bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Return transmissions between ADRs and A-shares of dual-listed Chinese firms
Authors: Wu Congsheng , Chen Ke
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– A number of Chinese firms have dual-listed in USA and China. The US listing takes the form of American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) whereas the China listing in the form of A-shares. Though ADRs and their underlying A-shares lack full fungibility due to regulatory constraints, they nevertheless represent the same claiming rights and hence should be affected by the same fundamentals or news. The purpose of this paper is to examine the mutual return influences between ADRs and A-shares of dual-listed Chinese firms, and whether and how the recent global financial crisis has altered the mutual feedback dynamics.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper uses the bivariate VAR approach to model the returns of ADRs and A-shares. The model is jointly estimated with the three-stage least squares (3SLS) method. It also accounts for the non-synchronous trading problem caused by the fact that the Chinese and US markets are located in different time zones and that the two market observe different national and religious holidays.

Findings

– The authors find significant mutual return transmissions between ADRs and their A-share counterparts. In the absence of local market sentiments, the return transmission is more prevalent going from USA to China than it is the other way around. After the market factors are included in the models, the information flows between A-shares and ADRs become stronger and bidirectional. Additionally, both ADR and A-share returns are strongly affected by the market sentiment of the marketplace where they are traded. Lastly, the authors find evidence showing that the recent global financial crisis has enhanced the linkage between ADRs and their underlying A-shares.

Originality/value

– This paper adopts a more rigorous approach to overcome the potential issue caused by non-synchronous trading. It investigates how the global financial crisis has altered the ADR and A-share return feedback dynamics.
What happens when a stock is added to the Nasdaq-100 index? What doesn’t happen?
Authors: Yu Susana , Webb Gwendolyn , Tandon Kishore
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– Prior research on additions to the S
&
P 500 and the smaller MidCap 400 and SmallCap 600 indexes reach different conclusions regarding the key variables that explain the cross-section of announcement period abnormal returns. Most notable in this regard is that liquidity measures, long thought to be of importance, do not appear to explain abnormal returns of the S
&
P 500 when other factors are controlled for. By contrast, they do appear to matter for additions to the smaller stock indexes. To explore this difference, the purpose of this paper is to analyze the abnormal returns upon announcement that a stock will be added to the Nasdaq-100 Index in a cross-sectional manner, controlling for several possible alternative factors.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper analyzes abnormal returns upon announcement that a stock will be added to the Nasdaq-100 Index. The authors consider several possible sources of the positive price effects in a multivariate setting that controls simultaneously for measures of liquidity, arbitrage risk, operating performance and investor interest and awareness. The authors then analyze both trading volume and the bid-ask spreads. The authors finally examine analyst and investor interest, focussing on changes in analyst coverage.

Findings

– The authors find that only liquidity variables are significant, but that factors representing feedback effects on the firm’s operations and level of managerial effort are not. The authors find that the average bid/ask spreads of stocks added to the Nasdaq-100 index are lower after the addition. The authors also find that the number of analysts following a stock increases significantly after addition, verifying increased analyst interest. Both forms of evidence are consistent with the hypothesis that the additions are associated with enhanced liquidity for the stocks.

Originality/value

– The authors conclude that what does happen to a Nasdaq stock when it is announced that it will be added to the Nasdaq-100 Index is that more analysts are drawn to it, and its market liquidity is enhanced. The authors conclude that what does not happen is that there is no evidence of significant effects of enhanced managerial effort or operating performance associated with the inclusion. This difference is noteworthy because it suggests that a certification effect of additions to the S
&
P indexes associated with S
&
P’s selection process are unique to it and do not apply to the Nasdaq-100 Index additions based on market cap alone. The results provide indirect evidence on the existence and significance of the certification effect associated with additions to the S
&
P indexes.
The interrelationships among default risk, capital ratio and efficiency
Authors: Nguyen Thanh Pham Thien , Nghiem Son Hong
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the interrelationships among default risk, capital and efficiency of the Indian banking system over 1990-2011. This study also took into account the impact of ownership on these interrelationships

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper employed Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) Windows Analysis to estimate efficiency levels and trends of individual banks. This paper then used a model of seemingly unrelated regression equations (SURE) to examine the interrelationships among default risk, capital and efficiency.

Findings

– This study found a two-way negative association between efficiency and default risk, and between capital ratio and default risk. However, this study found a two-way positive relationship between capital ratio and only profit efficiency. Public banks behaved differently from private banks regarding the association between capital and efficiency. Moreover, public banks had greater probability of default risk, lower capital ratio but higher efficiency level than private banks. Further, default risk, capital ratio and efficiency of the Indian banking system increased over time, but the two formers were driven by public banks while the latter was driven by private banks.

Practical implications

– The findings of this study appear to favour capital ratio as an efficient tool to improve efficiency and reduce default risk of the Indian banking system.

Originality/value

– This paper is the first investigating the interrelationships between bank risk, capital and efficiency of the Indian banking system, where bank risk is measured by Z-score value and efficiency is captured by cost, revenue and profit efficiencies, and then considering the impact of agency issues on these interrelationships.
The local government accountants’ perspective on sustainability
Authors: Williams Belinda
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to focus on the local government accountants’ perspective towards their current and potential role in the sustainability reporting process and to explore potential factors influencing the further development of their role.

