bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reconciling State and Society? The Practice of the Common Good in the Partnership of Bishop David Sheppard and Archbishop Derek Worlock
Authors: Power Maria
Published: December 2015

The dynamic partnership between Anglican Bishop, David Sheppard, and his Roman Catholic counterpart, Derek Worlock, was a significant force in Liverpool during the 1980s, both ecumenically and politically. However, despite their “cult status” within the city, their national and international importance has yet to be explored. The 1981 Toxteth Riots are used as a case study through which to read their exceptional and transformative relationship. This article will discuss how their partnership became emblematic of changing church–state relationships from both Anglican and Roman Catholic perspectives, and how they each, in turn, went on to shape their churches’ dialogue with the government. The article explores the nature of their collaboration and the theological and doctrinal ideas that informed it, before going on to discuss the 1981 Riots in detail. It will demonstrate that the Sheppard–Worlock model of ecumenism put the Gospel, and in particular its focus upon the poor and marginalised, at the heart of their partnership. It will conclude that they sought the Common Good for society and believed that reconciliation was the key to the achievement of this goal.
Timing of cord clamping in relation to start of breathing or ventilation among depressed neonates—an observational study
Authors: Ersdal HL , Linde J , Auestad B , Mduma E , Lyanga S , Svensen E , Perlman J
Published: December 2015

Objectives

The optimal timing of cord clamping (CC) in nonbreathing neonates needing stabilisation/resuscitation remains unclear. The objective was to describe the relationship between time to CC, initiation of breathing or positive pressure ventilation (PPV) after stimulation/suction and 24‐hour neonatal mortality/morbidity.

Design

Observational study.

Setting

A rural Tanzanian referral hospital.

Population

Depressed nonbreathing newborns.

Methods

Trained research assistants have observed every delivery (November 2009 through January 2014) using stop‐watches and recorded data including fetal heart rate; time intervals from birth to CC and start of breathing or PPV and perinatal characteristics.

Main outcome measures

Twenty‐four‐hour neonatal outcome (dead, admitted, normal).

Results

There were 19 863 liveborn infants; 16 770 (84.4%) initiated spontaneous respirations, 3093 (15.6%) received stimulation/suctioning to initiate breathing. However, 1269 (41.0%) neonates failed to breath and received PPV at 98 ± 66 seconds and CC at 39 ± 35 seconds after birth. Adverse outcomes in neonates receiving PPV included 126 (9.9%) deaths and 100 (7.8%) neonatal admissions. In 1146/1269 (90%) neonates, CC occurred before PPV and was associated with 209 (18%) deaths/admissions. In 98 (8%) neonates, CC followed initiation of PPV with 14 (14%) deaths/admissions (P = 0.328). By logistic modelling, initiation of PPV before versus after CC was not associated with death/admission when adjusted for time to PPV. The risk for death/admission increased by 12% for every 30‐second delay in PPV (P = 0.001).

Conclusions

This observational study failed to demonstrate any relationship between time to CC and onset of breathing or initiation of PPV following stimulation/suction, and 24‐hour outcome. Delay in initiation of PPV was significantly associated with death/admission.

Tweetable abstract

No relationship between time to cord clamp, breathing or ventilation and 24‐hour deaths in depressed neonates.
Size at birth and preterm birth in women with lifetime eating disorders: a prospective population‐based study
Authors: Micali N , Stemann Larsen P , Strandberg‐Larsen K , Nybo Andersen A‐M
Published: December 2015

Objective

To investigate whether eating disorders are associated with lower size at birth, symmetric growth restriction, and preterm birth; and whether pregnancy smoking explains the association between anorexia nervosa and fetal growth.

Design

Longitudinal population‐based cohort study.

Setting

Denmark.

Sample

Women from the Danish National Birth Cohort (n = 83 826).

Methods

Women with anorexia nervosa (n = 1609), bulimia nervosa (n = 1693) and both (anorexia + bulimia nervosa, n = 634) were compared with unexposed women (n = 76 724) (women with exposure data and singletons n = 80 660) using crude and adjusted linear and logistic regression models.

Main outcome measures

Size at birth (birthweight, length, head and abdominal circumference and placental weight); gestational age; small‐ and large‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA, LGA); ponderal index, abdominal/head circumference.

Results

Lifetime anorexia nervosa and lifetime anorexia + bulimia nervosa were prospectively associated with restricted fetal growth and higher odds of SGA [respectively, OR = 1.6 [95% CI 1.3–1.8] and OR = 1.5 [95% CI 1.2–1.9)] compared with unexposed women. Active anorexia nervosa was associated with lower birthweight, length, head and abdominal circumference, ponderal index, higher odds of SGA [OR = 2.90 (95% 1.98–4.26)] and preterm birth [OR = 1.77 (95% CI 1.00–3.12)] compared with unexposed women. Pregnancy smoking only partly explained the association between anorexia nervosa and adverse fetal outcomes.

Conclusions

Maternal anorexia nervosa (both active and past) is associated with lower size at birth and symmetric growth restriction, with evidence of worse outcomes in women with active disorder. Women with anorexia nervosa should be advised about achieving full recovery before conceiving. Similarly, targeting smoking in pregnancy might improve fetal outcomes.

