bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Organizational culture differences and post-acquisition performance
Authors: Savović Slađana
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to examine the impact of organizational culture differences on post-acquisition performance, and second, to provide deeper understanding of the mechanisms through which the impact occurs introducing into the analysis the mediating effect of employee attitudes.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample is based on domestic and international acquisitions in Serbia carried out during the period 2002-2011. Linear regression models were fitted according to Baron and Kenny procedures for mediation analysis. Statistical significance of the indirect or mediated effect is calculated by using the bootstrap test.

Findings

The results show that organizational culture differences positively impact post-acquisition performance. Moreover, employee attitudes are found to be a partial mediator of the relationship between culture differences and post-acquisition performance.

Practical implications

The presented results are especially useful for managers involved in the processes of acquisitions indicating that culture differences, if properly understood and managed, can be a source of value creation. Further, the results of the analysis indicate that managers must monitor and evaluate employee attitudes towards changes and help employees to face the challenges of change, thereby contributing the improvement of post-acquisition performance.

Originality/value

Previous research of organizational culture differences in transitional economies is limited, and this study is the first empirical investigation of the impact of organizational culture differences on post-acquisition performance in Serbia. This paper aids researchers and practitioners to identify the specific cultural challenges in the context of transitional economies.
A multi-level study of servant leadership on creativity
Authors: Yang Jin , Liu Hefu , Gu Jibao
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the influencing mechanism of servant leadership on employee and team creativity based on efficacy theory. Specifically, the study intends to develop a model of efficacy beliefs that mediates the relationships between servant leadership, employee creativity, and team creativity at different levels. The study also aims to investigate the moderating effects of team power distance on the relationships between servant leadership, creative self-efficacy, and team efficacy at both individual and team levels.

Design/methodology/approach

Servant leadership, employee creativity, creative self-efficacy, team creativity, team efficacy, and team power distance were assessed in an empirical study based on a sample of 466 employees and 83 team leaders from 11 banks in China.

Findings

From efficacy theory perspective, this paper finds that servant leadership promotes employee creative self-efficacy and team efficacy, which enables the simultaneous promotion of employee creativity and team creativity. Team power distance also moderates the relationship between servant leadership and team efficacy.

Practical implications

The results suggest that it is important to encourage managers to engage in servant leader behaviors, which is conductive to enhancing employees’ self-efficacy beliefs and thereby improving creative outcomes of employees. The results are also helpful for managers to enhance their understanding of the differences in cultural values in management behavior and the effects of behavior on team efficacy.

Originality/value

The research findings provide a significant contribution to the literature in that it shows self-efficacy as a crucial mediating mechanism through which servant leadership influences creativity at individual and team levels. Moreover, the findings support the view that power distance is an important contextual factor that affects the influencing mechanism of servant leadership on team creativity. Furthermore, this paper is one of the few studies answering the call to examine the effect of leadership at multiple levels.
Assessing the influence of leadership style, organizational learning and organizational innovation
Authors: Liao Shu-Hsien , Chen Chih-Chiang , Hu Da-Chian , Chung Yu-Chun , Liu Chiu-Ling
Published: May 2017

Purpose

Based on literature development, the purpose of this paper is to propose a conceptual framework and the theoretical model in order to examine the influence of leadership, organizational learning (OL), and organizational innovation (OI) in Taiwan’s financial and information technology industries.

Design/methodology/approach

Structural equation modeling is employed to evaluate the degree of influence each variable has on the others and whether their relationships differ in different industry. This study investigates a selection of firms from the top 100 financial and the top 1,000 high-technology enterprises in Taiwan in 2012 as the population. A total of 377 valid responses were collected from 2012 to 2013.

Findings

The research results indicate that OL acts as a full mediator between leadership and OI. Furthermore, industry type has moderating effect in the proposed research model.

Originality/value

Thus, considering appropriate leadership styles through learning to innovate might be a well leadership model to be further considered by different industries in the global countries.
Providing therapeutic community initiatives for individuals on opioid substitution treatment
Authors: Stubley Carolyn , Popple Garth
Published: May 2017

Purpose

Developing therapeutic community (TC) programs in Australia for individuals on opioid substitution treatment (OST) has been a process spanning 16 years for the We Help Ourselves (WHOS) organization. Supported reduction of OST and stabilization services for those remaining on OST are offered to this population and continue to break down barriers of discrimination in offering the same services to all drug using populations. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

A number of research projects have been undertaken with the WHOS Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) TC services profiling clients accessing the services; looking at health benefits whilst in the programs; looking at retention and completion rates and conducting an evaluation post-treatment for one of the two programs currently being offered.

Findings

The excerpts from the research findings are presented identifying the complexity of individuals accessing WHOS services; highlighting the benefits for individuals on OST and assessing the effectiveness of the TC model for the client groups.

