bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Public relations interactions with Wikipedia
Authors: Thompson Gareth
Published: February 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to consider the relevance of the institutional analysis and development (IAD) framework (Ostrom, 1990) in understanding the incentives for public relations (PR) practitioners’ interactions with Wikipedia, and other common-pool media.

Design/methodology/approach

– This interdisciplinary conceptual paper applies the economics theory of commons governance to two case studies of PR interactions with Wikipedia.

Findings

– The analysis concludes that commons governance theory identifies the downside risks of opportunistic behaviour by PR practitioners in their interactions with media commons such as Wikipedia. The paper concludes that Ostrom’s IAD model is relevant to the governance of PR interactions and offers guidance on productive PR practice in common-pool media.

Research limitations/implications

– The analysis was applied to only two cases for which information was widely available.

Practical implications

– The paper includes implications for the scope of PR practice in its interactions with common-pool media. The economic value of information held by PR professionals has been undermined by the collaborative nature of common-pool media, which has consequences for the role of PR.

Originality/value

– The paper introduces an economic theory and related literature to PR scholarship and applies them to PR practice. The paper aims to stimulate further research into the application of economic ideas to PR practice and to encourage discussion on the place of economic theory in PR knowledge.
International accounting standards and accounting quality in code-law countries
Authors: Ebaid Ibrahim El-Sayed
Published: February 2016

Purpose

– This study aims to examine whether the adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) leads to accounting quality improvements in Egypt as a code-law country. In particular, the study examines earnings management, the construct often used to assess accounting quality.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study compares earnings management practice for Egyptian listed companies before (2000-2006) and after (2007-2009) the adoption of IFRS.

Findings

– The findings of the study reveal that accounting quality, as measured by earnings management, has decreased in post-adoption period compared to pre-adoption period. IFRS are set up to provide high-quality financial reporting. However, this cannot be achieved solely by a regulatory requirement to follow. The accounting system is a complementary component of the country’s overall institutional system. Institutional improvements did not simultaneously take place by the Egyptian government around the adoption of IFRS. The Egyptian government did not introduce a more effective enforcement system, mandatory corporate governance regulations, investor protection mechanisms and sufficient institutional knowledge of IFRS during that period. Thus, even if IFRS are higher quality standards, the institutional features of Egyptian market could eliminate any improvement in accounting quality arising from adopting IFRS.

Research/limitations/implications

– The results of the study are consistent with prior research suggesting that the adoption of IFRS, which are generally perceived to be of higher quality than domestic standards, does not necessarily lead to higher accounting quality in code-law countries like Egypt. The overall results indicate that incentives dominate accounting standards in determining accounting quality in Egypt.

Originality/value

– The main reason why countries adopt IFRS invariably is to improve accounting quality. It is, therefore, of interest to ascertain if this goal has been met, especially, in code-law countries such as Egypt.
Development of ready-to-eat supplementary foods using germinated cereal-pulse mix, potato flour and green leafy vegetable for malnourished children
Authors: Prasad Priyanka , Kochhar Anita , Javed Mohammed
Published: February 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to develop and standardize nutrient dense, easily digestible and affordable ready-to-eat supplementary foods from locally available ingredients for malnourished children and to assess their nutritional composition.

Design/methodology/approach

– To develop supplementary foods, wheat and green gram were germinated, dried and made into flour. Potatoes of “Kufri Pukhraj” variety procured from university were washed, peeled, sliced, boiled, dipped in potassium metabisulphite solution, dried and grounded into flour. Spinach leaves were washed, dried and made into powder. Five wholesome ready-to-eat supplementary foods, namely, panjiri, mathi, seviyan, biscuits and pinni, were developed from germinated cereal, pulse and potato flour and spinach leaves powder. The products were standardized with potato flour and spinach leaves powder. The developed products were analyzed for proximate composition by standardized methods.

Findings

– One-way analysis of variance and Tukey’s test was used to obtain differences in organoleptic scores within different levels of treatments. All five supplementary foods were acceptable at 30 per cent level of potato flour and 2.5 per cent level of spinach leaves powder. Mean scores of panjiri, mathi, seviyan, biscuits and pinni were significantly different (p< 0.05). Significant (p< 0.05) difference was observed in terms of moisture, crude protein, crude fat, crude fibre and ash content among the developed products.

Practical implications

– The developed ready-to-eat supplementary foods can be recommended for supplementary feeding programmes running in the country.

Originality/value

– The paper aims at the development of high energy protein supplementary foods for malnourished children. The developed complementary food blend is made up of variety of food groups like cereal, pulse, root and tuber and green leafy vegetables to provide wholesome nutrition to children. This is different to originally provided supplementary foods to children made up of only cereal. The developed products also add a variety to supplementary foods given to malnourished children in supplementary feeding programmes.
Gastric ulceration: the role of thermoxidized palm oil
Authors: Obembe Agona O , Ofutet Emmanuel O. , Antai Atim B. , Osim Eme E
Published: February 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to study the effect of chronic consumption of fresh palm oil (FPO) and thermoxidized palm oil (TPO) diet on gastric acid secretion, pepsin secretions, gastric mucus output and gastric cytoprotection.

