bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of board gender composition on corporate debt maturity structures
Authors: Li Yiwei , Zhang Xiu‐Ye
Published: January 2019

This paper examines the effect of female directors on corporate debt maturity structures. We find that firms with a higher ratio of female directors tend to have a larger proportion of short‐maturity debt. This effect is more pronounced with female independent directors and is insignificant with female inside directors. These findings remain robust under propensity score matching and instrumental variable approaches to address potential endogeneity concerns. Furthermore, we find that our results are driven primarily by firms with weak governance quality and low financial constraints. We also find that the effect does not differ between high‐ and low‐leveraged firms, and there is a negative relation between female directors and likelihood of overinvestment. This evidence suggests that female directors view short‐term debt as a monitoring device.
Rapid evolution in response to warming does not affect the toxicity of a pollutant: Insights from experimental evolution in heated mesocosms
Authors: Zhang Chao , Jansen Mieke , De Meester Luc , Stoks Robby
Published: January 2019

While human‐induced stressors such as warming and pollutants may co‐occur and interact, evolutionary studies typically focus on single stressors. Rapid thermal evolution may help organisms better deal with warming, yet it remains an open question whether thermal evolution changes the toxicity of pollutants under warming. We investigated the effects of exposure to a novel pollutant (zinc oxide nanoparticles, nZnO) and 4°C warming (20°C vs. 24°C) on key life history and physiological traits of the water flea Daphnia magna, a keystone species in aquatic ecosystems. To address the role of thermal evolution, we compared these effects between clones from an experimental evolution trial where animals were kept for two years in outdoor mesocosms at ambient temperatures or ambient +4°C. The nZnO was more toxic at 20°C than at 24°C: only at 20°C, it caused reductions in early fecundity, intrinsic growth rate and metabolic activity. This was due to a higher accumulated zinc burden at 20°C than at 24°C, which was associated with an upregulation of a metallothionein gene at 20°C but not at 24°C. Clones from the heated mesocosms better dealt with warming than clones from the ambient mesocosms, indicating rapid thermal evolution. Notably, rapid thermal evolution did not change the toxicity of nZnO, neither at 20°C nor at 24°C, suggesting no pleiotropy or metabolic trade‐offs were at work under the current experimental design. Evaluating whether thermal evolution influences the toxicity of pollutants is important for ecological risk assessment. It provides key information to extrapolate laboratory‐derived toxicity estimates of pollutants both in space to warmer regions and in time under future global warming scenarios. In general, studying how the evolution of tolerance to one anthropogenic stressor influence tolerance to other anthropogenic stressors should get more attention in a rapidly changing world where animals increasingly face combinations of stressors.
Mesenteric strangulation by pedunculated lipomas without involvement of associated intestine in four horses
Authors: Bauck A. G. , Graham A. S. , Smith A. , Rapp H. J. , Freeman D. E.
Published: January 2019

An unusual form of strangulation of mesentery only by pedunculated lipoma was identified as the cause of moderate to severe colic in four horses. The small intestinal mesentery was involved in three horses and the small colon mesentery in the fourth horse, but the associated intestine was not strangulated, haemorrhagic, nor obviously obstructed in any horse. In all horses, a patch of haemorrhagic mesentery of variable size was evident around the origin of a mesenteric lipoma and a major mesenteric vessel. One horse was subjected to euthanasia at the owner's request and the remaining three had surgery from which they made a complete recovery after the removal of the lipoma. Intestinal resection was not performed in any of the three horses undergoing surgery. An isolated mesenteric strangulation by lipoma is an uncommon cause of colic in older horses that have the typical presentation of a strangulating lipoma. The removal of the involved lipoma without mesenteric or intestinal resection can be associated with complete recovery.
Use It or Lose It? Predicting Learning Transfer of Relationship and Marriage Education Among Child Welfare Professionals
Authors: Schramm David G. , Galovan Adam , Futris Ted G. , Kanter Jeremy B.
Published: January 2019

Objective

Following a training in relationship and marriage education (RME), examine whether applying information at 2 months is associated with application at 6 months and how participants' confidence, utility, and self‐efficacy is associated with learning transfer and application at 2 months posttraining.

Background

Child welfare professionals are required to receive numerous trainings each year with the expectation of understanding, retaining, and transferring this learning into practice.

Method

With a sample of 324 child welfare professionals across 5 states who completed a 1‐day training in RME, we used structural equation modeling with participant self‐efficacy, utility, and confidence as predictors of application of RME concepts at 2 months posttraining. We also assessed how application of RME concepts at 2 months predicted self‐efficacy, confidence, and application at 6 months.

Results

Only the combined effect of both higher self‐efficacy and higher utility was related to applying concepts at 2 months. Those who apply the concepts at 2 months are more likely both to report higher confidence at 6 months and to apply the concepts at 6 months.

Conclusions

Evaluations of trainings should move beyond measurement of immediate learning outcomes to better understanding how to motivate immediate learning transfer.

