bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
New reference charts for testicular volume in Dutch children and adolescents allow the calculation of standard deviation scores
Authors: Joustra Sjoerd D. , van der Plas Evelyn M. , Goede Joery , Oostdijk Wilma , Delemarre‐van de Waal Henriette A. , Hack Wilfried W.M. , van Buuren Stef , Wit Jan M. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractAimAccurate calculations of testicular volume standard deviation (SD) scores are not currently available. We constructed LMS‐smoothed age‐reference charts for testicular volume in healthy boys.MethodsThe LMS method was used to calculate reference data, based on testicular volumes from ultrasonography and Prader orchidometer of 769 healthy Dutch boys aged 6 months to 19 years. We also explored the association between testicular growth and pubic hair development, and data were compared to orchidometric testicular volumes from the 1997 Dutch nationwide growth study.ResultsThe LMS‐smoothed reference charts showed that no revision of the definition of normal onset of male puberty – from nine to 14 years of age – was warranted. In healthy boys, the pubic hair stage SD scores corresponded with testicular volume SD scores (r = 0.394). However, testes were relatively small for pubic hair stage in Klinefelter's syndrome and relatively large in immunoglobulin superfamily member 1 deficiency syndrome.ConclusionThe age‐corrected SD scores for testicular volume will aid in the diagnosis and follow‐up of abnormalities in the timing and progression of male puberty and in research evaluations. The SD scores can be compared with pubic hair SD scores to identify discrepancies between cell functions that result in relative microorchidism or macroorchidism.
GOVERNANCE OF NON‐PROFIT AND NON‐GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS – WITHIN‐ AND BETWEEN‐ ORGANIZATION ANALYSES: AN INTRODUCTION
Authors: ALDASHEV Gani , MARINI Marco , VERDIER Thierry 
Published: February 2015

ABSTRACTDespite the fact that nonprofit organizations play a large role in the production and distribution of goods and services in modern economies, and the rising role of non‐governmental organizations in carrying out projects in developing countries, our knowledge of their governance, and of its’ implications for their behaviour and performance, is limited. This special issue tries to uncover some of the mechanisms and institutions that characterize the governance of non‐profits and NGOs, as well as its implications. In particular, the papers focus on: (i) the determinants of NGO governance and its implications for reducing poverty in developing countries, (ii) the governance of non‐profit organizations, (iii) the impact of governance characteristics on the performance of non‐profit organizations, and (iv) the effect of non‐profit governance on the interaction between the non‐profit and for‐profit sectors.
WHY PAY NGOs TO INVOLVE THE COMMUNITY?
Authors: BURGER Ronelle , DASGUPTA Indraneel , OWENS Trudy 
Published: February 2015

ABSTRACTWe examine the case for donors providing financial incentives to, i.e. subsidizing, NGOs to increase community participation. We show that the introduction of such a ‘participation subsidy’ may reduce beneficiary welfare. Thus, eliminating community participation from the set of conditions for funding an NGO may in fact benefit target communities. We show how our theoretical analysis may be operationalized by applying it to data from the NGO sector in Uganda. Our empirical findings appear to reject the case for providing a participation subsidy in that context.
WHO HAD THE IDEA TO BUILD UP A VILLAGE ORGANIZATION? SOME EVIDENCE FROM SENEGAL AND BURKINA FASO
Authors: NAVARRA Cecilia , VALLINO Elena 
Published: February 2015

ABSTRACTIn this paper we deal with the relationship between external donors and village organizations (VOs) in Western Sub‐Saharan Africa. We utilize a large dataset of village organizations in rural areas of Senegal and Burkina Faso. We argue that the kind of relationship established with northern donors may have effects on the governance mechanisms of the village organization. We investigate to what extent differences in the foundation of the VO and of the partnership with the external donor can partially explain outcomes and membership structures of the VO itself. Our results go in the direction of possible diverging effects of a donor intervention in the village organization, according to the degree of proactivity and initiative that the VO displays.
EXPLORING BOARD INTERLOCKING BEHAVIOUR BETWEEN NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS
Authors: WILLEMS Jurgen , VAN PUYVELDE Stijn , JEGERS Marc , VANTILBORGH Tim , BIDEE Jemima , PEPERMANS Roland 
Published: February 2015