Design/methodology/approach

– Adult Wistar rats were randomly assigned into three groups, i.e. control, FPO and TPO groups (n= 10 in each). The control group was fed with normal rat chow only, the FPO group was fed on diet containing 15 per cent v/w FPO and the TPO group was fed with diet containing v/w of thermally oxidized palm oil. All animals had free access to feed and water, and the feeding lasted for 14 weeks. At the end of the feeding period, gastric acid secretion, pepsin secretion, mucus output and gastric ulceration were measured following standard methods.

Findings

– There was increase in histamine-stimulated gastric acid output in the TPO diet-fed group (p< 0.01) compared with the control and FPO diet-fed groups. No significant change in the mucus output was observed across all the experimental groups; whereas, pepsin secretion was significantly higher (p< 0.05) in the TPO diet-fed group (0.46 ± 0.27) compared with the control (0.14 ± 0.05) and FPO diet-fed groups (0.25 ± 0.01). Ulcer scores in the TPO diet-fed group (15.5 ± 0.33) was significantly higher (p< 0.01) compared with the control (10.0 ± 0.05) and FPO diet-fed (5.0 ± 0.04) groups.

Originality/value

– Chronic consumption of TPO increased gastric acid and pepsin secretion (gastric-aggressive factors) without a change in the mucus output. This can bring about gastric ulceration; therefore, the liberal use of TPO should be discouraged.
Validation of 28 and 15 item versions of the SCORE family assessment questionnaire with adult mental health service users
Authors: O'Hanrahan Kevin , Daly White Megan , Carr Alan , Cahill Paul , Keenleyside Mairi , Fitzhenry Mark , Harte Elizabeth , Hayes Jennifer , Noonan Hester , O'Shea Helen , McCullagh Avril , McGuinness Shaun , Rodgers Catherine , Whelan Neal , Sheppard Noel , Browne Stephen
Published: February 2016

The SCORE (Systemic Clinical Outcome and Routine Evaluation) is a 40‐item questionnaire for completion by family members 12 years and older to assess outcome in systemic therapy. Twenty‐eight and 15‐item short versions of the SCORE have previously been validated with samples containing some families attending adult mental health services and some attending child and adolescent services; or samples containing families exclusively from child and adolescent services. This study aimed to investigate psychometric properties of two short versions of the SCORE with a sample drawn exclusively from adult mental health services. Data were collected from 199 service users attending inpatient and outpatient adult mental health services in the south‐east of Ireland. Both instruments had good internal consistency reliability. They also showed construct and criterion validity, correlating with measures of global functioning, service need, and childhood trauma. The 28 and 15‐item versions of the SCORE are brief psychometrically robust family assessment instruments which may be used to evaluate systemic therapy with adult mental health service users.

Practitioner points

Brief 15 and 28‐item versions of the SCORE may be used to assess family adjustment, monitor progress and assess outcome in adult mental health cases

The SCORE‐28 is in the appendix to Cahill et al. (). The SCORE‐15 and a 29‐item version that contains items for both the SCORE‐28 and SCORE‐15 is in Fay et al. ()

A web‐based system for administering and scoring the SCORE‐15 and SCORE‐28 is available at this link: http://scorefamilyassessment.org/login.php
Couple emotional experience: effects of attachment anxiety in low and high structure couple interactions
Authors: Seedall Ryan B. , Wampler Karen S.
Published: February 2016

This study used data from 63 heterosexual couples to investigate the effects of attachment anxiety and how they relate to emotional experience (i.e. psychophysiological distress and feelings towards a partner) in the context of two therapy‐like conditions (low and high structure). We examined both the effect of an individual's anxiety on his/her own emotional experience (actor effects) and on the partner's experience (partner effects). During both interactional conditions, female partners of men higher in attachment anxiety experienced greater psychophysiological distress. In addition, men and women higher in attachment anxiety were not significantly different from others in terms of their feelings towards their partner during the low structure condition. However, their feelings were significantly more positive than others during the high structure condition, providing some evidence that attachment‐based interventions can be especially useful for clients higher in attachment anxiety.

Practitioner points

Not only should therapists take into account couple distress and volatility when facilitating couple interaction, but they should also account for self‐reported attachment

Clients high in attachment anxiety may benefit from the emotional containment provided by having a therapist buffer the couple interaction

Clients high in attachment anxiety may especially benefit from therapy process that is anchored in facilitating attachment‐based expression
Accuracy of QT interval measurement on electrocardiographs displayed on electronic ‘smart’ devices
Authors: Rotella Joe‐Anthony , Taylor David McD , Wong Anselm , Greene Shaun L
Published: February 2016

Objective

The objective of the study was to compare QT intervals measured on the original bedside electrocardiographs (ECG), facsimile, iPhone, iPad and 17 inch computer monitor.

Methods

This was a prospective, observational study conducted within a tertiary referral metropolitan ED. Thirteen doctors measured the QT intervals of 15 non‐identifiable, routinely recorded ECGs using randomly allocated modalities over five sessions. The QT intervals of lead I, II, V2, V4, V6 and one other were measured. Variations between modalities and between doctors were examined (χ2 and Kruskal–Wallis tests).

