bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temporomandibular Dysfunction and Headache Disorder
Authors: Speciali José G. , Dach Fabíola
Published: February 2015

It has been well established that primary headaches (especially migraine, chronic migraine, and tension‐type headache) and temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) are comorbid diseases, with the presence of one of them in a patient increasing the prevalence of the others. The relationship between the 2 diseases may involve the sharing of common physiopathological aspects. Studies about the treatment of this disease association have shown that a simultaneous therapeutic approach to the 2 diseases is more effective than the separate treatment of each. As a consequence, specialists in orofacial pain are now required to know the criteria for the diagnosis of headaches, and headache physicians are required to know the semiologic aspects of orofacial pain. Nevertheless, a headache may be attributed to TMD, instead be an association of 2 problems – TMD and primary headaches – in these cases a secondary headache, described in item 11.7 of the International Classification of Headache Disorders, is still a controversial topic. Attempts to determine the existence of this secondary headache with a specific or suggestive phenotype have been frustrated. The conclusion that can be reached based on the few studies published thus far is that this headache has a preferential unilateral or bilateral temporal location and migraine‐like or tension‐type headache‐like clinical characteristics. In the present review, we will consider the main aspects of the TMD‐headache relationship, that is, comorbidity of primary headaches and TMD and clinical aspects of the headaches attributed to TMD from the viewpoint of the International Headache Society and of a group of specialists in orofacial pain. This paper aims to explore our understanding of the association between TMD and headaches in general and migraine in particular.
Trust, temporality and systems: how do patients understand patient safety in primary care? A qualitative study
Authors: Rhodes Penny , Campbell Stephen , Sanders Caroline
Published: February 2015

Introduction

Patient safety research has tended to focus on hospital settings, although most clinical encounters occur in primary care, and to emphasize practitioner errors, rather than patients' own understandings of safety.

Objective

To explore patients' understandings of safety in primary care.

Methods

Qualitative interviews were conducted with patients recruited from general practices in northwest England. Participants were asked basic socio‐demographic information; thereafter, topics were largely introduced by interviewees themselves. Transcripts were coded and analysed using NVivo10 (qualitative data software), following a process of constant comparison.

Results

Thirty‐eight people (14 men, 24 women) from 19 general practices in rural, small town and city locations were interviewed. Many of their concerns (about access, length of consultation, relationship continuity) have been discussed in terms of quality, but, in the interviews, were raised as matters of safety. Three broad themes were identified: (i) trust and psycho‐social aspects of professional–patient relationships; (ii) choice, continuity, access, and the temporal underpinnings of safety; and (iii) organizational and systems‐level tensions constraining safety.

Discussion

Conceptualizations of safety included common reliance on a bureaucratic framework of accreditation, accountability, procedural rules and regulation, but were also individual and context‐dependent. For patients, safety is not just a property of systems, but personal and contingent and is realized in the interaction between doctor and patient. However, it is the systems approach that has dominated safety thinking, and patients' individualistic and relational conceptualizations are poorly accommodated within current service organization.
In vivo evaluation of the inflammatory response and IL‐6 immunoexpression promoted by Biodentine and MTA Angelus
Authors: da Fonseca T. S. , da Silva G. F. , Tanomaru‐Filho M. , Sasso‐Cerri E. , Guerreiro‐Tanomaru J. M. , Cerri P. S.
Published: February 2015

Aim

To evaluate the inflammatory process induced by Biodentine and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) in rat subcutaneous tissues.

Methodology

A polyethylene tube filled with Biodentine (n = 20) or MTA (n = 20) was placed into the dorsal subcutaneous of forty male rats; in the control group (CG; n = 20), empty tubes were implanted. After 7, 15, 30 and 60 days, the polyethylene tubes surrounded by connective tissue were fixed and embedded in paraffin. The number of inflammatory cells was estimated in HE‐stained sections; numerical density of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6)‐immunolabelled cells was also performed. The differences amongst the groups were analysed statistically by Tukey's test (P ≤ 0.05).

Results

A high number of inflammatory cells and IL‐6‐positive cells were observed at 7 days, in all groups; however, in the Biodentine group, the number of inflammatory cells and IL‐6‐immunolabelled cells was significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) in comparison with the other groups at 7 and 15 days. In the capsules of animals from all groups, a gradual and significant reduction (P ≤ 0.05) of these parameters was seen over time. At 60 days, the capsules exhibited numerous fibroblasts and bundles of collagen fibres; in addition, the number of IL‐6‐positive cells was not significantly different amongst Biodentine, MTA and control groups.

