bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Some twins are not alike: FDI premia in the former Soviet states
Authors: Gattai Valeria , Mechelli Rajssa , Natale Piergiovanna
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to estimate foreign direct investment (FDI) premia in the former Soviet states.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors follow an empirical approach. Using Orbis data for a sample of more than 3,000 companies, the authors characterize FDI involvement and FDI premia of firms from three distinctive groups of former Soviet states, designated “upper-middle”-income, “lower-middle”-income and “high”-income countries. This yields interesting within-group and between-group results on the effects of outward FDI (OFDI) and inward FDI (IFDI) on firm-level innovation.

Findings

The authors unveil new facts about innovation and FDI in the former Soviet states. FDI firms innovate more than non-FDI firms and OFDI firms innovate more than IFDI firms. The innovation effect of OFDI is the largest for firms from the “lower-middle” countries, followed by the “high” and “upper-middle” countries. The innovation effect of IFDI is the largest for firms from the “lower-middle” countries, followed by the “upper-middle” and “high” countries. FDI to and from Europe has the largest impact on innovation; this holds across country groups.

Research limitations/implications

The estimates of this paper document robust FDI premia, i.e., a positive and significant correlation between firm-level innovation and FDI. However, the cross-sectional nature of the data does not permit a proper causality analysis.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the literature on FDI premia by: considering IFDI and OFDI in a unified empirical framework; dissecting IFDI and OFDI by location; measuring firm-level productivity in terms of innovation; and providing cross-country comparable evidence on both emerging and advanced economies. At the same time, the paper contributes to the literature on FDI from emerging economies by: taking a firm-level quantitative approach; focusing on a relatively unexplored set of countries; and providing comparable cross-country evidence on both emerging and advanced economies.
Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C in prisons: a prevalence study
Authors: Kose Sukran , Adar Pelin , Gozaydin Ayhan , Kuzucu Lutfiye , Akkoclu Gulgun
Published: March 2019

Purpose

Prisons, which are hazardous places for various contagious diseases, carry additional risks for HBV and HCV because of the communal lifestyle (common use of tools like razor blades, tattoo applications, intravenous drug use and homosexual intercourse). The purpose of this paper is to determine the prevalence of HBV and HCV, and also provide information for prisoners in this respect.

Design/methodology/approach

This study included 180 prisoners from the Buca F-Type Closed Prison, and 180 prisoners from the Foça Open Prison in Turkey. After the training seminars, serum levels of HBsAg, anti HBs, anti HBc total and anti HCV in the prisoners were assessed using the MICROELISA method.

Findings

All the prisoners were male. The mean age was 40(21–73) years. According to the results of 360 prisoners from both prisons, 17 (4.7 percent) prisoners were HBsAg positive and were diagnosed as HBV. Isolated anti HBs was positive in 33 (9.1 percent) prisoners who had been previously vaccinated. In 25 (6.9 percent) prisoners isolated Anti HBc total was positive, and in 61 (16.9 percent) prisoners both Anti HBs and Anti HBc total was positive in those who were considered to be recovered from the HBV. Anti HCV was positive in 2 (0.5 percent) prisoners; the process was repeated twice, and found to be repeatedly positive. Coinfection of HBV and HCV was not detected.

Research limitations/implications

In this study, the prevalence of HBV and HCV was determined to be similar to those in the normal population. However, it is not expedient to generalize this result and apply it to all prisons. For the sake of public health, prisons should be scanned for infectious diseases, and vaccinations must be applied as necessary, in order to provide protection.

Originality/value

It is a study to determine the prevalence of HBV and HCV in the prisoner population, which constitute one of the risk groups because of the communal lifestyle (common use of some tools such as the razor blade, tattoo applications, intravenous drug use and homosexual intercourse), and to compare the results with other groups in Turkey and globally.
Trends in addiction treatment in Irish prisons using national surveillance data, 2009–2014
Authors: Cannon Aoife , Nally Fiona , Collins Anne , Fay Ronnie , Lyons Suzi
Published: March 2019

Purpose

Many studies show that incarcerated populations have higher rates of problem drug use than the general population. The purpose of this paper is to analyse trends in addiction treatment demand in prisons in Ireland from 2009 to 2014 using available national surveillance data in order to identify any implications for practice and policy.

Design/methodology/approach

National surveillance data on treatment episodes for problem drug and alcohol use from 2009 to 2014, collected annually by the National Drug Treatment Reporting System (NDTRS), were analysed.

Findings

In total, 6 per cent of all treatment episodes recorded by the NDTRS between 2009 and 2014 were from prison services. The number of prison service treatment episodes increased from 964 in 2009 to 1,063 in 2014. Opiates were the main reason for treatment, followed by alcohol, cocaine and cannabis. The majority (94–98 per cent) of treatment episodes involved males (median age of 29 years) and low educational attainment, with 79.5–85.1 per cent leaving school before completion of second level. The percentage of treatment episodes with a history of ever injecting drugs increased from 20.9 per cent in 2009 to 31.0 per cent in 2014.

