bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge sharing strategies on traditional vegetables for supporting food security in Kilosa District, Tanzania
Authors: Chipungahelo Monica Samuel
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine knowledge sharing on traditional vegetables for supporting food security among farmers and other communities in Kilosa district, Tanzania.

Design/methodology/approach

– A case study design was employed. Semi-structured questionnaires with both open- and closed-ended questions were used to collect quantitative data in three wards of Kilosa District in Tanzania. Interviews were used to collect qualitative data from three heads of farmer groups, and direct observation was used to validate findings obtained from questionnaires.

Findings

– The results showed that farmers used a socialisation approach to share indigenous knowledge about traditional vegetables on production, consumption and preservation.

Research limitations/implications

– The study necessitates a need to conduct regular studies on sharing knowledge of traditional vegetables among different communities for supporting food security.

Practical implications

– The paper provides a framework for agricultural development planners on how to improve the management of indigenous knowledge on traditional vegetables with scientific knowledge in local communities for improving food security in Tanzania.

Social implications

– The paper has an implication for improving knowledge-sharing strategies on traditional vegetables in supporting food security in Tanzania, and other parts of Africa and developed countries. There is a need for knowledge intermediaries to develop knowledge database on production, consumption and preservation of traditional vegetable to increase the dissemination of this knowledge and, hence, improve nutrition and food security.

Originality/value

– The paper provides appropriate knowledge-sharing strategies which are needed to improve sharing of indigenous knowledge about traditional vegetables in Tanzania and other developed and developing countries.
Motives for foreign direct investment: a view from emerging market multinationals
Authors: Pananond Pavida
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper explains how the framework on motives of foreign direct investment (FDI) needs to be rethought when analyzing emerging market multinational enterprises (EMNEs). It argues that the weak position of emerging market firms and their interdependent relationship with lead firms in global value chains (GVCs) modify the selection of internationalization motives.

Design/methodology/approach

– The arguments are illustrated through a critical review of the literature on FDI motives and a discussion on how the literature can be extended from looking through the lens of emerging market multinationals, particularly those with early development as suppliers in global value chains.

Findings

– The weak position of emerging market firms and their interdependent relationship with lead firms in global value chains modify the selection of internationalization motives on two aspects. First, internationalization decisions of EMNEs in GVCs are not undertaken in an independent manner. Rather, decisions are influenced by the initial position along the value chain and the dynamic relationships that these EMNEs have with lead firms. Second, the selection of FDI motives of these EMNEs reflects both their international expansion strategy and the upgrading effort they wish to pursue to undertake higher value-adding activities along the GVCs.

Originality/value

– These implications addressed in this paper add more nuances to the interpretation of FDI motives. Previously viewed mainly from the perspective of lead firms, FDI decisions are considered as independent alternatives that multinational enterprises (MNEs) can undertake to fulfill their internationalization strategy. Revisiting the FDI motives from the perspective of EMNEs reveals further insights on the interdependent nature of their internationalization, particularly reflecting the weaker position of EMNEs and their interdependent relationship with lead firms in their industry.
Refining of FDI motivations by integrating global value chains’ considerations
Authors: Giroud Axèle , Mirza Hafiz
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to show how the nature of the activities conducted by multinational enterprises globally and the governance modes are changing. Essentially, multinational enterprises (MNEs) structure and organize their activities in a more complex, fragmented and geographically dispersed manner. In this paper, the authors suggest that the evolution of MNEs and the rising importance of global value chains (GVCs) require a refinement of FDI motivations rather than a drastic change in the existing categories. The authors begin with a historical overview of evolving firms’ international strategies and FDI motivations, before developing arguments to support the view that the fine slicing of economic activities on a global scale, and the combination of governance modalities ought to be integrated into the presentation of investment motivations. The discussion ends with implications for governments and policymaking.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper is a conceptual paper.

Findings

– Key suggestions to refine the presentation of investment motivations are presented, together with policy recommendations.

Originality/value

– This paper provides a novel approach to ways of refining investment motivations by integrating GVC considerations, and drawing policy implications from this process.
Getting all motives right: a holistic approach to internationalization motives of companies
Authors: van Tulder Rob
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– This paper presents a framework for an improved understanding of actual internationalization motives. Answers to a key question in IB studies – why companies internationalize – contain considerable flaws. There are theoretical, disciplinary and methodological reasons for this state of affairs. In practice, the lacking attention for motivational constellations has serious repercussions for the theoretical sophistication of IB studies, lowering its managerial relevance.

Design/methodology/approach

– Managers are confronted with many internationalization considerations simultaneously and, therefore, often have difficulty in recognizing themselves in extant approaches. The abstractions that many textbooks and academic papers present on the why question of corporate internationalization defy reality in case the various motivational trade-offs that managers face are not adequately addressed. This contribution presents a framework that is based on the identification of a number of motivational tensions that define the outcome of the actual internationalization strategies of companies: between intrinsic and extrinsic motives, between strategic intent and realization and between tactical and strategic considerations.

Findings

– Dealing with these tensions at the same time provides a strong ground for explaining particular outcomes of the internationalization process in degrees of international coordination and integration.

Practical implications

– The practical implication of the approach is a new conceptual framework that help scholars and managers understand complex configurations of internationalization motives better and thus come up with more realistic descriptions of what has actually influenced companies to adopt a particular internationalization strategy.

