bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Paradise postponed? Venture capital emergence in Russia
Authors: Lingelbach David
Published: February 2013

Purpose

How does venture capital (VC) emerge in emerging and developing economies? This paper aims to use case data from an early Russian VC fund to extend a previous model exploring that question.

Design/methodology/approach

Case studies of VC emergence from South Africa, Botswana, and Russia are compared, from which a conceptual model is developed.

Findings

VC emerges in a process consisting of four stages: enabling, coproducing, diffusing, and replicating. The Russian case shows that these stages are linked in a circular process, i.e. replicating can lead to enabling. VC emergence can also begin at any stage. A higher degree of public‐private coproduction may outweigh the absence of a completed enabling stage, suggesting that strength in one stage can compensate for weakness in others.

Research limitations/implications

This paper invites scholars to reconsider VC emergence in a more nuanced manner that takes into account its complex, processual nature. The inclusion of Russian data also encourages researchers to examine more closely the subtle ways in which the private and public sectors may interact in emerging markets in pursuit of common goals. This study's findings have important linkages with other critical accounts of international business. The study addresses weaknesses in earlier literature by employing a multi‐disciplinary, cross‐context approach that utilizes data from a foreign VC investing in Russian small to medium‐sized enterprises.

Practical implications

VCs considering investment in Russia should examine how early entrants to the industry formed cooperative relationships with local governments. Policymakers should re‐examine the relative importance of national and local efforts to promote VC and other innovation‐related initiatives in emerging markets.

Originality/value

This study moves beyond current economics‐dominated understanding of VC, which focuses on antecedents (enabling conditions). It reports the central role of public‐private coproduction in VC emergence, the feedback between diffusion and coproduction in emergence, and, most importantly, the diminished importance of enabling conditions. This paper presents the first fund‐level study of Russian VC.
A critical view of Russia's IPO market: a sign of success or a reason for caution?
Authors: McCarthy Daniel J. , Puffer Sheila M. , Michailova Snejina
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to analyze the initial public offerings (IPOs) of Russian companies in the context of the country's investment attractiveness and the readiness of its companies to list on stock exchanges, domestically and/or internationally. The analysis takes a balanced approach. It recognizes the positive aspects from the development of Russia's stock markets and the launched and planned IPOs of Russian companies, but underscores reasons for caution in assessing this developing situation, emphasizing the need to maintain a critical perspective. The article is intended to help determine, in the sphere of IPOs at least, whether Russia is currently, or is on the road to becoming, as solid as a BRIC.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing upon publicly available material from English‐ and Russian‐language sources, the authors discuss the development of the two Russian stock exchanges and analyze the progress that Russian companies have made in successfully completing IPOs on Russian and foreign stock exchanges. The paper also analyzes the barriers faced by Russian companies in launching IPOs and/or attracting investment, including global factors, country‐level conditions, and individual firm characteristics.

Findings

The results of the analysis indicate that the Russian stock exchanges have developed reasonably well over the two decades since perestroika. Correspondingly, a substantial number of Russian companies have mounted successful IPOs not only on the Russian stock exchanges but also on international exchanges, particularly the London Stock Exchange. Yet the number of successful IPOs relative to the number of planned IPOs has been much smaller than the global average. The latter finding is attributed to Russia's particular investment problems, which extend beyond global economic forces, specifically the country‐level and firm‐specific factors, both of which heighten the risk for investors.

Originality/value

The authors' review of the literature has uncovered no journal articles covering the circumstances surrounding the IPOs of Russian firms. Additionally, the available sources seldom provide a balanced view, much less a critical view of the IPO landscape in the context of Russia's overall circumstances, particularly risk. Thus, this article, with its critical but balanced perspective, allows for a relatively objective analysis for theorists as well as investors as they approach the topic of Russian company IPOs, domestically or internationally.
Residential property price indices: fit for purpose?
Authors: Grover Richard , Grover Christine
Published: February 2013

Purpose

Residential property price indices (RPPI) are widely used to monitor trends. This article aims to pose the question as to whether the choice of methodology is significant or whether there are material differences in average prices, price trends, and market turning points between RPPI.

Design/methodology/approach

The differences between RPPI are explored for the UK, which has RPPI that use different methodologies and capture data at different stages in the transaction process. The different approaches are compared and contrasted.

Findings

Comparisons between RPPI indicate that there is a relatively low degree of association between them, particularly during periods of recession. There is a trade off between the timeliness with which the RPPI is produced and the reliability of the price data on which it is based. The RPPI that make use of the most reliable price data do not have access to the richest data about individual properties, exposing them to the risk of divergent groups of properties being aggregated together.

Research limitations/implications

There are certain types of RPPI that are not found in the UK, principally median indices and sale price appraisal ratios so that the study is confined to mix adjustment, hedonic and repeat sales approaches.

Practical implications

Those relying on RPPI should exercise caution over their use and recognise that in periods of recession in particular their results may differ materially.

Social implications

Economic policy makers and financial services regulators should adopt a cautious approach to the use of RPPI and not to become unduly reliant on a particular index.

