bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ERGIC3, which is regulated by miR‐203a, is a potential biomarker for non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Lin Qing‐Hai , Zhang Kui‐Dong , Duan He‐Xian , Liu Min‐Xia , Wei Wan‐Li , Cao Yi
Published: July 2015

In a previous study, we found that ERGIC3 was a novel lung cancer‐related gene by screening libraries of differentially expressed genes. In this study, we developed a new murine monoclonal antibody (mAb) against ERGIC3. This avid antibody (6‐C4) is well suited for immunohistochemistry, immunoblotting and solid‐phase immunoassays. Furthermore, we systematically investigated expressions of ERGIC3 in a broad variety of normal human tissues and various types of tumors by immunohistochemistry. In normal human tissues, 6‐C4 reacted only in some epithelial cells, such as hepatocytes, gastrointestinal epithelium, ducts and acini of the pancreas, proximal and distal tubules of the kidney, and mammary epithelial cells; however, most normal human tissues were not stained. Moreover, almost all carcinomas that originated from the epithelial cells were positive for 6‐C4, whereas all sarcomas were negative. Notably, 6‐C4 strongly stained non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells but did not react with normal lung tissues. Hence, ERGIC3 mAb could be used in histopathological diagnosis and cytopathological testing to detect early‐stage NSCLC. We also studied the mechanisms of ERGIC3 regulation in vitro and in vivo by means of bioinformatics analysis, luciferase reporter assay, miRNA expression profiling and miRNA transfection. Results showed that miR‐203a downregulation induced ERGIC3 overexpression in NSCLC cells.
Neighborhood and family social capital and parent‐reported oral health of children in Iowa
Authors: Reynolds Julie C. , Damiano Peter C. , Glanville Jennifer L. , Oleson Jacob , McQuistan Michelle R.
Published: July 2015

Objectives

A growing body of evidence supports the impact of social factors on oral health disparities in children in the United States. The goal of this study was to examine the relationship between two types of social capital—family and neighborhood—and the parent‐reported oral health of Iowa's children.

Methods

We analyzed results from a 2010 cross‐sectional statewide health survey. The outcome was parent‐reported child oral health status, and the five primary independent variables were neighborhood social capital and four separate indicators of family social capital. Data were analyzed using a mixed‐effects linear regression with a random effect for zip code.

Results

Significant positive associations were found between child oral health status and neighborhood social capital (P = 0.005) and one indicator of family social capital, family frequency of eating meals together (P = 0.02), after adjusting for covariates.

Conclusions

This study adds to the growing body of literature around the social determinants of oral health. Our findings indicate that the oral health of children may be influenced by broad social factors such as neighborhood and family social capital.
Prevalence of Aspergillus sensitization and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis in cystic fibrosis: systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Maturu V. N. , Agarwal R.
Published: July 2015

Background

The prevalence of Aspergillus sensitization (AS) and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) in cystic fibrosis (CF) has been varyingly reported. The aim of this systematic review was to estimate the overall prevalence of AS/ABPA in CF.

Methods

We searched the PubMed and EmBase databases for studies reporting the prevalence of AS/ABPA in CF. We calculated the proportion with 95% confidence interval (CI) to assess the prevalence of AS and ABPA in the individual studies and then pooled the results using a random effects model. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 test while publication bias was assessed using both graphical and statistical methods.

Results

Our search yielded 64 eligible studies. The pooled prevalence of AS was 39.1% (95% CI: 33.3–45.1) and was higher with skin test compared to specific IgE (43.8% vs. 32.8%, P = 0.002); however, the prevalence did not vary with the type of skin test used (intradermal or percutaneous). The prevalence of ABPA was 8.9% (95% CI: 7.4–10.7) and was higher in adults as compared to children (10.1% vs. 8.9%, P < 0.0001). There was a wide variation in the criteria used for diagnosing ABPA. Almost 50% (12/23) of the publications after 2004 used criteria other than the CF foundation criteria for diagnosing ABPA. There was significant statistical heterogeneity and evidence of publication bias.

Conclusions

There is a high prevalence of AS and ABPA in patients with CF. Despite six decades of research, there is still a need to adopt uniform methodology and criteria for the diagnosis of AS/ABPA.
Neuron–oligodendrocyte interaction in neuroinflammation
Authors: Itoh Takayuki
Published: July 2015

Axons are the most vulnerable component of the nervous system because of their specialized structure. However, less attention has been focused on axons compared with the neuronal cell body in the study of various neurological diseases involving the central nervous system. In multiple sclerosis, although the principal targets of autoimmunity are myelin and oligodendrocytes, progressive axonopathy becomes apparent during the chronic phase of the disease, which correlates with the progression of clinical disability. This fact prompted us to reexamine the mutual relationship between axons and oligodendrocytes. In the past decade, our knowledge of this relationship has been rapidly expanded, and we now realize that the oligodendrocyte is not just a partner for saltatory conduction. The present review summarizes our current basic knowledge of the mutual relationship between axons and oligodendrocytes with relevance to MS research.
Comparing Two Diagnostic Procedures in Planning Dental Implants to Support a Mandibular Free‐Ending Removable Partial Denture
Authors: Jensen Charlotte , Raghoebar Gerry M. , Meijer Henny J.A. , Schepers Rutger , Cune Marco S.
Published: July 2015

Background

The use of a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) for the preoperative implant planning is increasing. A clear guideline is needed in which cases of CBCT is essential.

