kok T. , Bakker S. J. L. , Stolk R. P. , van der Schans C. P.
Published: March 2014

The purpose of this longitudinal observational study was to (i) examine the change of daily physical activity in 28 adult kidney transplant recipients over the first 12 months following transplantation; and (ii) to examine the change in metabolic characteristics and renal function. Accelerometer‐based daily physical activity and metabolic‐ and clinical characteristics were measured at six wk (T1), three months (T2), six months (T3) and 12 months (T4) following transplantation. Linear mixed effect analyses showed an increase in steps/d (T1 = 6326 ± 2906; T4 = 7562 ± 3785; F = 3.52; p = 0.02), but one yr after transplantation only 25% achieved the recommended 10 000 steps/d. There was no significant increase in minutes per day spent on moderate‐to‐vigorous intensity physical activity (T1 = 80.4 ± 63.6; T4 = 93.2 ± 55.1; F = 1.71; p = 0.17). Body mass index increased over time (T1 = 25.4 ± 3.2; T4 = 27.2 ± 3.8; F = 12.62; p < 0.001), mainly due to an increase in fat percentage (T1 = 30.3 ± 8.0; T4 = 34.0 ± 7.9; F = 14.63; p < 0.001). There was no significant change in renal function (F = 0.17; p = 0.92). Although the recipients increased physical activity, the majority did not meet the recommended levels of physical activity after one yr. In addition to the weight gain, this may result in negative health consequences. Therefore, it is important to develop strategies to support kidney transplant recipients to comply with healthy lifestyle recommendations, including regular physical activity.
WHAT DO UNIONS DO TO PENSION PERFORMANCE?
Authors: EVEN WILLIAM E. , MACPHERSON DAVID A.
Published: March 2014

Unions can have either positive or negative effects on risk‐adjusted returns in pension plans. On the positive side, a union can improve monitoring of pension advisors and asset managers. On the negative side, the union may sacrifice returns by making investments that promote union goals. This paper discusses how the structure of the pension plan affects the union's ability and willingness to sacrifice returns to promote union goals. Using panel data on over 38,000 pension plans drawn from IRS Form 5500 filings between 1988 and 2008, we find the lowest performing plans are unionized multi‐employer plans. Among defined contribution plans, the underperformance of multi‐employer union plans disappears when the pension is controlled by individual participants. (JEL J32, J51)
Transformed aggressive γδ‐variant T‐cell large granular lymphocytic leukemia with acquired copy neutral loss of heterozygosity at 17q11.2q25.3 and additional aberrations
Authors: Zhang Ling , Ramchandren Radhakrishnan , Papenhausen Peter , Loughran Thomas P. , Sokol Lubomir
Published: March 2014

T‐cell large granular lymphocytic leukemia (T‐LGLL) is a rare indolent lymphoproliferative disorder characterized by cytopenias, splenomegaly, and various degrees of T‐cell lymphocytosis, due to a clonal expansion of CD8‐positive cytotoxic T‐cells. Phenotypic variants of T‐LGLL include CD4+/CD8− T‐cells, with dual CD4−/CD8−/γδ+ T‐cells being even rarer. Cytogenetic abnormalities in T‐LGLL have rarely been reported, and there is scientific debate regarding the existence of aggressive or transformed variants of T‐LGLL. We report a patient with T‐LGLL, γδ variant, with nearly 20‐year‐long duration of cytopenias before transformation to an unusual clinical scenario, manifesting with marked lymphocytosis >100 × 109/L and infiltration of lymph nodes, tonsils, and subcutaneous tissue. Single‐nucleotide polymorphism assays revealed acquired copy neutral loss of heterozygosity at 17q and deletion of 3p21.31, in addition to trisomy 5, monosomy X, and monosomy 21. These genetic abnormalities provided a better understanding of the molecular nature and the potentiality of disease transformation.
Rituximab plus liposomal pegylated doxorubicin in the treatment of primary cutaneous B‐cell lymphomas
Authors: Fabbri Alberto , Cencini Emanuele , Alterini Renato , Rubegni Pietro , Rigacci Luigi , Delfino Chiara , Puccini Benedetta , Fimiani Michele , Bosi Alberto , Bocchia Monica , Pimpinelli Nicola ,   the Gruppo Italiano Linfomi Cutanei (GILC)
Published: March 2014