Results

QT intervals measured on the iPad were significantly lower than the other modalities (P = 0.02). For each lead, there were no differences in QT interval measurement between the modalities (P > 0.05). However, there were significant differences between the QT interval measurements of the participating doctors (range of median QT intervals 480–530 msec, P < 0.001). There were also significant differences between the QT intervals measurement of the leads examined (range of median QT intervals 480–520 msec, P < 0.001). Lead V2 was the most consistent lead (smallest interquartile range), and lead I was the least (QT interval consistently under‐estimated).

Conclusion

The QT interval can be reliably measured using facsimile, iPhone and computer, but not the iPad. However, it varies between doctors. Lead V2 is recommended for QT interval measurement if only a single lead is to be used for clinical purposes.
Restricted diet breadth of the larvae of Antheraea assamensis and the role of the labrum‐epipharynx and galeal sensilla
Authors: Bora Dipsikha , Deka Bhabesh , Sen Avolikiteswar
Published: February 2016

The silkworm, Antheraea assamensis Helfer (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae), grows primarily on Persea bombycina and Litsea polyantha. To understand if the restricted diet breadth is due to the specific role of gustatory sensilla of the larvae of A. assamensis, the same fifth instar larvae retaining only labrum‐epipharynx or galeal sensilla were subjected to food choice tests. The foods used were leaves of two host‐plant and two non‐host‐plant species. Mean per cent consumption and per cent of choosing larvae were used as parameters for drawing conclusions. The finding indicated involvement of the labrum‐epipharynx for acceptance and galeal sensilla for rejection of a non‐host‐plant species. Scanning electron microscope studies revealed the presence of two sensilla on the galea, one lateral and one medial sensilla styloconicum and two gustatory sensilla in the epipharynx of A. assamensis. The study revealed the key role of galeal sensilla in the restrictive diet‐breadth of A. assamensis.
Effect of recombinant baculovirus expressing CrV1 protein from Cotesia rubecula bracovirus against Pieris rapae in insecticidal toxicity
Authors: Wei Lihua , Perez‐Rodriguez Miguel A. , Rodriguez‐Perez Mario A.
Published: February 2016

Baculoviruses can be genetically engineered to express foreign genes; thus, their lethal potency and host range can be improved to produce more virulent bioinsecticides. Polydnavirus (PDV) genes have insecticidal bioactivities and could enhance the pathogenicity of the baculoviruses to control insect pests. The CrV1 gene from Cotesia rubecula polydnavirus is responsible for depolymerization of actin cytoskeleton in hemocytes, disabling its spread on foreign object surfaces. In this study, we tested the efficacy of the recombinant baculovirus (AcMNPV‐CrV1) under p10 promoter against second instar P. rapae larvae. The expression of the CrV1 gene in P. rapae larvae was verified with reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). AcMNPV‐CrV1 showed a significantly lower median lethal concentration (LC50) and shorter median lethal time (LT50) as compared with the AcMNPV wild‐type virus. These results suggested that the expression of CrV1 protein could successfully improve the insecticidal toxicity of baculovirus.
First finding of a quarantine pest, Atherigona (Acritochaeta) orientalis Schiner (Diptera: Muscidae), in Korea
Authors: Suh Sang Jae , Kwon Yong Jung
Published: February 2016

The invasive quarantine pest fly, Atherigona (Acritochaeta) orientalis Schiner, is observed for the first time in tomato greenhouses in Gyeongsangbuk‐do, Korea. The genus Atherigona Rondani is also newly added to Korean fauna. Allium tuberosum is listed as a new host crop for this species. Some morphological characteristics for accurate identification and host lists are given to provide plant quarantine information for pest management.
Variation in group cohesion during the maternal social period of a subsocial spider
Authors: Kim Kil Won
Published: February 2016

During the maternal social period, Amaurobius ferox spiderlings (Araneae: Amaurobiidae) show mutual tolerance, group cohesion and cooperation in prey capturing, which are recognized as the main characteristics in the evolution of spider sociality. Measuring spatial volume occupied by the spiderlings within the maternal web, this study investigated variation in group cohesion over the maternal social period, from emergence to dispersal. The results showed that the spatial volume of spiderlings varied greatly during the maternal social period and was associated with the development of the spiderlings. Strong group cohesion appeared to be related to maternal food provision, trophic egg laying and matriphagy. An increase of the spatial volume was obviously observed after matriphagy. The experiment revealed that group cohesion decreased after the second molt. A compact group of spiderlings should facilitate maternal food production at the prompted time, and reduced group cohesion after the second molt might lead to eventual dispersal of A. ferox spiderlings.
The British Parliament and Foreign Policy in the 20th Century: Towards Increasing Parliamentarisation?
Authors: Ihalainen Pasi , Matikainen Satu
Published: February 2016

This article demonstrates the complexity of the foreign policy involvement of the British parliament during the 20th century. Parliamentary government as such provides some procedural means for involvement in foreign policy debate, in Britain as well as in other countries. Researchers have, nevertheless, often argued that parliaments play a limited role in foreign policy. Approaching our topic by combining the analysis of policy documents with more discourse‐oriented analysis of parliamentary debates, we argue that noticeable, but not straightforward, parliamentarisation of foreign policy took place in the course of the 20th century. The aftermath of the First World War led to reconsiderations of the degree of parliamentary supervision of foreign policy. The emergence of international organisations, and, recently, European integration, have also complicated parliamentary participation in foreign affairs. The parliamentary oversight of foreign policy is no longer limited to the national level, which has, in the British case, led to calls to reinforce the sovereignty of the national parliament. On the domestic level, parliamentary debates on foreign policy need to be contextualised with extra‐parliamentary public discourse. The relation of parliament to civil society at large, especially non‐governmental organisations and the media, has created multi‐sited debates, further strengthening democratic control of foreign policy.
Dihydroxynaphthalene‐based mimicry of fungal melanogenesis for multifunctional coatings
Authors: Jeon Jong‐Rok , Le Thao Thanh , Chang Yoon‐Seok
Published: February 2016

