bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shareholder Protection: The Role of Multiple Large Shareholders
Authors: Barroso Casado Raúl , Burkert Michael , Dávila Antonio , Oyon Daniel
Published: August 2015

Manuscript Type

Empirical

Research Question/Issue

This paper addresses the effect of having multiple large shareholders on shareholder protection. More specifically, we examine to what extent this effect depends on whether such large shareholders are beneficiary or fiduciary.

Research Findings/Insights

Analyzing longitudinal, hand‐collected data covering Swiss listed companies, we find that having several large shareholders leads to overall higher shareholder protection (i.e. adoption of more formal corporate governance mechanisms). This is because large shareholders have an interest in putting more formal governance mechanisms in place when there is another large shareholder that might try to extract rents at the expense of others. Moreover, we find that this effect is driven by the presence of several beneficiary shareholders, i.e. shareholders that invest their own wealth in the company in contrast to dispersed ownership and fiduciary shareholders, i.e. shareholders acting on behalf of others.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

Building on recent developments in agency theory, this paper contributes to the corporate governance literature by empirically showing that potential “principal‐principal” conflicts among large shareholders lead to overall better shareholder protection in terms of more formal governance mechanisms being adopted. This finding contrasts with situations in which there is only one large shareholder that does not have an interest in strengthening formal corporate governance. Our findings imply, however, that the characteristics of the large shareholders matter: Fiduciary shareholders in the Swiss setting are mostly passive buy‐and‐hold shareholders and therefore do not engage extensively in improving shareholder protection. Beneficiary shareholders, in contrast, directly intervene in the governance of the firm (i.e. governance by voice), so that in the presence of multiple beneficiary shareholders, more formal governance mechanisms help to monitor not only management but the other large shareholders as well. In addition, more formal governance mechanisms serve as a platform to coordinate their diverging objectives.

Practitioner Implications

We demonstrate the influence of a second (or several) large beneficiary shareholder(s), on corporate governance and the benefit to all shareholders. In addition, we propose the strengthening of governance mechanisms as a platform to reconcile conflicting interests among prominent shareholders and contribute to the debate on the allocation of certain voting privileges to long‐term shareholders.
Peritumoral D2‐40 Chalkley score independently predicts metastases and survival in patients with cutaneous malignant melanoma
Authors: Pastushenko Ievgenia , Vermeulen Peter B. , Vicente‐Arregui Sandra , Van den Eynden Gert G. , Alvarez‐Alegret Ramiro , Querol Ignacio , Rutten Annemie , Carapeto Francisco J. , Dirix Luc Y. , Van Laere Steven
Published: August 2015

Background

Many observational studies investigated the prognostic significance of angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis in patients with melanoma. However, the obtained results are rather contradictory, probably due to the lack of the consensus methodology.

Methods

To investigate the prognostic significance of angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis‐related parameters in patients with melanoma, we performed a retrospective investigation following the consensus recommendations for angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis quantification in solid tumors and reporting recommendations for tumor marker (REMARK) criteria for reporting the results. Blood and lymphatic vessel Chalkley scores, endothelial cell proliferation fractions and microvessel densities were quantified using a double immunostaining for endothelial marker CD34 or lymphendothelial marker D240 and the proliferation marker Ki‐67 in 196 patients with melanoma. These parameters were evaluated separately for peritumoral (PT) and intratumoral areas and were correlated with outcome.

Results

In multivariate analysis PT D240 Chalkley score was identified as a strongest predictor for sentinel lymph node metastases, non‐sentinel lymph node metastases, distant metastases, disease free survival and overall survival in patients with melanoma.

Conclusions

If additional studies corroborate our findings, we believe that the inclusion of PT D240 Chalkley counts to the routine pathology examination of melanoma samples would provide additional information for identifying high‐risk patients.
Differentiating confluent and reticulated papillomatosis from acanthosis nigricans
Authors: Park Young Joon , Kang Hee Young , Lee Eun‐So , Kim You Chan
Published: August 2015

Background

Confluent and reticulated papillomatosis (CRP) is an uncommon dermatosis with a reticular pattern. As differentiation between CRP and benign acanthosis nigricans (AN) can be challenging because of their similar clinicopathological features, we aimed to distinguish the two diseases.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical characteristics of 60 CRP and 30 AN patients. Histological examinations were conducted on 33 CRP and 30 AN lesions.

Results

While CRP was concentrated on the trunk, AN mostly appeared in the axilla. In the AN group, the number of obese patients was higher, and acanthosis and papillomatosis were more evident. In both group, increases in Ki‐67 and keratin 16 expression were similar. Bacterial infection was detected at a higher rate in CRP lesions than in AN lesions.AN lesions had greater pigmentation because of a high number of melanocytes than CRP lesions.