Practical implications

This study can help policy development and service planning in addiction treatment in prison as it provides an insight into the potential needs of incarcerated populations. It also provides a baseline from which to measure any changes in provision of treatment in prison over time.

Originality/value

This is the first study to analyse treatment episodes in prison using routine surveillance data in Ireland. Analysis of these data can provide useful information, not currently available elsewhere.
Group position, consciousness and perception of police fairness among urban residents in China
Authors: Wu Yuning , Sun Ivan , Li Feng , Liu Siyu
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the importance of group position and consciousness in predicting people’s perceptions of police fairness in China.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used survey data collected from 1,095 respondents in Shanghai. Multivariate regression was used to analyze the effects of group positions and group consciousness variables on perceived police fairness, controlling for personal, experiential and neighborhood factors.

Findings

Regardless of their own hukou status, individuals who live in high migrant areas expressed less favorable attitudes toward police fairness. Meanwhile, people who displayed greater degrees of sensitivity to bias in law rated police fairness less favorably, whereas people who expressed higher levels of moral alignment with the law and belief in no choice but to obey the police rated police fairness more favorably. Lower levels of neighborhood disorder and higher degrees of cohesion were also associated with more positive evaluations of police fairness.

Research limitations/implications

The authors’ measure of migrant concentration was constructed based on respondents’ own assessments of this neighborhood feature. Future studies should consider using objective measures to supplement the construction of migrant concentration variables. The authors’ group consciousness variables are limited as they are general, non-residential status specific and only capture part of the traditionally conceptualized variable of group consciousness. Future study should employ better-worded items that can tap precisely into people’s various dimensions of social consciousness based on their group status.

Practical implications

Training officers has to give a high priority to the principles of both procedural and distributive justice, and implement performance and evaluation policies that support fair and responsive police behavior, particularly during situations where citizens report crime to and seek help from the police.

Originality/value

Despite their high relevance, variables reflecting group position have received marginal attention in previous research on public evaluations of the police in China. This study represents a first attempt to examine how the interactions between residence status and the level of neighborhood migrant concentration influence Chinese attitudes toward police fairness.
Applied ecological research is on the rise but connectivity barriers persist between four major subfields
Authors: Staples Timothy L. , Dwyer John M. , Wainwright Claire E. , Mayfield Margaret M.
Published: March 2019

Climate change, land clearing and invasive species are affecting ecosystems in concert, so effective management requires knowledge sharing and collaboration across multiple fields of applied ecological research.

We provide an examination of the growth and interconnectivity of four major subfields of applied ecology: climate change biology, conservation biology, invasion biology and restoration ecology; estimated using citations from the entire population of peer‐reviewed journal articles published between 1990 and 2017.

Over this period applied ecological research has grown from 2% of new ecology papers to over 20%. The subfields each represented c. 6% of new ecology publications in 2017, with the exception of restoration ecology at c. 3%. Inter‐subfield citation probabilities also increased consistently over our study period.

Despite these positive trends, we identified apparent barriers to future integration of these research areas. While the probability that citations in one subfield would include at least one paper from another subfield was high, the magnitude of cross‐subfield citations was low. Subfields also exhibited segregated publishing habits, asynchronous research foci and a strong preference for citing application over theory.

Synthesis and applications. Despite strong overall growth in applied ecological research, segregation of subfields in papers and journals may limit opportunities to identify co‐benefits and complementary theoretical frameworks. This has the potential to result in suboptimal ecological management outcomes.
Contradictions of the Climate‐Friendly City: New Perspectives on Eco‐Gentrification and Housing Justice
Authors: Rice Jennifer L. , Cohen Daniel Aldana , Long Joshua , Jurjevich Jason R.
Published: March 2019

As local governments and corporations promote ‘climate friendliness’, and a low‐carbon lifestyle becomes increasingly desirable, more middle‐ and upper‐income urban residents are choosing to live near public transit, on bike‐ and pedestrian‐friendly streets, and in higher‐density mixed‐use areas. This rejection of classical forms of suburbanization has, in part, increased property values in neighborhoods offering these amenities, displacing lower‐income, often non‐white, residents. Increased prevalence of creative and technology workers appears to accelerate this trend. We argue that a significant and understudied socio‐environmental contradiction also occurs where the actual environmental outcomes of neighborhood transformation may not be what we expect. New research on greenhouse gas emissions shows that more affluent residents have much larger carbon footprints because of their consumption, even when reductions in transportation or building energy emissions are included. We describe an area in Seattle, Washington, the location of Amazon's headquarters, experiencing this contradiction and show a distinct convergence of city investments in low‐carbon infrastructure, significant rises in housing prices and decreases in lower‐income and non‐white residents. We conclude with a discussion of a range of issues that require more attention by scholars interested in housing justice and/or urban sustainability.
Evicting Slums, ‘Building Back Better’: Resiliency Revanchism and Disaster Risk Management in Manila
Authors: Alvarez Maria Khristine , Cardenas Kenneth
Published: March 2019