Originality/value

The literature on RPPI tends to focus on the statistical techniques used to compile them, but neglects how these are related to the problems of data capture issue. By looking at the relationship between the statistical methodology and where in the transactions process data are captured it is able to bring another perspective to the debate about which methods are most effective and which should be relied on for public policy.
Comparing alternative house price indices: evidence from asking prices in Malta
Authors: Falzon Joseph , Lanzon David
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The paper aims to describe, construct, and compare alternative price indices for real estate in Malta over the period 1980‐2010.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper utilises the technique of hedonic regression analysis to construct four hedonic price indices. One of the constructed indices is based the unconstrained hedonic methodology. Two other indices are variants of the constrained hedonic technique, while the fourth consists of an imputed hedonic index. The hedonic indices are then compared to other 12 conventional indices, namely the Laspeyres, Paasche and Fisher indices (constant weight and chain linked) that are constructed by utilizing the mean and median house prices pertaining to 14 different types of houses.

Findings

All indices are found to move closely together, growing between six and seven times between 1980 and 2010. The average annual compound growth rate of the 16 indices was found to be 6.5126 percent. The paper also shows how the estimated hedonic coefficients can be used to construct regional price indices for different combinations of housing characteristics.

Originality/value

The paper builds on previous work related to house prices in Malta. Its main contribution is the construction of hedonic indices that are based on advertised prices that span over a relatively long period of 31 years, together with the construction of constant weight and chain linked Laspeyres, Paasche and Fisher indices.
Developing a collective capacity for place management
Authors: Omholt Tore
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to develop and demonstrate an integrated framework for planning and supporting place management development and practices.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the paper uses social systems theory as a meta‐theoretical framework to integrate various theoretical perspectives on place interventions to deal with problems of uncertainty related to place development. Second, it shows how a combination of place interventions can be organized to deal with the uncertainties and contribute to a collective capacity for action. Finally, it concludes with presenting an integrated framework for planning and supporting place development, and applies this in two cases of place development to illustrate how it works.

Findings

Effective place development requires a combination of information processing interventions to deal with the uncertainties facing place stakeholders.

Research limitations/implications

The literature on social systems theory is on a high level of abstraction and further case applications are needed to assist practitioners.

Practical implications

The success of the proposed framework has been repeated in several case replications and indicates a potential for supporting practitioners.

Originality/value

This paper shows how the complexities facing place development can be conceptualized and dealt with in an effective and practical manner.
The innovation strategy of the industrial transformation
Authors: Hao Wang , Yongda Yu
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to draw lessons from the development experiences of Pearl River Delta and deduce the possible path for future development.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the framework of Advantages Integration, the paper proposes policy suggestions about how Pearl River Delta could avoid “Comparative Advantage Trap”, and how it should promote development by exploring, operating, integrating and accumulating internal and external advantages.

Findings

In summary, according to regional development characteristics, the following five Advantages Integration actions must be done. First, integration of advanced industrial resources. Second, integration of the best technology resources. Third, integration of the best international resources – resources from overseas should be integrated and an internationalization strategy implemented. Fourth, integration of the best optimal environment conserving resources. Fifth, integration of the best culture resources.

Originality/value

The paper suggests that there is a requirement to implement the view of Scientific Development, government report and PRD reform and development plan and build a world‐class metropolitan region in order to inject new vitality and power to PRD's development.
Reflections on capacity‐building initiatives in an Australian state
Authors: Roberts Bridget , Maybery Darryl , Jones Rebecca
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The integration of health or social services is an enduring challenge and especially so in relation to people experiencing “dual diagnosis”, the co‐occurrence of mental health and substance use problems. The emergence of the “dual diagnosis” concept has highlighted the tension between specialist treatment for single problems and complex, individualised care. The purpose of this paper is to examine the evolving nature of dual diagnosis initiatives in an Australian state during recent decades.

Design/methodology/approach

Interpretive, case study analysis of policy documents and key informant interviews (19) illuminates the experience of dual diagnosis initiatives.

Findings

In the case of Victoria, dual diagnosis responsiveness has evolved slowly over the last 20 years, delayed by the inherent difficulty of practice change, a weak perception of need, interprofessional tensions and shortcomings in data collection, coordination and resources. Key enablers have been champions and leaders in policy, management and clinical practice, directive government policy and targeted funding. Achieving a wrap‐around service system entails investment in interpersonal relationship‐building and stigma reduction, as well as technical or structural changes.

Originality/value

The paper presents a unique and independent view of a 20‐year period and indicates progress in attitudinal change that merits wider acknowledgement and application to other settings throughout health and social care.
National psychotropic prescription dispensation among dually diagnosed patients
Authors: Marienfeld Carla , Rosenheck Robert A.
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine if dually diagnosed (DDx) patients with severe mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia are at higher risk of not obtaining prescribed medication.