Purpose

In this study, two imaging modalities (panoramic radiograph and CBCT) are compared in preoperative implant planning in the severely resorbed mandible and the influence on the observers assessments.

Materials and Methods

Thirty‐four consecutive patients with bilateral edentulous regions in the mandible were included. The feasibility of implant placement in the premolar and molar region was judged by three observers on basis of casts either with a panoramic radiograph or a CBCT.Cohen's kappa, sensitivity and specificity rates, odds of agreement and disagreement as well as the odds ratios (ORs, ratio between odds of agreement and disagreement) were calculated per observer and overall for all observers assuming the majorities agreement as the prevailing opinion.

Results

Overall outcome for premolar region revealed true‐positive and true‐negative rates of 90% and 0%, respectively, with Cohen's kappa (κ) = −0.04. The ORs for the three observers varied between 2.6 and 158.8, with an overall OR = 76.For the molar region, overall true‐positive and true‐negative rates were 65% and 22% respectively, with Cohen's κ = 0.68, representing a reasonable amount of agreement. Sensitivity and specificity as well as the ORs for individual observers were fairly consistent with an overall OR = 43.

Conclusion

Implant placement in the resorbed posterior mandible can be well assessed with a cast in combination with a panoramic radiograph in the vast majority of the cases. Misclassification amounts to approximately 10% to 13%. In all cases of misclassification, a critical bone height, or an unclear course of the mandibular nerve or a knife edge ridge was present. In these cases, the use of a CBCT is justified.
Biologically Plausible, Human‐Scale Knowledge Representation
Authors: Crawford Eric , Gingerich Matthew , Eliasmith Chris
Published: July 2015

Several approaches to implementing symbol‐like representations in neurally plausible models have been proposed. These approaches include binding through synchrony (Shastri & Ajjanagadde, ), “mesh” binding (van der Velde & de Kamps, ), and conjunctive binding (Smolensky, ). Recent theoretical work has suggested that most of these methods will not scale well, that is, that they cannot encode structured representations using any of the tens of thousands of terms in the adult lexicon without making implausible resource assumptions. Here, we empirically demonstrate that the biologically plausible structured representations employed in the Semantic Pointer Architecture (SPA) approach to modeling cognition (Eliasmith, ) do scale appropriately. Specifically, we construct a spiking neural network of about 2.5 million neurons that employs semantic pointers to successfully encode and decode the main lexical relations in WordNet, which has over 100,000 terms. In addition, we show that the same representations can be employed to construct recursively structured sentences consisting of arbitrary WordNet concepts, while preserving the original lexical structure. We argue that these results suggest that semantic pointers are uniquely well‐suited to providing a biologically plausible account of the structured representations that underwrite human cognition.
Injecting buprenorphine‐naloxone film: Findings from an explorative qualitative study
Authors: White Nancy , Flaherty Ian , Higgs Peter , Larance Briony , Nielsen Suzanne , Degenhardt Louisa , Ali Robert , Lintzeris Nicholas
Published: July 2015

Introduction and Aims

Experiences of buprenorphine‐naloxone (BNX) sublingual film injection are not well documented or understood. We examined how people who inject BNX film seek and share information about this practice, document the methods used to prepare BNX film for injection, and report participants' experiences of this practice.

Design and Methods

Interviews were (n = 16) conducted with people who indicated that they had injected BNX film since its introduction onto the Australian market. Semistructured interviews were recorded and transcribed. NVivo10 program (QSR International) was used to analyse the data using qualitative description methodology.

Results

Participants largely reported similar BNX film preparation techniques, although the texture of BNX film during preparation to inject was reported to be unusual (gluggy), and there were many varied accounts associated with the amount of water used. Physical harms reported as associated with injecting BNX film were described (including local and systemic issues); participants reported injecting the film to enhance its immediate effects, yet generally reported that sublingual administration provided longer‐lasting effects.

Discussion and Conclusions

Understanding knowledge acquisition about injecting new formulations of opioid substitution therapy is crucial in developing more effective harm‐reduction strategies. Dissemination by peer networks to those who are currently or planning to inject BNX film regarding the ‘gelatine like’ texture when mixing, using only cold water and double filtering is important to ensure safer injecting practices. Findings from this study highlight the importance of peer networks for the dissemination of harm‐reduction information. Introduction of new formulations internationally requires more qualitative studies to inform safer practices. [White N, Flaherty I, Higgs P, Larance B, Nielsen S, Degenhardt L, Ali R, Lintzeris N. Injecting buprenorphine‐naloxone film: Findings from an explorative qualitative study. Drug Alcohol Rev 2015;34:623–629]
Effects of self‐monitoring of glucose on distress and self‐efficacy in people with non‐insulin‐treated Type 2 diabetes: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Malanda U. L. , Bot S. D. M. , Kostense P. J. , Snoek F. J. , Dekker J. M. , Nijpels G.
Published: July 2015

Aims

To investigate the effects of self‐monitoring of glucose in blood or urine, on diabetes‐specific distress and self‐efficacy, compared with usual care in people with non‐insulin‐treated Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods

One hundred and eighty‐one participants with non‐insulin‐treated Type 2 diabetes mellitus [diabetes duration ≥ 1 year, age 45–75 years, HbA1c ≥ 53.0 mmol/mol (7.0%), self‐monitoring frequency < 3 times in the previous year] were randomly assigned to blood self‐monitoring (n = 60), urine self‐monitoring (n = 59) or usual care (n = 62). Primary outcomes were between‐group differences in diabetes‐specific distress [Problem Areas in Diabetes scale (PAID)] and self‐efficacy [Confidence in Diabetes Self‐Care questionnaire (CIDS–2)] after 12 months. Secondary outcomes included changes in HbA1c, treatment satisfaction and depressive symptoms.