Design/methodology/approach

– A mail survey approach was adopted across local government organisations with a deeper analysis provided through semi-structured interviews.

Findings

– Findings indicate that accountants are supportive of involvement in sustainability reporting, but their actual level differs significantly from the level of involvement they believe they should have, pointing to the existence of an execution gap. Potential factors are investigated, highlighting the limited integration of sustainability beyond the organisational level, the lack of understanding of sustainability by accountants and the current need for further up-skilling by accountants.

Research limitations/implications

– The study enhances understanding of the accountant’s perception towards sustainability reporting practices within the public sector, with particular focus on local government.

Originality/value

– This is an exploratory study examining an area of accounting in local government in which there are few others. It seeks to contribute to the literature by exploring and examining the accountant’s perception towards sustainable development and their current and future prospects in the reporting process in the local government sector in Australia.
Low‐dose etretinate shows promise in management of punctate palmoplantar keratoderma type 1: Case report and review of the published work
Authors: Nomura Toshifumi , Moriuchi Reine , Takeda Masae , Suzuki Shotaro , Kikuchi Kazuhiro , Ito Takamasa , Shimizu Hiroshi , Shimizu Satoko
Published: April 2015

Punctate palmoplantar keratoderma type 1 (PPKP1) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder of keratinization, clinically characterized by punctate keratotic papules affecting the palmoplantar skin. Loss‐of‐function mutations in AAGAB have recently been reported as a cause of PPKP1. Despite the discovery of the genetic cause of PPKP1, pathogenesis‐based therapies are still unavailable. Moreover, little is known about the effectiveness of treatments for PPKP1. In this study, we analyzed a Japanese woman with PPKP1 and identified a novel frame‐shift mutation c.195_198del4 (p.Lys66Phefs*43) in AAGAB. Moreover, low‐dose etretinate was effective in improving the PPKP1 lesions in our patient. Our published work review identified only eight cases of PPKP1 with successful response to topical or systemic treatments. Notably, six of the cases were successfully treated with systemic retinoids. Thus, this study clearly provides further evidence that PPKP1 is caused by AAGAB mutations and that systemic retinoids are the most promising current treatment for PPKP1.
The European Dimension to Scottish Constitutional Change
Authors: Keating Michael
Published: April 2015

Scottish self‐government and European integration are linked. Europe has become an important framework for the independence project. Evidence for Scots being more pro‐European is ambivalent, but there is a pro‐European consensus in Scottish political parties and civil society. In the referendum campaign, the No side suggested that an independent Scotland might not gain admission to the European Union. If the United Kingdom as a whole should vote to withdraw from the EU in a future referendum but Scotland to stay in, the independence question would re‐emerge. In the absence of independence, a number of issues arise as to how Scottish interests can best be represented in the EU.
Debunking the Myths of Bill Committees in the British House of Commons
Authors: Thompson Louise
Published: April 2015

Bill committees play a crucial role in the scrutiny of government legislation, yet they have traditionally been overlooked by academics and journalists in favour of the more newsworthy aspects of parliamentary scrutiny on the floor of the House of Commons chamber or by investigative select committees. This lack of interest has perpetuated a series of myths about bill committee work. This article discusses the common depictions of bill committees before demonstrating why these are incorrect. It argues that these incorrect assumptions can damage our perception of the policy influencing power of Parliament and that bill committees deserve a kinder billing in the literature.
Fluid resuscitation for paediatric sepsis: A survey of senior emergency physicians in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Long Elliot , Babl Franz , Dalziel Stuart , Dalton Sarah , Etheridge Carly , Duke Trevor ,   Paediatric Research in Emergency Departments International Collaborative (PREDICT)
Published: April 2015

Objective

It is unclear whether emerging evidence for harm from aggressive fluid resuscitation for paediatric sepsis has altered clinical practice. We surveyed senior emergency physicians to see if their fluid resuscitation practices conformed to published clinical guidelines.

Methods

This is a cross‐sectional, Internet‐based survey of senior emergency medical staff in any of 12 Paediatric Research in Emergency Departments International Collaborative (PREDICT) Network centres in Australia and New Zealand.

Results

There were 110 of 120 (92%) senior medical staff who responded. Ninety‐eight per cent of respondents used 0.9% saline as their primary resuscitation fluid. Sixty‐two per cent of respondents used 20 mL/kg fluid bolus for every bolus, 30% used 20 mL/kg for the first bolus and 10 mL/kg subsequently. Response to fluid bolus administration was based on clinical parameters in 92% of respondents (heart rate, BP, skin perfusion/mottling and central capillary refill), conscious state in 80% and venous lactate in 75%. Harm from fluid bolus administration was routinely monitored for by 81% of respondents. In those assessing for harm, clinical parameters were reported to be most commonly used (respiratory rate and effort in 60%, SpO2 in 55%, presence of crackles on lung auscultation in 50% and hepatomegaly in 42%). Invasive or ultrasound‐based monitoring was used infrequently.

