bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Barriers to rural women entrepreneurs in Oman
Authors: Ghouse Suhail , McElwee Gerard , Meaton Julia , Durrah Omar
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the barriers confronted by rural women entrepreneurs in Oman. The study focusses on women living in rural and mountain areas who aspire to move beyond their traditional family roles. It identifies several problems including accessing funding for new ventures and innovative activities, a lack of skills-based training and limited family support.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on 57 responses to a semi-structured questionnaire, and face to face qualitative interviews with ten women entrepreneurs. Quantitative responses are evaluated and ranked in terms of their mean score, standard deviation and the intensity of each factor shaping rural women entrepreneurship. Five qualitative cases are presented.

Findings

Although Oman is arguably one of the more progressive Arab countries regarding gender equality and women empowerment, the findings exhibit socio-cultural concerns which hamper women entrepreneurial venture creations and their subsequent success. The findings of the research are discussed using the three dimensions of entrepreneurship identified by Wenneker and Thurik (1999). The three dimensions are: conditions leading to entrepreneurship, characteristics of entrepreneurship and outcomes of entrepreneurship.

Practical implications

Suggests that Omani policymakers should consider how women entrepreneurs can be better supported so that they can diversify household income by starting new ventures while simultaneously contributing to the socio-economic development of the region. A number of suggestions on how this can be achieved are presented.

Originality/value

Research on rural women entrepreneurship in the context of an Arab country is scarce and the study can provide an overview of the obstacles and the support required for the development of the rural women entrepreneurship in this region.
Developing a conceptual framework of waste management in the organizational context
Authors: Singh Aarti , Sushil
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a conceptual framework of waste management by using total interpretive structural modeling (TISM) technique in the Indian organizational context.

Design/methodology/approach

TISM technique has been used to develop a conceptual framework of waste management in the organizational context, where the waste management factors have been identified and verified through content analysis.

Findings

The conceptual framework of waste management in the organization has been developed using TISM that contributes to the development of important links and the hierarchical relationships among the factors. In addition to it, the model also figures out the driving and dependent factors of waste management.

Research limitations/implications

This study has its implication for both organizations and policy makers. It provides the important factors for managing waste in the organization which must be considered before planning the waste management practice in an organization. For policy makers, it highlights the waste management paths and important linkages required for the development of waste management policies in the organizations.

Originality/value

This study has made its contribution by providing the conceptual framework for waste management in the Indian organizational context which has been developed through qualitative modeling technique. The conceptual framework also provides important paths of managing waste in the organization which is a new effort in the Indian organizational context.
Land use change analysis in the urban region of Milan
Authors: Salata Stefano
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The comparative study between urban regions gathered by the 2010 National Project of Relevant Interest financed by the Italian Ministry of Education, University and Research (MIUR – PRIN 2010) re-opened, in Italy, the debate on regional comparison of data, especially the ones of land use monitoring, which are difficult to collect, and to compare. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate some results of comparative studies based on regional and national data sets of land use indicators. Further considerations of land use change (LUC) assessment and its effect on environmental policies extended to the whole metropolitan area of Milan are outlined.

Design/methodology/approach

The adopted methodology collects different types of information from the existent databases on land uses/land covers (national/regional) and presents an assessment between the selected case of studies (urban regions), leading a shift from a quantitative evaluation to a qualitative one. A comparative study was conducted applying a geographical and statistical difference of land uses among different time thresholds. Subsequently, a cross-tabulation analysis allows an in-depth LUC analysis for the Milan urban region.

Findings

The results of the study display an autonomous pattern for the Milan urban region, which is the most densely populated area in Italy and seems to be the only comparable to other international cases of studies due to its extension and characteristics. Nevertheless, it is not the urban region that is affected by the highest rate of land take, which takes place in the Italian context where densities of settlements are lower and sprawled. According to Soja’s (2011) interpretation, the post-metropolitan condition of Milan seems to be proved.

Originality/value

The study was aimed at creating the first online National Atlas which has been used to overcome traditional problems of homogenization of LUC data in Italy. The quantification and qualification of LUC patterns allow us to understand if, and where, post-metropolis condition occurs. This research gives a clear indication of the kind of ongoing phenomena for policy orientation to planners and administrators, especially the one of the green infrastructure approach at the city-region level to solving the emerging environmental challenges.
Green chicken purchase behavior: the moderating role of price transparency
Authors: Minbashrazgah Morteza Maleki , Maleki Fatemeh , Torabi Maedeh
Published: August 2017

Purpose

Developing green consumption, organic and green meat and poultry consumption have been increased recently. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of food’s sensory characteristics (e.g. organic food beliefs) and non-food factors (e.g. price transparency) on consumers’ green purchase behavior. So, according to the moderating role of price transparency, affecting factors on green chicken purchase intention and behavior are examined.

Design/methodology/approach

Evaluating the model, the authors used measures from previous research. The authors distributed questionnaire in four chain stores in four different geographical regions in Tehran. The structural model and relations were examined by using Smart PLS 2.0 software to simultaneously estimate the measurement and structural models.

