bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk factors of premature coronary artery disease in Iran: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Poorzand Hoorak , Tsarouhas Konstantinos , Hozhabrossadati Seyyed Amin , Khorrampazhouh Nastaran , Bondarsahebi Yones , Bacopoulou Flora , Rezaee Ramin , Jafarzadeh Esfehani Reza , Morovatdar Negar
Published: May 2019

Background

The aim of this study was to determine the mean age at which coronary artery disease (CAD) hase decreased in recent years in Iran. This systematic review and meta‐analysis compares the prevalence of different risk factors of premature CAD (PCAD) in patients vs healthy individuals.

Methods

Medline, Web of Science, Embase and Scientific Information Database were searched for studies about PCAD risk factors in Iran until 28 October 2017. Observational studies of Iranians, comparing risk factors between patients with PCAD and age‐ and sex‐matched healthy subjects, were included. Fixed‐effects and random‐effects model were used for pooling data. Odds ratio (OR) with 95% CI and mean difference were used for effect size estimation among studies.

Results

Twelve studies were eligible for meta‐analysis. Diabetes mellitus (OR: 2.4, 95% CI: 1.9‐3.03; P = 0.0001, I2 = 25.5%; P = 0.2), family history of CAD (OR: 2.09, 95% CI: 1.22‐3.6; P = 0.007, I2 = 86%; P = 0.0001), dyslipidaemia (OR: 2.05, 95% CI: 1.15‐3.64; P = 0.01, I2 = 54%; P = 0.08), smoking (OR: 1.65, 95% CI: 1.11‐2.46; P = 0.01, I2 = 77.2%; P = 0.000) and hypertension (OR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.21 to‐1.50; P < 0.001, I2 = 31%, P = 0.1) associated with PCAD. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated that patients with PCAD had significantly lower levels of high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and significantly higher levels of triglycerides compared to healthy subjects (MD: −2.56, 95% CI: −3.54 to −1.58, P < 0.001, I2 = 42%, P = 0.01 and MD: 21.17, 95% CI: 14.73‐27.62, P < 0.001, I2 = 80.12%, P < 0.001, respectively). It should be noted that although high levels of heterogeneity in LDL and HDL values among the studies were observed, when dyslipidaemia was studied as a binary variable, no significant heterogeneity among studies was observed.

Conclusion

Diabetes mellitus, family history of CAD, dyslipidaemia, smoking, and hypertension were significantly and positively associated with CAD in young adults compared to healthy age‐ and sex‐matched population in Iran.
FIRM HETEROGENEITY AND THE PATTERN OF R&D COLLABORATIONS
Authors: Billand Pascal , Bravard Christophe , Durieu Jacques , Sarangi Sudipta
Published: May 2019

We consider an oligopoly setting in which firms form pairwise collaborative links in research and development with other firms. Each collaboration generates a value that depends on the identity of the firms that collaborate. First, we provide properties satisfied by pairwise equilibrium networks and efficient networks. Second, we use these properties in two types of situation: (1) there are two groups of firms, and the value of a collaboration is higher when firms belong to the same group; (2) some firms have more innovative capabilities than others. These two situations provide clear insights about how firms' heterogeneity affects both equilibrium and efficient networks. We also show that the most valuable collaborative links do not always appear in equilibrium, and a public policy that increases the value of the most valuable links may lead to a loss of social welfare. (JEL C70, L13, L20)
Orthodontic management of traumatized teeth: A national survey of UK orthodontists
Authors: Sandler Cara , Barry Siobhan , Littlewood Simon , Al‐Musfir Tumadher , Nazzal Hani
Published: May 2019

Background/Aim

There is a lack of research into orthodontic movement and management strategies of traumatized teeth. The aim of this survey was to assess the knowledge of UK‐based orthodontists in the orthodontic management of traumatized teeth.

Materials/Methods

A 24‐item questionnaire survey was electronically distributed to all members of the British Orthodontic Society.

Results

A total of 213 respondents completed the survey with the majority of these being UK registered specialists in orthodontics. Three responses were excluded as one was not based within the UK and two were orthodontic trainees with <1 year of experience, leaving a total of 210 respondents. The majority had orthodontically treated up to three patients with a history of dental trauma in the preceding 3 months. Obtaining a trauma history was done by the majority of respondents. A wide variation in times waited by respondents before orthodontically treating teeth with different types of traumatic injuries was observed. Similarly, the preferred orthodontic management strategies of traumatized teeth differed substantially among respondents. Almost all respondents were interested in further training in the management of dental trauma.