Tweetable abstract

Anorexia nervosa predicts small size at birth, small‐for‐gestational‐age and symmetric growth restriction.
Cost‐effectiveness of neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy versus esophagectomy for locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: A population‐based matched case‐control study
Authors: Lin Chen‐Yuan , Fang Hsin‐Yuan , Feng Chun‐Lung , Li Chia‐Chin , Chien Chun‐Ru
Published: December 2015

Background

Neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy (NCCRT) is often considered for locally‐advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (LA‐ESCC) patients; however, no data regarding the cost‐effectiveness of this treatment is available. Our study aimed to evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of NCCRT versus esophagectomy for LA‐ESCC at population level.

Methods

We identified LA‐ESCC patients diagnosed within 2008–2009 and treated with either NCCRT or esophagectomy through the Taiwan Cancer Registry. We included potential confounding covariables (age, gender, residency, comorbidity, social‐economic status, disease stage, treating hospital level and surgeon's experience, and the use of endoscopic ultrasound before treatment) and used propensity score (PS) to construct a 1:1 population. The duration of interest was three years within the date of diagnosis. Effectiveness was measured as overall survival. We took the payer's perspective and converted the cost to 2014 United States dollars (USD). In sensitivity analysis, we evaluated the potential impact of an unmeasured confounder on the statistical significance of incremental net benefit at suggested willingness‐to‐pay.

Results

Our study population constituted 150 PS matched subjects. The mean cost (2014 USD) and survival (year) were higher for NCCRT compared with esophagectomy (US$91,460 vs. $75,836 for cost; 2.2 vs. 1.8 for survival) with an estimated incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio of US$39,060/life‐year.

Conclusions

When compared to esophagectomy, NCCRT is likely to improve survival and is probably more cost‐effective. Cost‐effectiveness results should be interpreted with caution given our results were sensitive to potential unmeasured confounder(s) in sensitivity analysis.
On the Effectiveness of Social Norms Intervention in College Drinking: The Roles of Identity Verification and Peer Influence
Authors: Fitzpatrick Ben G. , Martinez Jason , Polidan Elizabeth , Angelis Ekaterini
Published: December 2015

Background

The application of social norms theory in the study of college drinking centers on the ideas that incorrect perceptions of drinking norms encourage problematic drinking behavior and that correcting misperceptions can mitigate problems. The design and execution of social norms interventions can be improved with a deeper understanding of causal mechanisms connecting misperception to drinking behavior.

Methods

We develop an agent‐based computational simulation that uses identity control theory and peer influence (PI) to model interactions that affect drinking. Using data from the College Alcohol Survey and Social Norms Marketing Research Project, we inform model parameters for agent drinking identities and perceptions. We simulate social norms campaigns that reach progressively larger fractions of the student population, and we consider the strength of the campaign in terms of changing student perception and resulting behavior.

Results

We observe a general reduction in heavy episodic drinking (HED) as students are affected by the intervention. As campaigns reached larger fractions of students, the reduction rate diminishes, in some cases actually making a slight reverse. The way in which students “take the message to heart” can have a significant impact as well: The psychological factors involved in identity control and PI have both positive and negative effects on HED rates. With whom agents associate at drinking events also impacts drinking behavior and intervention effectiveness.

Conclusions

Simulations suggest that reducing misperception can reduce HED. When agents adhere strongly to identity verification and when misperceptions affect identity appraisals, social norms campaigns can bring about large reductions. PI, self‐monitoring, and socializing with like‐drinking peers appear to moderate the effect.
Measuring public agricultural research and extension and estimating their impacts on agricultural productivity: new insights from U.S. evidence
Authors: Jin Yu , Huffman Wallace E.
Published: December 2015

This article provides new estimates of the marginal product of public agricultural research and extension on state agricultural productivity for the U.S., using updated data and definitions, and forecasts of future agricultural productivity growth by state. The underlying rationale for a number of important decisions that underlie the data used in cost‐return estimates for public agricultural research and extension are presented. The parameters of the state productivity model are estimated from a panel of contiguous U.S. 48 states from 1970 to 2004. Public research and extension are shown to be substitutes rather than complements. The econometric model of state agricultural TFP predicts growth rates of TFP for two‐thirds of states that is less than the past trend rate. The results and data indicate a real social rate of return to public investments in agricultural research of 67% and to agricultural extension of 100+%. The article concludes with guidance for TFP analyses in other countries.
Measuring rural consumers’ willingness to pay for quality labels using experimental auctions: the case of aflatoxin‐free maize in Kenya
Authors: De Groote Hugo , Narrod Clare , Kimenju Simon C. , Bett Charles , Scott Rosemarie P. B. , Tiongco Marites M. , Gitonga Zachary M.
Published: December 2015

Aflatoxins are a common health hazard in tropical countries, especially in rural areas. New methods to reduce aflatoxin levels in food staples, as well as cheaper test methods, are being developed, but consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for these improvements is unknown. A survey was conducted with a representative sample of rural consumers (1,344 in total, 63% women) in all major maize‐production zones of Kenya. The survey included an experimental auction with maize products of different qualities. The results showed that many rural consumers were aware of aflatoxins, but few understood their health risks. Respondents were willing to pay a premium for maize tested for aflatoxins and labeled, but asked a high discount for maize that was visibly contaminated with moldy grain. The premium was higher for respondents with education and in regions with aflatoxicosis outbreaks. Knowledge of aflatoxins substantially reduced the overall WTP, but did not increase the WTP for tested maize. Welfare analysis indicates that mandatory testing would result in substantial benefits if the cost of testing can be lowered to below the premium.
The Importance of taste in experimental auctions: consumers’ valuation of calorie and sweetener labeling of soft drinks
Authors: Lewis Karen E. , Grebitus Carola , Nayga Rodolfo M.
Published: December 2015