Results

There were no statistically significant between‐group differences in changes in PAID and CIDS‐2 after 12 months. Mean difference in PAID between blood monitoring and control was −2.2 [95% confidence interval (CI) −7.1 to 2.7], between urine monitoring and control was −0.9 (95% CI −4.4 to 2.5) and between blood monitoring and urine monitoring was −2.0 (95% CI −4.1 to 0.1). Mean difference in CIDS‐2 between blood monitoring and control was 0.6 [95% CI (−2.0 to 2.1), between urine monitoring and control was 2.8 (95% CI −2.3 to 7.9)] and between blood monitoring and urine monitoring was −3.3 (95% CI −7.9 to 1.3). No statistically significant between‐group differences in change in any of the secondary outcome measures were found.

Conclusions

This study did not find statistical or clinical evidence for a long‐term effect of self‐monitoring of glucose in blood or urine on diabetes‐specific distress and self‐efficacy in people with moderately controlled non‐insulin‐treated Type 2 diabetes mellitus. (Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN84568563)
Case–control study of second‐line therapies for type 2 diabetes in combination with metformin and the comparative risks of myocardial infarction and stroke
Authors: Floyd J. S. , Wiggins K. L. , Sitlani C. M. , Flory J. H. , Dublin S. , Smith N. L. , Heckbert S. R. , Psaty B. M.
Published: July 2015

We conducted a population‐based case–control study to assess the myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke risks associated with sulphonylureas and insulin when used in combination with metformin. Cases had type 2 diabetes and used metformin + insulin or metformin + sulphonylureas at the time of a first MI or first stroke between 1995 and 2010; controls used the same treatment combinations and were randomly sampled from the same population. MI and stroke diagnoses and potential confounders were validated by medical record reviews. Compared with metformin + sulphonylurea, metformin + insulin was associated with similar risks of MI or stroke [odds ratio 0.98 (95% confidence interval 0.63–1.52)]. Meta‐analysis with another observational study improved the precision of the risk estimate [relative risk 0.92 (95% confidence interval 0.69–1.24)]. Current evidence suggests that there may not be large differences in cardiovascular risk associated with the use of insulin or sulphonylureas when used in combination with metformin.
DIVIDEND POLICY IN REGULATED NETWORK INDUSTRIES: EVIDENCE FROM THE EU
Authors: Bremberger Francisca , Cambini Carlo , Gugler Klaus , Rondi Laura
Published: July 2015

We study the dividend policy of firms in regulated network industries, focusing on the impact of different regulatory regimes and government control. We link payout and smoothing decisions to different regulatory mechanisms (cost‐based vs. incentive regulation) and state versus private ownership. We test our predictions on a panel of listed European electric utilities, accounting for potential endogeneity of the choice of regulatory and ownership patterns. We find that incentive‐regulated firms smooth their dividends less than cost‐based regulated firms and that they report higher target payout ratios. Consistent with the interest group theory of regulation, we find that incentive regulation schemes are less likely when the state is still an important shareholder in the sector. Additionally, our results show that government control undermines the efficiency‐enhancing effects of incentive regulation on dividend policy, for example, lower smoothing is only due to private firms. (JEL G35, L51, L32, L9)
Divergence and evolution of reproductive barriers among three allopatric populations of Rhagoletis cingulata across eastern North America and Mexico
Authors: Tadeo Eduardo , Feder Jeffery L. , Egan Scott P. , Schuler Hannes , Aluja Martin , Rull Juan
Published: July 2015

Geography is often a key factor facilitating population divergence and speciation. In this regard, the geographic distributions of flies in the genus Rhagoletis (Diptera: Tephritidae) in temperate North America have been affected by cycles of Pleistocene glaciation and interglacial periods. Fluctuations in climatic conditions may have had their most dramatic effects on geographically isolating Rhagoletis flies in the central highland region of Mexico. During past periods of allopatry, a degree of post‐zygotic reproductive isolation appears to have evolved between hawthorn‐infesting populations of Rhagoletis pomonella (Walsh) in the central Eje Volcanico Trans Mexicano (EVTM) and those from the Sierra Madre Oriental Mountains (SMO) of Mexico, as well as hawthorn flies from the eastern USA. Here, we investigate the generality of this finding in the genus Rhagoletis by testing for reproductive isolation among populations of Rhagoletis cingulata (Loew) (Diptera: Tephritidae) collected from infested domesticated sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) in the USA and black cherry [Prunus serotina Ehrh. (both Rosaceae)] from the SMO and EVTM. We report evidence for marked post‐mating reproductive isolation among certain R. cingulata populations. The high levels of reproductive isolation were observed between R. cingulata flies from populations in the USA and SMO differed from the pattern seen for R. pomonella, primarily involving the EVTM. In addition, egg hatch was significantly reduced for crosses between SMO males and EVTM females, but not greatly in the opposite direction. We discuss potential causes for the different patterns of post‐mating reproductive isolation among Rhagoletis flies.
Subjective and objective quality of life at first presentation with psychosis
Authors: Renwick Laoise , Drennan Jonathan , Sheridan Ann , Owens Liz , Lyne John , O'Donoghue Brian , Kinsella Anthony , Turner Niall , O'Callaghan Eadbhard , Clarke Mary
Published: July 2015

