bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of reorganization actions on the financial performance of small entrepreneurial distressed firms
Authors: Laitinen Erkki K. 
Published: March 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze the effect of different reorganization actions on long‐term financial performance of reorganizing small entrepreneurial firms in Finland.Design/methodology/approachAn structural equation model estimated by partial least squares is applied to survey data from 98 reorganizing very small firms to analyze the effect of organizational change (OC), financial reorganization, management control system change (MCSC), and management accounting change (MAC) on performance.FindingsEvidence supports three of the seven research hypotheses. Debt restructuring has a positive effect on performance. Liquidation of assets and OC do not show a significant direct effect but OC has a positive total effect. MCSC has a positive effect whereas the effect of MAC is negative. Compatibility of reorganization actions with the confirmed reorganization plan affects positively performance.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample is small. In further studies, larger samples should be used. Effect of reorganization on performance is self‐assessed by the firms. Further studies should apply more objective measures. The constructs of variables are intended for larger firms. New constructs should be developed for very small firms.Practical implicationsIt is important that reorganization administrators and consultants prepare a careful reorganization plan to be followed during the program. In small reorganizing firms, it is beneficial to develop management control systems. However, one should be cautious when developing formal management accounting systems for very small firms.Originality/valueThis paper is the first one developing a structural model of the effects of reorganization actions on performance of small firms. It brings new evidence on the effects of organizational and control system change.
Decomposition of tissue baits and termite density along a gradient of human land‐use intensification in Western Kenya
Authors: Kagezi Godfrey H. , Kaib Manfred , Nyeko Philip , Bakuneeta Christopher , Schädler Martin , Brandl Roland 
Published: March 2011

AbstractTermites are important decomposers and ‘ecosystem engineers’ in tropical ecosystems. Furthermore, termite assemblages are sensitive to human land‐use intensification and often termite density and the importance of soil‐feeding termites decrease with land‐use intensification. These changes in termite assemblages may also lead to a decrease in termite‐mediated ecosystem processes (e.g. soil formation, cellulose decomposition). We compared density and functional composition of termites with cellulose removal from undisturbed primary forests to farmlands (Kakamega Forest, Western Kenya). In contrast to the expectation, we found no response of termite abundance along the gradient of land‐use intensification. However, as expected, the relative abundance of soil‐feeders decreased from primary forests to farmlands. In contrast, frequency of attack on tissue paper baits and removal of tissue showed a clear hump‐shaped relationship to land‐use intensification with high values in secondary forests. These nonconcordant patterns of density and functional composition of termite assemblages with cellulose removal by termites suggest that it may be misleading to infer changes in a process by the characteristics of the assemblage of organisms that mediate that process.
Genetic variation in Th1/Th2 pathway genes and risk of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma: a pooled analysis of three population‐based case‐control studies
Authors: Lan Qing , Wang Sophia S. , Menashe Idan , Armstrong Bruce , Zhang Yawei , Hartge Patricia , Purdue Mark P. , Holford Theodore R. , Morton Lindsay M. , Kricker Anne , Cerhan James R. , Grulich Andrew , Cozen Wendy , Zahm Shelia H. , Yeager Meredith , Vajdic Claire M. , Schenk Maryjean , Leaderer Brian , Yuenger Jeff , Severson Richard K. , Chatterjee Nilanjan , Chanock Stephen J. , Zheng Tongzhang , Rothman Nathaniel 
Published: March 2011

