bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determinants of return-on-equity in USA, German and Japanese manufacturing firms
Authors: Weidman Stephanie M. , McFarland Daniel J. , Meric Gulser , Meric Ilhan
Published: April 2019

Purpose

DuPont financial analysis is generally used in micro-economic studies to compare an individual firm’s financial performance with industry averages. The purpose of this paper is to undertake a macro-economic cross-sectional analysis of the determinants of return-on-equity (ROE) in USA, German and Japanese manufacturing firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use cross-sectional log-linear multivariate regression analysis to determine the elasticity of ROE to changes in net profit margin (NPM), total assets turnover (TAT) and equity multiplier (EQM) in USA, German and Japanese manufacturing firms. The authors obtain the data for the analysis from the COMPUSTAT Research Insight/Global Vintage database.

Findings

With data for all manufacturing firms, the authors find that the most important determinant of ROE is NPM in all three countries. The least important determinant of ROE is TAT in the USA and Germany, and EQM in Japan. Electronics is the most important manufacturing industry in all three countries, the authors also apply the analysis to data for the electronics manufacturing firms in the three countries. The authors find that an increase of 10 percent in NPM increases ROE by about 9.8 percent in Germany, by about 8.3 percent in the USA, and by about 6.9 percent in Japan. An increase of 10 percent in TAT increases ROE by about 2.2 percent in Germany and by about 1.5 percent in Japan. An increase of 10 percent in EQM increases ROE by about 1.9 percent in Germany and by about 1.5 percent in the USA.

Practical implications

The empirical findings of this study can provide useful insights for financial managers regarding the determinants of ROE they should focus on to achieve the greatest impact on ROE.

Originality/value

DuPont analysis is generally used as a micro-economic tool at the firm level. This study is a macro-economic application of the tool to study the cross-sectional determinants of ROE at the industry level.
Student investment groups: enhancing the liberal arts experience
Authors: Bergquist Brian D. , Keig Dawn L. , Wilkinson Timothy J.
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Schools must not necessarily have a large amount of money or advanced finance curriculum for students to get the benefits of participating in a student-managed investment program. Any college or university with motivated students and faculty can have a successful program if they are willing to put forth the effort. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use a case study approach to examine specific characteristics of a successful student investment group implementation at a small liberal arts university in the Northwest USA.

Findings

Three student investment group implementation considerations are highlighted in this analysis: establishing an inclusive, interdisciplinary focus in a long-term club vs course format; utilizing all student-led training, governance and investment methodologies; and designing group processes with an emphasis on critical thinking and community outreach.

Practical implications

This case offers encouraging insights for how even a smaller college or university might successfully create and sustain a thriving successful student-led investment group with a relatively limited amount of funding and resources by leveraging liberal arts foundations.

Originality/value

An emphasis on how student-managed investment groups are tied to broader liberal arts foundations potentially helps schools of all sizes understand certain unique underlying value aspects for the students, the business programs and the broader university community.
Mergers and acquisitions: implications for acquirers’ market risk
Authors: Tanna Sailesh , Yousef Ibrahim
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of mergers and acquisitions (M&As) on acquiring company systematic risk using a global sample of 34,221 completed deals that occurred between the years 1977 and 2012, covering 163 countries and 85 industries.

Design/methodology/approach

Acquirers’ systematic risk (beta) is calculated using the capital asset pricing model. The change in acquirers’ beta post-merger is obtained using event study and tested for mean differences across various sub-categories of deals. Cross-sectional regressions are then performed to test several hypotheses relating to the impact of diversification, method of payment, target status and prior experience on acquirers’ risk.

Findings

For the overall sample, the evidence suggests that acquirers’ beta tends to increase post-merger, but only in cases where their pre-merger risk is relatively low in relation to the risk of the market. The authors also show that cash payment deals for publicly listed targets contribute to reducing acquirers’ risk while stock payment increase risk. Diversification, whether global or across industry, has no significant impact on risk. On the other hand, for serial acquirers, the risk is increased significantly with more M&As.

Originality/value

This study contributes in a unique way by providing global evidence on acquirers’ systematic risk using a very large and diverse sample of M&A deals and investigating not only the impact of diversification on risk but also of other deal characteristics (e.g. method of payment, target status, acquirers’ prior experience) which have not been previously examined.
Doctoral student experiences in biological sciences laboratory rotations
Authors: Maher Michelle A. , Wofford Annie M. , Roksa Josipa , Feldon David F.
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the experience of selecting and engaging in biological sciences laboratory rotations from the perspective of doctoral students.