Originality/value

– The paper presents a completely new combination of models to document the motivations and consequently the internationalization trajectories of companies. It is, however, also well founded in the literature, but it presents a fundamental account of some serious flaws in IB theory and practice.
Labouring in the Shadow of the British Political Tradition: The Dilemma of ‘One Nation’ Politics in an Age of Disunification
Authors: Diamond Patrick , Liddle Roger , Richards David
Published: April 2015

The British state is in flux and the Labour party is struggling to shape an effective response to the politics of disunification. This article reflects on the nature of Labour's governing project and its conception of modern statecraft which has evolved since the party became a serious contender for power in the aftermath of the First World War. We argue that Labour's initially pluralising instincts cultivated in opposition have been checked by the ongoing reality of a state‐centric mode of governing, in which the party continued to robustly defend the Westminster model operating within the parameters established by the British Political Tradition (BPT). Ed Miliband's conception of ‘One Nation’ Labour threatens to reinforce this historical pattern of reversion to the Westminster model, at precisely the moment when devolutionary forces are destabilising the existing political settlement. To break out of this impasse, Labour must look elsewhere in its ideological lexicon for inspiration, chiefly to the tradition of socialist pluralism and associationalism.
The Effect of the Adoption of a Pro‐Women Domestic Violence Policy on Dowry Violence: Empirical Evidence from India
Authors: Das Susmita
Published: April 2015

Dowry violence against women in India is among the highest in the world. In 2005, India enacted the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (PWDVA) to help female victims of domestic violence. I develop a model of domestic violence and evaluate the effects of the PWDVA on dowry violence. I estimate an empirical model of dowry violence using district level data from 2001–2012. I find that in the post‐policy period, the reporting rate of harassment for dowry has significantly increased in north and central India where female leadership is high. In these districts, dowry deaths have also declined significantly.
Optimal Annuity Purchases for Australian Retirees
Authors: Iskhakov Fedor , Thorp Susan , Bateman Hazel
Published: April 2015

We develop and simulate a stochastic lifecycle model to investigate optimal annuity purchases at retirement. Retirees can invest in risky assets, purchase fairly priced immediate or deferred lifetime annuities, and are eligible for a targeted safety net pension. We match baseline parameters to current Australian settings and conduct scenario analyses over a wide range of individual preferences and financial market outcomes. Except where individuals need to insure a consumption floor, both immediate and deferred annuity purchases are largely crowded out by the means‐tested public pension. Welfare losses caused by zero annuitisation are small compared with the losses caused by completely annuitising all savings, particularly if wealth at retirement is low. Decumulation policy should ensure individuals are well informed of the insurance value of annuities and accommodate diverse choices.
Effect of Pretreatments and Air‐Frying, a Novel Technology, on Acrylamide Generation in Fried Potatoes
Authors: Sansano M. , Juan‐Borrás M. , Escriche I. , Andrés A. , Heredia A.
Published: April 2015

This paper investigated the effect of air‐frying technology, in combination with a pretreatment based of soaking the samples in different chemical agent solutions (citric acid, glycine, calcium lactate, sodium chloride, or nicotinic acid [vitamin B3]), on the generation of acrylamide in fried potatoes. The influence of reducing sugars on the development of surface's color was also analyzed. The experiments were conducted at 180 °C by means of air‐frying and deep‐oil‐frying, as a reference technology. Based on the evolution of color crust with frying time, it could be concluded that the rate of Maillard reaction decreased as the initial reducing sugars content increased in the raw material, and was also lower for deep‐oil‐frying than for air‐frying regardless of pretreatments applied. Air‐frying reduced acrylamide content by about 90% compared with conventional deep‐oil‐frying without being necessary the application of a pretreatment. However, deep‐oil fried potatoes pretreated with solutions of nicotinic acid, citric acid, glycine at 1%, and NaCl at 2% presented much lower acrylamide levels (up to 80% to 90% reduction) than nonpretreated samples.
An investigation of wholly‐owned foreign subsidiary control through transaction cost economics theory
Authors: Giacobbe Francesco , Matolcsy Zoltan , Wakefield James
Published: April 2015

This paper investigates the management control systems used by multinational corporation headquarters to control wholly‐owned foreign subsidiaries. Our theory development is based on transaction cost economics. First, we conduct a series of exploratory interviews, providing an insight into the context, and second, we provide empirical evidence based on cross‐sectional survey data. Our results indicate that activity traits (uncertainty, asset specificity and post hoc information impactedness) have significant implications on control choices, in particular the control archetype combinations chosen by headquarters, although not all results are consistent with theory predictions. Our findings are supported by extensive alternative testing.
Elucidating the prognostic significance of KRAS, NRAS, BRAF and PIK3CA mutations in Chinese patients with metastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: Ma Brigette B , Mo Frankie , Tong Joanna H , Wong Ashley , Wong SC Cesar , Ho Wing M , Wu Cherry , Lam Polly WY , Chan KF , Chan Timothy SK , Tsui Wilson MS , Tsang Alex KH , Fung Mandy NS , Chan Anthony TC , To Ka Fai
Published: April 2015

Aim

The prognostic significance of KRAS, NRAS, PIK3CA and BRAF mutations was evaluated in Chinese patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC).

Method

Tumor samples from 183 patients were retrospectively tested for KRAS, NRAS, PIK3CA and BRAF mutations. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine the relationship between mutational status, drug response and survival.