Aim

Quality of life (QOL) in first‐episode psychosis (FEP) is impaired when compared to non‐clinical controls and several clinical factors including symptoms and untreated psychosis have been linked with poorer QOL. Measurement methods are varied, however, resulting in inconsistent findings and there is a need to simultaneously combine subjective and objective measures of QOL.

Methods

We examined both subjective (n = 128) and objective QOL (n = 178) in a catchment area cohort of individuals with FEP (n = 222) to determine correspondence between patient satisfaction and clinician‐rated functional domains. We also examined the contribution of sociodemographic and clinical characteristics to both subjective and objective QOL.

Results

There were complex relationships between subjective and objective QOL domains in that patient's assessments of health status (psychological well‐being, symptoms/outlook, physical health) were not correlated with clinicians but there were strong correlations between social functioning domains (occupation, social relations, financial status and activities of daily living) assessed by patients and clinicians. Longer duration of untreated psychosis, being treated as an inpatient, higher positive symptoms and poorer social functioning in client‐rated QOL domains predicted poorer objective QOL.

Conclusion

We found that both subjective and objective assessments of QOL displayed a degree of clinical utility demonstrated by relationships between clinical factors and both QOL perspectives. Moreover, the lack of association between patient characteristics and QOL shows some potential malleability of QOL outcomes through intervention as there were several clinical factors linked with both subjective and objective QOL.
Nucleus accumbens dopaminergic neurotransmission switches its modulatory action in chronification of inflammatory hyperalgesia
Authors: Dias Elayne Vieira , Sartori César Renato , Marião Paula Ramos , Vieira André Schwambach , Camargo Lilian Calili , Athie Maria Carolina Pedro , Pagliusi Marco Oreste , Tambeli Claudia Herrera , Parada Carlos Amilcar
Published: July 2015

Dopaminergic neurotransmission in the nucleus accumbens, a central component of the mesolimbic system, has been associated with acute pain modulation. As there is a transition from acute to chronic pain (‘chronification’), modulatory structures may be involved in chronic pain development. Thus, this study aimed to elucidate the role of nucleus accumbens dopaminergic neurotransmission in chronification of pain. We used a rat model in which daily subcutaneous injection of prostaglandin E2 in the hindpaw for 14 days induces a long‐lasting state of nociceptor sensitization that lasts for at least 30 days following the end of the treatment. Our findings demonstrated that the increase of dopamine in the nucleus accumbens by local administration of GBR12909 (0.5 nmol/0.25 μL), a dopamine reuptake inhibitor, blocked prostaglandin E2‐induced acute hyperalgesia. This blockade was prevented by a dopamine D2 receptor antagonist (raclopride, 10 nmol/0.25 μL) but not changed by a D1 receptor antagonist (SCH23390, 0.5, 3 or 10 nmol/0.25 μL), both co‐administered with GBR12909 in the nucleus accumbens. In contrast, the induction of persistent hyperalgesia was facilitated by continuous infusion of GBR12909 in the nucleus accumbens (0.021 nmol/0.5 μL/h) over 7 days of prostaglandin E2 treatment. The development of persistent hyperalgesia was impaired by SCH23390 (0.125 nmol/0.5 μL/h) and raclopride (0.416 nmol/0.5 μL/h), both administered continuously in the nucleus accumbens over 7 days. Taken together, our data suggest that the chronification of pain involves the plasticity of dopaminergic neurotransmission in the nucleus accumbens, which switches its modulatory role from antinociceptive to pronociceptive.
Biological assays for plant viruses and other graft‐transmissible pathogens diagnoses: a review
Authors: Legrand P.
Published: July 2015

Biological assays, often referred to as woody indexing and herbaceous indexing, may be used to detect and identify plant viruses and other graft‐transmissible pathogens to ensure that plants for planting are free from regulated pests. However, many factors can influence the results of biological indexing, which affect the analytical specificity, analytical sensitivity and reliability (repeatability and reproducibility) of these tests. This review focuses on the following: the environmental factors, the role of the inoculum source, the choice of the indicator plant, the expression of symptoms, the number of repetitions, the use of positive controls and healthy controls, the means of transmission of pathogens, the differentiation of strains, the influence of isolates or strains of pathogens, mixed infections, and the bulking of samples for testing. Some indicator plants which are highly susceptible to many viruses and virus‐like diseases may be used to detect a wide range of pathogens. However, comparing the results from bioassays with those from serological or molecular tests has shown the limits for detection and identification of many pathogens. It is concluded therefore that biological assays should only be considered for use in conjunction with serological or molecular tests to detect and identify pathogens. Bio‐amplification by indicator plants to amplify a pathogen to levels that can be detected by another test method remains of interest.
Antinociceptive effects of methadone combined with detomidine or acepromazine in horses
Authors: Lopes C. , Luna S. P. L. , Rosa A. C. , Quarterone C. , Crosignani N. , Taylor P. M. , Pantoja J. C. , Puoli J. N. P.
Published: July 2015

Reasons for performing study

To investigate two protocols to provide antinociception in horses.