Conclusions

The location of skin lesions and body mass index are the main clinical factors that enable differentiation between CRP and AN. The epidermal histological changes in CRP are milder than those in AN. AN lesions also showed a greater degree of pigmentation and melanocytic proliferation.
Pseudocheckerboard pattern: an interesting histopathological finding in mechanic's hands
Authors: Ito Ayako , Yamada Nanako , Yoshida Yuichi , Yamamoto Osamu
Published: August 2015

Background

Mechanic's hands are a well‐known symptom often associated with dermatomyositis and are similar to hand eczema clinically. Histopathology of them usually shows hyperkeratosis, focal parakeratosis, psoriasiform acanthosis, basal vacuolar changes and necrotic keratinocytes in the epidermis and upper dermal mucin deposition. However, there have been few comparative histopathologic evaluations of mechanic's hands and palmoplantar eczema.

Methods

We evaluated the histopathology of mechanic's hands in 6 patients with dermatomyositis who visited our hospital between 2006 and 2014 comparing with histopathology of 27 patients with palmoplantar eczema, retrospectively.

Results

As previously reported, hyperkeratosis, basal vacuolar change and necrotic keratinocytes were seen in all cases of mechanic's hands. Basal vacuolar change was not observed in any cases of palmoplantar eczema. Three cases of mechanic's hands demonstrated a characteristic finding, a pseudocheckerboard pattern, in the hyperkeratotic horny layer; there were areas of alternating parakeratosis and orthokeratosis in a vertical arrangement and these areas alternated with the completely orthokeratotic areas in a horizontal arrangement. This pattern has not been focused in mechanic's hands so far. Same pattern was also observed in four patients with palmoplantar eczema.

Conclusion

‘Pseudocheckerboard pattern’ was not specific but may be a possible diagnostic clue for mechanic's hands.
Pleomorphic dermal sarcoma: a more aggressive neoplasm than previously estimated
Authors: Tardío Juan C. , Pinedo Fernando , Aramburu José A. , Suárez‐Massa Dolores , Pampín Ana , Requena Luis , Santonja Carlos
Published: August 2015

Background

Pleomorphic dermal sarcoma (PDS) is a rare neoplasm sharing pathological features with atypical fibroxanthoma, but adding tumor necrosis, invasion beyond superficial subcutis or vascular or perineural infiltration. Although its metastatic risk has been estimated to be less than 5%, its real outcome is presently uncertain because of its rarity and to the lack of homogeneous criteria used in reported cases.

Methods

Retrospective clinicopathological study of 18 cases of PDS.

Results

The lesions presented as tumors or plaques (size: 7–70 mm) on the head of elderly patients (median: 81 years), without a gender predominance. Histopathologically, they consisted of spindle cells arranged in a fascicular pattern, containing pleomorphic epithelioid and giant multinucleated cells in varying proportions, and usually exhibiting numerous mitotic figures and infiltrative tumor margins. No immunoexpression for cytokeratins, S100 protein, desmin or CD34 was observed. Necrosis and venous invasion were found in three tumors each (17%). Follow‐up was available in 15 cases (median: 33 months). Three patients (20%) had local recurrences, all with incomplete primary surgical resections. Three patients (20%) developed distant metastases in the skin, regional lymph nodes and/or lungs and died from the disease.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that PDS may be a more aggressive neoplasm than previously estimated.
Environmental favourability as a cost‐efficient tool to estimate carrying capacity
Authors: Muñoz Antonio‐Román , Jiménez‐Valverde Alberto , Márquez Ana Luz , Moleón Marcos , Real Raimundo
Published: August 2015

Aim

The way in which environmental conditions determine the distribution and abundance of species is a crucial topic in ecology, biogeography and conservation. It is especially important to understand the nature of this relationship regarding threatened species. The ability to forecast local densities over the geographic range of species provides a way to link population ecology and biogeography. Particularly, our aim was to test whether predictions derived from species distribution modelling data provide useful information on spatial patterns of abundance and, consequently, may act as surrogates for local density estimates.

Location

Andalusia (southern Spain).

Methods

Logistic regression and the favourability function were applied as modelling tools to presence–absence data to compare the predicted results with current abundance. This approach is useful in the identification of local priorities for the target species whenever broad‐scale surveys need to be performed.

Results

The model included variables related to topography, vegetation and spatial location to explain the presence of Bonelli's eagle. A positive relationship was found between both probability and favourability and the density of this species, but a triangular fit only with favourability, suggesting that the physiological and ecological requirements of this species in the study area are better reflected in the favourability model.

Main conclusions

We suggest that favourability models derived from presence–absence data provide insights into abundance data and valuable information on carrying capacity over large scales. To minimize costs, maximize output and optimize results, priority could be given to detecting the presence of the species, instead of investing resources aimed at estimating abundance, which is more expensive.
Advanced neuroimaging of cerebral palsy following extremely preterm birth
Authors: Kumar Ram
Published: August 2015

This commentary is on the original article by Kelly et al. on pages 1168–1175 of this issue.
Insulin‐based strategies to prevent hypoglycaemia during and after exercise in adult patients with type 1 diabetes on pump therapy: the DIABRASPORT randomized study
Authors: Franc S. , Daoudi A. , Pochat A. , Petit M.‐H. , Randazzo C. , Petit C. , Duclos M. , Penfornis A. , Pussard E. , Not D. , Heyman E. , Koukoui F. , Simon C. , Charpentier G.
Published: August 2015

Aims

To validate strategies to prevent exercise‐induced hypoglycaemia via insulin‐dose adjustment in adult patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) on pump therapy.