This article examines how the politics of managing global catastrophic risks plays out in a stereotypically ‘vulnerable’ megacity in the global South. It analyses the disproportionate impact of the 2009 Ondoy floods on Manila's underclasses as a consequence of the failures and partial successes of twentieth‐century developmentalism, in the course of which the Philippine state facilitated a highly uneven distribution of disaster risk. It argues that the selective interpretation and omission of facts underpinned a disaster risk management (DRM) strategy premised on the eviction of slum dwellers. Through the lens of aesthetic governmentality we analyse how elite and expert knowledge produced a narrative of the slum as the source of urban flood risk via the territorial stigmatization of slums as blockages. We also show how the redescription of flood risk based on aesthetics produced uneven landscapes of risk, materializing in the ‘danger’/‘high‐risk’‐zone binary. This article characterizes the politics of the Metro Manila DRM strategy by introducing the concept of resiliency revanchism: a ‘politics of revenge’ predicated on the currency of DRM and ‘resiliency’, animated by historically entrenched prejudicial attitudes toward urban underclasses, and enabled by the selective interpretation, circulation and use of expertise.
Futures of Crisis, Futures of Urban Political Theory: Flooding in Asian Coastal Megacities
Authors: Shatkin Gavin
Published: March 2019

Coastal megacities across Asia have experienced devastating floods in recent years. Studies project dramatic increases in populations prone to chronic flooding and potential permanent inundation of densely populated urban areas in future decades. The uncertainties presented by future flood risks disrupt prevalent state visions of globalization‐driven prosperity. The emerging reality of a shift in relationship between water and urban settlements has begun driving recalibration of power relations around a range of issues, including longstanding contestations over infrastructure delivery, housing, land rights and political representation. Flood mitigation efforts have played out in debates over displacement and eviction, and distributional concerns about the costs and benefits of these initiatives. This article develops a conceptual framework for assessing the implications of projections of flood risk for urban political theory. The article begins by identifying political contestations that emerge around the varied ways water intersects with urban processes—through dynamics of permeability, flow and drainage, aquifers and pipes, and coastal defense. It then explores how projections of the crisis of flooding have reshaped three contemporary debates in urban politics: those around property rights and the question of ‘informality’; around neoliberalization and financialization; and around the rescaling of the state. Finally, it briefly deploys this framework to examine the case of Jakarta.
Old wine in new bottles? Reassessing the effects of globalisation on political preferences in Western Europe
Authors: LANGSÆTHER PETER EGGE , STUBAGER RUNE
Published: March 2019

In both public and scholarly debates, globalisation has recently been accredited with a massive impact on the political preferences and electoral behaviour of Western citizens. Some go as far as to declare a new cleavage between winners and losers of globalisation, driven, for example, by individuals’ exposure to international competition and their degree of national as opposed to cosmopolitan identification. Extant tests of this argument have, however, relied on class and education as proxies for these processes. In contrast, this study provides a direct test of the influence of the globalisation processes on attitudes to economic distribution, the European Union and immigration as well as on vote choice across nine West European countries. The results show that variables tapping the core aspects of globalisation have relatively little impact on attitudes and vote choice; are largely unable to account for the effects of class and education; and do not seem to lead to the establishment of new divisions between winners and losers within or across classes. Rather, the winners and losers of globalisation seem to be the traditional winners and losers with respect to material positions and political influence in modern Western societies – that is, those placed higher as opposed to lower in the class and education hierarchies. In this way, the proposed cleavage between winners and losers of globalisation may seem to be rather much like old wine in new bottles.
Ability, motivation and opportunity: managerial coaching in practice
Authors: McCarthy Grace , Milner Julia
Published: March 2019

The practice of managerial coaching is increasing globally, although there is still comparatively little research into it. Using an online survey, we examined the practice of managerial coaching in Australian organisations through Appelbaum et al.'s Ability Motivation Opportunity framework. A thematic analysis of 580 responses revealed that managers regularly coached their own employees and were motivated by the outcomes they achieved through coaching. Emerging strongly from this research was the delight managers took in seeing their employees transform, as well as improved relationships and the (re‐)building of trust. Furthermore, coaching resulted in employees becoming more innovative and ready for change. However, managers did not always have the opportunity to undertake coaching due to time constraints or their dual role as a coaching manager. We shed further light on the motivation of managers and we offer recommendations for HR departments seeking to foster managerial coaching in their organisations. The key takeaway is that managerial coaching is a powerful approach to leadership.
The fundamentals of momentum investing: European evidence on understanding momentum through fundamentals
Authors: Walkshäusl Christian
Published: March 2019

This paper tests Ahmed and Safdar's noise‐related fundamentals‐based explanation for the momentum premium in European equity markets. Consistent with the view that past price changes may be partially driven by noise, the future return behaviour of winners and losers is significantly dependent upon the degree to which past price performance is consistent with fundamentals. European momentum profits are concentrated among those firms where past price performance is congruent with fundamentals, but absent among those firms where past price performance is incongruent with fundamentals. The significantly different momentum premiums on congruent and incongruent fundamentals‐momentum strategies are attributable to the exploitation of existing mispricing among momentum stocks that can be ex ante identified using firm fundamentals.
Ant community patterns in highly fragmented Chaco forests of central Argentina
Authors: Pereyra Mariana , Pol Rodrigo G. , Galetto Leonardo
Published: March 2019