Originality/value

Working with multiple complex needs clients on OST in a residential TC environment offers many challenges and opportunity to work with an array of issues that present before during and after the residential stay. Provision of a history and overview of the WHOS OTP TC services and recent enhancements to these programs highlight a continuum of care for the individual on OST.
Mechanisms and implications of a type IV functional response for short‐term intake rate of dry matter in large mammalian herbivores
Authors: Mezzalira Jean C. , Bonnet Olivier J. F. , Carvalho Paulo C. de F. , Fonseca Lidiane , Bremm Carolina , Mezzalira Carlos C. , Laca Emilio A.
Published: May 2017

The functional response (i.e. the relationship between consumers’ intake rate and resource density) is central in plant–herbivore interactions. Its shape and the biological processes leading to it have significant implications for both foraging theory and ecology of grazing systems.

A type IV functional response (i.e. dome‐shaped relationship) of short‐term intake rate of dry matter (intake while grazing) has rarely been reported for large herbivores and the conditions that can lead to it are poorly understood.

We report a type IV functional response observed in heifers grazing monocultures of Cynodon sp. and Avena strigosa. The mechanisms and consequences of this type of functional response for grazed system dynamics are discussed.

Intake rate was higher at intermediate than at short or tall sward heights in both grass species. The type IV functional response resulted from changes in bite mass instead of a longer time needed to encounter and process bites. Thus, the decrease of intake rate of dry matter in tall swards is not explained by a shift from process 3 (potential bites are concentrated and apparent) to process 2 (potential bites are apparent but dispersed, Spalinger & Hobbs 1992). Bite mass was smaller in tall than in intermediate swards due to a reduction of bite volume possibly caused by the greater proportion of stem and sheath acting as a physical barrier to bite formation.

It is generally accepted that potential bites are abundant and apparent in most grassland and meadow systems, as they were in the present experiments. Therefore, a type IV response of intake rate not directly related to digestive constraints may determine the dynamics of intake and defoliation under a much larger set of conditions than previously thought. These results have implications for foraging theory and stability of grazing systems. For example, if animals prefer patches of intermediate stature that yield the highest intake rate, grazing should lead to the widely observed bimodal distribution of plant mass per unit area, even when tall patches are not of significantly lower digestive quality than the pasture average.
Seed polyphenols in a diverse tropical plant community
Authors: Gripenberg Sofia , Rota Jadranka , Kim Jorma , Wright S. Joseph , Garwood Nancy C. , Fricke Evan C. , Zalamea Paul‐Camilo , Salminen Juha‐Pekka
Published: May 2017

Polyphenols are one of the most common groups of secondary metabolites in plants and thought to play a key role in enhancing plant fitness by protecting plants against enemies. Although enemy‐inflicted mortality at the seed stage can be an important regulator of plant populations and a key determinant of community structure, few studies have assessed community‐level patterns of polyphenol content in seeds.

We describe the distribution of the main seed polyphenol groups across 196 tree and liana species on Barro Colorado Island (Panama) and community‐level patterns in two aspects of their biological activity (protein precipitation and oxidative capacity). Taking advantage of substantial variation in morphological and ecological traits in the studied plant community, we test for correlations and trade‐offs between seed polyphenols and nonchemical plant traits hypothesised to make plant species more or less likely to invest in polyphenol production.

The majority of species have polyphenols in their seeds. The incidence and concentrations of polyphenols were related to a set of nonchemical plant traits. Polyphenols were most likely to be present (and where present, to be expressed in high concentrations) in species with large seeds, short seed dormancy times, low investment in mechanical seed defences, high wood density, high leaf mass per area, tough leaves and slow growth rates.

Synthesis. Our study reveals a potential trade‐off between chemical and mechanical seed defences and shows that plant species that invest in physical defences at later life stages (high wood density and tough leaves) tend not to invest in physical defences of seeds but instead produce secondary metabolites likely to act as seed defences. Overall, our results conform to predictions from the resource availability hypothesis, which states that species in resource‐limited environments (such as slow‐growing shade‐tolerant tree species) will invest more in defences than fast‐growing pioneer species.
Report of the Editor‐in‐Chief
Authors: Harvey David
Published: May 2017

Submissions to the Journal appear to have stabilised, but continue a strong international pattern. Our response times continue to meet our targets. The JAE's citation impact factor has recovered to 1.5 in 2015 with current indications that 2016's score will be similar. Wiley continue to provide a strong publishing platform with our full archive generating a continuing increase in the number of downloads.
Elevated pretreatment neutrophil/white blood cell ratio and monocyte/lymphocyte ratio predict poor survival in patients with curatively resected non‐small cell lung cancer: Results from a large cohort
Authors: Yuan Cheng , Li Ning , Mao Xiaoyong , Liu Zui , Ou Wei , Wang Si‐yu
Published: May 2017

Background

The prognostic values of preoperative neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte/lymphocyte ratio (MLR), and platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have been previously described. This study assessed the prognostic values of other pretreatment complete blood cell parameters in Chinese patients with curatively resected NSCLC.

Methods

A total of 1466 consecutive NSCLC patients who received curative surgery from January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2009 with complete data from pretreatment blood tests were enrolled in this retrospective study. Correlations between each blood test parameter and overall survival were examined by Kaplan–Meier method or Cox proportional hazards regression, followed by a stratification analysis of significant variables.