Methods

A total of 20 patients randomly performed four 30‐min late post‐lunch (3 h after lunch) exercise sessions and a rest session: two moderate sessions [50% maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max)] with 50 or 80% basal rate (BR) reduction during exercise + 2 h and two intense sessions (75% VO2max) with 80% BR reduction or with their pump stopped. Two additional early post‐lunch sessions (90 min after lunch) were analysed to compare hypoglycaemia incidence for BR reduction versus bolus reduction.

Results

In all, 100 late post‐lunch sessions were analysed. Regardless of exercise type and BR reduction, no more hypoglycaemic events occurred in the period until the next morning than occurred after the rest sessions. In the afternoon, no more hypoglycaemic events occurred with 80% BR reduction/moderate exercise or with pump discontinuation/intense exercise than for the rest session, whereas more hypoglycaemic events occurred with 50% BR reduction/moderate exercise and 80% BR reduction/intense exercise. After early post‐lunch exercise (n = 37), a trend towards fewer hypoglycaemic episodes was observed with bolus reduction versus BR reduction (p = 0.07). Mean blood glucose fell by ∼3.3 mmol/l after 30 min of exercise, irrespective of dose reduction, remaining stable until the next morning with no rebound hyperglycaemia.

Conclusion

In adults with T1D, to limit the hypoglycaemic risk associated with 30 min of exercise 3 h after lunch, without carbohydrate supplements, the best options seem to be to reduce BR by 80% or to stop the pump for moderate or intense exercise, or for moderate exercise 90 min after lunch, to reduce the prandial bolus rather than the BR.
TWEAK/Fn14 activation induces keratinocyte proliferation under psoriatic inflammation
Authors: Cheng Hong , Xu Meifeng , Liu Xiaoming , Zou Xiaoyan , Zhan Na , Xia Yumin
Published: August 2015

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) has been reported to induce keratinocyte apoptosis in vitro by engaging its sole receptor of fibroblast growth factor‐inducible 14 (Fn14). In this study, we explored the role of TWEAK/Fn14 pathway in the growth of psoriatic keratinocytes that is, however, characterized by suppressed apoptotic cell death. Skin tissues from the patients with psoriasis or healthy donors were determined for TWEAK and Fn14 expression, and primary keratinocytes were evaluated under the stimulation of psoriatic proinflammatory cytokines or plus TWEAK. The results showed that both TWEAK and Fn14 were highly expressed in psoriatic skins. Moreover, the stimulation of psoriatic cytokines enhanced Fn14 expression by keratinocytes in vitro, which expressed TNF receptor 2 predominantly and proliferated increasingly with the addition of TWEAK. Furthermore, TWEAK stimulation enhanced the synthesis of survivin, inhibitor of apoptosis protein 2 and cellular FLICE‐inhibitory protein in lesional keratinocytes. Therefore, TWEAK/Fn14 interaction prefers to enhance proliferation but not apoptosis of keratinocytes under psoriatic inflammation. The activation of nuclear factor‐κB signalling‐dependent anti‐apoptotic proteins and biased expression of TNF receptors may be responsible for such a novel principle in keratinocytes under psoriatic inflammation.
Quantifying spatial habitat loss from hydrocarbon development through assessing habitat selection patterns of mule deer
Authors: Northrup Joseph M. , Anderson Charles R. , Wittemyer George
Published: August 2015

Extraction of oil and natural gas (hydrocarbons) from shale is increasing rapidly in North America, with documented impacts to native species and ecosystems. With shale oil and gas resources on nearly every continent, this development is set to become a major driver of global land‐use change. It is increasingly critical to quantify spatial habitat loss driven by this development to implement effective mitigation strategies and develop habitat offsets. Habitat selection is a fundamental ecological process, influencing both individual fitness and population‐level distribution on the landscape. Examinations of habitat selection provide a natural means for understanding spatial impacts. We examined the impact of natural gas development on habitat selection patterns of mule deer on their winter range in Colorado. We fit resource selection functions in a Bayesian hierarchical framework, with habitat availability defined using a movement‐based modeling approach. Energy development drove considerable alterations to deer habitat selection patterns, with the most substantial impacts manifested as avoidance of well pads with active drilling to a distance of at least 800 m. Deer displayed more nuanced responses to other infrastructure, avoiding pads with active production and roads to a greater degree during the day than night. In aggregate, these responses equate to alteration of behavior by human development in over 50% of the critical winter range in our study area during the day and over 25% at night. Compared to other regions, the topographic and vegetative diversity in the study area appear to provide refugia that allow deer to behaviorally mediate some of the impacts of development. This study, and the methods we employed, provides a template for quantifying spatial take by industrial activities in natural areas and the results offer guidance for policy makers, mangers, and industry when attempting to mitigate habitat loss due to energy development.
Limitations and opportunities of social capital for adaptation to climate change: a case study on the Isles of Scilly
Authors: Petzold Jan
Published: August 2015