Result

Over 70% of patients received two or more lines of chemotherapy, 50% had cetuximab and 18% had bevacizumab. The prevalence of KRAS, NRAS, BRAF and PIK3CA mutations was 45, 3.2, 5 and 20%, respectively. For the entire cohort, the median overall survival was 24 months (95% confidence interval [CI] = 20.4–26.4 months). Of the genes tested, only KRAS mutation was an independent prognostic factor with a multivariate hazard ratio of 1.5 (95% CI = 1.05–2.16, P = 0.03). In the subgroup of patients who received cetuximab‐based therapy in the first‐line setting, KRAS mutation was associated with a lack of response to chemotherapy (28% vs 66%, chi‐square, P = 0.01). Patients with KRAS mutant tumors (or KRAS wild‐type tumors that harbored BRAF and/or PIK3CA mutations) tended to have lower response rates to chemotherapy and/or cetuximab (P = not significant). The number of NRAS mutant cases was too small to allow any statistical analysis.

Conclusion

The prevalence of KRAS, NRAS, BRAF and PIK3CA mutations in this cohort is consistent with reports from non‐Asian populations, and KRAS mutation has both prognostic and predictive significance in Chinese patients with metastatic CRC.
Radiotherapy utilization in BRAF mutation‐tested metastatic melanoma in the targeted therapy era
Authors: Gorayski Peter , Dzienis Marcin , Foote Matthew , Atkinson Victoria , Burmeister Elizabeth , Burmeister Bryan
Published: April 2015

Aim

Tumor BRAF mutation testing is routine for all patients with metastatic melanoma (MM) owing to the availability of agents targeting this intracellular pathway. To test whether there is a difference in radiotherapy (RT) utilization according to BRAF mutation status, we performed a retrospective review of RT utilization in a contemporary cohort undergoing BRAF mutation testing.

Methods

Clinical records of MM patients undergoing BRAF mutation testing between April 2010 and August 2012 were reviewed. Overall survival (OS) was calculated using Kaplan–Meier methods. Differences between BRAF status were calculated using chi‐square tests for categorical variables, median tests for continuous variables and Cox proportional hazards models to compare OS.

Results

Up to 158 patients were identified but 17 were excluded due to inadequate clinical data. Of the remaining 141 patients, 69 (49%) tested BRAF mutant (BRAF‐m), median age 47 years (range 21–79) with median follow‐up of 16.8 months (IQR11.3–25.2). Seventy‐two (51%) tested BRAF wild type (BRAF‐w), median age 62 years (range 25–84) with median follow‐up of 27.1 months (IQR12.5–57.4). Overall, RT utilization was similar: 68% in BRAF‐m and 69% in BRAF‐w. Mean number of treatment courses was 1.70 for BRAF‐m and 2.36 for BRAF‐w (Pearson chi‐square 3.92, P = 0.05). Up to 51% of BRAF‐m and 56% of BRAF‐w required ≧2 RT courses. Forty‐six percent BRAF‐m compared with 29% BRAF‐w received brain RT (P = 0.04). Median OS was 17.7 months (IQR7.6–35.5) in BRAF‐m and 19 months (IQR7.8–35.1) in BRAF‐w (P = 0.99).

Conclusion

High RT utilization rates were observed irrespective of BRAF mutation status. Significantly more BRAF‐w patients received RT but more BRAF‐m patients received brain RT.
Proton pump inhibitor use significantly increases the risk of cryptogenic liver abscess: a population‐based study
Authors: Wang Y.‐P. , Liu C.‐J. , Chen T.‐J. , Lin Y.‐T. , Fung C.‐P.
Published: April 2015

Background

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) increase gastric pH and impair defence mechanisms against ingested pathogens, which may result in the overgrowth of virulent Klebsiella pneumoniae in the intestine and subsequent liver abscess.

Aim

We investigated the possible association between PPIs use and cryptogenic liver abscess in Taiwan.

Methods

We conducted a population‐based case–control study using data from the National Health Insurance Research Database. A total of 958 adult cases of liver abscess and 3832 age‐ and sex‐matched control patients were enrolled during 2000–2010. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) in patients using PPIs before cryptogenic liver abscess.

Results

The adjusted OR associating current use of PPIs (prescription within the past 30 days) with cryptogenic liver abscess was 4.7 [95% confidence interval (CI), 2.9–7.8], and recent use of PPIs (prescription within the past 31–90 days) with cryptogenic liver abscess was 2.9 (95% CI, 1.4–6.1). A dose–response relationship was apparent for cumulative dose of PPIs within 90 days. Adjusted OR was highest among the patients receiving PPIs more than 60 cumulative defined daily dose (OR = 6.5, 95% CI, 2.8–14.9).