Conclusions

There was a significant regression in the inflammatory reaction in the capsules indicating, therefore, that Biodentine is a biocompatible material.
Effect of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) leaf extract on diabetic nephropathy in rats
Authors: Ibrahim Doaa S. , Abd El‐Maksoud Marwa A. E.
Published: February 2015

Diabetic nephropathy is a clinical syndrome characterized by albuminuria, hypertension and progressive renal insufficiency. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) leaf extract on diabetic nephropathy in rats. Streptozotocin (STZ) diabetic rats were orally treated with three doses (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) of strawberry leaf extract for 30 days. Nephropathy biomarkers in plasma and kidney were examined at the end of the experiment. The three doses of strawberry leaf extract significantly decreased the levels of blood glucose, urea nitrogen, plasma creatinine, kidney injury molecule (Kim)‐1, renal malondialdehyde (MDA), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α), interleukin (IL)‐ 6 and caspase‐3 in diabetic rats. Meanwhile, the levels of plasma insulin, albumin, uric acid, renal catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF‐A) were significantly elevated in diabetic rats treated with strawberry leaf extract. These results indicate the role of strawberry leaves extract as anti‐diabetic, antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory and anti‐apoptosis in diabetic nephropathy.
Formal and informal learning in the workplace: a research review
Authors: Manuti Amelia , Pastore Serafina , Scardigno Anna Fausta , Giancaspro Maria Luisa , Morciano Daniele
Published: February 2015

The radical economic, social and cultural changes experienced by the labour market within recent decades have helped to highlight the central role played by the learning process in individual career development and organizational success. In such fast‐moving working contexts, skills and competencies rapidly become outdated and need to be continuously implemented and empowered as a strategic factor for global competitiveness. Traditional models of learning both inside and outside of the workplace have become unable to explain the complexity of such a process, weaving between and overlapping formal and informal components. Starting with this premise, the aim of the present paper was to analyse the role of knowledge and experience as important learning frames, which allow the acquisition and development of competencies in the workplace. A human resource development perspective was adopted, aimed at reconciling both the organizational and individual stances implied in the process. The methodology of achieving this was to review the most recent literature on workplace learning, with a special focus on its formal and informal dimensions.
Measuring self‐regulated learning in the workplace
Authors: Fontana Rosa Pia , Milligan Colin , Littlejohn Allison , Margaryan Anoush
Published: February 2015

In knowledge‐intensive industries, the workplace has become a key locus of learning. To perform effectively, knowledge workers must be able to take responsibility for their own developmental needs, and in particular, to regulate their own learning. This paper describes the construction and validation of an instrument (theSelf‐RegulatedLearning atWorkQuestionnaire) designed to provide a measure of self‐regulated learning (SRL) behaviour in the workplace. The instrument has been validated through a pilot study with a cohort of 170 knowledge workers from the finance industry. Results indicate that the five scales of the instrument are reliable and valid, testing a broad range of sub‐processes of SRL. The instrument can be used to identify knowledge workers who demonstrate different levels of SRL in workplace contexts for further exploration through qualitative studies and could also provide the basis of professional development tools designed to explore opportunities for self‐regulation of learning in the workplace.
Small firms and the failure of national skills policies: adopting an institutional perspective
Authors: Bishop Dan
Published: February 2015

Both skills and small firms have been increasingly prominent in policy agendas across the world in recent years. Skills are now seen as being crucial to economic prosperity, yet evidence consistently shows much lower levels of training, on average, in small firms than in larger businesses. Policy makers in various countries have sought to address this perceived problem and to stimulate skills development in small firms, but have attempted to do so in different ways and with varying degrees of success. It is this divergence in national skills policies, as well as its causes and implications for skill formation in small firms, that this paper seeks to illuminate. In doing so, it adopts an ‘institutional’ perspective that advances current understanding of how and why skills policies adopted in different countries appear to have varying effects on small firms. Through employing this institutional analysis, the paper promotes an awareness of how historical, social and economic forces in the ‘corporatist’ systems, found for example in Germany and Scandinavia, tend to provide a more supportive context for skills development in small firms than the liberal free market systems found elsewhere in the world, such as in the USA, Canada and the UK – which is highlighted as an illustrative case in this paper.
Understanding and improving the use of allopurinol in a teaching hospital
Authors: Hmar R. C. , Kannangara D. R. W. , Ramasamy S. N. , Baysari M. T. , Williams K. M. , Day R. O.
Published: February 2015

Background

An emphasis on renal function in deciding maintenance doses of allopurinol to prevent allopurinol hypersensitivity has resulted in ineffective prevention of attacks of gout. New therapeutic guidelines for gout have shifted the focus back to titrating maintenance doses to reach a serum uric acid (SUA) concentration target of ≤0.36 mmol/L.

Aims

To examine trends in the prescribing of allopurinol in a teaching hospital and their concordance with the new guidelines for gout management, and to explore prescribers' approaches and attitudes to the use of allopurinol.

Methods

An audit was conducted of all inpatients prescribed allopurinol at a teaching hospital between January 2008 and December 2012. Allopurinol dose, SUA, serum creatinine concentrations and estimated glomerular filtration rates were extracted from the hospital databases. Doctors from medical units who regularly prescribed allopurinol were interviewed.

Results

The allopurinol dose prescribed in gout patients most commonly was a continuation of the pre‐admission dosage. Dosage change during admission was rarely observed. Dosages reflected a consideration of renal function. SUA concentrations were measured in only 21% (n = 269) of gout patients. Prescriber interviews (n = 12) reflected adequate knowledge regarding allopurinol use, but most maintained that the primary care setting was more suitable for the management of dose titration in gout.