Small islands are among regions most affected by the impacts of global climate change. They are regarded as particularly vulnerable, but from a different point of view, island societies also feature a particular sociocultural resilience, which distinguishes them from continental societies. How do social structures increase the adaptive capacity of small islands towards sea‐level rise? I consider the concept of social capital as applicable in order to understand the role of communities and collective action in a context of vulnerability and resilience. In this paper, I present results from a case study on the Isles of Scilly, UK. A mixed methods qualitative approach has been applied to analyse the various roles of social capital for the adaptation to climate change impacts on this small archipelago, which is representative of European small islands in an economically advanced, but isolated context. The Isles of Scilly are among the most vulnerable island regions in Europe. The results of the research contribute to the general discussion on social capital and the relevance of collective action for the adaptation to global climate change. How useful is the concept? And how relevant is it for small islands, such as the Isles of Scilly?
Systematic Review of Preventive and Acute Treatment of Menstrual Migraine
Authors: Nierenburg Hida del C. , Ailani Jessica , Malloy Michele , Siavoshi Sara , Hu Nancy N. , Yusuf Nadia
Published: August 2015

Objective

The aim of this systematic review is to identify the efficacy of different categories of treatments for menstrual migraines as found in randomized controlled trials or open label studies with similar efficacy endpoints.

Background

Menstrual migraine is very common and approximately 50% of women have increased risk of developing migraines related to the menstrual cycle. Attacks of menstrual migraine are usually more debilitating, of longer duration, more prone to recurrence, and less responsive to acute treatment than nonmenstrual migraine attacks.

Methods

Search for evidence was done in 4 databases that included PubMed, EMBASE, Science Direct, and Web of Science. Eighty‐four articles were selected for full text review by 2 separate readers. Thirty‐six of the 84 articles were selected for final inclusion. Articles included randomized controlled and open label trials that focused on efficacy of acute and preventative therapies for menstrual migraine. Secondary analyses where excluded because the initial study population was not women with menstrual migraine.

Results

After final screening, 11 articles were selected for acute and 25 for preventive treatment of menstrual migraine. These were further subdivided into treatment categories. For acute treatment: triptans, combination therapy, prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor, and ergot alkaloids. For preventive treatment: triptans, combined therapy, oral contraceptives, estrogen, nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug, phytoestrogen, gonadotropin‐releasing hormone agonist, dopamine agonist, vitamin, mineral, and nonpharmacological therapy were selected. Overall, triptans had strong evidence for treatment in both acute and short term prevention of menstrual migraine.

Conclusions

Based on this literature search, of all categories of treatment for menstrual migraine, triptans have the most extensive research with strong evidence for both acute and preventive treatment of menstrual migraine. Further randomized controlled trials should be performed for other therapies to strengthen their use in the care of menstrual migraine patients.
Gleason and Fuhrman no longer make the grade
Authors: Delahunt Brett , Egevad Lars , Samaratunga Hemamali , Martignoni Guido , Nacey John N , Srigley John R
Published: August 2015

Grading is an important prognostic parameter for prostate adenocarcinoma and renal cell carcinoma (RCC); however, the most frequently used classifications fail to account for advances in our understanding of the diagnostic features, classification and/or behaviour of these tumours. In 2005 and 2014, the International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) proposed changes to Gleason scoring with the adoption of the ISUP grading for prostate cancer in 2014 (grade 1, score 3 + 3; grade 2, score 3 + 4; grade 3, score 4 + 3; grade 4, score 8; grade 5, score 9–10). Internationally the Fuhrman grading system is widely employed despite criticisms related to its application, validity, and reproducibility. In 2012, the ISUP established a grading system for RCC (grade 1, the nucleolus is not seen or is inconspicuous and basophilic at ×400 magnification; grade 2, nucleoli are eosinophilic and clearly visible at ×400 magnification; grade 3, nucleoli are clearly visible at ×100 magnification; grade 4, tumours show extreme pleomorphism or rhabdoid and/or sarcomatoid morphology). This grading has been validated for clear cell RCC and papillary RCC. It was further recommended that chromophobe RCC not be graded. For other morphotypes of RCC, ISUP grading has not been validated as a prognostic parameter, but can be used for descriptive purposes.
Spalt‐like transcription factor 4 immunopositivity is associated with epithelial cell adhesion molecule expression in combined hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Tanaka Yuki , Aishima Shinichi , Kohashi Kenichi , Okumura Yukihiko , Wang Huanlin , Hida Tomoyuki , Kotoh Kazuhiro , Shirabe Ken , Maehara Yoshihiko , Takayanagi Ryoichi , Oda Yoshinao
Published: August 2015

Aim

Combined hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CC) (cHCC‐CC) is a rare biphasic liver cancer. Recent studies have demonstrated that cHCC‐CC originates from hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs). Spalt‐like transcription factor 4 (SALL4) is a marker for a progenitor subclass of HCC with an aggressive phenotype. However, little has been revealed about SALL4 expression in cHCC‐CC. The aims of this study were to report SALL4 immunopositivity and the results of clinicopathological analysis in cHCC‐CC, and to examine the two different nuclear immunostaining patterns for SALL4.