Conclusions

The study showed a wide variation in the orthodontic management of traumatized teeth among UK‐based orthodontists. Further training and national guideline establishment are indicated for orthodontic management of traumatized teeth in the UK.
Linking below‐surface horizontal pore velocity profiles in porous media with near‐surface wind conditions and porous medium gas permeability
Authors: Poulsen Tjalfe G.
Published: May 2019

Above‐surface mean wind speed profiles and corresponding below‐surface horizontal pore air velocity profiles were measured for two porous media with different particle size and gas permeability under six different wind speed conditions. Experiments followed a 2k factorial design to minimize the number of required experiments. Below‐surface pore air velocity profiles were measured using a newly developed gas tracer tracking method applied at different elevations below the surface. Results suggested that pore air velocity decreases exponentially with decreasing elevation. A simple empirical exponential model was therefore proposed to approximate the pore air velocity–elevation relationship. The pore‐velocity model was chosen such that it, together with an existing, well‐known, semi‐empirical wind‐speed profile model commonly used for describing wind speed in the atmospheric boundary layer, is able to approximate the entire air velocity profile above and below the surface. The pore air velocity profile is described by two empirical parameters that depend on the air velocity at the surface and the shape of the pore velocity profile. The links between the velocity profile shape (via the two empirical parameters), porous medium gas permeability and above‐surface wind speed conditions were analyzed based on the experimental data. Results indicate that below‐surface horizontal pore velocity profiles are strongly related to both above‐surface wind conditions and porous medium characteristics.

Highlights

Horizontal air velocity profiles above and below porous medium surfaces were measured

A novel approach for approximating wind‐induced, horizontal pore velocity was proposed

Medium and wind speed characteristics strongly affected pore velocity profiles

Key parameters were: gas permeability > mean wind speed > wind gust frequency
Estimation of forest biomass from light detection and ranging data by using machine learning
Authors: Torre‐Tojal Leyre , Lopez‐Guede Jose Manuel , Graña Romay Manuel M.
Published: May 2019

The use of data driven predictive systems is becoming widespread as innovations in machine learning techniques have allowed the training of increasingly sophisticated models via the available data. The light detection and ranging (LiDAR) remote sensing technique is being increasingly applied to obtain informative terrain maps, due to its ability to collect large amounts of data with satisfactory accuracy. This paper focuses on the application of machine‐learning‐based predictive systems for the extraction of biomass information from LiDAR data. Biomass information has inmense ecological and economical value. We demonstrate the estimation of thePinus radiatabiomass in the Arratia‐Nervión region (Spain). Biomass estimation is considered a regression problem in which the ground truth for some specific sample sites is available. The promising results obtained in this study indicate that LiDAR data can be used to carry out detailed biomass mappings by the extrapolation of the models trained in this study.
Prediction of docetaxel toxicity in older cancer patients: a Bayesian network approach
Authors: Khayi Fouzy , Lafarge Laurent , Terret Catherine , Albrand Gilles , Falquet Benoit , Culine Stéphane , Gourgou Sophie , Ducher Michel , Bourguignon Laurent
Published: May 2019

Chemotherapy is an essential therapy in the fight against cancer. Polypathology and polymedication are often encountered in elderly patients, making this population especially at risk for adverse drug reactions, and particularly with cytotoxic drugs. The objective of this study was to build a model to predict high‐grade toxicity in elderly patients treated with docetaxel. Data from the trial TAX‐108 have been used to create the model. The variable to predict was the occurrence of grade 3 or 4 toxicity. The explanatory variables entered in the model were anthropometric and biological characteristics of patients at inclusion; fragility criteria (SMAF, CIRS‐G, performance status); location of the primary tumor; chemotherapy history, radiotherapy or surgery; weekly dose of docetaxel, cumulative dose administered. A Bayesian network model was developed using a global search procedure and an Expectation–Maximization algorithm. A 10‐fold cross‐validation was performed. A toxicity of grade 3 or higher was observed in 54% of patients. The variables providing the most information were the primary site (19.4%), the dose per course (17.5%), and albuminemia (13.1%). The area under the curve of the model obtained after cross‐validation was 74 ± 1.4%. The model built allows classifying correctly 71.21 ± 0.9% of patients in our sample in the cross‐validation procedure. The sensitivity and specificity of the model were 75 and 67%, respectively, and the positive and negative predictive values were 73 and 69%. The encouraging results from this first study show that Bayesian networks could help assess the benefit–risk ratio of chemotherapy in elderly patients.
Tau tubulin kinases in proteinopathy
Authors: Taylor Laura M. , McMillan Pamela J. , Kraemer Brian C. , Liachko Nicole F.
Published: May 2019

A number of neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by deposition of abnormally phosphorylated tau or TDP‐43 in disease‐affected neurons. These diseases include Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal lobar degeneration, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. No disease‐modifying therapeutics is available to treat these disorders, and we have a limited understanding of the cellular and molecular factors integral to disease initiation or progression. Phosphorylated tau and TDP‐43 are important markers of pathology in dementia disorders and directly contribute to tau‐ and TDP‐43‐related neurotoxicity and neurodegeneration. Here, we review the scope of tau and TDP‐43 phosphorylation in neurodegenerative disease and discuss recent work demonstrating the kinases TTBK1 and TTBK2 phosphorylate both tau and TDP‐43, promoting neurodegeneration.
The Effects of Germany’s Statutory Minimum Wage on Employment and Welfare Dependency
Authors: Schmitz Sebastian
Published: May 2019