The Chaco is the largest dry forest biome in South America and one of the regions most threatened by agricultural intensification. As a consequence, in several areas Chaco forests persist as forest remnants of different sizes embedded in an agricultural matrix. Ants are social insects that have key roles in ecosystem functioning, and the effects of this ongoing land use change process on ant communities are little known for this region. In the present study, we assessed the consequences of land use replacement by monocultures and forest fragmentation on ant communities. Particularly, we assessed whether patch size, patch isolation and edge effect affect species richness and composition of ground‐dwelling ants in fragmented landscapes of Chaco forests. We collected ants by combining hand collecting and pitfall traps in 17 forest fragments and the surrounding matrix from two sites in Córdoba, Argentina. Patch size and patch isolation had no effect on ant richness; however, patch isolation and, to a lesser extent, patch size altered ant species composition. The ant community was not affected by edge but it was negatively affected by the crop matrix, which reduced richness and altered species composition. These results indicate that monoculture matrices severely affect ant communities in the Chaco forests, and that the effects of other indicators of habitat fragmentation (patch size and edge effect) are subtler and less relevant. In the present context of land use change, even small fragments could have an important value for the conservation of ant diversity.
The mitochondrial DNA 4977‐bp deletion and copy number alteration in Han Chinese samples with uterine fibroids
Authors: Luo Yong , Zou Yang , Wu Juan , Zhang Zi‐Yu , Liu Fa‐Ying , Li Li‐Ping , Huang Ou‐Ping
Published: March 2019

Uterine fibroids (UFs) are the most common benign neoplasms, but their pathogenesis is not completely understood. Thus far, alterations in the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) content and the mtDNA 4977‐bp deletion level in UFs, as well as the corresponding nontumorous tissue, have remained elusive. To test whether large mtDNA deletions and mtDNA content are involved in the pathogenesis of UFs, a total of 309 UF tissues and 28 paired adjacent myometrium from 270 UF patients were enrolled for the analysis of large mtDNA deletions and mtDNA content through the use of nested PCR and qPCR techniques, respectively. In our samples, a 4977‐bp deletion was identified: 36 out of 309 UF tissues (11.56%) and 15 out of 28 (53.57%) paired adjacent myometrium were detected to harbor the 4977‐bp deletion. In addition, a novel 4838‐bp mtDNA deletion was identified in three UF tissues, and other different sizes of deleted fragments (4910, 4926, 5135‐bp) were also found in UFs for the first time. Furthermore, older age was significantly associated with an mtDNA large deletion in the paired adjacent myometrium. We also found that increased mtDNA content and higher expression of ND1 occurred in solitary fibroids compared to adjacent myometrium. In conclusion, we identified a lower frequency of mtDNA large deletions and some novel large deletion in UFs for the first time. Furthermore, there was a general increase of mtDNA copy number during solitary UF development. Although the definite mechanism by which mtDNA was altered is supposed to be further confirmed, it will be helpful for further studies on the pathological mechanism of UFs.
Adverse side‐effects of dexamethasone in surgical patients – an abridged Cochrane systematic review
Authors: Polderman J. A. W. , Farhang‐Razi V. , van Dieren S. , Kranke P. , DeVries J. H. , Hollmann M. W. , Preckel B. , Hermanides J.
Published: March 2019

In the peri‐operative period, dexamethasone is widely and effectively used for prophylaxis of postoperative nausea and vomiting. The objective of this meta‐analysis was to assess the adverse effects of an incidental steroid load of dexamethasone in adult surgical patients. We searched in MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and the Web of Science for randomised controlled trials comparing an incidental steroid load of dexamethasone with a control intervention in adult patients undergoing surgery. Two review authors independently screened studies for eligibility, extracted data and assessed all included studies for bias. Our primary outcomes were postoperative systemic or wound infection, delayed wound healing and glycaemic response within 24 h. We included 37 studies in this meta‐analysis. The pooled results found no evidence that dexamethasone increased the risk of a postoperative wound infection, Peto OR (95%CI) 1.01 (0.80–1.27); 4603 participants, 26 studies; I² = 32%; moderate‐quality evidence. Whether dexamethasone influenced wound healing was unclear due to the large confidence intervals, Peto OR (95%CI) 0.99 (0.28–3.43); 1072 participants, 8 studies; I² = 0%; low‐quality evidence. Dexamethasone produced a mild increase in glucose levels among participants without diabetes during the first 12 h after surgery, mean difference (95%CI) 0.7 mmol.l−1(0.3–1.2) 10 studies; 595 participants; I² = 50%; low‐quality evidence. This article is an abridged version of a Cochrane Review.
The prevalence and risk factors of fear of childbirth among pregnant women: A cross‐sectional study in Ireland
Authors: O'Connell Maeve A. , Leahy‐Warren Patricia , Kenny Louise C. , O'Neill Sinéad M. , Khashan Ali S.
Published: March 2019

Introduction

There is growing evidence of the considerable impact of fear of childbirth on women's health and well‐being, but prevalence reports of high and severe fear of childbirth and reported risk factors have been inconsistent in various studies. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of high and severe fear of childbirth, and to identify risk factors of childbirth fear.