Methods and results

We defined the diffuse finely granular nuclear immunostaining pattern as immunopositive for SALL4; this was observed in eight (8.9%) of 90 cHCC‐CCs. SALL4 immunopositivity was significantly associated with immunopositivity for α‐fetoprotein, glypican 3, and epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM). There was no relationship between SALL4 immunopositivity and prognosis. We confirmed SALL4 mRNA expression in samples with a punctuate/clumped immunostaining pattern, which showed a significantly lower rate of immunopositivity for EpCAM than those with a diffuse finely granular pattern.

Conclusions

SALL4 immunopositivity is not a prognostic factor in cHCC‐CC; however, it is associated with α‐fetoprotein, glypican 3 and EpCAM immunopositivity, indicating the mechanism of carcinogenesis. Further study is necessary to interpret the immunostaining pattern for SALL4.
A prospective randomized controlled trial assessing the efficacy of adjunctive hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa
Authors: Yildiz Hamza , Senol Levent , Ercan Erdinc , Bilgili Memet Ersan , Karabudak Abuaf Ozlem
Published: August 2015

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) appears to enhance wound healing, increase bactericidal activity, and act synergistically with a number of antibiotics. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of HBOT as an adjunctive therapy in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) treated with a combination of systemic rifampicin and clindamycin. The study was a prospective, single‐center, single‐dose, open‐label, randomized controlled clinical study of HBOT in patients with moderate to severe HS. Efficacy was measured by modified Sartorius score (SS), HS Severity Index (HSSI), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), and a visual analog scale (VAS) before treatment and after the completion of 4 and 10 weeks of treatment. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels were also measured. Forty‐three patients were enrolled in the study. More patients in the HBOT than in the control group showed a decrease of ≥50% from baseline parameters at week 10 for SS (100%), HSSI (100%), DLQI (95.5%), VAS (100%), ESR (100%), and CRP (72.7%). Clinically and statistically significant improvements from baseline were observed at 4 and 10 weeks in HSSI (P = 0.009 at both), SS (P = 0.021 at both), and DLQI (P = 0.044 at week 4, P = 0.009 at week 10). Adjunctive HBOT was considered to be effective in significantly improving antibiotic treatment of HS. The treatment was well tolerated, and no unexpected safety issues were identified.
Patient‐reported outcome after treatment of urinary incontinence in a multidisciplinary pelvic care clinic
Authors: Vrijens Desiree MJ , Spakman Jolanda I , van Koeveringe Gommert A , Berghmans Bary
Published: August 2015

Objectives

To assess patient‐reported outcome and satisfaction regarding urinary incontinence 1 year after the end of treatment in a multidisciplinary pelvic care clinic.

Methods

A total of 647 patients with urinary incontinence seen in an academic multidisciplinary pelvic care clinic were prospectively included in a specific triage system. Patient‐reported improvement of urinary incontinence and patient satisfaction were assessed by telephone survey 1 year after the end of treatment.

Results

Just 15.6% of patients presented with one single pelvic floor problem, most had two or three pelvic functional disorders simultaneously, such as urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse and constipation or fecal incontinence. One year after the end of treatment, of 440 responders (68%), 18.2% reported no remaining complaints, and 33.4% reported only one complaint. Patients reported a significant improvement of the mean severity (scale 0–10) of urinary incontinence from 7.2 ±1.6  pretreatment (=T0) to 4.3 ± 3.0 1 year after the end of treatment (P < 0.001). A total of 20.6% of patients reported no urinary incontinence after 1 year (P < 0.001), and 27.6% (P < 0.001) stopped using incontinence pads. Patients claimed high satisfaction with the clinic and care received, with 35.8% being “satisfied” and 45.5% “very satisfied.”

Conclusion

At 1 year after the end of treatment, one out of five patients with urinary incontinence recovered completely, and more than one out of four stopped using incontinence absorption pads. One out of three patients went from having a multifactorial health problem to a monofactorial health problem. High satisfaction rates were reported by more than four out of five patients.
The distribution of cave twilight‐zone spiders depends on microclimatic features and trophic supply
Authors: Manenti Raoul , Lunghi Enrico , Ficetola Gentile Francesco
Published: August 2015