A majority of purchases that consumers make are classified as repeat purchases. One of the main reasons why consumers make repeat food purchases is the food's taste. Therefore, we examined the importance of including taste testing in nonhypothetical experimental auctions. Specifically, we used two experiments to determine consumers’ willingness to pay for soft drinks labeled with different calorie and sweetener information. In Experiment 1, participants tasted the soft drinks prior to the bidding rounds. In Experiment 2, participants did not taste the soft drinks prior to the bidding rounds. Bidding behavior for the soft drinks was significantly different between Experiment 1 and Experiment 2. Results suggest that including taste testing in the design of experimental auctions is important to accurately capture consumers’ willingness to pay for foods that are purchased repeatedly. Results also imply that policies aimed at combating obesity by making the calorie content of foods more visible may not produce desired outcomes.
Reassessing marketing boards as hybrid arrangements: evidence from Canadian experiences
Authors: Royer Annie , Ménard Claude , Gouin Daniel‐Mercier
Published: December 2015

In this article, we reassess the role of marketing boards and similar arrangements that have played an important role in numerous agro‐food sectors of developed countries over almost a century. Referring to transaction cost economics and to more recent contributions on the allocation of decision and property rights, we interpret these arrangements as hybrid modes of governance. We hypothesize that uncertainty is the leading force pushing toward these organizational solutions and we explore forms of uncertainty at stake and their impact in shaping various types of hybrids. We also explore the role of institutional embeddedness in providing marketing boards and the like their legitimacy. Using numerous examples from Canadian marketing boards, we discuss the benefits and point out flaws of these arrangements. We conclude on the need to assess comparatively the role of these solutions with respect to, for example, a system of bilateral contracts.
Fragmented QRS Complex Predicts In‐Hospital Adverse Events and Long‐Term Mortality in Patients with Acute Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: Cetin Mehmet Serkan , Ozcan Cetin Elif Hande , Arisoy Fazil , Kuyumcu Mevlüt Serdar , Topaloglu Serkan , Aras Dursun , Temizhan Ahmet
Published: December 2015

Background

Electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormalities in pulmonary embolism (PE) are increasingly reported, and mounting data have recommended that ECG plays a crucial role in the prognostic assessment of PE patient population. However, there is scarce data on the prognostic importance of fragmented QRS (fQRS) on short‐ and long‐term outcomes in patients with PE. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the prognostic role of fQRS in predicting in‐hospital and long‐term adverse outcomes in PE patients.

Methods

A total of 249 patients (155 female, 66.2%; mean age, 66.0 ± 16.0) with the diagnosis of acute PE were enrolled and followed‐up during median 24.8 months.

Results

Compared with the fQRS (−) patient group, patients with fQRS showed higher rates of in‐hospital adverse events including cardiogenic shock, the necessity of thrombolytic therapy, and in‐hospital mortality as well as long‐term all‐cause mortality. In Kaplan–Meier survival analysis, during follow‐up, all‐cause mortality occurred more frequently in the fQRS (+) group (log‐rank, P = 0.002). In multivariate Cox regression analysis, adjusted with other relevant parameters, the presence of fQRS were determined as an independent predictor of in‐hospital adverse events (HR: 2.743, 95% CI: 1.267–5.937, P = 0.003) and long‐term all‐cause mortality (HR: 3.137, 95% CI: 1.824–6.840, P = 0.001).

Conclusions

The presence of fQRS complex, as a simple and feasible ECG marker, seems to be a novel predictor of in‐hospital adverse events and long‐term all‐cause mortality in PE patient population. This parameter may utilize the identification of patients whom at higher risk for mortality and individualization of therapy.
What is the role of laparoscopic surgery in intussusception?
Authors: Houben Christoph Heinrich , Feng Xiang‐Nan , Tang Sheung‐Ho , Chan Edwin Kin Wai , Lee Kim Hung
Published: December 2015

Background

Assessing the role of laparoscopy in the management of intussusception.

Methods

A retrospective review of children aged up to 17 years who had surgery for intussusception at this institution between 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2013.

Results

The cohort of 44 individuals (18 females) presented at a median age of 9 months (range 2.5 months–15.75 years) with intussusception; 36 patients had undergone a failed pneumatic reduction. Thirty‐seven patients had an initial laparoscopic approach. Conversion was required in 13 individuals: inability to reduce a ‘tight’ intussusception in seven individuals, limited working space in four individuals, and inadequate tactile response in two individuals. Twenty‐four patients (54%) had the laparoscopic approach completed. An open approach was chosen for seven individuals at a median age of 5 (range 4–11) months: three individuals had marked abdominal distension, two individuals had a pneumoperitoneum and two individuals presented with a large central mass. Together with the 13 conversions, a total of 20 patients (46%) underwent an open approach. The more distal the apex of the intussusception, the more likely open surgery was. Hospital stays for the subgroup of patients with successfully completed laparoscopic intervention (n = 24) were shorter than for the open surgery group (n = 20) with P = 0.0145, but the open procedure was used to manage the more challenging cases. The subgroup of seven infants undergoing direct open surgery were significantly younger than the remaining individuals (P = 0.0046).