Conclusions

Paediatric sepsis is reported to be managed by senior emergency physicians largely according to published guidelines. At this time, evidence for potential harm from fluid bolus resuscitation has not altered practice.
Nutritional intake of opioid replacement therapy patients in community pharmacies: A pilot study
Authors: Waddington Freya , Naunton Mark , Kyle Greg , Cooper Gabrielle
Published: April 2015

Aim

Opioid replacement therapy (ORT) is an established therapy for a patient group that has been associated with nutrition‐related comorbidities. This paper aims to assess the nutritional intake and supplementation in ORT patients, determine the extent of nutritional/dietary advice supplied to ORT patients and to briefly examine patients' perception of pharmacists' provision of nutritional advice.

Methods

The nutritional intake of ORT patients receiving treatment in community pharmacies within the Australian Capital Territory was assessed via a 24‐hour recall survey. Food intake data were analysed via nutrient analysis software and compared with Australian Nutrition Reference Values and the nutrient intakes of the Australian population. Patients were surveyed to determine supplement use and perceptions of nutritional advice gained by pharmacists.

Results

Potential insufficient intake of various macronutrients and micronutrients was observed in both sexes. Less than 25% of patients recorded supplement use. Fifteen percent of males and 21% of females stated that they had approached a pharmacist with a nutrition‐related query. All patients who received nutritional advice followed the advice.

Conclusions

ORT patients dosing at community pharmacies appear to have poor nutritional intake. ORT patients appear to be receptive to pharmacist's advice. Community pharmacists can potentially increase the beneficial health outcomes in this population through the proactive supply of accurate nutritional advice.
Differences in parasitic ability of Beauveria bassiana (Moniliales: Moniliaceae) in relation to Pantana phyllostachysae (Lepidoptera: Lymantridae) when feeding on different Phyllostachys pubescens (Poales: Poaceae) leaves
Authors: Su Jun , Chen Shunli , Zhang Fei‐ping
Published: April 2015

Differences in composition of on‐year, off‐year and new leaves in Phyllostachys pubescens (moso bamboo) forests will affect the resistance of Pantana phyllostachysae larvae and the parasitic ability of Beauveria bassiana. Pantana phyllostachysae fed on mixed leaves of on‐year, off‐year and new bamboo leaves. The activities of acetylcholine esterase (AChE) and glutathione S‐transferase (GSTs) in P. phyllostachysae larvae fed on mixed leaves were significantly higher, greatly reducing the pathogenicity of B. bassiana to P. phyllostachysae larvae compared with the treatments of off‐year and new bamboo leaves. The phenoloxidase (PO) activity in P. phyllostachysae larvae feeding on mixed leaves varied within three days after parasitization by B. bassiana, which indicated higher and less changeable PO activity compared with treatments of off‐year and new bamboo leaves. Inclusion of new leaves differed greatly due to its growth, in which, both AChE and GSTs activities were higher than the off‐year leaf treatment, leading to a lower pathogenicity of B. bassiana to P. phyllostachysae larvae feeding on new leaves compared with off‐year leaves. On the contrary, the pathogenicity of B. bassiana to P. phyllostachysae larvae feeding on on‐year leaves was lower than other treatments. AChE and GSTs activities in P. phyllostachysae larvae were lower and PO activity was less changeable, which might be related to the disadvantage of the larval surface structure to B. bassiana infection in the on‐year leaf treatment.
Physical Stability of Octenyl Succinate–Modified Polysaccharides and Whey Proteins for Potential Use as Bioactive Carriers in Food Systems
Authors: Puerta‐Gomez Alex F. , Castell‐Perez M. Elena
Published: April 2015

The high cost and potential toxicity of biodegradable polymers like poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic)acid (PLGA) has increased the interest in natural and modified biopolymers as bioactive carriers. This study characterized the physical stability (water sorption and state transition behavior) of selected starch and proteins: octenyl succinate–modified depolymerized waxy corn starch (DWxCn), waxy rice starch (DWxRc), phytoglycogen, whey protein concentrate (80%, WPC), whey protein isolate (WPI), and α‐lactalbumin (α‐L) to determine their potential as carriers of bioactive compounds under different environmental conditions. After enzyme modification and particle size characterization, glass transition temperature and moisture isotherms were used to characterize the systems. DWxCn and DWxRc had increased water sorption compared to native starch. The level of octenyl succinate anhydrate (OSA) modification (3% and 7%) did not reduce the water sorption of the DWxCn and phytoglycogen samples. The Guggenheim–Andersen–de Boer model indicated that native waxy corn had significantly (P < 0.05) higher water monolayer capacity followed by 3%‐OSA‐modified DWxCn, WPI, 3%‐OSA‐modified DWxRc, α‐L, and native phytoglycogen. WPC had significantly lower water monolayer capacity. All Tg values matched with the solid‐like appearance of the biopolymers. Native polysaccharides and whey proteins had higher glass transition temperature (Tg) values. On the other hand, depolymerized waxy starches at 7%‐OSA modification had a “melted” appearance when exposed to environments with high relative humidity (above 70%) after 10 days at 23 °C. The use of depolymerized and OSA‐modified polysaccharides blended with proteins created more stable blends of biopolymers. Hence, this biopolymer would be suitable for materials exposed to high humidity environments in food applications.
Opinion Backlash and Public Attitudes: Are Political Advances in Gay Rights Counterproductive?
Authors: Bishin Benjamin G. , Hayes Thomas J. , Incantalupo Matthew B. , Smith Charles Anthony
Published: April 2015