In January 2015, Germany introduced a federal, statutory minimum wage of 8.50 € per hour. This study evaluates the effects of this policy on regular and marginal employment and on welfare dependency. Based on the county-level administrative data, this study uses the difference-in-differences technique, exploiting regional variation in the bite of the minimum wage, i.e., the county-specific share of employees paid less than 8.50 € before the introduction of the minimum wage. The minimum wage had a considerable negative effect on marginal employment. There is also some indication that regular employment was slightly reduced. Concerning welfare dependency, the minimum wage reduced the number of working welfare recipients, with some indication that about one half of them left welfare receipt due to the minimum wage.
Rhenium–Osmium Isotope Measurements in Marine Shale Reference Material SBC‐1: Implications for Method Validation and Quality Control
Authors: Li Jie , Yin Lu
Published: May 2019

In this study, the USGS black shale reference material SBC‐1 was investigated as a matrix‐matched reference material for both intra‐laboratory calibration and inter‐laboratory comparison of high‐precision Re‐Os dating for organic‐rich sedimentary rocks. This reference material was analysed for Re‐Os isotopic composition by three digestion protocols – inverse aqua regia, CrO3‐H2SO4 and H2O2‐HNO3. The results for SBC‐1 obtained by inverse aqua regia digestion yielded similar Re mass fractions but slightly (~ 5%) higher Os mass fractions and lower 187Os/188Os values than the CrO3‐H2SO4 and H2O2‐HNO3 digestions. The data set of inverse aqua regia digestion exhibited strong correlations in plots of 187Os/188Os vs. 1/192Os and 187Os/188Os vs. 187Re/188Os, which may signify the incorporation of detrital Re and Os into organic matter in the Re‐Os system. Similar correlations were also observed for the CrO3‐H2SO4 digestion data set, but not for that of H2O2‐HNO3. The data indicate that there is an amount of non‐hydrogenous Os in SBC‐1 and that CrO3‐H2SO4 and H2O2‐HNO3 digestions would minimise liberation of the non‐hydrogenous Os component. We propose that SBC‐1 may be a more suitable reference material to monitor the influence of detrital Re and Os on Re‐Os isochron age data, especially for samples with less organic matter and more siliceous detritus.
Men doing women's dirty work: Desegregation, immigrants and employer preferences in the cleaning industry in Norway
Authors: Orupabo Julia , Nadim Marjan
Published: May 2019

The literature on gender desegregation has documented the gendered nature of employment hierarchies and opportunities, but less work has examined how the influx of immigrants in the labour market might affect employment hierarchies and gender segregation. This study examines employers' perceptions of ‘the suitable cleaner' — a traditionally female‐dominated occupation that has received a substantial number of male immigrant workers. Departing from the notion that men in female‐dominated occupations are advantaged by a ‘glass escalator' effect, we analyse how employer preferences position different categories of workers as hireable. Building on interviews with employers in the Norwegian cleaning industry, the study demonstrates how three different but intertwined logics define employer preferences: effectivity demands, professionalization and devaluation. While the first logic favours men as workers and the second devalues ‘female' competence, opening the occupation for men, the third logic favours immigrants, combined positioning immigrant men on top of the hierarchy of suitability.
Feasibility Assessment of Long‐Term Electrical Resistivity Monitoring of a Nitrate Plume
Authors: Robinson Judy , Johnson Timothy , Rockhold Mark
Published: May 2019

Long‐term monitoring solutions at contaminated sites are necessary to track plume migration and evaluate the performance of remediation efforts. Electrical resistivity imaging (ERI) can potentially provide information about plume dynamics; however, the feasibility and likelihood of success are seldom evaluated before conducting a field study. Coupling flow and transport models with geoelectrical models provide a powerful way to assess the potential effectiveness of an actual ERI field campaign. We present a coupled approach for evaluating the feasibility of monitoring nitrate migration and remediation using 4D time‐lapse ERI at a legacy nuclear waste facility. This kilometer‐scale study focuses on depths below the water table (∼70 m). A flow and transport model is developed to perform simulations of nitrate migration and removal via a hypothetical pump‐and‐treat system. A tracer injection is also simulated at the leading edge of the nitrate plume to enhance the conductivity contrast between the native subsurface and the groundwater fluids. Images of absolute bulk conductivity provide limited information concerning plume migration while time‐lapse difference images, which remove the static effects of geology, provide more useful information concerning plume dynamics over time. A spatial moment analysis performed on flow and transport and ERI models matches well during the tracer injection; however, inversion regularization smoothing otherwise limits the value in terms of locating the center of mass. We find that the addition of a tracer enables ERI to characterize plume dynamics during pump‐and‐treat operations, and late‐time ERI monitoring provides a conservative estimate of nitrate plume boundaries in this synthetic study.
Growth Curves for Headache Research: A Multilevel Modeling Perspective
Authors: McGinley James S. , Wirth R. J. , Houts Carrie R.
Published: May 2019

Objective

To introduce growth curve modeling for longitudinal headache research.

Background

Longitudinal data play an important role in the study of headache‐related outcomes by allowing researchers to test hypotheses about change over time. However, headache researchers are often unfamiliar with the flexibility and power that growth curves can offer in analyzing longitudinal data. The goals of this paper are to introduce growth curve models within the multilevel modeling framework for analyzing longitudinal headache‐related data and to show how these models can be applied in practice.