Conclusion

Proton pump inhibitor therapy within the past 90 days was associated with an increased risk of cryptogenic liver abscess.
Do observers like curvature or do they dislike angularity?
Authors: Bertamini Marco , Palumbo Letizia , Gheorghes Tamara Nicoleta , Galatsidas Mai
Published: April 2015

Humans have a preference for curved over angular shapes, an effect noted by artists as well as scientists. It may be that people like smooth curves or that people dislike angles, or both. We investigated this phenomenon in four experiments. Using abstract shapes differing in type of contour (angular vs. curved) and complexity, Experiment 1 confirmed a preference for curvature not linked to perceived complexity. Experiment 2 tested whether the effect was modulated by distance. If angular shapes are associated with a threat, the effect may be stronger when they are presented within peripersonal space. This hypothesis was not supported. Experiment 3 tested whether preference for curves occurs when curved lines are compared to straight lines without angles. Sets of coloured lines (angular vs. curved vs. straight) were seen through a circular or square aperture. Curved lines were liked more than either angular or straight lines. Therefore, angles are not necessary to generate a preference for curved shapes. Finally, Experiment 4 used an implicit measure of preference, the manikin task, to measure approach/avoidance behaviour. Results did not confirm a pattern of avoidance for angularity but only a pattern of approach for curvature. Our experiments suggest that the threat association hypothesis cannot fully explain the curvature effect and that curved shapes are, per se, visually pleasant.
Placing HIV beyond the metropolis: Risks, mobilities, and health promotion among gay men in the Halifax, Nova Scotia region
Authors: Lewis Nathaniel M.
Published: April 2015

Research on HIV/AIDS among gay men in North America has departed from pure disease diffusion models to consider the social and environmental contexts where transmission may take place. Most of this work, however, focuses on large metropolitan areas and operationalizes the concept of place with only some degree of nuance. Large cities—and the bars, bathhouses, and gay villages within them—are often treated as containers of attributes that contribute to and concretize HIV risk. This article therefore seeks to apply a critical, ecological conception of place to understanding HIV risk, education, and prevention among gay men in the small city‐region of Halifax, Nova Scotia. Using in‐depth interviews with HIV/AIDS‐related service providers and self‐identified gay men, the study highlights four dynamics of HIV risk potentially affecting gay men in smaller cities and rural areas: (1) institutional ambivalence toward HIV education and messaging, (2) narrow conceptions of risk, (3) migrations into unfamiliar social and sexual environments, and (4) social and structural barriers to health service utilization.

Situer le VIH au‐delà de la métropole : les risques, les mobilités, et la promotion de la santé chez les hommes gais dans la région d'Halifax, Nouvelle‐Écosse

Les travaux de recherche menés sur le VIH/sida chez les hommes gais en Amérique du Nord ont rompu avec les modèles limités à la diffusion de la maladie afin de tenir compte davantage des contextes sociaux et environnementaux de transmissions possibles. Cependant, ce corpus scientifique est consacré aux grandes régions métropolitaines et applique la notion de lieu de façon peu nuancée. Les grandes villes, les bars, les saunas, et les villages gais qu'on y retrouve sont souvent désignés comme des milieux caractérisés par les attributs qui favorisent et concrétisent le risque de transmission du VIH. S'appuyant sur une conception écologique critique du lieu, cet article a pour objet de mettre en lumière le risque, les programmes d'éducation et la prévention en matière de VIH chez les hommes gais à Halifax, Nouvelle‐Écosse, une ville‐région de petite taille. Au moyen d'entrevues réalisées auprès de fournisseurs de services spécialisés dans le VIH/sida et auprès d'hommes s'étant déclarés gais, l'étude montre combien les dynamiques sociales et institutionnelles particulières ont une influence sur la façon dont les gais de la région conçoivent et se préoccupent du risque de transmission du VIH. Leurs récits mettent en évidence l'ambivalence institutionnelle envers les programmes d'éducation et la communication de messages portant sur le VIH, les négociations individuelles complexes entourant l'identité sexuelle et l'acte sexuel proprement dit, et les obstacles à l'accès aux services de santé sexuelle. Il en ressort un agencement particulier de discours sur le VIH et des risques potentiels que courent les hommes gais dans les petites villes et les autres régions périphériques du Canada.
Aspartate‐modified doxorubicin on its N‐terminal increases drug accumulation in LAT1‐overexpressing tumors
Authors: Wu Weidang , Dong Yan , Gao Jing , Gong Min , Zhang Xing , Kong Weiling , Li Yazhuo , Zeng Yong , Si Duanyun , Wei Zihong , Ci Xiaoyan , Jiang Lixin , Li Wei , Li Quansheng , Yi Xiulin , Liu Changxiao
Published: April 2015

L‐type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1), overexpressed on the membrane of various tumor cells, is a potential target for tumor‐targeting therapy. This study aimed to develop a LAT1‐mediated chemotherapeutic agent. We screened doxorubicin modified by seven different large neutral amino acids. The aspartate‐modified doxorubicin (Asp‐DOX) showed the highest affinity (Km = 41.423 μmol/L) to LAT1. Aspartate was attached to the N‐terminal of DOX by the amide bond with a free carboxyl and a free amino group on the α‐carbon atom of the Asp residue. The product Asp‐DOX was characterized by HPLC/MS. In vitro, Asp‐DOX exerted stronger inhibition on the cancer cells overexpressing LAT1 and the uptake of Asp‐DOX was approximately 3.5‐fold higher than that of DOX in HepG2 cells. Pharmacokinetic data also showed that Asp‐DOX was expressed over a longer circulation time (t1/2 = 49.14 min) in the blood compared to DOX alone (t1/2 = 15.12 min). In HepG2 and HCT116 tumor‐bearing mice, Asp‐DOX achieved 3.1‐fold and 6.4‐fold accumulation of drugs in tumor tissue, respectively, than those of the unmodified DOX. More importantly, treatment of tumor‐bearing mice with Asp‐DOX showed a significantly stronger inhibition of tumor growth than mice treated with free DOX in HepG2 tumor models. Furthermore, after Asp modification, Asp‐DOX avoided MDR mediated by P‐glycoprotein. These results suggested that the Asp‐DOX modified drug may provide a new treatment strategy for tumors that overexpress LAT1 and MDR1.
Show Me the World: Object Categorization and Socially Guided Object Learning in Infancy
Authors: Pauen Sabina , Birgit Träuble , Hoehl Stefanie , Bechtel Sabrina
Published: April 2015