One long‐recognized consequence of the tension between popular sovereignty and democratic values like liberty and equality is public opinion backlash, which occurs when individuals recoil in response to some salient event. For decades, scholars have suggested that opinion backlash impedes policy gains by marginalized groups. Public opinion research, however, suggests that widespread attitude change that backlash proponents theorize is likely to be rare. Examining backlash against gays and lesbians using a series of online and natural experiments about marriage equality, and large‐sample survey data, we find no evidence of opinion backlash among the general public, by members of groups predisposed to dislike gays and lesbians, or from those with psychological traits that may predispose them to lash back. The important implication is that groups pursuing rights should not be dissuaded by threats of backlash that will set their movement back in the court of public opinion.
Echocardiographic evaluation of the effects of dexmedetomidine on cardiac function during total intravenous anaesthesia
Authors: Lee S. H. , Choi Y. S. , Hong G. R. , Oh Y. J.
Published: April 2015

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of dexmedetomidine on biventricular systolic and diastolic function using transoesophageal echocardiography. Cardiac function was assessed in 30 healthy patients who received total intravenous anaesthesia with propofol and remifentanil. The echocardiographic examinations were performed just before and 20, 40 and 60 min after dexmedetomidine or saline administration. Patients who received dexmedetomidine, compared with saline after 20 min, had a lower mean (SD) heart rate (56.7 (5.2) vs 67.1 (7.1) beats.min−1), higher systolic blood pressure (125.7 (18.9) vs 109 (7.9) mmHg), and lower cardiac output (2.9 (0.5) vs 3.7 (1.0) l.min−1), respectively (all p < 0.05). In contrast, no changes were observed in biventricular systolic and diastolic indices in either group, and there were no inter‐group differences at any time point. Dexmedetomidine, as an adjuvant to total intravenous anaesthesia, does not impair biventricular systolic and diastolic function in healthy patients, but decreases cardiac output by reducing heart rate.
Review article: non‐malignant oral manifestations in inflammatory bowel diseases
Authors: Katsanos K. H. , Torres J. , Roda G. , Brygo A. , Delaporte E. , Colombel J.‐F.
Published: April 2015

Background

Patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) may present with lesions in their oral cavity. Lesions may be associated with the disease itself representing an extraintestinal manifestation, with nutritional deficiencies or with complications from therapy.

Aim

To review and describe the spectrum of oral nonmalignant manifestations in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases [ulcerative colitis (UC), Crohn's disease (CD)] and to critically review all relevant data.

Methods

A literature search using the terms and variants of all nonmalignant oral manifestations of inflammatory bowel diseases (UC, CD) was performed in November 2014 within Pubmed, Embase and Scopus and restricted to human studies.

Results

Oral lesions in IBD can be divided into three categories: (i) lesions highly specific for IBD, (ii) lesions highly suspicious of IBD and (iii) nonspecific lesions. Oral lesions are more common in CD compared to UC, and more prevalent in children. In adult CD patients, the prevalence rate of oral lesions is higher in CD patients with proximal gastrointestinal tract and/or perianal involvement, and estimated to range between 20% and 50%. Oral lesions can also occur in UC, with aphthous ulcers being the most frequent type. Oral manifestations in paediatric UC may be present in up to one‐third of patients and are usually nonspecific.

Conclusions

Oral manifestations in IBD can be a diagnostic challenge. Treatment generally involves managing the underlying intestinal disease. In cases presenting with local disabling symptoms and impaired quality of life, local and systemic medical therapy must be considered and/or oral surgery may be required.
Estimation of the optimal standardized ileal digestible lysine requirement for primiparous lactating sows fed diets supplemented with crystalline amino acids
Authors: Shi Meng , Zang Jianjun , Li Zhongchao , Shi Chuanxin , Liu Ling , Zhu Zhengpeng , Li Defa
Published: April 2015

This experiment was conducted to determine the optimal standardized ileal digestible lysine (SID Lys) level in diets fed to primiparous sows during lactation. A total of 150 (Landrace × Large White) crossbred gilts (weighing 211.1 ± 3.5 kg with a litter size of 11.1 ± 0.2) were fed lactation diets (3325 kcal metabolizable energy (ME)/kg) containing SID Lys levels of 0.76, 0.84, 0.94, 1.04 or 1.14%, through 28 days lactation. Gilts were allocated to treatments based on their body weight and backfat thickness 48 h after farrowing. Gilt body weight loss was significantly (P < 0.05) decreased by increasing dietary SID Lys levels. Fitted broken‐line (P < 0.05) and quadratic plot (P < 0.05) analysis of body weight loss indicated that the optimal SID Lys for primiparous sows was 0.85 and 1.01%, respectively. Average daily feed intake (ADFI), weaning‐to‐estrus interval and subsequent conception rate were not affected by dietary SID Lys levels. Increasing dietary lysine had no effect on litter performances. Protein content in milk was increased by dietary SID Lys (P < 0.05). Dietary SID Lys tended to increase concentrations of serum insulin‐like growth factor I (P = 0.066). These results of this experiment indicate that the optimal dietary SID Lys for lactating gilts was at least 0.85%, which approaches the recommendation of 0.84% that is estimated by the National Research Council (2012).
Ritonavir is the best alternative to ketoconazole as an index inhibitor of cytochrome P450‐3A in drug–drug interaction studies
Authors: Greenblatt David J. , Harmatz Jerold S.
Published: April 2015

Aims

The regulatory prohibition of ketoconazole as a CYP3A index inhibitor in drug–drug interaction (DDI) studies has compelled consideration of alternative inhibitors.

