bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conformational flexibility in the catalytic triad revealed by the high-resolution crystal structure of Streptomyces erythraeus trypsin in an unliganded state
Authors: Blankenship Elise , Vukoti Krishna , Miyagi Masaru , Lodowski David T.
Published: February 2014

With more than 500 crystal structures determined, serine proteases make up greater than one-third of all proteases structurally examined to date, making them among the best biochemically and structurally characterized enzymes. Despite the numerous crystallographic and biochemical studies of trypsin and related serine proteases, there are still considerable shortcomings in the understanding of their catalytic mechanism. Streptomyces erythraeus trypsin (SET) does not exhibit autolysis and crystallizes readily at physiological pH; hence, it is well suited for structural studies aimed at extending the understanding of the catalytic mechanism of serine proteases. While X-ray crystallographic structures of this enzyme have been reported, no coordinates have ever been made available in the Protein Data Bank. Based on this, and observations on the extreme stability and unique properties of this particular trypsin, it was decided to crystallize it and determine its structure. Here, the first sub-angstrom resolution structure of an unmodified, unliganded trypsin crystallized at physiological pH is reported. Detailed structural analysis reveals the geometry and structural rigidity of the catalytic triad in the unoccupied active site and comparison to related serine proteases provides a context for interpretation of biochemical studies of catalytic mechanism and activity.
3-Methyl-4,5-dihydrooxazolium tetraphenylborate
Authors: Tiritiris Ioannis , Saur Stefan , Kantlehner Willi
Published: February 2014

In the cation of the title salt, C4H8NO+·C24H20B−, the C—N bond lengths are 1.272 (2), 1.4557 (19) and 1.4638 (19) Å, indicating double- and single-bond character, respectively. The C—O bond length of 1.3098 (19) Å shows that double-bond character and charge delocalization occurs within the NCO plane of the cation. In the crystal, a C—H...π interaction is present between the methylene H atom of the cation and one phenyl ring of the tetraphenylborate ion. The latter forms an aromatic pocket in which the cation is embedded.
1-Methyl-3-phenylimidazolidine-2-thione
Authors: Nor Nabihah Al Muna Mohd , Abdullah Zanariah , Ng Seik Weng , Tiekink Edward R. T.
Published: February 2014

The asymmetric unit of the title cyclic thiourea derivative, C10H12N2S, comprises two molecules, each of which has a twist about the CH2—CH2bond within the five-membered ring. The major difference between the independent molecules is manifested in the relative orientations of the five- and six-membered rings [dihedral angles between the least-squares planes = 28.03 (11) and 41.54 (11)°]. A network of C—H...π interactions consolidates the three-dimensional crystal packing.
The cocrystalrac-1-[(N,4-dimethylbenzenesulfonamido)methyl]-2-(diphenylphosphoryl)ferrocene–rac-1-[(N,4-dimethylbenzenesulfonamido)methyl]-2-(diphenylphosphanyl)ferrocene (0.45/0.55)
Authors: Wei Muh-Mei , Audin Catherine , Manoury Eric , Deydier Eric , Daran Jean-Claude
Published: February 2014

As part of our interest in the synthesis and catalytic applications of chiral (diphenylphosphanyl)ferrocene ligands, we designed a number of P,N-containing ligands for use in asymmetric transfer hydrogenation (ATH). During the synthetic procedure to obtainrac-1-[(N,4-dimethylbenzenesulfonamido)methyl]-2-(diphenylphosphanyl)ferrocene, the title compound, [Fe(C5H5)(C26H25NO2PS)]0.55·[Fe(C5H5)(C26H25NO3PS)]0.45, was obtained as a by-product. It is composed of a ferrocene group disubstituted by a partially oxidized diphenylphosphanyl group, as confirmed by31P NMR analysis, and an (N,4-dimethylbenzenesulfonamido)methyl substituent. Owing to the partially oxidized diphenylphosphanyl group, it is best to view the crystal as being composed of a mixture of non-oxidized and oxidized phosphane, so it can be regarded as a cocrystal. It is also a racemate. To the best of our knowledge, the P=O distance [1.344 (4) Å] is the shortest observed for related (diphenylphosphoryl)ferrocene compounds. The packing is stabilized by weak C—H...O interactions, formingR22(10) hydrogen-bonding motifs, which build up a chain along thecaxis.
CSR, human rights abuse and sustainability report accountability
Authors: Emeseh Engobo , Songi Ondotimi
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– CSR within a purely voluntary context has so far not made meaningful contributions to the problem of corporate environmental and human rights abuses in Africa. The paper therefore aims to improve the effectiveness of CSR in the continent by making companies accountable for the veracity of statements they have voluntarily put out in the public domain.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper adopts the stakeholder and legitimacy theories and information regulation as its framework of analysis. Following a discourse on the developments in and limitations of sustainability, the paper constructs an argument in line with these theories how these reports can still be utilised to make meaningful contribution towards strengthening CSR through accountability for false and misleading statements.

Findings

– Corporations have a stake in information in sustainability reports with regard to their corporate image and reputation. Therefore, under the appropriate framework, utilising corporate accountability for false and misleading statements by companies has promise for making CSR more effective.