Design/methodology/approach

Within the socialization framework, this study uses a qualitative approach whereby 42 biological sciences students enrolled at highly selective US universities were interviewed in the first and second year of doctoral training about laboratory rotation experiences.

Findings

The study revealed how doctoral students used formal and informal information networks, explored research topics, struggled with funding concerns and learned about the social aspect of the laboratories in which they rotated.

Originality/value

While rotations are considered a signature pedagogy in the laboratory sciences, students’ experiences within them are understudied. This study offers new knowledge about what doctoral students experience while rotating that can be used to inform and improve rotation processes for both students and universities.
Different kinds of research shoppers, different cognitive-affective consequences
Authors: Viejo-Fernández Nuria , Sanzo-Pérez María José , Vázquez-Casielles Rodolfo
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Customer journey is more omnichannel than ever. Currently, one of the most influential omnichannel behaviors is research shopping in its two predominant forms: webrooming and showrooming. The purpose of this study is to determine the possible moderating effect of each of these behaviors from a cognitive-affective perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed theoretical framework was applied to a sample of 636 mobile phone users.

Findings

The results indicated that research shopping moderated the intensity of the relationship between emotions and perceived value and between emotions and satisfaction. The analysis of the moderating effect of each concrete type of research shopping behavior indicated that negative emotions had a more intense negative effect on perceived value and satisfaction in the case of webrooming than in the case of showrooming.

Originality/value

This study focused on determining the possible moderating effect of research shopping vs one-stop shopping and webrooming vs showrooming on the intensity of the relationship between emotions, perceived value and satisfaction, considering determining factors of customer engagement to retailers (Han and Jeong, 2013). To achieve this objective, the authors performed a quantitative research in the Spanish market, choosing mobile phones as a reference product. The results will contribute to the current state of omnichannel retailing research by the analysis – through a cognitive-affective approach – of the consequences that research shopping and each of its two basic types (webrooming and showrooming) have on retailers.
The role of environmental CSR practices on the formation of behavioral intentions in a certified hotel context
Authors: Martínez García de Leaniz Patricia , Herrero Crespo Ángel , Gómez-López Raquél
Published: April 2019

Purpose

This study aims to explore the relationships among green practices, environmental corporate social responsibility (CSR) image, customers’ trust and their behavioral intentions in a certified hotel context and examine the moderating effect of customers’ involvement in the buying process.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was used to collect data from Spanish hotel customers. A structural equation model was developed to assess the research hypotheses.

Findings

Consumers’ trust on environmentally certified hotels has a direct effect on their behavioral intentions. Environmental CSR image has a direct effect on consumers’ trust on environmentally certified hotels, but it does not exert significant influence on consumers’ behavioral intentions. Additionally, the results support a positive and significant influence of consumers’ perceptions of green practices on the environmental CSR image of hotels. Finally, there is not a moderating effect of consumers’ involvement on the effects of green practices on CSR environmental image and of this variable on behavioral intentions.

Research limitations/implications

To cross validate the results of this study, it is recommended that the formation of behavioral intentions in various types of environmentally certified hotel settings be investigated in future research.

Practical implications

Hospitality managers should design strategies to raise the perception of the green-related features of environmentally certified companies.

Originality/value

No prior study investigates the relationship between green practices, customers’ trust, their degree of involvement in the buying process and their behavioral intentions in relation to companies’ environmental CSR image in the hotel sector.
Moving between wage work and retirement – the commitment to wage work in later life in Hong Kong
Authors: Tam Yeuk Mui May , Chan Kam Wah , Lo Ka Man
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Relatively few studies about retirement transition examine economies, where a public pension system is absent. This paper aims to fill this gap in the literature.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study draws on the stratification and risk society approach, as well as results from unstructured interviews with 12 Chinese in Hong Kong.

Findings

The analyses show that the retirement transition involves moving between different forms of wage work and non-work status. These moves were undertaken because of not only financial needs but also a strong desire to be a financially self-reliant and intrinsic commitment to employment. The authors argue that the desire and commitment to employment are shaped by the underdeveloped pension system, practical orientation towards traditional Chinese filial piety norms and personal work history.

Research limitations/implications

The current research covers only a very small sample and uses retrospective interviewing instead of a larger and/or representative sample using prospective panel interview. Nevertheless, the research carries theoretical and policy implications of the study on retirement transition and protection.