Background

In primary cutaneous B‐cell lymphomas (PCBCL), radiotherapy – or surgery in a minority of cases – is the first‐line treatment in follicle center lymphoma (PCFCL) and marginal zone B‐cell lymphoma (PCMZL). Conversely, patients with multifocal skin involvement or relapsed/refractory disease deserve a systemic chemotherapy. In diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma, leg type (PCLBCL‐LT), due its poorer outcome, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP)‐like regimens are the most commonly used frontline, although hard to propose in elderly patients. In this regard, the association of rituximab (R) and pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) can be considered a promising, alternative approach.

Aims

Based on the favorable results reported with R and PLD in several recent trials, we decided to test efficacy and safety of this combination.

Methods

Twelve patients with PCBCL were treated with R plus PLD, and 7 had relapsed disease. Treatment plan consisted of 2 monthly cycles of R 375 mg/m2 and PLD 20 mg/m2 day 1;15, followed (in responders) by two cycles given only at day 1. All patients received prophylactic pyridoxine to prevent palmar‐plantar erythrodysesthesia (PPE).

Results

Ten of 12 patients had a response (eight complete; two partial), remarkably 2/3 with PCLBCL‐LT. Two patients did not respond (one progressive disease, PD, and one stable disease). Three patients died after a median follow‐up of 56 months, two patients due to PD, and 1 due to a second neoplasm. Two out of 10 responders relapsed after 31 and 32 months, respectively. Hematological toxicity was negligible (one case of grade 2 neutropenia), as well as extra‐hematological toxicity (two cases of grade 2 PPE).

Conclusions

These preliminary data suggest that R‐PLD is effective and well tolerated in all subsets of PCBCL and may be offered frontline in indolent cases unsuitable for radiotherapy or surgery as well as in more aggressive cases with contraindications to CHOP‐like regimens.
β‐Amyloid pathology alters neural network activation during retrieval of contextual fear memories in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Lelos Mariah J. , Good Mark A.
Published: March 2014

Although episodic memory deficits are the most conspicuous cognitive change in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), patients also display alterations in emotional expression, including anxiety and impaired conditioned fear behaviours. The neural circuitry underlying emotional learning is known to involve the amygdala and hippocampus, although the precise impact of amyloid pathology on the interaction between these brain regions remains unclear. Recent evidence suggests that Tg2576 mice, which express a human amyloid precursor protein (APP) mutation associated with early‐onset AD, demonstrate normal acquisition of conditioned freezing to auditory and contextual stimuli paired with footshock. However, examination of the expression of c‐Fos revealed altered neural network activity in transgenic mice. In the present study we examined the effects of the APP mutation on the expression of c‐Fos following the retrieval of emotional memories. To this end, stimulus‐induced cellular activity was measured by analysing expression of the immediate‐early gene c‐Fos after the retrieval of auditory or contextual fear memories. To characterize regional interdependencies of c‐Fos expression, structural equation modelling was used to compare patterns of neural network activity. Consistent with previous findings, Tg2576 mice displayed reduced freezing elicited by the auditory stimulus but not by the conditioning context. Interestingly, the analysis of c‐Fos expression revealed that the APPswe mutation disrupted dentate gyrus and amygdala function, as well as altering the influence of these regions on the neural network dynamics activated during context memory retrieval. These results provide novel insight into the influence of excess amyloid production on neural network activity during memory retrieval.
Knowledge about post‐anoxic somatosensory evoked potentials − present or not?
Authors: Jaeger B. , Bouwes A. , Binnekade J. M. , Hilgevoord A. A. , Horn J. , van Rootselaar A.‐F.
Published: March 2014

Background and purpose

Median nerve somatosensory evoked potential (SEP) recordings play an important role in outcome algorithms in comatose patients after cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Knowledge of technical difficulties, clinical implications and uniform interpretation of SEP recordings is crucial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the skills of neurologists to interpret SEP recordings in post‐anoxic patients.

Methods

Nationwide Dutch clinical neurophysiology examinations from 2007, 2008 and 2011, containing SEP related questions, were analysed. Participants were classified as neurology residents, neurologists with less than 10 years of experience, neurologists with more than 10 years of experience and clinical neurophysiologists. End‐points were the knowledge of all participants about SEP recordings per year as well as improvement in knowledge over the years, as reflected by the test scores.