Implications

If participants do not feel like they have actually learned new skills and, more importantly, do not implement the skills with individuals or clients soon after a training, they will be much less likely to use them in the future. A combination of learning concrete principles and skills with confidence they can implement the materials may result in future implementation.
Legal Capacity at a Crossroad: Mental Disability and Family Law
Authors: Harris Jasmine E.
Published: January 2019

In this introductory essay to the Special Issue, I argue that both family law and disability rights law scholars should examine a key point of intersection across areas: legal capacity or the law's recognition of the rights and responsibilities of an individual. For example, parental termination proceedings center on parental fitness and functional capabilities. I contextualize the articles in the Special Issue by Leslie Francis and Robyn Powell on the role of reasonable accommodations for parents with disabilities in parental termination proceedings. In addition, I call upon legal scholars, family law courts, and practitioners to reimagine governing legal standards in family law according to principles of universal design to shift the baseline capabilities associated with parenting and parental fitness.
Maintaining the Legal Status of People with Intellectual Disabilities as Parents: The ADA and the CRPD
Authors: Francis Leslie
Published: January 2019

People with intellectual disabilities face proceedings to terminate their parental rights with disturbing regularity, with protecting the interests of offspring the primary justification. Although protecting children from harm is surely critical, these termination proceedings involve problematic assumptions about how fitness to parent is understood, how parenting is legally constructed, and what nondiscrimination requires for parents with intellectual disabilities. Using Article 12 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities as a model, it suggests two alternatives to the all‐or‐nothing termination processes in place today that might better realize the enjoyment of legal capacity as parents on an equal basis with others for people with intellectual disabilities: limited terminations analogous to limited guardianships and supported parenting along the lines of supported decision making proposed in the CRPD.
Family Law, Parents with Disabilities, and the Americans with Disabilities Act
Authors: Powell Robyn M.
Published: January 2019

Parents with disabilities contend with bias within the family law system, often threatening their custody and visitation rights. The overarching goal of this article is to explore the experiences of parents with disabilities involved in custody and visitation disputes and the application of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in these cases. This article begins with an overview of parents with disabilities and their interactions with the family law system. Next, the article examines the ADA and its applicability to custody and visitation disputes. Finally, the article offers thoughts about strategies that can be utilized by attorneys to ensure that the rights of parents with disabilities are protected.
Reunification Family Therapy: A Treatment Manual, by Jan Faust, Hogrefe Publishing (2017)
Authors: Sullivan Matthew J.
Published: January 2019

Jan Faust's (2017) book entitled Reunification Family Therapy: A Treatment Manual, is a well‐organized, evidence‐based resource for clinicians who intervene in one of the most challenging and complex problems in high conflict shared custody‐parent‐child contact problems. She provides a comprehensive conceptual framework for this work, which is grounded in Family Systems, and details more specific interventions that address individual, relationship and larger system issues. The addenda contain useful tools and resources to structure treatment, including a 14‐session Fundamental Treatment Plan.
Using Rule 11 Sanctions to Punish Accusers Who Make False Allegations of Child Sexual Abuse in Custody and Divorce Cases
Authors: Sheehan Elyse
Published: January 2019

False claims of child sexual abuse negatively affect the accused parent and the child. Such false claims can be used to sway custody determinations and cause frivolous applications to the court. This Note proposes that courts impose sanctions, comparable to those set forth in Rule 11 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, on litigants who make false claims of child sexual abuse.
A catchment‐scale perspective of plastic pollution
Authors: Windsor Fredric M. , Durance Isabelle , Horton Alice A. , Thompson Richard C. , Tyler Charles R. , Ormerod Steve J.
Published: January 2019

Plastic pollution is distributed across the globe, but compared with marine environments, there is only rudimentary understanding of the distribution and effects of plastics in other ecosystems. Here, we review the transport and effects of plastics across terrestrial, freshwater and marine environments. We focus on hydrological catchments as well‐defined landscape units that provide an integrating scale at which plastic pollution can be investigated and managed. Diverse processes are responsible for the observed ubiquity of plastic pollution, but sources, fluxes and sinks in river catchments are poorly quantified. Early indications are that rivers are hotspots of plastic pollution, supporting some of the highest recorded concentrations. River systems are also likely pivotal conduits for plastic transport among the terrestrial, floodplain, riparian, benthic and transitional ecosystems with which they connect. Although ecological effects of micro‐ and nanoplastics might arise through a variety of physical and chemical mechanisms, consensus and understanding of their nature, severity and scale are restricted. Furthermore, while individual‐level effects are often graphically represented in public media, knowledge of the extent and severity of the impacts of plastic at population, community and ecosystem levels is limited. Given the potential social, ecological and economic consequences, we call for more comprehensive investigations of plastic pollution in ecosystems to guide effective management action and risk assessment. This is reliant on (a) expanding research to quantify sources, sinks, fluxes and fates of plastics in catchments and transitional waters both independently as a major transport routes to marine ecosystems, (b) improving environmentally relevant dose–response relationships for different organisms and effect pathways, (c) scaling up from studies on individual organisms to populations and ecosystems, where individual effects are shown to cause harm and; (d) improving biomonitoring through developing ecologically relevant metrics based on contemporary plastic research.
Coagulation factor VIII is vital for increasing global coagulation after physical exercise
Authors: Ljungkvist Marcus , Olofsson Henric , Funding Eva , Berntorp Erik , Zetterberg Eva
Published: January 2019

Background

In a previous smaller study, we found evidence of a diminished global coagulation capacity after maximal exercise in patients with severe haemophilia A (HA).