SummaryThe balance between T‐helper 1 (Th1) and T‐helper 2 (Th2) activity is critical in lymphoid cell development and differentiation. Immune dysfunction underlies lymphomagenesis, so an alteration in the regulation of key Th1/Th2 cytokines may lead to the development of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). To study the impact of polymorphisms in Th1/Th2 cytokines on NHL risk, we analyzed 145 tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 17 Th1/Th2 cytokine and related genes in three population‐based case‐control studies (1946 cases and 1808 controls). Logistic regression was used to compute odds ratios (OR) for NHL and four major NHL subtypes in relation to tag SNP genotypes and haplotypes. A gene‐based analysis adjusting for the number of tag SNPs genotyped in each gene showed significant associations with risk of NHL combined and one or more NHL subtypes for Th1 (IL12A and IL12RB1) and Th2 (IL4, IL10RB, and IL18) genes. The strongest association was for rs485497 in IL12A, which plays a central role in bridging the cellular and humoral pathways of innate resistance and antigen‐specific adaptive immune responses (allele risk OR = 1·17; P(trend) = 0·00099). This SNP was also associated specifically with risk of follicular lymphoma (allele risk OR = 1·26; P(trend) = 0·0012). These findings suggest that genetic variation in Th1/Th2 cytokine genes may contribute to lymphomagenesis.
Association of JAK‐STAT pathway related genes with lymphoma risk: results of a European case–control study (EpiLymph)
Authors: Butterbach Katja , Beckmann Lars , de Sanjosé Silvia , Benavente Yolanda , Becker Nikolaus , Foretova Lenka , Maynadie Marc , Cocco Pierluigi , Staines Anthony , Boffetta Paolo , Brennan Paul , Nieters Alexandra 
Published: March 2011

SummaryPrevious studies have suggested an important role for the Janus kinase‐signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK‐STAT) signalling pathway in tumour development. Therefore, we explored genetic variants in JAK‐STAT pathway associated genes with lymphoma risk. In samples of the EpiLymph case–control study we genotyped 1536 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using GoldenGate BeadArray™ Technology (Illumina, San Diego, CA, USA). Here, we report the associations between selected SNPs and haplotypes of the JAK‐STAT pathway and risk of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (B‐NHL) and most frequent B‐NHL subtypes. Among 210 relevant JAK‐STAT pathway‐related SNPs, polymorphisms in nine genes (BMF, IFNG, IL12A, SOCS1, STAT1, STAT3, STAT5A, STAT6, TP63) were significantly associated with lymphoma risk. At a study‐wise significance level, we obtained a risk reduction of 28% among carriers of the heterozygous genotype of the STAT3 variant (rs1053023) for B‐NHL. For six other variants within the STAT3 gene we observed an inverse association with different lymphoma subtypes. A reduced risk for HL was observed for the heterozygous genotype of the STAT6 SNP (rs324011). This is an explorative investigation to examine associations between JAK‐STAT signalling related genes and lymphoma risk. The results implicate a relevant role of certain pathway‐related genes in lymphomagenesis, but still need to be approved by independent studies.
Serum immunoglobulin A concentration in infancy, but not human milk immunoglobulin A, is associated with subsequent atopic manifestations in children and adolescents: a 20‐year prospective follow‐up study
Authors: Pesonen M. , Kallio M. J. T. , Siimes M. A. , Savilahti E. , Ranki A. 
Published: March 2011

SummaryBackground
Serum and secretory IgA concentrations have been suggested to be inversely associated with allergic symptoms in children. Furthermore, low maternal milk IgA concentration has been suggested to be associated with the development of cow's milk allergy.Objective
Our aim was to explore whether the serum IgA concentrations in infancy and the IgA concentration of maternal milk predict atopic manifestations in childhood and up to age 20 years.Methods
A cohort of 200 unselected full‐term newborns was prospectively followed up from birth to age 20 years with measurement of serum total IgA at ages 2 and 6 months. The mothers were encouraged to maintain exclusive breastfeeding for as long as possible. Total IgA concentration of maternal milk was measured at birth (colostrum, n=169) and at 2 (n=167) and 6 (n=119) months of lactation. The children were re‐assessed at ages 5, 11 and 20 years for the occurrence of allergic symptoms, with skin prick testing and measurement of serum IgE.Results
Children and adolescents with respiratory allergic symptoms and sensitization had a higher serum IgA concentration at age 2 months than the non‐atopic subjects. Colostrum and breast milk IgA concentrations were not associated with the development of allergic symptoms in the recipient infant. However, maternal milk IgA concentration at 6 months of lactation was inversely associated with elevated serum total IgE and positive skin prick test to tree pollen in the offspring at age 20 years.Conclusions and Clinical Relevance
Increased serum IgA concentration at age 2 months is associated with the development of subsequent allergic symptoms and sensitization in childhood and adolescence. Maternal milk IgA concentrations are not associated with subsequent allergic symptoms in the recipient infant. The present study provides novel information on the role of IgA in the development of respiratory allergy and sensitization. Cite this as: M. Pesonen, M. J. T. Kallio, M. A. Siimes, E. Savilahti and A. Ranki, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2011 (41) 688–696.
Comparison of topical 3% diclofenac sodium gel and 5% imiquimod cream for the treatment of actinic keratoses
Authors: Akarsu S. , Aktan Ş. , Atahan A. , Koç P. , Özkan Ş. 
Published: March 2011