Objectives

To evaluate the antinociceptive effects of intravenous methadone combined with detomidine or acepromazine in adult horses.

Study design

Randomised, blinded, crossover study.

Methods

Mechanical, thermal and electrical stimuli were applied to the dorsal left and right metacarpus and coronary band of the left thoracic limb, respectively. A thermal stimulus was applied caudal to the withers. The horses were treated with saline (C), a combination of methadone (0.2 mg/kg bwt) and detomidine (10 μg/kg bwt) (MD) or methadone (0.2 mg/kg bwt) and acepromazine (0.05 mg/kg bwt) (MA) at 1 week intervals. Nociceptive thresholds were measured before and at 15 min intervals until 150 min after treatment. Wilcoxon rank‐sum and Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used to compare data between groups at each time point and over time within each group, followed by the Bonferroni method to adjust the P value.

Results

The mechanical stimulus was the most sensitive test to differentiate the antinociceptive effects of the treatments. Mechanical thresholds were greater after MD than MA between 15 and 30 min and with both MD and MA these thresholds were greater than C from 15 to 60 min. Electrical and thermal limb thresholds were greater after MD than C at 15 and 45 min and at 15, 30, 45, 75 and 105 min, respectively. Thermal limb thresholds were greater with MA than C at 30 min. Thoracic thermal threshold in MD and MA were higher than C at 45, 75, 90 and 120 min and from 30 to 75 min, respectively.

Conclusions

Methadone and acepromazine produced less pronounced mechanical antinociception than MD.
Identification of novel dipeptidyl peptidase 9 substrates by two‐dimensional differential in‐gel electrophoresis
Authors: Zhang Hui , Maqsudi Sadiqa , Rainczuk Adam , Duffield Nadine , Lawrence Josie , Keane Fiona M. , Justa‐Schuch Daniela , Geiss‐Friedlander Ruth , Gorrell Mark D. , Stephens Andrew N.
Published: July 2015

Dipeptidyl peptidase 9 (DPP9) is a member of the S9B/DPPIV (DPP4) serine protease family, which cleaves N‐terminal dipeptides at an Xaa‐Pro consensus motif. Cytoplasmic DPP9 has roles in epidermal growth factor signalling and in antigen processing, whilst the role of the recently discovered nuclear form of DPP9 is unknown. Mice lacking DPP9 proteolytic activity die as neonates. We applied a modified 2D differential in‐gel electrophoresis approach to identify novel DPP9 substrates, using mouse embryonic fibroblasts lacking endogenous DPP9 activity. A total of 111 potential new DPP9 substrates were identified, with nine proteins/peptides confirmed as DPP9 substrates by MALDI‐TOF or immunoblotting. Moreover, we also identified the dipeptide Val‐Ala as a consensus site for DPP9 cleavage that was not recognized by DPP8, suggesting different in vivo roles for these closely related enzymes. The relative kinetics for the cleavage of these nine candidate substrates by DPP9, DPP8 and DPP4 were determined. This is the first identification of DPP9 substrates from cells lacking endogenous DPP9 activity. These data greatly expand the potential roles of DPP9 and suggest different in vivo roles for DPP9 and DPP8.
NPY‐Y1 coexpressed with NPY‐Y5 receptors modulate anxiety but not mild social stress response in mice
Authors: Longo A. , Oberto A. , Mele P. , Mattiello L. , Pisu M. G. , Palanza P. , Serra M. , Eva C.
Published: July 2015

The Y1 and Y5 receptors for neuropeptide Y have overlapping functions in regulating anxiety. We previously demonstrated that conditional removal of the Y1 receptor in the Y5 receptor expressing neurons in juvenile Npy1rY5R−/− mice leads to higher anxiety but no changes in hypothalamus‐pituitary‐adrenocortical axis activity, under basal conditions or after acute restraint stress. In the present study, we used the same conditional system to analyze the specific contribution of limbic neurons coexpressing Y1 and Y5 receptors on the emotional and neuroendocrine responses to social chronic stress, using different housing conditions (isolation vs. group‐housing) as a model. We demonstrated that control Npy1r2lox male mice housed in groups show increased anxiety and hypothalamus‐pituitary‐adrenocortical axis activity compared with Npy1r2lox mice isolated for six weeks immediately after weaning. Conversely, Npy1rY5R−/− conditional mutants display an anxious‐like behavior but no changes in hypothalamus‐pituitary‐adrenocortical axis activity as compared with their control littermates, independently of housing conditions. These results suggest that group housing constitutes a mild social stress for our B6129S mouse strain and they confirm that the conditional inactivation of Y1 receptors specifically in Y5 receptor containing neurons increases stress‐related anxiety without affecting endocrine stress responses.
BHPMF – a hierarchical Bayesian approach to gap‐filling and trait prediction for macroecology and functional biogeography
Authors: Schrodt Franziska , Kattge Jens , Shan Hanhuai , Fazayeli Farideh , Joswig Julia , Banerjee Arindam , Reichstein Markus , Bönisch Gerhard , Díaz Sandra , Dickie John , Gillison Andy , Karpatne Anuj , Lavorel Sandra , Leadley Paul , Wirth Christian B. , Wright Ian J. , Wright S. Joseph , Reich Peter B.
Published: July 2015