Findings

Structural equation analysis revealed that level of trust, consumer’s organic food beliefs and perceived environmental responsibility have positive impact on green purchase intention. Also price transparency moderator role confirmed that moderators can affect consumers’ actual behavior.

Research limitations/implications

As our sample was just from Tehran, the research results may lack generalizability to all people in Iran. Therefore, future researchers are encouraged to retest the proposed model in other cities and also in other countries with different level of economic development.

Practical implications

This paper includes suggestions for managers and producers to develop green food products consumption especially green chicken. Also it has implications for spreading out green consumption among people with high environmental involvement.

Originality/value

Despite conducted research, the moderating role of price transparency has been used only rarely to investigate consumers’ green purchase behavior.
Reading for meaning; time to revisit top‐down strategies?
Authors: Mays Dennis
Published: August 2017

The teaching of reading is one of the consistent topics for discussion in eduvation. It exercises the minds of teachers, parents and politicians alike. This is especially so because levels of literacy are regarded as one of the most important indicators of educational well‐being and progress, such is its position of status in such international comparison tools as Pisa. This aricle explores some of the historical and contemporary dilemmas, highlighting the challenges that teachers face in defining effective reading programmes for students who are underachieving.
Facilitating transformative learning: supporting students experiencing unique challenges
Authors: Joubert Jaco , Slabbert Johannes
Published: August 2017

The educational community has made a shift from transmission learning to a type of learning where the student is transformed. The findings produced by a literature study delineate the authors’ definition of ‘transformative learning’. The struggle to implement this form of learning has resulted in mostly theoretical approaches; empirical data on successfully implemented cases of transformative learning is limited. This article concerns the gap in the literature regarding what best support students who struggle with the unique challenges inherent in this form of learning. A higher education programme is identifed as a successfully implemented case of transformative learning. The challenges inherit in this approach are listed, followed by descriptions on how students overcame these challenges. A case study methodology is adopted, using interviews to gain insight into the experiences of alumni students of this programme. Challenges faced by students within the programme are correlated with both the literature and the expectations of the facilitators who designed the programme. According to the students, the main challenge within this type of learning is uncertainty, which is overcome by utilising the intrinsic virtue of resourcefulness. Studying these student experiences lead the authors to the conclusion that facilitating this form of learning does not require a focus on the student, but only a focus on the level of difficulty of the problem. Students need to be allowed to access/create their own support structures as this process is the very transformation sought by this form of learning.
Autophagy in stem cell aging
Authors: Revuelta Miren , Matheu Ander
Published: August 2017

Aging is responsible for changes in mammalian tissues that result in an imbalance to tissue homeostasis and a decline in the regeneration capacity of organs due to stem cell exhaustion. Autophagy is a constitutive pathway necessary to degrade damaged organelles and protein aggregates. Autophagy is one of the hallmarks of aging, which involves a decline in the number and functionality of stem cells. Recent studies show that stem cells require autophagy to get rid of cellular waste produced during the quiescent stage. In particular, two independent studies in muscle and hematopoietic stem cells demonstrate the relevance of the autophagy impairment for stem cell exhaustion and aging. In this review, we summarize the main results of these works, which helped to elucidate the impact of autophagy in stem cell activity as well as in age‐associated diseases.
Convict Transportation to New South Wales, 1787–1849: Mortality Rates Reconsidered
Authors: Sturgess Gary L. , Rahman Sara , Argyrous George
Published: August 2017

Previous research into Australian convict transportation has concluded that a significant downturn in mortality rates occurred with the appointment of naval surgeons as superintendents in 1815. Statistical analysis of convict ships sent to New South Wales between 1787 and 1849 shows a more significant downturn occurred in 1800, following the introduction of closer supervision of ships' surgeons. The contracting system established by the Navy Board in 1786 for the transportation of convicts to New South Wales could be made to work as long as government maintained an effective system of inspection and supervision.
Gambling involvement among Native Americans, Blacks, and Whites in the United States
Authors: Barnes Grace M. , Welte John W. , Tidwell Marie‐Cecile O.
Published: August 2017

Background and Objectives

This paper examines risk factors of gambling and problem gambling among racial subgroups in the U.S. population, namely Native Americans and blacks, for whom research data are lacking.

Methods

Findings are based on a large representative general population survey (n = 3,474) of gambling in the U.S. with an oversample of Native Americans (n = 549). Multiple domains were assessed including sociodemographic factors; ecological factors (census‐defined neighborhood disadvantage, geocoded density of casinos within 30 miles of respondents’ homes, and perceived gambling convenience); impulsivity; and alcohol abuse.

Results

After controlling for all variables in the study, neighborhood disadvantage has a significantly greater effect on overall gambling, frequent gambling, and problem gambling for Native Americans than for the rest of the U.S. population. In addition, the relationship between frequent gambling and heavier drinking is much stronger for blacks than for the rest of the U.S. population.

Discussion and Conclusions

There is a lack of research on gambling involvement among minority groups in the U.S. Blacks and Native Americans are at a higher risk for problem gambling as compared with the rest of the population. Furthermore, social factors and alcohol abuse may show a stronger co‐occurrence with gambling involvement among minority groups than among whites.