Summary
Background. There is a wide spectrum of treatments available for actinic keratosis (AK). Topical diclofenac sodium and imiquimod are two topical treatments, which are noninvasive, easily applied, well-tolerated and effective.
Aim. To compare the effects of topical 3% diclofenac sodium plus hyaluranon (DFS) gel, 5% imiquimod (IMQ) cream, and base cream (BC) in patients with AK.
Methods. In total, 61 patients, diagnosed clinically and histopathologically as having AK, were randomized into three treatment groups to receive topical treatment with either DFS (twice daily for 12 weeks), IMQ (twice per week for 16 weeks) or BC (twice daily for 12 weeks). Patients were evaluated clinically at 0, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24 weeks. Treatment efficacy was assessed by Total Thickness Score (TTS) and Patient Global Improvement Index (PGII).
Results. Complete clearance rates for DFS, IMQ and BC at the end of the treatment and at the end of the total follow-up period were 19.1%, 20% and 0%, and 14.3%, 45% and 0%, respectively. Although the average TTS value of the DFS group at week 24 was significantly higher than that of the IMQ group, the PGII values were not significantly different.
Conclusions. Although DFS and IMQ each had considerable efficacy in the treatment of AK, the efficacy of DFS seemed to decrease after cessation of treatment.
Ability to self-detect malignant melanoma decreases with age
Authors: Trolle L. , Henrik-Nielsen R. , Gniadecki R. 
Published: March 2011

Summary
The prognosis of malignant melanoma depends on the thickness of the tumour. In this study, we analysed the trends in Breslow thickness in 63 patients referred to our institution, a tertiary dermatology referral centre. The mean thickness of melanoma was 0.31 mm, which was lower than the national average of 1.10 mm. There was a significant trend towards increased melanoma thickness with increasing age, with a rate of 0.24 mm (95% CI 0.12–0.37) for each additional 10 years of age above the age of 20 years. This trend was only apparent in cases of self-diagnosed melanomas; the thickness of tumours diagnosed by a dermatologist did not show any dependence on patient age. As the mortality from melanoma increases with age, this study suggests that dermatologists should include older people in screening programmes for melanoma.
Sunnier European countries have lower melanoma mortality
Authors: Shipman A. R. , Clark A. B. , Levell N. J. 
Published: March 2011

Summary
Doubt has been cast on sunlight as the major causative factor for malignant melanoma. We performed statistical analysis of the average annual sunlight hours in 36 European capital cities compared with the country’s melanoma mortality rate. A significant inverse proportionality was identified in both men and women, indicating that sun exposure is unlikely to be the strongest factor affecting mortality from malignant melanoma.
Who should have genetic testing for maturity‐onset diabetes of the young?
Authors: Naylor Rochelle , Philipson Louis H. 
Published: March 2011

SummaryMaturity‐onset diabetes of the young (MODY) is a clinically heterogeneous group of monogenic disorders characterized by autosomal dominant inheritance of young‐onset, non‐insulin‐dependent diabetes. The genes involved are important in beta cell development, function and regulation and lead to disorders in glucose sensing and insulin secretion. Heterozygous GCK mutations cause impaired glucokinase activity resulting in stable, mild hyperglycaemia that rarely requires treatment. HNF1A mutations cause a progressive insulin secretory defect that is sensitive to sulphonylureas, most often resulting in improved glycaemic control compared with other diabetes treatment. MODY owing to mutations in the HNF4A gene results in a similar phenotype, including sensitivity to sulphonylurea treatment. HNF1B mutations most frequently cause developmental renal disease (particularly renal cysts) but may also cause MODY in isolation or may cause the renal cysts and diabetes syndrome (RCAD syndrome). Mutations in NEUROD1, PDX1 (IPF1), CEL and INS are rare causes of MODY. MODY is often misdiagnosed as type 1 or type 2 diabetes. However, a correct genetic diagnosis impacts treatment and identifies at‐risk family members. Thus, it is important to consider a diagnosis of MODY in appropriate individuals and to pursue genetic testing to establish a molecular diagnosis.
Silver alloy vs. uncoated urinary catheters: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Beattie Michelle , Taylor Julie 
Published: March 2011

