bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does a firm’s innovation category matter in practising eco-innovation? Evidence from the lens of Malaysia companies practicing green technology
Authors: Fernando Yudi , Wah Wen Xin , Shaharudin Muhammad  Shabir
Published: February 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate different types of innovations and their effects on eco-innovation practices by firms practicing green technology in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper collected data via postal and online surveys. The population frame for this study was obtained from the External Trade Development Corporation directory 2010 and the MyHijau Directory published in 2013. Surveys were distributed to the top management of green technology companies.

Findings

– Based on the reflections from the managers who participated in the survey, this study found that environmental compliance has become a critical issue and lack of enforcement can no longer be ignored. Despite that fact that eco-innovation inspection activities to comply with environmental regulations are carried out periodically by the studied firms, the challenges in deploying the latest green technologies and their potential benefits have remain evident. Often, a shortage of resources has restricted firms in setting up in-house research and development units.

Practical implications

– The findings of this study lead to the suggestion that firms practicing green technology should engage in an information-sharing culture with key suppliers regarding the latest know-how and technological developments. Among the recommendations are that firms should engage employees, customers, suppliers and competitors through co-production. This engagement will help improve product marketability, lean production processes and the design of desired green products.

Originality/value

– This study investigated the level of eco-innovation practices for each dimension of its construct and compared that level to the different stages of firm innovation. The results will fill in the gaps in the literature because previous studies only focused on theory testing and modelling of eco-innovation from a multidisciplinary approach.
Homogeneity of manufacturing choices in subcontractor SMEs
Authors: Löfving Malin
Published: February 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the choices made in manufacturing decision categories by subcontractor small- and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) and determines if subcontractor SMEs make homogenous manufacturing choices.

Design/methodology/approach

– A literature review was used to develop theoretical propositions. A multiple case study with 19 subcontractor SMEs was conducted.

Findings

– Factors that might lead to homogenous choices in the manufacturing strategy decision categories were formalised into four theoretical propositions. The propositions were based on new institutionalism factors as well as SME factors. The findings reveal that there is considerable heterogeneity across the subcontractor SMEs in the various manufacturing decision categories. However, there are similarities between some manufacturing choices. This can partly be explained by the proposed factors and partly by other factors, such as SME characteristics and process choices.

Research limitations/implications

– The study reinforces the need for more research that is focused on manufacturing decisions and choices in SMEs. All cases were of Swedish SMEs belonging to three different industries, potentially limiting the generalisability of findings to other industries or countries.

Practical implications

– This study highlights the importance of the different choices made considering manufacturing and the factors influencing those choices. This provides guidance for managers when they make manufacturing choices in various decision categories.

Originality/value

– By addressing new institutionalism, SME characteristics and decision categories in the same study, the author provides new insights into the categories of manufacturing decisions.
An approach to evaluation of emergency plans for unconventional emergency events based on soft fuzzy rough set
Authors: Bingzhen Sun , Weimin Ma
Published: February 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present a new method for evaluation of emergency plans for unconventional emergency events by using the soft fuzzy rough set theory and methodology.

Design/methodology/approach

– In response to the problems of insufficient risk identification, incomplete and inaccurate data and different preference of decision makers, a new model for emergency plan evaluation is established by combining soft set theory with classical fuzzy rough set theory. Moreover, by combining the TOPSIS method with soft fuzzy rough set theory, the score value of the soft fuzzy lower and upper approximation is defined for the optimal object and the worst object. Finally, emergency plans are comprehensively evaluated according to the soft close degree of the soft fuzzy rough set theory.

Findings

– This paper presents a new perspective on emergency management decision making in unconventional emergency events. Also, the paper provides an effective model for evaluating emergency plans for unconventional events.

Originality/value

– The paper contributes to decision making in emergency management of unconventional emergency events. The model is useful for dealing with decision making with uncertain information.
Thirty‐day postoperative mortality for endometrial carcinoma in England: a population‐based study
Authors: Gildea C , Nordin A , Hirschowitz L , Poole J
Published: February 2016

Objective

To quantify trends in 30‐day mortality following surgery for endometrial carcinoma in England, and investigate hospital‐ and geographical‐level variations.

Design

Retrospective population‐based observational study using cancer registration and Hospital Episodes Statistics data.

Setting

England.

Population

Women diagnosed with endometrial carcinoma (ICD10 C54‐C55 excluding sarcomas and malignant mixed Mullerian tumours) between 2000 and 2009 who were treated surgically (n = 38 332).

Methods

Random effects logistic regression model of postoperative mortality rates, adjusting for patient‐ and/or tumour‐level factors (namely age, income deprivation, year of diagnosis, FIGO stage and grade). Case‐mix adjusted postoperative mortality rates for hospitals and cancer networks were derived from the model. Multiple imputation was used to account for missing stage and grade data.

Main outcome measures

30‐day postoperative mortality rate.

Results

For 2000–2009, the percentage of women dying within 30 days of surgery for endometrial carcinoma was very low at 0.61% (235 deaths), and decreased from 0.70% in 2000–2001 to 0.48% in 2008–2009. Postoperative mortality rates were lower for laparoscopic surgery, and higher for older women, those with advanced stage disease and high‐grade tumours. Crude and case‐mix adjusted results indicated that one hospital had a higher postoperative mortality rate than expected.