Aim

To validate these results, we repeated the study in a larger cohort. We also examined if the exercise‐induced increased levels of von Willebrand factor (VWF) might prolong the effect of factor concentrate administered just before exercise.

Methods

We studied individual and global coagulation parameters after maximal physical exercise in 10 persons with severe HA and 10 healthy matched control subjects. Blood samples were taken before, 10 minutes, 60 minutes and 4 hours after exercise.

Results

Rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) and thrombin generation assay‐calibrated automated thrombogram (TGA‐CAT) showed significantly increased coagulation capacity after maximal exercise in healthy controls but not in patients with severe HA. VWF antigen and activity levels increased significantly in both groups, whereas FVIII:C only showed a significant increase in the control group. No statistically significant differences were seen between FVIII pharmacokinetic results obtained with and without exercise.

Conclusion

Our findings do not support the presence of a FVIII‐independent mechanism that increases global coagulation, but rather underscores the importance of FVIII in mediating the increased coagulation capacity seen after exercise. Our results could not support the hypothesis that exercise‐induced increased levels of VWF for patients with severe HA lead to a prolonged effect of factor concentrate administered just before exercise.
FIXing postinfusion monitoring: Assay experiences with N9‐GP (nonacog beta pegol; Refixia®; Rebinyn®)
Authors: Ezban Mirella , Hermit Mette Brunsgaard , Persson Egon
Published: January 2019

N9‐GP (nonacog beta pegol; Refixia®; Rebinyn®, Novo Nordisk A/S, Bagsværd, Denmark) is a glycoPEGylated extended half‐life recombinant factor IX (rFIX) that exhibits efficacy and potency comparable to unmodified FIX molecules in non‐clinical models. Phase 3 clinical trials have confirmed the efficacy and tolerability of N9‐GP for the prevention and on‐demand treatment of bleeding episodes in patients with haemophilia B. Recent studies have shown that PEGylation affects clotting times in activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)‐based one‐stage activity assays due to interaction between the FIX molecule and certain aPTT reagents. In recognition of the challenges surrounding FIX activity assessment, the identification of consistent, reproducible and accurate assays to measure FIX activity has been a priority for Novo Nordisk, running in parallel to the clinical development program for N9‐GP. N9‐GP activity can be reliably measured using chromogenic substrate assays and specific aPTT reagents. The conjugation of the PEG moiety to the FIX molecule may affect one‐stage aPTT‐based clotting assays in a reagent‐dependent manner. Many aPTT reagents that use silica as the contact activator dramatically overestimate N9‐GP activity due to premature activation. On the other hand, the contact activator in some other aPTT reagents negatively affects the enzymatic activity of FXIa, causing the underestimation of N9‐GP activity. While N9‐GP activity cannot be measured consistently with all available aPTT reagents, accurate N9‐GP measurements can be achieved with certain aPTT reagents. Here, we review the studies that led to these findings and summarize the current options for accurate measurement of N9‐GP in patient samples.
Migraine Age of Onset and Association With Ischemic Stroke in Late Life: 20 Years Follow‐Up in ARIC
Authors: Androulakis X. Michelle , Sen Souvik , Kodumuri Nishanth , Zhang Tianming , Grego John , Rosamond Wayne , Gottesman Rebecca F. , Shahar Eyal , Peterlin B. Lee
Published: January 2019

Background and Purpose

To evaluate the association between cumulative exposure to migraine and incidence of ischemic stroke in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study.

Methods

In this ongoing, prospective longitudinal community‐based cohort, participants were interviewed to ascertain migraine history at the third visit (1993–1995), followed for ischemic stroke incidence over 20 years. We performed a post hoc analysis to evaluate the association between the age of migraine onset and ischemic stroke.

Results

We identified 447 migraineurs with aura (MA) and 1128 migraineurs without aura (MO) among 11,592 black and white participants. There was an association between the age of MA onset ≥50 years old (average duration = 4.75 years) and ischemic stroke when compared to no headache group (multivariable adjusted HR = 2.17, 95% CI [1.39–3.39], P < .001). MA onset <50 years old (average duration = 28.17 years) was not associated with stroke (multivariable adjusted HR = 1.31, 95% CI [0.86–2.02], P = .212). These results were consistent with our logistic regression model. MO was not associated with increased stroke regardless of the age of onset. The absolute risk for stroke in migraine with aura is 37/447 (8.27%) and migraine without aura is 48/1128 (4.25%).