Aim

Functional traits of organisms are key to understanding and predicting biodiversity and ecological change, which motivates continuous collection of traits and their integration into global databases. Such trait matrices are inherently sparse, severely limiting their usefulness for further analyses. On the other hand, traits are characterized by the phylogenetic trait signal, trait–trait correlations and environmental constraints, all of which provide information that could be used to statistically fill gaps. We propose the application of probabilistic models which, for the first time, utilize all three characteristics to fill gaps in trait databases and predict trait values at larger spatial scales.

Innovation

For this purpose we introduce BHPMF, a hierarchical Bayesian extension of probabilistic matrix factorization (PMF). PMF is a machine learning technique which exploits the correlation structure of sparse matrices to impute missing entries. BHPMF additionally utilizes the taxonomic hierarchy for trait prediction and provides uncertainty estimates for each imputation. In combination with multiple regression against environmental information, BHPMF allows for extrapolation from point measurements to larger spatial scales. We demonstrate the applicability of BHPMF in ecological contexts, using different plant functional trait datasets, also comparing results to taking the species mean and PMF.

Main conclusions

Sensitivity analyses validate the robustness and accuracy of BHPMF: our method captures the correlation structure of the trait matrix as well as the phylogenetic trait signal – also for extremely sparse trait matrices – and provides a robust measure of confidence in prediction accuracy for each missing entry. The combination of BHPMF with environmental constraints provides a promising concept to extrapolate traits beyond sampled regions, accounting for intraspecific trait variability. We conclude that BHPMF and its derivatives have a high potential to support future trait‐based research in macroecology and functional biogeography.
Higher Education and the Creative Economy: Creative Graduates, Knowledge Transfer and Regional Impact Debates
Authors: Comunian Roberta , Gilmore Abigail , Jacobi Silvie
Published: July 2015

This paper highlights the growing importance of interdisciplinary research at the intersection between higher education, creative industries and growth of regional creative economies. The paper not only focuses specifically on the UK context but also encompasses issues of further international interest and debate. It undertakes a review of existing literature on the cultural role of higher education institutions (HEIs) and points to recent research on HEIs' increasing importance for embedding creative graduates into a region. We not only illustrate how this area of research aligns with the concepts of the ‘creative city’ and the ‘creative class’ but also consider how talent attraction and retention processes include HEIs and art schools as part of a richer understanding of the creative economy as a contextualised production system. Furthermore, we investigate the role of HEIs as so‐called ‘third spaces’ for creative knowledge transfer, which in recent years has become a popular cultural and higher education strategy to address the difficulties of feeding creative and cultural knowledge into the wider economy. The paper concludes by highlighting future avenues for cross‐disciplinary research in three areas: communities of practice, local stakeholder management and a shared community agenda, to inform further policy and development in this area.
Public Participatory GIS
Authors: Mukherjee Falguni
Published: July 2015

Public Participatory GIS (PPGIS) is a very broad field, and because of the direct outgrowth addressing questions raised regarding inequitable access to GIS and its societal impacts, PPGIS has become an exhaustive research area. Over the past two decades, several PPGIS initiatives have taken place in the western and non‐western world. Several avenues have opened up, but nonetheless, questions regarding the effectiveness of such initiatives remain to be answered. Current research addressing the societal and political impacts of GIS have witnessed novel use of the technology and specialized spatial data provision such as volunteered geographic information, neogeography, geoweb, and map 2.0 (Goodchild,; Elwood; Sui) and have received increased attention from GIS scholars (Goodchild; Elwood; Sui). A common thread tying such specialized use of technology is the participation by citizens with little or no GIS training, a long standing objective of the PPGIS area of inquiry. So, as we move into an era that is gravitating rapidly toward more specialized use of technology built on a similar foundation, it seems timely to reflect on the effectiveness and sustainability of PPGIS initiatives. This article reviews the history of PPGIS, its genesis, and some of the critical work within the PPGIS research arena. Finally, the paper reflects on where PPGIS stands today.
Evaluating family function in caring for a geriatric group: Family APGAR applied for older adults by home care nurses
Authors: Wang Mei‐Wen , Huang Yi‐Yu
Published: July 2015

Aim

Family function is an essential factor affecting older adults' health. However, there has been no appropriate method to assess the family function of most older adults with fragility or poor health status. The present study aimed to explore the differences and relevance of family function estimated by home care nurses and the older adults, and to determine if nurses could represent older adults to provide the estimation.