Conclusions

The postoperative mortality rate for endometrial carcinoma in England is low and has improved since 2000, with increasing use of laparoscopic surgery. Postoperative mortality rates differed by surgical approach, patient age, disease stage and tumour grade. Only one hospital had a higher postoperative mortality rate than expected after adjusting for patient case‐mix.

Tweetable abstract

More women with endometrial cancer but better 30‐day survival after surgery since 2000.
Does the Epi‐No® birth trainer prevent vaginal birth‐related pelvic floor trauma? A multicentre prospective randomised controlled trial
Authors: Kamisan Atan I , Shek KL , Langer S , Guzman Rojas R , Caudwell‐Hall J , Daly JO , Dietz HP
Published: February 2016

Objective

Vaginal childbirth may result in levator ani injury secondary to overdistension during the second stage of labour. Other injuries include perineal and anal sphincter tears. Antepartum use of a birth trainer may prevent such injuries by altering the biomechanical properties of the pelvic floor. This study evaluates the effects of Epi‐No® use on intrapartum pelvic floor trauma.

Design

Multicentre prospective randomised controlled trial.

Setting

Two tertiary obstetric units in Australia.

Population

Nulliparous women carrying an uncomplicated singleton term pregnancy.

Methods

Participants were assessed clinically and with 4D translabial ultrasound in the late third trimester, and again at 3–6 months postpartum. Women randomised to the intervention group were asked to use the Epi‐No® device from 37 weeks of gestation until delivery.

Main outcome measures

Levator ani, anal sphincter, and perineal trauma diagnosed clinically and/or with translabial ultrasound imaging.

Results

Of 660 women randomised, 504 (76.4%) returned for assessment at a mean of 5 months postpartum. There was no significant difference in the incidence of levator avulsion [12 versus 15%; relative risk (RR) 0.82, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.51–1.32; absolute risk reduction (ARR) 0.03, 95% CI −0.04 to 0.09; P = 0.39], irreversible hiatal overdistension (13 versus 15%; RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.52–1.42; ARR 0.02, 95% CI −0.05 to 0.09; P = 0.51), clinical anal sphincter trauma (7 versus 6%; RR 1.12, 95% CI 0.49–2.60; ARR –0.01, 95% CI −0.05 to 0.06; P = 0.77), and perineal tears (51 versus 53%; RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.78–1.17; ARR 0.02, 95% CI −0.08 to 0.13; P = 0.65). A marginally higher rate of significant defects of the external anal sphincter on ultrasound was observed in the intervention group (21 versus 14%; RR 1.44, 95% CI 0.97–2.20; ARR –0.06, 95% CI −0.13 to 0.05; P = 0.07).

Conclusion

Antenatal use of the Epi‐No® device is unlikely to be clinically beneficial in the prevention of intrapartum levator ani damage, or anal sphincter and perineal trauma.

Tweetable abstract

No evidence of a protective effect of the Epi‐No® device on intrapartum pelvic floor rauma.
Phylogenetic diversity and biogeography of the Mamiellophyceae lineage of eukaryotic phytoplankton across the oceans
Authors: Monier Adam , Worden Alexandra Z. , Richards Thomas A.
Published: February 2016

High‐throughput diversity amplicon sequencing of marine microbial samples has revealed that members of the Mamiellophyceae lineage are successful phytoplankton in many oceanic habitats. Indeed, these eukaryotic green algae can dominate the picoplanktonic biomass, however, given the broad expanses of the oceans, their geographical distributions and the phylogenetic diversity of some groups remain poorly characterized. As these algae play a foundational role in marine food webs, it is crucial to assess their global distribution in order to better predict potential changes in abundance and community structure. To this end, we analyzed the V9‐18S small subunit rDNA sequences deposited from the Tara Oceans expedition to evaluate the diversity and biogeography of these phytoplankton. Our results show that the phylogenetic composition of Mamiellophyceae communities is in part determined by geographical provenance, and do not appear to be influenced – in the samples recovered – by water depth, at least at the resolution possible with the V9‐18S. Phylogenetic classification of Mamiellophyceae sequences revealed that the Dolichomastigales order encompasses more sequence diversity than other orders in this lineage. These results indicate that a large fraction of the Mamiellophyceae diversity has been hitherto overlooked, likely because of a combination of size fraction, sequencing and geographical limitations.
Remnants of marine bacterial communities can be retrieved from deep sediments in lakes of marine origin
Authors: Langenheder Silke , Comte Jérôme , Zha Yinghua , Samad Md Sainur , Sinclair Lucas , Eiler Alexander , Lindström Eva S.
Published: February 2016

Some bacteria can be preserved over time in deep sediments where they persist either in dormant or slow‐growing vegetative stages. Here, we hypothesized that such cells can be revived when exposed to environmental conditions similar to those before they were buried in the sediments. To test this hypothesis, we collected bacteria from sediment samples of different ages (140–8500 calibrated years before present, cal BP) from three lakes that differed in the timing of their physical isolation from the Baltic Sea following postglacial uplift. After these bacterial communities were grown in sterile water from the Baltic Sea, we determined the proportion of 16S rRNA sequence reads associated with marine habitats by extracting the environment descriptive terms of homologous sequences retrieved from public databases. We found that the proportion of reads associated with marine descriptive term was significantly higher in cultures inoculated with sediment layers formed under Baltic conditions and where salinities were expected to be similar to current levels. Moreover, a similar pattern was found in the original sediment layers. Our study, therefore, suggests that remnants of marine bacterial communities can be preserved in sediments over thousands of years and can be revived from deep sediments in lakes of marine origin.
Use of single nucleotide polymorphisms in candidate genes associated with daughter pregnancy rate for prediction of genetic merit for reproduction in Holstein cows
Authors: Ortega M. S. , Denicol A. C. , Cole J. B. , Null D. J. , Hansen P. J.
Published: February 2016