Methods

The biomedical literature was searched to identify DDI studies in which oral midazolam (MDZ) was the victim, and the inhibitory perpetrator was either ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin, or ritonavir. The ratios (RAUC) of total area under the curve (AUC) for MDZ with inhibitor divided by MDZ AUC in the control condition were aggregated across individual studies for each inhibitor.

Results

Mean (± SE) RAUC values were: ketoconazole (15 studies, 131 subjects), 11.5 (±1.2); itraconazole (five studies, 48 subjects), 7.3 (±1.0); clarithromycin (five studies, 73 subjects), 6.5 (±10.9); and ritonavir (13 studies, 159 subjects), 14.5 (±2.0). Differences among inhibitors were significant (F = 5.31, P < 0.005). RAUC values were not significantly related to inhibitor dosage or to duration of inhibitor pre‐exposure prior to administration of MDZ.

Conclusions

Ritonavir produces CYP3A inhibition equivalent to or greater than ketoconazole, and is the best index CYP3A inhibitor alternative to ketoconazole. Cobicistat closely resembles ritonavir in structure and function, and can also be considered. Itraconazole and clarithromycin are not suitable alternatives since they do not produce inhibition comparable with ketoconazole or ritonavir, and have other significant disadvantages as well.
Risk of hip/femur fractures during the initiation period of α‐adrenoceptor blocker therapy among elderly males: a self‐controlled case series study
Authors: Lai Chao‐Lun , Kuo Raymond Nien‐Chen , Chen Ho‐Min , Chen Ming‐Fong , Chan Kinwei Arnold , Lai Mei‐Shu
Published: April 2015

Aims

This study aimed to evaluate the risk of hip/femur fractures during the initiation period of α‐adrenoceptor blocker therapy using the National Health Insurance claims database, Taiwan, with a self‐controlled case series design.

Methods

All male beneficiaries aged over 50 years as of 2007, who were incident users of α‐adrenoceptor blockers and also had a diagnosis of hip/femur fracture within the 2007–2009 study period were identified. The first day when the α‐adrenoceptor blocker was prescribed was set as the index date. We partitioned the initial 21 day period following the index date as the post‐exposure risk period 1, days 22–60 after the index date as the post‐exposure risk period 2, the 21 day period prior to the index date as the pre‐exposure risk period 1 and days 22–60 prior to the index date as the pre‐exposure risk period 2. The remainder of the study period was defined as the unexposed period. The incidence rate ratio (IRR) of hip/femur fractures within each risk period compared with the unexposed period was estimated using a conditional Poisson regression model.

Results

A total of 5875 men were included. Compared with the unexposed period, the IRR of hip/femur fractures was 1.36 (95% confidence interval 1.06, 1.74, P = 0.017) within the post‐exposure risk period 1 for patients without concomitant prescriptions of anti‐hypertensive agents.

Conclusions

Use of α‐adrenoceptor blockers was associated with a small but significant increase in the risk of hip/femur fractures during the early initiation period in patients without concomitant prescriptions of anti‐hypertensive agents.
BRAF‐mutated carcinomas among thyroid nodules with prior indeterminate FNA report: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Trimboli Pierpaolo , Treglia Giorgio , Condorelli Emma , Romanelli Francesco , Crescenzi Anna , Bongiovanni Massimo , Giovanella Luca
Published: April 2015

Background

Several molecular analyses have been investigated for risk stratification of thyroid nodules, with a particular focus on the V600E mutation of the BRAF gene [BRAF(V600E)]. To date, there is no high‐level evidence supporting or refuting a role for BRAF analysis in thyroid nodules with prior indeterminate cytology. To obtain more robust evidence, we reviewed and meta‐analysed data from published articles.

Research Design and Methods

A comprehensive literature search of the PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase and Scopus databases was conducted using the terms ‘BRAF’, ‘thyroid’ and ‘indeterminate’. The search was updated until March 2015, and references of the retrieved articles were also screened. Only original articles reporting BRAF mutation testing within nodules with indeterminate FNA were eligible for inclusion.

Results

The literature search revealed 82 articles, of which 8 were eligible for the study. Five studies were prospective and three retrospective. The majority of authors analysed BRAF mutations in FNA samples which were classified by the British or Bethesda system. Of the initial series of studies, a pooled number of 1361 cases were achieved of which 43 were BRAF mutated. Overall, the BRAF mutation rate was 4·6% (95% CI: 1–10·8%), ranging from 0 to 22·9%. When we included only histological series, 978 thyroid nodules were found. Of these, 245 were cancers.