Scientific Significance

This study is a large representative U.S. sample with sizeable numbers of Native Americans and blacks. Thus, prevalence rates and risk factors can be assessed for these important population subgroups. This will allow for targeted intervention programs for Native Americans and blacks with problem gambling and alcohol abuse. (Am J Addict 2017;26:713–721)
Gallbladder mucosal lesions associated with high biliary amylase irrespective of pancreaticobiliary maljunction
Authors: Free Jason , Wang Frank , Williams Nick , Gundara Justin S. , Staerkle Ralph F. , Hugh Thomas J. , Samra Jaswinder S.
Published: August 2017

Background

Previous studies have focused on the presence of reflux in selected cohorts with pancreaticobiliary maljunction (PBM), but little is known regarding the wider incidence of occult reflux and associated mucosal changes. We aimed to correlate gallbladder mucosal abnormalities with objective evidence of PBM and occult pancreaticobiliary reflux (PBR) in an Australian population undergoing cholecystectomy.

Methods

Patients undergoing cholecystectomy between September 2010 and September 2012 were eligible for inclusion. Demographic and pre‐operative clinical data were collated and entered into a pre‐defined database. Operative cholangiograms were routinely performed and the presence of PBM noted. Gallbladder bile samples were analysed for bilirubin (<20 µmol/L), amylase (<100 U/L) and lipase (<70 U/L) levels. Evidence of PBR was correlated with gallbladder mucosal findings.

Results

A total of 305 cholecystectomies were performed for biliary colic (73%), choledocholithiasis (9%), cholecystitis (8.4%) and pancreatitis (6.4%). A total of 12.7% had cholangiographic evidence of PBM and 11.9% possessed gallbladder mucosal changes. Overall, 7.7% had increased biliary amylase, which was associated with significantly higher rates of gallbladder intestinal metaplasia (33% versus 8.6%; P = 0.012). Elevated biliary amylase was also higher in patients with prior pancreatitis (P = 0.02) or choledocholithiasis (P < 0.01). The presence of PBM did not predict for the presence of PBR.

Conclusion

PBR is associated with an increased frequency of gallbladder mucosal metaplasia, irrespective of the presence of PBM. Objectively identified reflux represents an additional indication for cholecystectomy but the long‐term consequences for extra‐hepatic biliary malignancy remain unknown and warrant further investigation. Methods of objectively identifying PBR pre‐operatively require further investigation.
Undetectable negative tissue transglutaminase IgA antibodies predict mucosal healing in treated coeliac disease patients
Authors: Fang H. , King K. S. , Larson J. J. , Snyder M. R. , Wu T. T. , Gandhi M. J. , Murray J. A.
Published: August 2017

Background

Tissue transglutaminase (tTG) immunoglobulin A (IgA) testing is a sensitive adjunct to the diagnosis of coeliac disease. The threshold for positivity was developed for diagnosis, with negative results reported as below the reference value (<4 U/mL).

Aim

To investigate if an undetectable (tTG IgA<1.2 U/mL) is more predictive of healing compared to patients with negative but detectable serology (1.2‐3.9 U/mL).

Methods

We performed a retrospective study of 402 treated coeliac disease patients seen at the Mayo Clinic with negative tTG IgA values drawn within 1 month of duodenal biopsy between January 2009 and December 2015. The Corazza‐Villanacci score was used to assess mucosal healing. The presence of gastrointestinal symptoms was also collected. Logistic regression was used to assess the relationship of clinical variables with a normal biopsy.

Results

Patients with undetectable titres more frequently had normal duodenal histology compared to patients with detectable tTG IgA levels (117/240 vs. 53/162; OR=1.96; 1.292, 2.961). Asymptomatic patients more frequently had normal duodenum as compared to symptomatic patients (88/163 vs. 82/239; OR=2.25; CI: 1.494, 3.377). Patients with undetectable serology and on a gluten‐free diet for ≥2 years were more likely to have no villous atrophy compared to patients with detectable serology (148/192 vs. 55/88; OR=2.02; CI: 1.17, 3.49).

Conclusion

In subjects recovering from coeliac disease with negative tTG IgA serology, an undetectable titre is associated with normal histology on follow‐up biopsy.
Autonomous xenogenic cell fusion of murine and chick skeletal muscle myoblasts
Authors: Takaya Tomohide , Nihashi Yuma , Kojima Shotaro , Ono Tamao , Kagami Hiroshi
Published: August 2017