Research limitations/implications

– The main limitations of this research is the political will of national governments in Africa to undertake such an exercise and the relative ability of civil society groups in light of the power of corporations to effectively hold them to account through the models proposed.

Originality/value

– The paper is interdisciplinary, drawing upon both management and legal theories. A significant contribution of this research is its pragmatic approach which goes beyond calling for legal platform for CSR by recommending a model for accountability within the existing voluntary CSR framework.
The governance of corporate social responsibility
Authors: Uzoma Ihugba Bethel
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to examine the limitations of promoting corporate social responsibility (CSR) regulation and suggests a model for improving accountability in CSR practices through stakeholder engagement-based inclusive regulation framework that is effective, coherent and responsive.

Design/methodology/approach

– This conceptual paper uses desk-based research to analyse extant literature on the concept of regulation of CSR by looking at examples, benefits and limitations before proposing a framework for improving CSR regulation.

Findings

– The paper finds that the system of promoting CSR through self-regulation or introducing prescriptive regulation without sustainable stakeholder engagement is ineffective and inefficient.

Originality/value

– The paper is original in its development of a new framework of “Inclusive Regulation” as a strategy for limiting the shortcomings of prescriptive regulation and enhancing self-regulation as CSR tools. It thus contributes to both theoretical and policy perspective in the enhancement of prescriptive and self-regulation in CSR-regulation discourse.
Social climate in Learning Disability services
Authors: Willets Laura , Mooney Paul , Blagden Nicholas
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– The social climate of psychiatric institutions correlates with multiple outcomes related to staff and patients. Research into social climate in Learning Disability services is limited. Staff and patients in Learning Disability services have documented both positive and negative experiences. No research has directly compared the social climate of Learning Disability and non-Learning Disability psychiatric services. The purpose of this paper is to understand how these compare. The study will also compare staff and patient views of social climate and the impact of security on social climate in Learning Disability services.

Design/methodology/approach

– A total of 64 patients and 73 staff, from Learning Disability and non-Learning Disability psychiatric hospitals completed the Essen Climate Evaluation Schema (EssenCES) measure of social climate.

Findings

– Patients in Learning Disability and non-Learning Disability services did not differ in their perceptions of social climate. Staff in non-Learning Disability services had a more positive perception of social climate than staff in Learning Disability services. Patients and staff did not differ in their views on climate. Security was negatively related to patients’ Experienced Safety.

Originality/value

– The findings suggest that staff perceive that the deficits associated with Learning Disabilities may limit patients’ therapeutic experience and relationships with their peers. Despite this, patients with Learning Disabilities feel supported by their peers, have positive views of the treatment process and feel as safe as non-Learning Disabled psychiatric patients.
Modification of polyurethane with novel blocking agent
Authors: Chen Lijun , Jiang Wei
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– Fluorinated polyurethane combines some virtues of polyurethane and fluorinated polymer, such as low water absorption, attractive surface properties, good wearability and high weatherability. Fluorocarbon chains have been incorporated into polyurethanes by fluorinated diisocyanates, chain extenders, polyether glycols, polyester glycols and end-cappers. However, the fluorinated polyurethane, which is prepared with monohydric fluorocarbon alcohol, is seldom reported. The purpose of this research is to prepare and apply the novel fluorocarbon alcohols with side chain to modify polyurethane as the blocking agent.

Design/methodology/approach

– The novel fluorocarbon alcohol with side chain 2-methoxy-3-nonene perfluorinated oxygen propanol (MNPOP) can be prepared via alcoholysis reaction of methanol and 2,3-epoxypropyl perfluorinated nonene ether (EPPNE), which was prepared with etherification of hexafluoropropene trimer (HFPT) and 2,3-glycidol. Structures of EPPNE and MNPOP are confirmed with FTIR and NMR. The polyurethane can be modified when MNPOP is used as blocking agent.

Findings

– In comparison with the conventional polyurethane, the hydrophobic property of fluorinated polyurethane is improved. However, the increase of tensile strength of modified polyurethane is not obvious because MNPOP belongs to monohydric alcohol. And the function of MNPOP in the modified polyurethane is the blocking agent. The thermal stability of conventional and modified polyurethane is almost the same because MNPOP is de-blocked and fluorocarbon chains have not been incorporated into polyurethanes when the temperature is more than 150°C.

Originality/value

– The polyurethane is modified with the novel fluorocarbon alcohols with side chain, which functions as the blocking agent. The hydrophobic property of fluorinated polyurethane is improved.
Preparation of thermal transfer ink using disperse fluorescent yellow 82 for polyester substrates
Authors: Xiu Yufei , Shen Qiankun , Fan Fei , Wang Chaoxia
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– A disperse fluorescent yellow paste was mixed with a dispersant naphthalene sulfonic derivative via wet grinding process to prepare thermal transfer ink with good fluorescence. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– The surface tension, viscosity, pH value, zeta potential, stability and the morphology of ink samples were tested after the storing process.

Findings

– The morphology of paste was homogeneous nearly spherical nanoparticles and the particle size was about 100 nm from the transmission electron microscopy (TEM), which was similar to the average particle size obtained from the particle size analyser.