Conclusion

As compared to the no headache participants, increased stroke risk in late life was observed in participants with late onset of MA. In this cohort, longer cumulative exposure to migraine with visual aura, as would be expected with early onset of migraine, was not associated with increased risk of ischemic stroke in late life. This study underscores the importance of the age of onset of MA in assessing stroke risk in older migraineurs.
European Society of Endodontology position statement: Management of deep caries and the exposed pulp
Authors:   European Society of Endodontology (ESE) developed by:, Duncan H. F. , Galler K. M. , Tomson P. L. , Simon S. , El‐Karim I. , Kundzina R. , Krastl G. , Dammaschke T. , Fransson H. , Markvart M. , Zehnder M. , Bjørndal L.
Published: January 2019

This position statement on the management of deep caries and the exposed pulp represents the consensus of an expert committee, convened by the European Society of Endodontology (ESE). Preserving the pulp in a healthy state with sustained vitality, preventing apical periodontitis and developing minimally invasive biologically based therapies are key themes within contemporary clinical endodontics. The aim of this statement was to summarize current best evidence on the diagnosis and classification of deep caries and caries‐induced pulpal disease, as well as indicating appropriate clinical management strategies for avoiding and treating pulp exposure in permanent teeth with deep or extremely deep caries. In presenting these findings, areas of controversy, low‐quality evidence and uncertainties are highlighted, prior to recommendations for each area of interest. A recently published review article provides more detailed information and was the basis for this position statement (Bjørndal et al. 2019, International Endodontic Journal, doi:10.1111/iej.13128). The intention of this position statement is to provide the practitioner with relevant clinical guidance in this rapidly developing area. An update will be provided within 5 years as further evidence emerges.
ENHANCING EFFORT SUPPLY WITH PRIZE‐AUGMENTING ENTRY FEES: THEORY AND EXPERIMENTS
Authors: Hammond Robert G. , Liu Bin , Lu Jingfeng , Riyanto Yohanes E.
Published: January 2019

Entry fees are widely observed in contests. We study the effect of a prize‐augmenting entry fee on expected total effort in an all‐pay auction setting where the contestants' abilities are private information. An entry fee reduces equilibrium entry but can enhance the entrants' effort supply. Our theoretical model demonstrates that the optimal entry fee is strictly positive and finite. In a laboratory experiment, we empirically test the effect of entry fees on effort supply. Our results provide strong support for the notion that a principal can elicit higher effort using an appropriately set entry fee to augment the prize purse.
Preparation and characterisation of novelty food preservatives by Maillard reaction between ε‐polylysine and reducing sugars
Authors: Zhang Zhi‐Hong , Zeng Xin‐An , Brennan Charles S. , Ma Haile , Aadil Rana Muhammad
Published: January 2019

In order to enhance the application scope and usage effect of ε‐polylysine, it was modified by Maillard reaction through endowing antioxidant activity. Characterisations of different type of reaction systems were investigated. Results showed that with increased heating treatment time at constant 90 °C and UV‐Vis absorbance at 294 and 420 nm, fluorescence intensity of modified products were increased. DPPH radical scavenging activity of modified products from D‐glucose (D‐Glc), D‐fructose (D‐Fru) and D‐xylose (D‐Xyl) was increased to 40.5%, 44.0% and 69.4%, and the reducing power was increased to 0.9, 1.0 and 1.3 respectively (P < 0.05). Moreover, compared with ε‐polylysin, three types of modified products have similar antibacterial property. In addition, three types of modified products showed low cytotoxicity against the cultured human HepG2 cells in vitro. Therefore, the modified products derived from ε‐polylysine model could be used as potential food preservatives.
Evaluation of the suitability of the World Health Organization International Reference Reagent for Hb A2 quantitation (89/666) for continued use
Authors: De la Salle Barbara , Stephens Adrian D. , Wild Barbara J. , Harteveld Cornelis L. , Hyde Keith
Published: January 2019

Introduction

The accurate determination of Hb A2 is a key marker when screening for a β‐thalassaemia carrier. Data from external quality assessment (EQA) exercises have shown a lack of alignment of Hb A2 quantitation both within and between methods. The only reference material available for Hb A2 quantitative assay at the time of writing is the World Health Organization International Reference Reagent (89/666; WHO IRR) prepared in the 1980s and not validated for all current methodologies.

Method

The WHO IRR was analysed for Hb A2 concentration by 52 laboratories using a representative range of high‐performance liquid chromatography and capillary electrophoresis analysers. The results of the analysis were compared to those of a whole blood EQA specimen of similar Hb A2 concentration, distributed in the same week.

Results

The mean Hb A2 value obtained for the WHO IRR was 5.17%, compared to the assigned value of 5.3%. The range of results returned was wide (4.0%‐6.2%), with differences in the results observed by between and within analyser groups. A similar range of results was seen with the whole blood sample, although the bias observed between analyser types was different from that seen with the WHO IRR.