Methods

Longitudinal data for the empirical example came from publicly available data from Wave I to Wave IV of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health. In total, 5608 individuals were included in the study and multilevel models were fit to examine, for individuals with and without adolescent migraine, longitudinal changes in depression from age 13 to 27 years old.

Results

Findings showed that individuals varied in their longitudinal depression trajectories. A cubic time trend best approximated the data with depression increasing through adolescence, decreasing during young adulthood, and then beginning to increase again in adulthood. Further, results also indicated that individuals with adolescent migraine had higher levels of depression throughout the age span compared those without adolescent migraine, but the shape of change did not differ across the groups.

Conclusion

Growth curve models offer a flexible alternative to traditional statistical methods and can rigorously evaluate a wide array of headache‐related hypotheses.
Fool's gold or value for money? The link between abnormal audit fees, audit firm type, fair‐value disclosures, and market valuation
Authors: Mohrmann Ulf , Riepe Jan , Stefani Ulrike
Published: May 2019

We analyze whether the audit firm type and abnormal audit fees are associated with the market valuation of banks' fair‐value assets. Our results indicate that different auditor types use different strategies when auditing fair values. First, we show that Big 4 auditors restrict the Level 3 valuations to the most illiquid assets. Thus, those banks audited by a Big 4 auditor have a lower proportion of Level 3 assets. Second, the market discount on the Level 3 assets is higher for the banks audited by a Big 4 auditor than for those audited by a non‐Big 4 auditor. Third, the discount on the Level 3 portfolios of banks with non‐Big 4 auditors is higher if the unexpected audit fees are high. Thus, non‐Big 4 auditors seem to allow more high‐uncertainty valuations but charge a risk premium. We find similar effects for industry‐specialist auditors.
Can Management Accounting Be Helpful for Young and Small Companies? Systematic Review of a Paradox
Authors: Pelz Michael
Published: May 2019

While management accounting (MA) implies potential benefits for large established companies, its usefulness for young and small companies is less clear. This review analyzes and partially resolves the paradox and provides a structured overview of present knowledge. A systematic literature search yielded 67 empirical papers in 25 journals. Drawing on the results of a two‐step coding process, this study proposes 20 novel second‐level constructs expressing the types of MA, their antecedents and their consequences in young and small companies. The main results show that, in discussing MA, the literature refers mainly to business planning, accounting‐based management control activities and financial accounting. Most studies find MA to be helpful for young and small companies because it provides tools to overcome difficulties arising from company growth and reduces information asymmetry with external partners. Overall, however, the empirical literature on this topic is highly concentrated, offers theoretical construct definitions of poor quality, and lacks a clear statement of what MA really does in young and small companies. Therefore, future research and theory development are warranted.
The Dark Side of Stakeholder Reactions to Corporate Social Responsibility: Tensions and Micro‐level Undesirable Outcomes
Authors: Maon François , Vanhamme Joëlle , De Roeck Kenneth , Lindgreen Adam , Swaen Valérie
Published: May 2019

With a review of literature on corporate social responsibility (CSR) and its micro‐level impacts, this paper proposes an integrative framework to map undesirable relational outcomes of CSR activities on internal (employees) and external (customers) stakeholders. By adopting a paradox‐based perspective, the authors determine that unexpected, adverse stakeholder reactions to CSR are driven primarily by either performing or belonging tensions, related to exchange‐ and identity‐based stakeholder concerns, respectively. Specifically, contextual and personal influences can trigger and explain undesirable relational outcomes of CSR. On this basis, this paper offers a research agenda for developing a more refined understanding of CSR‐related tensions and a more nuanced perspective on the business case for CSR.
Field evaluation of AtDREB2A CA overexpressing sugarcane for drought tolerance
Authors: de Souza Wagner Rodrigo , de Oliveira Nelson Geraldo , Vinecky Felipe , Ribeiro Ana Paula , Basso Marcos Fernando , Casari Raphael Augusto das Chagas Noqueli , da Cunha Bárbara Andrade Dias Brito , Duarte Karoline Estefani , Santiago Thaís Ribeiro , Martins Polyana Kelly , Aucique‐Perez Carlos Eduardo , Júnior Sílvio Carlos Cristofoletti , Nepomuceno Alexandre Lima , de Sousa Carlos Antônio Ferreira , Kobayashi Adilson Kenji , Nakashima Kazuo , Yamaguchi‐Shinozaki Kazuko , Molinari Hugo Bruno Correa
Published: May 2019

Climate change is undoubtedly altering the atmosphere, occasioning extreme temperatures that can cause weather calamities such as droughts and floods. Among the major constraints limiting crop production, drought is one of the most important. Sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrid) is considered an important economic crop not only for sugar production, but also for ethanol generation, serving as an expandable green alternative to crude oil use. To take advantage of the use of sugarcane as renewable source for bioethanol production, it is important to increase its productivity without increasing land use, which includes cultivation under hostile conditions, such as water‐limited environments. Previously, we demonstrated that stress‐inducible overexpression of the transcription factor AtDREB2A CA conferred drought tolerance in sugarcane subjected to water deficit under greenhouse conditions. In the present work, the AtDREB2A CA transgenic sugarcane lines were evaluated in the field in two representative seasonally dry regions of Brazil. The results demonstrated that the AtDREB2A CA sugarcane lines presented higher yield and productivity when compared to non‐transformed plants under drought, representing a suitable strategy for the development of new drought‐tolerant cultivars.
Sol‐gel route to nanocrystalline Eu2Ti2O7 films with tailored structural and optical properties
Authors: Mrázek Jan , Vytykáčová Soňa , Buršík Jiří , Puchý Viktor , Girman Vladimír , Peterka Pavel , Kašík Ivan
Published: May 2019