Research limitations/implications

– The paste particle size was 126.8 nm after storing at 50°C for one week. The addition of diethylene glycol was conducive to high fluorescent reflectivity and gave good line image quality both in warp and weft directions due to the low viscosity. Inkjet printed polyester fabrics achieved excellent rubbing, laundering and thermal subliming fastnesses.

Originality/value

– The polyester fabrics thermal transferred with the ink contained diethylene glycol represented higher fluorescent reflectivity and gave better line image quality both in warp and weft directions. The inkjet printed polyester fabrics showed excellent colour reproducibility and all the fastnesses, including rubbing, laundering and thermal subliming, were higher than Grade 4.
‘Auto‐supercharge’ of the anterolateral thigh flap during the reconstruction of lower extremity defects: A turbocharge technique for flow‐through flaps
Authors: Yildiz Kemalettin , Duygu Cetin , Akkus Ali M. , Karaaltin Mehmet V. , Kayan Resit B. , Guneren Ethem
Published: February 2014

Aim

The anterolateral thigh flap is a workhorse perforator flap option that can be used as a flow‐through flap in the reconstruction of defects with vascular insufficiency. In the present study, the flow‐through concept was introduced in terms of preserving blood inflow of the flap and establishing blood flow to the distal portion of the flap as a supercharge technique.

Patients and Methods

A 43‐year‐old male patient suffered from a diabetic foot. After precise wound debridements and infection control, free anterolateral thigh flap was planned for reconstruction. There were two perforators: one musculocutaneous perforator based on the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery (LCFA) entering proximally into the flap, and the second a septocutaneous perforator based on the deep femoral artery branch that perfuses the distal aspect of the flap. We observed that the distal portion of flap became compromised when we clamped the second perforator. Therefore, the second perforator was divided from the deep femoral truncus, traced to the distal end of the LCFA and anastomosed to it in an end‐to‐end fashion. Thus, an auto‐supercharge procedure was performed.

Results

Wound healing was uneventful. There was no total or partial flap necrosis at the 12‐month follow up.

Conclusion

Auto‐supercharging augments the flap circulation and relieves flap congestion. Thus, it expands the indications for flow‐through flaps in revascularisation and flap salvage.
Dislodgement of a renal stent causing renal infarct during endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair with chimney graft for juxtarenal aortic aneurysm: A rare complication
Authors: Tsang Yi‐Po , Yien Renny Ling‐Chu , Tang Kendrick Yip‐Kan , Lo Sherwin Shing‐Wai , Li Michael Ka‐Wah
Published: February 2014

Chimney grafts (CG) have been used in the repair of juxtarenal aortic aneurysm (JAA) as a pure endovascular approach, which involve the concurrent deployment of an aortic endograft with covered stents in the renal arteries. In the present study, we report a rare but significant complication of chimney grafting in a case of JAA with iliac artery ectasia. During the placement of CG, one of the covered stents was dislodged in a distal branch of the right renal artery, resulting in segmental infarct of the right kidney.
Mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid may play a role in a subset of sudden infant death syndrome cases
Authors: Läer K , Vennemann M , Rothämel T , Klintschar M
Published: February 2014

Aim

It has been suggested that progressive adenosine triphosphate (ATP) depletion could play a key role in sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Because mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid (mtDNA) codes for a subset of essential genes for oxidative phosphorylation, we investigated 22 mtDNA polymorphisms in a large sample of Caucasian SIDS cases.

Methods

A total of 774 samples were analysed, 365 from infant SIDS cases (mean age 131 days) and 409 from controls. These were investigated for the presence of 22 haplogroup‐specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), using a SNaPshot assay, a mini‐sequencing assay that combines polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing.

Results

No significant differences in assigned haplogroups could be detected between the groups. With regard to gender and age, we found significant correlations for SNP positions 3010, 8251, 13 708, 14 470, 15 904 and 16 519. The most prominent result was the A allele in SNP 14 470 in male SIDS cases (p = 0.01).

Conclusion

This is the largest study on mtDNA polymorphisms in SIDS to date, and our results indicate that mtDNA may play a role in a subset of SIDS cases. In order to complement these significant results, it is important to consider nuclear gene coding for mitochondrial proteins in future studies.
Anxiety and health‐related quality of life (HRQL) in patients undergoing active surveillance of prostate cancer in an Australian centre
Authors: Wilcox Chloe B. , Gilbourd Daniel , Louie‐Johnsun Mark
Published: February 2014

Objective

To assess anxiety, health‐related quality of life (HRQL) and understanding of active surveillance (AS) in a cohort of patients enrolled in AS of prostate cancer in an Australian setting.

Patients and Methods

Survey of 61 men currently enrolled in AS for prostate cancer, which included validated measures of sexual function using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF‐5), voiding using the International Prostate Symptom Severity Score (IPSS) and the Memorial Anxiety Scale for Prostate Cancer (MAX‐PC), a measure of prostate cancer specific anxiety.

Three novel questions to assess patients' Understanding of AS (UAS).

IIEF‐5 and IPSS scores obtained through the present survey were compared with patients' scores at initiation of AS.

Results

In all, 47 of 61 (77%) patients responded to the survey.