Originality/value

Few local studies track retirement transitions in the way similar to the current studies. Existing studies are mostly about advanced Anglo-Saxon economies with a long history of public pension, albeit reformed in recent year, in place. The current study adds to the general literature on retirement studies.
Exposure to males, but not receipt of sex peptide, accelerates functional ageing in female fruit flies
Authors: Bretman Amanda , Fricke Claudia
Published: April 2019

Increased exposure to males can affect females negatively, reducing female life span and fitness. These costs could derive from increased mating rate and also harassment by males. Additionally, early investment in reproduction can increase the onset or rate of senescence in reproductive traits. Hence, there is a tight link between reproduction and ageing.

Here, we assess how mating and encounter rate with males impacts declines in female functional traits that are not directly involved in reproduction. In Drosophila melanogaster fruit flies, exposure to males and mating reduces female life span through harassment and receipt of seminal proteins, including sex peptide (SP). We manipulated the intensity of female exposure to males and regularly assessed female stress responses and recorded physiological traits over her lifetime.

Both mating itself and increased exposure to males accelerate declines in female climbing ability and starvation resistance. However, this is not related to changes in female body mass or fat storage. Moreover, these declines are not driven by the receipt of SP.

Our results suggest some synchrony in senescence across traits in response to female exposure to males; however, this is not universal, as we did not find this for physiological traits. Synchrony in senescence has been theorized but little supported in the literature. It is clear that ageing is a multifaceted trait; to understand environmental impacts on ageing rates, we must measure more than life span and indeed measure senescence in multiple traits. Specifically, our work shows that we must identify which female traits are sensitive to elevated mating activity to understand the impact of antagonistic interactions between the sexes on female ageing patterns.

A plain language summary is available for this article.
Deficits of visual search in Chinese children with dyslexia
Authors: Liu Sisi , Wang Li‐Chih , Liu Duo
Published: April 2019

Background

There is emerging evidence that individuals with developmental dyslexia show deficits in visual–spatial attention. This study focused on visual searches and examined whether visual search deficits would be found in Chinese children with dyslexia. More importantly, we examined the associations between dyslexia and distinct types of visual searches, to determine whether deficits are specific to some visual searches but not others.

Methods

The dyslexic children and their age‐matched typical peers completed both the inefficient and relatively efficient search tasks.

Results

The dyslexic children were generally impaired in visual searches, although the deficit in inefficient searches was more severe than in efficient searches. After phonological awareness, working memory and nonverbal IQ were considered; inefficient searches were found to be selectively impaired.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that visual search deficits in dyslexia are universal across alphabetic and logographic writing systems. They highlight the importance of further study on the role of top‐down attention on reading.
A novel biomechanical approach for animal behaviour recognition using accelerometers
Authors: Chakravarty Pritish , Cozzi Gabriele , Ozgul Arpat , Aminian Kamiar
Published: April 2019

Data from animal‐borne inertial sensors are widely used to investigate several aspects of an animal's life, such as energy expenditure, daily activity patterns and behaviour. Accelerometer data used in conjunction with machine learning algorithms have been the tool of choice for characterising animal behaviour. Although machine learning models perform reasonably well, they may not rely on meaningful features, nor lend themselves to physical interpretation of the classification rules. This lack of interpretability and control over classification outcomes is of particular concern where different behaviours have different frequency of occurrence and duration, as in most natural systems, and calls for the development of alternative methods. Biomechanical approaches to human activity classification could overcome these shortcomings, yet their full potential remains untapped for animal studies.

We propose a general framework for behaviour recognition using accelerometers, and develop a hybrid model where (a) biomechanical features characterise movement dynamics, and (b) a node‐based hierarchical classification scheme employs simple machine learning algorithms at each node to find feature‐value thresholds separating different behaviours. Using triaxial accelerometer data collected on 10 wild Kalahari meerkats, and annotated video recordings of each individual as groundtruth, this hybrid model was validated in three scenarios: (a) when each behaviour was equally represented (EQDIST), (b) when naturally imbalanced datasets were considered (STRAT) and (c) when data from new individuals were considered (LOIO).

A linear‐kernel Support Vector Machine at each node of our classification scheme yielded an overall accuracy of >95% for each scenario. Our hybrid approach had a 2.7% better average overall accuracy than top‐performing classical machine learning approaches. Further, we showed that not all models with high overall accuracy returned accurate behaviour‐specific performance, and good performance during EQDIST did not always generalise to STRAT and LOIO.