We evaluated 69 SNPs in genes previously related to fertility and production traits for their relationship to daughter pregnancy rate (DPR), cow conception rate (CCR) and heifer conception rate (HCR) in a separate population of Holstein cows grouped according to their predicted transmitting ability (PTA) [≤−1 (n = 1287) and ≥1.5 (n = 1036)] for DPR. Genotyping was performed using Sequenom MassARRAY®. There were a total of 39 SNPs associated with the three fertility traits. The SNPs that explained the greater proportion of the genetic variation for DPR were COQ9 (3.2%), EPAS1 (1.0%), CAST (1.0%), C7H19orf60 (1.0%) and MRPL48 (1.0%); for CCR were GOLGA4 (2.4%), COQ9 (1.8%), EPAS1 (1.1%) and MRPL48 (0.8%); and for HCR were HSD17B7 (1.0%), AP3B1 (0.8%), HSD17B12 (0.7%) and CACNA1D (0.6%). Inclusion of 39 SNPs previously associated with DPR in the genetic evaluation system increased the reliability of PTA for DPR by 0.20%. Many of the genes represented by SNPs associated with fertility are involved in steroidogenesis or are regulated by steroids. A large proportion of SNPs previously associated with genetic merit for fertility in Holstein bulls maintained their association in a separate population of cows. The inclusion of these genes in genetic evaluation can improve reliabilities of genomic estimates for fertility.
Resiliency and socioemotional functioning in youth receiving surgery for orofacial anomalies
Authors: Ruff Ryan Richard , Sischo Lacey , Broder Hillary
Published: February 2016

Objectives

Restorative interventions for cleft lip and palate involve annual evaluations, adjunct treatment, and multiple surgeries. The purpose of this study was to investigate the longitudinal impact of cleft surgery on psychosocial functioning among youth with cleft.

Methods

Data were derived from a 5‐year, multicenter, prospective longitudinal study of children with cleft (N = 1196). Children completed psychological inventories for self‐concept, anxiety, depression, mastery, and relatedness. Multilevel mixed‐effects models were used to analyze the effects of craniofacial surgery for cleft on psychosocial outcomes over time.

Results

There were 1196 participants at baseline, of whom 258 (27.5%) received a surgical intervention prior to their 1st follow‐up visit. Approximately 78% of participants had cleft lip and palate, and 22% had cleft palate only. Surgery receipt was significantly associated with lower relatedness (β = −1.48, 95% CI = −2.91, −0.05) and mastery (β = −1.32, 95% CI = −2.49, −0.15) scores, although overall scores appeared to increase over time. Surgery was not related to anxiety (β = −0.15, 95% CI = −1.08, 0.79), depression (β = 0.18, 95% CI = −0.65, 1.01), and self‐concept (β = −0.84, 95% CI = −1.83, 0.15). The treatment–time interaction was not significant. Significant differences in psychosocial functioning were found across sex, race/ethnicity, and age groups.

Conclusions

Surgery may have negative short‐term impacts on psychosocial functioning, although effects may diminish over time. Given the limited postsurgical follow‐up period, long‐term change in psychological well‐being and the moderating effects of surgery may not be fully realized. Further follow‐up of children with cleft through adulthood to explore developmental trajectories of psychosocial functioning in more detail is recommended.
Recovery of adrenal function after chronic secondary adrenal insufficiency in patients with hypopituitarism
Authors: Munro V. , Tugwell B. , Doucette S. , Clarke D.B. , Lacroix A. , Imran S.A.
Published: February 2016

Objective

Previous studies have reported recovery of secondary adrenal insufficiency (SAI) in patients with pituitary disorders, generally immediately after pituitary surgery; however, data regarding recovery of long‐term SAI are lacking. We conducted a study to assess the longer term recovery rate of SAI in patients with pituitary disorders.

Methods

We identified all SAI patients in the Halifax Neuropituitary Database from 1 November 2005 to 30 September 2014, who had required glucocorticoid therapy for ≥3 months, and had a minimum follow‐up of 6 months. Patients with ACTH‐secreting adenomas, those receiving glucocorticoids only in the routine peri‐operative period for pituitary surgery and those on glucocorticoids for nonpituitary conditions were excluded. SAI was defined as either basal serum cortisol < 130 nm and/or a subnormal cortisol response to ACTH‐(1–24) stimulation test or insulin tolerance test response.

Results

Fifty‐one patients fulfilled the criteria. Nine (17·6%) patients had complete recovery of SAI over a median of 20 months (range: 8–51) after initiating glucocorticoid replacement. Patients with smaller tumour size had increased likelihood of hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis recovery, whereas those with secondary hypogonadism or growth hormone deficiency were less likely to recover. Those with initial cortisol >175 nm had an almost one in two chance of recovery.