Material and methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted among a convenience sample of 882 pregnant women attending antenatal care in Cork, Ireland. Fear of childbirth was assessed using the Wijma Delivery Expectancy Questionnaire version A (W‐DEQ A) using a cut‐off ≥66 to define high fear and ≥85 to define severe fear. Associated risk factors were investigated using univariate and multivariate multinomial logistic regression analyses. Four W‐DEQ A subscales were calculated using a cut‐off ≥2.5 to determine the nature of childbirth fear.

Results

Overall prevalence of severe fear of childbirth was 5.3% and high fear of childbirth was 36.7%. The prevalence of severe fear of childbirth was 7.4% in nulliparous women and 4.3% in multiparous women; however, the difference was not statistically significant (P < 0.07). The prevalence of high fear of childbirth was 43% in nulliparous women and 33.6% in multiparous women, and this difference was statistically significant (P < 0.005). High fear of childbirth was associated with single marital status when compared with married or co‐habiting women (P < 0.008). In a multivariate analysis, high fear of childbirth was significantly associated with low perceived informational support (adjusted relative risk ratio 2.62, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.34‐5.13) and possible depression (assessed by the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale) (adjusted relative risk ratio 12.87, 95% CI 6.07‐27.25). In the W‐DEQ A subscales, 35.6% of women scored ≥2.5 in Negative Emotions, 29.4% scored ≥2.5 in Lack of Positive Emotions, 9.9% scored ≥2.5 in Social Isolation and 7.8% scored ≥2.5 in Moment of Birth.

Conclusions

Fear of childbirth is relatively common, with varying severity, and was more common in first‐time mothers. Using W‐DEQ A subscales provided additional information about the nature of the fear, in addition to severity of fear of childbirth.
Evaluation with micro‐CT of different anticoagulation strategies during hemodialysis in patients with thrombocytopenia: A randomized crossover study
Authors: Vanommeslaeghe Floris , De Somer Filip , Josipovic Iván , Boone Matthieu , Dhondt Annemieke , Van Biesen Wim , Eloot Sunny
Published: March 2019

In patients with enhanced risk for bleeding, heparin‐free hemodialysis (HD) with conventional dialyzers is routinely used. To explore the potential benefit of using heparin‐coated dialyzers, we used a reference CT‐scanning technique and registered different clotting parameters to quantify coagulation with heparin‐coated versus non‐coated dialyzers. Six HD patients with thrombocytopenia were dialyzed 240 min in a randomized crossover study with Evodial 1.3 or FX600 Cordiax, each without anticoagulation. Blood samples were taken from the vascular access predialysis, and from the dialyzer inlet and outlet at 5 and 240 min after dialysis start. Predialysis blood samples were analyzed for hemoglobin, hematocrit, thrombocytes, fibrinogen, and activated partial thromboplastin time. On dialyzer inlet and outlet blood samples, a viscoelastic measurement of blood coagulation was performed using a Sonoclot analyzer. After dialysis, dialyzers were visually scored, subsequently dried for 24 h, weighed, and scanned with micro‐CT at a resolution of 25 µm. After image reconstruction, the open, non‐coagulated fibers were counted in a representative cross‐section at the dialyzer outlet. No sessions were terminated prematurely for circuit clotting. Heparin‐coated dialyzers had more patent fibers on micro‐CT versus non‐coated dialyzers and also had a better score of subjective visual assessment of fiber clotting. There was no difference in subjective assessment of clotting at the venous drip chamber. With both dialyzers, all ACT values remained in the normal range, and were lower at the dialyzer outlet versus inlet. In conclusion, dialysis with a heparin‐coated versus non heparin‐coated membrane results in substantially less coagulated fibers during 4 h hemodialysis without systemic anticoagulation. Eventual leaching of heparin, immobilized on the fiber membrane, does not result in measurable systemic anticoagulation.
Reform of state‐owned enterprises and productivity growth in China
Authors: Huang Xiaobing
Published: March 2019

Using firm‐level data from a Chinese industrial survey covering 1999 to 2007, the paper analyses the impact of state‐owned enterprise (SOE) reforms on productivity growth in manufacturing. The results indicate that: (1) aggregate productivity of manufacturing increased rapidly, with an average annual growth rate of 10.6 per cent. Although the aggregate productivity of SOEs was lower than in other types of enterprises, their growth rate was the fastest. (2) The productivity growth due to SOE reform was mainly contributed by the improvements in resource allocation, rather than the growth of firm productivity. (3) The between‐firm effect and the impact of new firms contributed most to the total productivity growth, while the contribution from the exiting of firms was relatively small.
A Bayesian Random Partition Model For Sequential Refinement and Coagulation
Authors: Zanini Carlos Tadeu Pagani , Müller Peter , Ji Yuan , Quintana Fernando A.
Published: March 2019