Results

Optimal cut‐off values of 0.55 for neutrophil/white blood cell ratio (NWR), 0.28 for lymphocyte/white blood cell ratio (LWR), 0.09 for monocyte/white blood cell ratio (MWR), 2.06 for NLR, 0.35 for MLR, 204.00 for PLR, and 38.25 for platelet/white blood cell ratio (PWR) were identified using X‐tile software. Univariate analysis suggested that NWR ≥ 0.55, LWR < 0.28, MWR ≥ 0.09, NLR ≥ 2.06, MLR ≥ 0.35, and PLR ≥ 204.00 predicted a poor prognosis in NSCLC patients. However, only NWR and MLR were identified as independent significant prognostic factors in multivariable analysis, especially in tumor node metastasis stage I and I/II/III NSCLCs.

Conclusion

Pretreatment NWR, MWR, LWR, NLR, MLR, and PLR values are associated with poor overall survival for patients with curatively resected NSCLC. NWR and MLR are independent prognostic factors in curatively resected NSCLC.
Board Gender Diversity, Auditor Fees, and Auditor Choice
Authors: Lai Karen M. Y. , Srinidhi Bin , Gul Ferdinand A. , Tsui Judy S. L.
Published: May 2017

We examine whether the presence of female directors and female audit committee members affect audit quality in terms of audit effort and auditor choice by using observations from a sample of U.S. firms, spanning the years 2001–2011. We find, after controlling for endogeneity and other board, firm, and industry characteristics, that firms with gender‐diverse boards (audit committees) pay 6 percent (8 percent) higher audit fees and are 6 percent (7 percent) more likely to choose specialist auditors compared to all‐male boards (audit committees). Our findings suggest that boards (audit committees) with female directors (members) are likely to demand higher audit quality, ceteris paribus.
Aggregate Margin Debt and the Divergence of Price from Accounting Fundamentals
Authors: Burger Marcus , Curtis Asher
Published: May 2017

We examine whether, in the aggregate, margin debt is associated with the divergence of price from accounting fundamentals. We find that investors increase their margin debt following upward price movements away from accounting fundamentals, consistent with these investors being extrapolative in aggregate. We also find evidence that margin debt appears to be linked to temporary overpricing in recent periods, as the aggregate ratio of margin debt to price is reliably associated with negative future returns since at least 1992. Our results are consistent with the theoretical literature that predicts extrapolative traders have a destabilizing effect on market prices, and helps explain why prices diverge from accounting fundamentals.
Anti‐aging drugs reduce hypothalamic inflammation in a sex‐specific manner
Authors: Sadagurski Marianna , Cady Gillian , Miller Richard A.
Published: May 2017

Aging leads to hypothalamic inflammation, but does so more slowly in mice whose lifespan has been extended by mutations that affect GH/IGF‐1 signals. Early‐life exposure to GH by injection, or to nutrient restriction in the first 3 weeks of life, also modulate both lifespan and the pace of hypothalamic inflammation. Three drugs extend lifespan of UM‐HET3 mice in a sex‐specific way: acarbose (ACA), 17‐α‐estradiol (17αE2), and nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), with more dramatic longevity increases in males in each case. In this study, we examined the effect of these anti‐aging drugs on neuro‐inflammation in hypothalamus and hippocampus. We found that age‐associated hypothalamic inflammation is reduced in males but not in females at 12 months of age by ACA and 17αE2 and at 22 months of age in NDGA‐treated mice. The three drugs blocked indices of hypothalamic reactive gliosis associated with aging, such as Iba‐1‐positive microglia and GFAP‐positive astrocytes, as well as age‐associated overproduction of TNF‐α. This effect was not observed in drug‐treated female mice or in the hippocampus of the drug‐treated animals. On the other hand, caloric restriction (CR; an intervention that extends the lifespan in both sexes) significantly reduced hypothalamic microglia and TNF‐α in both sexes at 12 months of age. Together, these results suggest that the extent of drug‐induced changes in hypothalamic inflammatory processes is sexually dimorphic in a pattern that parallels the effects of these agents on mouse longevity and that mimics the changes seen, in both sexes, of long‐lived nutrient restricted or mutant mice.
Short‐term rapamycin treatment increases ovarian lifespan in young and middle‐aged female mice
Authors: Dou Xiaowei , Sun Yan , Li Jiazhao , Zhang Jing , Hao Dandan , Liu Wenwen , Wu Rui , Kong Feifei , Peng Xiaoxu , Li Jing
Published: May 2017

Although age‐related ovarian failure in female mammals cannot be reversed, recent strategies have focused on improving reproductive capacity with age, and rapamycin is one such intervention that has shown a potential for preserving the ovarian follicle pool and preventing premature ovarian failure. However, the application is limited because of its detrimental effects on follicular development and ovulation during long‐term treatment. Herein, we shortened the rapamycin administration to 2 weeks and applied the protocol to both young (8 weeks) and middle‐aged (8 months) mouse models. Results showed disturbances in ovarian function during and shortly after treatment; however, all the treated animals returned to normal fertility 2 months later. Following natural mating, we observed prolongation of ovarian lifespan in both mouse models, with the most prominent effect occurring in mice older than 12 months. The effects of transient rapamycin treatment on ovarian lifespan were reflected in the preservation of primordial follicles, increases in oocyte quality, and improvement in the ovarian microenvironment. These data indicate that short‐term rapamycin treatment exhibits persistent effects on prolonging ovarian lifespan no matter the age at initiation of treatment. In order not to disturb fertility in young adults, investigators should in the future consider applying the protocol later in life so as to delay menopause in women, and at the same time increase ovarian lifespan.
Undetectable Concentrations of a Food and Drug Administration–approved High‐sensitivity Cardiac Troponin T Assay to Rule Out Acute Myocardial Infarction at Emergency Department Arrival
Authors: McRae Andrew D. , Innes Grant , Graham Michelle , Lang Eddy , Andruchow James E. , Ji Yunqi , Vatanpour Shabnam , Abedin Tasnima , Yang Hong , Southern Danielle A. , Wang Dongmei , Seiden‐Long Isolde , DeKoning Lawrence , Kavsak Peter
Published: May 2017