Design/methodology/approach

National Veterans Health Administration records from 2010 identified all DDx patients with Bipolar (BP) spectrum (n=98,894) and Schizophrenia (SZ) spectrum (n=80,654) disorders. Pharmacy records identified the total number of prescriptions dispensed per veteran for antidepressants, antipsychotics, sedative‐hypnotics and anxiolytics, mood stabilizers (anti‐convulsants), and lithium. To identify potential sociodemographic and clinical confounders, bivariate analyses compared four groups: BP and SZ with and without DDx. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to determine the association of DDx with the number of dispensed prescriptions, and interaction analysis was used to determine whether any “dual‐diagnosis effect” was greater between BP or SZ. Further ANCOVA examined whether significant differences were accounted for by differences in outpatient mental health visits or co‐morbidities.

Findings

Among BP veterans, 33,226 (33.6 percent) were DDx, compared to 19,652 (24.4 percent) among SZ veterans. DDx patients obtained more prescriptions than other patients over a similar period of time, and these effects were somewhat greater for BP DDx patients than for SZ DDx patients. DDx patients also showed more mental health services use and had more co‐morbidities. After controlling for these differences, DDx veterans still were dispensed more total psychotropic prescriptions, but most differences between diagnostic groups and medication class were no longer significant.

Originality/value

The paper shows that DDx veterans consume more resources in terms of both psychotropic medications and clinic visits. Further attention should be paid to the overall complexity of their clinical needs, including the increased likelihood of both licit and illicit drug‐drug interactions rather than just to their substance use.
The use of low frequencies in a full‐waveform inversion and impedance inversion land seismic case study
Authors: Baeten Guido , de Maag Jan Willem , Plessix René‐Edouard , Klaassen Rini , Qureshi Tahira , Kleemeyer Maren , Kroode Fons ten , Rujie Zhang
Published: February 2013

Velocity model building and impedance inversion generally suffer from a lack of intermediate wavenumber content in seismic data. Intermediate wavenumbers may be retrieved directly from seismic data sets if enough low frequencies are recorded. Over the past years, improvements in acquisition have allowed us to obtain seismic data with a broader frequency spectrum. To illustrate the benefits of broadband acquisition, notably the recording of low frequencies, we discuss the inversion of land seismic data acquired in Inner Mongolia, China. This data set contains frequencies from 1.5–80 Hz. We show that the velocity estimate based on an acoustic full‐waveform inversion approach is superior to one obtained from reflection traveltime inversion because after full‐waveform inversion the background velocity conforms to geology. We also illustrate the added value of low frequencies in an impedance estimate.
Top‐down and bottom‐up influences on demographic rates of Antarctic fur seals Arctocephalus gazella
Authors: Schwarz Lisa K. , Goebel Michael E. , Costa Daniel P. , Kilpatrick A. Marm
Published: February 2013

Two major drivers in population dynamics are bottom‐up processes, such as environmental factors that affect foraging success, and the top‐down impacts of predation.

Many populations of marine mammal and seabird species appear to be declining in response to reductions in prey associated with the bottom‐up effects of climate change. However, predation, which usually occurs at sea and is difficult to observe, may also play a key role.

We analysed drivers of population dynamics of Antarctic fur seals Arctocephalus gazella at Cape Shirreff from 1997 to 2009, including a predator that targets pre‐weaned pups and bottom‐up environmental effects in an ecosystem particularly sensitive to small changes in temperature.

We use Bayesian mark‐recapture analysis to demonstrate that although large‐scale environmental variability affects annual adult survival and reproduction, first year survival appears to be driving the current decline in this population (as defined by a decline in the annual number of pups born). Although the number of pups increased during the first third of the study, first year survival and recruitment of those pups in later years was very low. Such low survival may be driven by leopard seal Hydrurga leptonyx predation, particularly prior to weaning.

Our results suggest that without leopard seal predation, this population would most likely increase in size, despite the observed bottom‐up effects of climate changes on adult vital rates. More broadly, our results show how age‐targeted predation could be a major factor in population decline of K‐selected colonial breeders.
Salmonella colonization activates the plant immune system and benefits from association with plant pathogenic bacteria
Authors: Meng Fanhong , Altier Craig , Martin Gregory B.
Published: February 2013

Despite increasing incidences of human salmonellosis caused by consumption of contaminated vegetables, relatively little is known about how the plant immune system responds to and may inhibit Salmonella colonization. Here we show that Salmonella Typhimurium activates the plant immune system primarily due to its recognition of the flg22 region in Salmonella flagellin. Several previously identified plant genes that play a role in immunity were found to affect the host response to Salmonella. The Salmonella flg22 (Seflg22) peptide induced the immune response in leaves which effectively restricted the growth of Salmonella as well as the plant pathogenic bacterium, Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato. Induction of immune responses by Seflg22 was dependent on the plant FLS2 receptor. Salmonella multiplied poorly on plant tissues similar to other bacteria which are non‐pathogenic to plants. However, Salmonella populations increased significantly when co‐inoculated with P. syringae pv. tomato but not when co‐inoculated with a type III secretion system mutant of this pathogen. Our results suggest that Salmonella benefits from the immune‐suppressing effects of plant pathogenic bacteria, and this growth enhancement may increase the risk of salmonellosis.
Portfolio Saliency and Ministerial Turnover: Dynamics in Scandinavian Postwar Cabinets
Authors: Hansen Martin Ejnar , Klemmensen Robert , Hobolt Sara B. , Bäck Hanna
Published: February 2013