ABSTRACTDirectors on boards of nonprofit organizations can have additional director positions in other nonprofit organizations. When several of these interlocking directors exist for a group of nonprofit organizations, a board network is formed. We investigate to what extent similarity between organizations in terms of size, funding structure and operational activities relates to the presence of shared board members between organizations. For a network of 610 organizations we test and confirm that board networks are not formed at random, but that similarity of organizational characteristics explains interlocking behaviour, and that clusters of similar organizations exist within the overall nonprofit sector. Given this observation we propose three areas for further research. In particular we discuss opportunities regarding potential effects of network clustering, the causal direction of the relationship found, and the complementarity of the board network to other social networks in the nonprofit sector.
Labour Market Governance and the Creation of Outsiders
Authors: Crouch Colin 
Published: February 2015

AbstractUsing case‐study data, the article examines the contention that protective labour market policies and trade union action are responsible for growing divisions between labour market ‘insiders and outsiders’. Case studies are reported on developments in collective bargaining in the hospitals and engineering sectors from seven western and central European countries. The article finds that managerial strategies, and interactions between management and unions, have to be considered to give a full account of the growth of precarious employment.
Income‐related inequality and inequity in the use of dental services in Finland after a major subsidization reform
Authors: Raittio Eero , Kiiskinen Urpo , Helminen Sari , Aromaa Arpo , Suominen Anna Liisa 
Published: February 2015

AbstractObjectivesIn Finland, a major oral healthcare reform (OHCR), implemented during 2001–2002, opened the public dental services (PDS) and extended subsidies for private dental services to entire adult population. Before the reform, adults born earlier than 1956 were not entitled to use PDS nor did they receive any reimbursements for their private dental costs. We aimed to examine changes in the income‐related inequality and inequity in the use of dental services among the adult Finns after the reform.MethodsRepresentative data from Finnish adults born in 1970 or earlier were gathered from three identical postal surveys concerning the use of dental services and subjective perceptions of oral health. Those surveys were conducted before the OHCR in 2001 (n = 1907) and after the OHCR in 2004 (n = 1629) and 2007 (n = 1509). We used concentration index and its decomposition to analyse income‐related inequality and inequity in the use of dental services and factors associated with them.ResultsResults showed that pro‐rich inequality and inequity in the overall use of dental services narrowed from 2001 to 2004. However, between 2004 and 2007, pro‐rich inequality and inequity widened, so it returned to a rather similar level in 2007 as it had been in 2001. Most of the pro‐rich inequality and inequity were related to regular dental visiting habit and income level. While there was pro‐poor inequality and inequity in the use of PDS, there was pro‐rich inequality and inequity in the use of private dental services throughout the study years.ConclusionIt seems that income‐related inequality and inequity in the use of dental services narrowed only temporarily after the reform.
Socially unequal improvements in dental caries levels in Brazilian adolescents between 2003 and 2010
Authors: Roncalli Angelo G. , Sheiham Aubrey , Tsakos Georgios , Watt Richard G. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractObjectivesAlthough there are numerous reports on socioeconomic inequalities in dental caries, few studies have focused on whether improvements in dental status have been accompanied by changes in socioeconomic inequalities in caries. The objective of this study was to assess whether declines in caries between 2003 and 2010 were associated with reductions in inequalities in dental caries in adolescents.MethodsData on dental caries in adolescents aged 15–19 were used from the Brazilian National Oral Health surveys conducted in 2003 (n = 16 833) and 2010 (n = 5445). The dependent variables were Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index and the percentage caries free. Household income and educational level were independent variables. Differences between surveys for DMFT and caries free were calculated, and measurement of inequality was performed using the Slope Index of Inequality (SII) and Relative Index of Inequality (RII).ResultsBoth DMFT and percentage caries free showed significant differences in absolute (SII) and relative (RII) inequalities between the two surveys for both education and income. The SII for DMFT rose from 0.54 to 2.01 and from 1.44 to 3.67 for income and education, respectively. For caries free, these values were 3.64–19.40 and 5.06–22.93. Regarding to RII, a similar trend has been found.ConclusionsDespite the overall reduction in DMFT and an increase in caries free, there were increases in both income and education‐related inequalities in caries in Brazilian adolescents. The findings on caries differ from those for other health conditions in Brazil, where there have been reductions in inequalities.
Differential TLR‐induced cytokine production by human mast cells is amplified by FcɛRI triggering
Authors: Suurmond J. , Dorjée A. L. , Knol E. F. , Huizinga T. W. J. , Toes R. E. M. 
Published: February 2015