Conclusion

Laparoscopic intervention is meaningful in approximately 50% of children requiring a surgical reduction.
Antibodies to age-β2glycoprotein I in patients with anti-phospholipid antibody syndrome
Authors: Sorice M , Buttari B , Capozzi A , Profumo E , Facchiano F , Truglia S , Recalchi S , Alessandri C , Conti F , Misasi R , Valesini G , Riganò R
Published: December 2015

Anti-phospholipid antibody syndrome (APS) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized clinically by arterial and/or venous thromboses, recurrent abortions or fetal loss and serologically by the presence of ‘anti-phospholipid antibodies’ (aPL). The main target antigen of the antibodies is β2glycoprotein I (β2GPI). Post-translational oxidative modifications of the protein have been widely described. In this study we aimed to analyse sera reactivity to glucose-modified β2GPI (G-β2GPI). Sera collected from 43 patients with APS [15 primary APS (PAPS) and 28 APS associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (SAPS)], 30 with SLE, 30 with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and 40 healthy subjects were analysed by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using a G-β2GPI. Nine of 15 consecutive PAPS out-patients (60%) and 16 of 28 SAPS (57.1%) showed serum antibodies [immunoglobulin (Ig)G class] against G-β2GPI (anti-G-β2GPI) by ELISA. The occurrence of anti-G-β2GPI was significantly higher in APS patients compared to patients suffering from SLE. No RA patients or control healthy subjects resulted positive for anti-G-β2GPI. Of note, aG-β2GPI prompted to identify some APS patients (four PAPS and seven SAPS), who were negative in the classical anti-β2GPI test. Moreover, in APS patients, anti-G-β2GPI titre was associated significantly with venous thrombosis and seizure in APS patients. This study demonstrates that G-β2GPI is a target antigen of humoral immune response in patients with APS, suggesting that β2GPI glycation products may contain additional epitopes for anti-β2GPI reactivity. Searching for these antibodies may be useful for evaluating the risk of clinical manifestations.
Bilateral endoscopic volume reduction in a woman with severe emphysema
Authors: Hillerdal Gunnar
Published: December 2015

In selected patients with severe heterogenous emphysema lung volume reduction can be performed by using endobronchial valves. So far, only unilateral procedures have been published. Here is described a patient where a right‐sided closure of the right upper lobe resulted in an increase of FEV1sec of more than 50%, and some years later the procedure was repeated on the left side with further considerable improvement. A tracheal bronchus to the apical segment of the right upper lobe made measuring the collateral flow at bronchoscopy impossible, but clearly visible fissures were used as a substitute. In conclusion, valve treatment in suitable patients can give substantial improvement in lung function and quality of life and can be repeated on the other side if warranted some years later.
Ex vivo lung perfusion
Authors: Reeb Jeremie , Cypel Marcelo
Published: December 2015

Lung transplantation is an established life‐saving therapy for patients with end‐stage lung disease. Unfortunately, greater success in lung transplantation is hindered by a shortage of lung donors and the relatively poor early‐, mid‐, and long‐term outcomes associated with severe primary graft dysfunction. Ex vivo lung perfusion has emerged as a modern preservation technique that allows for a more accurate lung assessment and improvement in lung quality. This review outlines the: (i) rationale behind the method; (ii) techniques and protocols; (iii) Toronto ex vivo lung perfusion method; (iv) devices available; and (v) clinical experience worldwide. We also highlight the potential of ex vivo lung perfusion in leading a new era of lung preservation.
The significance of pre‐operative coronary interventions on outcome after pancreas transplantation
Authors: Laurence Jerome M. , Barbas Andrew S. , Sapisochin Gonzalo , Marquez Max A. , Bazerbachi Fateh , Selzner Markus , Norgate Andrea , McGilvray Ian D. , Schiff Jeffrey , Ross Heather , Cattral Mark S.
Published: December 2015

Pancreas transplant candidates are at very high risk of coronary vascular disease. We hypothesized that the requirement for pre‐operative coronary intervention (PCI) may be associated with an adverse impact on short‐ and long‐term outcomes. Retrospective analysis of 366 consecutive primary pancreas transplants was undertaken. Outcomes were compared between recipients who had undergone PCI (n = 48) and those who had not (n = 318). In 48% (23/48) of instances, the PCI was initiated by the transplant cardiology evaluation. The recipients undergoing PCI were older than those not undergoing PCI (47.6 yr vs. 41.9 yr, respectively, p < 0.0001). Although not statistically significant, there was a higher rate of post‐operative major cardiovascular events (MCVE) in the PCI group (10.4%) compared with those not undergoing PCI (4.7%) (RR [95% CI]: 2.0 [0.90–4.5]; p = 0.17). In the long term, there were no differences in the rate of death with graft function (p = 0.77) or rejection (p = 0.17). There were no statistically significant differences between the groups with respect to patient (p = 0.54), kidney (p = 0.76), or pancreas (p = 0.63) graft survival. PCI is not a risk factor for short‐term perioperative events, and long‐term transplant outcomes are equivalent to patients not requiring PCI. PCI, by itself, should not be considered a contraindication for pancreas transplantation, but should raise awareness of perioperative risk.
The dynamic and clinical significance of autoantibodies and immunoglobulins in liver transplant recipients
Authors: Stanca Carmen M. , Aloman Costica , Fiel Maria Isabel , Raja Kaiser , Uskudar Oguz , Florman Sander , Schiano Thomas D.
Published: December 2015