Background

The objective of this study was to quantify the sensitivity of very low concentrations of high‐sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hsTnT) at ED arrival for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in a large cohort of chest pain patients evaluated in real‐world clinical practice.

Methods

This retrospective study included consecutive ED patients with suspected cardiac chest pain evaluated in four urban EDs, excluding those with ST‐elevation AMI, cardiac arrest or abnormal kidney function. The primary outcomes were AMI at 7, 30, and 90 days. Secondary outcomes included major adverse cardiac events (MACE; all‐cause mortality, AMI, and revascularization) and the individual MACE components. Test characteristics were calculated for hsTnT values from 3 to 200 ng/L .

Results

A total of 7,130 patients met inclusion criteria. AMI incidences at 7, 30, and 90 days were 5.8, 6.0, and 6.2%. When the hsTnT assay was performed at ED arrival, the limit of blank of the assay (3 ng/L) ruled out 7‐day AMI in 15.5% of patients with 100% sensitivity and negative predictive value (NPV). The limit of detection of the assay (5 ng/L) ruled out AMI in 33.6% of patients with 99.8% sensitivity and 99.95% NPV for 7‐day AMI. The limit of quantification (the Food and Drug Administration [FDA]‐approved cutoff for lower the reportable limit) of 6 ng/L ruled out AMI in 42.2% of patients with 99.8% sensitivity and 99.95% NPV. The sensitivities of the cutoffs of <3, <5, and <6 ng/L for 7‐day MACE were 99.6, 97.4, and 96.6%, respectively. The NPVs of the cutoffs of <3, <5, and <6 ng/L for 7‐day MACE were 99.8, 99.5, and 99.4%, respectively. A secondary analysis was performed in a subgroup of 3,549 higher‐risk patients who underwent serial troponin testing. In this subgroup, a cutoff of 3 ng/L ruled out 7‐day AMI in 9.6% of patients with 100% sensitivity and NPV, a cutoff of 5 ng/L ruled out 7‐day AMI in 23.3% of patients with 99.7% sensitivity and 99.9% NPV, and a cutoff of 6 ng/L ruled out 7‐day AMI in 29.8% of patients with 99.7 and 99.9% NPV. In the higher‐risk subgroup, the sensitivities of cutoffs of <3, <5, and <6 ng/L for 7‐day MACE were 99.8, 97.4, and 96.6%, respectively. In this higher‐risk subgroup, the NPV of cutoffs of <3, <5, and <6 ng/L for 7‐day MACE were 99.7, 98.5, and 98.4%, respectively.

Conclusions

When used in real‐world clinical practice conditions, hsTnT concentrations < 6 ng/L (below the lower reportable limit for an FDA‐approved assay) at the time of ED arrival can rule out AMI with very high sensitivity and NPV. The sensitivity for MACE is unacceptably low, and thus a single‐troponin rule‐out strategy should only be used in the context of a structured risk evaluation.
Alcohol consumption and risk of unemployment, sickness absence and disability pension in Denmark: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Jørgensen Maja Bæksgaard , Thygesen Lau Caspar , Becker Ulrik , Tolstrup Janne S.
Published: May 2017

Aims

We investigated the association between weekly alcohol consumption and binge drinking and the risk of unemployment, sickness absence and disability pension.

Design

Prospective register‐based cohort study.

Setting

Denmark.

Participants

A sample of 17 690 men and women, aged 18–60 years from the Danish Health and Morbidity Survey in 2000, 2005 and 2010 participated in the study. Participants worked the entire year prior to baseline.

Measurements

Administrative registers were used to obtain information on unemployment, sickness absence and disability pension during a 5‐year follow‐up period. Data were analysed by multivariate Cox regression model with random effect (frailty) adjusted for cohabitation status, educational level, Charlson comorbidity index, smoking habits, calendar year and geographic region.

Findings

Among males, adjusted hazards ratios (HR) of unemployment were 1.24 (95% CI 1.05–1.46, P = 0.01), 1.28 (95% CI 1.04–1.59, P =0.02) and 1.48 (95% CI 1.21–1.81, P = 0.00) respectively, for abstainers and those with alcohol consumption of 21–27 and ≥ 28 drinks per week when compared with individuals who had 1–13 drinks per week. Corresponding HRs for sickness absence were 1.16 (95% CI 1.02–1.33, P = 0.03), 1.02 (95% CI 0.85–1.23, P = 0.84), and 1.23 (95 % CI 1.04–1.46, P = 0.02). Male abstainers had increased HR for subsequently receiving disability pension. Female abstainers had increased HR of unemployment, sickness absence and disability pension compared to women with moderate alcohol consumption. Binge drinking was associated with higher HR of unemployment compared to non‐binge drinking in women: HR of 1.21 (95 % CI 1.03–1.41, P = 0.02).