Conclusions

SUA concentrations were not routinely measured in the majority of admitted gout patients taking allopurinol. Without SUA measurements and allopurinol dose titration, patients with SUA > 0.36 mmol/L are at increased risk for acute attacks of gout in hospital.
Dielectric Properties and Impedance Spectroscopy of MnCO3‐Modified (Ba0.85Ca0.15)(Zr0.1Ti0.9)O3 Lead‐Free Ceramics
Authors: Wang Xiaofang , Liang Pengfei , Chao Xiaolian , Yang Zupei
Published: February 2015

A MnCO3‐modified (Ba0.85Ca0.15)(Zr0.1Ti0.9)O3 system was synthesized by solid‐state reaction method. The phase structure, microstructure, electrical properties, and complex impedance were investigated in detail. The addition of small amount of MnCO3 was quite effective to lower the sintering temperature. XRD analysis showed that the single perovskite phase was achieved in all compositions. XPS results demonstrated that the Mn ions were present in the mixed valence form of +2 and +4. The existence of Mn2+ ions gave rise to an increase in oxygen vacancies and suppressed the piezoelectric and ferroelectric properties of samples. The diffusive phase transition was enhanced while the Curie temperature was remained in the vicinity of 90°C. In addition, according to the impedance analysis, it was concluded that the dielectric relaxation behavior was non‐Debye type and the movements of singly ionized oxygen vacancies played an important role in the conduction behavior at higher temperatures.
Origin of the forest steppe and exceptional grassland diversity in Transylvania (central‐eastern Europe)
Authors: Feurdean Angelica , Marinova Elena , Nielsen Anne B. , Liakka Johan , Veres Daniel , Hutchinson Simon M. , Braun Mihaly , Timar‐Gabor Alida , Astalos Ciprian , Mosburgger Volker , Hickler Thomas
Published: February 2015

Aim

The forest steppe of the Transylvanian Plain is a landscape of exceptionally diverse steppe‐like and semi‐natural grasslands. Is this vegetation a remnant of a once continuous temperate forest extensively cleared by humans, or has the area, since the last glacial, always been a forest steppe? Understanding the processes that drive temperate grassland formation is important because effective management of this biome is critical to the conservation of the European cultural landscape.

Location

Lake Stiucii, north‐western Romania, central‐eastern Europe.

Methods

We analysed multi‐proxy variables (pollen, coprophilous fungi, plant macroremains, macrocharcoal) from a 55,000 year discontinuous sequence (c. 55,000–35,000; 13,000–0 cal. yr bp), integrating models of pollen‐based vegetation cover, biome reconstruction, global atmospheric simulations and archaeological records.

Results

Needleleaf woodland occurred during glacial Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 3, but contracted at the end of this period. Forest coverage of c. 55% (early Holocene) and 65% (mid‐Holocene) prevailed through the Holocene, but Bronze Age humans extensively cleared forests after 3700 cal. yr bp. Forest coverage was most widespread between 8600 and 3700 cal. yr bp, whereas grasses, steppe and xerothermic forbs were most extensive between 11,700 and 8600 cal. yr bp and during the last 3700 cal. yr bp. Cerealia pollen indicate the presence of arable agriculture by c. 7000 cal. yr bp.

Main conclusions

We have provided the first unequivocal evidence for needleleaf woodland during glacial MIS 3 in this region. Extensive forests prevailed prior to 3700 cal. yr bp, challenging the hypothesis that the Transylvanian lowlands were never wooded following the last glaciation. However, these forests were never fully closed either, reflecting dry growing season conditions, recurrent fires and anthropogenic impacts, which have favoured grassland persistence throughout the Holocene. The longevity of natural and semi‐natural grasslands in the region may explain their current exceptional biodiversity. This longer‐term perspective implies that future climatic warming and associated fire will maintain these grasslands.
The causes of southern African spatial patterns in species richness: speciation, extinction and dispersal in the Danthonioideae (Poaceae)
Authors: Linder H. Peter , Bouchenak‐Khelladi Yanis
Published: February 2015

Aim

Four factors (time, dispersal, extinction and speciation) shape the differences in species richness within a clade between two regions. The southern African summer‐rainfall ‘Highveld’ is less species rich than the adjacent winter‐rainfall ‘Greater Cape Floristic Region’. In many clades, this may be the result of a Cape origin of these temperate clades, with later dispersal to the cool uplands of the Highveld. We explored an alternative scenario of a widespread southern African Miocene temperate flora, which survived in the Cape. We used these four factors to seek the more likely scenario for the Danthonioideae.

Location

Southern Africa.

Methods

We used a rate‐corrected and dated phylogeny including 118 of 134 species of African Danthonioideae (Poaceae), and assigned the species to be either winter rainfall (Cape) or summer rainfall (Highveld). We inferred speciation and extinction rates using TreePar and bamm for the whole clade and also for each rainfall regime, transition direction using BayesTraits and Lagrange, and integrated speciation–extinction–migration using BiSSE.