Little is known about autoantibody pattern in liver transplantation (LT). The aim of the study was to examine autoantibodies (AAB) and immunoglobulins in patients with end‐stage liver disease before and after LT. Patients with LT who underwent post‐LT biopsies between 10/2008 and 8/2011 were enrolled. AAB were assessed at the time of LT and liver biopsy. Demographics, serum immunoglobulins, AAB, and liver histology (explant, post‐LT biopsies) were analyzed. Two hundred and twenty patients (M/F 143/77; age at LT 54 (19–73)) were included; AAB and immunoglobulins were evaluated in 76 patients. Length of follow‐up from LT was 285 (30–1462) days. Sixty‐one percent of patients had hepatitis C (HCV); 83% developed recurrent HCV. A significant decrease in IgG, IgA, IgM (p < 0.001 each), anticardiolipin antibodies IgG and IgM (p = 0.02), and beta‐2 microglobulin (p = 0.004) was observed post‐LT. HCV patients had higher IgG (p = 0.005), rheumatoid factor (p = 0.044) before LT; elevated IgM was associated with increased inflammation in the explant (p = 0.007). Lower IgG levels and antismooth muscle antibodies were present before LT in a higher percentage in patients who would develop recurrent HCV (p = 0.004, p = 0.077, respectively). In conclusion, AAB change significantly after LT and have a different pattern in HCV. Some immunological markers are associated with HCV recurrence and advanced inflammation on explant.
Pre‐transplant wasting (as measured by muscle index) is a novel prognostic indicator in lung transplantation
Authors: Kelm Diana J. , Bonnes Sara L. , Jensen Michael D. , Eiken Patrick W. , Hathcock Matthew A. , Kremers Walter K. , Kennedy Cassie C.
Published: December 2015

Background

Frailty in non‐transplant populations increases morbidity and mortality. Muscle wasting is an important frailty characteristic. Low body mass index is used to measure wasting, but can over‐ or underestimate muscle mass. Computed tomography (CT) software can directly measure muscle mass. It is unknown if muscle wasting is important in lung transplantation.

Aim and Methods

The aim of this single‐center, retrospective cohort study was to determine whether pre‐transplant low muscle mass (as measured by CT using Slice‐O‐matic software at L2–L3 interspace) was associated with post‐transplantation mortality, hospital and intensive care unit length of stay (LOS), duration of mechanical ventilation, or primary graft dysfunction. Lung transplant recipients from 2000 to 2012 with a CT scan less than six months prior to transplant were included. Univariate, multivariate, and Kaplan–Meier analyses were conducted.

Results

Thirty‐six patients were included. Those with low muscle index (lower 25th percentile) had a worse survival (hazard ratio = 3.83; 95% confidence interval 1.42–10.3; p = 0.007) and longer hospital LOS by an estimated 7.2 d (p = 0.01) when adjusted for age and sex as compared to those with higher muscle index.

Conclusion

Low muscle index at lung transplantation is associated with worse survival and increased hospital LOS.
Cytomegalovirus disease is associated with higher all‐cause mortality after lung transplantation despite extended antiviral prophylaxis
Authors: Beam E. , Lesnick T. , Kremers W. , Kennedy C.C. , Razonable R.R.
Published: December 2015

Background

The duration of anticytomegalovirus (CMV) prophylaxis after lung transplantation (LT) varies among transplant centers.

Methods

A retrospective review of CMV donor‐seropositive/recipient‐seronegative (D+/R−) and CMV recipient‐seropositive (R+) LT patients between January 2005 and September 2012 was performed. Starting January 2007, valganciclovir prophylaxis was given for at least 12 months (often lifelong) for CMV D+/R− and extended from three to six months for R+ LT patients. Risks of CMV infection and CMV disease, and mortality after LT, were assessed.

Results

A total of 88 LT patients were studied, including 32 CMV D+/R−, and 56 R+ patients. During the follow‐up period, 11 (12.5%) patients had asymptomatic CMV infection, and nine (10.3%) developed CMV disease. CMV disease (HR, 4.189; 95% CI: 1.672–10.495; p = 0.002) and CMV infection and disease (HR, 3.775; 95% CI: 1.729–8.240; p = 0.001) were significant risk factors for mortality. Overall, no significant difference was observed in rates of CMV infection or disease among LT recipients who received shorter vs. extended CMV prophylaxis.

Conclusions

Despite extended prophylaxis, LT patients remain at risk of CMV infection and disease. CMV remains associated with increased mortality after transplantation.
Archiving the Source: Pasts and Futures of the Humanities
Authors: Davis Robert A.
Published: December 2015

In this essay Robert Davis provides a critical roadmap, which is also a genealogy, for understanding and examining the history of both the humanities and education in them. It relates appraisal of the so‐called “crisis” in contemporary teaching of the humanities to a deeper understanding of crisis as a condition for periodic reassessment and renewal of the humanities that has recurred at a number of key historical conjunctures since the early modern period, most notably at the end of the Thirty Years' War in 1648 and at the coming of industrialization and mass education more than a century later. Davis focuses on the traditionalist defense of the humanities as a route to the humane while also acknowledging the power of the poststructuralist critique of this agenda and its complicity with the moral failures of Western society and imperialism. He concludes the essay by advocating a position “beyond critique” where the humanities and education in them can attain a new universalism and material relevance.
Teaching, Teacher Education, and the Humanities: Reconsidering Education as a Geisteswissenschaft
Authors: Biesta Gert
Published: December 2015