Conclusions

In Danish men aged 18–60, alcohol abstinence and heavy consumption is associated with increased subsequent risk of unemployment and sickness absence compared with low consumption. In Danish women abstainers have increased risk of unemployment, sickness absence and disability pension, while binge drinkers are more likely to become unemployed subsequently.
Impact of abiotic factors on some biological indices of Cyprinus carpio (L., 1758) in Ghrib dam lake, (Algeria)
Authors: Attal Meriem , Attou Fouzia , Baha Mounia , Arab Abdeslem
Published: May 2017

This study was conducted with a sample of 733 Cyprinus carpio collected between May 2013 and February 2016 from the ecosystem lake in the Ghrib dam which is eutrophic. Cyprinus carpio in this dam is characterized by a single fractional spawning that begins in the spring and ends in the late summer. The distributions of the viscerosomatic and gonadosomatic indices decrease between the spring and summer seasons. These periods correspond to the spawning period and the biological break of this species. They progressively increase between autumn and winter when the biological activity of the species returns. The hepatosomatic index progressively decreases between the spring and the summer when the hepatic reserves are used for reproduction. The repletion index shows that the trophic activity of C. carpio is intense in the spring. The condition factor varies between 1.1 and 1.35. The evolution of the biological indices of both sexes is well stressed in well‐defined periods according to the seasons. The values are weak for males and high for females. The redundancy analysis allows the characterization of the influence of the physico‐chemical parameters of the dam water, especially the role of the nutritious elements, in the biological seasonal cycle of C. carpio.
Diversity and distribution of millipedes (Diplopoda) in the Campo Ma'an National Park, southern Cameroon
Authors: Mbenoun Masse Paul Serge , Nzoko Fiemapong Armand Richard , VandenSpiegel Didier , Golovatch Sergei I.
Published: May 2017

Diplopods (millipedes) are one of the important groups of terrestrial Arthropoda in tropical forest ecosystems. Despite their ecological importance, data on millipede populations are still scarce and outdated in Cameroon. The first comparative eco‐faunistic analysis is presented of two local populations of Diplopoda in two lowland rainforests (nearly primary and secondary) during 12 months (2015–2016) at the southern periphery of the Campo Ma'an National Park in southern Cameroon. The millipedes were collected using pitfall trapping and quadrat sampling, their diversity and distribution analyzed with the help of two diversity indexes and two nonparametric estimators. Overall, 27 species in eighteen genera, ten families and four orders were revealed in the two forests, yet each faunule was about equally rich (23 and 22 species in the primary and secondary forest, respectively) and peculiar (five and four species unique, respectively). The Odontopygidae was the most abundant family, which made up to 33% of the total species diversity. The most abundant species in both forests wasAporodesmus gabonicus(26.8% of occurrences). This study shows that despite the similarity in millipede species richness between both habitats, the species composition of all habitats was different. Some species occurred in two habitats whilst others were restricted to only one habitat.
The burden of chronic spontaneous urticaria is substantial: Real‐world evidence from ASSURE‐CSU
Authors: Maurer M. , Abuzakouk M. , Bérard F. , Canonica W. , Oude Elberink H. , Giménez‐Arnau A. , Grattan C. , Hollis K. , Knulst A. , Lacour J.‐P. , Lynde C. , Marsland A. , McBride D. , Nakonechna A. , Ortiz de Frutos J. , Proctor C. , Sussman G. , Sweeney C. , Tian H. , Weller K. , Wolin D. , Balp M.‐M.
Published: May 2017

Background

Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) can be debilitating, difficult to treat, and frustrating for patients and physicians. Real‐world evidence for the burden of CSU is limited. The objective of this study was to document disease duration, treatment history, and disease activity, as well as impact on health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and work among patients with inadequately controlled CSU, and to describe its humanistic, societal, and economic burden.

Methods

This international observational study assessed a cohort of 673 adult patients with CSU whose symptoms persisted for ≥12 months despite treatment. Demographics, disease characteristics, and healthcare resource use in the previous 12 months were collected from medical records. Patient‐reported data on urticaria and angioedema symptoms, HRQoL, and work productivity and activity impairment were collected from a survey and a diary.

Results

Almost 50% of patients had moderate‐to‐severe disease activity as reported by Urticaria Activity Score. Mean (SD) Dermatology Life Quality Index and Chronic Urticaria Quality of Life Questionnaire scores were 9.1 (6.62) and 33.6 (20.99), respectively. Chronic spontaneous urticaria markedly interfered with sleep and daily activities. Angioedema in the previous 12 months was reported by 66% of enrolled patients and significantly affected HRQoL. More than 20% of patients reported ≥1 hour per week of missed work; productivity impairment was 27%. These effects increased with increasing disease activity. Significant healthcare resources and costs were incurred to treat CSU.