Results

We found no differences in the speciation rates between the two areas, and no clear indication of the ancestral area of the clade. However, one of the most likely BiSSE models found a lower extinction rate in the Cape, and another found a higher transition rate from summer rainfall to winter rainfall.

Main conclusions

We found more support for the scenario of a southern African rather than a Cape origin of the danthonioids. The winter rainfall Cape became differentiated from the rest of southern Africa in the late Miocene. Late Miocene extinction, possibly driven by the expansion of C4 grasses, may have decimated the Highveld lineages, whereas the Cape lineages continued to diversify. Exploring some other Cape clades may reveal more instances of the Cape acting as a ‘museum’ of southern African temperate diversity.
Out of Himalaya: the impact of past Asian environmental changes on the evolutionary and biogeographical history of Dipodoidea (Rodentia)
Authors: Pisano Julie , Condamine Fabien L. , Lebedev Vladimir , Bannikova Anna , Quéré Jean‐Pierre , Shenbrot Gregory I. , Pagès Marie , Michaux Johan R.
Published: February 2015

Aim

We assessed the influence of past environmental changes, notably the importance of palaeogeographical and climatic drivers, in shaping the distribution patterns of Dipodoidea (Rodentia), the superfamily most closely related to the large species‐rich superfamily Muroidea (c. 1300–1500 species). Dipodoids are suitable for testing several biogeographical hypotheses because of their disjunct distribution patterns in the Northern Hemisphere and the numerous species distributed in Asian deserts.

Location

Holarctic.

Methods

We inferred molecular phylogenetic relationships for Dipodoidea (34 out of 51 species and 15 out of 16 genera) based on five coding genes. A time‐calibrated phylogeny was estimated using a Bayesian relaxed molecular clock with four fossil calibrations. A cross‐validation procedure was adopted to examine the impact of each fossil on our estimates. The ancestral area of origin and biogeographical scenarios were reconstructed using time‐stratified dispersal–extinction–cladogenesis models.

Results

Phylogenetic analyses recovered a well‐resolved and supported topology. The divergence between Dipodoidea and Muroidea occurred in the late Palaeocene (c. 57.72 Ma) and modern Dipodoidea diversified during the middle Eocene (c. 40.62 Ma). Similar results were found with each calibration strategy used with the cross‐validation procedure. The reconstruction of ancestral areas and biogeographical events indicated that modern Dipodoidea originated in the Himalaya‐Tibetan and Central Asian region.

Main conclusions

At the time when Dipodoidea diversified (middle Eocene), the Central Asia and Himalaya‐Tibetan Plateau region experienced major uplift episodes due to the collision of India with Asia, which also induced diversification events in many other groups. Other important diversification events (e.g. divergence between Zapodidae and Dipodidae in Central Asia) took placed during the Eocene–Oligocene transition when the global temperature decreased significantly and rodent/lagomorph‐dominant faunas replaced Eocene perissodactyl‐dominant faunas. All of these climatic and geological disruptions in the Central Asia and Himalaya‐Tibetan Plateau region modified landscapes and offered new habitats that favoured diversification events, thus triggering the evolutionary history of Dipodoidea.
Prevalence of Taking Actions to Control Blood Pressure Among Adults With Self‐Reported Hypertension in 18 States and the District of Columbia, 2009
Authors: Ayala Carma , Fang Jing , Yuan Keming
Published: February 2015

The authors used 2009 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data to assess the prevalence of taking actions to control hypertension among adults with self‐reported hypertension. Differences by descriptive characteristics (sex, age, race/ethnicity, access to health care, medication adherence), presence of other health risk factors (overweight/obesity, smoking, heavy drinking, inadequate fruit/vegetable intake, and physical inactivity), and comorbidities (diabetes, high cholesterol, coronary heart disease, and stroke) were compared. The prevalence of hypertension was 29.6%, and 75.0% of these patients reported taking antihypertensive medications, 73.1% changed eating habits, 72.8% decreased the use of salt, 78.8% reduced alcohol consumption, and 69.9% increased their physical activity. Overall, 87.2% reported taking two or more actions to reduce blood pressure. Patients taking antihypertensive medications were more likely to take two or more actions than their counterparts (90.6% vs 79.4%, P<.01). Those with at least one other health risk factor were 1.85 times as likely to take two or more actions as their counterparts (95% confidence interval, 1.18–2.92 times). More than 80% of hypertensive adults reported taking two or more actions to control blood pressure. The prevalence of taking actions differed significantly by descriptive characteristics, the presence health risk factors, and comorbidities.
Multi‐Drug–Resistant Hypertension Caused by Severe Aortic Coarctation Presenting in Late Adulthood
Authors: Meller Stephanie M. , Fahey John T. , Setaro John F. , Forrest John K.
Published: February 2015