How infants acquire knowledge about animate beings and physical objects has been of interest to developmental psychologists for many years. In this article, we provide evidence suggesting that by 7 months, infants have formed a global animate‐inanimate distinction that seems to be based on previously acquired knowledge. This knowledge may allow infants to analyze triadic social interactions involving another animate being and a physical object in more complex ways. Whereas 3‐ to 4‐month‐olds respond to object‐directed social cues such as eye gaze or facial expressions more or less automatically, 9‐ to 12‐month‐olds seem to integrate social and object knowledge to allocate their attentional resources. Twelve‐month‐olds can even detect person‐specific preferences for an entire category of objects. Based on this evidence, we conclude that infants’ learning about social beings and physical objects is closely related, but changes substantially in preverbal children.
The VCDQ – a Questionnaire for symptom monitoring in vocal cord dysfunction
Authors: Fowler S. J. , Thurston A. , Chesworth B. , Cheng V. , Constantinou P. , Vyas A. , Lillie S. , Haines J.
Published: April 2015

Background

Vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) typically involves abnormal adduction of the vocal cords during inspiration, mimics the symptoms of asthma and leads to the prescription of ineffective medications.

Objective

We aimed to develop a clinical tool to monitor symptoms and response to treatment in confirmed VCD.

Methods

We collated symptoms of VCD from focus groups comprising patients and healthcare professionals; phrases describing these symptoms were assessed for face validity and internal correlation and rated for importance. The resultant 12‐item questionnaire (VCDQ) rated the impact of each on a 5‐point Likert scale (total score range 12–60) and was tested for reliability, concurrent validity and performance in 31 patients with endoscopically confirmed VCD (± asthma), 29 asthmatics with no history of VCD and 14 healthy controls. We assessed response to speech and language therapy and the minimal important difference by measuring the VCDQ pre‐ and post‐ therapy in a 20 new patients.

Results

The VCDQ had excellent test–retest reliability and differentiated VCD vs. healthy (Mann–Whitney U‐test: z = −5.390, P < 0.001) and asthma (z = −5.730, P < 0.001). All patients improved post‐therapy, assessed both by a global rating of change score (GRCS) and by the VCDQ [median (IQR) score pre‐therapy 50.5 (48.0 – 54.8), post‐therapy 35.0 (29.3 – 41.8), P < 0.001]. The minimal important difference in the VCDQ associated with a rating of ‘minimally better’ on the GRCS was 4 points.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

The VCDQ is a valid and responsive tool suitable for measuring changes in symptoms in patients with VCD. It also gives insight into which symptoms are important to patients and could guide future therapy refinements. Future assessments of novel therapies for this condition should use an appropriately validated tool such as the VCDQ to measure response.
Association between serum osteocalcin level and visceral obesity in Chinese postmenopausal women
Authors: Luo Yuqi , Ma Xiaojing , Hao Yaping , Xu Yiting , Xiong Qin , Tang Junling , Pan Xiaoping , Xiao Yunfeng , Bao Yuqian , Jia Weiping
Published: April 2015

Background

A low serum osteocalcin level, visceral obesity and postmenopausal status are recognized risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

Objective

We investigated the relationship between the serum osteocalcin level and visceral fat content in a population of Chinese postmenopausal women.

Design and patients

In total, 1481 postmenopausal women (mean age ± standard deviation, 57·1 ± 4·8 years) were selected from the Shanghai Obesity Study.

Measurements

Abdominal fat accumulation was quantified using magnetic resonance imaging. Subjects with a visceral fat area (VFA) of ≥80 cm2 were classified as abdominally obese. The total serum osteocalcin level was measured by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay.

Results

The median serum osteocalcin level was 20·66 μg/l (interquartile range, 16·88–25·42 μg/l). The overall prevalence of abdominal obesity was 49·1% (n = 727). Abdominally obese subjects had lower serum osteocalcin levels than did nonabdominally obese subjects [19·14 (16·02–23·82) vs 21·97 (18·14–26·77) μg/l, respectively; P < 0·001]. Partial correlation analysis showed that the serum osteocalcin level was still negatively correlated with VFA after adjusting for age, years since menopause and body mass index (P < 0·01). Moreover, VFA was independently associated with the serum osteocalcin level after adjustment for confounding factors (P < 0·05). A low serum osteocalcin level was an independent risk factor for abdominal obesity (odds ratio, 0·972; 95% confidence interval, 0·953–0·991; P = 0·004).

Conclusion

The serum osteocalcin level was inversely correlated with the visceral fat content in these Chinese postmenopausal women.
The presence of eye defects in patients with Turner syndrome is irrespective of their karyotype
Authors: Wikiera Beata , Mulak Malgorzata , Koltowska‐Haggstrom Maria , Noczynska Anna
Published: April 2015

Objective

Published data on eye disorders in patients with Turner syndrome (TS) are limited. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of eye disorders in patients with TS and assess the association with patient karyotype.