There was no significant difference in patients' IIEF‐5 and IPSS scores at commencement of AS compared with the survey results.

Our patients' on AS MAX‐PC scores were consistent with other published cohorts and did not suggest high rates of clinically significant anxiety amongst this cohort.

Most (89%) of the patients' responses to the UAS indicated a correct understanding of AS.

Conclusion

Our patients on AS maintained their HRQL with low levels of anxiety, which did not differ from those reported in other groups of men with prostate cancer and most had an appropriate understanding of AS.

This study represents one of the first Australasian investigations on HRQL and anxiety in men on AS of prostate cancer.
Ertapenem prophylaxis reduces sepsis after transrectal biopsy of the prostate
Authors: Losco Giovanni , Studd Rod , Blackmore Timothy
Published: February 2014

Objective

To prospectively trial ertapenem prophylaxis in patients with known risk factors of sepsis undergoing transrectal biopsy of the prostate.

Patients and Methods

In this prospective audit, patients were identified as having a low‐ or high‐risk of sepsis based on a questionnaire about established risk factors: previous biopsy; recurrent urine infections; receiving ciprofloxacin in the 12 months prior; travel to South‐East Asia or South America in the previous 6 months; or diabetes, immune system impairment or receipt of immunosuppressant drugs.

All received ciprofloxacin and amoxicillin‐clavulanate and high‐risk patients additionally received ertapenem.

Sepsis requiring hospital admission was recorded.

Data was analysed using a two‐tailed Fisher's exact test.

Results

In all, 80 men were identified as high risk of sepsis and 90 as low risk during the audit period.

Six patients in the low‐risk group (6.7%, 95% confidence interval 2.1–11.3) and none in the high‐risk group developed sepsis (P = 0.03).

Of the six developing sepsis, two grew ciprofloxacin‐resistant organisms, two had no growth and two grew a ciprofloxacin‐sensitive organism, although one of these grew extended‐spectrum β‐lactamase‐producing Escherichia coli.

Conclusion

The addition of ertapenem to standard prophylaxis is effective at reducing sepsis after prostate biopsy.

Risk stratification is not effective at identifying those men at low risk of sepsis, as these men still have a high sepsis rate.

Ertapenem prophylaxis for all patients undergoing prostate biopsy is likely to be the most effective strategy in our population group.
A Phase III trial to investigate the timing of radiotherapy for prostate cancer with high‐risk features: background and rationale of the Radiotherapy – Adjuvant Versus Early Salvage (RAVES) trial
Authors: Pearse Maria , Fraser‐Browne Carol , Davis Ian D. , Duchesne Gillian M. , Fisher Richard , Frydenberg Mark , Haworth Annette , Jose Chakiath , Joseph David J. , Lim Tee S. , Matthews John , Millar Jeremy , Sidhom Mark , Spry Nigel A. , Tang Colin I. , Turner Sandra , Williams Scott G. , Wiltshire Kirsty , Woo Henry H. , Kneebone Andrew
Published: February 2014

Objectives

To test the hypothesis that observation with early salvage radiotherapy (SRT) is not inferior to ‘standard’ treatment with adjuvant RT (ART) with respect to biochemical failure in patients with pT3 disease and/or positive surgical margins (SMs) after radical prostatectomy (RP).

To compare the following secondary endpoints between the two arms: patient‐reported outcomes, adverse events, biochemical failure‐free survival, overall survival, disease‐specific survival, time to distant failure, time to local failure, cost utility analysis, quality adjusted life years and time to androgen deprivation.

Patients and Methods

The Radiotherapy – Adjuvant Versus Early Salvage (RAVES) trial is a phase III multicentre randomised controlled trial led by the Trans Tasman Radiation Oncology Group (TROG), in collaboration with the Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand (USANZ), and the Australian and New Zealand Urogenital and Prostate Cancer Trials Group (ANZUP).

In all, 470 patients are planned to be randomised 1:1 to either ART commenced at ≤4 months of RP (standard of care) or close observation with early SRT triggered by a PSA level of >0.20 ng/mL (experimental arm).

Eligible patients have had a RP for adenocarcinoma of the prostate with at least one of the following risk factors: positive SMs ± extraprostatic extension ± seminal vesicle involvement. The postoperative PSA level must be ≤0.10 ng/mL.

Rigorous investigator credentialing and a quality assurance programme are designed to promote consistent RT delivery among patients.

Results

Trial is currently underway, with 258 patients randomised as of 31 October 2013.

International collaborations have developed, including a planned meta‐analysis to be undertaken with the UK Medical Research Council/National Cancer Institute of Canada Clinical Trials Group RADICALS (Radiotherapy and Androgen Deprivation In Combination with Local Surgery) trial and an innovative psycho‐oncology sub‐study to investigate a patient decision aid resource.