Conclusion

Results from our study show that approximately one in six patients with SAI recover adrenal function, even up to 5 years after diagnosis. We recommend that patients with SAI undergo regular testing to assess recovery in order to prevent unnecessary glucocorticoid therapy.
Reosseointegration Following Regenerative Therapy of Tissue‐Engineered Bone in a Canine Model of Experimental Peri‐Implantitis
Authors: Xu Lianyi , Sun Xiaojuan , Bai Jue , Jiang Li , Wang Shaoyi , Zhao Jun , Xia Lunguo , Zhang Xiuli , Wen Jin , Li Guanglong , Jiang Xinquan
Published: February 2016

Background

Due to the existence of inflammation and limited osteogenesis on the precontaminated implant surface, reosseointegration is difficult to realize by current therapies. Tissue‐engineering strategy has been proved quite effective in intractable bone defect situation.

Purpose

This study was designed to see whether the adoption of tissue‐engineered bone complex of adipose‐derived stem cells (ASCs) and bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2) gene delivery would work efficiently in the correction of experimental peri‐implantitis.

Methods

All premolars in both side of mandibular were removed from six beagle canines three months before implant placement. Typical peri‐implantitis were then induced by three month ligature placement. After the implementation of identical anti‐bacterial and mechanical debridement therapy, the shaped peri‐implant defect were stuffed with four groups of constructs, as A: beta tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP); B: β‐TCP with ASCs; C: β‐TCP with enhanced green fluorescent protein gene transduced ASCs (AdGFP‐ASCs); and D: β‐TCP with bone morphogenetic protein‐2 gene‐modified ASCs (AdBMP‐2‐ASCs). Systematic radiographic, micro‐CT, and histomorphometrical assessments were performed.

Results

After six months of healing, more bone formation and reosseointegration was found around the implant of groups B and C than group A. And group D further promoted the new bone height and reosseointegration percentage. Moreover, sequential fluorescence labeling tells that group D exhibited the quickest and strongest bone formation on the cleaned implant surface during the entire observation period as compared to the other three groups.

Conclusions

These data demonstrated that tissue engineered bone of ASCs, BMP‐2 gene delivery, and β‐TCP could exert powerful therapeutic effect on peri‐implantitis as expected, which may suggest a feasible way to maintain the stability and masticatory function of dental implant.
Osseoinductive elements around immediate implants for better osteointegration: a pilot study in foxhound dogs
Authors: Salomó‐Coll O. , de Maté‐Sánchez J. E. Val , Ramírez‐Fernandez M. P. , Hernández‐Alfaro F. , Gargallo‐Albiol J. , Calvo‐Guirado J. L.
Published: February 2016

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects on osseointegration of topical applications of melatonin vs. vitamin D over surfaces of immediate implants.

Materials and methods

Mandibular premolar distal roots (P2, P3, P4) were extracted bilaterally from six American Foxhound dogs. Three conical immediate implants were randomly placed bilaterally in each mandible. Three randomized groups were created: melatonin 5% test group (MI), vitamin D 10% test group (DI), and Control group implants (CI). Block sections were obtained after 12 weeks and processed for mineralized ground sectioning. Bone‐to‐implant contact (total BIC), new bone formation (NBF), inter‐thread bone (ITB), and histological linear measurements (HLM) were assessed.

Results

At 12 weeks, all implants were clinically stable and histologically osseointegrated. Total BIC values were 49.20 ± 3.26 for the MI group, 49.86 ± 1.89 for DI group and 45.78 ± 4.21 for the CI group (P < 0.018) with statistically significant difference between the three groups. BIC percentage were 42.44 ± 2.18 for MI, 44.56 ± 1.08 for DI, and 41.95 ± 3.34 for CI groups respectively (P > 0.05). Inter‐thread bone formation values were MI 17.56 ± 2.01, for DI 19.87 ± 0.92, and CI 14.56 ± 1.24 (P > 0.05). Statistically significant differences in peri‐implant new bone formation were found between the three groups: MI 28.76 ± 1.98, DI 32.56 ± 1.11 and CI 25.43 ± 4.67, respectively (P < 0.045). Linear measurements showed that the MI group showed significantly less lingual crestal bone loss (CBL) (MI 0.59 ± 0.71), compared to DI (0.91 ± 1.21) and CI (0.93 ± 1.21) (P < 0.042), and less lingual peri‐implant mucosa (PIM) (MI 3.11 ± 1.34),(DI 3.25 ± 0.18 compared with CI 3.54 ± 1.81 (P = 0.429). Linear measurements of buccal CBL showed significantly less buccal bone loss in test DI (0.36 ± 0.12) than CI (1.34 ± 1.23) and MI (1.11 ± 1.38) (P = 0.078).

Conclusions

Within the limitations of this animal study, topical applications of 5% Melatonin or 10% vitamin D improved bone formation around implants placed immediately after extraction and helped to reduce CBL after 12 weeks osseointegration.
Abutments with reduced diameter for both cement and screw retentions: analysis of failure modes and misfit of abutment–crown–connections after cyclic loading
Authors: Moris Izabela Cristina Maurício , Faria Adriana Cláudia Lapria , Ribeiro Ricardo Faria , Rodrigues Renata Cristina Silveira
Published: February 2016

Objective

The aim of this study was to analyze failure modes and misfit of abutments with reduced diameter for both cement and screw retentions after cyclic loading.