In this essay Gert Biesta asks what the humanities can contribute to the field of teacher education. In addressing this question he turns to the idea of education as a Geisteswissenschaft as it was developed in the German‐speaking context in the first decades of the twentieth century. In this conception, education is configured as an interested academic discipline that engages with normative questions concerning the telos of education and does so with a focus on meaningful human action rather than human behavior. Viewing education this way highlights the role of value judgments in teaching. The values that are at stake in such judgments, Biesta argues, are not to be understood as moral values but as educational values, a view that raises some important questions about the specific nature of educational normativity. In a final step Biesta discusses how the idea of education as a Geisteswissenschaft makes a difference for the field of teacher education.
Correlates of health‐related quality of life in adults with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures: A systematic review
Authors: Jones Becky , Reuber Markus , Norman Paul
Published: December 2015

Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) often have a debilitating effect on patients’ lives. Patients, family members, and clinicians have yet to fully understand the mechanisms and treatment of this disorder. Although reviews exist about epileptic seizures, there have been no systematic reviews of studies focusing on the impact ofPNES. This review considers research on factors associated with the health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients withPNES. Searches of Medline, PsycINFO,CINAHL, and Cochrane Library were conducted. Search terms identified studies that examined factors associated withHRQoL inPNES. Factors fell into three categories: (1) seizure and somatic factors, (2) psychological factors, and (3) coping strategies and family functioning. Fourteen articles were included. The majority of studies were cross‐sectional and were of weak to moderate quality. Depressive symptoms were negatively associated withHRQoL. Other factors associated with poorerHRQoL included dissociation, somatic symptoms, escape‐avoidance coping strategies, and family dysfunction. Variables such as seizure frequency and demographic factors were not significantly associated withHRQoL. Psychological and interpersonal factors, not seizure reduction, are important for theHRQoL of patients withPNES. The avoidance of emotions is proposed as a perpetuating factor in the difficulties associated with poorerHRQoL. A biopsychosocial approach has relevance for both the clinical and theoretical understanding ofPNES. Larger scale research on psychological and relational factors is needed to inform therapeutic approaches to enhanceHRQoL in patients withPNES.
Thalamic abnormalities in children with continuous spike‐wave during slow‐wave sleep: An F‐18‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography perspective
Authors: Agarwal Rajkumar , Kumar Ajay , Tiwari Vijay N. , Chugani Harry
Published: December 2015

Objective

Thalamic injury has been implicated in the development of continuous spike‐wave during slow‐wave sleep (CSWS) in children with epilepsy. We studied thalamic abnormalities in children with CSWS using F‐18‐fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)–positron emission tomography (PET) imaging.

Methods

Twenty‐three patients (12 male; mean age 9 years) with CSWS and normal thalami on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) underwent FDG‐PET. Thalamic glucose metabolism, represented by standardized uptake value normalized to whole brain (nSUV, RT for right thalamus and LT for left thalamus), and its asymmetry—absolute asymmetry index (AAI): ¦(RT‐LT)¦*100/[(RT+LT)/2]—was calculated. These values were compared with those from 10 normal healthy controls (five female; mean age 11.1 years).

Results

Thalamic glucose metabolism was abnormal in 18 patients (78.3%). Thalamic nSUV was decreased (n = 6) or increased (n = 1) bilaterally in seven children without any asymmetry. Abnormal thalamic symmetry [AAI = 3.7–31.5% (0.8–3.3% in controls)] was seen in 11 children. Of these, six children had a unilateral thalamic metabolic abnormality (increased metabolism, n = 3 and decreased metabolism, n = 3), whereas 5 of 14 children had abnormal asymmetry index with bilaterally normal (n = 4) or increased (n = 1) thalamic metabolism. No clear association of thalamic metabolic abnormalities was seen with the stage of evolution of CSWS (prodromal, acute, or residual) or with the cortical FDG abnormalities.

Significance

Functional thalamic abnormalities, both unilateral and bilateral, are frequently seen in patients with CSWS. FDG‐PET is a sensitive and quantifiable modality to detect these changes.
Surgical management of an extrahepatic portosystemic shunt in a foal: A multidisciplinary problem
Authors: Woodford N. S. , Hotson Moore A. , Renfrew H. , Tulloch L. , Casey M.
Published: December 2015