Material‐independent adhesive action derived from polycatechol structures has been intensively studied due to its high applicability in surface engineering. Here, we for the first time demonstrate that a dihydroxynaphthalene‐based fungal melanin mimetic, which exhibit a catechol‐free structure, can act as a coating agent for material‐independent surface modifications on the nanoscale. This mimetic was made by using laccase to catalyse the oxidative polymerization of specifically 2,7‐dihydroxynaphthalene. Analyses of the product of this reaction, using Fourier transform infrared‐attenuated total reflectance and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, bactericidal action, charge‐dependent sorption behaviour, phenol content, Zeta potential measurements and free radical scavenging activity, yielded results consistent with it containing hydroxyphenyl groups. Moreover, nuclear magnetic resonance analyses of the product revealed that C‐O coupling and C‐C coupling were the main mechanisms for its synthesis, thus clearly excluding a catechol structure in the polymerization. This product, termed poly(2,7‐DHN), was successfully deposited onto a wide variety of solid surfaces, including metals, polymeric materials, ceramics, biosurfaces and mineral complexes. The melanin‐like polymerization could be used to co‐immobilize other organic molecules, forming functional surfaces. In addition, the hydroxyphenyl group contained in the coated poly(2,7‐DHN) induced secondary metal chelation/reduction and adhesion with proteins, suggesting the potential of this poly(2,7‐DHN) layer to serve as a platform material for a variety of surface engineering applications. Moreover, the novel physicochemical properties of the poly(2,7‐DHN) illuminate its potential applications as bactericidal, radical‐scavenging and pollutant‐sorbing agents.
Ethical Quandaries in War Zones, When Mass Atrocity Prevention Fails
Authors: Weiss Thomas G.
Published: February 2016

Humanitarians are no longer necessarily viewed as selfless angels in war zones. Their motivations and mastery, their principles and products are questioned from inside and outside of the community of aid and protection agencies. Like the poor, war victims will always be with us. Coming to their rescue requires understanding of the ongoing transformations to contemporary humanitarian action in wars and the evolution of humanitarian culture – its values, language and behavior. An agreed culture of cooperation has given way to a contested one of competition resulting from militarization, politicization and marketization. Preventing mass atrocities is preferable to halting them; but the record of preventing them has been dismal. And even with sufficient political will to act or react, the history of postintervention results also has been abysmal. When mass atrocity prevention fails, a ‘learning culture’ is required: more responsible reflection and less rapid reaction. Traditional principles are unhelpful; guidance to effective action does not require strict adherence to humanitarian ideology but rather to considered calculations about least worst options.
Involvement of the GABAA Receptor in Age‐Dependent Differences in Binge‐Like Ethanol Intake
Authors: Quoilin Caroline , Boehm Stephen L.
Published: February 2016

Background

Binge alcohol (ethanol [EtOH]) drinking is common during adolescence, a time characterized by many behavioral and neurobiological changes. Among them, the GABAA receptor system undergoes substantial modifications, including changes in the density, distribution, and subunit composition of the receptor. Based on its demonstrated role in EtOH consumption, this study aimed to investigate the effects of 2 different GABAA receptor agonists on binge‐like EtOH intake in adolescent and adult mice using the Drinking‐in‐the‐Dark model.

Methods

Three hours into their dark cycle, adolescent (postnatal day 28 [P28]) and adult (P63) male C57BL/6J mice were given daily access to 20% EtOH for 2 hours during 8 consecutive days. Immediately before the access on day 8, mice (P35 and P70) were systemically injected with 1 of 2 different GABAergic drugs. The effects of muscimol, a full GABAA agonist, were assessed in a first experiment. The second experiment tested for the more specific involvement of δ‐containing extrasynaptic GABAA receptors through the administration of THIP (4,5,6,7‐tetrahydroisoxazolo(5,4‐c)pyridin‐3‐ol).

Results

Adolescent mice consumed more EtOH than their adult counterparts. Following the administration of GABAA agonists, levels of EtOH intake were reduced at both ages. However, age‐dependent differences were revealed following the administration of THIP, with adolescents exhibiting greater sensitivity to its suppressant effects, especially during the first 30 minutes of binge EtOH access.

Conclusions

This study adds to the existing literature demonstrating the crucial role of the GABAA receptor in alcohol consumption. In addition, it suggests that age differences in the GABAA receptor modulation of binge alcohol drinking might be more dependent on extrasynaptic GABAA receptors.
Association of Drinking Problems and Duration of Alcohol Use to Inhibitory Control in Nondependent Young Adult Social Drinkers
Authors: Hu Sien , Zhang Sheng , Chao Herta H. , Krystal John H. , Li Chiang‐Shan R.
Published: February 2016

Background

Deficits in inhibitory control have been widely implicated in alcohol misuse. However, the literature does not readily distinguish the effects of drinking problems and chronic alcohol use. Here, we examined how years of drinking and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) score each influences the cerebral responses to inhibitory control in nondependent drinkers.