Aortic coarctation, a congenital narrowing in the region of the ligamentum arteriosium, is a rare etiology for multi‐drug–resistant hypertension in adulthood; however, advances in stenting modalities may offer long‐term improvements in morbidity and possibly even cure. We report on a female patient in her late 50s presenting with refractory hypertension and severely elevated renin levels, ultimately diagnosed with aortic coarctation and treated with percutaneous stent implantation, which resulted in successful blood pressure control with verapamil monotherapy. This case highlights the efficacy of endovascular stent implantation for the treatment of coarctation and the need for clinicians to consider this disease entity in the differential diagnosis of refractory hypertension even in late adulthood
Genetic connectivity and phenotypic plasticity in the cyprinodont Aphanius farsicus from the Maharlu Basin, south‐western Iran
Authors: Gholami Z. , Esmaeili H. R. , Erpenbeck D. , Reichenbacher B.
Published: February 2015

Meristic and morphometric characteristics, including otolith data, of the Farsi tooth‐carp Aphanius farsicus, which is endemic to the endorheic Maharlu Basin in south‐western Iran, were analysed for a sample of 92 individuals from four spring‐streams; DNA sequence data (cytochrome b gene) are presented for 29 specimens. Some phenotypic variation was detected but the genetic data clearly indicate connectivity between the populations. Possible links between phenotypic variation and environmental variables such as water temperature, habitat size and absence or presence of predators and competitors are discussed. Based on a literature survey and the new data, it is concluded that population connectivity is maintained during times of droughts via large aquifers that formed during the late Pliocene to early Pleistocene, when the extant endorheic Maharlu Basin was created. Based on new data presented here and previous work, it is apparent that plastic and constant characteristics are present in Aphanius species, and that, if a population becomes isolated, a given trend of evolution may give rise to a taxonomically useful characteristic.
Comparative historical biogeography of three groups of Nearctic freshwater fishes across central Mexico
Authors: Pérez‐Rodríguez R. , Domínguez‐Domínguez O. , Doadrio I. , Cuevas‐García E. , Pérez‐Ponce de León G.
Published: February 2015

Biogeographic patterns of the three main Nearctic groups of continental fishes inhabiting river drainages in central Mexico (livebearing goodeids, southern Mexican notropins and species of Algansea, the last two representing independent lineages of cyprinids) were obtained and compared by following two approaches: an estimate of divergence times and using a well‐defined biogeographic method. Three concordant biogeographic events were identified among the three groups, showing some evidence of a partially congruent evolutionary history. The analysed groups show at least three independent colonization events into central Mexico: two western routes, followed by the Goodeinae and members of Algansea, and an early Plateau route followed by southern notropins. The most recent common ancestor (MRCA) of each of the three freshwater fish groups diversified in central Mexico in the Late Miocene. The lack of a strong congruence in their biogeographic patterns, and the differences in species richness among the three clades might be evidence for distinct patterns of diversification.
Behavioural strategy of large perch Perca fluviatilis varies between a mesotrophic and a hypereutrophic lake
Authors: Jacobsen L. , Berg S. , Baktoft H. , Skov C.
Published: February 2015

Behaviour of large perch Perca fluviatilis was studied in two lakes differing in environmental state i.e. mesotrophic v. hypereutrophic. A total of 20 adult perch P. fluviatilis (29–42 cm total length) in each lake were tagged with radio‐transmitters, tracked and located eight times a day during six 24 h tracking periods over a year, enabling detection of differences in diel activity patterns and habitat use during summer and winter under two different environmental regimes. During summer, P. fluviatilis in the mesotrophic lake showed a distinct crepuscular activity pattern and a change from pelagic residency during daytime towards the littoral zone at night. In contrast, P. fluviatilis in the hypereutrophic lake were active during the entire diel cycle and were spread throughout the lake also during dark. During winter, crepuscular patterns of activity were seen in both lakes. Condition factor of large P. fluviatilis did not differ between the two lakes. Thus, it is suggested that P. fluviatilis in the hypereutrophic turbid lake adopted an alternative behaviour for successful foraging, being uniformly active throughout the diel cycle.
Revaluing the Role of Parents as Financial Socialization Agents in Youth Financial Literacy Programs
Authors: VAN CAMPENHOUT GEERT
Published: February 2015

This paper reviews the role of parents in young people's financial socialization process. Despite robust evidence illustrating the key role of parents in this process, parental involvement in financial education programs is not well‐developed. Hence, this study advocates a revaluation of their role in such programs and shows how this fits in with the development of youth financial literacy programs that are more proactive and aimed at raising adaptable financial consumers. Guidelines are provided for the design of such proactive financial literacy programs, which take into account the role of parents in the financial socialization process. In addition, consequences for the role of teachers are discussed. In conclusion, a number of suggestions for future research are formulated that are necessary in order to develop more effective delivery methods and to increase the effectiveness of financial education programs.
The power of caring and generativity in building strategic adaptability
Authors: Carmeli Abraham , Jones Carla D. , Binyamin Galy
Published: February 2015

In this study, we integrate relational theory and the upper echelon perspective to explore how and why caring and generative relationships in top management teams (TMTs) can be a source for building strategic adaptability. We argue that when TMT members care for each other's inner needs, a generative psychological space (which allows members to experience positivity and produce enduring transformative outcomes) is nurtured. This generative psychological space, in turn, helps to build a capacity to respond proactively to the external environment and adapt well to environmental jolts. The results lend support to our hypothesized model in which caring among TMT members nurtures generativity, which in turn enhances strategic adaptability. In so doing, we aim to further cultivate discussion on the micro‐foundations of strategic management in general and increase interest in the micro‐relational foundations of strategic capabilities in particular.