Conclusion

On the current evidence available, it remains unclear if ART is equivalent or superior to observation with early SRT.
Warfarin dosing after bariatric surgery: a retrospective study of 10 patients previously stable on chronic warfarin therapy
Authors: Schullo‐Feulner A. M. , Stoecker Z. , Brown G. A. , Schneider J. , Jones T. A. , Burnett B.
Published: February 2014

Many changes associated with bariatric surgery have the potential to affect warfarin dosing; yet current literature includes little data describing this phenomenon. Investigating this relationship may allow for determination of post‐bariatric surgery warfarin dosing using stable pre‐operative dosing levels. A retrospective chart review was completed for 10 patients stabilized on chronic warfarin therapy who underwent bariatric surgery. Data collection consisted of the following: warfarin requirement in mg/week, time in target range (TTR), creatinine, liver function, diarrhoea, medication changes, diet, and signs of bleeding and/or thrombosis. Three study patients underwent laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding procedures and seven patients underwent Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass. The average (standard deviation) weekly warfarin dose required in the immediate post‐operative interval was 64% (25%) of baseline dosing, corresponding to a TTR of 48%. At 6 months, patients required 85% (19%) of baseline weekly dosing, with TTR of 53.4%. At 1 year, dosing was 90% (16%) of baseline with TTR of 63.5%. Patients underwent medication changes as well as transient bouts of diarrhoea. Two patients suffered unspecified haemorrhages of the gastrointestinal tract (international normalized ratio [INR] = 2.3 and 9.8). This patient set demonstrated an initial drop in warfarin requirement, followed by escalating dosing trends that became more predictable as patients were farther out from procedure.
The clinical utility of Memorial Symptom Assessment‐Short Form and Condensed Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale in Turkish lung cancer patients
Authors: Yüceege Melike , Sanisoğlu Berrin , Fırat Hikmet , Ersoy Yeşim , Sevgi Emine , Kurt Emine B.
Published: February 2014

Introduction

Symptom assessment is essential in the palliative care of patients with cancer. We studied the Memorial Assessment Scale Test‐Short Form (MSAS‐SF) and Condensed Memorial Assessment Test (CMSAS) in Turkish lung cancer patients.

Material and Method

Fifty‐one patients with lung cancer (47 non‐small, 4 small cell) were staged according to the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer 2007 and filled the MSAS‐SF. Karnofsky performance status, TNM staging, MSAS‐SF and CMSAS scores were recorded. The study was approved by the local research ethics committee.

Results

The mean age of 51 patients was 61.7 ± 9. Fifty‐one percent were staged as M1 while 49% were staged as M0. The mean values for global distress index, PHYS (physical symptom distress), PSYCH (psychological symptom score) and MSAS‐SUM were 1.15 ± 0.8, 0.9 ± 0.8, 1.13 ± 1.03 and 0.82 ± 0.47 in order. The mean values for CPHYS (physical symptom distress for Condensed MSAS), CPSYCH (psychological symptom score for CMSAS) and CSUM (sum scores) were 1.2 ± 0.75, 1.22 ± 1.1 and 1.16 ± 0.69 in order. Cronbach's alpha coefficients for MSAS‐SF and CMSAS were 0.861 and 0.728 in order. Summary scores for both MSAS‐SF and CMSAS‐SF were significantly higher in patients with M1 disease than from M0 disease. In addition, PHYS and MSAS‐SUM in MSAS‐SF were significantly correlated with T and N stage. The area under curve for MSAS‐SF and CMSAS were 0.793 and 0.70 in order.

Conclusion

MSAS‐SF and CMSAS demonstrated significantly higher scores in lung cancer patients with M1 disease than patients with M0 disease. Further studies are needed to evaluate the usefulness of MSAS‐SF and CMSAS in lung cancer patients.
MALDI Imaging of predictive ferritin, fibrinogen and proteases in haemophilic arthropathy
Authors: Kriegsmann M. , Casadonte R. , Randau T. , Gravius S. , Pennekamp P. , Strauss A. , Oldenburg J. , Wieczorek K. , Deininger S.‐O. , Otto M. , Kriegsmann J.
Published: February 2014

Arthropathy as a result of repeated joint bleeding is a severe complication in patients with haemophilia. In the evaluation of synovial tissue specimens, histology alone is non‐specific and there is considerable morphological overlap with other joint diseases. Formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded specimens are available in pathological institutes and can be studied to understand the pathogenesis of haemophilic arthropathy. A powerful technique to identify hundreds of proteins in a tissue section combining proteomics with morphology is imaging mass spectrometry (IMS). We determined whether matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) IMS can be used to identify and map protein signatures in the synovial tissue of patients with haemophilic arthropathy. MALDI IMS was applied to synovial tissue of six patients with haemophilic arthropathy. We detected several peaks predictive in mass with ferritin light (m/z 1608) and heavy chain (m/z 1345), alpha‐ (m/z 1071) and beta (m/z 1274) haemoglobin subunits, truncated coagulation factor VIII peptide (m/z 1502, 1176), beta‐ and gamma fibrinogen peptides (m/z 980, 1032, 1117 and 1683), and annexin A2 (m/z 1111, 1268, 1460, 2164). In addition, the distribution of these proteins in synovial tissue sections was demonstrated. MALDI IMS identified and mapped specific proteins in the synovial membrane of patients with haemophilic arthropathy known to be involved in the pathogenesis of other joint diseases. This technique is a powerful tool to analyse the distribution of proteins in synovial tissue sections.
Will the introduction of non‐invasive prenatal testing for Down's syndrome undermine informed choice?
Authors: Silcock Caroline , Liao Lih‐Mei , Hill Melissa , Chitty Lyn S.
Published: February 2014

Objective

To investigate whether the introduction of non‐invasive pre‐natal testing for Down's syndrome (DS) has the potential to undermine informed choice.