We present a generic sol‐gel approach for the preparation of highly transparent europium titanate Eu2Ti2O7 films with tailored structural and optical properties. The films were prepared by a sol‐gel process and thermally treated in a rapid thermal annealing furnace. We determined the effects of the annealing temperature on structural, morphological, and optical properties of the films. We evaluated film's optical constants. The size of the primary nanocrystals and the film's refractive index were tailored by the annealing temperature. The crystallization of Eu2Ti2O7 started at 800°C and the nanocrystals grew with increasing annealing temperature reaching the size from 20 nm to 100 nm. The energy of nanocrystal growth was 21 ± 3 kJ·mol−1. Increasing nanocrystal size caused the regular growth of the refractive index recorded at 632 nm from 2.07 to 2.17 for the films annealed at 800°C and 1200°C, respectively. These results provide fundamental information about the effects of the structure and the morphology of the films on their optical properties. The presented approach can be extended to other rare earth‐doped titanates and these films can be used as passive protective coatings as well as active materials suitable for photonic and spintronic applications.
Insight into a novel rare‐earth‐free red‐emitting phosphor Li3Mg2NbO6:Mn4+: Structure and luminescence properties
Authors: Wang Xicheng , Zhou Xiaopeng , Cao Yaxin , Wei Qi , Zhao Zhengyan , Wang Yuhua
Published: May 2019

Red phosphor is indispensable to achieve warm white light in the white light diode (WLED) application. However, the current red phosphors suffer from high cost and harsh synthesis conditions. In this study, an oxide‐based rare‐earth‐free red‐emitting phosphor Li3Mg2NbO6:Mn4+ (LMN:Mn4+) has been successfully synthesized by a simple solid‐state reaction method. The relationship between crystal structure and luminescence was investigated in detail. The site occupancy of the doping Mn4+ ion in the LMN host has been discussed from the point of bond valence sum. How the coordination environment of doping Mn4+ affects the energy level of doping Mn4+ ion has been illustrated via the Tanabe‐Sugano energy‐level diagram. Moreover, warm white light has been obtained using LMN:Mn4+ as compensator to the YAG:Ce3+.
Prevalence and patterns of antipsychotic use and their associations with mental health and problem behaviours among older adults with intellectual disabilities
Authors: O'Dwyer Claire , McCallion Philip , Henman Martin , McCarron Mary , O'Leary Eva , Burke Eilish , O'Connell Juliette , O'Dwyer Máire
Published: May 2019

Background

There are concerns that antipsychotics may be used inappropriately in adults with intellectual disability for problem behaviours in the absence of a diagnosed mental health condition. The aim was to examine the prevalence and patterns of antipsychotic use and their association with problem behaviours and mental health conditions in older adults with intellectual disability.

Methods

Cross‐sectional data were drawn from Wave 2 (2013/2014) of the Intellectual Disability Supplement to the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (IDS‐TILDA). Medication data were available for 95.6% (n = 677). Those who reported antipsychotic use and reported psychotic or other mental health conditions and those who reported problem behaviours were compared.

Results

In total, 45.1% (n = 305) had antipsychotics, and of those with antipsychotic use and diagnosis information (n = 282), 25.9% (73) had a psychotic disorder. 58% of those exposed to antipsychotics reported problem behaviours.

Conclusion

Reported use of antipsychotics significantly exceeded reported doctor's diagnosis of psychotic conditions in this study.
Friendships and patterns of social leisure participation among Norwegian adolescents with Down syndrome
Authors: Dolva Anne‐Stine , Kollstad Marit , Kleiven Jo
Published: May 2019

Background

A first generation of adolescents with Down syndrome have grown up in Norway's inclusive society. This study explored their friendships and social leisure participation, mainly as it is reflected through their subjective experience.

Method

The analysis is based on qualitative interviews and observations of 22 teens aged 17 years.

Results

Generally, the adolescents described their social life as rich and varied, occurring in several contexts with different companions. Their thoughts of friendships were quite extensive, also including less close relationships. Three main contextual patterns of social participation were revealed: (a) the family at home pattern, (b) the peer group pattern and (c) the arranged company pattern. The relationship between the national policy on social inclusion and these findings is discussed.