SummaryBackgroundMast cells are mainly present in strategic locations, where they may have a role in defence against parasites and bacteria. These pathogens can be recognized by mast cells via Toll‐like receptors (TLR). Allergic symptoms are often increased in the presence of pathogens at the site of allergen exposure, but it is unknown which cytokines can mediate such an effect.ObjectiveTo study whether an interaction between IgE‐ and TLR‐mediated activation of human mast cells can contribute to exacerbated inflammatory responses.MethodsPeripheral blood‐derived mast cells were stimulated with TLR ligands, in the presence or absence of anti‐IgE triggering, after which degranulation was measured using flow cytometry and cytokine production was evaluated by multiplex assays, and ELISA. For evaluation of allergen‐specific responses, mast cells were sensitized with serum of allergic individuals or controls, after which they were stimulated using allergens in combination with TLR ligands.ResultsSimultaneous triggering of mast cells via IgE and TLR ligands greatly enhanced cytokine production but not IgE‐induced degranulation. Different TLR ligands specifically enhanced the differential production of cytokines in conjunction with FcεRI triggering. Importantly, only TLR‐4 and TLR‐6 were able to induce robust production of IL‐13, an important molecule in allergic reactions.Conclusions & Clinical RelevanceThese results indicate that the simultaneous presence of pathogen‐ or danger‐associated signals and FcεRI triggering via specific IgE can significantly modify mast cell‐mediated allergic reactions via synergistic production of cytokines and inflammatory mediators and provide an explanation of augmented allergic symptoms during infection.
Basal metabolic rate in women with PCOS compared to eumenorrheic controls
Authors: Churchill Sara J. , Wang Erica T. , Bhasin Gaisu , Alexander Carolyn , Bresee Catherine , Pall Marita , Azziz Ricardo , Mathur Ruchi , Pisarska Margareta D. 
Published: February 2015

SummaryObjectivePCOS is associated with obesity and insulin resistance. Efforts have focused on whether an abnormal energy homeostasis contributes to the development of obesity in these patients. There are conflicting results in the literature regarding whether women with PCOS have an altered basal metabolic rate (BMR), thereby leading to difficulties in weight loss. The objective of this study is to compare basal metabolic rate (BMR) in women with PCOS and controls.DesignCross‐sectional study.PatientsOne hundred and twenty‐eight PCOS patients diagnosed by original NIH consensus criteria and 72 eumenorrheic, non‐hirsute controls were recruited from an academic medical centre.MeasurementsAssessment of BMR using the InBody portable bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) device and insulin resistance by HOMA‐IR indices.ResultsPCOS women were younger than controls. As expected, PCOS subjects had higher body mass index (BMI), serum androgens and estimated insulin resistance. After adjusting for age and BMI, there was no significant difference in BMR between PCOS subjects (adjusted mean 5807 kJ/day, 95% CI 5715–5899) and controls (adjusted mean 5916 kJ/day, 95% CI 5786–6046) (P = 0·193). BMR was also comparable in a secondary analysis comparing PCOS women with and without insulin resistance.ConclusionsAfter adjusting for age and BMI, there was no difference in BMR between PCOS women and controls.
Evolution of Paget's disease of bone in adults inheriting SQSTM1 mutations
Authors: Cundy Tim , Rutland Michael D. , Naot Dorit , Bolland Mark 
Published: February 2015