Conclusion

The results may indicate a lack of commutability of the WHO IRR material, resulting from deterioration, matrix effects or changes in reagent formulation or calibration parameters. Further examination of the suitability of the WHO IRR (89/666) for continued use is required.
The combined influence of Mg and Ca on microstructural evolution of alumina
Authors: Moshe Ruth , Kaplan Wayne D.
Published: January 2019

The solubility limits of Ca and Mg co‐doped in alumina at 1600°C were determined by equilibrating alumina saturated with Ca and Mg. This resulted in the formation of MgAl2O4 (Mg spinel), CaO·6Al2O3 (CA6), Ca2Mg2Al28O46 (CAM‐II), and alumina grains saturated with Mg and Ca. Under these conditions, the amount of Ca and Mg in the alumina grains represents the solubility limits. The solubility limits were measured using a fully standardized wavelength dispersive spectrometer mounted on a scanning electron microscope. In the co‐doped state, the solubility limit of Ca in alumina was 32 ± 13 ppm, and the solubility limit of Mg in alumina was 210 ± 43 ppm. The presence of Ca results in an increase of the solubility limit of Mg in alumina from 132 to 210 ppm, suggesting that the increased Mg in solution results in more Mg excess at the alumina grain boundaries, thus contributing to a decreased grain‐boundary mobility by solute‐drag.
Effect of fluorine and CaO/Al2O3 mass ratio on the viscosity and structure of CaO–Al2O3‐based mold fluxes
Authors: Shao Hanqing , Gao Erzhuo , Wang Wanlin , Zhang Lei
Published: January 2019

The effect of CaO/Al2O3 mass ratio (C/A) and fluorine content on the viscosity and structure of CaO–Al2O3‐based mold fluxes has been researched in this paper. The viscosity results indicated that increasing fluorine only slightly decreases the viscosity of the slag melt, and higher C/A is also observed to decrease the viscosity of molten slag when the C/A changes from 1.3 to 1.7. Structural analysis of the as‐quenched fluxes using the Raman spectroscopy showed that the amounts of Al–O0 and Si–O–Al structural units all decrease with higher fluorine content and C/A, indicating that a depolymerization of the molten structure is occurring. The results of 27Al and 19F magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance showed that fluorine tends to participate in the network structure and coordinate with Al3+ ions to form complex ionic clusters. The results suggested that the role of fluorine in the CaO–Al2O3‐based slag system is different from the traditional slag system in which fluorine only acts as a diluent, thus reducing the effect of fluorine on lowering the viscosity. In addition, the coordination environment of Al3+ ions can be simplified by higher C/A through promoting the generation of [AlO4]− tetrahedral structures. Besides, the free O2− ions provided by excess CaO would break the Al–O0 bonds and further depolymerize the network structure, thereby decrease the viscosity.
Moving towards engaged learning in STEM domains; there is no simple answer, but clearly a road ahead
Authors: de Jong Ton
Published: January 2019

What is the best approach to educating students is, evidently, the pivotal question in educational research. In the general debate on this question, clear positions are often taken―for example, whether teacher‐led instruction or more student‐directed approaches should be followed. In the current narrative review, this central question and the different stances taken are explored for a specific field of learning, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) domains. The current article starts with an argument as to why the traditional, more directive teacher‐led educational approach to STEM learning may not always lead to deep conceptual knowledge and proposes exploring more engaged forms of learning. More specifically, a particular arrangement for engaged learning, inquiry learning, is taken as an example in this exploration. It is argued that the effects of educational methods are influenced by a multitude of (interacting) factors related to student and teacher characteristics, context, domain, frequency of use, timing, and probably more. Therefore, this article tries to outline a more nuanced and balanced stance towards choosing educational approaches. A picture is presented to show that adopting and combining different approaches, at both the lesson and the curricular levels, may be necessary to reach optimal levels of learning. Existing and upcoming technologies may play a decisive role in realizing this more complex, but also more realistic view of learning in STEM.
Canagliflozin, a sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor, normalizes renal susceptibility to type 1 cardiorenal syndrome through reduction of renal oxidative stress in diabetic rats
Authors: Kimura Yukishige , Kuno Atsushi , Tanno Masaya , Sato Tatsuya , Ohno Kouhei , Shibata Satoru , Nakata Kei , Sugawara Hirohito , Abe Koki , Igaki Yusuke , Yano Toshiyuki , Miki Takayuki , Miura Tetsuji
Published: January 2019

Aims/Introduction

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a risk factor of acute kidney injury after myocardial infarction (MI), a form of cardiorenal syndrome. Recent clinical trials have shown that a sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor improved both cardiac and renal outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, but effects of an SGLT2 inhibitor on cardiorenal syndrome remain unclear.

Materials and Methods

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (Otsuka Long‐Evans Tokushima Fatty rats [OLETF]) and control (Long‐Evans Tokushima Otsuka rats [LETO]) were treated with canagliflozin, an SGLT2 inhibitor, for 2 weeks. Renal tissues were analyzed at 12 h after MI with or without preoperative fasting.