Material and Methods

Forty morse‐taper abutment/implant sets of titanium were divided into four groups (N = 10): G4.8S‐4.8 abutment with screw‐retained crown; G4.8C‐4.8 abutment with cemented crown; G3.8S‐3.8 abutment with screw‐retained crown; and G3.8C‐3.8 abutment with cemented crown. Copings were waxed on castable cylinders and cast by oxygen gas flame and injected by centrifugation. After, esthetic veneering ceramic was pressed on these copings for obtaining metalloceramic crowns of upper canine. Cemented crowns were cemented on abutments with provisional cement (Temp Bond NE), and screw‐retained crowns were tightened to their abutments with torque recommended by manufacturer (10 N cm). The misfit was measured using a stereomicroscope in a 10× magnification before and after cyclic loading (300,000 cycles). Tests were visually monitored, and failures (decementation, screw loosening and fractures) were registered. Misfit was analyzed by mixed linear model while failure modes by chi‐square test (α = 0.05).

Results

Cyclic loading affected misfit of 3.8C (P ≤ 0.0001), 3.8S (P = 0.0055) and 4.8C (P = 0.0318), but not of 4.8S (P = 0.1243). No differences were noted between 3.8S with 4.8S before (P = 0.1550) and after (P = 0.9861) cyclic loading, but 3.8C was different from 4.8C only after (P = 0.0015) loading. Comparing different types of retentions at the same diameter abutment, significant difference was noted before and after cyclic loading for 3.8 and 4.8 abutments. Analyzing failure modes, retrievable failures were present at 3.8S and 3.8C groups, while irretrievable were only present at 3.8S.

Conclusions

The cyclic loading decreased misfit of cemented and screw‐retained crowns on reduced diameter abutments, and misfit of cemented crowns is greater than screw‐retained ones. Abutments of reduced diameter failed more than conventional.
Long‐term quality‐of‐life outcomes following treatment for adult obstructive sleep apnoea: comparison of upper airway surgery, continuous positive airway pressure and mandibular advancement splints
Authors: Woods C.M. , Gunawardena I. , Chia M. , Vowles N.J. , Ullah S. , Robinson S. , Carney A.S.
Published: February 2016

Objective

Long‐term quality‐of‐life (QOL) outcomes, complications and clinical effectiveness in patients undergoing treatment with upper airway surgery (UAS), continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and mandibular advancement splints (MAS) for adult obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA).

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Multidisciplinary OSA clinic in University teaching hospital.

Participants

Consecutive, simultaneously treated patients with OSA undergoing UAS (n = 83), CPAP (n = 83) and MAS (n = 79).

Main outcome measures

Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI), Snoring Severity Scale (SSS), Epworth Sleepiness Score (ESS) and side‐effects in all three groups were recorded at a mean of 34.5 months following start of treatment and compared via anova with Bonferroni's adjustment for pairwise comparisons.

Results

Upper airway surgery demonstrated a statistically significant QOL benefit over MAS. All three groups showed a significant improvement in SSS with CPAP significantly better than MAS, but equivalent to UAS. Uncomplicated UAS provided a greater QOL outcome than compliant MAS, non‐compliant CPAP (P < 0.05) and comparable to compliant CPAP. Patients undergoing UAS with recorded complications still reported equivalent QOL outcomes to compliant CPAP and MAS, suggesting these surgical complications are relatively minor compared to the QOL benefit of OSA treatment.

Conclusion

Upper airway surgery showed a significant improvement in QOL outcomes compared to non‐compliant CPAP or MAS and equivalent benefit to compliant CPAP. This study strongly supports the role for contemporary UAS in OSA when CPAP is not or no longer an option.
Clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of schistosomal colorectal cancer
Authors: Wang M. , Wu Q. B. , He W. B. , Wang Z. Q.
Published: February 2016

Aim

The aim of the present study was to investigate the clinicopathological characteristics and prognostic factors of schistosomal colorectal cancer.

Method

A total of 74 consecutive schistosomal colorectal cancer patients who underwent curative surgery from July 2009 to July 2012 were included in this study. The clinical and pathological characteristics of all 74 patients were analysed and univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. This study demonstrated positive correlations between the site of deposition of schistosomal eggs and certain essential variables.

Results

Depositional site of schistosome eggs, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level and the pathological N and T stages were statistically significantly correlated with overall survival (OS). The pathological T stage and the CEA level were independent prognostic factors for OS. The site of deposition of schistosome eggs was positively correlated with the T and N stages, tumour size, the CEA level and the resection margins.

Conclusions

Schistosome eggs might be associated with tumorigenesis. The site of deposition of schistosome eggs was statistically significantly correlated with OS but it was not an independent prognostic factor for OS. It was, however, correlated with the depth of the tumour. The presence of schistosoma eggs at the margin did not affect the patient's prognosis or anastomotic healing. The existing standard surgical approach was equally applicable to schistosomal colorectal cancer. It was not necessary to expand the scope of surgical resection.
SPOCK1 is upregulated in recurrent glioblastoma and contributes to metastasis and Temozolomide resistance
Authors: Yu Fengbo , Li Guihong , Gao Junxia , Sun Yuxue , Liu Pengfei , Gao Haijun , Li Peiwen , Lei Ting , Chen Yong , Cheng Ye , Zhai Xiao , Sayari Arash. J. , Huang Haiyan , Mu Qingchun
Published: February 2016

Objectives

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive brain tumour type in humans. Its poor prognosis is largely attributed to its invasiveness and high rate of recurrence. Recurring GBM is commonly resistant to chemotherapeutic drugs, making it specially difficult to treat. Recent studies have revealed that matricellular glycoprotein SPOCK1 to be upregulated in several cancer types and to be specifically expressed in invasive GBM, but not in other types of non‐invasive brain tumour, which prompted us to study the mechanism of action of SPOCK1 in invasion, recurrence and drug resistance of GBM cells.