SummaryContextThe cause of Paget's disease of bone (PDB) is unknown, but genetic factors, particularly SQSTM1 mutations, and environmental factors are important.ObjectiveTo investigate the development of PDB in asymptomatic relatives carrying SQSTM1 mutations to determine whether a secular trend towards a less severe phenotype is evident, and to estimate prospectively the rate at which PDB emerged in this genetically susceptible population.DesignWe recruited first‐degree relatives of patients with PDB [33 adult offspring (mean age 45) and 1 sibling] with a familial SQSTM1 mutation. We determined the presence of PDB with skeletal scintiscans and confirmatory radiographs. Those negative for PDB on the initial scan were investigated again a mean 5·1 years later.ResultsThe initial skeletal scintiscan demonstrated PDB in six subjects; 26 of the remaining 28 unaffected subjects had a second scintiscan, with two new cases of monostotic PDB diagnosed in 134 patient‐years of follow‐up. In the total eight adult offspring diagnosed with PDB, the age of diagnosis was greater, by at least 10 years, than that in the 21 probands with clinically identified PDB (P = 0·005). In adult offspring who were older at the time of skeletal scintigraphy than their affected parents were at the time of clinical diagnosis, the difference was even more marked (P < 0·001). In adult offspring with PDB, the disease was significantly less extensive than in their affected parent, as judged by alkaline phosphatase and disease extent (P < 0·003).ConclusionThese findings suggest a substantial gene–environment interaction: the emergence of PDB in offspring inheriting SQSTM1 mutations is delayed by at least a decade, has a substantially attenuated phenotype and occurs at a low rate between the (mean) ages of 45 and 50 years. The nature of the environmental factor is unknown.
The associations between triglyceride to high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol ratios and the risks of gestational diabetes mellitus and large‐for‐gestational‐age infant
Authors: Wang Dongyu , Xu Shuqia , Chen Haitian , Zhong Lieqiang , Wang Zilian 
Published: February 2015

SummaryObjectiveTo evaluate the associations between triglyceride to high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL‐C) ratios and the risks of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and delivering large‐for‐gestational‐age (LGA) infant.DesignThis was a single‐centre prospective observational study.PatientsSix hundred and thirty‐six women with a singleton pregnancy were recruited.MeasurementsLipids profile, HbA1c and glucose were measured at the time of oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) during 24–28 gestational weeks. TG/HDL‐C ratios were calculated and clinical data including perinatal parameters were analysed.ResultsThe prevalence of GDM was 17·30% (n = 110) and LGA was 3·93% (n = 25) in this study. TG/HDL‐C ratios were found to be significantly higher in GDM group (P < 0·01) and LGA group (P = 0·045) compared with those in non‐GDM group and non‐LGA group, respectively. TG/HDL‐C ratios were independently associated with the risks of GDM (OR = 1·64, P = 0·02) and LGA (OR = 2·87, P < 0·01). The area under the combined ROC curve of TG/HDL‐C ratio and HbA1c to detect GDM was 0·705 (95% CI, 0·637–0·772). Furthermore, the area under the ROC curve of TG/HDL‐C ratio combined with HbA1c and prepregnancy BMI to detect LGA was 0·806 (95% CI, 0·719–0·893).ConclusionsTG/HDL‐C ratios in combination with HbA1c and prepregnancy BMI can be good markers to predict the risks of GDM and delivering LGA infant.
Socioeconomic status and executive function: developmental trajectories and mediation
Authors: Hackman Daniel A. , Gallop Robert , Evans Gary W. , Farah Martha J. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractChildhood socioeconomic status (SES) predicts executive function (EF), but fundamental aspects of this relation remain unknown: the developmental course of theSESdisparity, its continued sensitivity toSESchanges during that course, and the features of childhood experience responsible for theSES–EFrelation. Regarding course, early disparities would be expected to grow during development if caused by accumulating stressors at a given constant level ofSES. Alternatively, they would narrow if schooling partly compensates for the effects of earlier deprivation, allowing lower‐SESchildren to ‘catch up’. The potential for later childhoodSESchange to affectEFis also unknown. Regarding mediating factors, previous analyses produced mixed answers, possibly due to correlation amongst candidate mediators. We address these issues with measures ofSES, working memory and planning, along with multiple candidate mediators, from theNICHDStudy of Early Childcare (n= 1009). Early family income‐to‐needs and maternal education predicted planning by first grade, and income‐to‐needs predicted working memory performance at 54 months. Effects of earlySESremained consistent through middle childhood, indicating that the relation between early indicators ofSESandEFemerges in childhood and persists without narrowing or widening across early and middle childhood. Changes in family income‐to‐needs were associated with significant changes in planning and trend‐level changes in working memory. Mediation analyses supported the role of early childhood home characteristics in explaining the association betweenSESandEF, while early childhood maternal sensitivity was specifically implicated in the association between maternal education and planning. Early emerging and persistentSES‐related differences inEF, partially explained by characteristics of the home and family environment, are thus a potential source of socioeconomic disparities in achievement and health across development.
Presence of conspecifics triggers host searching behavior in an egg parasitoid wasp
Authors: Hirayama Hiroyuki , So Takayuki , Kasuya Eiiti 
Published: February 2015