Results

Canagliflozin reduced blood glucose levels in OLETF, and blood β‐hydroxybutyrate levels were increased by canagliflozin only with fasting. MI increased neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin and kidney injury molecule‐1 protein levels in the kidney by 3.2‐ and 1.6‐fold, respectively, in OLETF, but not in LETO. The renal messenger ribonucleic acid level of Toll‐like receptor 4 was higher in OLETF than in LETO after MI, whereas messenger ribonucleic acid levels of cytokines/chemokines were not significantly different. Levels of lipid peroxides, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NOX)2 and NOX4 proteins after MI were significantly higher in OLETF than in LETO. Canagliflozin with pre‐MI fasting suppressed MI‐induced renal expression of neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin and kidney injury molecule‐1 in OLETF, together with reductions in lipid peroxides and NOX proteins in the kidney. Blood β‐hydroxybutyrate levels before MI were inversely correlated with neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin protein levels in OLETF. Pre‐incubation with β‐hydroxybutyrate attenuated angiotensin II‐induced upregulation of NOX4 in NRK‐52E cells.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that SGLT2 inhibitor treatment with a fasting period protects kidneys from MI‐induced cardiorenal syndrome, possibly by β‐hydroxybutyrate‐mediated reduction of NOXs and oxidative stress, in type 2 diabetic rats.
Associations of nutrient intakes with obesity and diabetes mellitus in the longitudinal medical surveys of Japanese Americans
Authors: Sugihiro Takafumi , Yoneda Masayasu , Ohno Haruya , Oki Kenji , Hattori Noboru
Published: January 2019

Aims/Introduction

Our previous survey of two Japanese populations, with different lifestyles but identical genetic dispositions, showed that Japanese Americans had different dietary intakes and higher prevalences of obesity and diabetes mellitus, compared with the native Japanese population. The present study examined whether Westernized dietary habits could affect the development of obesity or diabetes.

Materials and methods

This study included 765 individuals with normal glucose tolerance at baseline medical examinations (1986 or 1989 in Los Angeles and in 1988 or 1992 in Hawaii) who subsequently completed follow‐up medical examinations several years later. The participants were categorized at baseline as “lean” (576 individuals, body mass index of <25 kg/m2) or “obese” (189 individuals, body mass index of ≥25 kg/m2). Nutrient intakes were analyzed for associations with the development of obesity or diabetes using Cox's proportional hazard model.

Results

A total of 41 lean participants developed diabetes, which was not associated with any nutrient intakes (mean follow up 10.8 ± 6.6 years). A total of 36 obese participants developed diabetes, which was positively associated with intakes of animal protein, animal fat and saturated fatty acid (mean follow up 10.7 ± 6.3 years). A total of 85 lean participants became obese, which was positively associated with intakes of simple carbohydrates, sugar and fructose, as well as inversely associated with intakes of vegetable protein and complex carbohydrates (mean follow up 10.4 ± 6.5 years).

Conclusions

In the Japanese Americans, different nutrient intakes affected the development of obesity and diabetes. Furthermore, the associations of nutrient intakes with diabetes development varied according to the presence or absence of obesity.
Sustainable and cost‐effective teenage breast awareness campaigns: Insights from a Nigerian high school intervention study
Authors: Ifediora Chris O. , Azuike Emmanuel C.
Published: January 2019

Background

With limited government‐sponsored breast screening programmes in developing countries, breast awareness remains the only realistic survival hope for millions. Poor levels of knowledge and preventive practices remain in these countries, and early enlightenment to empower teenage high school girls has been advocated for, recently. This study evaluates ways to ensure sustainability for such an approach.

Method

A 6‐month longitudinal, interventional cohort study of 432 high school female students in South‐eastern Nigeria. The efficacies of a video‐assisted face‐to‐face intervention, as well as the use of printed handouts, were evaluated.

Results

A total of 317 (73.4%) and 301 (69.7%) valid responses were received from the pre‐intervention (16.8 ± 1.5 years) and post‐intervention (17.2 ± 1.6 years) surveys, respectively.

Logistic regression revealed that participants who were “engaged” with the campaigns, either through symposium attendance or by reading handouts, showed significant improvements on most aspects of knowledge regarding the cancer's early symptoms and risk factors, as well as breast self‐examination (BSE). However, the monthly practice of BSE was not significantly increased (Attendees: OR = 1.44, P = 0.18; Handout‐readers: OR = 1.52; P = 0.17).

Also, when “engagement” to the respective empowerment activities was disregarded, a chi‐squared analysis comparing the pre‐intervention and post‐intervention groups showed significant improvements on specific knowledge regarding risk factors and early symptoms of breast cancer, as well as BSE techniques and regular monthly practice: χ2 (1, N = 596) = 46.703, P < 0.001.

Across multiple parameters, the impact of exclusive face‐to‐face participation was not different to that from the reading of handouts.

Conclusion

Face‐to‐face and handout were both effective and of similar impact. However, sustained impact on monthly BSE is doubtful. To surmount this, strategies to ensure ongoing engagements are vital. Perhaps adjusting existing high school curricula to allow repeated yearly teachings on breast cancer and BSE, along with in‐built‐in evaluation systems like examinations and quizzes, are ways of ensuring engagement.
Preparing our future workforce: a qualitative exploration of dietetics practice educators’ experiences
Authors: Morgan K. , Campbell K. L. , Sargeant S. , Reidlinger D. P.
Published: January 2019

Background

Dietetics practice educators are instrumental in the development of future dietitians. The present study aimed to explore dietetics practice educators’ experiences of, and challenges faced in, dietetics workforce preparation.