Conclusions

Chronic spontaneous urticaria has considerable humanistic and economic impacts. Patients with greater disease activity and with angioedema experience greater HRQoL impairments.
Poaceae pollen as the leading aeroallergen worldwide: A review
Authors: García‐Mozo H.
Published: May 2017

The Poaceae family comprises over 12 000 wind‐pollinated species, which release large amounts of pollen into the atmosphere. Poaceae pollen is currently regarded as the leading airborne biological pollutant and the chief cause of pollen allergy worldwide. Sensitization rates vary by country, and those variations are reviewed here. Grass pollen allergens are grouped according to their protein structure and function. In Poaceae, although species belonging to different subfamilies are characterized by distinct allergen subsets, there is a considerable degree of cross‐reactivity between many species. Cross‐reactivity between grass pollen protein and fresh fruit pan‐allergens is associated with the appearance of food allergies. The additional influence of urban pollution may prompt a more severe immunological response. The timing and the intensity of the pollen season are governed by species genetics, but plant phenology is also influenced by climate; as a result, climate changes may affect airborne pollen concentrations. This article reviews the findings of worldwide research which has highlighted the major impact of climate change on plant phenology and also on the prevalence and severity of allergic disease.
Privatisation and trade performance: evidence from China
Authors: Yan Jing
Published: May 2017

Many studies have shown that privatisation has the potential to apply the forces of competition and high‐powered incentives to reduce costs and innovate. However, few studies investigate whether privatisation can enhance export performance through higher levels of efficiency. Using China's National Bureau of Statistics surveys and customs trade data, we explore the causal effect of privatisation on trade. The wave of 2002 Chinese state‐owned enterprise reforms provided a natural experiment that enables us to use the difference‐in‐differences approach to examine this question. Consistent with the theoretical predications, the empirical results show positive and significant effects of privatisation on all the examined indicators of export performance, including total export value, the intensive margin, and the extensive margin.
Commentary on the Adjustments Required for Intercompany Transactions when Equity Accounting Under IAS 28
Authors: Bradbury Michael E.
Published: May 2017

The IASB has several projects on the equity method of accounting that involve the transfer of assets between an investor and its associate or joint venture. This paper provides a commentary on this issue by providing examples of alternative methods of adjusting for inter‐company profits. The underlying concepts for alternative approaches are discussed. The conclusion outlines the steps the IASB needs to take to resolve this issue.
Msx1‐2 immunolocalization in the regenerating tail of a lizard but not in the scarring limb suggests its involvement in the process of regeneration
Authors: Alibardi Lorenzo
Published: May 2017

The immunolocalization of the muscle segmental homoeobox protein Msx1‐2 of 27–34 kDa in the regenerating tail blastema of a lizard shows prevalent localization in the apical ependyma of the regenerating spinal cord and less intense labelling in the wound epidermis, in the apical epidermal peg (AEP), and in the regenerating segmental muscles. The AEP is a micro‐region of the regenerating epidermis located at the tail tip of the blastema, likely corresponding to the AEC of the amphibian blastema. No immunolabelling is present in the wound epidermis and scarring blastema of the limb at 18–21 days of regeneration, except for sparse repairing muscles. The presence of a proximal–distal gradient of Msx1‐2 protein, generated from the apical ependyma, is suggested by the intensity of immunolabelling. The AEP and the ependyma are believed to induce and maintain tail regeneration, and this study suggests that Msx1‐2 proteins are components of the signalling system that maintains active growth of the tail blastema. The lack of activation and production of Msx1‐2 protein in the limb are likely due to the intense inflammatory reaction following amputation. This study confirms that, like during regeneration in fishes and amphibians, also the blastema of lizards utilizes common signalling pathways for maintaining regeneration.
Similar familial underpinnings for full and subsyndromal pediatric bipolar disorder: A familial risk analysis
Authors: Wozniak Janet , Uchida Mai , Faraone Stephen V , Fitzgerald Maura , Vaudreuil Carrie , Carrellas Nicholas , Davis Jacqueline , Wolenski Rebecca , Biederman Joseph
Published: May 2017

Objectives

To examine the validity of subthreshold pediatric bipolar I disorder (BP‐I), we compared the familial risk for BP‐I in the child probands who had either full BP‐I, subthreshold BP‐I, ADHD, or were controls that neither had ADHD nor bipolar disorder.

Methods

BP‐I probands were youth aged 6−17 years meeting criteria for BP‐I, full (N=239) or subthreshold (N=43), and also included were their first‐degree relatives (N=687 and N=120, respectively). Comparators were youth with ADHD (N=162), controls without ADHD or bipolar disorder (N=136), and their first‐degree relatives (N=511 and N=411, respectively). We randomly selected 162 non‐bipolar ADHD probands and 136 non‐bipolar, non‐ADHD control probands of similar age and sex distribution to the BP‐I probands from our case−control ADHD family studies. Psychiatric assessments were made by trained psychometricians using the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School‐Age Children Epidemiological Version (KSADS‐E) and Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV (SCID) structured diagnostic interviews. We analyzed rates of bipolar disorder using multinomial logistic regression.

Results

Rates of full BP‐I significantly differed between the four groups (χ23=32.72, P<.001): relatives of full BP‐I probands and relatives of subthreshold BP‐I probands had significantly higher rates of full BP‐I than relatives of ADHD probands and relatives of control probands. Relatives of full BP‐I, subthreshold BP‐I, and ADHD probands also had significantly higher rates of major depressive disorder compared to relatives of control probands.