Participants

Three hundred and ninety‐three health professionals; 523 pregnant women.

Methods

A cross‐sectional questionnaire study across nine maternity units and three conferences in the UK designed to assess opinions regarding test delivery and how information should be communicated to women when offered Down's syndrome screening (DSS) or diagnosis using invasive (IDT) or non‐invasive testing (NIPT).

Results

Both pregnant women and health professionals in the NIPT and DSS groups were less likely than the IDT group to consider that testing should take place at a return visit or that obtaining written consent was necessary, and more likely to think testing should be carried out routinely. Compared to health professionals, pregnant women expressed a stronger preference for testing to occur on the same day as pre‐test counselling (P = 0.000) and for invasive testing to be offered routinely (P = 0.000). They were also more likely to indicate written consent as necessary for DSS (P = 0.000) and NIPT (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Health professionals and pregnant women view the consenting process differently across antenatal test types. These differences suggest that informed choice may be undermined with the introduction of NIPT for DS into clinical practice. To maintain high standards of care, effective professional training programmes and practice guidelines are needed which prioritize informed consent and take into account the views and needs of service users.
Understanding the Crisis in Somalia
Authors: Zeid Alaa Abou , Cochran James J.
Published: February 2014

The people of Somalia are suffering. The numbers are huge, but there is little real data. Even what little there is, painfully and dangerously gathered, points to where the most urgent needs may be. Alaa Abou Zeid and James J. Cochran look at the statistics of a disaster.
Counting Trees, Carbon and Climate Change
Authors: Mackey Brendan
Published: February 2014

Trees absorb carbon. Planting more trees will absorb more carbon from the atmosphere, and soak up the man-made emissions that are causing climate change. It is a simple, easy and attractive solution that would allow us to continue our high-emission business as usual and still stave off global warming. Brendan Mackey examines whether or not it would work.
Terrorist threat and employees' perceived ability to cope with organizational change
Authors: Kastenmüller Andreas , Aydin Nilüfer , Frey Dieter , Traut‐Mattausch Eva , Peus Claudia , Fischer Peter
Published: February 2014

This study investigated the impact of the perceived threat of terrorism on employees' ability to cope with organizational change as well as potentially underlying psychological mechanisms related to work satisfaction and initiative. Three days after the 2006 thwarted terrorist attacks in the United Kingdom, participants were reminded of terrorist threat (by pictures of terrorist attacks) reported lower levels in their ability to cope with organizational change, as well as lower levels of work satisfaction, than did participants who were not reminded of terrorist threat. Three months later, the same terror salience manipulation had no differential effect on these variables. Mediation analyses revealed that work satisfaction mediated the impact of terror salience on employees' ability to cope with organizational change.
Management of chronic hepatitis B in children: An unresolved issue
Authors: Della Corte Claudia , Nobili Valerio , Comparcola Donatella , Cainelli Francesca , Vento Sandro
Published: February 2014

Although a rather benign course of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection during childhood has been described, 3–5% and 0.01–0.03% of chronic carriers develop cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma before adulthood. Considering the whole lifetime, the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma rises to 9–24% and the incidence of cirrhosis to 2–3% per year. The aim of this article is to review the current knowledge regarding the natural history and treatment of chronic hepatitis B in children and to focus on critical aspects and unresolved questions in the management of childhood HBV infection. A literature search was carried out on MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science for articles published in English in peer‐reviewed journals from January 1980 to February 2013. The search terms used included “Hepatitis B virus infection,” “children,” “HBV,” “interferon,” “lamivudine,” “adefovir,” “entecavir,” and “tenofovir.” Articles resulting from these searches and relevant references cited in the articles retrieved were reviewed. The current goals of therapy are to suppress viral replication, reduce liver inflammation, and reverse liver fibrosis. Therapeutic options for children are currently limited, and the risk for viral resistance to current and future therapies is a particular concern. Based on the data available at this time, it is the consensus of the panel that it is not appropriate to treat children in the immune‐tolerant phase or in the inactive carrier state. For children in the immune‐active or reactivation phases, liver histology can help guide treatment decisions. Outside of clinical trials, interferon is the agent of choice in most cases; currently, available nucleoside analogs are secondary therapies.
Systematic review of the effectiveness of biological therapy for active moderate to severe ulcerative colitis
Authors: Kawalec Paweł , Mikrut Alicja , Łopuch Sylwia
Published: February 2014

Background and Aim

The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of biological agents (vedolizumab, abatacept, visilizumab, golimumab) in patients with active moderate to severe ulcerative colitis.

Methods

This paper was prepared according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis guidelines. The systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and other databases until December 27, 2013 to identify randomized controlled trials fulfilling the established inclusion criteria for this review.