Cell‐cell fusion has been a great technology to generate valuable hybrid cells and organisms such as hybridomas. In this study, skeletal muscle myoblasts were utilized to establish a novel method for autonomous xenogenic cell fusion. Myoblasts are mononuclear myogenic precursor cells and fuse mutually to form multinuclear myotubes. We generated murine myoblasts (mMBs) expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) termed mMB‐GFP, and the chick myoblasts (chMBs) expressing Discosoma red fluorescent protein (DsRed) termed chMB‐DsRed. mMB‐GFP and chMB‐DsRed were cocultured and induced to differentiate. After 24 h, the multinuclear myotubes expressing both GFP and DsRed were observed, indicating that mMBs and chMBs interspecifically fuse. These GFP+/DsRed+ hybrid myotubes were able to survive and grew to hyper‐multinucleated mature form. We also found that undifferentiated mMB‐GFP efficiently fuse to the chMB‐DsRed‐derived myotubes. This is the first evidence for the autonomous xenogenic fusion of mammalian and avian cells. Myoblast‐based fusogenic technique will open up an alternative direction to create novel hybrid products.
Validation of a simple and well‐suited chemical cleaning method for fish otoliths
Authors: Vandenbussche Pierre S.P. , Spennato Guillaume , Francour Patrice , Pierson Patricia M.
Published: August 2017

In marine biology, many research fields are based on use of fish otoliths. All the studies dealing with otoliths need as starting point a perfectly clean otolith. Dissection is difficult when working on small or highly jagged otoliths. A common problem is that during otolith preparation some fish tissue may remain stuck to it, even after a mechanical cleaning. Then, supplementary cleaning with chemicals is needed. Classical methods are known to possibly alter otolith's structure and/or composition. Here, we present a chemical cleaning method using only sodium hydroxide. We have validated the method on two different fish species, Oblada melanura and Dicentrarchus labrax. Observation and analyses of morphological measurements have confirmed significant suppression of residual tissues. We propose this method as a good alternative to previously published mono‐ or multichemical methods.
Risk of, and survival following, histological transformation in follicular lymphoma in the rituximab era. A retrospective multicentre study by the Spanish GELTAMO group
Authors: Alonso‐Álvarez Sara , Magnano Laura , Alcoceba Miguel , Andrade‐Campos Marcio , Espinosa‐Lara Natalia , Rodríguez Guillermo , Mercadal Santiago , Carro Itziar , Sancho Juan M. , Moreno Miriam , Salar Antonio , García‐Pallarols Francesc , Arranz Reyes , Cannata Jimena , Terol María José , Teruel Ana I. , Rodríguez Antonia , Jiménez‐Ubieto Ana , González de Villambrosia Sonia , Bello José L. , López Lourdes , Monsalvo Silvia , Novelli Silvana , de Cabo Erik , Infante María S. , Pardal Emilia , García‐Álvarez María , Delgado Julio , González Marcos , Martín Alejandro , López‐Guillermo Armando , Caballero María D.
Published: August 2017

The diagnostic criteria for follicular lymphoma (FL) transformation vary among the largest series, which commonly exclude histologically‐documented transformation (HT) mandatorily. The aims of this retrospective observational multicentre study by the Spanish Grupo Español de Linfoma y Transplante Autólogo de Médula Ósea, which recruited 1734 patients (800 males/934 females; median age 59 years), diagnosed with FL grades 1–3A, were, (i) the cumulative incidence of HT (CI‐HT); (ii) risk factors associated with HT; and (iii) the role of treatment and response on survival following transformation (SFT). With a median follow‐up of 6·2 years, 106 patients developed HT. Ten‐year CI‐HT was 8%. Considering these 106 patients who developed HT, median time to transformation was 2·5 years. High‐risk FL International Prognostic Index [Hazard ratio (HR) 2·6, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1·5–4·5] and non‐response to first‐line therapy (HR 2·9, 95% CI: 1·3–6·8) were associated with HT. Seventy out of the 106 patients died (5‐year SFT, 26%). Response to HT first‐line therapy (HR 5·3, 95% CI: 2·4–12·0), autologous stem cell transplantation (HR 3·9, 95% CI: 1·5–10·1), and revised International Prognostic Index (HR 2·2, 95% CI: 1·1–4·2) were significantly associated with SFT. Response to treatment and HT were the variables most significantly associated with survival in the rituximab era. Better therapies are needed to improve response. Inclusion of HT in clinical trials with new agents is mandatory.
Using the affective bias test to predict drug‐induced negative affect: implications for drug safety
Authors: Stuart S A , Wood C M , Robinson E S J
Published: August 2017

Background and Purpose

Predicting the risk of drug‐induced adverse psychiatric effects is important but currently not possible in non‐human species. We investigated whether the affective bias test (ABT) could provide a preclinical method with translational and predictive validity.

Experimental Approach

The ABT is a bowl‐digging task, which quantifies biases associated with learning and memory. Rats encounter independent learning experiences, on separate days, under either acute manipulations (e.g. pro‐depressant vs. control) or different absolute reward values (e.g. high vs. low). A bias is observed during a preference test when an animal's choices reflect their prior experience. We investigated the effects of putative pro‐depressant drug treatments following acute or chronic administration on the formation of an affective bias or reward‐induced positive bias respectively.