Conclusion

To understand the barriers and opportunities in the social life of Norwegian adolescents with Down syndrome, it is essential to acknowledge the extent of their experiences with friendship and the characteristics of their social participation patterns.
Community‐based breeding programmes are a viable solution for Ethiopian small ruminant genetic improvement but require public and private investments
Authors: Haile Aynalem , Gizaw Solomon , Getachew Tesfaye , Mueller Joaquín P. , Amer Peter , Rekik Mourad , Rischkowsky Barbara
Published: May 2019

Ethiopia has a large and diverse population of small ruminants, which contribute substantially to the livelihood and income of the rural poor and the country at large. However, the sector faces a number of challenges. Productivity per animal and flock offtake are both very low. Reasons attributed for the apparent low productivity are as follows: absence of appropriate breeding programmes, lack of technical capacity, inadequate and poor‐quality feeds, diseases leading to high lamb mortality, and underdeveloped markets in terms of infrastructure and information. Historically, sheep and goats have received little policy or investment attention. Genetic improvement of small ruminants could contribute to bridging the productivity gap. In the past, the government of Ethiopia has placed much emphasis on importing exotic genetics and cross‐breeding with local stock as a strategy for genetic improvement. However, this has not led to a significant productivity improvement and the programmes have generally been unsustainable. Currently, there is a change in approach and a recognition of the need to focus genetic improvement efforts on the local genetic resources that are well adapted to the diverse agro‐ecologies and production environments in the country. Community‐based breeding programmes (CBBPs), which focus on indigenous stock and consider farmers’ needs, views, decisions and active participation, from inception through to implementation, have been identified as programmes of choice. The Ethiopian government and the private sector need to invest in strategic areas around CBBPs to make the programme work for the poor and be sustainable in low‐input systems.
A left atrial appendage closure combined procedure review: Past, present, and future perspectives
Authors: Gasperetti Alessio , Fassini Gaetano , Tundo Fabrizio , Zucchetti Martina , Dessanai Mariantonietta , Tondo Claudio
Published: May 2019

Background and Objective

Atrial fibrillation (AF) represents the most common cardiac arrhythmia worldwide; it poses a great burden in terms of quality of life reduction and yearly stroke risk. Left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) is a stroke prevention strategy that has been proven a viable alternative to antithrombotic regimens in nonvalvular AF patients. LAAC can be performed as a standalone procedure or alongside a concomitant AF transcatheter ablation, in a procedure known as “Combined procedure”. Aim of this study is to summarize the scientific evidence backing this combined strategy.

Methods

We reviewed the whole Medline indexed combined procedure literature, to summarize all the combined procedure study data.

Results

Nine published studies regarding combined procedure were found. Data, aims, and scientific rationales were reported and commented.

Conclusion

LAA combined procedure appears to be a safe and effective procedure; a careful patient selection is necessary to maximize its benefit.
Inter‐organizational Contestation and the EU: Its Ambivalent Profile in Human Rights Protection
Authors: Daidouji Ryuya
Published: May 2019

This article examines how the EU interacts with other international organizations (IOs) with regard to human rights protection. Although studies on relations between IOs, namely inter‐organizational relations (IOR), have attempted to overcome a state‐centric tendency, existing IOR approaches are not suitable for analyzing human rights issues due to their indifference to law. To overcome this flaw, this article introduces the notion of ‘inter‐organizational contestation’ to account for the human rights implications of EU policies. This concept is applied to two contrasting cases: first, the EU's asylum policy, over which the EU is contested by other IOs; second, the implementation of targeted sanctions, over which the EU contests another IO. The article thus highlights the EU's ambivalent profile in human rights protection and contributes to the IOR literature.
The effect of haemostatic agents on early healing of the extraction socket
Authors: Guo Xiaodong , Hu Haikun , Liu Yindong , Bao Chongyun , Wang Liao
Published: May 2019

Aim

This study aims to explore the effect of two commercially available haemostatic agents (i.e., collagen sponge and oxide cellulose) on early healing of the extraction socket.

Material and Methods

In a murine model, bilateral maxillary first molars were extracted and the sockets were filled with or without haemostatic agents. Histology, histomorphometry and immunostaining assays were performed on samples harvested on postextraction day 1, 3, 7 and 14. In vitro studies were also designed to investigate the effect of agents on the dynamics of pH and viability of cells.

Results

Early socket healing was delayed by both agents but with different patterns. The migration of cells was impeded by oxide cellulose on postextraction day 1 compared with the collagen and the control group. The proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of cells were delayed by both materials. Moreover, apoptosis of periodontal ligament cells was present in the haemostatic agent groups. These effects are attributed to the compression to periodontal ligament by both agents, the acidic niche caused by oxide cellulose, and the intense foreign body reaction and inflammatory response caused by the agents.

Conclusions

The placement of haemostatic agents delay the early extraction socket healing via different biological mechanism.
Expert consensus on the persistence of biological treatments in moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis
Authors: de la Cueva Dobao P. , Notario J. , Ferrándiz C. , López Estebaranz J.L. , Alarcón I. , Sulleiro S. , Borrás J. , Daudén E. , Carrascosa J.M. , Sánchez Carazo J.L. , Monte Boquet E. , Puig L.
Published: May 2019

Background

Treatment persistence is becoming a useful measure to evaluate long‐term effectiveness and safety of biological therapies in real‐world settings.

Objective

The main objective of this study was to explore the scientific opinion of a panel of dermatologists and hospital pharmacists to reach a consensus about the impact, causes, and best strategies and interventions that might be associated with improved drug persistence in patients with psoriasis in Spain.