Results

Eight randomized controlled trials were included in the systematic review. Vedolizumab was significantly more effective compared with placebo (P < 0.05) increasing the percentage of patients with a clinical response, clinical remission and mucosal healing in the induction phase, and patients with a clinical remission and mucosal healing in the maintenance phase. Similarly, golimumab was significantly more effective than placebo (P < 0.05) regarding the percentage of patients with a clinical response and mucosal healing in the induction phase, and patients with a clinical response, clinical remission, and mucosal healing in the maintenance phase. The safety of these two biological agents was comparable with placebo during the treatment (P > 0.05). However, the efficacy of visilizumab or abatacept was related to the higher risk of treatment failure and a worse safety profile than placebo.

Conclusions

The results of the systematic review demonstrated that the efficacy and safety of particular biological agents are differentiated. Vedolizumab and golimumab occurred more effective, and comparably as safe as placebo in patients with active moderate to severe ulcerative colitis increasing the number of available therapeutic options.
Drug Use Trajectories After a Randomized Controlled Trial of MTFC: Associations With Partner Drug Use
Authors: Rhoades Kimberly A. , Leve Leslie D. , Harold Gordon T. , Kim Hyoun K. , Chamberlain Patricia
Published: February 2014

Trajectories of drug use were examined in a sample of women with prior juvenile justice system involvement. One hundred fifty‐three young women who participated in a randomized controlled trial of Multidimensional Treatment Foster Care (MTFC) in adolescence were assessed on five occasions over a 24‐month period in young adulthood (mean age = 22.29 years at T1). Participants assigned to the MTFC condition during adolescence reported greater decreases in drug use than girls assigned to the treatment‐as‐usual (TAU) condition. Partner drug use was significantly associated with women's concurrent drug use, although participants in the MTFC condition were more resilient to partner drug use than in the TAU condition. Implications for drug use prevention and intervention programs during adolescence are discussed.
Psychiatric nursing: an unpopular choice
Authors: Jansen R. , Venter I.
Published: February 2014

Accessible summary

Psychiatric nursing is not a popular career choice among undergraduate nursing students after they completed their studies.

Students in this study named personal factors and the working environment as the most important reasons for not choosing psychiatric nursing as a career.

Other reasons were the unprofessional behaviour of professional nurses and the learning environment.

Therefore, the recommendations of this study focus on implementing creative teaching strategies and to improve the learning experiences of the nursing students.

Research studies in the United States, the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Australia suggest that students do not consider psychiatric nursing as a popular career option. According to this research, there is a widespread concern about the nursing shortages in psychiatry. The demand for mental health services continues to grow and there is a need for strategies to recruit nurses for this specialized field. The purpose of this study was to identify the factors preventing undergraduate nursing students in South Africa (SA) from choosing psychiatric nursing as a career. A qualitative research design that aimed to explore and describe was used. Data were collected through the Nominal Group Technique. A sample of convenience of 27 final year nursing students from the School of Nursing at the University of the Free State as well as the Free State School of Nursing, situated in Bloemfontein (SA), voluntarily participated in this research. The following categories emerged from the content analysis of the data: personal factors, working environment, unprofessional behaviour, learning environment and the unclassified category. Psychiatric nursing as a career choice is in a predicament and nursing schools need to implement practical strategies to recruit future nurses for this field.
Culture‐Inclusive Theories of Self and Social Interaction: The Approach of Multiple Philosophical Paradigms
Authors: Hwang Kwang‐Kuo
Published: February 2014

In view of the fact that culture‐inclusive psychology has been eluded or relatively ignored by mainstream psychology, the movement of indigenous psychology is destined to develop a new model of man that incorporates both causal psychology and intentional psychology as suggested by Vygotsky (1927). Following the principle of cultural psychology: “one mind, many mentalities” (Shweder et al., 1998), the Mandala Model of Self (Hwang, 2011a,b) and Face and Favor Model (Hwang, 1987, 2012) were constructed to represent the universal mechanisms of self and social interaction that can be applied to any culture; both models can be used as conceptual frameworks for analyzing mentalities of people in any given culture. Taking research works from Foundations of Chinese Psychology: Confucian Social Relation as exemplars (Hwang, 2012), this article illustrates how to construct culture‐inclusive theories of Confucianism by multiple philosophical paradigms. The mechanism of culture‐inclusive theory can be applied to explain qualitative research findings on lifeworld events of people in a particular society. It can also be utilized to predict results of quantitative research conducted to verify theoretical propositions in the scientific microworld by empirical methods.
Cultural System vs. Pan‐cultural Dimensions: Philosophical Reflection on Approaches for Indigenous Psychology
Authors: Hwang Kwang‐Kuo
Published: February 2014

The three approaches for conducting psychological research across cultures proposed by Berry (1989), namely, the imported etic, emic and derived etic approach are critically examined for developing culture‐inclusive theories in psychology, in order to deal with the enigma left by Wilhelm Wundt. Those three approaches have been restricted to a certain extent by the pan‐cultural dimensional approach which may result in the Orientalism of psychology in understanding people of non‐Western cultures.