Key Results

The immunomodulators LPS (10 μg·kg−1), corticosterone (10 and 30 mg·kg−1) and IFN‐α (100 U·kg−1) induced a negative affective bias following acute treatment. Tetrabenazine (1 mg·kg−1) also induced a negative bias, but no effects were observed with varenicline, carbamazepine or montelukast. Chronic treatment with IFN‐α (100 U·kg−1) and retinoic acid (10 mg·kg−1) impaired the formation of a reward‐induced positive bias but did not alter sucrose preference test (SPT).

Conclusions and Implications

The ABT has the potential to provide a novel approach to predict pro‐depressant risk in a non‐human species. Negative biases induced by acute treatment in the standard version of the task may also predict longer‐term effects on reward processing as shown by the deficit in reward‐induced positive bias following chronic treatment, an effect distinct from anhedonia in the SPT.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Pharmacology of Cognition: a Panacea for Neuropsychiatric Disease? To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.19/issuetoc
Heterozygous mutations of HTRA1 gene in patients with familial cerebral small vessel disease
Authors: Di Donato Ilaria , Bianchi Silvia , Gallus Gian Nicola , Cerase Alfonso , Taglia Ilaria , Pescini Francesca , Nannucci Serena , Battisti Carla , Inzitari Domenico , Pantoni Leonardo , Zini Andrea , Federico Antonio , Dotti Maria Teresa
Published: August 2017

Aims

Cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) is the leading cause of vascular dementia. Although the most of cases are sporadic, familial monogenic causes have been identified in a growing minority of patients. CADASIL, due to mutations of NOTCH3 gene, is the most common genetic SVD, and CARASIL, linked to HTRA1 gene mutations, is a rare but well known autosomal recessive SVD. Recently, also heterozygous HTRA1 mutations have been described in patients with familial SVD. To detect a genetic cause of familial SVD, we performed mutational analysis of HTRA1 gene in a large cohort of Italian NOTCH3‐negative patients.

Methods

We recruited 142 NOTCH3‐negative patients and 160 healthy age‐matched controls. Additional control data were obtained from five pathogenicity prediction software.

Results

Five different HTRA1 heterozygous mutations were detected in nine patients from five unrelated families. Clinical phenotype was typical of SVD, and the onset was presenile. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a subcortical leukoencephalopathy, with involvement of the external and internal capsule, corpus callosum, and multiple lacunar infarcts. Cerebral microbleeds were also seen, while anterior temporal lobes involvement was not present.

Conclusion

Our observation further supports the pathogenic role of the heterozygous HTRA1 mutations in familial SVD.
Non‐invasive brain stimulation for dystonia: therapeutic implications
Authors: Erro R. , Tinazzi M. , Morgante F. , Bhatia K. P.
Published: August 2017

Dystonia is characterized by excessive muscle contractions giving rise to abnormal posture and involuntary twisting movements. Although dystonia syndromes are a heterogeneous group of disorders, certain pathophysiological mechanisms have been consistently identified across different forms. These pathophysiological mechanisms have subsequently been exploited for the development of non‐invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques able to modulate neural activity in one or more nodes of the putative network that is altered in dystonia, and the therapeutic role of NIBS has hence been suggested. Here all studies that applied such techniques as a therapeutic intervention in any forms of dystonia, including the few works performed in children, are reviewed and emerging concepts and pitfalls of NIBS are discussed.
Sex‐dependent effects of uric acid on cerebral microbleed: a cross‐sectional study in the general population
Authors: Jeong S.‐M. , Yoo T. G. , Nam Y.‐S. , Kim S. H. , Lee J. E. , Kim S. , Lim J.‐S. , Kwon H.‐M. , Park J.‐H.
Published: August 2017

Background and purpose

Elevated serum uric acid (UA) is known to be associated with stroke. However, there is little information on the association between serum UA levels and cerebral microbleed (CMB), a precursor of stroke. Therefore, we investigated the association between UA and CMB in a general population taking into consideration sex‐related differences.

Methods

The subjects in this cross‐sectional study consisted of 2686 individuals of 40–79 years of age (1403 men and 1283 women) who underwent regular health screenings, including brain magnetic resonance imaging, at Seoul National University Hospital Health Promotion Center. Subjects were categorized into three groups according to tertiles of UA levels by sex. The presence and location of CMB were assessed by gradient‐recalled echo magnetic resonance imaging.

Results

The prevalence of CMB was 3.8%. In multivariate logistic regression analysis by sex, the highest tertile of UA in male subjects was independently associated with the presence of CMB compared with the lowest tertile of UA (adjusted odds ratio, 2.46; P = 0.013). Meanwhile, the highest tertile of UA in female subjects was inversely associated with CMB compared with the lowest tertile of UA (adjusted odds ratio, 0.39; P = 0.040).

Conclusions

High serum UA value was associated with higher prevalence of CMB in male, but lower prevalence of CMB in female subjects.
Rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder and striatal dopamine depletion in patients with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Chung S. J. , Lee Y. , Lee J. J. , Lee P. H. , Sohn Y. H.
Published: August 2017

Background and purpose

Rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder (RBD) is related to striatal dopamine depletion. This study was performed to confirm whether clinically probable RBD (cpRBD) in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) is associated with a specific pattern of striatal dopamine depletion.