Aims and objectives.  This systematic review aimed to determine whether there was enough evidence to conclude that silver‐alloy urinary catheters reduce catheter‐associated urinary tract infections compared with silicone or latex urinary catheters in adult inpatients.Background.  Previous systematic reviews into the effectiveness of silver‐coated urinary catheters have offered limited opportunity to transfer their findings into practice. These studies have been on North American products only, of generally poor quality, or several years since their completion (Brosnahan J, Jull A & Tracy C 2004, Cochrane Database Systematic Reviews, Issue 1, Art. No.: CD004013).Design.  A systematic review of the literature was deemed the most appropriate research method to apply as there had already been several studies (Saint S, Veenstra DL, Sullivan SD, Chenoweth C & Fendrick AM 2000, Archives of International Medicine, 160, 2670–2675; Lai KK & Fontecchio SA 2002, American Journal of Infection Control, 30, 221–225; Schaeffer AJ 2005, The Journal of Urology, 173, 845–846) relating to the subject in question, although there were some queries regarding their methodological rigour.Methods.  Randomised control trials, systematic reviews and meta‐analyses were identified by searching relevant databases. Relevant papers were judged against predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Ten per cent of papers were assessed by a second reviewer. Following the application of a numerical filtering tool, six papers were rejected and eleven papers were retained.Results.  Of the 11 papers retained, there were eight studies, as some studies published more than one paper. The integrated results did present a consistent pattern favourable towards the efficacy of silver‐alloy urinary catheters to reduce catheter‐associated urinary tract infection.Conclusion.  The collective evidence divulged an emerging pattern favouring the efficacy of silver‐alloy urinary catheters to reduce catheter‐associated urinary tract infection. Owing to the poor quality of some individual studies included in other systematic reviews and the inability to carry out meta‐analysis because of significant heterogeneity, definitive conclusions cannot be drawn from the study.Relevance to clinical practice.  Given the significant prevalence of catheter‐associated urinary tract infection, early indications of improved infection rate outcomes using silver‐alloy urinary catheters should not be dismissed.
Struggling in an inescapable life situation: being a close relative of a person dependent on home enteral tube feeding
Authors: Bjuresäter Kaisa , Larsson Maria , Athlin Elsy 
Published: March 2011

Aim.  To explore what it means to be a close relative of a person dependent on home enteral tube feeding (HETF) and how they can manage this situation.Background.  Previous studies have shown that the situation of close relatives in home care in general can be burdensome and difficult. Research is scarce about experiences of close relatives when patients are treated with HETF.Design.  A qualitative design was used, in accordance with grounded theory (GT).Methods.  Twelve close relatives were interviewed twice, using open‐ended questions. Five were relatives of patients supported by home care services or advanced home care teams. Using the GT method, sampling, data collection and data analysis were carried out simultaneously.Results.  One core category, ‘Struggling in an inescapable life situation’ and eight categories were found. The situation led to involuntary changes in the lives of the close relatives, something they could do little about. Their lives had become completely upturned and restricted by the HETF. Togetherness and pleasure was lost and they felt lonely. The relatives faced a new role of being informal caregivers and they had to adjust their daily life accordingly. They felt forced to take on a heavy responsibility for which they lacked support. The close relatives struggled to manage and to make the best of their new situation.Conclusions.  This study highlighted the demands and vulnerability which is embedded in the role of being a close relative of a patient with HETF. It also pointed out their need for comprehensive support from the health care system.Relevance to clinical practice.  Support to facilitate the situation of close relatives should be given from the health care. One way to organise the care could be through a nurse‐led clinic, which provides continuous support, information and counseling.
Intraspecific variation in the direction and degree of sex‐biased dispersal among sea‐snake populations
Authors: LANE AMANDA , SHINE RICHARD 
Published: March 2011