Methods

Study participants were 50 older adults who were aged older 65 years and were taken care of at home by well‐trained nurses. The present study used the Family APGAR as the questionnaire. We compared the results evaluated by the older adults and their home care nurses. The results included the level of dysfunction and the total scores of the questionnaire. The paired t‐test and McNemar–Bowker test were used for the analysis.

Results

Family function could be leveled as “good,” “moderate dysfunction” and “severe dysfunction” according to the scores. The family function levels estimated by nurses showed no significant differences to the patients' condition (P = 0.123 > 0.05). Comparing the total scores of the older adults with those of their own home care nurses, the results showed a moderate to nearly high correlation (R = 0.689/P < 0.001). Caring time might be the factor affecting the result.

Conclusions

The present study provides a way of helping physicians to ascertain older adults' family problems much earlier and to improve the their health status by enhancing family support. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; ●●: ●●–●●.
Social risk factors for falls among rural Nigerian community‐dwelling older adults
Authors: Maruf Fatai Adesina , Muonwe Chidile , Odetunde Marufat
Published: July 2015

Aim

Reports on social risk factors for falls are scarce. This study explored the associations of selected sociodemographic and health variables with falls among rural Nigerian community‐dwelling older adults.

Methods

The present cross‐sectional study involved 131 community‐dwelling older adults (84 women and 47 men) recruited at an outreach center. Demographic (age, sex and marital status), social (frequency of visiting relations and friends, and number of consistent informal carers) and health (number of comorbid conditions) variables were recorded.

Results

Having fewer than two informal carers (0.26, 95% CI 0.10–0.68) was independently associated with reduced risk for falls. Visiting relations and friends less than twice per week was independently associated with greater risks for falls (3.85, 95% CI 1.42–10.46) and recurrent falls (4.86, 95% CI 1.25–18.85).

Conclusions

The number of informal carers and frequency of social visits are risk factors for falls in older adults, and need to be taken into consideration in any strategy for fall prevention in older adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; ●●: ●●–●●.
Prevalence and outcomes of comorbid illnesses in elderly patients with respiratory diseases
Authors: Bahadir Ayse , Ortakoylu Mediha Gonenc , Iliaz Sinem , Kanmaz Zehra Dilek , Bagci Belma Akbaba , Iliaz Raim , Caglar Emel
Published: July 2015

Aim

The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of comorbidities in very elderly patients hospitalized as a result of acute respiratory diseases and to analyze sex‐specific differences, and to examine the effects of these comorbidities on their treatment outcomes.

Methods

A total of 3316 patients were admitted to our pulmonary inpatient clinic between 2009 and 2011, and 243 of them (aged over 80 years) with acute respiratory disease were included in our study. Data were retrospectively collected, and included demographic features, comorbidities, laboratory findings, length of hospital stay and in‐hospital mortality.

Results

In total of 243, 144 patients (59.3%) were men and 99 patients (40.7%) were women. The mean age was 84 ± 3 years. The prevalence of comorbidity was 75.7% (n = 184). The most common comorbid disease in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was congestive heart failure (32.9%), and it was chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (49.4%) in patients with pneumonia. The rate of having one comorbidity was 58.2% (n = 107) and 35.3% (n = 65) had two. Approximately half (52.6%) of the in‐hospital deaths occurred within the first 48 hours of hospitalization. The number of comorbidities was higher in the deceased patients compared with the living patients (P = 0.01).

Conclusions

The present study showed that the majority of our patients had at least one comorbidity. The first 48 hours of hospitalization was very important, especially for the patients with comorbidities, to determine the need for intensive care unit and prognosis. The coexistence of comorbidities can increase the risk of mortality in the elderly. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 791–796.
Validation of a questionnaire for orthostatic hypotension for routine clinical use
Authors: Frith James , Newton Julia L
Published: July 2015

Aim

To validate a new patient‐reported outcome measure for routine clinical use.

Methods

A total of 50 older individuals with orthostatic hypotension who attended a falls and syncope clinic completed three questionnaires, the recently developed Orthostatic Hypotension Questionnaire, the existing Orthostatic Grading Scale and the quality of life measure EQ‐5D‐5L. Validity of the Orthostatic Hypotension Questionnaire was tested against the aforementioned questionnaires for symptoms and for quality of life. Comorbidity was quantified using the Charlson Comorbidity Index.

Results

The cohort of 50 individuals had a median age of 67 years (interquartile range 26–89 years) with a median Charlson Comorbidity Index of 3 (interquartile range 2–5). The total Orthostatic Hypotension Questionnaire Symptom Assessment score correlated strongly with the Orthostatic Grading Scale (0.616, P < 0.001) and the Orthostatic Hypotension Questionnaire Daily Activity Scale correlated strongly with daily activity on the EQ‐5D‐5L (0.61, P < 0.001). Using the Orthostatic Grading Scale, individuals' symptoms were categorized as mild, moderate or severe, the Orthostatic Hypotension Questionnaire scores were significantly different between these groups (P < 0.001). Internal consistency was high (Cronbach's apha 0.882), and ceiling or floor effects did not limit the total scores.