Methods

A prospective survey was conducted using the RBD Screening Questionnaire (RBDSQ) in 122 patients with PD who had undergone dopamine transporter (DAT) positron emission tomography scan.

Results

Patients with cpRBD (RBDSQ ≥ 7) exhibited greater motor deficits, predominantly in the less‐affected side and axial symptoms, and were prescribed higher levodopa‐equivalent doses at follow‐up than those without cpRBD (RBDSQ ≤ 4), despite their similar disease and treatment durations. Compared to patients without cpRBD, those with cpRBD showed lower DAT activities in the putamen, particularly in the less‐affected side in all putaminal subregions, and a tendency to be lower in the ventral striatum. In addition, greater motor deficits in patients with cpRBD than in those without cpRBD remained significant after controlling for DAT binding in the putamen and other confounding variables.

Conclusions

These results demonstrated that the presence of RBD in patients with PD is associated with different patterns of both motor deficit distribution and striatal DAT depletion, suggesting that the presence of RBD represents a distinct PD subtype with a malignant motor parkinsonism.
Interactions between cannabidiol and commonly used antiepileptic drugs
Authors: Gaston Tyler E. , Bebin E. Martina , Cutter Gary R. , Liu Yuliang , Szaflarski Jerzy P. ,   the UAB CBD Program
Published: August 2017

Objective

To identify potential pharmacokinetic interactions between the pharmaceutical formulation of cannabidiol (CBD; Epidiolex) and the commonly used antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) through an open‐label safety study. Serum levels were monitored to identify interactions between CBD and AEDs.

Methods

In 39 adults and 42 children, CBD dose was started at 5 mg/kg/day and increased every 2 weeks by 5 mg/kg/day up to a maximum of 50 mg/kg/day. Serum AED levels were obtained at baseline prior to CBD initiation and at most study visits. AED doses were adjusted if it was determined that a clinical symptom or laboratory result was related to a potential interaction. The Mixed Procedure was used to determine if there was a significant change in the serum level of each of the 19 AEDs with increasing CBD dose. AEDs with interactions seen in initial analysis were plotted for mean change in serum level over time. Subanalyses were performed to determine if the frequency of sedation in participants was related to the mean serum N‐desmethylclobazam level, and if aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were different in participants taking concomitant valproate.

Results

Increases in topiramate, rufinamide, and N‐desmethylclobazam and decrease in clobazam (all p < 0.01) serum levels were seen with increasing CBD dose. Increases in serum levels of zonisamide (p = 0.02) and eslicarbazepine (p = 0.04) with increasing CBD dose were seen in adults. Except for clobazam and desmethylclobazam, all noted mean level changes were within the accepted therapeutic range. Sedation was more frequent with higher N‐desmethylclobazam levels in adults (p = 0.02), and AST/ALT levels were significantly higher in participants taking concomitant valproate (p < 0.01).

Significance

Significantly changed serum levels of clobazam, rufinamide, topiramate, zonisamide, and eslicarbazepine were seen. Abnormal liver function test results were noted in participants taking concomitant valproate. This study emphasizes the importance of monitoring serum AED levels and LFTs during treatment with CBD.
Gene flow in Argentinian sunflowers as revealed by genotyping‐by‐sequencing data
Authors: Mondon Ana , Owens Gregory L. , Poverene Mónica , Cantamutto Miguel , Rieseberg Loren H.
Published: August 2017

Gene flow can have several different applied consequences, ranging from extinction to the escape of transgenes to the evolution of weedy or invasive lineages. Here, we describe patterns of hybridization and gene flow involving domesticated and wild sunflowers in Argentina. To address the risks of introgression of variants from the cultivated sunflower into invasive wild Helianthus, we used genotyping‐by‐sequencing (GBS) to genotype 182 samples from 11 sites in Argentina, along with previously published data from samples from the native range (North America), to determine the native source populations of the Argentinian samples and to detect admixture. We unexpectedly discovered two distinctive forms of H. petiolaris in Argentina, one from H. petiolaris subsp. petiolaris as expected, but the other from an unknown source. Extensive admixture was observed among Argentinian sunflowers, largely confirming phenotypic predictions. While many hybrids are F1s, there were signals consistent with introgression from the domesticated sunflower into H. petiolaris. Whether this introgression is incidental or a causal driver of invasiveness is not yet clear, but it seems likely that genes found in the domesticated sunflower genome (whether engineered or not) will quickly find their way into wild Argentinian sunflower populations.
Patch size influences perceived patch quality for colonising Culex mosquitoes
Authors: Bohenek Jason R. , Pintar Matthew R. , Breech Tyler M. , Resetarits William J.
Published: August 2017

Colonisation is a critical process driving the abundances and diversity of species in spatially discrete communities. Although patch size and patch quality are well known as determinants of post‐colonisation species richness and abundance, less is known about how patch size affects colonisation.

Patch size and quality may not be independent, so assessment of potential interactions is necessary for understanding patterns of species abundance in natural systems. In freshwater systems, presence and identity of predators is a dominant determinant of patch quality, with larger habitat patches often supporting larger and more diverse predator assemblages.