Our hybrid model took advantage of robust machine learning algorithms for automatically estimating decision boundaries between behavioural classes. This not only achieved high classification performance but also permitted biomechanical interpretation of classification outcomes. The framework presented here provides the flexibility to adapt models to required levels of behavioural resolution, and has the potential to facilitate meaningful model sharing between studies.
Erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp – an Australian perspective: Insights to aid clinical practice
Authors: Yeh Rudy , Polcz Margit , Wong David
Published: April 2019

Erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp has particular relevance in Australia, due to its association with actinic damage. Despite its rarity, the recalcitrant nature of erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp dictates a protracted recovery fraught with relapse and recurrence, posing inherent challenges to successful treatment and complete recovery. In Australia, erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp is prevalent in the elderly, who are negatively affected due to the condition. We propose a management outline to aid clinical practice, to improve the quality of life in the elderly, whilst providing insight into the current understanding and treatment of erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp.
Efficacy of a remote screening model for oral potentially malignant disorders using a free messaging application: A diagnostic test for accuracy study
Authors: Vinayagamoorthy Kalaiselvi , Acharya Shruthi , Kumar Mathangi , Pentapati Kalyana Chakravarthy , Acharya Shashidhar
Published: April 2019

Objective

To assess the feasibility of using a remote sensing model as a free messaging application tool in the preventive screening of oral potentially malignant disorders in a rural area of India.

Design

An observational cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Primary care setting in Udupi District, Karnataka, South India.

Participants

One‐hundred and thirty‐one individuals with a mean (SD) age of 37.34 (11.31) years, of whom 64.1% and 35.9% were men and women, respectively.

Interventions

Clinical oral examination followed by photo capture of five areas of the patients' mouth.

Main outcome measures

Reliability measures for the use of a photo messaging service in diagnosing oral potentially malignant disorders, as compared to the clinical examination.

Results

When lesions were categorised as normal and abnormal, the reliability (kappa) between the diagnoses, based on photo messaging and clinical oral examination, was 0.68 and 0.67 for Examiners 1 and 2, respectively. The sensitivity values for Examiners 1 and 2 were 98.5% and 99.04%, respectively, whereas the specificity was 72% and 64%, respectively. When the agreement between photo messaging and clinical oral examination for an exact diagnostic match was assessed, the reliability (kappa) was 0.59 and 0.55 for Examiners 1 and 2, respectively. The sensitivity values for Examiners 1 and 2 were 98.1% and 98.7%, respectively, whereas the specificity was 64% and 52% respectively.

Conclusion

There was a substantial agreement between the diagnosis based on clinical examination and WhatsApp image for both the examiners, when the lesions were dichotomised as normal and abnormal, but slightly reduced when assessed for the exact diagnostic match. Screening for oral potentially malignant disorders using photo messaging can serve as an effective adjunct and a potential cost‐effective tool in a low‐resource setting.
Young bisexual women's sexual health care experiences in Australian rural general practice
Authors: Grant Ruby , Nash Meredith
Published: April 2019

Objective

To examine how young bisexual women in rural Tasmania experience routine sexual health care in general practice settings.

Design

Semi‐structured interviews with bisexual women were used for this study. Self‐selected and purposive sampling were used to recruit women in 2015. Participants were recruited via community social media pages and a not‐for‐profit organisation supporting same‐sex attracted rural youth. Data were analysed thematically.

Setting

Regional and rural areas in the north and south of Tasmania, Australia.

Participants

Fifteen bisexual women, 18‐26 years of age, with experience seeking sexual health care in Tasmania.

Main outcome measure(s)

Semi‐structured interviews explored women's experiences of inclusive sexual health care.

Results

Four key themes emerged from the thematic analysis: (a) issues of health care accessibility in rural Tasmania; (b) the importance of visual signs of inclusivity in rural clinics; (c) practitioner attitudes; and (d) use of inclusive, gender‐neutral language.

Conclusions

Rural bisexual women prefer practitioners who make meaningful efforts to be inclusive and take a non‐judgmental approach to sexual health care. Additional resources are needed to support rural communities and their health care providers to prioritise inclusive health practices.
Sex differences in adverse drug reactions reported to the National Pharmacovigilance Centre in the Netherlands: An explorative observational study
Authors: de Vries Sieta T. , Denig Petra , Ekhart Corine , Burgers Jako S. , Kleefstra Nanno , Mol Peter G.M. , van Puijenbroek Eugène P.
Published: April 2019

Aims

We aimed to assess and characterize sex differences in adverse drug reactions (ADRs) reported to the national pharmacovigilance centre in the Netherlands while considering differences in drug use.

Methods

ADRs spontaneously reported by healthcare professionals and patients to the Netherlands pharmacovigilance centre Lareb were used. Drug–ADR combinations reported at least 10 times between 2003–2016 for drugs used by ≥10,000 persons in that period were included. Data about the number of drug users was obtained from the National Health Care Institute. Sex‐specific ADRs, like gynaecological problems, were excluded. Sex differences in specific drug–ADR combinations were tested using bivariate logistic regression analyses in which the number of drug users per sex was taken into account.