Methods

This research was conducted using a modified Delphi method organized in two rounds and involving a panel of 90 dermatologists and 34 hospital pharmacists. A questionnaire of 70 items was developed. The items proposed to reach a consensus included topics such as definitions and measures in the treatment of psoriasis, analysis of treatment persistence, factors that may influence treatment persistence, impact of treatment persistence and economic cost of treatment.

Results

Dermatologists reached a consensus on 77.1% of the items proposed, and hospital pharmacists reached a consensus on 71.4%. Both groups agreed that it is important to use standardized measures in the evaluation of treatment maintenance over time. Dermatologists agreed that treatment survival, persistence and retention are synonymous, but hospital pharmacists considered only treatment persistence as a valid term. In addition, panelists agreed that drug persistence is an indicator of success in the treatment of psoriasis that may be influenced by a drug's effectiveness and safety profile, as well as by patient satisfaction. They agreed that the different causes of treatment discontinuation should be considered in Kaplan–Meier analysis of treatment persistence. Moreover, treatment persistence was agreed to decrease the cost of therapy.

Conclusion

This Delphi consensus highlights the different perspectives of dermatologists and hospital pharmacists regarding the interpretation of treatment persistence, and the challenge of harmonizing the results obtained.
Evolutionary potential of thermal preference and heat tolerance in Drosophila subobscura
Authors: Castañeda Luis E. , Romero‐Soriano Valèria , Mesas Andrés , Roff Derek A. , Santos Mauro
Published: May 2019

Evolutionary change of thermal traits (i.e., heat tolerance and behavioural thermoregulation) is one of the most important mechanisms exhibited by organisms to respond to global warming. However, the evolutionary potential of heat tolerance, estimated as narrow‐sense heritability, depends on the methodology employed. An alternative adaptive mechanism to buffer extreme temperatures is behavioural thermoregulation, although the association between heat tolerance and thermal preference is not clearly understood. We suspect that methodological effects associated with the duration of heat stress during thermal tolerance assays are responsible for missing this genetic association. To test this hypothesis, we estimated the heritabilities and genetic correlations for thermal traits in Drosophila subobscura, using high‐temperature static and slow ramping assays. We found that heritability for heat tolerance was higher in static assays (h2 = 0.134) than in slow ramping assays (h2 = 0.084), suggesting that fast assays may provide a more precise estimation of the genetic variation of heat tolerance. In addition, thermal preference exhibited a low heritability (h2 = 0.066), suggesting a reduced evolutionary response for this trait. We also found that the different estimates of heat tolerance and thermal preference were not genetically correlated, regardless of how heat tolerance was estimated. In conclusion, our data suggest that these thermal traits can evolve independently in this species. In agreement with previous evidence, these results indicate that methodology may have an important impact on genetic estimates of heat tolerance and that fast assays are more likely to detect the genetic component of heat tolerance.
The Effects of the Extant Clauses Limiting Auditor Liability on Audit Fees and Overall Reporting Quality
Authors: Louis Henock , Pearson Thomas C. , Robinson Dahlia M. , Robinson Michael N. , Sun Amy X.
Published: May 2019

Regulators and shareholders generally oppose any restriction on clients' rights to sue their auditors, believing that such restrictions would impair reporting quality. However, the evidence suggests that the opposition to limitation of liability agreements (LLAs) between clients and auditors is likely unwarranted. Specifically, the evidence indicates that LLAs are beneficial to clients by lowering their audit fees. More importantly, we find no evidence that they impair financial reporting quality in general. Hence, the extant contracts limiting clients' rights to sue their auditors appear to benefit auditors and their clients without any apparent detriment to the quality of financial reporting.
Qualitative study of implementation of patient self‐reported measures in a consultation‐liaison psychiatry practice
Authors: Spaulding Aaron , Nordan Lisa , Blanchfield Lorrie , Asiedu Gladys B. , Saltivan Jean , Pecenka Stacey , Uitti Ryan , Naessens James , Niazi Shehzad
Published: May 2019

Rational, aims, and objectives

Understanding of barriers and successes associated with the implementation of electronic patient self‐reported measures (ePSRMs) within clinical settings are limited and have not been pursued utilizing implementation science frameworks. This qualitative study is designed to assess staff perceptions of an ePSRM implementation.

Methods

The study took place in an academic hospital's Consultation Liaison Psychiatry practice. Qualitative interviews were conducted with the staff and clinicians from the practice. Participants were directly involved with the implementation and use of the ePSRM system within the Psychiatry practice. Interviews were structured around the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance (RE‐AIM) framework.

Results

Participants reported increased patient engagement as well as efficiency and time savings. The intervention was perceived to be more challenging for older patients. Facilitators include communicating the ePSRM to patients prior to the care visit, having enough trained staff or super‐users who can assist with technical problems, and having a shorter questionnaire.