Practitioner points

Strategic adaptability is crucial for a firm's viability, but top management teams (TMTs) struggle to navigate and adapt successfully in ever‐changing environments.

Caring defines those relationships in which TMT members show genuine interest in and concern for each other's needs, and can be a conducive force for building strategic capabilities, such as the capacity to adapt to environmental jolts.

Work relationships among members are powerful; thus, organizations should devote efforts to finding ways to go beyond instrumental‐driven connections to cultivate more humanistic‐driven connections where the inner needs of each member are considered, and to shaping a generative psychological space that helps to enhance adaptability and nurture growth.

A focus on micro‐relational mechanisms in a TMT is important for organizations, because the TMT plays a fundamental role in building strategic capabilities and helping organizations to thrive in the marketplace.
Reliability and validity of a single‐item physical activity measure for adolescents
Authors: Scott Joseph J , Morgan Philip J , Plotnikoff Ronald C , Lubans David R
Published: February 2015

Aims

The aim of this study was to examine the test–retest reliability and concurrent validity of an adolescent single‐item physical activity measure by comparing it with the existing Oxford Physical Activity Questionnaire (OPAQ) and accelerometer output.

Methods

Participants were 123 adolescents (14.7 ± 0.5 years) from three secondary schools in New South Wales, Australia. To determine reliability, participants completed both questionnaires on two occasions separated by 2 weeks. To assess validity, participants wore Actigraph GT3X+ accelerometers for a 7‐day monitoring period and completed both physical activity questionnaires. Bivariate correlations between self‐reported moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and accelerometer MVPA min/day were calculated.

Results

The single‐item (intra‐class correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.75, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.64–0.83, P < 0.001) ) and the OPAQ (ICC = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.69–0.86, P < 0.001) were both found to have moderate‐to‐strong reliability. Correlations between self‐reported and objectively measured MVPA were similar for the single‐item measure (r = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.24–0.63, P < 0.001) and the OPAQ (r = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.30–0.65, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

These findings suggest the single‐item measure can provide a reliable and valid assessment of youth physical activity.
International trial of online auditory training programme for distinguishing innocent and pathological murmurs
Authors: Finley John P , Caissie Rachel , Nicol Pam , Hoyt Brian
Published: February 2015

Aim

Recognition of normal and abnormal heart sounds and murmurs is an important but declining clinical skill among practitioners. Current teaching methods are often ineffective. This may result from inadequate repetition and normal–abnormal comparisons needed for auditory recognition. This paper describes a rapid new method of teaching murmur recognition using principles of auditory training.

Methods

Participants were 120 Australian and 42 Canadian medical students. The medical students were randomised to intervention and control (no intervention) groups. The 1‐h online programme structured like a computer game used auditory training methodology to teach students to distinguish between innocent and pathological murmurs. Participants underwent pre‐ and post‐testing on 20 paediatric murmurs. Post‐testing occurred immediately following training and after 2 months. Twenty‐two Canadian medical students were retested 1 year later with a brief mastery‐style reinforcement programme.

Results

Median pre‐ and post‐test scores improved in about 1 h from 75–95% (P < 0.001) for Australian students and 85–95% (P = 0.004) for Canadian students. Two‐month post‐test scores declined for Australian students to 85% (P = 0.001), and for Canadian students to 85% (P = 0.02). Australian controls had no significant change during the study period, whereas Canadian controls improved slightly. The group receiving reinforcement after 1 year had a median final score of 90%.

Conclusions

This auditory training programme rapidly teaches students to distinguish innocent and pathological murmurs with at least 90% accuracy. The skill declines within 2 months but can be restored with brief mastery reinforcement 1 year later.
Preterm infant outcomes in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory
Authors: Bolisetty Srinivas , Legge Nele , Bajuk Barbara , Lui Kei ,   New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory Neonatal Intensive Care Units' Data Collection
Published: February 2015

Aim

This study aimed to provide updated information on gestation‐specific hospital outcomes of extreme to very preterm infants admitted to neonatal intensive care units.

Methods

A population‐based retrospective cohort study of infants born between 23+0 and 31+6 weeks gestation and admitted to a network of neonatal intensive care units between 2007 and 2011 in a well‐defined geographic area of New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. Main outcome measures were survival and major morbidities prior to hospital discharge.

Results

Of 4454 infants included, hospital survival rates based on gestational age alone were 27%, 59%, 76%, 85%, 91% and over 95% at 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 and 28–31 weeks, respectively. Survival rates for each week up to 29 weeks gestation differed by at least 5% when perinatal risk factors including birthweight percentile, exposure to antenatal steroids, birth outside a tertiary hospital and gender were included in the survival estimation. All the major outcome figures were then simplified and displayed in a simple, easy‐to‐understand preterm outcome table for counselling purposes.