Results

In total, 2483 drug–ADR combinations were analysed. Possibly relevant sex differences were shown in 363 combinations (15%). Most of these drug–ADR combinations were reported more often for women (322 combinations). Drugs with the highest number of ADRs that were more often reported for women included thyroid hormones (32 combinations) and antidepressants (16 combinations for the centrally acting sympathomimetics; 14 combinations for other antidepressants). Some ADRs were predominantly reported for women across a range of drugs such as headache and dizziness whereas other ADRs such as tendon ruptures and aggression were reported more often for men.

Conclusions

Identified sex differences in reported ADRs often referred to women. These differences may have various causes, including pharmacological and behavioural causes, which need to be further assessed. The results may ultimately lead to sex‐specific prescribing or monitoring recommendations.
External cephalic version at term: A 6‐year single‐operator experience
Authors: Levin Gabriel , Rottenstreich Amihai , Weill Yishay , Pollack Raphael N.
Published: April 2019

Background

External cephalic version (ECV) should be offered for patients presenting with a noncephalic pregnancy that are willing to deliver vaginally. Various reports have evaluated predictors for successful ECV. Yet, none have reported a single‐operator large cohort experience. We aim to analyze the outcome of referrals for ECV.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of prospectively collected data. We performed a multivariate analysis of data with respect to ECV procedures performed by a single operator in a 6‐year period. Maternal and fetal characteristics were compared between ECV success and failure groups.

Results

Six hundred and two women underwent ECV. Of them, ECV was successful in 432 (71.7%). A multivariate binary logistic regression model demonstrated that high liquor volume was a predictor of ECV success (Adj OR 1.17 [95% CI 1.09‐1.26]). Failure of ECV was correlated with anterior placenta (0.44 [0.56‐0.76]) and nulliparity (0.21 [0.11‐0.36]). Adverse events were rare and mostly minor, occurring in 1% of procedures.

Conclusions

ECV has a high success rate and a low complication rate, enabling vaginal birth and avoiding cesarean. The role of manipulation of modifiable determinants such as liquor volume should be further assessed in future studies.
Outcomes of second allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation in patients with relapse of myelodysplastic syndrome
Authors: Shimomura Yoshimitsu , Hara Masahiko , Tachibana Takayoshi , Ohashi Kazuteru , Sakura Toru , Fukuda Takahiro , Nakazawa Hideyuki , Iwato Koji , Kanda Yoshinobu , Ikeda Takashi , Eto Tetsuya , Kanda Junya , Ichinohe Tatsuo , Atsuta Yoshiko , Ishikawa Takayuki , Ishiyama Ken
Published: April 2019

Though second allogenic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is considered a curative treatment option after myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) relapse, scant epidemiological data are available. We investigated the outcomes and prognostic factors of second allogenic HSCT in 99 patients with MDS who relapsed after the first HSCT. The median age was 53 years (interquartile; 45–59) and 57 patients (57·6%) were male. Five‐year overall survival was 25·3%. Early relapse (adjusted hazard ratio: 2·78, 95% confidence interval: 1·08–7·21, P = 0·035) and poor performance (3·03, 1·71–5·37, P < 0·001) were associated with a significantly poor 5‐year overall survival compared to the other groups (P < 0·001).
Consensus recommendations for diagnosis, management and treatment of Fabry disease in paediatric patients
Authors: Germain Dominique P. , Fouilhoux Alain , Decramer Stéphane , Tardieu Marine , Pillet Pascal , Fila Marc , Rivera Serge , Deschênes Georges , Lacombe Didier
Published: April 2019

Fabry disease (FD), a rare X‐linked disease, can be treated with bi‐monthly infusion of enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) to replace deficient α‐galactosidase A (AGAL‐A). ERT reduces symptoms, improves quality of life (QoL), and improves clinical signs and biochemical markers. ERT initiation in childhood could slow or stop progressive organ damage. Preventative treatment of FD from childhood is thought to avoid organ damage in later life, prompting a French expert working group to collaborate and produce recommendations for treating and monitoring children with FD. Organ involvement should be assessed by age 5 for asymptomatic boys (age 12‐15 for asymptomatic girls), and immediately for children diagnosed via symptoms. The renal, cardiac, nervous and gastrointestinal systems should be assessed, as well as bone, skin, eyes, hearing, and QoL. The plasma biomarker globotriaosylsphingosine is also useful. ERT should be considered for symptomatic boys and girls with neuropathic pain, pathological albuminuria (≥3 mg/mmol creatinine), severe GI involvement and abdominal pain or cardiac involvement. ERT should be considered for asymptomatic boys from the age of 7. Organ involvement should be treated as needed. Early diagnosis and management of FD represents a promising strategy to reduce organ damage, morbidity and premature mortality in adulthood.
Integration of transanal techniques for precise rectal transection and single‐stapled anastomosis: a proof of concept study
Authors: Spinelli A. , Carvello M. , D'Hoore A. , Foppa C.
Published: April 2019