Caves are not closed systems. Trophic dynamics in these habitats are driven by resource availability, and species that move between cave and outdoor environments may play a major role in resource availability. Spiders are among the most abundant invertebrates in caves; however, very few studies have tested factors hypothesized to affect the distribution of spiders among caves, and it is not known whether the trophic features of caves play a role in determining the occurrence, abundance, or breeding success of spiders. We assessed the distribution of the cave‐dwelling orb‐weaver spider Meta menardi in Italy, in a Mediterranean and in a Pre‐alpine area during summer and winter. We analyzed the relationships between spider distribution and multiple cave features, describing both the abiotic and the biotic environment. Using visual encounter surveys, the detection probability of this species was high, indicating that this technique provides reliable information on spider distribution. In Mediterranean caves, spider presence was more likely in cold and wet caves with abundant dipterans. In Pre‐alpine caves, spider presence was more likely in deep caves with abundant dipterans. Dipteran abundance was the variable best explaining spider distribution when pooling all sampled caves. This study shows that adults of M. menardi do not occur randomly among caves, but select caves with specific features. Prey availability and abiotic features are major determinants of habitat suitability for cave spiders. The strong relationship between spider distribution and prey availability suggests that the distribution of these spiders might be an indicator of the resources available in the twilight zones of caves.
Development and initial validation of the Parental PELICAN Questionnaire (PaPEQu) – an instrument to assess parental experiences and needs during their child's end‐of‐life care
Authors: Zimmermann Karin , Cignacco Eva , Eskola Katri , Engberg Sandra , Ramelet Anne‐Sylvie , Von der Weid Nicolas , Bergstraesser Eva
Published: August 2015

Aim

To develop and test the Parental PELICAN Questionnaire, an instrument to retrospectively assess parental experiences and needs during their child's end‐of‐life care.

Background

To offer appropriate care for dying children, healthcare professionals need to understand the illness experience from the family perspective. A questionnaire specific to the end‐of‐life experiences and needs of parents losing a child is needed to evaluate the perceived quality of paediatric end‐of‐life care.

Design

This is an instrument development study applying mixed methods based on recommendations for questionnaire design and validation.

Method

The Parental PELICAN Questionnaire was developed in four phases between August 2012–March 2014: phase 1: item generation; phase 2: validity testing; phase 3: translation; phase 4: pilot testing. Psychometric properties were assessed after applying the Parental PELICAN Questionnaire in a sample of 224 bereaved parents in April 2014. Validity testing covered the evidence based on tests of content, internal structure and relations to other variables.

Results

The Parental PELICAN Questionnaire consists of approximately 90 items in four slightly different versions accounting for particularities of the four diagnostic groups. The questionnaire's items were structured according to six quality domains described in the literature. Evidence of initial validity and reliability could be demonstrated with the involvement of healthcare professionals and bereaved parents.

Conclusion

The Parental PELICAN Questionnaire holds promise as a measure to assess parental experiences and needs and is applicable to a broad range of paediatric specialties and settings. Future validation is needed to evaluate its suitability in different cultures.
More on the genetical theory of multilevel selection
Authors: Gardner A.
Published: August 2015

In my article The genetical theory of multilevel selection, I provided a synthesis of the theory of multilevel selection (MLS) and the theory of natural selection in class‐structured populations. I framed this synthesis within Fisher's genetical paradigm, taking a strictly genetical approach to traits and fitness. I showed that this resolves a number of long‐standing conceptual problems that have plagued the MLS literature, including the issues of ‘aggregate’ vs. ‘emergent’ group traits, ‘collective fitness1’ vs. ‘collective fitness2’ and ‘MLS1’ vs. ‘MLS2 ‘. In his commentary, Goodnight suggests this theoretical and conceptual synthesis is flawed in several respects. Here, I show this is incorrect, by: reiterating the theoretical and conceptual goals of my synthesis; clarifying that my genetical approach to traits is necessary for a proper analysis of the action of MLS independently of non‐Darwinian factors; emphasizing that the Price–Hamilton approach to MLS provides a consistent, useful and conceptually superior theoretical framework; and explaining the role of reproductive value in the study of natural selection in class‐structured populations. I also show that Goodnight's contextual analysis treatment of MLS in a class‐structured population is mathematically, biologically and conceptually inadequate.
Protective efficacy of Nigella sativa seeds and oil against columnaris disease in fishes
Authors: Mohammed H H , Arias C R
Published: August 2015

Columnaris disease, caused by the bacterium Flavobacterium columnare, is currently the most frequently reported bacterial disease affecting farm‐raised channel catfish in the USA. Common treatments against the disease include the use of medicated feed that has led to emergent antibiotic resistant strains of F. columnare. Nigella sativa (Black cumin) is a medicinal herb commonly used by many cultures as a natural remedy for numerous disorders. Recently, we have discovered the antibacterial activity of N. sativa and its oil extract against F. columnare. In this study, we showed N. sativa oil (NSO) strongly inhibited the growth of all of the strains of F. columnare tested and yielded significantly larger zones of inhibition than those produced by oxytetracyclin. We tested the protective effect against columnaris disease in vivo by incorporating NSO (5%) or N. sativa seeds (NSS) (5%) into fish feeds. Fishes (Ictalurus punctatus and Danio rerio) fed amended diets displayed significantly lower mortality than those fed control diets. Per cent mortalities in control groups ranged from 77% to 44% and from 70% to 18% in zebrafish and channel catfish, respectively. A dose study using different NSS concentrations showed that 5% NSS offered the most protection against columnaris disease in channel catfish.
Hybrid Input‐Output Life Cycle Assessment of First‐ and Second‐Generation Ethanol Production Technologies in Brazil
Authors: Watanabe Marcos D. B. , Chagas Mateus F. , Cavalett Otávio , Guilhoto Joaquim J. M. , Griffin W. Michael , Cunha Marcelo P. , Bonomi Antonio
Published: August 2015