To examine potential interactions, we manipulated patch size and quality (fish presence/absence) using naturally colonised experimental landscapes and assayed oviposition by Culex mosquitoes.

Culex restuans selected patches that were smaller, did not contain fish, and had higher temperatures. We demonstrate that patch size, along with patch quality, can generate patterns of abundance at the colonisation stage that are contradictory to traditional patch size‐based models of species distributions.
Beta diversity of diatom species and ecological guilds: Response to environmental and spatial mechanisms along the stream watercourse
Authors: Jamoneau Aurélien , Passy Sophia I. , Soininen Janne , Leboucher Thibault , Tison‐Rosebery Juliette
Published: August 2017

Understanding the mechanisms that drive beta diversity (i.e. β‐diversity), an important aspect of regional biodiversity, remains a priority for ecological research. β‐diversity and its components can provide insights into the processes generating regional biodiversity patterns. We tested whether environmental filtering or dispersal related processes predominated along the stream watercourse by analysing the responses of taxonomic and functional diatom β‐diversity to environmental and spatial factors.

We examined the variation in total β‐diversity and its components (turnover and nestedness) in benthic diatom species and ecological guilds (motile, planktonic, low‐ and high profile) with respect to watercourse position (up‐, mid‐ and downstream) in 2,182 sites throughout France. We tested the effects of pure environmental and pure spatial factors on β‐diversity with partial Mantel tests. Environmental factors included eight physicochemical variables, while geographical distances between sites were used as spatial factors. We also correlated α and γ‐diversity, and the degree of nestedness (NODF metric) with environmental variables.

Total β‐diversity and its turnover component displayed higher values upstream than mid‐ and downstream. The nestedness component exhibited low values, even when NODF values increased from up‐ to downstream. Pure environmental factors were highly significant for explaining total β‐diversity and turnover regardless of watercourse position, but pure spatial factors were mostly significant mid‐ and downstream, with geographical distance being positively correlated with β‐diversity. Across sites, nutrient enrichment decreased turnover but increased the degree of nestedness. Motile and low profile diatoms comprised the most abundant guilds, but their β‐diversity patterns varied in an opposite way. The lowest guild β‐diversity was observed upstream for low profile species, and downstream for motile species.

In conclusion, environmental filtering seemed to play a major role in structuring metacommunities irrespective of site watercourse position. Filtering promoted strong turnover patterns, especially in disconnected upstream sites. The greater role of spatial factors mid‐ and downstream was consistent with mass effects rather than neutral processes because these sites had lower total β‐diversity than upstream sites. Motile species were most strongly affected by mass effects processes, whereas low profile species were primarily influenced by environmental conditions. Collectively, these findings suggest that partitioning of total β‐diversity into its components and the use of diatom ecological guilds provide a useful framework for assessing the mechanisms underlying metacommunity patterns along the stream watercourse.
Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) Medals and Awards celebration 2017
Authors: Crane Nicholas , Cliff Andrew , Conway Gordon , Evans David J A , Hilsum Lindsey , Yeung Henry Wai‐chung
Published: August 2017

The Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) annual Medals and Awards recognise achievements in researching, communicating and teaching a wide range of geographical knowledge. The speeches and citations are a record of the 2017 celebration, with contributions by Sir Gordon Conway and Lindsey Hilsum, and Professors Andrew Cliff, David J A Evans and Henry Wai‐chung Yeung. The speeches include comments on the importance of geography for mapping extreme human experiences, engaging policy‐makers, understanding and tackling climate change and hunger, and inspiring others through teaching, fieldwork and travel.
Ecologies of Sustainable Concerns: Organization Theorizing for the Anthropocene
Authors: Ergene Seray , Calás Marta B. , Smircich Linda
Published: August 2017

What if we imagine we have been leaving theépistèmeof the age of ‘Man at the center of knowledge’, the epoch which has brought us to the brink of ecological disaster through discourses and practices of advanced market capitalism, and move on to imagine that we are entering the age of the Anthropocene, positing the need for radically reconceptualizing the relationship between humanity and nature? What discourses and practices would carry this? What kind of knowledge would be possible? Who would be the subject of such knowledge? Inspired by Braidotti's definition of cartography as a method and Latour's articulation of matters of fact and matters of concern, we bring together a variety of feminist ecological perspectives, materialist and new materialist, to eventually assemble a cartographic lens we labelecologies of sustainable concerns.Such a lens would facilitate reclaiming ‘sustainability’ in organization studies discourses and practices for living well and living with others in the Anthropocene. It is our expectation that in reclaiming ‘sustainability’ through the feminist literatures we are using, and their discursive variations, it would become clearer that there are options for an economy and ecology beyond what is permissible to say and do as knowledge in organization studies under advanced market capitalism.
Crucial parameters in thyroid carcinoma reporting – challenges, controversies and clinical implications
Authors: Xu Bin , Ghossein Ronald A
Published: August 2017