Aim

Transection of the distal rectum and subsequent anastomosis differ between the open, minimally invasive and transanal approaches. With the transanal technique, there is direct control of the transection level and the single‐stapled anastomosis, thus overcoming two crucial limitations of rectal surgery. This study describes a technique for precise a transanal rectal transection with a single‐stapled (TTSS) colorectal, coloanal or ileoanal anastomosis in 20 consecutive patients undergoing low rectal surgery.

Methods

After completing rectal dissection by the preferred technique (open or minimally invasive), TTSS was created. The detailed video describes this technique.

Results

TTSS was feasible in all patients: 13 underwent total mesorectal excision + TTSS for low rectal cancer and seven underwent ileoanal pouch + TTSS for benign disease. Complications included one Grade IIIa and three Grade I, according to the Clavien–Dindo classification (median follow‐up 6 months).

Conclusion

TTSS represents a technique which can be applied regardless of the preferred approach (open, minimally invasive or transanal) for low rectal dissection. The adoption of TTSS could well allow for a more consistent comparison of the outcomes following the differing approaches to rectal surgery.
Studies on differentiation‐dependent expression and activity of distinct transglutaminases by specific substrate peptides using three‐dimensional reconstituted epidermis
Authors: Tanabe Yuki , Yamane Miki , Kato Manami , Teshima Hirofumi , Kuribayashi Miki , Tatsukawa Hideki , Takama Hiroyuki , Akiyama Masashi , Hitomi Kiyotaka
Published: April 2019

During skin formation, particularly during differentiation of keratinocytes, unique post‐translational modifications play a role in forming a proteinaceous supermolecule called the cornified envelope (CE), which is necessary for barrier function. Transglutaminases (TGs) are essential enzymes involved in the cross‐linking of various keratinocyte structural proteins to complete CE formation. The TG family consists of eight isozymes, with two members, TG1 and TG3, located mainly in the epidermis. In an in vitro three‐dimensional (3D) culture system, reconstruction of the epidermis allows cornification of the terminally differentiated keratinocytes. In this study, using isozyme‐specific substrate peptides that enable detection of TG activity, we investigated the expression and the activation pattern of each isozyme during differentiation in this culture system. In the differentiating cells, the protein levels, enzymatic activities, as well as localization of TG1 and TG3 exhibited distinct patterns. Specific knockdown of these enzymes by siRNA revealed less cornification, suggesting that each TG contributes to the epidermal formation. In conclusion, we demonstrate the efficiency of the 3D system for studying differentiation‐dependent expression and activity of distinct TGs by specific substrate peptides.

Enzyme

Transglutaminase, EC2.3.2.13.
Success of non‐surgical periodontal therapy in adult periodontitis patients: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Van der Weijden G.A. (Fridus) , Dekkers Gijs J. , Slot Dagmar E.
Published: April 2019

Objective

To evaluate the results of active non‐surgical treatment in patients diagnosed with adult periodontitis treated in a specialized clinic for periodontology.

Material & Methods

In total, 1182 patients with adult periodontitis received active non‐surgical therapy, which involved professional oral hygiene instruction, scaling and root planing, supragingival polishing and elective systemic antimicrobial medication. The results of this therapy were based on a full‐mouth periodontal chart as assessed at the time of evaluation. Successful treatment as periodontal pocket depth (PPD) ≤5 mm was the main outcome parameter with bleeding on pocket probing as secondary outcome. Patient‐related factors such as smoking and severity of periodontitis at baseline and site‐related factors such as tooth type, furcation involvement and endodontic treatment were analysed. Possible relations with assessed parameters and the success of active periodontal therapy were evaluated.