Why do certain ministers remain in their post for years while others have their time in office cut short? Drawing on the broader literature on portfolio allocation, this article argues that the saliency of individual portfolios shapes ministerial turnover. The main argument is that ministerial dismissals are less likely to occur the higher the saliency attributed to the ministerial portfolio since ministers appointed to important posts are more likely to have been through extensive screening before appointment. Importantly, it is also posited in the article that the effect of portfolio salience is conditioned by government approval ratings: when government ratings are on the decline, prime ministers are less likely to reshuffle or fire important ministers than when approval ratings are improving. To test these claims, Cox proportional hazards models are applied to a new dataset on ministerial turnover in Scandinavia during the postwar period. The results strongly support the proposition that portfolio saliency matters for ministerial survival, and that this effect is moderated by government popularity.
Sociology and the Virtual: Interactive Mirrors, Representational Thinking and Intensive Power
Authors: Coleman Rebecca
Published: February 2013

This article explores the role of images in the workings of contemporary power. It examines one of the central ways in which sociology has approached images as representations and proposes an alternative understanding of images through the concepts of interactivity, intensity and the virtual. Focusing on the examples of three interactive mirrors, one a piece of artwork, another designed to be located in a designer shop and the other a medical mirror for tracking ‘vital signs’, it suggests that the mirrors emphasize the screen and, in so doing, disrupt a notion of images of representations. Images are instead brought to life; intensively experienced rather than extensively read. The article engages, first, with the increasing prevalence of screens and, second, with the moves in sociology towards theorizing the value of the concept of the virtual. Arguing that images are felt and lived out, the article seeks to contribute to how sociology has dealt with, and might further develop, the concept of the virtual as a productive way of understanding the relationships between images, screens, power and life.
Medicalized Mothering: Experiences with Breastfeeding in Canada and Norway
Authors: Andrews Therese , Knaak Stephanie
Published: February 2013

This paper explores infant feeding practices and experiences of mothers in Canada and Norway, two countries where breastfeeding rates are relatively high. Based on interviews with 33 Canadian mothers and 27 Norwegian mothers, we also examine how mothers feel, think and talk about their infant feeding decisions and experiences, and examine similarities and divergences across their stories. Our findings reveal that infant feeding is very much organized according to the logic of the broader medical discourse, a finding which lends support to arguments that contemporary parenthood is characterized by a process of increasing medicalization. Our findings also reveal the existence of a broader culture of pressure, competition, judgement and surveillance regarding breastfeeding, suggesting that the high breastfeeding rates in these two countries are not merely a result of favourable structural conditions, but also of strong cultural expectations towards breastfeeding. We discuss our findings in connection with the broader argument that medical discourses and health professionals are becoming the primary authorities and moral gatekeepers of contemporary parenthood.
Climate, Class and Culture: Political Issues as Cultural Signifiers in the US
Authors: Laidley Thomas
Published: February 2013

Since the 1970s, social scientists have argued that general pro-environmental attitudes have diffused throughout American society, rendering socio-demographics largely irrelevant in predicting support for such issues. The public reaction to the issue of climate change, however, is an exception to this narrative. While media bias, ideological framing, and business influence are often invoked to explain public apathy, I argue that ignoring class and culture in determining why climate change is so divisive is a potentially significant oversight. Using the cultural theory of Bourdieu, I examine how the conception of and reaction to climate change varies with economic and cultural capital using data from 40 interviews of Boston-area respondents. The results suggest that climate change may indeed be a ‘classed’ issue – both in how the respondents conceive of it in the first place, and how they speak of social class in the context of it. The results suggest that social scientists should go beyond rational-choice and media framing explanations, to take two prolific examples, in exploring how disagreements on the importance of climate change persist in the US.
The wraparound process for youth with severe emotional behavioural disorders
Authors: Chitiyo Jonathan
Published: February 2013

The number of youth with serious emotional disorders has increased tremendously; unfortunately, meeting the needs of such children has been a challenge. In an effort to deal with the challenging behaviour exhibited by children and youths, expensive out‐of‐home placements such as juvenile justice centres and clinical and psychiatric hospitalisation, have been used. Unfortunately, these approaches have not been effective in reducing the rate of challenging and violent behaviours. Therefore, researchers continue seeking evidence‐based and cost‐effective strategies to use when dealing with children and youths with severe emotional disorders. One of the approaches that have emerged out of this search is the systems of care model, which places emphasis on shifting placement of individuals with severe emotional disturbance from restrictive institutional settings to less restrictive settings. Central to the systems of care model is the wraparound process. The approach involves providing a set of coordinated individualised services and natural supports to the child and family in their natural environment. The purpose of this paper is to provide a literature synthesis on the wraparound process.
Acute fetal distress following tooth extraction and abscess drainage in a pregnant patient with maxillofacial infection
Authors: Çelebi N , Kütük MS , Taş M , Soylu E , Etöz OA , Alkan A
Published: February 2013