This article is designated to provide the philosophical ground for an alternative cultural system approach to construct culture‐inclusive theories in psychology. Following the principle of cultural psychology: “one mind, many mentalities” (Shweder et al., 1998), the alternative strategy contains two steps: First, based on Bhaskar's (1975, 1978) critical realism, all universal mechanisms should seek to represent the operation of the human mind. Second, based on Archer's (1995) analytical dualism, the mechanisms of the universal mind may be used as frameworks for analyzing any cultural tradition. The culture‐inclusive theories thus obtained represent the synchronic morphostasis of a cultural system, which may be used as theoretical frameworks for conducting either qualitative or quantitative empirical research in studying the diachronic morphogenesis of socio‐cultural interaction in a particular culture.
Why American Sociology Needs Biographical Sociology—European Style
Authors: Jindra Ines W.
Published: February 2014

Life story methods in Europe commonly belong to the field of biographical sociology. This paper points out that biographical sociology is missing from American sociology and describes in‐depth two well‐known methods in this field in Europe, the narrative interview and objective hermeneutics. The absence of biographical sociology from U.S. sociology should be remedied, it is argued, for the following reasons: First, an analysis of biographical patterns could counteract the heavy emphasis on social structure in American sociology and enrich certain subfields within it. For example, some of the concepts used in European biographical sociology, such as the concept of the “trajectory” can be related to conceptions of agency set forth by American and British sociologists and thus enrich sociology overall. Second, biographical sociology can help counteract the heavy orientation towards quantitative research in American sociology without falling into the pitfalls of purely interpretive methodologies. And third, biographical sociology can significantly enrich the still missing link between culture and cognition.
Chorismate‐dependent transcriptional regulation of quinate/shikimate utilization genes by LysR‐type transcriptional regulator QsuR in Corynebacterium glutamicum: carbon flow control at metabolic branch point
Authors: Kubota Takeshi , Tanaka Yuya , Takemoto Norihiko , Watanabe Akira , Hiraga Kazumi , Inui Masayuki , Yukawa Hideaki
Published: February 2014

The qsu operon of Corynebacterium glutamicum comprises four genes (qsuABCD) that underpin the microorganism's quinate/shikimate utilization pathways. The genes encode enzymes that catalyse reactions at the metabolic branch point between the biosynthesis route for synthesis of aromatic compounds and the catabolic route for degradation of quinate and shikimate for energy production. A qsuR gene located immediately upstream of qsuA encodes a protein (QsuR) which activates the operon in the presence of quinate or shikimate. Three observations support chorismate, an intermediate of the biosynthesis route, as a direct effector of QsuR: First, induction of qsuA mRNA in the presence of either quinate or shikimate disappears upon deletion of the gene encoding chorismate synthase. Second, chorismate accumulates when the operon is induced. Third, a DNase I‐protected segment by QsuR is shortened in the presence of chorismate. The QsuR tetramer senses the accumulation of chorismate and activates qsu genes that promote the quinate/shikimate catabolic instead of the aromatic compounds biosynthetic route. Such chorismate‐dependent control of carbon flow has not been previously described.
Comparative Analysis of Suicide, Accidental, and Undetermined Cause of Death Classification
Authors: Gray Douglas , Coon Hilary , McGlade Erin , Callor William B. , Byrd Josh , Viskochil Joseph , Bakian Amanda , Yurgelun‐Todd Deborah , Grey Todd , McMahon William M.
Published: February 2014

Suicide determination is not standardized across medical examiners, and many suspected suicides are later classified as accidental or undetermined. The present study investigated patterns between these three groups using a medical examiner database and 633 structured interviews with next of kin. There were similarities across all three classification groups, including rates of mental illness and psychiatric symptoms. Those classified suicide were more likely to be male, to have died in a violent fashion, and have a stronger family history of suicide. Chronic pain was very common across all three groups, but significantly higher in the accidental and undetermined groups.
The use of therapeutic apheresis in cardiovascular disease
Authors: Pignalosa O. , Infante T. , Napoli C.
Published: February 2014

In the last few years, therapeutic apheresis (TA) has emerged as a valuable treatment option for certain life‐threatening cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and for all the cardiac dysfunctions caused by autoimmune or metabolic disorders. Besides the well‐established indications for apheresis treatment, such as familial hypercholesterolaemia, hyperviscosity syndrome and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), we discuss the novel approaches in the therapy of dilated cardiomyopathy, cardiac failure and some specific syndromes of severe dysfunction occurring after heart transplantation. The rationale for using apheresis in such patients is the contribution in immune modulation that this procedure can undoubtedly provide. The clinical course of TTP has dramatically changed, thanks to the introduction of therapeutic plasma exchange. Low‐density lipoprotein apheresis has been extremely efficacious, safe and suitable for lowering cholesterol levels and can be used even for long‐term treatment. In Waldenström macroglobulinaemia and other hyperviscosity syndromes, plasma exchange has demonstrated to be an efficient tool for reducing blood viscosity and the risk of a consequent cardiac dysfunction. However, TA may induce oxidative injury to erythrocytes, making these cells more prone to haemolysis and causing a significant reduction in their half‐life. Ascorbate administration can be useful to lower the levels of hydrogen peroxide and proinflammatory mediators in patients undergoing apheresis. Further data are needed to support this benefit and to test other potential antioxidant therapies. Many of these therapeutic indications need further studies to be definitively approved, but preliminary data are encouraging.