Methods

Fifty‐seven adult drinkers and 57 age‐ and gender‐matched nondrinkers participated in one 40‐minute functional magnetic resonance imaging scan of the stop signal task. Data were preprocessed and modeled usingSPM8. In a regression model, we contrasted stop and go success trials for individuals and examined activities of response inhibition each in link with theAUDITscore and years of alcohol use in group analyses. We specified the effects of duration of use by contrasting regional activations of drinkers and age‐related changes in nondrinkers. In mediation analyses, we investigated how regional activities mediate the relationship between drinking problems and response inhibition.

Results

HigherAUDITscore but not years of drinking was positively correlated with prolonged stop signal reaction time (SSRT) and diminished responses in the cerebellum, thalamus, frontal and parietal regions, independent of years of alcohol use. Further, activity of the thalamus, anterior cingulate cortex, and presupplementary motor area significantly mediates the association, bidirectionally, between theAUDITscore andSSRT. The duration of alcohol use was associated with decreased activation in the right inferior frontal gyrus extending to superior temporal gyrus, which was not observed for age‐related changes in nondrinkers.

Conclusions

The results distinguished the association of drinking problems and years of alcohol use to inhibitory control in young adult nondependent drinkers. These new findings extend the imaging literature of alcohol misuse and may have implications for treatment to prevent the escalation from social to dependent drinking. More research is needed to confirm age‐independent neural correlates of years of alcohol use.
Comparison of adjunctive azithromycin and amoxicillin/metronidazole for patients with chronic periodontitis: preliminary randomized control trial
Authors: Saleh A , Rincon J , Tan A , Firth M
Published: February 2016

Background

There are insufficient guidelines for the use of adjunctive systemic antibiotics for patients with periodontal disease. The aim of this study was to compare clinical outcomes for patients with moderate‐advanced chronic periodontitis treated with: scaling and root planing (SRP), SRP with amoxicillin and metronidazole (A+M), SRP with Azithromycin (Az).

Methods

Thirty‐seven non‐smokers with generalized moderate to advanced chronic periodontitis were divided into three treatment groups: SRP, A+M and Az. Patients received the medications after the last SRP session and were reviewed three months later. Changes in clinical parameters were compared between the groups. Separate analyses were executed for: ‘all sites’, ‘molar sites’, ‘sites with different PPD severities’ and ‘number of sites with shallow, moderate and deep PPD’.

Results

The three groups exhibited improvements in most clinical parameters. At three months, A+M showed a higher reduction in PPD compared to Az in the ‘all sites analysis’. Molars exhibited better reduction in BOP and PPD with A+M than SRP. Pocket depth of the 4–6 mm category reduced more in the A+M than SRP. A+M experienced a higher increase in the number of sites with PPD 1–3 mm than Az.

Conclusions

Adjunctive systemic antibiotics in the initial phase of treatment may result in improved clinical outcomes.
Insulin‐like growth factor 1 has multisystem effects on foetal and preterm infant development
Authors: Hellström Ann , Ley David , Hansen‐Pupp Ingrid , Hallberg Boubou , Löfqvist Chatarina , van Marter Linda , van Weissenbruch Mirjam , Ramenghi Luca A. , Beardsall Kathryn , Dunger David , Hård Anna‐Lena , Smith Lois E. H.
Published: February 2016

Poor postnatal growth after preterm birth does not match the normal rapid growth in utero and is associated with preterm morbidities. Insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1) axis is the major hormonal mediator of growth in utero, and levels of IGF‐1 are often very low after preterm birth. We reviewed the role of IGF‐1 in foetal development and the corresponding preterm perinatal period to highlight the potential clinical importance of IGF‐1 deficiency in preterm morbidities.

Conclusion

There is a rationale for clinical trials to evaluate the potential benefits of IGF‐1 replacement in very preterm infants.
Antibacterial resistance in Streptococcus pyogenes (GAS) from healthy carriers and tonsillitis patients and association with antibacterial sale in the Faroe Islands
Authors: Magnussen Marita D. , Gaini Shahin , Gislason Hannes , Kristinsson Karl G.
Published: February 2016

The aim of this study was to investigate the antibacterial resistance of Streptococcus pyogenes (GAS), and correlate the findings with the sales of erythromycin and tetracycline. General practitioners in the Faroe Islands were recruited to send oropharyngeal swabs. From an ongoing pneumococcal study, nasopharyngeal swabs were sampled from healthy children 0–7 years of age. Erythromycin susceptibility data from Iceland were obtained from the reference laboratory at the Landspitali University Hospital. Susceptibility testing in the Faroe Islands and Iceland was performed according to CLSI methods and criteria. The resistance rate to erythromycin and tetracycline found in patients in the Faroe Islands in 2009/2010 was 6% and 30% respectively. Tetracycline resistance in patients declined significantly from 2009 to 2010 (37–10%, p‐value = 0.006 < 0.05) and differed significantly between age groups (p‐value = 0.03 < 0.05). In Iceland, there was a peak in erythromycin resistance in 2008 (44%) and a substantial decrease in 2009 (5%). Although the prevalence of erythromycin and tetracycline resistance in the Faroe Islands and Iceland may be associated with antimicrobial use, sudden changes can occur with the introduction of new resistant clones.
Neuroprotective Effect of Ginsenoside Rd in Spinal Cord Injury Rats
Authors: Cong Lin , Chen Wenting
Published: February 2016