Conclusions

Our results showed that youth with subthreshold BP‐I had similarly elevated risk for BP‐I and major depressive disorder in first‐degree relatives as youth with full BP‐I. These findings support the diagnostic continuity between subsyndromal and fully syndromatic states of pediatric BP‐I disorder.
Is a delay in the diagnosis of bipolar disorder inevitable?
Authors: Fritz Kristina , Russell Alex M T , Allwang Christine , Kuiper Sandy , Lampe Lisa , Malhi Gin S
Published: May 2017

Objective

A diagnosis of bipolar disorder (BD) is often preceded by an initial diagnosis of depression, creating a delay in the accurate diagnosis and treatment of BD. Although previous research has focused on predictors of a diagnosis change from depression to BD, the research on this delay in diagnosis is sparse. Therefore, the present study examined the time taken to make a BD diagnosis following an initial diagnosis of major depressive disorder in order to further understand the patient characteristics and psychological factors that may explain this delay.

Method

A total of 382 patients underwent a clinical evaluation by a psychiatrist and completed a series of questionnaires.

Results

Ninety patients were initially diagnosed with depression with a later diagnosis of BD, with a mean delay in diagnostic conversion of 8.74 years. These patients who were later diagnosed with BD were, on average, diagnosed with depression at a younger age, experienced more manic symptoms, and had a more open personality style and better coping skills. Cox regressions showed that depressed patients with diagnoses that eventually converted to BD had been diagnosed with depression earlier and that this was related to a longer delay to conversion and greater likelihood of dysfunctional attitudes.

Conclusion

The findings from the present study suggested that an earlier diagnosis of depression is related to experiencing a longer delay in conversion to BD. The clinical implications of this are briefly discussed, with a view to reducing the seemingly inevitable delay in the diagnosis of BD.
Predictors of delay to cystoscopy and adequacy of investigations in patients with haematuria
Authors: Ngo Brian , Papa Nathan , Perera Marlon , Bolton Damien , Sengupta Shomik
Published: May 2017

Objective

To identify factors that impact on the timeliness and adequacy of haematuria evaluation.

Patients and Methods

We undertook a retrospective cohort study identifying patients who underwent cystoscopy for investigation of haematuria at our institution between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2015. Data on patient demographics, smoking status, anticoagulation, type of haematuria and referring clinician were collected. Exclusion criteria included patient age <18 years, known history of bladder/urinary tract/renal cancer, cystoscopy for indications other than haematuria and unknown date of urology consultation. Primary outcome measures were: i) time from general practitioner (GP) referral to urology consultation, ii) time from urology consultation to cystoscopy, and iii) receipt of investigations in the 180 days prior to cystoscopy. Comparisons between risk factors were carried out using negative binomial regression for count outcomes and chi‐square test for categorical outcomes.

Results

Over the study period, 305 eligible cases (225 men, 80 women) were identified, of which 196 (64%) were referred by a GP. Patients waited a median of 38 days from GP referral to urology consultation and 28 days from urology consultation to cystoscopy. The median time to urology consultation was 65 days for women and 33.5 days for men (P = 0.020). However, the observed difference between men and women was no longer statistically significant on multivariable regression, with the only independent predictors of a shorter interval being visible haematuria and imaging suspicious for cancer. Anticoagulated patients were more likely to have imaging studies, in particular renal tract ultrasonography (P = 0.006), while only 61% of patients with visible haematuria received imaging. No significant differences in recent investigations between genders were observed.

Conclusions

Gender is not a significant predictor of delayed haematuria assessment or receipt of recent investigations. Anticoagulated patients are more likely to receive imaging than patients without anticoagulation and patients with visible haematuria are not adequately imaged. Improved clinician and public education is required to ensure that all patients are evaluated appropriately.
Factors affecting the timeliness and adequacy of haematuria assessment in bladder cancer: a systematic review
Authors: Ngo Brian , Perera Marlon , Papa Nathan , Bolton Damien , Sengupta Shomik
Published: May 2017

Objectives

To review the literature to identify factors affecting haematuria assessment in bladder cancer.

Methods

We performed a systematic review in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Publications indexed in EMBASE and Medline (PubMed) in March 2016 were searched, using the keywords ‘hematuria’, ‘urinary bladder neoplasm(s)’ and ‘bladder tumor’. Studies evaluating the timeliness and adequacy of haematuria assessment in the context of bladder cancer were included. Exclusion criteria included age <18 years, animal studies and non‐English articles.

Results

Following our search strategy, a total of 17 articles were included in our study. All 17 studies commented on gender, with female gender associated with delayed and inadequate haematuria evaluation. Women waited longer than men for urological review (three studies) and bladder cancer diagnosis (three studies). Women were also less likely to be referred to urology (two studies), receive imaging (three studies) or have cystoscopy (two studies). In all, 10 studies commented on age, with the impression that advancing age is associated with a more thorough assessment. Smokers and those with microscopic haematuria appear to undergo a less thorough evaluation.