Conclusions

A very low rate of lesions with indeterminate cytology are BRAF mutated. Thus, the role of this biomarker to detect or exclude cancers in patients with such FNA reports is marginal and should be reconsidered in guidelines.
Robust Neuritogenesis‐Promoting Activity by Bis(heptyl)‐Cognitin Through the Activation of alpha7‐Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor/ERK Pathway
Authors: Hu Sheng‐Quan , Cui Wei , Mak Shing‐Hung , Choi Chung‐Lit , Hu Yuan‐Jia , Li Gang , Tsim Karl Wah‐Keung , Pang Yuan‐Ping , Han Yi‐Fan
Published: April 2015

Aims

Neurodegenerative disorders are caused by progressive neuronal loss in the brain, and hence, compounds that could promote neuritogenesis may have therapeutic values. In this study, the effects of bis(heptyl)‐cognitin (B7C), a multifunctional dimer, on neurite outgrowth were investigated in both PC12 cells and primary cortical neurons.

Methods

Immunocytochemical staining was used to evaluate the proneuritogenesis effects, and Western blot and short hairpin RNA assays were applied to explore the underlying mechanisms.

Results

B7C (0.1–0.5 μM) induced robust neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells, as evidenced by the neurite‐bearing morphology and upregulation of growth‐associated protein‐43 expression. In addition, B7C markedly promoted neurite outgrowth in primary cortical neurons as shown by the increase in the length of β‐III‐tubulin‐positive neurites. Furthermore, B7C rapidly increased ERK phosphorylation. Specific inhibitors of alpha7‐nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7‐nAChR) and MEK, but not those of p38 or JNK, blocked the neurite outgrowth as well as ERK phosphorylation induced by B7C. Most importantly, genetic depletion of α7‐nAChR significantly abolished B7C‐induced neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells.

Conclusion

B7C promoted neurite outgrowth through the activation of α7‐nAChR/ERK pathway, which offers novel insight into the potential application of B7C in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.
ECD kidney transplantation outcomes are improved when matching donors to recipients using a novel creatinine clearance match ratio (CCMR)
Authors: Anderson Jamie E. , Steiner Robert W. , Mekeel Kristin L. , Chang David C. , Hemming Alan W. , Halldorson Jeffrey B.
Published: April 2015

Improved outcomes have been associated with various methods of size matching between expanded criteria (ECD) donors and recipients. A novel method for improved functional based matching was developed utilizing manipulation of Cockcroft‐Gault estimated creatinine clearances for donor and recipient. We hypothesized that optimal clearance‐based matches would have superior outcomes for both immediate graft function and long‐term graft survival. For the analysis, recipients of ECD kidneys in the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) transplanted between October 1, 1987 and August 31, 2011 were included. Univariate and multivariate analyses predicted the hazard ratio of graft failure and the odds ratio of requiring dialysis within the first week. A total of 25,640 ECD kidney transplants were analyzed. On multivariate analysis, higher creatinine clearance match ratio (CCMR) was associated with increased graft failure and odds of requiring dialysis within the first week (comparing highest ratio quintile versus lowest ratio quintile: HR 1.43, p < 0.001; OR 2.08, p < 0.001). This study suggests that ECD kidneys have improved outcomes when the recipient/donor CCMR is optimized.
A systematic review of interventions for co‐occurring substance use and borderline personality disorders
Authors: Lee Nicole K. , Cameron Jacqui , Jenner Linda
Published: April 2015

Issues

The aim of this study was to undertake a systematic review on effective treatment options for co‐occurring substance use and borderline personality disorders to examine effective treatments for this group.

Approach

A systematic review using a narrative analysis approach was undertaken as there were too few studies within each intervention type to undertake a meta‐analysis. The inclusion criteria comprised of English language studies (between 1999 and 2014) and a sample of >70% borderline personality disorder, with measurable outcomes for substance use and borderline personality disorder. All abstracts were screened (n = 376) resulting in 49 studies assessed for eligibility, with 10 studies, examining three different treatment types, included in the final review.

Key Findings

There were four studies that examined dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), three studies that examined dynamic deconstructive psychotherapy (DDP) and three studies that examined dual‐focused schema therapy (DFST). Both DBT and DDP demonstrated reductions in substance use, suicidal/self‐harm behaviours and improved treatment retention. DBT also improved global and social functioning. DFST reduced substance use and both DFST and DPP improved treatment utilisation, but no other significant positive changes were noted.

Implications

Overall, there were a small number of studies with small sample sizes, so further research is required. However, in the absence of a strong evidence base, there is a critical need to respond to this group with co‐occurring borderline personality disorder and substance use.

Conclusion

Both DBT and DPP showed some benefit in reducing symptoms, with DBT the preferred option given its superior evidence base with women in particular. [Lee NK, Cameron J, Jenner L. A systematic review of interventions for co‐occurring substance use and borderline personality disorders. Drug Alcohol Rev 2015;34:663–672]
The Relationship between Epicardial Fat Thickness and Endothelial Dysfunction in Type I Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Aslan Abdullah Nabi , Keleş Telat , Ayhan Hüseyin , Kasapkara Hacı Ahmet , Akçay Murat , Durmaz Tahir , Sarı Cenk , Baştuğ Serdal , Çakır Bekir , Bozkurt Engin
Published: April 2015

Background and Aim

Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is a new independent marker of coronary artery disease (CAD). The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between epicardial fat thickness (EFT) and endothelial dysfunction (ED) in patients with type I diabetes mellitus (TIDM).