Conclusion

The Orthostatic Hypotension Questionnaire is a valid patient report tool to quantify the symptom burden of people with orthostatic hypotension. Because the symptoms associated with orthostatic hypotension are frequently non‐specific, it will be a clinically useful tool to measure and quantify symptom load in people with orthostatic hypotension. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 785–790.
Responsibility and neglect in global production networks: the uneven significance of codes of conduct in Indonesian factories
Authors: BARTLEY TIM , EGELS‐ZANDÉN NIKLAS
Published: July 2015

In response to anti‐sweatshop activism, lead firms in global production networks (GPNs) have adopted voluntary corporate social responsibility commitments such as codes of conduct. Scholars have begun to examine whether and how these shape labour conditions at the point of production, but existing research either focuses on a small number of cases or lacks a control group of factories that are not exposed to codes of conduct. In addition, scholars have sometimes suggested that codes of conduct can only influence certain types of factory conditions, or that government labour inspection can accomplish as much or more than codes. These possibilities have rarely been assessed systematically. In this article, we analyse data on 192 electronics, apparel/textile and footwear factories in Indonesia and show how the significance of codes varies across issues. Our findings also suggest that codes and government labour inspection fill different niches, although neither guarantees decent factory conditions. The findings have implications for the study of ‘labour agency’ and the ‘complementarity’ of public and private governance in GPNs.
A social licence to operate: corporate social responsibility, local communities and the constitution of global production networks
Authors: MAYES ROBYN
Published: July 2015

This article contributes to the theorization of the role of informal regulation (undertaken by leading firms) in the ongoing organization of global production networks. It does so through a qualitative case study of BHP Billiton's Ravensthorpe Nickel Operation (RNO) in the rural Shire of Ravensthorpe in Western Australia. This less tangible, and to date under‐researched, dimension of global production networks is foregrounded through a focus on the corporate social responsibility strategy implemented by RNO in the service of achieving and/or demonstrating a broader ‘social licence to operate’. This ‘licence’ functions – beyond the corporation – as a legitimated and legitimating multi‐scalar mechanism through which to gain and maintain access to mineral resources and thus to establish viable and ongoing global production networks. Further, this informal regulation is shown to shape social relations and qualities of place conducive to competitive global mineral extraction and to facilitate the positioning of local communities and places in mineral global production networks.
A systematic review of definitions and reporting of bleeding outcome measures in haemophilia
Authors: Chai‐Adisaksopha C. , Hillis C. , Thabane L. , Iorio A.
Published: July 2015

Introduction

Bleeding frequency is an important outcome commonly used in haemophilia studies. There is a variation in practice in how bleeding is measured and defined.

Aim

The primary objective of this study was to determine how investigators define and report bleeding outcome measures.

Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE and the CENTRAL were searched from January 1990 to January 2014. We retrieved all published studies that included patients with haemophilia A or B and reported some measures of bleeding. Two reviewers independently performed title and abstract screening, full‐text review and data abstraction of the identified studies.

Results

A total of 118 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Study designs were randomized controlled trials (RCT; 14%), cohort (68%), cross‐sectional (5%) and others design (11%). The median duration of follow‐up (Q1, Q3) was 20 (7.9, 50) months. We found 10 different bleeding outcomes reported [absolute number of bleeding 60 (50.8%) studies, annualized bleeding rate 60 (50.8%) studies, bleed per month 10 (8.5%) studies and others 11 (9.3%) studies]. Of these, 32 (27%) studies reported only mean or median without dispersion and 33 (28%) studies did not report any measures of central tendency (dispersion).

Conclusions

There is substantial variation in definitions and measures of bleeding outcomes in the haemophilia literature. This creates difficulty and limitations in comparing the outcomes between studies and in performing meta‐analysis. The haemophilia research community needs to develop a consensus on a clear definition of bleeding and how to address the limitations associated with variations in measures of bleeding between centres and studies.
‘Talk to me’: a mixed methods study on preferred physician behaviours during end‐of‐life communication from the patient perspective
Authors: Abdul‐Razzak Amane , Sherifali Diana , You John , Simon Jessica , Brazil Kevin
Published: July 2015

Background

Despite the recognized importance of end‐of‐life (EOL) communication between patients and physicians, the extent and quality of such communication is lacking.

Objective

We sought to understand patient perspectives on physician behaviours during EOL communication.

Design

In this mixed methods study, we conducted quantitative and qualitative strands and then merged data sets during a mixed methods analysis phase. In the quantitative strand, we used the quality of communication tool (QOC) to measure physician behaviours that predict global rating of satisfaction in EOL communication skills, while in the qualitative strand we conducted semi‐structured interviews. During the mixed methods analysis, we compared and contrasted qualitative and quantitative data.

Setting and Participants

Seriously ill inpatients at three tertiary care hospitals in Canada.

Results

We found convergence between qualitative and quantitative strands: patients desire candid information from their physician and a sense of familiarity. The quantitative results (n = 132) suggest a paucity of certain EOL communication behaviours in this seriously ill population with a limited prognosis. The qualitative findings (n = 16) suggest that at times, physicians did not engage in EOL communication despite patient readiness, while sometimes this may represent an appropriate deferral after assessment of a patient's lack of readiness.

Conclusions

Avoidance of certain EOL topics may not always be a failure if it is a result of an assessment of lack of patient readiness. This has implications for future tool development: a measure could be built in to assess whether physician behaviours align with patient readiness.