Conclusion

Female gender is associated with sub‐optimal haematuria evaluation, while older patients are evaluated more thoroughly. Smokers paradoxically undergo less comprehensive assessment. Further research on the impact of other factors is required.
Mini PCNL for renal calculi: does size matter?
Authors: Hennessey Derek B. , Kinnear Ned K. , Troy Andrew , Angus David , Bolton Damien M. , Webb David R.
Published: May 2017

Objective

To evaluate the minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy (MIP) system for renal calculi.

Patients and Methods

Consecutive patients undergoing mini‐percutaneous nephrolithotomy (mPCNL) procedures with the MIP system were enrolled. Patient position, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, puncture location, stone clearance, postoperative drainage and complications were recorded, and features unique to MIP were noted.

Results

In all, 30 patients underwent 32 mPCNL procedures. The mean stone size was 17 (10.75–21.25) mm and the mean number of stones was 1 (1–2). The median stone clearance rate was 96.5 (95–100)%. The complication rate was 9.3%. No patient required a transfusion. In addition to these outcomes, we noted that the MIP system has many advantages over conventional PCNL (cPCNL). It is easy to learn and can be performed in both supine and prone positions. It is safe for supracostal puncture, provides excellent access to nearly all calyces and upper ureter, has multiple stone treatment options, can be used as an adjunct to cPCNL, and can be performed as a tubeless procedure.

Conclusion

Our experience with the MIP system has shown several advantages over cPCNL. mPCNL with the MIP system has several features that suggest it should be considered as an alternative or adjunct to cPCNL, ureteroscopy and extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy.
Jens Esmark's mountain glacier traverse 1823 − the key to his discovery of Ice Ages
Authors: Hestmark Geir
Published: May 2017

The discovery of Ice Ages is one of the most revolutionary advances made in the Earth sciences. In 1824 Danish‐Norwegian geoscientist Jens Esmark published a paper stating that there was indisputable evidence that Norway and other parts of Europe had previously been covered by enormous glaciers carving out valleys and fjords, in a cold climate caused by changes in the eccentricity of Earth's orbit. Esmark and his travel companion Otto Tank arrived at this insight by analogous reasoning: enigmatic landscape features they observed close to sea level along the Norwegian coast strongly resembled features they observed in the front of a retreating glacier during a mountain traverse in the summer of 1823. Which glacier they observed up close has however remained a mystery, and thus an essential piece of information in the story of this discovery has been missing. Based on previously unknown archive sources, supplemented by field study, I here identify the key locality as the glacier Rauddalsbreen. This is the northernmost outlet glacier from Jostedalsbreen, the largest glacier in mainland Europe. Here the foreland exposed by glacier retreat since the Little Ice Age maximum around AD 1750 contains a rich collection of glacial deposits and erosional forms. The point of enlightenment is more precisely identified to be a specific moraine and its distal sandur at 61°53′26″N, 7°26′43″E. In memory of Esmark's travel companion who possibly was the first to realise the analogy, it is proposed to name this moraine Otto Tank's Moraine, a pendant to the already famous Esmark Moraine at Forsand by the sea.
Ibuprofen and diclofenac treatments reduce proliferation of pancreatic acinar cells upon inflammatory injury and mitogenic stimulation
Authors: Bombardo Marta , Malagola Ermanno , Chen Rong , Rudnicka Alina , Graf Rolf , Sonda Sabrina
Published: May 2017

Background and Purpose

Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are administered to manage the pain typically found in patients suffering from pancreatitis. NSAIDs also display anti‐proliferative activity against cancer cells; however, their effects on normal, untransformed cells are poorly understood. Here, we evaluated whether NSAIDs inhibit the proliferation of pancreatic acinar cells during the development of acute pancreatitis.

Experimental Approach

The NSAIDs ibuprofen and diclofenac were administered to C57BL/6 mice after induction of pancreatitis with serial injections of cerulein. In addition, ibuprofen was administered concomitantly with 3,5,3‐L‐tri‐iodothyronine (T3), which induces acinar cell proliferation in the absence of tissue inflammation. The development of pancreatic inflammation, acinar de‐differentiation into metaplastic lesions and acinar proliferation were quantified by histochemical, biochemical and RT‐PCR approaches.

Key Results

Therapeutic ibuprofen treatment selectively reduced pancreatic infiltration of activated macrophages in vivo, and M1 macrophage polarization and pro‐inflammatory cytokine expression both in vivo and in vitro. Reduced macrophage activation was accompanied by reduced acinar de‐differentiation into acinar‐to‐ductal metaplasia. Acinar proliferation was significantly impaired in the presence of ibuprofen and diclofenac, as demonstrated at both the level of proliferation markers and expression of cell cycle regulators. Ibuprofen also reduced acinar cell proliferation induced by mitogenic stimulation with T3, a treatment that does not elicit pancreatic inflammation.

Conclusions and Implications

Our study provides evidence that the NSAIDs ibuprofen and diclofenac inhibit pancreatic acinar cell division. This suggests that prolonged treatment with these NSAIDs may negatively affect the regeneration of the pancreas and further studies are needed to confirm these findings in a clinical setting.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Inventing New Therapies Without Reinventing the Wheel: The Power of Drug Repurposing. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v175.2/issuetoc