Methods and Results

Seventy‐six type I diabetic patients (diabetes duration 11.7 ± 8,1 years, aged 30.6 ± 10 years; female/male: 38/38) and 36 healthy controls were enrolled into the study. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG), lipid panel, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C), high‐sensitive C‐reactive protein (hsCRP), and fibrinogen levels were determined. EFT was measured via two‐dimensional (2D) M‐mode echocardiography. Endothelial function was assessed as flow‐mediated dilatation (FMD) at the brachial artery using high‐resolution ultrasound. EFT was significantly higher in patients compared to controls (3.56 ± 0.48 mm vs. 3.03 ± 0.48 mm, P < 0.001). In addition, significant differences were observed between the patient and control groups in terms of FMD (6.70% ± 1.63 vs. 9.99% ± 1.84, respectively, P < 0.001). EFT was shown to be correlated negatively with FMD (r: −0.94, P < 0.001) and positively with hsCRP (r: 0.41, P < 0.001) and fibrinogen (r: 0. 31, P = 0.007). Multiple regression analysis showed EFT to be an independent factor influencing the endothelial function.

Conclusion

There was inverse relationship between EFT and endothelial function in this study. EFT measured easily by transthoracic echocardiography may be a useful parameter in the assessment of patients with TIDM.
The Road Travelled in Europe towards the 2020 European Objectives in Education. A Spanish Perspective
Authors: Martínez Seijo María Luz , Torrego Seijo Juan Carlos
Published: April 2015

From the beginning of the European Community to the current EU there have been important steps in education cooperation between the participating countries. In this article, we analyse the facts and difficulties that influence the educational policy of the EU to reach agreements and the facts that define common work until the year 2020, mainly under the principle of subsidiarity or complementarity. We also discuss the way to work in the different administrative political systems of the EU countries, i.e. centralised, federal and decentralised countries and how these systems influence education policies. Another objective of this article is to discuss the role of National Agencies in the development of European programmes in the different administrative political systems and their structure. We analyse the European framework so that the European objectives in education can be developed in the Member States.
In situ trace metal analysis of Neoarchaean – Ordovician shallow‐marine microbial‐carbonate‐hosted pyrites
Authors: Gallagher M. , Turner E. C. , Kamber B. S.
Published: April 2015

Pre‐Cambrian atmospheric and oceanic redox evolutions are expressed in the inventory of redox‐sensitive trace metals in marine sedimentary rocks. Most of the currently available information was derived from deep‐water sedimentary rocks (black shale/banded iron formation). Many of the studied trace metals (e.g. Mo, U, Ni and Co) are sensitive to the composition of the exposed land surface and prevailing weathering style, and their oceanic inventory ultimately depends on the terrestrial flux. The validity of claims for increased/decreased terrestrial fluxes has remained untested as far as the shallow‐marine environment is concerned. Here, the first systematic study of trace metal inventories of the shallow‐marine environment by analysis of microbial carbonate‐hosted pyrite, from ca. 2.65–0.52 Ga, is presented. A petrographic survey revealed a first‐order difference in preservation of early diagenetic pyrite. Microbial carbonates formed before the 2.4 Ga great oxygenation event (GOE) are much richer in pyrite and contain pyrite grains of greater morphological variability but lesser chemical substitution than samples deposited after the GOE. This disparity in pyrite abundance and morphology is mirrored by the qualitative degree of preservation of organic matter (largely as kerogen). Thus, it seems that in microbial carbonates, pyrite formation and preservation were related to presence and preservation of organic C. Several redox‐sensitive trace metals show interpretable temporal trends supporting earlier proposals derived from deep‐water sedimentary rocks. Most notably, the shallow‐water pyrite confirms a rise in the oceanic Mo inventory across the pre‐Cambrian–Cambrian boundary, implying the establishment of efficient deep‐ocean ventilation. The carbonate‐hosted pyrite also confirms the Neoarchaean and early Palaeoproterozoic ocean had higher Ni concentration, which can now more firmly be attributed to a greater proportion of magnesian volcanic rock on land rather than a stronger hydrothermal flux of Ni. Additionally, systematic trends are reported for Co, As, and Zn, relating to terrestrial flux and oceanic productivity.
Metabolic associations with archaea drive shifts in hydrogen isotope fractionation in sulfate‐reducing bacterial lipids in cocultures and methane seeps
Authors: Dawson K. S. , Osburn M. R. , Sessions A. L. , Orphan V. J.
Published: April 2015

Correlation between hydrogen isotope fractionation in fatty acids and carbon metabolism in pure cultures of bacteria indicates the potential of biomarker D/H analysis as a tool for diagnosing carbon substrate usage in environmental samples. However, most environments, in particular anaerobic habitats, are built from metabolic networks of micro‐organisms rather than a single organism. The effect of these networks on D/H of lipids has not been explored and may complicate the interpretation of these analyses. Syntrophy represents an extreme example of metabolic interdependence. Here, we analyzed the effect of metabolic interactions on the D/H biosignatures of sulfate‐reducing bacteria (SRB) using both laboratory maintained cocultures of the methanogen Methanosarcina acetivorans and the SRB Desulfococcus multivorans in addition to environmental samples harboring uncultured syntrophic consortia of anaerobic methane‐oxidizing archaea (ANME) and sulfate‐reducing Deltaproteobacteria (SRB) recovered from deep‐sea methane seeps. Consistent with previously reported trends, we observed a ~80‰ range in hydrogen isotope fractionation (εlipid–water) for D. multivorans grown under different carbon assimilation conditions, with more D‐enriched values associated with heterotrophic growth. In contrast, for cocultures of D. multivorans with M. acetivorans, we observed a reduced range of εlipid–water values (~36‰) across substrates with shifts of up to 61‰ compared to monocultures. Sediment cores from methane seep settings in Hydrate Ridge (offshore Oregon, USA) showed similar D‐enrichment in diagnostic SRB fatty acids coinciding with peaks in ANME/SRB consortia concentration suggesting that metabolic associations are connected to the observed shifts in εlipid–water values.
Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) offers sustainable bioenergy production and resilience to climate change
Authors: Owen Nick A. , Fahy Kieran F. , Griffiths Howard
Published: April 2015