A hybrid approach combining life cycle assessment and input‐output analysis was used to demonstrate the economic and environmental benefits of current and future improvements in agricultural and industrial technologies for ethanol production in Brazilian biorefineries. In this article, three main scenarios were evaluated: first‐generation ethanol production with the average current technology; the improved current technology; and the integration of improved first‐ and second‐generation ethanol production. For the improved first‐generation scenario, a US$1 million increase in ethanol demand can give rise to US$2.5 million of total economic activity in the Brazilian economy when direct and indirect purchases of inputs are considered. This value is slightly higher than the economic activity (US$1.8 million) for an energy equivalent amount of gasoline. The integration of first‐ and second‐generation technologies significantly reduces the total greenhouse gas emissions of ethanol production: 14.6 versus 86.4 grams of carbon dioxide equivalent per megajoule (g CO2‐eq/MJ) for gasoline. Moreover, emissions of ethanol can be negative (–10.5 g CO2‐eq/MJ) when the system boundary is expanded to account for surplus bioelectricity by displacement of natural gas thermal electricity generation considering electricity produced in first‐generation optimized biorefineries.
The effect of cognitive appraisal in middle‐aged women stroke survivors and the psychological health of their caregivers: a follow‐up study
Authors: Wu Ming‐Hsiu , Lee Sheuan , Su Hui‐Yi , Pai Hsiang‐Chu
Published: August 2015

Aims and objectives

This study identified the factors that affect health‐related quality of life at one and six months post‐stroke in women who have undergone a mild stroke and that affect their informal caregivers’ psychological health status.

Background

Middle‐aged women perform the main care roles in a family. When they suffer a stroke, it upsets the equilibrium of their family life.

Design

This is a longitudinal design.

Methods

This prospective follow‐up study recruited 41 middle‐aged women stroke survivors (mean age = 54·95, SD = 9·63) and their informal caregivers (mean age = 41·56, SD = 15·93). The Short‐Form Health Survey (SF‐36) was used to assess stroke survivor's health‐related quality of life, and the Chinese Health Questionnaire was used to measure the level of depression of the stroke survivor's informal caregiver. Data were analysed through descriptive statistics, Wilcoxon signed‐rank tests and the generalised estimating equation approach for modelling repeatedly measures.

Results

All stroke survivors showed significant improvement in the physical component summary of the health‐related quality of life at one and six months after stroke, but there was no significant difference in the mental component summary. In addition, there was no significant difference in the health of the informal caregivers of the women over time. Generalised estimating equation analysis showed that the most important determinant of mental component summary of health‐related quality of life among women stroke survivors was cognitive appraisal. The informal caregivers’ most important determinants of health status, as measured by level of depression, were their sense of coherence, burden and patients’ mental component summary of the health‐related quality of life.

Conclusion

This study highlights the impact of cognitive appraisal in determining health‐related quality of life of women stroke survivors and how it affects their caregivers’ mental health.

Relevance to clinical practice

The findings of this study may contribute to home care nurses’ understanding the importance of the psychosocial impact of the stroke for the survivor and their ability to help the surviving women to promote the confidence needed for self‐care, which will contribute to their quality of life and affect their caregivers’ health.
Does your organization use gender inclusive forms? Nurses' confusion about trans* terminology
Authors: Carabez Rebecca , Pellegrini Marion , Mankovitz Andrea , Eliason Mickey , Scott Megan
Published: August 2015

Aims and objectives

To describe nurses confusion around trans* terminology and to provide a lesson in Trans* 101 for readers.

Background

Of the estimated 9 million persons in the United States of America who are identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender, about 950,000 (0·2–0·5% of adult population) are identified as trans* (a term that encompasses the spectrum, including transgender, transsexual, trans man, trans woman and other terms). The Institute of Medicine (2011, The health of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people: Building a foundation for better understanding. The National Academies Press, Washington, DC) identified transgender persons as an understudied population with significant need for health research, yet the nursing literature contains little guidance for educating nurses on trans* issues.

Design

This is a mixed methods structured interview design with nurse key informants. The scripted interview was based on the Health Care Equality Index, which evaluates patient‐centred care to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender patients and families. These data were part of a larger research study that explored the current state of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender‐sensitive nursing practice.

Method

Undergraduate nursing students recruited and interviewed 268 nurse key informants about gender inclusive forms (capable of identifying trans* patients) at their agencies.

Results

Only 5% reported use of gender inclusive forms, 44% did not know about inclusive forms, 37% did not understand what a gender inclusive form was and 14% confused gender with sexual orientation.

Conclusion

The study demonstrated a critical need for education in gender identity and sexual orientation terminology.