Design

Cross‐sectional, observational study.

Patients

Eighty‐two patients with TS.

Measurements

We evaluated visual acuity (distance and proximity), intraocular pressure, optic system refraction, orthoposition, frontal eye segment, the eye fundus and colour vision. For eye fundus abnormalities, we conducted ultrasound examinations, visual field evaluations and fluorescein angiography. We statistically tested the association between the prevalence of eye disorders and karyotype.

Results

50 (61%) patients had monosomy X; 9 (11%) had mosaicism with a normal 46,XX line; 21 (26%) had structural aberrations; and 2 patients (2%) had other chromosomal abnormalities. Eye disorders were diagnosed in 43 (52%) patients, with 29 (35%) patients having multiple eye defects. Defects related to impaired vision were the most common (44%), followed by strabismus (21%), changes in the posterior eye segment (6%), red‐green colour deficiency (5%), changes in the anterior eye segment (5%) and nystagmus (4%). Amblyopia was diagnosed in 13 patients (16%). The most common combinations of ophthalmological defects were hypermetropia and astigmatism with or without other eye problems (12 patients). We found no association between the presence of eye defects and karyotype.

Conclusions

Detection of eye abnormalities is necessary in all patients directly after being diagnosed with TS to prevent irreversible deterioration of eye function and permanent poor vision. All girls with TS, irrespective of their karyotype, should be referred to an ophthalmologist.
Immunohistochemistry for CD117 (KIT) is effective in distinguishing cutaneous adnexal tumors with apocrine/eccrine or sebaceous differentiation from other epithelial tumors of the skin
Authors: Goto Keisuke
Published: April 2015

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of CD117 immunostaining for diagnosing cutaneous adnexal tumors, which has not been previously established.

Methods

CD117 immunostaining was performed on representative sections of 87 clinicopathologically confirmed cutaneous apocrine/eccrine tumors, 13 sebaceous tumors, 52 follicular tumors, 55 keratinocytic tumors, 24 metastatic tumors of the skin of known origin and 1 mammary Paget disease. Staining of 5–50% of cells was considered focally positive, and staining of 51–100% of cells was considered diffusely positive. Staining intensity was semi‐quantitatively graded as weak, moderate or strong.

Results

A total of 82 (94.3%) tumors with apocrine/eccrine differentiation were CD117‐positive, whereas one mucinous carcinoma, one apocrine carcinoma, and three primary cutaneous extramammary Paget diseases were CD117‐negative. For most positive cases, staining was diffuse (64/82 cases) and moderate to strong in intensity (74/82). Twelve (92.3%) sebaceous tumors were CD117‐positive, showing mainly focal (9/12) and weak (7/12) positivity. Of the 52 follicular tumors, all 4 cases of pilomatricoma and other 5 tumors were positive for CD117. Of the 55 keratinocytic tumors, only 2 cases were CD117‐positive. The 24 metastatic tumors and mammary Paget disease were CD117‐negative.

Conclusions

CD117 may be useful for the differential diagnosis of cutaneous adnexal tumors.
Methoxetamine: An early report on the motivations for use, effect profile and prevalence of use in a UK clubbing sample
Authors: Winstock Adam R. , Lawn Will , Deluca Paolo , Borschmann Rohan
Published: April 2015

Introduction and Aims

To assess the prevalence of use and subjective effect profile of methoxetamine among a group of polydrug users.

Design and Methods

Cross‐sectional, anonymous, online survey of UK‐based polydrug users was conducted. Prevalence of lifetime, last year and last month use, sourcing of the drugs, motivations for use, and subjective effect and risk profile compared with that of ketamine were measured.

Results

There were 7700 UK‐based polydrug users, of whom 326 reported recent use of methoxetamine. Of the whole sample, 4.2% reported last 12 month use of methoxetamine compared with 24.5% for ketamine. The most common route of use was intranasal and the predominate effect described as psychedelic. Of the 15.5% of last year users of ketamine reporting last year use of methoxetamine, only 18.7% reported that they thought methoxetamine was less damaging to their kidneys or bladder than ketamine. Its broad effect profile, based on participants' first experience of use, was very similar to that of ketamine. Almost one‐third of users reported that they did not intend to try the drug again.

Discussion and Conclusions

Methoxetamine appears to have a broadly similar effect profile to that of ketamine. Only a minority of participants were motivated to use it because they believed it was less damaging to their kidneys or bladder than ketamine. The impact of the recent temporary banning order on availability and use of both methoxetamine and ketamine should be monitored carefully. [Winstock AR, Lawn W, Deluca P, Borschmann R. Methoxetamine: An early report on the motivations for use, effect profile and prevalence of use in a UK clubbing sample. Drug Alcohol Rev 2016;35:212–7]
Prevalence and correlates of neck injection among people who inject drugs in Tijuana, Mexico
Authors: Rafful Claudia , Wagner Karla D. , Werb Dan , González‐Zúñiga Patricia E. , Verdugo Silvia , Rangel Gudelia , Strathdee Steffanie A.
Published: April 2015

Introduction and Aims

Injecting drugs in the neck has been related to adverse health conditions such as jugular vein thrombosis, deep neck infections, aneurysm, haematomas, airway obstruction, vocal cord paralysis and wound botulism, among others. We identified prevalence and correlates of neck injection among people who inject drugs (PWID) in Tijuana, Mexico.