A 5‐week‐old American Miniature filly was referred due to intermittent neurological signs of 4 weeks' duration. Clinicopathological findings showed increased ammonia and bile acids in venous blood samples. Abdominal ultrasonography detailed a portosystemic shunt (PSS). The foal underwent laparotomy and operative mesenteric portovenography, which further defined the PSS as extrahepatic portocaval in configuration. The PSS was occluded and intraoperative portovenography confirmed successful shunt occlusion. The foal made a good recovery from surgery and had a successful showing career until she succumbed to colic just over 3 years after surgery.
Prioritization of knowledge‐needs to achieve best practices for bottom trawling in relation to seabed habitats
Authors: Kaiser Michel J , Hilborn Ray , Jennings Simon , Amaroso Ricky , Andersen Michael , Balliet Kris , Barratt Eric , Bergstad Odd A , Bishop Stephen , Bostrom Jodi L , Boyd Catherine , Bruce Eduardo A , Burden Merrick , Carey Chris , Clermont Jason , Collie Jeremy S , Delahunty Antony , Dixon Jacqui , Eayrs Steve , Edwards Nigel , Fujita Rod , Gauvin John , Gleason Mary , Harris Brad , He Pingguo , Hiddink Jan G , Hughes Kathryn M , Inostroza Mario , Kenny Andrew , Kritzer Jake , Kuntzsch Volker , Lasta Mario , Lopez Ivan , Loveridge Craig , Lynch Don , Masters Jim , Mazor Tessa , McConnaughey Robert A , Moenne Marcel , Francis  , Nimick Aileen M , Olsen Alex , Parker David , Parma Ana , Penney Christine , Pierce David , Pitcher Roland , Pol Michael , Richardson Ed , Rijnsdorp Adriaan D , Rilatt Simon , Rodmell Dale P , Rose Craig , Sethi Suresh A , Short Katherine , Suuronen Petri , Taylor Erin , Wallace Scott , Webb Lisa , Wickham Eric , Wilding Sam R , Wilson Ashley , Winger Paul , Sutherland William J
Published: December 2015

Management and technical approaches that achieve a sustainable level of fish production while at the same time minimizing or limiting the wider ecological effects caused through fishing gear contact with the seabed might be considered to be ‘best practice’. To identify future knowledge‐needs that would help to support a transition towards the adoption of best practices for trawling, a prioritization exercise was undertaken with a group of 39 practitioners from the seafood industry and management, and 13 research scientists who have an active research interest in bottom‐trawl and dredge fisheries. A list of 108 knowledge‐needs related to trawl and dredge fisheries was developed in conjunction with an ‘expert task force’. The long list was further refined through a three stage process of voting and scoring, including discussions of each knowledge‐need. The top 25 knowledge‐needs are presented, as scored separately by practitioners and scientists. There was considerable consistency in the priorities identified by these two groups. The top priority knowledge‐need to improve current understanding on the distribution and extent of different habitat types also reinforced the concomitant need for the provision and access to data on the spatial and temporal distribution of all forms of towed bottom‐fishing activities. Many of the other top 25 knowledge‐needs concerned the evaluation of different management approaches or implementation of different fishing practices, particularly those that explore trade‐offs between effects of bottom trawling on biodiversity and ecosystem services and the benefits of fish production as food.
The proximate architecture for decision‐making in fish
Authors: Andersen Bjørn Snorre , Jørgensen Christian , Eliassen Sigrunn , Giske Jarl
Published: December 2015

Evolution has since the very beginning resulted in organisms which can sort fitness‐related information from noise, evaluate it and respond to it. In animals, the architecture for proximate control of behaviour and physiology has been gradually evolving since before the Cambrian explosion of animal phyla. It integrates many different survival circuits, for example for danger, feeding and reproduction, and operates through reflexes, instincts, homeostatic drives and precursors to human emotions. Although teleost brains differ substantially from the much better understood brains of terrestrial vertebrates, their anatomy, physiology and neurochemistry all point towards a common and malleable architectural template with strong and flexible effects on fish behaviour and elements of personality. We describe the main components of this architecture and its role in fish behaviour from the perspectives of adaptation, evolutionary history and gene pools. Much research is needed, as several of the basic assumptions for architectural control of behaviour and physiology in teleosts are not thoroughly investigated. We think the architecture for behavioural control can be used to change ecosystem models from a bottom‐up perspective to also include behaviourally mediated trophic cascades and trait‐mediated indirect effects. We also discuss the utility of modelling based on proximate architectural control for fish welfare studies.
Potential crosstalk of the interleukin‐6–heme oxygenase‐1‐dependent mechanism involved in resistance to lenalidomide in multiple myeloma cells
Authors: Wu Weibing , Ma Dan , Wang Ping , Cao Lu , Lu Tangsheng , Fang Qin , Zhao Jiangyuan , Wang Jishi
Published: December 2015

Interleukin (IL)‐6 is one of the most important survival factors in multiple myeloma (MM), and determines the poor prognosis of MM. IL‐6 mainly has a paracrine bone marrow stromal cell origin and an autocrine MM cell origin. As an enzyme having cytoprotective effects, heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) promotes the growth and drug resistance of various malignant tumors. HO‐1 expression levels in bone marrow CD138+ cells of MM patients were significantly higher than those in healthy donors, and positively correlated with both serum IL‐6 and intracellular IL‐6 mRNA expression levels. Culture of U266, RPMI8226 and CD138+ cells with exogenous IL‐6 in vitro induced high HO‐1 expression levels and allowed them to resist lenalidomide. It is hypothesized that this was probably attributable to IL‐6‐mediated activation of the Janus kinase 2–signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 pathway. In contrast, without IL‐6 coculture, enhanced HO‐1 expression in U266, RPMI8226 and bone marrow CD138+ cells from MM patients significantly inreased IL‐6 mRNA expression levels and facilitated autocrine IL‐6 production. The findings were associated with high HO‐1 expression‐enhanced p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase phosphorylation. Reduced HO‐1 expression sensitized MM cells to lenalidomide. Therefore, we postulated that IL‐6 in the bone marrow microenvironment of MM patients stimulated high HO‐1 expression in MM cells and their resistance to lenalidomide. High HO‐1 expression also stimulated autocrine IL‐6 production, and exacerbated drug resistance and disease. This study supports the use of HO‐1 as a possible marker for both MM prognosis and drug resistance, and as a potential therapeutic target.
Isomerization of Asp residues plays an important role in αA‐crystallin dissociation
Authors: Takata Takumi , Fujii Noriko
Published: December 2015