Results

A total of 194 participants completed the examination in 2007, 200 in 2008 and 263 in 2011. Between 2007 and 2008, all groups of respondents showed a significant increase in percentage of correct answers to SEP questions. Sixty‐six participants completed all three examinations. The SEP score of this group improved in 2008 [75%, interquartile range (IQR) 50–75, P < 0.001] compared with 2007 (38%, IQR 38−50); there was no further improvement in 2011 (69%, IQR 54−77).

Conclusion

Continuing education about technical knowledge, possible pitfalls and interpretation of SEP recordings remains of utmost importance.
Stratifying herbivore fisheries by habitat to avoid ecosystem overfishing of coral reefs
Authors: Mumby Peter J
Published: March 2014

The problem of ecosystem overfishing has mostly focused on the function of forage fish as prey for apex predators. Here, I consider another ecosystem function, herbivory, that affects habitat quality. Parrotfish are an important fishery in many parts of the Caribbean and the dominant herbivorous fish on its coral reefs. Herbivory helps to control macroalgae which compete with coral and can impede reef resilience if allowed to bloom. Thus, long‐term maintenance of reef habitat quality, which underpins fisheries, requires sufficient parrotfish stock. Ecosystem models predict that reductions in parrotfish grazing could have deleterious impacts on reef habitat yet the determination of ecologically sustainable levels of parrotfish harvest remains elusive. An initial solution to this dilemma is proposed for areas where an outright ban on herbivore exploitation is considered infeasible. Fisheries management has tended to consider coral reefs as a single habitat such that regulations apply evenly throughout exploitable areas. But reef habitats are not equally susceptible to ecosystem overfishing and some do not appear to have a strong requirement for parrotfish grazing. One habitat, Orbicella reef, has a high dependence on herbivory, whereas the state of another dominant habitat – gorgonian plain – appears to be driven by environmental factors (e.g. wave exposure). Ecosystem‐based fisheries management could be improved by restricting parrotfish harvest on Orbicella reefs yet allowing exploitation on gorgonian plain. Management could then focus on achieving a sustainable yield on gorgonian plains without the added complexity of estimating catch levels that avoid ecosystem overfishing.
The response of stream periphyton toPacific salmon: using a model to understand the role of environmental context
Authors: Bellmore J. Ryan , Fremier Alexander K. , Mejia Francine , Newsom Michael
Published: March 2014

In stream ecosystems,Pacific salmon deliver subsidies of marine‐derived nutrients and disturb the stream bed during spawning. The net effect of this nutrient subsidy and physical disturbance on biological communities can be hard to predict and is likely to be mediated by environmental conditions. For periphyton, empirical studies have revealed that the magnitude and direction of the response to salmon varies from one location to the next. Salmon appear to increase periphyton biomass and/or production in some contexts (a positive response), but decrease them in others (a negative response).

To reconcile these seemingly conflicting results, we constructed a system dynamics model that links periphyton biomass and production to salmon spawning. We used this model to explore how environmental conditions influence the periphyton response to salmon.

Our simulations suggest that the periphyton response to salmon is strongly mediated by both background nutrient concentrations and the proportion of the stream bed suitable for spawning. Positive periphyton responses occurred when both background nutrient concentrations were low (nutrient limiting conditions) and when little of the stream bed was suitable for spawning (because the substratum is too coarse). In contrast, negative responses occurred when nutrient concentrations were higher or a larger proportion of the bed was suitable for spawning.

Although periphyton biomass generally remained above or below background conditions for several months following spawning, periphyton production returned quickly to background values shortly afterwards. As a result, based upon our simulations, salmon did not greatly increase or decrease overall annual periphyton production. This suggests that any increase in production by fish or invertebrates in response to returning salmon is more likely to occur via direct consumption of salmon carcasses and/or eggs, rather than the indirect effects of greater periphyton production.

Overall, our simulations suggest that environmental factors need to be taken into account when considering the effects of spawning salmon on aquatic ecosystems. Our model offers researchers a framework for testing periphyton response to salmon across a range of conditions, which can be used to generate hypotheses, plan field experiments and guide data collection.