Oral infections have been implicated in adverse pregnancy outcomes such as pre‐eclampsia, premature delivery and growth retardation. A 28‐year‐old and 9 months pregnant otherwise healthy woman with a complaint of facial swelling and dental pain was referred to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Oral examination revealed perimandibular and masticator space infection related to the left mandibular third molar tooth. Eight hours after surgical intervention, fetal distress developed. The patient was immediately taken into surgery and a male baby delivered by Caesarean section. The baby was then admitted to the intensive care unit. On the twelfth day of his admission, the baby was discharged in good health. Severe maxillofacial infection in pregnancy is a medically complicated situation which should be treated by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon in consultation with an obstetric and gynaecology service.
Detection of serum protein biomarkers by surface enhanced laser desorption/ionization in patients with adenocarcinoma of the lung
Authors: Jiang Min , Gu Guohao , Ni Bin , Wang Wenjing , Shi Jinfang , Liao Ping , Hu Heng
Published: February 2013

Aim

Early diagnosis of lung cancer is important for successful treatment and improving the outcome of patients. We explored novel tools for screening serum biomarkers to distinguish adenocarcinoma of the lung from healthy controls by serum protein profiles.

Methods

Serum samples were taken from 31 patients with adenocarcinoma of the lung and 31 healthy controls, matched for age, sex and smoking status. Serum samples were applied to strong anion 2(SAX‐2) protein chips to generate mass spectra by surface‐enhanced laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (SELDI‐TOF‐MS). Protein peak identification and clustering were performed using Biomarker Wizard, compared by MATLAB 7.5 and a classification tree was constructed using R weka software. The validity of the classification tree was then challenged with a blind test.

Results

The software identified 102 peaks and m/z 14022.9 and m/z 3735.99 was used to construct a classification tree. The classification tree effectively separated adenocarcinoma of lung patients from healthy controls, achieving a validity of 100%. The blind test challenged the model with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 100%.

Conclusion

The results suggested that the SELDI‐TOF‐MS technique can correctly distinguish adenocarcinoma of lung patients from healthy controls and showed great potential for development as a screening test for the detection of lung cancer.
Exploring the Role of Antithrombin Replacement for the Treatment of Preeclampsia: A Prospective Randomized Evaluation of the Safety and Efficacy of Recombinant Antithrombin in Very Preterm Preeclampsia (PRESERVE‐1)
Authors: Paidas Michael J. , Sibai Bahaeddine M. , Triche Elizabeth W. , Frieling Johan , Lowry Simon ,   The PRESERVE‐1 Study Group
Published: February 2013

Problem

Antithrombin (AT) replacement has been described in patients with hereditary AT deficiency undergoing delivery; however, the kinetics of AT replacement in preeclampsia is not adequately understood. Therefore, the Prospective Randomized Evaluation of the Safety and Efficacy of Recombinant Antithrombin in Very Preterm Preeclampsia (PRESERVE‐1) study has been proposed.

Methods

Sixty women aged ≥18 years at 24 0/7–28 0/7 weeks' gestation and with hypertension and proteinuria will be enrolled and randomly assigned to receive recombinant human AT or placebo until fetal and/or maternal indications cause cessation of expectant management or until 34 0/7 weeks' gestation. The primary endpoint is the increase in gestational age from randomization to delivery. Safety assessments and laboratory assays will also be performed.

Results

PRESERVE‐1 study enrollment will begin during the second half of 2013.

Conclusion

The PRESERVE‐1 study will provide further insight into the pharmacokinetic activity and safety of AT therapy in preeclampsia.
Recurrent Pregnancy Loss, Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor‐1 (‐675) 4G/5G Polymorphism and Antiphospholipid Antibodies in Czech Women
Authors: Subrt Ivan , Ulcova‐Gallova Zdenka , Cerna Monika , Hejnalova Marketa , Slovanova Jitka , Bibkova Katarina , Micanova Zdenka
Published: February 2013

Problem

This study compares the frequencies of plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (‐675) 4G/5G polymorphism and its relationship with eight antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) in serum of 157 patients with repeated pregnancy loss (RPL).

Method of study

PAI‐1 (‐675) 4G/5G polymorphism was determined using standard PCR‐RFLP method. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was used for the detection of aPLs against ph‐serine, ph‐ethanolamine, ph‐inositol, ph‐DL‐glycerol, phosphatidic acid, annexin V, cardiolipin, and beta2‐GPI. Allelic frequency and distribution of genotypes were calculated. The prevalence of the risk conferring 4G allele and 4G/4G homozygous genotype in patients and controls was compared, and the correlation between aPLs positivity and PAI‐1 4G/4G genotype was tested by chi‐square test.

Results

Statistically highly significant correlation between RPL and PAI‐1 (‐675) 4G/4G genotype was found. No correlation between PAI‐1 (‐675) 4G/5G polymorphism and the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies in RPL patients was observed.