In this study, the neuroprotective effects of ginsenoside Rd (GS Rd) were evaluated in a rat model of spinal cord injury (SCI). Rats in SCI groups received a T8 laminectomy and a spinal contusion injury. GS Rd 12.5, 25 and 50 mg/kg were administered intraperitoneally 1 hr before the surgery and once daily for 14 days. Dexamethasone 1 mg/kg was administered as a positive control. Locomotor function was evaluated using the BBB score system. H&E staining and Nissl staining were performed to observe the histological changes in the spinal cord. The levels of MDA and GSH and the activity of SOD were assessed to reflect the oxidative stress state. The production of TNF‐α, IL‐1β and IL‐1 was assessed using ELISA kits to examine the inflammatory responses in the spinal cord. TUNEL staining was used to detect the cell apoptosis in the spinal cord. Western blot analysis was used to examine the expression of apoptosis‐associated proteins and MAPK proteins. The results demonstrated that GS Rd 25 and 50 mg/kg significantly improved the locomotor function of rats after SCI, reduced tissue injury and increased neuron survival in the spinal cord. Mechanically, GS Rd decreased MDA level, increased GSH level and SOD activity, reduced the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and prevented cell apoptosis. The effects were equivalent to those of dexamethasone. In addition, GS Rd effectively inhibited the activation of MAPK signalling pathway induced by SCI, which might be involved in the protective effects of GS Rd against SCI. In conclusion, GS Rd attenuates SCI‐induced secondary injury through reversing the redox‐state imbalance, inhibiting the inflammatory response and apoptosis in the spinal cord tissue.
ATRX in Diffuse Gliomas With its Mosaic/Heterogeneous Expression in a Subset
Authors: Purkait Suvendu , Miller Christopher A. , Kumar Anupam , Sharma Vikas , Pathak Pankaj , Jha Prerana , Sharma Mehar Chand , Suri Vaishali , Suri Ashish , Sharma B.S. , Fulton Robert S. , Kale Shashank Sharad , Dahiya Sonika , Sarkar Chitra
Published: February 2016

This study aims (1) to evaluate ATRX expression in different grades and subtypes of gliomas and correlate with other hallmark genetic alterations, (2) to identify and characterize mosaic/heterogeneous staining in gliomas in terms of mutation status.

One hundred seventy six cases of glioma were assessed for ATRX immunohistochemistry and subdivided into positive, negative and mosaic/heterogeneous staining patterns. Five cases with heterogeneous staining were further subjected to next generation sequencing.

Higher frequency of ATRX immune‐negativity was detected in grade II/III astrocytic, oligoastrocytic tumors and secondary glioblastomas (GBMs), while infrequent in primary GBMs and rare in oligodendrogliomas. Loss of expression was significantly associated with IDH1 and/or TP53 mutation, while mutually exclusive with 1p/19q codeletion. Mosaic/heterogeneous staining was detected exclusively in GBMs (21.2%). Two different types of mosaic staining were identified (1) Admixture of positive and negative nuclei or intermixed mosaic and (2) Separate fragments with positive and negative/intermixed mosaic staining. ATRX mutation was identified in 2/5 (40%) cases with mosaic staining while one case showed DAXX mutation. All these cases were characterized by distinctly separate immune‐negative and positive/intermixed foci. Hence, it is suggested that cases with heterogeneous staining (especially those with distinctly negative fragments) should be subjected to mutation analysis.
Structure Effect of Some New Anticancer Pt(II) Complexes of Amino Acid Derivatives with Small Branched or Linear Hydrocarbon Chains on Their DNA Interaction
Authors: Kantoury Mahshid , Eslami Moghadam Mahboube , Tarlani Ali Akbar , Divsalar Adeleh
Published: February 2016

The aim of this study was to investigate the structure effect and identify the modes of binding of amino acid‐Pt complexes to DNA molecule for cancer treatment. Hence, three novel water soluble platinum complexes, [Pt(phen)(R‐gly)]NO3 (where phen is 1,10‐phenanthroline, R‐gly is methyl, amyl, and isopentyl‐glycine), have been synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic methods, conductivity measurements, and chemical analysis. The anticancer activities of synthesized complexes were investigated against human breast cancer cell line of MDA‐MB 231. The 50% cytotoxic concentration values were determined to be 42.5, 58, and 70 μm for methyl‐, amyl‐, and isopentyl‐gly complexes, respectively. These complexes were interacted with calf thymus DNA (ct‐DNA) via positive cooperative interaction. The modes of binding of the complexes to DNA were investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy and circular dichroism in combination with a molecular docking study. The result indicates that complexes with small or branched hydrocarbon chains can intercalate with DNA. This is while amyl complexes with linear chains interacted additionally via groove binding. The results of the negative value of Gibbs energy for binding of isopentyl‐platinum to DNA and those of the molecular docking were coherent. Furthermore, the docking results demonstrated that hydrophobic interaction plays an important role in the complex–DNA interaction.
Developmental status of preschool children receiving cART: a descriptive cohort study
Authors: Potterton J. , Hilburn N. , Strehlau R.
Published: February 2016

Background

HIV is known to cause neurodevelopmental problems in infants and young children. The impact of HIV on the development of preschool‐age children has been less well described.