Conclusion

We report the latest hospital outcomes of extreme to very preterm infants in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. Survival rates based on gestational age alone may not provide the true estimate as the survival for these infants can vary based on the presence or absence of other relevant perinatal factors.
Thymoquinone improves the kidney and liver changes induced by chronic cyclosporine A treatment and acute renal ischaemia/reperfusion in rats
Authors: Farag Mahmoud M , Ahmed Ghada O , Shehata Rowaida R , Kazem Amani H
Published: February 2015

Objectives

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of chronic cyclosporine A (CsA) treatment and acute renal ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) on the kidney and liver in thymoquinone (TQ)-treated rats.

Methods

In the CsA study, adult male rats were divided into control, CsA (25 mg/kg per day), TQ (10 mg/kg per day) and CsA + TQ groups, and rat treatment was for 28 days. In the I/R study, adult male rats were divided into sham-operated, I/R (renal ischaemia for 60 min followed by 60 min reperfusion) and TQ + I/R (TQ 10 mg/kg, 24 h and 1 h before ischaemia) groups.

Key findings

CsA treatment and renal I/R caused kidney and liver dysfunction as evaluated by histopathological changes and biochemical parameters. TQ treatment reduced elevated serum indices back to control levels and ameliorated CsA-induced kidney and liver histopathological changes. In renal and hepatic tissues, CsA and renal I/R induced significant increases in malondialdehyde levels with significant decreases in reduced glutathione levels and superoxide dismutase activities. Such changes in oxidative stress markers were counteracted by TQ treatment.

Conclusions

Kidney and liver injury due to CsA or renal I/R can be significantly reduced by TQ, which resets the oxidant/antioxidant balance of the affected organs through scavenging free radicals and antilipoperoxidative effects.
Next generation vaccines: single-dose encapsulated vaccines for improved global immunisation coverage and efficacy
Authors: Walters Adam A , Krastev Christos , Hill Adrian V S , Milicic Anita
Published: February 2015

Objectives

Vaccination is considered the most successful health intervention; yet incomplete immunisation coverage continues to risk outbreaks of vaccine preventable diseases worldwide. Vaccination coverage improvement through a single-dose prime-boost technology would revolutionise modern vaccinology, impacting on disease prevalence, significantly benefiting health care and lowering economic burden of disease.

Key findings

Over the past 30 years, there have been efforts to develop a single-dose delayed release vaccine technology that could replace the repeated prime-boost immunisations required for many current vaccines. Biocompatible polymers have been employed to encapsulate model vaccines for delayed delivery in vivo, using either continuous or pulsed release. Biomaterial considerations, safety aspects, particle characteristics and immunological aspects of this approach are discussed in detail.

Despite many studies showing the feasibility of vaccine encapsulation for single-dose prime-boost administration, none have been translated into convincing utility in animal models or human trials. Further development of the encapsulation technology, through optimising the particle composition, formulation, antigen loading efficacy and stability, could lead to the application of this important approach in vaccine deployment. If successful, this would provide a solution to better global vaccination coverage through a reduction in the number of immunisations needed to achieve protection against infectious diseases. This review provides an overview of single-dose vaccination in the context of today's vaccine needs and is derived from a body of literature that has not been reviewed for over a decade.
Crystal forms of the hydrogen oxalate salt of o-desmethylvenlafaxine
Authors: Dichiarante Elena , Curzi Marco , Giaffreda Stefano L , Grepioni Fabrizia , Maini Lucia , Braga Dario
Published: February 2015

Objectives

To prepare new crystalline forms of the antidepressant o-desmethylvenlafaxine salt as potential new commercial forms and evaluate their physicochemical properties, in particular the dissolution rate.

Methods

A new hydrogen oxalate salt of o-desmethylvenlafaxine hydrogen oxalate (ODV-OX) was synthesized, and a polymorph screening was performed using different solvents and crystallization conditions. Crystalline forms were characterized by a combination of solid-state techniques: X-ray powder diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, FT-IR spectroscopy and single crystal X-ray diffraction. The stability of all crystalline phases was tested under International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH) conditions (40°C and 75% Relative Humidity (RH)) for 1 week. Dissolution tests were performed on the hydrogen oxalate salt ODV-OX Form 1 and compared with dissolution test on the commercial form of the succinate salt of o-desmethylvenlafaxine.

Key findings

Five crystalline forms of ODV-OX were isolated, namely three hydrated forms (Form 1, Form 2, Form 3) and two anhydrous forms (Form 4 and Form 5).

Conclusions

Comparative solubility tests on ODV-OX Form 1 and o-desmethylvenlafaxine succinate evidenced a significant increase in solubility for the hydrogen oxalate salt (142 g/l) with respect to the succinate salt (70 g/l).
Inhibition of hedgehog signal pathway by cyclopamine attenuates inflammation and articular cartilage damage in rats with adjuvant-induced arthritis
Authors: Li Rong , Cai Li , Ding Jing , Hu Cheng-mu , Wu Ting-ni , Hu Xiang-yang
Published: February 2015

Objectives

We investigated whether inhibition of hedgehog (Hh) signal by cyclopamine attenuated inflammation and cartilage damage in adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) rats.