AbstractParasitoids and predators compete for host or prey species. The efficiency of obtaining prey or host items is reduced by intraspecific competition. As the optimal search behavior depends on the intensity of competition, it is important for the parasitoid or predator to obtain information on this intensity. Previous studies have shown that parasitoids can obtain information regarding competition from encounters with already parasitized hosts. They then change their host searching behavior accordingly. However, whether parasitoids obtain the information directly from observing the presence of conspecifics remains unclear. We used Tiphodytes gerriphagus (Marchal) (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae), the solitary egg parasitoid of water striders, for testing the effect of density of conspecifics on host searching behavior. Females of T. gerriphagus dive into the water to search for hosts and sometimes they dive without hosts present. Thus, we investigated whether T. gerriphagus changed underwater activities in response to the density of conspecifics in the absence of hosts. Four densities (1, 2, 4, and 8 female T. gerriphagus) were investigated. Females in competitive situations (groups of 2, 4, and 8 females) displayed host searching behavior, but the solitary females did not. This indicates that the presence of conspecifics triggers host searching behavior and that T. gerriphagus females obtain information on competition directly from conspecifics and use it for modifying their behavior.
Tauroursodeoxycholic acid in the treatment of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Elia A. E. , Lalli S. , Monsurrò M. R. , Sagnelli A. , Taiello A. C. , Reggiori B. , La Bella V. , Tedeschi G. , Albanese A. 
Published: February 2015

Background and purposeTauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) is a hydrophilic bile acid that is produced in the liver and used for treatment of chronic cholestatic liver diseases. Experimental studies suggest that TUDCA may have cytoprotective and anti‐apoptotic action, with potential neuroprotective activity. A proof of principle approach was adopted to provide preliminary data regarding the efficacy and tolerability of TUDCA in a series of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).MethodsAs a proof of principle, using a double‐blind placebo controlled design, 34 ALS patients under treatment with riluzole who were randomized to placebo or TUDCA (1 g twice daily for 54 weeks) were evaluated after a lead‐in period of 3 months. The patients were examined every 6 weeks. The primary outcome was the proportion of responders [those subjects with improvement of at least 15% in the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale Revised (ALSFRS‐R) slope during the treatment period compared to the lead‐in phase]. Secondary outcomes included between‐treatment comparison of ALSFRS‐R at study end, comparison of the linear regression slopes for ALSFFRS‐R mean scores and the occurrence of adverse events.ResultsTauroursodeoxycholic acid was well tolerated; there were no between‐group differences for adverse events. The proportion of responders was higher under TUDCA (87%) than under placebo (P = 0.021; 43%). At study end baseline‐adjusted ALSFRS‐R was significantly higher (P = 0.007) in TUDCA than in placebo groups. Comparison of the slopes of regression analysis showed slower progression in the TUDCA than in the placebo group (P < 0.01).ConclusionsThis pilot study provides preliminary clinical data indicating that TUDCA is safe and may be effective in ALS.