Methods

This study was guided by interpretive description methodology. Purposive and maximum variation sampling were used to recruit 18 dietetics practice educators from a variety of practice areas and locations across Australia. In‐depth, semi‐structured interviews were digitally recorded then transcribed verbatim and inductive coding of data was managed with nvivo (QSR International Pty Ltd, Doncaster, VIC, Australia). Multiple researchers analysed the data to develop preliminary themes using template analysis before final themes were identified.

Results

Three main themes were developed: nurturing others; seeing the flaws; and soldiering on. Practice educators take great satisfaction in witnessing students develop and are focused on cultivating future practitioners with authentic learning activities. However, they are impacted by perceived shortcomings of the systems in which they operate and consider that broadening the scope of dietetics placements to better align with contemporary practice could benefit graduates and the profession. Despite these challenges, practice educators are pragmatic in getting on with their roles and recognise the advantages gained from student placements.

Conclusions

Despite facing numerous challenges, practice educators derive benefits from their role in workforce preparation. Evidence is required on how students can demonstrate competence in contemporary areas of practice and on how to enable the scope of student placements to be broadened. Such strategies could support practice educators to overcome challenges and help ensure the dietetics profession of tomorrow is relevant and responsive.
Changes in dietary intake, plasma carotenoids and erythrocyte membrane fatty acids in breast cancer survivors after a lifestyle intervention: results from a single‐arm trial
Authors: Buckland G. , Travier N. , Arribas L. , del Barco S. , Pernas S. , Zamora E. , Bellet M. , Cirauqui B. , Margelí M. , Muñoz M. , Tusquets I. , Arcusa A. , Javierre C. , Moreno F. , Valverde Y. , Jansen E. , Chajès V. , Castro C. , Agudo A.
Published: January 2019

Background

The influence of nutrition on breast cancer prognosis is still inconclusive and therefore dietary interventions incorporating dietary biomarkers are needed to confirm compliance with dietary goals and clarify biological mechanisms. The present study assessed whether a lifestyle intervention in breast cancer survivors could affect dietary biomarkers of fruit and vegetables and fatty acids.

Methods

In this phase II single‐arm trial, 37 overweight/obese early stage breast cancer patients completed a 12‐week diet and exercise intervention. The intervention involved 1‐h weekly diet sessions delivered by a dietician and 75‐min bi‐weekly physical activity sessions of moderate‐to‐high intensity led by trained monitors. Before and after the intervention, three 24‐h dietary recalls were carried out to calculate nutrient intakes and, in addition, blood samples were taken to measure plasma carotenoids, vitamin E and retinol concentrations and erythrocyte membrane fatty acid (EFA) composition. Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used to assess changes in dietary and biomarkers measurements over the intervention period.

Results

After the intervention, there was a significant increase in the intake of dietary carotenoids (+15.1% compared to baseline) but not plasma carotenoids levels (+6.3%). Regarding the EFA levels, we observed a significant decrease in percentage of saturated fatty acids (−1.4%) and n‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (−2.9%) and an increase in monounsaturated fatty acids (1.7%) and total and long‐chain n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (by 13.1% and 13.7%, respectively). A favourable decrease in the ratio of long‐chain n‐6 to n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (−9.1%) was also observed.

Conclusions

After a short‐term diet and exercise intervention in overweight/obese breast cancer survivors, we observed significant changes in dietary nutrients and fatty acid biomarkers, suggesting positive dietary changes that could be relevant for breast cancer prognosis.
Influence of overweight/obesity, socioeconomic status, and oral hygiene on caries in primary dentition
Authors: Elger Wieland , Kiess Wieland , Körner Antje , Schrock Annett , Vogel Mandy , Hirsch Christian
Published: January 2019

Aim

The aim of the present study was to investigate possible influences of overweight (OW)/obesity on caries in primary dentition. Socioeconomic status (SES) and quality of oral hygiene were also considered.

Methods

In the present study, 1628 children between the ages of 6 months and 9 years were included. In addition to dental examinations regarding the decayed, missing, filled teeth (dmft) index in primary dentition and the evaluation of oral hygiene, the body mass index standard deviation score (BMI SDS) was determined, and SES was recorded.

Results

The presence of OW/obesity was associated with higher caries prevalence (P < 0.001). A lower SES and non‐optimal oral hygiene were also associated with increased dmft. The Poisson regression also showed a significantly higher risk in the combination of a high SES and OW/obesity (βlow‐high = 0.21, P = 0.01). The increase was evident in both good and poor oral hygiene. In contrast, there was no difference between the lower and middle social strata (βlow‐medium = 0.03, P = 0.6). With increasing age, the BMI influence decreased (βage:BMI SDS = −0.06, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

BMI, oral hygiene, and SES are important factors in caries prevalence. In the highest social class, however, increased body weight has an adverse effect regardless of oral hygiene.
Quantitative interaction proteomics reveals differences in the interactomes of amyloid precursor protein isoforms
Authors: Andrew Robert J. , Fisher Kate , Heesom Kate J. , Kellett Katherine A. B. , Hooper Nigel M.
Published: January 2019