Method

The study was conducted at an urban paediatric HIV clinic in Johannesburg, South Africa. A sample of convenience was used. Sixty‐eight medically stable children between the ages of 3 and 5 years were assessed with the Griffiths Scales of Mental Development. Children were excluded from the study if they had severe HIV encephalopathy, which made it impossible for them to participate in the items on the Griffiths Scales of Mental Development.

Results

The children had started combination antiretroviral treatment (cART) at a mean age of 8.1 months. The majority of the children were virologically suppressed and did not present with wasting or stunting. Severe overall developmental delay (z‐scores < −2SD) was detected in 55.88% of children. Developmental facets related to speech, cognition and perception were the most severely affected. Personal–social development was the least affected with only 13.4% of the children demonstrating severe delay.

Conclusion

Despite having early access to cART, children infected with HIV are still at risk for severe developmental delay across a number of facets. Very early initiation of cART may help alleviate this problem. All preschool children infected with HIV should have routine developmental screening.
The phagocytic fitness of leucopatches may impact the healing of chronic wounds
Authors: Thomsen K , Trøstrup H , Christophersen L , Lundquist R , Høiby N , Moser C
Published: February 2016

Chronic non-healing wounds are significantly bothersome to patients and can result in severe complications. In addition, they are increasing in numbers, and a challenging problem to the health-care system. Handling of chronic, non-healing wounds can be discouraging due to lack of improvement, and a recent explanation can be the involvement of biofilm infections in the pathogenesis of non-healing wounds. Therefore, new treatment alternatives to improve outcome are continuously sought-after. Autologous leucopatches are such a new, adjunctive treatment option, showing promising clinical effects. However, the beneficial effect of the patches are not understood fully, although a major contribution is believed to be from the release of stimulating growth factors from activated thrombocytes within the leucopatch. Because the leucopatches also contain substantial numbers of leucocytes, the aim of the present study was to investigate the activity of the polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) within the leucopatch. By means of burst assay, phagocytosis assay, migration assay, biofilm killing assay and fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) assay we showed significant respiratory burst in PMNs, active phagocytosis and killing of Pseudomonas aeruginosa by the leucopatch. In addition, bacterial-induced migration of PMNs from the leucopatch was shown, as well as uptake of P. aeruginosa by PMNs within the leucopatch. The present study substantiated that at least part of the beneficial clinical effect in chronic wounds by leucopatches is attributed to the activity of the PMNs in the leucopatch.
Predictors for papillary thyroid cancer persistence and recurrence: a retrospective analysis with a 10‐year follow‐up cohort study
Authors: de Castro Taciana Padilha , Waissmann William , Simões Taynãna César , de Mello Rossana Corbo R. , Carvalho Denise P.
Published: February 2016

Objective

We aimed to determine outcome predictors of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) persistence and recurrence, separately.

Context

The factors contributing to either persistence or recurrence of PTC are poorly defined, as both outcomes are usually evaluated together.

Design and patients

In this 10‐year follow‐up cohort study, 190 PTC patients were evaluated (18–85 years old; registered from 1 January 1990 to31 December 1999 at a Brazilian Cancer Care referral Hospital). After initial surgery, we examined persistence (disease detected up to 1 year), recurrence (disease detected after 1 year) and PTC‐free status (disease absence during follow‐up).

Measurements

Outcome predictors were modelled using multinomial logit regression analysis.

Results

The univariate analysis showed that persistence and recurrence were significantly associated with lymph node metastasis (OR = 12·33; OR = 2·84, respectively), local aggressiveness (OR = 5·22; OR = 3·35) and extrathyroidal extension (OR = 5·07; OR = 7·11). Persistence was associated with male sex (OR = 3·49), age above 45 years old at diagnosis (OR = 1·03), macroscopic lymph node metastasis (OR = 5·85), local aggressiveness (OR = 5·22), each 1‐cm tumour size increase (OR = 1·34), a cancer care referral hospital as the place of initial surgery (OR = 2·3), thyroidectomy or near total thyroidectomy(OR = 3·03) and neck dissection (OR = 3·19). Recurrence was associated with the time of radioactive iodine (131I) therapy (OR = 3·71). After data modelling, persistence was associated with macroscopic lymph node metastasis (OR = 6·17), 1‐cm increases in tumour size (OR = 1·30) and thyroidectomy or near total thyroidectomy (OR = 3·82), while recurrence was associated with surgery at referral hospital (OR = 3·79).

Conclusions

The best predictors of persistence were tumour size and macroscopic lymph node metastasis; when the initial surgery is of quality, the recurrence depends more on tumour's biology aspects.
Exposure–response analyses of liraglutide 3.0 mg for weight management
Authors: Wilding J. P. H. , Overgaard R. V. , Jacobsen L. V. , Jensen C. B. , le Roux C. W.
Published: February 2016

Aims

Liraglutide 3.0 mg, an acylated GLP‐1 analogue approved for weight management, lowers body weight through decreased energy intake. We conducted exposure‐response analyses to provide important information on individual responses to given drug doses, reflecting inter‐individual variations in drug metabolism, absorption and excretion.