Methods

Cyclopamine (2.5, 5, 10 mg/kg) was given by intraperitoneal injection once daily from day 12 to 21 after AIA induction. Paw swelling (volume changes), serum pro-inflammatory cytokines levels (ELISA), histological analysis of joint damage (H&E staining), proteoglycans expression (Alcian blue staining), mRNA levels of sonic Hh (Shh), glioma-associated oncogene homologue 1 (Gli1), type II collagen (COII) and aggrecan in cartilage (real-time PCR) and articular chondrocyte apoptosis (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labelling) were measured respectively.

Key findings

Cyclopamine effectively attenuated inflammation and cartilage damage of AIA rats, as evidenced by reduced paw swelling, serum levels of tumor necrosis factors (TNF)-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and histological scores of joint damage, increased proteoglycans expression and mRNA levels of COII and aggrecan in articular cartilage. Shh or Gli1 mRNA level was correlated negatively with COII and aggrecan mRNA levels, suggesting Hh signal inhibition was associated with promotion of cartilage extracellular matrix production. Furthermore, cyclopamine decreased the number of apoptotic articular chondrocytes of AIA rats, which might be partly related to its mechanisms on relieving cartilage damage.

Conclusions

Our findings present some experimental evidence that Hh signal inhibition might be of potential clinical interest in rheumatoid arthritis treatment.
Skin delivery of antioxidant surfactants based on gallic acid and hydroxytyrosol
Authors: Alonso Cristina , Lucas Ricardo , Barba Clara , Marti Meritxell , Rubio Laia , Comelles Francesc , Morales Juan Carlos , Coderch Luisa , Parra José Luís
Published: February 2015

Objectives

The aim of this study has been to investigate the dermal absorption profile of the antioxidant compounds gallic acid and hydroxytyrosol as well as their derivatives, hexanoate (hexyl gallate and hydroxytyrosol hexanoate) and octanoate (octyl gallate and octanoate derivative) alkyl esters (antioxidant surfactants). Previously, the scavenging capacity of these compounds, expressed as efficient dose ED50, has also determined.

Methods

The percutaneous absorption of these compounds was obtained by an in vitro methodology using porcine skin biopsies on Franz static diffusion cells. The antiradical activity of compounds was determined using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radical method.

Key findings

The percutaneous penetration results show the presence of antioxidants in all layers of the skin. The content of the cutaneously absorbed compound is higher for the antioxidant surfactants (ester derivatives). This particular behaviour could be due to the higher hydrophobicity of these compounds and the presence of surface activity in the antioxidant surfactants.

Conclusions

These new antioxidant surfactants display optimum properties, which may be useful in the preparation of emulsified systems in cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations because of their suitable surface activity and because they can protect the skin from oxidative damage.
Testing for Predictability in Financial Returns Using Statistical Learning Procedures
Authors: Arrieta‐ibarra Imanol , Lobato Ignacio N.
Published: February 2015

This article examines the ability of recently developed statistical learning procedures, such as random forests or support vector machines, for forecasting the first two moments of stock market daily returns. These tools present the advantage of the flexibility of the considered nonlinear regression functions even in the presence of many potential predictors. We consider two cases: where the agent's information set only includes the past of the return series, and where this set includes past values of relevant economic series, such as interest rates, commodities prices or exchange rates. Even though these procedures seem to be of no much use for predicting returns, it appears that there is real potential for some of these procedures, especially support vector machines, to improve over the standard GARCH(1,1) model the out‐of‐sample forecasting ability for squared returns. The researcher has to be cautious on the number of predictors employed and on the specific implementation of the procedures since using many predictors and the default settings of standard computing packages leads to overfitted models and to larger standard errors.
White Syndrome in Acropora muricata: Nonspecific bacterial infection and ciliate histophagy
Authors: Sweet Michael , Bythell John
Published: February 2015

Selective antibiotic treatment of white syndrome (WS)‐affected corals (Acropora muricata) from Fiji was used to identify 3 potential bacterial pathogens of the disease. Interestingly, the suite of bacterial associates of the disease was different to that recently identified using identical primer sets for WS on the GBR and in the Solomon Islands. In addition to the three bacterial pathogenic candidates and as previously shown for WS and more recently for white band disease (WBD) in the Caribbean, all samples of the disease were specifically associated with the histophagous ciliate Philaster lucinda. From the pattern of disease progression and histopathology in relation to the selective elimination of microbial groups, we conclude that these ‘white’ diseases are a result of a nonspecific bacterial infection and a ‘secondary’ infection by the P. lucinda ciliate. Although we have not observed the initiation of infection, a nonspecific, multispecies bacterial infection appears to be a corequirement for WS lesion progression and we hypothesize that the bacterial infection occurs initially, weakening the defences of the host to predation by the ciliates. Such ciliate histophagy gives rise to the characteristic white band of denuded coral skeleton that gives these diseases their names. The characteristics of the microbial communities of WBD and WS appear identical, and since the bacterial associates of WS vary geographically (and/or temporally), there appears to be no logical distinction between WS in the Indo‐Pacific and WBD in the Caribbean.