AbstractHigher rates of dispersal in one sex than the other are widespread, and often attributed to the genetic advantages of reduced inbreeding. The direction of sex‐biased dispersal shows strong phylogenetic conservatism (e.g. males disperse more than females in most mammals, but the reverse is true in most birds). By contrast, our genetic data reveal strong inter‐population variation in the relative dispersal rates of two species of sea snakes (Laticauda saintgironsi and L. laticaudata) in the Noumea Lagoon of New Caledonia. Assignment methods using microsatellite data identified parallel variation in sex‐specific dispersal in both species: dispersal was female‐biased in the north‐west of the sampling area (in islands far from the main island), but male‐biased in the south‐east (in islands closer to the main island). This flexibility may reflect sex differences in diets, with spatial variation in sex‐specific resources generating spatial variation in sex‐specific dispersal distances.
Evidence of neutral and adaptive genetic divergence between European trout populations sampled along altitudinal gradients
Authors: KELLER I. , TAVERNA A. , SEEHAUSEN O. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractSpecies with a wide geographical distribution are often composed of distinct subgroups which may be adapted to their local environment. European trout (Salmo truttaspecies complex) provide an example of such a complex consisting of several genetically and ecologically distinct forms. However, trout populations are strongly influenced by human activities, and it is unclear to what extent neutral and adaptive genetic differences have persisted. We sampled 30 Swiss trout populations from heterogeneous environments along replicated altitudinal gradients in three major European drainages. More than 850 individuals were genotyped at 18 microsatellite loci which included loci diagnostic for evolutionary lineages and candidate markers associated with temperature tolerance, reproductive timing and immune defence. We find that the phylogeographic structure of Swiss trout populations has not been completely erased by stocking. Distinct genetic clusters corresponding to the different drainages could be identified, although nonindigenous alleles were clearly present, especially in the two Mediterranean drainages. We also still detected neutral genetic differentiation within rivers which was often associated with the geographical distance between populations. Five loci showed evidence of divergent selection between populations with several drainage‐specific patterns. Lineage‐diagnostic markers, a marker linked to a quantitative trait locus for upper temperature tolerance in other salmonids and a marker linked to the major histocompatibility class I gene were implicated in local adaptation and some patterns were associated with altitude. In contrast, tentative evidence suggests a signal of balancing selection at a second immune relevant gene (TAP2). Our results confirm the persistence of both neutral and potentially adaptive genetic differences between trout populations in the face of massive human‐mediated dispersal.
The expression of CD36 in vessels with blood–brain barrier impairment in a stroke‐prone hypertensive model
Authors: Ueno M. , Nakagawa T. , Nagai Y. , Nishi N. , Kusaka T. , Kanenishi K. , Onodera M. , Hosomi N. , Huang C. , Yokomise H. , Tomimoto H. , Sakamoto H. 
Published: March 2011

M. Ueno, T. Nakagawa, Y. Nagai, N. Nishi, T. Kusaka, K. Kanenishi, M. Onodera, N. Hosomi, C. Huang, H. Yokomise, H. Tomimoto and H. Sakamoto (2011) Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology37, 727–737The expression of CD36 in vessels with blood–brain barrier impairment in a stroke‐prone hypertensive modelAims: The class B scavenger receptor CD36, the receptor for oxidized low‐density lipoprotein, mediates free radical production and brain injury in cerebral ischaemia. Free radical production is known to be involved in the remodelling of the cerebral vasculature of stroke‐prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP). Accordingly, we examined whether the expression of CD36 is increased in the vasculature with blood–brain barrier (BBB) impairment and collagen deposition of SHRSP. Methods: The gene and protein expression of CD36 was examined in the vessels of the hippocampus of SHRSP with BBB impairment and those of Wistar Kyoto rats without the impairment, by real‐time RT‐PCR, Western blotting and immunohistochemical techniques. Results: The gene and protein expression of CD36 was increased in the hippocampus of SHRSP compared with that of Wistar Kyoto rats. Confocal microscopic examination revealed CD36 immunoreactivity in perivascular microglial cells immunopositive for ED1. Immunoelectron microscopic examination revealed that the immunosignals for CD36 were located mainly in the cytoplasm of perivascular cells in vessels showing increased vascular permeability and a few in the cytoplasmic membranes of endothelial cells. Conclusions: These findings indicate that the expression of CD36 was increased in vessels with BBB impairment in the hippocampus of SHRSP and was mainly seen in the cytoplasm of perivascular microglial cells, suggesting a role of CD36 in cerebrovascular injury.