Design and Methods

Beginning in 2011, PWID aged ≥18 years who injected drugs within the last month were recruited into a prospective cohort. At baseline and semi‐annually, PWID completed interviewer‐administered surveys soliciting data on drug‐injecting practices. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of injecting in the neck as the most frequent injection site at a single visit.

Results

Of 380 PWID, 35.3% injected in the neck at least once in the past 6 months, among whom 71.6% reported it as their most common injection site, the most common injecting site after the arms (47%). Controlling for age, years injecting and injecting frequency, injecting heroin and methamphetamine two or more times per day and having sought injection assistance were associated with injecting in the neck [adjusted odds ratios (AOR): 2.12; 95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.27–3.53 and AOR: 2.65; 95% CI: 1.52–4.53 respectively].

Discussion and Conclusions

Injecting in the neck was very common among PWID in Tijuana and was associated with polydrug use and seeking injection assistance. Tailoring harm reduction education interventions for individuals who provide injection assistance (‘hit doctors’) may allow for the dissemination of safe injecting knowledge to reduce injection‐related morbidity and mortality. [Rafful C, Wagner KD, Werb D, González‐Zúñiga PE, Verdugo S, Rangel G, Strathdee SA. Prevalence and correlates of neck injection among people who inject drugs in Tijuana, Mexico. Drug Alcohol Rev 2015;34:630–6]
Prevalence of illicit substance use among Arab adults in Israel: Findings from a national survey
Authors: Lawental Maayan , Shoham Meyrav , Ron Pnina , Azaiza Faisal
Published: April 2015

Introduction and Aims

The aim of this study was to examine illicit psychoactive substance use rates among adult Arabs in Israel.

Design and Methods

Cross‐sectional survey of 1200 Arab adults recruited nationwide via cluster sampling and interviewed using a structured questionnaire was conducted.

Results

Fourteen percent of respondents reporting illegal substance use with increased odds of use among males and those who were secular/not religious.

Discussion and Conclusions

These findings show for the first time the extent of illegal substance use among Arab adults in Israel and suggest the possibility for targeted interventions in certain population groups. [Lawental M, Shoham M, Ron P, Azaiza F. Prevalence of illicit substance use among Arab adults in Israel: Findings from a national survey. Drug Alcohol Rev 2015;34:660–2]
Screening for hazardous alcohol use among university students using individual questions from the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test‐Consumption
Authors: Blank Mei‐Ling , Connor Jennie , Gray Andrew , Tustin Karen
Published: April 2015

Introduction and Aims

Abbreviated versions of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test‐Consumption (AUDIT‐C) instrument have not been investigated among students. We compared a modified second item (AUDIT‐2*) (typical quantity per occasion as the number of drinks, rather than categorical responses) and the third item (AUDIT‐3) (heavy episodic drinking frequency) with AUDIT‐C scores and described their associations with sociodemographic variables.

Design and Methods

We analysed cross‐sectional data from the 2011 baseline of the Graduate Longitudinal Study New Zealand, including respondents aged up to 25 years (n = 5082, response rate 65%). Hazardous drinking was defined as an AUDIT‐C score of seven or greater for men and five or greater for women. We calculated the area under receiver operating characteristic curves, sensitivities, specificities, and positive and negative predictive values for the AUDIT‐2* and AUDIT‐3. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated to describe the associations between drinking patterns and sociodemographic factors.

Results

Based on the sex‐specific AUDIT‐C cut‐points, 36% of participants reported drinking at hazardous levels. For the AUDIT‐2*, the best combination of sensitivity and specificity was obtained for a cut‐point of five standard drinks. The best cut‐point for the AUDIT‐3 was for monthly heavy episodic drinking. Positive and negative predictive values were above 0.80 for both cut‐points. Consumption was associated with age, degree level, domestic/international status, accommodation type, relationship status and employment.

Discussion and Conclusions

The AUDIT‐2* and the AUDIT‐3 appear to be promising standalone screening items for detecting hazardous drinking in this population of heavy‐drinking students. [Blank M‐L, Connor J, Gray A, Tustin K. Screening for hazardous alcohol use among university students using individual questions from the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test‐Consumption. Drug Alcohol Rev 2015;34:540–8]
Lamellar pathology in horses with pituitarypars intermediadysfunction
Authors: Karikoski N. P. , Patterson‐Kane J. C. , Singer E. R. , McFarlane D. , McGowan C. M.
Published: April 2015

Reasons for performing study

Hoof lamellar pathology in horses with pituitarypars intermediadysfunction (PPID) has not been described previously.

Objectives

To describe the histomorphometry and pathological lesions in hoof lamellar tissue of animals that hadPPIDwith or without concurrent laminitis, with reference to age‐matched controls. We hypothesised that lamellar lesions consistent with laminitis would be associated withPPID, even in animals without current or historical laminitis.

Study design

Prospective case–control study.

Methods

Mid‐dorsal hoof histological sections were obtainedpost mortemfrom the forelimbs of 16PPID‐affected animals either with (n = 6) or without laminitis (n = 10) and 10 age‐ and breed‐matched controls. Sections were examined by a blinded veterinary pathologist. The length and width of 10 primary epidermal lamellae were measured using image analysis software. The morphology and pathology of primary and secondary epidermal lamellae were then typed or graded in axial, middle and abaxial regions. Fasting serum insulin, plasma adrenocorticotropin and blood glucose concentration were measured from blood samples taken prior to euthanasia.