Relevance to clinical practice

The lack of understanding of concepts and terminology may affect basic care of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender patients especially those who identify as transgender.
Modified early warning scoring (MEWS): evaluating the evidence for tool inclusion of sepsis screening criteria and impact on mortality and failure to rescue
Authors: Roney Jamie K. , Whitley Barbara Erin , Maples Jessica C. , Futrell Lexie Scarborough , Stunkard Kimberley A. , Long JoAnn D.
Published: August 2015

Aims and objectives

To evaluate current research evidence reporting outcomes from modified early warning scoring system tools utilisation to prevent failure to rescue in hospitalised adult medical‐surgical/telemetry patients.

Background

Early sepsis detection exhibits clinical significance to practitioners and patients. Thorough and timely clinical observations, along with a willingness of nurses to call for help, are pivotal to survival of hospitalised patients. This project examined effects of modified early warning scoring system tool usage on patient mortality and failure to rescue events in hospitalised adult medical‐surgical/telemetry patients as reported in the literature.

Design

A comprehensive review and evaluation of published peer‐reviewed literature was conducted.

Methods

Electronic databases searched included PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library of systematic reviews and Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality through 2014.

Results

Eighteen articles were identified for review. Evidence ratings included 6% (1) Level I, 44% (8) Level IV, 6% (1) Level V, 33% (6) Level VI and 11% (2) Level VII. Six reported mortality predictive value and/or reduction, three measured impact on emergency calls, and four reported impact on mortality and rapid response team utilisation.

Conclusion

While modified early warning scoring system tools have been widely adopted and are recommended for utility in detection of inpatients at‐risk for clinical deterioration, limited high‐level data and no clinical trials linking use of modified early warning scoring system tool usage to robust outcomes were found. Established criteria for validating modified early warning scoring system criteria, organisational‐specific reliability testing and multi‐site trials are recommended.

Relevance to clinical practice

Development of all‐cause illness screening tools, including sepsis, is imperative. The clinical picture may be quantified with scoring tools to assist nurses’ clinical decision‐making, thus leading to improved outcomes and decreased incidence of failure to rescue. Clinical outcomes of interest should be measured and reported in peer‐reviewed literature to disseminate the impact on clinical outcomes.
SENIOR MIGRATION: SPATIAL CONSIDERATIONS OF AMENITY AND HEALTH ACCESS DRIVERS*
Authors: Dorfman Jeffrey H. , Mandich Anne M.
Published: August 2015

This paper extends the literature on amenity migration by focusing on healthcare access for later‐life migrants. Previous studies have strongly suggested that natural amenities are strong pull factors for later‐life migrants, but high natural amenity counties rarely possess the quality healthcare access optimal for elderly migrants. Utilizing a spatial Bayesian estimation strategy, we explicitly consider numerous drivers of later‐life migration to examine the extent to which health access is a driver in location decisions. We find healthcare access measures, including hospital expenditures, hospital beds, and number of doctors, are positively associated with later‐life migration decisions.
Subfunctionalization of arylalkylamine N‐acetyltransferases in the sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax: two‐ones for one two
Authors: Paulin Charles‐Hubert , Cazaméa‐Catalan Damien , Zilberman‐Peled Bina , Herrera‐Perez Patricia , Sauzet Sandrine , Magnanou Elodie , Fuentès Michael , Gothilf Yoav , Muñoz‐Cueto Jose Antonio , Falcón Jack , Besseau Laurence
Published: August 2015

Melatonin is an important component of the vertebrates circadian system, synthetized from serotonin by the successive action of the arylalkylamine N‐acetyltransferase (Aanat: serotonin→N‐acetylserotonin) and acetylserotonin‐O‐methyltransferase (Asmt: N‐acetylserotonin→melatonin). Aanat is responsible for the daily rhythm in melatonin production. Teleost fish are unique because they express two Aanat genes, aanat1 and aanat2, mainly expressed in the retina and pineal gland, respectively. In silico analysis indicated that the teleost‐specific whole‐genome duplication generated Aanat1 duplicates (aanat1a and aanat1b); some fish express both of them, while others express either one of the isoforms. Here, we bring the first information on the structure, function, and distribution of Aanat1a and Aanat1b in a teleost, the sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax. Aanat1a and Aanat1b displayed a wide and distinct distribution in the nervous system and peripheral tissues, while Aanat2 appeared as a pineal enzyme. Co‐expression of Aanats with asmt was found in the pineal gland and the three retinal nuclear layers. Enzyme kinetics indicated subtle differences in the affinity and catalytic efficiency of Aanat1a and Aanat1b for indolethylamines and phenylethylamines, respectively. Our data are consistent with the idea that Aanat2 is a pineal enzyme involved in melatonin production, while Aanat1 enzymes have a broader range of functions including melatonin synthesis in the retina, and catabolism of serotonin and dopamine in the retina and other tissues. The data are discussed in light of the recently uncovered roles of N‐acetylserotonin and N‐acetyldopamine as antioxidants, neuroprotectants, and modulators of cell proliferation and enzyme activities.