The generation of the amyloid‐β (Aβ) peptides from the amyloid precursor protein (APP) through sequential proteolysis by β‐ and γ‐secretases is a key pathological event in the initiation and propagation of Alzheimer's disease. Aβ and the transcriptionally active APP intracellular domain are generated preferentially from the APP695 isoform compared to the longer APP751 isoform. As the Aβ and amyloid precursor protein intracellular domain produced from cleavage of APP695 and APP751 are identical we hypothesised that the two isoforms have differences within their interactomes which mediate the differential processing of the two isoforms. To investigate this, we applied a proteomics‐based approach to identify differences in the interactomes of the APP695 and APP751 isoforms. Using stable isotope labelling of amino acids in cell culture and quantitative proteomics, we compared the interactomes of APP695 and APP751 expressed in human SH‐SY5Y cells. Through this approach, we identified enrichment of proteins involved in mitochondrial function, the nuclear pore and nuclear transport specifically in the APP695 interactome. Further interrogation of the APP interactome and subsequent experimental validation (co‐immunoprecipitation and siRNA knockdown) revealed GAP43 as a specific modulator of APP751 proteolysis, altering Aβ generation. Our data indicate that interrogation of the APP interactome can be exploited to identify proteins which influence APP proteolysis and Aβ production in an isoform dependent‐manner.

image

Cover Image for this issue: doi: 10.1111/jnc.14504.
15 keto fluprostenol isopropyl ester (80 µgr/mL) gel for cosmetic eyelash growth and enhancement
Authors: Fabbrocini Gabriella , Napolitano Alessandro , Masarà Anna , Cacciapuoti Sara
Published: January 2019

Background

Eyelashes have both a protective and an aesthetic function. Hypotrichosis of the eyelashes may negatively influence an individual's self‐perception.

Objective

To evaluate efficacy and safety of topical administration of a new cosmetic preparation containing 15 keto fluprostenol isopropyl ester (80 µgr/mL) for the treatment of idiopathic hypotrichosis of the eyelashes.

Methods

This is a monocentric, double‐blind, vehicle‐controlled study. Forty patients (18 years) with idiopathic hypotrichosis (GEA 1 or 2), who also exhibit feelings of low confidence, based on the ESQ score, were divided into two groups. Group 1: twenty women treated with once‐daily 15 keto fluprostenol isopropyl ester gel and Group 2: twenty women treated only with the vehicle gel.

Results

Group 1: The average difference in eyelash length measured at the midpoint of palpebral margins between T0 and T2 for Group 1 was 1633 mm and for Group B was 0.25 (P < 0.0001). Comparing the ESQ questionnaires of Groups 1 and 2 from T0 to T2, only the 80% of the patients of Group 1 declared to dedicate less time to the application of cosmetic mascara, having longer and darker lashes at T2 vs patients of Group 2, of which only 20% reported longer and darker eyelashes at T2. About safety, only one patient of Group 1 experienced sensation of ocular sensation heaviness and headache. No other side effects were referred.

Conclusions

15 keto fluprostenol isopropyl ester gel was effective in enhancing eyelash growth, with an excellent safety profile.
INTERNATIONAL CORPORATE TAX AVOIDANCE: A REVIEW OF THE CHANNELS, MAGNITUDES, AND BLIND SPOTS
Authors: Beer Sebastian , de Mooij Ruud , Liu Li
Published: January 2019

This paper reviews the rapidly growing empirical literature on international tax avoidance by multinational corporations. It surveys evidence on the main channels of corporate tax avoidance including transfer mispricing, international debt shifting, treaty shopping, tax deferral, and corporate inversions. Moreover, it performs a meta‐analysis of the extensive literature that estimates the overall size of profit shifting. We find that the literature suggests that, on average, a 1 percentage‐point lower corporate tax rate will expand before‐tax income by 1%—an effect that is larger than reported as the consensus estimate in previous surveys and tends to be increasing over time. The literature on tax avoidance still has several unresolved puzzles and blind spots that require further research.
Drugs in lactation
Authors: Verstegen Ruud H. J. , Ito Shinya
Published: January 2019

Although most medications can be taken safely during breastfeeding, potential risks of infant toxicity do exist because all medications will be excreted into the breast milk to some extent. The amount of medication excreted in the milk depends mainly on (i) within‐drug variation, such as dosing; (ii) between‐drug variation including chemical characteristics of the medication; and (iii) host factors, such as maternal pharmacokinetics (PK), including variations of pregnancy‐associated changes and their post‐partum recovery. Neonatal drug exposure is usually assessed by calculating an expected total infant daily dose through breast milk and comparing it to the normal therapeutic dose. However, clinical PK studies in this population are challenging to conduct. Recently, research methods using population PK analyses and physiologically‐based PK modeling and simulation techniques have been recognized as a complementary approach to the conventional PK studies in this field. These efforts are important for rational risk assessment balancing the toxicity risk against the benefits of human milk. Health benefits of lactation for both mother and child are significant and a decision to withhold from this should not be taken lightly. In case limited information is present, additional expertise from pharmacists or clinical pharmacologist with expertise in this area should be sought.