Results

Overall 39% of the patients reached the successful treatment objective and a mean bleeding on pocket probing tendency of 14%. Treatment success appeared to be dependent on tooth type where the results at single‐rooted front teeth (85%) and premolar teeth (78%) were more successful than at molar teeth (47%). Analysis revealed that in 55% of the cases furcation involvement at molars was associated with the absence of success. Endodontic treatment was associated with absence of success in 8%‐11% of the cases. Smoking negatively influences successful treatment outcome (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Active non‐surgical periodontal therapy in patients with adult periodontitis resulted in approximately one third of the cases in the success endpoint of PPD ≤ 5mm. Sub‐analysis showed that the outcome appeared to be dependent on tooth type, furcation involvement, severity of periodontal disease at intake and smoking status.
Combined effect of microwave and ultrasonication treatments on the quality and stability of sugarcane juice during cold storage
Authors: Zia Sania , Khan Moazzam Rafiq , Zeng Xin‐An , Sehrish   , Shabbir Muhammad Asim , Aadil Rana Muhammad
Published: April 2019

The main objective of this study was to investigate the combined effect of microwave (MW) treatment (2450 MHz for 120 s), ultrasonication (US) (24 KHz, 20 °C for 20 min) and combined treatment (MW‐US) on the quality and stability of sugarcane juice (SCJ) during 21 days of storage at 4 °C. The effect of the treatments and storage time on physicochemical, bioactive compounds (total phenolic, flavonoids and ascorbic acid content) and microbial analysis of SCJ. No significant (P < 0.05) changes were observed in °Brix, while there was an increase in pH and a decrease in titratable acidity in all treatments. Compared to US and MW, MW‐US treatments was more effective in preserving colour attributes, total phenolic and flavonoids contents, ascorbic acid and antioxidant capacities of the SCJ during storage. The results regarding the microbial count indicate that more microbial safety and longer shelf life was achieved by MW‐US. MW‐US treatment is an effective technology for improving the safety and shelf life of SCJ by minimising quality changes, retaining bioactive compounds and reducing microbial growth during storage.
Correlative metabolite profiling approach to understand antioxidant and antimicrobial activities from citrus essential oils
Authors: Lamine Myriam , Rahali Fatma Zohra , Hammami Majdi , Mliki Ahmed
Published: April 2019

The objective of this study was to investigate the chemical composition of the essential oils from citrus species, as well as their antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. By gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry, we identified thirty‐seven metabolites and a range of unique compounds, contributing to the discrimination of the species. Different biological potentialities were detected depending on the species supported the significant effect of the genetic factor. C. aurantium and C. limon exhibited the highest antioxidant activities which make them a potential source of natural preservative. C. limon exhibited the highest antibacterial activities and C. reticulata the highest antifungal activities. Essential oils extracted from these agro‐wastes could serve as natural food preservatives to prevent food pathogens and then extending the shelf life. A set of potential metabolites could be implicated in the observed biological activity, underlying that the antimicrobial activity is a complex trait.
The effect of the 2009 WIC food package change on childhood obesity varies by gender and initial weight status in Los Angeles County
Authors: Chaparro M. Pia , Anderson Christopher E. , Crespi Catherine M. , Whaley Shannon E. , Wang May C.
Published: April 2019

Objective

To assess whether the effect of the 2009 women, infants, and children (WIC) food package change on obesity outcomes varies by initial weight status and gender.

Methods

Using 2003 to 2016 data from Los Angeles County, we compared growth trajectories and obesity at age 4 years among children exposed to WIC after the food package change (n = 53 075) vs children exposed before (n = 53 075). Analyses were stratified by gender and initial weight status: low weight‐for‐height z‐score (WHZ ≤ 25th percentile), average WHZ (25th < WHZ < 75th percentile), and high WHZ (WHZ ≥ 75th percentile). Within strata, children exposed to the new vs old packages were matched on sociodemographic characteristics and compared using growth models and Poisson regression.

Results

Mean WHZ trajectories for children exposed to the new food package, compared with the old, tended to be lower during ages 1 to 5 years. For boys, the new food package was associated with 10% to 14% lower obesity risk at age 4 years in all initial weight status strata. For girls, the new package was associated with 16% lower obesity risk at age 4 years only for those with average WHZ at baseline.