Conclusions

Overall, assessment of the ePSRM implementation was positive. Staff and clinicians indicated benefits in time, effectiveness, and improvements in patient treatment. Results indicate that defining how the system would fit within the clinical workflow was key, as was a flexible and user‐friendly technology platform. The ePSRM implementation was dependent upon clinical involvement and interest in adoption, while barriers were associated with technical challenges as well as some patient difficulties, such as cognitive impairment. The use of the RE‐AIM framework is valuable as it allows for systematic assessment of the implementation and identifies areas in that implementation has succeeded or is lacking.
The Ultrastructure of Sanchytrium tribonematis (Sanchytriaceae, Fungi incertae sedis) Confirms its Close Relationship to Amoeboradix
Authors: Karpov Sergey A. , Vishnyakov Andrey E. , Moreira David , López‐García Purificación
Published: May 2019

Fungi encompass, in addition to classically well‐studied lineages, an ever‐expanding diversity of poorly known lineages that include, among others, zoosporic chytrid‐like parasites. According to recent phylogenetic analysis based on 18S + 28S rRNA concatenated genes two unusual chytrid‐like fungi Amoeboradix gromovi and Sanchytrium tribonematis form a monophyletic group, the family Sanchytriaceae, which represents a new divergent taxon that remains incertae sedis within Fungi. Zoospores of Amoeboradix gromovi contain one of the longest kinetosomes known in eukaryotic cells, which are composed of microtubular singlets or doublets. However, the ultrastructure of S. tribonematis, the type species of the genus had not been yet studied. Here, we provide the results of TEM investigations of zoospores and sporangia from two strains of S. tribonematis. The two strains are endowed with unusual features. Like in A. gromovi, amoeboid zoospores of S. tribonematis contain a long kinetosome composed of microtubular singlets, and the two orthogonal centrioles in their sporangia have nine microtubular singlets with an internal ring. The morphological and ultrastructural features of S. tribonematis are now included in the improved taxonomic diagnosis for this species.
Binding affinity and antioxidant activity of the complex of (‐)‐epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate and whey protein isolate: Effect of ultrasound pretreatment
Authors: Chen Weijun , Wang Haiyang , Wang Wenjun , Ma Xiaobin , Guo Mingming , Ding Tian , Ye Xingqian , Liu Donghong
Published: May 2019

The binding affinity of whey protein isolate (WPI) for (‐)‐epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) and the antioxidant activity of the formed complexes as influenced by ultrasound pretreatment were investigated. After treated by ultrasound at 200 W for 20 min, the apparent binding constant and the number of binding sites could be increased by 10.92 times and 23.05%, respectively. This indicated that ultrasound pretreatment did enhance the binding interaction between WPI and EGCG. Ultrasound pretreatment could increase the random coil content, cause the molecular unfolding and expose more hydrophobic groups inside the molecules to be exposed to the surface. These ultrasound‐induced conformational changes observed in WPI might account for its enhanced binding affinity for EGCG. Moreover, complexing with WPI could protect EGCG antioxidant activity and better protection was observed for that of ultrasound pretreated WPI. This study confirmed that ultrasound pretreatment could help the design of WPI based delivery system for EGCG.

Practical applications

Due to its good ligand‐binding properties, whey protein isolate (WPI) have great potential being used as a protective carrier for (‐)‐epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) via the formation of WPI‐EGCG complexes. As a relatively low‐cost, nonhazardous, and ecofriendly technique, ultrasound has been widely applied in the modification of WPI. However, the interaction between WPI and EGCG as influenced by ultrasound pretreatment is still unknown. In this study, the effects of ultrasound pretreatment on binding capacity of WPI for EGCG and the antioxidant activity of the formed complex were investigated. The results showed that the binding interaction between WPI and EGCG could be enhanced by ultrasound pretreatment. Moreover, complexing with WPI could provide preservation of EGCG antioxidant activity and better protection were obtained by complexing EGCG with ultrasound pretreated WPI. These results were helpful for the utilization of WPI as a protective vehicle for EGCG and other polyphenols in food industry.
Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine promotes epithelial–mesenchymal transition of hepatocellular carcinoma cells and acquisition of cancerstem cell phenotypes
Authors: Jiang Xin , Liu Fengchao , Wang Yiying , Gao Jian
Published: May 2019

Background and Aim

Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) is a matricellular glycoprotein that plays a significant role in tumor development. SPARC has been indicated that promotes tumorigenesis, metastasis, and poor prognosis in prostate cancer and lung cancer. Therefore, we sought to investigate the molecular mechanisms of SPARC in regulating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

We used spheroids cultured in serum‐free culture medium to obtain liver cancer stem cells. Flow cytometric analysis was performed to investigate percentage of CD133+ cells in liver cancer cells. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction and western blot were used to assess gene expression in cell lines. Transwell and wound healing assays were performed to indicate cell migration of HCC.

Results

Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine was upregulated in spheres formation in HCC cells. Overexpression of SPARC enhanced the ability to form tumor spheres and increased CD133 and Oct4 expressions. Besides, SPARC promoted the migration and epithelial–mesenchymal transition in HCC cells. Importantly, SPARC overexpression stimulated the formation of subcutaneous tumors in nude mice.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that SPARC overexpression promotes tumor growth, inducing epithelial–mesenchymal transition and acquisition of a stem cell phenotype. What is more, research elucidating the biological mechanisms of SPARC may be beneficial to liver cancer treatment.