Biomass production on low‐grade land is needed to meet future energy demands and minimize resource conflicts. This, however, requires improvements in plant water‐use efficiency (WUE) that are beyond conventional C3 and C4 dedicated bioenergy crops. Here we present the first global‐scale geographic information system (GIS)‐based productivity model of two highly water‐efficient crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) candidates:Agave tequilanaandOpuntia ficus‐indica. Features of these plants that translate toWUEadvantages over C3 and C4 bioenergy crops include nocturnal stomatal opening, rapid rectifier‐like root hydraulic conductivity responses to fluctuating soil water potential and the capacity to buffer against periods of drought. Yield simulations for the year 2070 were performed under the four representative concentration pathway (RCPs) scenarios presented in theIPCC's 5th Assessment Report. Simulations on low‐grade land suggest thatO. ficus‐indicaalone has the capacity to meet ‘extreme’ bioenergy demand scenarios (>600 EJ yr−1) and is highly resilient to climate change (−1%).Agave tequilanais moderately impacted (−11%). These results are significant because bioenergy demand scenarios >600 EJ yr−1could be met without significantly increasing conflicts with food production and contributing to deforestation. BothCAMcandidates outperformed the C4 bioenergy crop,Panicum virgatumL. (switchgrass) in arid zones in the latitudinal range 30°S–30°N.
A comparison of methods to assess the likely on‐farm value for meat production systems of pasture traits and genetic gain through plant breeding using phalaris (Phalaris aquatica L.) as an example
Authors: Ludemann C. I. , Smith K. F.
Published: April 2015

The emphasis plant breeders place on improving seasonal dry‐matter (DM) yield of pasture plants may increase farm profitability through greater supply of DM for livestock in critical seasons. Economic values (EV) for traits can be used to guide plant breeders when selecting ‘top’ pasture plants. Two methods of calculating economic value (EV) for seasonal DM traits were evaluated. These were based on the cost of otherwise acquiring or replacing the unit change in DM (‘replacement cost method’) and the opportunity cost of not having the unit change in DM, based on changes in livestock production either as a change in stocking rate or a change in liveweight gains of growing livestock (‘change in livestock production method’). Using barley replacement cost, the EV of a 1‐kg increase in phalaris DM on Australian sheep and beef farms ranged between AUD0·234 in summer and AUD0·303 in winter. In contrast, the EV for seasonal DM using the change in weaner beef calf liveweight gains ranged between AUD0·256 in summer and AUD0·515 in winter. The change in livestock production method highlighted in this study offers an alternative to the replacement cost method, or more detailed farm system modelling or experimentations designed to estimate pasture EV.
The Policy Power of the Westminster Parliament: The “Parliamentary State” and the Empirical Evidence
Authors: Russell Meg , Cowley Philip
Published: April 2015

Drawing on several large research projects, and using both quantitative and qualitative evidence, this article assesses the policy influence of theWestminster parliament. Frequently dismissed as powerless in both academic and more popular accounts, we instead show evidence of an institution with significant policy influence, at successive stages of the policy process. Conventional accounts have focused too much on the decision‐making stage, to the exclusion of parliament's role at earlier and later policy stages. Critics have also focused disproportionately on visible influence, overlooking behind‐the‐scenes negotiations and the role of anticipated reactions. Based on analysis of over 6,000 parliamentary votes, 4,000 legislative amendments, 1,000 committee recommendations, and 500 interviews, we conclude thatWestminster's influence is both substantial and probably rising.
From targets to recruits: the status of consumers within the political consumption movement
Authors: Dubuisson‐Quellier Sophie
Published: April 2015

In recent years, various social movement organizations have urged consumers to become more responsible for defending causes such as environmentalism and social justice, calling for boycotts, using labels to steer consumers towards more ethical products, or developing new types of exchange systems, consumption habits or lifestyles. Changing modes of consumption or lifestyles therefore seems to be a key objective in this consumer‐targeted, collective action framework. However, the article shows that rather than trying to change mass consumer consumption patterns, these organizations actually seek to recruit consumers who support their causes into collective actions targeting companies and governments. It discusses the notion of political consumerism, which leads to deadlock, as it is impossible to demonstrate such shifts in consumption or even attribute them to the social movement actions. The article asserts that political consumption movements rely less on the occurrence of a hypothetical political consumerism among mass consumers and more on the organization of collective action among politicized consumers committed to targeting companies and governments for change.