Aged cataract formation is caused by the accumulative precipitation of lens proteins incorporating diverse post‐translational modifications. α‐Crystallin, a major structural and functional lens protein, consists of a large polymeric structure that is dissociated and insolubilized with accumulative post‐translational modifications. One such modification, isomerization of Asp, was recently identified in αB‐crystallin monomers derived from aged lens. However, the distributions of Asp isomers in each lens fraction remain unknown. Here, α‐crystallin fractions from aged lens were separated into heteropolymeric and monomeric forms to determine the Asp isomerization ratios in each fraction. Lens of four different ages were homogenized and centrifuged, and the soluble fraction was applied to size‐exclusion chromatography. The heteropolymeric α‐crystallin and monomeric crystallin fractions were obtained and concentrated. After trypsin digestion, each fraction was independently applied to liquid chromatography equipped with mass spectrometry to extract α‐crystallin‐derived peptides containing Asp isomers. The results showed that Asp58, Asp84 and Asp151 of αA‐crystallin were highly isomerized in the monomeric fraction, but not isomerized to the same level in the heteropolymeric fraction. Each type of Asp isomerization increased in an age‐dependent manner, was site‐specific and was similar to previous results from lens water‐insoluble fractions. These results imply that isomerization of Asp residues leads to dissociation of αA‐crystallin from the heteropolymeric state and induces insolubilization in aged lens. Taken together, our findings suggest that isomerization of Asp might disrupt the higher order polymeric state of α‐crystallin, resulting in decreased solubility and function, ultimately contributing to lens protein impairment and cataract formation with aging.
Feather‐degrading bacteria, uropygial gland size and feather quality in House SparrowsPasser domesticus
Authors: Fülöp Attila , Czirják Gábor Á. , Pap Péter L. , Vágási Csongor I.
Published: December 2015

Feathers are dead integumentary structures that are prone to damage and thus show gradual degradation over the course of a year. This loss of quality might have negative fitness consequences. Feather‐degrading bacteria are some of the most prevalent feather‐degrading organisms, yet the relationship between feather‐degrading bacteria load and flight feather quality has rarely been assessed. We studied this relationship in free‐living House Sparrows during breeding and non‐breeding annual lifecycle stages. We also considered the size of the uropygial gland, given the antimicrobial function of its secretions, and the effect of body condition. The number of feather holes was positively associated with feather‐degrading bacteria load and was negatively related to uropygial gland size and body condition during the breeding season in both sexes. In the non‐breeding season we found the same relationships, but only in females. The degree of feather wear was unrelated to any of the variables measured during the breeding season, whereas it was negatively associated with uropygial gland size and positively with feather‐degrading bacteria load in the non‐breeding season, but only in females. Our results suggest that feather‐degrading bacteria may induce the formation of feather holes, but play only a minor role in the abrasion of flight feathers.
Simulation of Molten‐Glass Evolution from Spout Lip to Tin Bath
Authors: Xing Zhibin , Xu Shiqing , Li Yueming , Liu Shimin
Published: December 2015

Viscous molten glass with a high temperature flows into a tin bath through a complicated three‐phase flow during the production of glass. It is very important to understand the characteristics of evolution for optimizing float‐glass design as well as preparing high‐quality flat glass. A three‐phase flow system containing molten glass, molten tin under N2/H2 atmosphere in a 600 t/day tin bath from the spout lip to the end of restrictor tile, was simulated and analyzed using ANSYS Fluent 14.0 software. The glass velocity field at the vertical section of the end of restrictor tiles, the relative position of glass material point between the entrance of tin bath and the vertical section of the restrictor tiles end, and the glass flow trend at the wetback area were analyzed. The edge of glass ribbon was formed by the bottom molten glass flow in the spout lip in contact with refractories, and greater proximity to the spout lip edge corresponded with greater proportion was supplied. The simulation indicates that the middle section of the glass cross‐section stria image can reflect the real glass location state at the canal vertical section and has little relationship with the tin bath.
Development of microbiologically safe mung bean sprouts using combination treatment of sodium hypochlorite and gamma radiation
Authors: Nagar Vandan , Pansare Godambe Lipika , Shashidhar Ravindranath
Published: December 2015

Specific group of people, with impaired immune system, are recommended to consume pathogen‐free foods. In this study, microbiologically safe ready‐to‐eat (RTE) mung bean sprouts were developed using combination treatment (CT) with 200 ppm sodium hypochlorite and 12 kGy dose of gamma radiation. Microbiological analysis of combination‐treated sprout samples showed complete elimination (<10 CFU g−1 of sprouts) of microbial load in these samples, even during storage at 4 °C up to 12 days. Combination treatment and storage period did not have any significant effect on the sensory qualities of RTE mung bean sprouts. However, reduction in the firmness and vitamin C content of combination‐treated sprout samples, similar to other food processing methods, was observed. These results suggest that CT is effective in sterilisation of mung bean sprouts. These sprouts can be included in the diets of special target groups and thereby improve in their quality of life.