Methods

We report efficacy and safety responses across a wide range of exposure levels, using data from one phase II (liraglutide doses 1.2, 1.8, 2.4 and 3.0 mg), and two phase IIIa [SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes (3.0 mg); SCALE Diabetes (1.8; 3.0 mg)] randomized, placebo‐controlled trials (n = 4372).

Results

There was a clear exposure–weight loss response. Weight loss increased with greater exposure and appeared to level off at the highest exposures associated with liraglutide 3.0 mg in most individuals, but did not fully plateau in men. In individuals with overweight/obesity and comorbid type 2 diabetes, there was a clear exposure–glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) relationship. HbA1c reduction increased with higher plasma liraglutide concentration (plateauing at ∼21 nM); however, for individuals with baseline HbA1c >8.5%, HbA1c reduction did not fully plateau. No exposure–response relationship was identified for any safety outcome, with the exception of gastrointestinal adverse events (AEs). Individuals with gallbladder AEs, acute pancreatitis or malignant/breast/benign colorectal neoplasms did not have higher liraglutide exposure compared with the overall population.

Conclusions

These analyses support the use of liraglutide 3.0 mg for weight management in all subgroups investigated; weight loss increased with higher drug exposure, with no concomitant deterioration in safety/tolerability besides previously known gastrointestinal side effects.
Effects of ‘women empowerment’ on household food security in rural KwaZulu‐Natal province
Authors: Sharaunga S. , Mudhara M. , Bogale A.
Published: February 2016

Understanding the dimensions of ‘women's empowerment’ that influence food security among rural households is crucial to inform policy. This study uses the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) to identify the food security status of 300 primary female‐headed households in Msinga, South Africa. Principal Component Analysis was then used to identify the various dimensions along which the rural women sampled were empowered. Finally, the Ordered Logit model was used to identify the dimensions of women's empowerment that influence their household food security status. It was found that households headed by women with higher levels of economic agency, physical capital empowerment, psychological empowerment and farm financial management skills empowerment were more likely to be food secure.
Impact of hyponatremia on nerve conduction and muscle strength
Authors: Vandergheynst Frédéric , Gombeir Yannick , Bellante Flavio , Perrotta Gaetano , Remiche Gauthier , Mélot Christian , Mavroudakis Nicolas , Decaux Guy
Published: February 2016

Background

Hyponatremia is associated with unstable gait and propensity to falls. The potential contribution of peripheral nervous system dysfunction induced by hyponatremia has not yet been addressed by prospective studies.

Design

In the first part of this prospective study, we performed two tests evaluating muscle strength (grip test and quadriceps isometric contraction test) together with a timed up and go (TUG) test in 11 patients with chronic mild‐to‐moderate hyponatremia before and after the normalization of natremia. In the second part, we measured nerve conduction velocities and F‐wave latencies in nine patients with profound hyponatremia (< 125 mmol/L) before and after the normalization of natremia.

Results

No significant change in muscle strength was observed when natremia was corrected from 127·7 ± 2·5 to 136·1 ± 1·8 mmol/L, contrary to a significant improvement in TUG from 14·9 ± 5·1 to 12·5 ± 4·7 s (P = 0·006). Nerve conduction velocities and F‐wave latencies showed significant improvement in most of the studied nerves when natremia was corrected from 121·9 ± 2·4 to 135·5 ± 3·4 mmol/L (e.g. mean increase of 14·3% for motor nerve conduction and mean decrease of 21·6% for F‐wave latency of left peroneal nerve).

Conclusion

Whereas chronic mild‐to‐moderate hyponatremia has no impact on muscle strength, we demonstrate for the first time an impact of profound hyponatremia on nerve conduction studies. Further studies are needed to ascertain the contribution of these latter results on gait disturbances, propensity to falls and attention deficits associated with hyponatremia.
Population‐based assessment of chronic myeloid leukemia in Sweden: striking increase in survival and prevalence
Authors: Gunnarsson Niklas , Sandin Fredrik , Höglund Martin , Stenke Leif , Björkholm Magnus , Lambe Mats , Olsson‐Strömberg Ulla , Richter Johan , Själander Anders
Published: February 2016

The clinical outcome for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) has improved dramatically following the introduction of tyrosine kinase inhibitors. An improved survival, combined with a constant incidence, is expected to increase the prevalence of CML. However, data on the prevalence of CML remain scarce. We examined the overall and relative (age and gender matched) survival and assessed the past, present, and projected future prevalence of CML in Sweden. Data on all patients diagnosed with CML between 1970 and 2012 were retrieved from the Swedish Cancer Register and the Swedish Cause of Death Register. The 5‐year overall survival increased from 0.18 to 0.82, during the observed time period. Between 2006 and 2012, the 5‐year relative survival was close to normal for 40‐year‐old, but considerably lower for 80‐year‐old CML patients. The observed prevalence tripled from 1985 to 2012, from 3.9 to 11.9 per 100 000 inhabitants. Assuming no further improvements in relative survival, the prevalence is projected to further increase by 2060 to 22.0 per 100 000 inhabitants (2587 persons in Sweden). The projected dramatic increase in CML prevalence has major medical and health economic implications and needs to be considered in planning how to organize future care of CML patients.