Materials and methods

SPOCK1 expression in GBM tissues was evaluated using qPCR, Western blotting and immunohistochemical staining. Cell migration was tested by the wound healing method and cell invasion was assessed using transwell plates with Matrigel coating. Western blotting was performed for E‐cadherin, vimentin, N‐cadherin, p‐Akt and Akt. Cell viability was examined using the MTT assay.

Results

We found that the expression of SPOCK1 was significantly upregulated in recurrent GBM. We also demonstrated that SPOCK1 positively regulated migration, invasion and EMT process of GBM cells. Furthermore, SPOCK1 mediated TMZ resistance in GBM, as knockdown of SPOCK1 expression in TMZ‐resistant GBM cells substantially sensitized these cells to TMZ.

Conclusion

SPOCK1 results were positive and it mediated TMZ resistance in GBM. In addition, SPOCK1 regulated invasion and TMZ resistance in GBM cells via the Akt signalling pathway.
THE IMPORTANCE OF LEGAL FORM OF ORGANIZATION ON SMALL CORPORATION EXTERNAL FINANCING
Authors: Chen Daphne , Qi Shi
Published: February 2016

This article quantitatively evaluates the impact of legal form of organization (LFO) choices, C versus S corporation, on small business external financing. A treatment effect model is formulated and estimated to examine the relationship between corporate types and chances of obtaining external financing. The estimation takes into account self‐selection bias associated with LFO choices. This article finds that LFO choices mainly affect small corporations' access to external equity capital, but have no significant impact on loan financing. Specifically, when a small corporation selects the C corporate legal form, the probability of obtaining new external equity is eight times higher compared to when it selects the S corporate legal form. Furthermore, the results suggest that better access to external equity investments, loosening business capital constraints, leads to better growth prospects for small C corporations. These empirical results have important macro‐economic implications on corporate financial and fiscal policies. (JEL G32, G38)
The epidemiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in the Mount Etna region: a possible pathogenic role of volcanogenic metals
Authors: Nicoletti A. , Vasta R. , Venti V. , Mostile G. , Lo Fermo S. , Patti F. , Scillieri R. , De Cicco D. , Volanti P. , Marziolo R. , Maimone D. , Fiore M. , Ferrante M. , Zappia M.
Published: February 2016

Background and purpose

Trace elements (TEs) may play a role in the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and volcanic degassing is the major natural source of TEs. Mount Etna, in the province of Catania, is the largest active volcano in Europe. Our aim was to assess the incidence of ALS in the province of Catania during 2005–2010 and its spatial distribution with respect to volcanic gas deposition.

Methods

Cases from all neurological centres of the province of Catania and of the boundary provinces were retrospectively collected. Patients who had onset during 2005–2010 and fulfilled the El Escorial revised diagnostic criteria were included. The incidence of ALS was estimated for the entire province and separately for the population living on the eastern and western flank of Mount Etna, respectively, the most and least exposed areas to volcanogenic TEs, considered as a possible risk factor for ALS.

Results

One hundred and twenty‐six (57 men) ALS patients were enrolled. The mean annual crude incidence rate was 2.0/100 000 person‐years (95% confidence interval 1.7–2.4). A higher incidence rate was found in the population living on the eastern flank compared to the western flank (2.4/100 000 and 0.9/100 000 respectively) with a relative risk of 2.75 (95% confidence interval 1.64–4.89; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The incidence of ALS in the province of Catania is close to those reported worldwide. The incidence was higher amongst the population living on the eastern flank of Mount Etna, which could be interpreted as a possible role of volcanogenic TEs. Further research on TEs and genetic factors is necessary to support this assumption.
Risky Courtship: Background Contrast, Ornamentation, and Display Behavior of Wolf Spiders Affect Visual Detection by Toad Predators
Authors: Clark David L. , Kizer Zeeff Corinna , Karson Adam , Roberts J. Andrew , Uetz George W.
Published: February 2016