We analyze time-course protein activation data to track the changes in protein expression over time after exposure to drugs such as protein inhibitors. Protein expression is expected to change over time in response to the intervention in different ways due to biological pathways. We therefore allow for clusters of proteins with different treatment effects, and allow these clusters to change over time. As the effect of the drug wears off, protein expression may revert back to the level before treatment. In addition, different drugs, doses, and cell lines may have different effects in altering the protein expression. To model and understand this process we develop random partitions that define a refinement and coagulation of protein clusters over time. We demonstrate the approach using a time-course reverse phase protein array (RPPA) dataset consisting of protein expression measurements under different drugs, dose levels, and cell lines. The proposed model can be applied in general to time-course data where clustering of the experimental units is expected to change over time in a sequence of refinement and coagulation.
Impact of primary disease on outcome after allogeneic stem cell transplantation for transformed secondary acute leukaemia
Authors: Kröger Nicolaus , Eikema Diderik‐Jan , Köster Linda , Beelen Dietrich , de Wreede Liesbeth C. , Finke Jürgen , Koenecke Christian , Niederwieser Dietger , Bornhäuser Martin , Schoenland Stefan , Potter Victoria , Wolschke Christine , Maertens Johan , Theobald Matthias , Kobbe Guido , Itälä‐Remes Maija , Wulf Gerald , Kahls Peter , Forcade Edouard , Greinix Hildegard , Masszi Tamás , Yakoub‐Agha Ibrahim , Chalandon Yves , Robin Marie ,   on behalf of the Chronic Malignancies Working Party of the European Society for Blood Marrow Transplantation
Published: March 2019

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) and chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia (CMML) can progress to secondary acute myeloid leukaemia (sAML). We compared the outcome of 4214 sAML patients who received allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT) from an unrelated (62%) or human leucocyte antigen (HLA)‐identical sibling donor (38%) according the underlying disease: MDS (n = 3541), CMML (n = 251) or MPN (n = 422). After a median follow up of 46·5 months, the estimated 3‐year progression‐free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) for the entire group was 36% (34–37%) and 41% (40–43%), respectively. The cumulative incidence of relapse and non‐relapse mortality (NRM) was 37% (35–39%) and 27% (26–29%), respectively. In a multivariable analysis for OS, besides age (P < 0·001), unrelated donor (P = 0·011), cytomegalovirus ± constellation (P = 0·007), Karnofsky index ≤ 80 (P < 0·001), remission status (P < 0·001), peripheral blood as stem cell source (P = 0·009), sAML from MPN (P = 0·003) remained a significant factor in comparison to sAML from MDS, while worse outcome of sAML from CMML did not reach statistical significance (P = 0·06). This large registry study demonstrates a major impact of the underlying disease on outcome of sAML after allo‐HSCT.
Metabolic control and sex: A focus on inflammatory‐linked mediators
Authors: Henstridge Darren C. , Abildgaard Julie , Lindegaard Birgitte , Febbraio Mark A.
Published: March 2019

Men and women have many differing biological and physiological characteristics. Thus, it is no surprise that the control of metabolic processes and the mechanisms underlying metabolic‐related diseases have sex‐specific components. There is a clear metabolic sexual dimorphism in that up until midlife, men have a far greater likelihood of acquiring cardio‐metabolic disease than women. Following menopause, however, this difference is reduced, suggestive of a protective role of the female sex hormones. Inflammatory processes have been implicated in the pathogenesis of cardio‐metabolic disease with human studies correlating metabolic disease acquisition or risk with levels of various inflammatory markers. Rodent studies employing genetic modifications or novel pharmacological approaches have provided mechanistic insight into the role of these inflammatory mediators. Sex differences impact inflammatory processes and the subsequent biological response. As a consequence, this may affect how inflammation alters metabolic processes between the sexes. Recently, some of our work in the field of inflammatory genes and metabolic control identified a sexual dimorphism in a preclinical model and caused us to question the frequency and scale of such findings in the literature. This review concentrates on inflammatory‐related signalling in relation to obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes and highlights the differences observed between males and females. Differences in the activation and signalling of various inflammatory genes and proteins present another reason why studying both male and female patients or animals is important in the context of understanding and finding therapeutics for metabolic‐related disease.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed section on The Importance of Sex Differences in Pharmacology Research. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v176.21/issuetoc
The proteostasis network provides targets for neurodegeneration
Authors: Newton Timothy Mark , Duce James Alex , Bayle Elliott David
Published: March 2019

The production, quality control, and degradation of proteins are a tightly controlled process necessary for cell health. In order to regulate this process, cells rely upon a network of molecular chaperone proteins that bind misfolded proteins and help them fold correctly. In addition, some molecular chaperones can target terminally misfolded proteins for degradation. Neurons are particularly dependent upon this “proteostasis” system, failures in which lead to neurodegenerative disease. In this review, we identify opportunities for modulating molecular chaperone activity with small molecules, which could lower the burden of misfolded protein within neurons, reducing cell death and ameliorating the effects of neurodegeneration.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Therapeutics for Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease: New Directions for Precision Medicine. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v176.18/issuetoc
S‐nitrosoglutathione inhibits cerebrovascular angiotensin II‐dependent and ‐independent AT1 receptor responses: A possible role of S‐nitrosation
Authors: Bouressam Marie‐Lynda , Lecat Sandra , Raoul Alexandre , Gaucher Caroline , Perrin‐Sarrado Caroline , Lartaud Isabelle , Dupuis François
Published: March 2019