In the modern era, a pathology report of thyroid carcinoma requires the inclusion of numerous prognostically relevant histopathological features, e.g. the presence and extent of vascular and capsular invasion, extrathyroidal extension, the surgical margin status and the characteristics of nodal metastasis. These pathological features are crucial components of the initial risk stratification to determine the need for completion thyroidectomy and/or postoperative radioactive iodine ablation therapy. The current review aims to summarise the diagnostic criteria, the controversies, the prognostic impacts and the challenges of these pathological characteristics, focusing specifically on the parameters that are incorporated into the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system, the College of American Pathologists (CAP) reporting template, the American Thyroid Association (ATA) and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines.
Diffuse large B cell lymphoma associated with chronic inflammation arising within atrial myxoma: aggressive histological features but indolent clinical behaviour
Authors: Yan Jinhai , Luo Donglan , Zhang Fen , He Jiao , Yao Su , Luo Xinlan , Xu Fangping , Chen Yu , Fu Lingyi , Xu Jie , Liu Yanhui
Published: August 2017

Aims

Primary cardiac lymphoma (PCL) is a rare neoplasm. PCL is fatal, unless it is diagnosed and treated early. Recently, a small number of cases of diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) arising within atrial myxoma have been reported in immunocompetent patients and showed aggressive histological features but an indolent clinical behaviour.

Methods and results

We present four unusual cases of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)‐positive DLBCL arising within atrial myxoma with detailed clinical, histological, immunophenotypical and genotypical features in immunocompetent patients, and review the literature for 11 similar cases. All the patients appeared to have morphological features of DLBCL, B lineage immunophenotype, high proliferative index and latency type III of EBV infection. They achieved complete tumour resection without chemotherapy or radiotherapy after surgery and were healthy at 3‐ and 7‐month and 7‐ and 10‐year follow‐ups, respectively.

Conclusions

We suggest that this lymphoma should be regarded as a unique DLBCL associated with chronic inflammation (DLBCL‐CI) because of an indolent clinical behaviour to avoid excessive or unnecessary treatments. In addition, early accurate diagnosis and complete resection of this tumour are crucial for optimal patient outcome.
Predicting drug interactions in addiction treatment
Authors: Lucas Catherine J. , Patel Joanne , Martin Jennifer H.
Published: August 2017

It is not uncommon to be treating people with addiction who also have significant other health problems, including heart, renal or liver failure, diabetes and vascular disease. These conditions require regular medications to be taken. This can be a problem for people living with addiction and difficult social circumstances affecting compliance, among other issues. Our perspective provides a summary of general pharmacological factors affecting medicine taking in people with addiction problems, to provide a guide for hospital doctors in this setting.
Bisphosphonate guidelines for treatment and prevention of myeloma bone disease
Authors: Lee Oi Lin , Horvath Noemi , Lee Cindy , Joshua Doug , Ho Joy , Szer Jeff , Quach Hang , Spencer Andrew , Harrison Simon , Mollee Peter , Roberts Andrew W. , Talaulikar Dipti , Brown Ross , Augustson Bradley , Ling Silvia , Jaksic Wilfrid , Gibson John , Kalff Anna , Johnston Anna , Kalro Akash , Ward Chris , Prince H. Miles , Zannettino Andrew
Published: August 2017

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a haematological malignancy characterised by the clonal proliferation of plasma cells in the bone marrow. More than 80% of patients withMMdisplay evidence of myeloma bone disease (MBD), characterised by the formation of osteolytic lesions throughout the axial and appendicular skeleton.MBDsignificantly increases the risk of skeletal‐related events such as pathologic fracture, spinal cord compression and hypercalcaemia.MBDis the result ofMMplasma cells‐mediated activation of osteoclast activity and suppression of osteoblast activity. Bisphosphonates (BP), pyrophosphate analogues with high bone affinity, are the only pharmacological agents currently recommended for the treatment and prevention ofMBDand remain the standard of care. Pamidronate and zoledronic acid are the most commonly usedBPto treatMBD. Although generally safe, frequent high doses ofBPare associated with adverse events such as renal toxicity and osteonecrosis of the jaw. As such, optimal duration and dosing ofBPtherapy is required in order to minimiseBP‐associated adverse events. The following guidelines provide currently available evidence for the adoption of a tailored approach when usingBPfor the management ofMBD.
Optimising care of patients with chronic disease: patient‐oriented education may improve disease knowledge and self‐management
Authors: Hayward Kelly L. , Horsfall Leigh U. , Ruffin Brittany J. , Cottrell W. Neil , Chachay Veronique S. , Irvine Katharine M. , Martin Jennifer H. , Powell Elizabeth E. , Valery Patricia C.
Published: August 2017

Many patients with chronic disease do not possess the knowledge and skills required to access and interpret appropriate health information. A pilot study in people with liver cirrhosis (n = 50) identified that only 54% of patients could recall being given written information by a clinician and 64% had self‐sought information, most commonly using the Internet. Many patients reported difficulties understanding the material and the majority wanted more accessible information. A pilot chronic disease educational booklet was well received by the study participants with 85% reporting it was helpful and 78% using it in between clinic appointments.