Males that search widely for females and perform conspicuous courtship displays run a high risk of being detected by their predators. Therefore, gains in reproductive success might be offset by increased mortality due to predation. Male brush‐legged wolf spiders (Schizocosa ocreata) with larger decorative traits (foreleg tufts) are preferred by females as mates, but are more readily detected by predators. However, predation risk may also be influenced by the interaction between components of signals and the environment in which signaling occurs. Courting male spiders were readily accepted as prey by a sympatric predator, the American toad (Anaxyrus americanus). We used video playback to tease apart the interactive effect between visual signals and the signaling environment on the ability of toads to detect courting spiders as a function of distance, background contrast, the presence or absence of male foreleg tufts, and behavioral activity. The response of toads to video sequences of male spiders was similar to their response to live male spiders. Toad response varied over distance toward spiders displayed against high contrast (sunny) vs. low contrast (shaded) backgrounds. Beyond 30 cm, more toads detected courting male spiders against light, ‘sunny’ backgrounds and detected them faster when compared to the same spider stimulus against darker, ‘shady’ backgrounds. In choice tests, toads oriented more often toward courting males with leg tufts than those without. Toad responses also varied with male spider behavior in that only videos of moving males were attacked. Latency to orient and detection by toads was significantly greater for walking males than courting males, and this effect was most evident at distances between 30 cm and 50 cm. Results supported that courting wolf spiders are at significant risk of predation by visually acute predators. Distance, background contrast, and the presence of foreleg decorations influence detection probability. Thus, the same complex visual signals that make males conspicuous and are preferred by females can make males more vulnerable as prey to toads.
The aetiopathogenesis of equine periodontal disease – a fresh perspective
Authors: Kennedy R. S. , Dixon P. M.
Published: February 2016

Periodontal disease is a painful and highly prevalent disorder of horses that causes a significant welfare problem. Despite its importance, few scientific studies on its aetiopathogenesis have been performed. Equine periodontitis differs from the plaque‐induced periodontitis found in brachydont species where bacteria accumulating in dental plaque induce a destructive inflammatory response in the periodontium. In contrast, equine periodontitis is usually initiated by entrapment of feed between cheek teeth, which causes inflammation of periodontal tissue that likely allows bacterial infection of the periodontal tissues that is later exacerbated by the host's response. Equine oral microbiology is a neglected field of research and identification of the bacteria involved in this disorder by use of molecular bacteriology and examination of the interaction between these bacteria and the equine oral immune response should reveal important information about the pathogenesis of this disease.
Clinical screening of horses and early warning for West Nile virus
Authors: Leblond A. , Lecollinet S.
Published: February 2016

Clinical presentation of West Nile disease in horses is variable, but ataxia, weakness and muscle fasciculations are often observed, sometimes with abnormal behaviour, teeth grinding and bruxism. Practitioners should be aware that horses are more sensitive to infection than man and serve as sentinels for an early warning of West Nile virus circulation in a given area. This early warning allows the implementation of preventive and control measures such as vaccination of horses and mosquito control.
Lithostratigraphic analysis of a new stromatolite–thrombolite reef from across the rise of atmospheric oxygen in the Paleoproterozoic Turee Creek Group, Western Australia
Authors: Barlow E. , Van Kranendonk M. J. , Yamaguchi K. E. , Ikehara M. , Lepland A.
Published: February 2016

This study describes a previously undocumented dolomitic stromatolite–thrombolite reef complex deposited within the upper part (Kazput Formation) of the c. 2.4–2.3 Ga Turee Creek Group, Western Australia, across the rise of atmospheric oxygen. Confused by some as representing a faulted slice of the younger c. 1.8 Ga Duck Creek Dolomite, this study describes the setting and lithostratigraphy of the 350‐m‐thick complex and shows how it differs from its near neighbour. The Kazput reef complex is preserved along 15 km of continuous exposure on the east limb of a faulted, north‐west‐plunging syncline and consists of 5 recognisable facies associations (A–E), which form two part regressions and one transgression. The oldest facies association (A) is characterised by thinly bedded dololutite–dolarenite, with local domical stromatolites. Association B consists of interbedded columnar and stratiform stromatolites deposited under relatively shallow‐water conditions. Association C comprises tightly packed columnar and club‐shaped stromatolites deposited under continuously deepening conditions. Clotted (thrombolite‐like) microbialite, in units up to 40 m thick, dominates Association D, whereas Association E contains bedded dololutite and dolarenite, and some thinly bedded ironstone, shale and black chert units. Carbon and oxygen isotope stratigraphy reveals a narrow range in both δ13Ccarb values, from −0.22 to 0.97‰ (VPDB: average = 0.68‰), and δ18O values, from −14.8 to −10.3‰ (VPDB), within the range of elevated fluid temperatures, likely reflecting some isotopic exchange. The Kazput Formation stromatolite–thrombolite reef complex contains features of younger Paleoproterozoic carbonate reefs, yet is 300–500 Ma older than previously described Proterozoic examples worldwide. Significantly, the microbial fabrics are clearly distinct from Archean stromatolitic marine carbonate reefs by way of containing the first appearance of clotted microbialite and large columnar stromatolites with complex branching arrangements. Such structures denote a more complex morphological expression of growth than previously recorded in the geological record and may link to the rise of atmospheric oxygen.
Proteolytic and angiotensin‐converting enzyme‐inhibitory activities of selected probiotic bacteria
Authors: Ahtesh Fatah B. , Stojanovska Lily , Mathai Michael L. , Apostolopoulos Vasso , Mishra Vijay K.
Published: February 2016