Conclusions

PAI‐1 (‐675) 4G/4G homozygous genotype increases the risk of RPL independently from the aPLs positivity.
IL‐22 Levels are Associated with Trichomonas vaginalis Infection in the Lower Genital Tract
Authors: Makinde Hadijat Moradeke , Zariffard Reza , Mirmonsef Paria , Novak Richard M , Jarrett Olamide , Landay Alan L , Spear Gregory T
Published: February 2013

Problem

IL‐22 has important functions at mucosal surfaces, including the induction of antimicrobial peptides and maintenance of epithelium. However, IL‐22 has not been investigated in the genital tract during TV infection.

Methods of Study

Women who visited an STD clinic and women from a cohort with frequent Trichomoniasis were studied. IL‐22, IL‐17, and antimicrobial peptides were measured in cervicovaginal lavage by ELISA.

Results

In women visiting the STD clinic, those without STDs (n = 10) had a median IL‐22 of 0 pg/mL, while women with infections (n = 30) had 27 pg/mL (P = 0.04). In the cohort, women with Trichomoniasis (n = 19) had significantly higher IL‐22 than women with no infections (n = 21, 74 versus 0 pg/mL, P = 0.0001). IL‐17 was also significantly increased in Trichomoniasis, and there was a correlation between IL‐22 and IL‐17 (P = 0.001).

Conclusion

IL‐22 is increased in STDs generally and in Trichomoniasis specifically suggesting an antimicrobial response of the mucosa and an epithelial repair process induced by the STDs.
CD40, CD80, and CD86 Costimulatory Molecules are Differentially Expressed on Murine Splenic Antigen‐presenting Cells During the Pre‐implantation Period of Pregnancy, and they Modulate Regulatory T‐cell Abundance, Peripheral Cytokine Response, and Pregnancy Outcome
Authors: Slawek Anna , Maj Tomasz , Chelmonska‐Soyta Anna
Published: February 2013

Problem

The object of the study was to investigate the costimulatory phenotype of spleen antigen‐presenting cells (APCs) in mice after mating and the influence of costimulatory signal blocking on pregnancy outcome, cytokine production, and Treg cell concentration.

Method of study

The levels of CD40, CD80, and CD86 on spleen APCs at day 0.5 and 3.5 after mating (C57BL/6Jx DBA/2J and C57BL/6JxBalb/c) were assessed by flow cytometry and RT‐PCR. Blocking antibodies against costimulatory molecules were given i.p. at day 3.5 after mating. Pregnancy outcomes, blood cytokine (ELISA), and spleen Treg (flow cytometry) concentrations were examined at day 10.5 after mating.

Results

Differential expression of costimulatory molecules on spleen APCs of mated v. pseudopregnant mice was observed mainly at day 3.5 after conception. Administration of anti‐CD86 antibody lowered pregnancy outcome. Cytokine expression was modulated after administration of anti‐CD86, anti‐CD80 and anti‐CD40 antibodies, whereas only anti‐CD40 antibody changed the concentration of Treg lymphocytes and the level of Foxp3 protein expression.

Conclusion

Costimulatory phenotype of female spleen APCs is distinctly modulated after mating. Alteration of costimulatory signal derived from APCs during pre‐implantation period of pregnancy may have an adverse effect on pregnancy outcome and the tolerogenic immune response.
Healthy hospital food initiatives in the United States: time to ban sugar sweetened beverages to reduce childhood obesity
Authors: Wojcicki Janet M
Published: February 2013

image

While childhood obesity is a global problem, the extent and severity of the problem in United States, has resulted in a number of new initiatives, including recent hospital initiatives to limit the sale of sweetened beverages and other high calorie drinks in hospital vending machines and cafeterias. These proposed policy changes are not unique to United States, but are more comprehensive in the number of proposed hospitals that they will impact. Meanwhile, however, it is advised, that these initiatives should focus on banning sugar sweetened beverages, including sodas, 100% fruit juice and sports drinks, from hospital cafeterias and vending machines instead of limiting their presence, so as to ensure the success of these programs in reducing the prevalence of childhood obesity. If US hospitals comprehensively remove sugar sweetened beverages from their cafeterias and vending machines, these programs could subsequently become a model for efforts to address childhood obesity in other areas of the world.

Conclusion

Hospitals should be a model for health care reform in their communities and removing sugar sweetened beverages is a necessary first step.
The prevalence of oesophageal eosinophilia and eosinophilic oesophagitis: a prospective study in unselected patients presenting to endoscopy
Authors: Sealock R. J. , Kramer J. R. , Verstovsek G. , Richardson P. , Rugge M. , Parente P. , Vela M. , El‐Serag H. B.
Published: February 2013

Background

Oesophageal eosinophilia (EE) is encountered in clinical practice as oesophageal biopsies are being obtained in patients with GI symptoms other than classical symptoms of eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE). The prevalence, determinants and clinical relevance of EE identified irrespective of symptoms are unclear.

Aim

To determine the prevalence and risk factors of EE with or without EoE in a nonselected group of patients undergoing endoscopy and in primary care patients.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study in a single VA centre in which we obtained at least one oesophageal biopsy from patients presenting to elective endoscopy, as well as a sample of patients eligible for screening colonoscopy recruited from primary care clinics. EE was defined by >15 eosinophils in a single HPF; and EoE was defined as definite, probable or none depending on the presence of EE, acid‐suppressive therapy and oesophageal symptoms.