Background and Purpose

Angiotensin II (AngII) and NO regulate the cerebral circulation. AngII AT1 receptors exert ligand‐dependent and ligand‐independent (myogenic tone [MT]) vasoconstriction of cerebral vessels. NO induces post‐translational modifications of proteins such as S‐nitrosation (redox modification of cysteine residues). In cultured cells, S‐nitrosation decreases AngII's affinity for the AT1 receptor. The present work evaluated the functional consequences of S‐nitrosation on both AngII‐dependent and AngII‐independent cerebrovascular responses.

Experimental Approach

S‐Nitrosation was induced in rat isolated middle cerebral arteries by pretreatment with the NO donors, S‐nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) or sodium nitroprusside (SNP). Agonist‐dependent activation of AT1 receptors was evaluated by obtaining concentration–response curves to AngII. Ligand‐independent activation of AT1 receptors was evaluated by calculating MT (active vs. passive diameter) at pressures ranging from 20 to 200 mmHg in the presence or not of a selective AT1 receptor inverse agonist.

Key Results

GSNO or SNP completely abolished the AngII‐dependent AT1 receptor‐mediated vasoconstriction of cerebral arteries. GSNO had no impact on responses to other vasoconstrictors sharing (phenylephrine, U46619) or not (5‐HT) the same signalling pathway. MT was reduced by GSNO, and the addition of losartan did not further decrease MT, suggesting that GSNO blocks AT1 receptor‐dependent MT. Ascorbate (which reduces S‐nitrosated compounds) restored the response to AngII but not the soluble GC inhibitor ODQ, suggesting that these effects are mediated by S‐nitrosation rather than by S‐nitrosylation.

Conclusions and Implications

In rat middle cerebral arteries, GSNO pretreatment specifically affects the AT1 receptor and reduces both AngII‐dependent and AngII‐independent activation, most likely through AT1 receptor S‐nitrosation.
Exploring rural landowners’ willingness to protect species at risk in Prince Edward Island
Authors: Brown H. Carolyn Peach
Published: March 2019

Key Messages

On private land the Species at Risk Act in Canada relies on voluntary stewardship as the preferred approach to protecting species at risk.

Private rural landowners in Prince Edward Island have some knowledge of species at risk and feel that they should be protected, but little knowledge of the federal Act.

Study participants say they are willing to change their land management practices in order to protect species at risk, and feel that government should provide education about land management practices to protect species and their habitat.
Echocardiography and monitoring patients receiving dopamine agonist therapy for hyperprolactinaemia: A joint position statement of the British Society of Echocardiography, the British Heart Valve Society and the Society for Endocrinology
Authors: Steeds Richard , Stiles Craig , Sharma Vishal , Chambers John , Lloyd Guy , Drake William
Published: March 2019

This is a joint position statement of the British Society of Echocardiography, the British Heart Valve Society and the Society for Endocrinology on the role of echocardiography in monitoring patients receiving dopamine agonist (DA) therapy for hyperprolactinaemia.

Evidence that DA pharmacotherapy causes abnormal valve morphology and dysfunction at doses used in the management of hyperprolactinaemia is extremely limited. Evidence of clinically significant valve pathology is absent, except for isolated case reports around which questions remain.

Attributing change in degree of valvar regurgitation, especially in mild and moderate tricuspid regurgitation, to adverse effects of DA in hyperprolactinaemia should be avoided if there are no associated pathological changes in leaflet thickness, restriction or retraction. Note must be taken that even where morphological change in leaflet structure and function may be suspected, grading is semi‐quantitative on echocardiography and may vary between different machines, ultrasound settings and operators.

Decisions regarding discontinuation of medication should only be made after review of serial imaging by an echocardiographer experienced in analysing drug‐induced valvulopathy or carcinoid heart disease.

A standard transthoracic echocardiogram should be performed before a patient starts DA therapy for hyperprolactinaemia. Repeat transthoracic echocardiography should then be performed at 5 years after starting cabergoline in patients taking a total weekly dose less than or equal to 2 mg. If there has been no change on the 5‐year scan, repeat echocardiography could continue at 5‐yearly intervals. If a patient is taking more than a total weekly dose of 2 mg, then annual echocardiography is recommended.
A critical assessment of case reports describing absent uterus in subjects with oestrogen deficiency
Authors: Berglund Agnethe , Burt Elizabeth , Cameron‐Pimblett Antoinette , Davies Melanie C. , Conway Gerard S.
Published: March 2019

Objective

The dual diagnosis of hypoplastic uterus in association with ovarian dysgenesis is regularly reported but the pathogenesis of the association is unclear. The uterus, however, may be invisible to all imaging modalities without at least six months of exogenous oestrogen exposure in complete ovarian failure. We assessed all available case reports in this category to estimate whether the apparent association between primary ovarian insufficiency or Turner syndrome and Mullerian agenesis can be largely accounted for by oestrogen deficiency.