Results

All animals withPPIDand laminitis had fasting hyperinsulinaemia (median 74.1 miu/l, interquartile range 49.9–349.5 miu/l) whereasPPIDanimals without laminitis had serum insulin concentrations below the upper limit of the reference range (<20 miu/l). Lamellar pathology inPPIDanimals with laminitis was variable in severity and unrelated to the reported duration of laminitis (range 2 months–5 years). Most lesions were located abaxially within the lamellar tissue and included increased length and width of the lamellae, chronic abnormal keratinisation, interlamellar epidermal bridging and cell death with more acute lamellar tearing in some cases. The lamellae ofPPIDanimals without laminitis were normal referent to the relevant control group.

Conclusions

WhetherPPIDand hyperinsulinaemia have a causal inter‐relationship or not, it may only be the hyperinsulinaemia that is associated with lamellar morphological alteration and pathology consistent with laminitis.
Specific binding of Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin fragment to Claudin‐b and modulation of zebrafish epidermal barrier
Authors: Zhang Jingjing , Ni Chen , Yang Zhenguo , Piontek Anna , Chen Huapu , Wang Sijie , Fan Yiming , Qin Zhihai , Piontek Joerg
Published: April 2015

Claudins (Cldn) are the major components of tight junctions (TJs) sealing the paracellular cleft in tissue barriers of various organs. Zebrafish Cldnb, the homolog of mammalian Cldn4, is expressed at epithelial cell–cell contacts and is important for regulating epidermal permeability. The bacterial toxin Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin (CPE) has been shown to bind to a subset of mammalian Cldns. In this study, we used the Cldn‐binding C‐terminal domain of CPE (194–319 amino acids, cCPE194–319) to investigate its functional role in modulating zebrafish larval epidermal barriers. In vitro analyses show that cCPE194–319 removed Cldn4 from epithelial cells and disrupted the monolayer tightness, which could be rescued by the removal of cCPE194–319. Incubation of zebrafish larvae with cCPE194–319 removed Cldnb specifically from the epidermal cell membrane. Dye diffusion analysis with 4‐kDa fluorescent dextran indicated that the permeability of the epidermal barrier increased due to cCPE194–319 incubation. Electron microscopic investigation revealed reversible loss of TJ integrity by Cldnb removal. Collectively, these results suggest that cCPE194–319 could be used as a Cldnb modulator to transiently open the epidermal barrier in zebrafish. In addition, zebrafish might be used as an in vivo system to investigate the capability of cCPE to enhance drug delivery across tissue barriers.
An acyltransferase domain of FK506 polyketide synthase recognizing both an acyl carrier protein and coenzyme A as acyl donors to transfer allylmalonyl and ethylmalonyl units
Authors: Jiang Hui , Wang Yue‐Yue , Guo Yuan‐Yang , Shen Jie‐Jie , Zhang Xiao‐Sheng , Luo Hong‐Dou , Ren Ni‐Ni , Jiang Xin‐Hang , Li Yong‐Quan
Published: April 2015

Acyltransferase (AT) domains of polyketide synthases (PKSs) usually use coenzyme A (CoA) as an acyl donor to transfer common acyl units to acyl carrier protein (ACP) domains, initiating incorporation of acyl units into polyketides. Two clinical immunosuppressive agents, FK506 and FK520, are biosynthesized by the same PKSs in several Streptomyces strains. In this study, characterization of AT4FkbB (the AT domain of the fourth module of FK506 PKS) in transacylation reactions showed that AT4FkbB recognizes both an ACP domain (ACPTcsA) and CoA as acyl donors for transfer of a unique allylmalonyl (AM) unit to an acyl acceptor ACP domain (ACP4FkbB), resulting in FK506 production. In addition, AT4FkbB uses CoA as an acyl donor to transfer an unusual ethylmalonyl (EM) unit to ACP4FkbB, resulting in FK520 production, and transfers AM units to non‐native ACP acceptors. Characterization of AT4FkbB in self‐acylation reactions suggests that AT4FkbB controls acyl unit specificity in transacylation reactions but not in self‐acylation reactions. Generally, AT domains of PKSs only recognize one acyl donor; however, we report here that AT4FkbB recognizes two acyl donors for the transfer of different acyl units.

Database

Nucleotide sequence data have been submitted to the GenBank database under accession numbers KJ000382 and KJ000383.
Remote nondestructive evaluation technique using infrared thermography for fatigue cracks in steel bridges
Authors: Sakagami T.
Published: April 2015

Long‐standing infrastructure is subject to structural deterioration. In this respect, steel bridges suffer fatigue cracks, which necessitate immediate inspection, structural integrity evaluation or repair. However, the inaccessibility of such structures makes inspection time consuming and labour intensive. Therefore, there is an urgent need for developing high‐performance nondestructive evaluation (NDE) methods to assist in effective maintenance of such structures. Recently, use of infrared cameras in nondestructive testing has been attracting increasing interest, as they provide highly efficient remote and wide area measurements. This paper first reviews the current situation of nondestructive inspection techniques used for fatigue crack detection in steel bridges, and then presents remote NDE techniques using infrared thermography developed by the author for fatigue crack detection and structural integrity assessments. Furthermore, results of applying fatigue crack evaluation to a steel bridge using the newly developed NDE techniques are presented.