Results

EE was identified in 33 of 1357 patients (2.4%, 95% CI: 1.7–3.4); of whom 9 had definite EoE (0.66%, 95% CI: 0.23–1.10), 17 had probable EoE (1.25%), and the only 7 patients had EE without EoE. The prevalence of EE was 2.3% among patients undergoing elective endoscopy and 0.1% among patients eligible for screening colonoscopy. Seasonal allergies (adjusted OR: 2.78; 95% CI: 1.26–6.11) and oesophageal strictures (4.50; 0.90–22.40) were associated with EE.

Conclusions

The prevalence of EE was 2.3% among unselected patients presenting to endoscopy most of whom have EoE. EE was present in 0.1% in primary care patients none of whom had EoE.
Pathophysiology of proteinuria and its value as an outcome measure in chronic kidney disease
Authors: Cravedi Paolo , Remuzzi Giuseppe
Published: February 2013

Chronic kidney diseases share common pathogenic mechanisms that, independently from the initial injury, lead to glomerular hyperfiltration, proteinuria, and progressive renal scarring and function loss. Consistent experimental evidence supports the crucial role of proteinuria in accelerating kidney disease progression to end‐stage renal failure through multiple pathways, including induction of tubular chemokine expression and complement activation. These events, in turn, lead to inflammatory cell infiltration in the interstitium and sustained fibrogenesis. The extent of proteinuria is widely recognized as a marker of the severity of chronic kidney disease and as a predictor of future decline in glomerular filtration rate. More importantly, a reduction in proteinuria invariably translates into a protection from renal function decline in patients with diabetic and non‐diabetic renal disease. Recent evidence also showed the existence of a relatioship between proteinuria levels and cardiovascular risk, which extends to the range of urinary albumin excretion that was previously thought ‘normal’. Thus, proteinuria should be considered a valuable surrogate end point for clinical trials in patients with chronic renal diseases and a target for reno‐ and cardioprotecive strategies.
Construction of predictive models for recurrence and progression in >1000 patients with non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) from a single centre
Authors: Ali‐El‐Dein Bedeir , Sooriakumaran Prasanna , Trinh Quoc‐Dien , Barakat Tamer S. , Nabeeh Adel , Ibrahiem El‐Housseiny I.
Published: February 2013

Objective

To construct predictive models based on the objectively calculated risks of progression and recurrence of non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) in a large cohort of patients from a single centre.

Patients and Methods

Between October 1984 and March 2009 a cohort of 1019 patients (877 males; 142 females; median age 44 years) with histologically confirmed NMIBC was included in this study.

Among these patients, 74% received bacillus Calmette‐Guérin (BCG)‐based therapy. Complete transurethral resection of bladder tumour of all visible tumours was carried out in all patients, and the stage and grade were determined.

Univariate analysis and multivariate Cox regression were used to identify predictors of recurrence and progression. The studied predictors included age, sex, stage, grade, associated carcinoma in situ, tumour size, multiplicity, macroscopic appearance of the tumour, history of recurrence and type of adjuvant intravesical therapy.

Multivariate logistic regression models were used to develop the 12‐ and 60‐month recurrence and progression predictive models. The predictive accuracy of the models was assessed for discrimination as well as calibration.

Results

The median (range) follow‐up was 44 (6–254) months.

On multivariate analysis, stage, multiplicity, history of recurrence and adjuvant intravesical therapy were significantly associated with recurrence, whereas for progression only tumour grade and size were significant independent predictors.

The constructed nomograms had a 64.9% and 69.4% chance of correctly distinguishing between two patients, one destined to have a recurrence and one not at 12 and 60 months, respectively.

The constructed nomograms had a 70.2% and 73.5% chance of correctly distinguishing between two patients, one destined to progress and one not at 12 and 60 months, respectively. All predictive models were well calibrated.

Conclusions

Based on multivariate analysis of the studied prognostic factors nomograms for predicting recurrence and progression in NMIBC were constructed.

Most of the studied patients had received BCG‐based therapy, making these models more closely applicable to contemporary practice than others.

These predictive models have reasonable discriminative ability and are well calibrated, but require external validation before they can be applied to other populations.
Feline sarcoma‐related protein expression correlates with malignant aggressiveness and poor prognosis in renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Miyata Yasuyoshi , Kanda Shigeru , Sakai Hideki , Greer Peter A.
Published: February 2013