Design

A literature review of all cases in which an association between ovarian insufficiency or Turner syndrome and hypoplastic uterus has been reported.

Patients

PubMed was searched for all case reports associated with relevant key terms. In total, 22 publications with a total of 25 patients were identified and reviewed; 14 subjects had the normal female karyotype (46,XX), and 11 subjects had Turner Syndrome.

Measurements

Proportion of subjects who had been exposed to adequate oestrogen prior to the absent uterine diagnosis.

Results

A diagnosis of absent uterus was made prior to exposure to exogenous oestrogen in 22/25 (88%) of subjects with primary hypogonadism including 14/14 females with normal karyotype and 8/11 females with Turner syndrome.

Conclusions

Oestrogen deficiency is a possible explanation for most subjects being reported as having Mullerian agenesis in association with Turner syndrome or primary ovarian insufficiency. In the presence of oestrogen deficiency, no conclusion can be made about the status of the uterus until adequate exposure to exogenous oestrogen has been completed and we suggest reassessment of the uterus when full adult dose has been reached towards the end of induction of puberty.
A thermosensitive chitosan‐based hydrogel for sealing and lubricating purposes in dental implant system
Authors: Cao Xiaoxiao , Cai Xinjie , Chen Ruiying , Zhang Huimei , Jiang Tao , Wang Yining
Published: March 2019

Background

Mechanical and biological complications associated with implant systems happen frequently in the clinic.

Purpose

To develop a chitosan (CS)‐based thermosensitive hydrogel for sealing and lubricating purposes in dental implant system.

Materials and Methods

In this study, a thermosensitive hydrogel made up of CS, β‐glycerophosphate pentahydrate (β‐GP), and povidone‐iodine (PVP‐I), called CS/β‐GP/PVP‐I thermosensitive hydrogel, was fabricated. Three experimental groups with different volume ratios of CS to β‐GP were prepared, namely 16/4, 13/7, and 10/10 groups. The surface topography of the different groups and their physicochemical characteristics were examined by SEM, FTIR, and X‐ray diffraction analysis. The cytotoxicity of the hydrogel was examined by CCK‐8 test. In vitro antibacterial efficiency was analyzed by the spread plate method. Sealing ability was detected by incubating two‐piece implants in Escherichia coli suspension. Lubricating ability of the hydrogel was evaluated by the removal torque test with a calibrated digital torque meter.

Results

The CS/β‐GP/PVP‐I thermosensitive hydrogel was fabricated and showed a highly porous structure under SEM. An in vitro cytotoxicity test demonstrated that 13/7 group displayed no cytotoxicity. Furthermore, all three groups showed obviously antibacterial effects. In the sealing ability test, 16/4 group showed the best sealing ability. The removal torque of 16/4 group and 13/7 group was significantly greater than control group.

Conclusions

Based on our findings, it could be concluded that the thermosensitive and antibacterial CS/β‐GP/PVP‐I hydrogel with sealing and lubricating ability was successfully prepared. The hydrogel had better sealing and lubricating effects when the volume ratio of CS to β‐GP was 16/4.
Clinical and radiological manifestations of lipoid pneumonia according to etiology: Squalene, omega‐3‐acid ethyl esters, and idiopathic
Authors: Cha Seung‐Ick , Choi Sun Ha , Kim Hyun Jung , Kim Yeon Jae , Lim Jae‐Kwang , Yoo Seung‐Soo , Lee Shin‐Yup , Lee Jaehee , Kim Chang‐Ho , Park Jae‐Yong
Published: March 2019

Objectives

Clinical manifestations of lipoid pneumonia (LP) vary depending on the causative agents or underlying causes. The aim of the present study was to investigate the clinical and radiological features of LP, classified according to etiologic agents.

Methods

The clinico‐radiological characteristics of LP patients were retrospectively compared among groups: exogenous versus idiopathic and squalene versus omega‐3‐acid ethyl esters (O‐3‐AEE) versus idiopathic. Idiopathic group was defined as LP with no proven or reported etiological evidence.

Results

Twenty‐two patients met the diagnostic criteria for LP: squalene (9 [41%]), O‐3‐AEE (6 [27%]), olive oil (1 [5%]), and idiopathic (7 [32%]). Compared with the exogenous group, the idiopathic group showed a higher recurrence rate; higher frequencies of bronchial anthracofibrosis (BAF) and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) lymphocytosis; and a higher rate of crazy‐paving pattern and lower rate of consolidation on computed tomography scan. In three‐group tests, compared with the O‐3‐AEE group, the squalene group exhibited a significantly higher percentage of neutrophils and a higher rate of right middle lobe (RML) involvement.

Conclusions

In comparison with the exogenous group, the idiopathic group demonstrated BAL lymphocytosis, higher rates of recurrence and BAF, and a higher rate of crazy‐paving pattern. Compared with the O‐3‐AEE group, the squlaene group showed a higher percentage of BAL neutrophils and predominant RML involvement.