This study was carried out to examine the proteolytic and angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE‐I) activities of probiotic lactic acid bacteria (LAB) as influenced by the type of media, fermentation time, strain type and media supplementation with a proteolytic enzyme (Flavourzyme®). Lactobacillus casei (Lc210), Bifidobacterium animalis ssp12 (Bb12), Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus (Lb11842) and Lactobacillus acidophilus (La2410) were grown in 12% of reconstituted skim milk (RSM) or 4% of whey protein concentrates (WPC‐35) with or without combination (0.14%) of Flavourzyme® for 12 h at 37 °C. All the strains were able to grow in both media depending on type of strains used and fermentation time. All the strains showed higher proteolytic activity and produced more antihypersensitive peptides when grown in RSM medium at 12 h, when compared to WPC. Combination with Flavourzyme® also increased LAB growth and proteolytic and ACE‐I activities. Of the four strains used, Bb12 and La2410 outperformed Lc210 and Lb11842. The highest ACE‐I activity and proteolytic activity were found in B. animalis ssp12 combined with Flavourzyme®. Flavourzyme® led to an increase in the production of bioactive peptides with ACE‐I activity during 12 h at 37 °C.
WIC mothers' depressive symptoms are associated with greater use of feeding to soothe, regardless of perceived child negativity
Authors: Savage Jennifer S. , Birch Leann L.
Published: February 2016

Background

Maternal symptoms of depression are related to suboptimal parenting practices and child well‐being; women with elevated symptoms tend to be less responsive to their children.

Objective

The objective is to explore how maternal depressive symptomatology is related to childhood obesity‐promoting parenting behaviours, and whether depressive symptomatology moderates the association between perceived child negativity and the use of food to soothe among low‐income mothers.

Methods

There is a cross‐sectional sample of 60 mothers and their formula fed infants/toddlers participating in the Special Supplemental Woman, Infants and Children Program. Measures included the Infant Behaviors Questionnaire, Baby's Basic Needs Questionnaire, the feeding problem assessment form and Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale.

Results

Depressive symptoms exceeded the clinical screening cut‐off for 38% of women. Mothers with depressive symptoms perceived their child to be more negative and were more likely to use food to soothe, add cereal to the bottle and put baby to bed with bottle than mothers without depressive symptoms. Generalized linear models revealed that child negativity was associated with greater use of food to soothe but that this effect was moderated by maternal depression: negativity was positively associated with food to soothe among non‐depressed but not depressed mothers.

Conclusions

A high proportion of low‐income mothers reported elevated depressive symptoms; depressive symptomatology was positively associated with perceived child negativity and greater reported use of controlling feeding practices. Screening for maternal depressive symptoms may help in providing more individually tailored counselling on responsive feeding.
Better Dread (if Still Dead) than Red: High‐Brown Passing in John Hearne's Voices Under The Window
Authors: Mills Charles W.
Published: February 2016

In his pioneering Caliban's Reason: Introducing Afro‐Caribbean Philosophy, Paget Henry points out that because of the region's colonial history, Caribbean philosophy is far more often found ‘embedded’ in other discourses, such as literature, than in explicit theorising. Following Henry's lead, I seek to find the philosophical ‘moral of the story’ of Voices Under the Window, the 1955 first novel of the late Jamaican writer John Hearne (1926–94), which some critics regard as his best work. In a novel with significant autobiographical elements, Hearne, a ‘high‐brown’ or ‘red’ Jamaican, recounts the story of Mark Lattimer, likewise a ‘red man’ positioned at the upper edge of the ‘brown’ stratum of the white/brown/black Jamaican social pyramid. Lattimer moves from a race‐denying attempt to ‘pass’ in World War II Britain to a Marxist social activism upon his later return to post‐war Jamaica, but is killed in a black protest riot. His tragic fate raises important philosophical questions about race, colour, class, and personal and social transformation that remain very relevant today, especially considering the failure of 1970s Anglo‐Caribbean radicalism to fulfil its revolutionary promise.
Market Reaction to Seasoned Offerings in China
Authors: Liu Jia , Akbar Saeed , Shah Syed Zulfiqar Ali , Zhang Dayong , Pang Dong
Published: February 2016

This study examines stock market reaction to the announcement of various forms of seasoned issues in China. Our empirical evidence demonstrates that market reactions differ in ways that suggest a difference between management's internal assessment and the market's assessment of the stock price. The market responds unfavourably to the announcement, notably in the case of rights issues and also with regard to open offers. Private placements experience an unfavourable pre‐announcement reaction, which contrasts with the favourable reaction after the event. Convertible bond issues generate positive excess returns consistent with the market's confidence that they can help to align management and shareholders’ interests. Further investigation shows that market reaction is related to factors specific to the issuer and issue by reference to the period immediately surrounding the issue. Specifically, ownership concentration, agency matters connected with equity offerings, investor protection connected with fund allocation and security pricing, and the influence of powerful moneyed interests together provide an instructive insight into market reaction. Institutional inefficiency pertaining to underwriting, auditing, analysts’ forecasts and credit ratings are found to have a weak association with market price, consistent with due public scepticism concerning management and their gatekeepers.
Harnessing the Power of Play in Emotionally Focused Family Therapy With Preschool Children
Authors: Willis Amber B. , Haslam Darryl R. , Bermudez J. Maria
Published: February 2016

Emotionally focused family therapy (EFFT) is an attachment‐based therapy model that has been used with older children and adolescents. More recently, it has been suggested for use with young children. EFFT holds promise as a clinical treatment for young children coping with attachment problems, but more detailed guidelines are needed for implementing the model with this age‐group. Whereas preschool and kindergarten age children are less able to participate in talk therapy than older children, accommodations need to be made to this approach when the identified patient is a young child. This article offers a variety of play therapy activities that may be incorporated within an EFFT framework to strengthen the emotional bonds in families with children ages four to six.