Feline sarcoma‐related protein (Fer) is a ubiquitously expressed non‐receptor protein tyrosine kinase associated with proliferation in various cancer cells. However, no reports have described the pathological roles and prognostic value of Fer expression in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). We investigated Fer expression in three RCC cell lines (ACHN, Caki‐1, and Caki‐2) and in normal tubule cells (HK‐2) by immunoblotting. Fer expression was highest in ACHN cells, with Caki‐1 showing intermediate levels and Caki‐2 showing low levels, and was undetectable in HK‐2. RNA interference was therefore used to assess the effects of Fer knockdown in ACHN. Knockdown of Fer expression was found to inhibit RCC cell proliferation and colony formation. Immunohistochemical analysis of 131 human RCC tissues (110 conventional, 11 chromophobe, and 10 papillary) investigated relationships between Fer expression and clinicopathological features, including cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis, and prognostic value for survival. In human tissues, Fer expression was significantly higher in cancer cells than in normal tubules. In addition, expression levels correlated with cancer cell proliferation, but not with apoptosis. Multivariate analysis indicated associations of Fer expression with pT stage, tumor grade, and metastasis (P < 0.001). Fer expression was also prognostic for cause‐specific survival according to multivariate analysis (hazard ratio, 3.89; 95% confidence interval, 1.02–14.84, P = 0.047). Fer expression correlates with RCC cell proliferation both in vitro and in vivo, and with tumor progression and survival. This represents useful information for discussing the pathological and clinical significance of Fer in RCC.
Ataxia–telangiectasia mutated kinase‐mediated upregulation of NKG2D ligands on leukemia cells by resveratrol results in enhanced natural killer cell susceptibility
Authors: Luis Espinoza J. , Takami Akiyoshi , Trung Ly Q. , Nakao Shinji
Published: February 2013

The powerful activating receptor NKG2D is expressed by natural killer (NK) cells and promotes cytotoxic lysis of cancer cells expressing NKG2D ligands (NKG2D‐Ls). We report the effective induction of NKG2D‐Ls, achieved with the naturally occurring polyphenol resveratrol, in a broad range of leukemia cells. In this study, resveratrol upregulated the NKG2D‐Ls MHC class I chain‐related proteins MICA and MICB, and UL16‐binding proteins ULBP1, ULBP2, and ULBP3 in most of the leukemia cells analyzed. Ligand upregulation induced by resveratrol was impaired by pharmacological and genetic disruption of ataxia–telangiectasia mutated kinase, the main regulator of NKG2D‐L expression. Leukemia cells treated with resveratrol were more susceptible to killing by NK cells than untreated cells, and the enhanced cytotoxicity of NK cells was blocked by treatment of NK cells with anti‐NKG2D mAbs. Interestingly, resveratrol consistently upregulated the NKG2D receptor expression and enhanced NKG2D‐mediated functions in resting NK cells obtained from healthy individuals. Therefore, resveratrol has attractive immunotherapeutic potential.
Alström syndrome is associated with short stature and reduced GH reserve
Authors: Romano S. , Maffei P. , Bettini V. , Milan G. , Favaretto F. , Gardiman M. , Marshall J. D. , Greggio N. A. , Pozzan G. B. , Collin G. B. , Naggert J. K. , Bronson R. , Vettor R.
Published: February 2013

Introduction

Alström syndrome (ALMS) is a rare autosomal recessive monogenic disease included in an emerging class of genetic disorders called ‘ciliopathies’ and is likely to impact the central nervous system as well as metabolic and endocrine function. Individuals with ALMS present clinical features resembling a growth hormone deficiency (GHD) condition, but thus far no study has specifically investigated this aspect in a large population.

Material and Methods

Twenty‐three patients with ALMS (age, 1–52 years; 11 males, 12 females) were evaluated for anthropometric parameters (growth charts and standard deviation score (SDS) of height, weight, BMI), GH secretion by growth hormone–releasing hormone + arginine test (GHRH‐arg), bone age, and hypothalamic–pituitary magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A group of 17 healthy subjects served as controls in the GH secretion study. Longitudinal retrospective and prospective data were utilized.

Results

The length‐for‐age measurements from birth to 36 months showed normal growth with most values falling within −0·67 SDS to +1·28 SDS. A progressive decrease in stature‐for‐age was observed after 10 years of age, with a low final height in almost all ALMS subjects (>16–20 years; mean SDS, −2·22 ± 1·16). The subset of 12 patients with ALMS tested for GHRH‐arg showed a significantly shorter stature than age‐matched controls (154·7 ± 10·6 cm vs 162·9 ± 4·8 cm, P = 0·009) and a mild increase in BMI (Kg/m2) (27·8 ± 4·8 vs 24·1 ± 2·5, P = 0·007). Peak GH after GHRH‐arg was significantly lower in patients with ALMS in comparison with controls (11·9 ± 6·9 μg/l vs 86·1 ± 33·2 μg/l, P < 0·0001). Severe GHD was evident biochemically in 50% of patients with ALMS. The 10 adult ALMS patients with GHD showed a reduced height in comparison with those without GHD (149·7 ± 6·2 cm vs 161·9 ± 9·2 cm, P = 0·04). MRIs of the diencephalic and pituitary regions were normal in 11 of 12 patients. Bone age was advanced in 43% of cases.

Conclusions

Our study shows that 50% of nonobese ALMS patients have an inadequate GH reserve to GHRH‐arg and may be functionally GH deficient. The short stature reported in ALMS may be at least partially influenced by impairment of GH secretion.