Conclusions

The change in WIC food packages appears to be associated with obesity prevention benefits for boys regardless of initial weight status, with more limited benefits for girls.
Mitochondrial implications in human pregnancies with intrauterine growth restriction and associated cardiac remodelling
Authors: Guitart‐Mampel Mariona , Juarez‐Flores Diana L. , Youssef Lina , Moren Constanza , Garcia‐Otero Laura , Roca‐Agujetas Vicente , Catalan‐Garcia Marc , Gonzalez‐Casacuberta Ingrid , Tobias Ester , Milisenda José C. , Grau Josep M. , Crispi Fàtima , Gratacos Eduard , Cardellach Francesc , Garrabou Glòria
Published: April 2019

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is an obstetric complication characterised by placental insufficiency and secondary cardiovascular remodelling that can lead to cardiomyopathy in adulthood. Despite its aetiology and potential therapeutics are poorly understood, bioenergetic deficits have been demonstrated in adverse foetal and cardiac development. We aimed to evaluate the role of mitochondria in human pregnancies with IUGR. In a single‐site, cross‐sectional and observational study, we included placenta and maternal peripheral and neonatal cord blood mononuclear cells (PBMC and CBMC) from 14 IUGR and 22 control pregnancies. The following mitochondrial measurements were assessed: enzymatic activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain (MRC) complexes I, II, IV, I + III and II + III, oxygen consumption (cell and complex I‐stimulated respiration), mitochondrial content (citrate synthase [CS] activity and mitochondrial DNA copy number), total ATP levels and lipid peroxidation. Sirtuin3 expression was evaluated as a potential regulator of bioenergetic imbalance. Intrauterine growth restriction placental tissue showed a significant decrease of MRC CI enzymatic activity (P < 0.05) and CI‐stimulated oxygen consumption (P < 0.05) accompanied by a significant increase of Sirtuin3/β‐actin protein levels (P < 0.05). Maternal PBMC and neonatal CBMC from IUGR patients presented a not significant decrease in oxygen consumption (cell and CI‐stimulated respiration) and MRC enzymatic activities (CII and CIV). Moreover, CS activity was significantly reduced in IUGR new‐borns (P < 0.05). Total ATP levels and lipid peroxidation were preserved in all the studied tissues. Altered mitochondrial function of IUGR is especially present at placental and neonatal level, conveying potential targets to modulate obstetric outcome through dietary interventions aimed to regulate Sirtuin3 function.
The influence of an anti‐inflammatory diet on gingivitis. A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Woelber Johan P. , Gärtner Maximilian , Breuninger Lilian , Anderson Annette , König Daniel , Hellwig Elmar , Al‐Ahmad Ali , Vach Kirstin , Dötsch Andreas , Ratka‐Krüger Petra , Tennert Christian
Published: April 2019

Aim

Aim of this study was to investigate the influence of an anti‐inflammatory diet on different parameters in patients with gingivitis.

Materials and Methods

Thirty patients were randomly allocated to an experimental and a control group stratified by their plaque values. The experimental group had to change to a diet low in processed carbohydrates and animal proteins, and rich in omega‐3 fatty acids, vitamin C, vitamin D, antioxidants, plant nitrates and fibres for 4 weeks. The control group did not change their diet. Both groups suspended interdental cleaning. Periodontal parameters were assessed by a blinded dentist. Serological and subgingival plaque samples were taken at baseline and end.

Results

While there were no differences regarding the plaque values, the experimental group showed a significant reduction in gingival bleeding (GI Baseline: 1.04 ± 0.21, GI End: 0.61 ± 0.29, p < 0.05), a significant increase in Vitamin D values and a significant weight loss. There were no inter‐group differences regarding the inflammatory serological parameters, the serological omega fatty acids, nor the subgingival microbiome composition.

Conclusion

The evaluated diet could significantly reduce gingivitis in a clinically relevant range, while serological inflammatory parameters and the subgingival microbiome seem to be unaffected in this study duration. (German Clinical Trials Register; DRKS00009888).
Diabetes attenuated age‐related aortic root dilatation in end‐stage renal disease patients receiving peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Ye Min , Zhang Jingwei , Li Jianbo , Liu Yanqiu , He Wei , Lin Hong , Fan Rui , Li Cuiling , Li Wei , Liu Donghong , Yao Fengjuan
Published: April 2019

Aims/Introduction

Recently, some data have supported the concept that diabetes is negatively associated with aortic aneurysm. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between diabetes and cardiac structural and functional characteristics, in particular, aortic root dimensions, in end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) patients.

Methods

ESRD patients receiving peritoneal dialysis for >3 months were consecutively enrolled. Clinical features and echocardiographic parameters were analyzed according to the presence of diabetes history. Correlation analyses were carried out for diabetes mellitus and aortic root dilatation. Multiple logistic regression analysis was carried out to identify variables correlated with aortic root dilatation.

Results

A total of 218 ESRD patients receiving peritoneal dialysis were enrolled. Patients with diabetes showed lower left ventricular internal measurements in end‐diastole, left ventricular internal measurements in end‐systole and aortic root diameter (ARD)/body surface area (BSA). Worse cardiac diastolic function was also observed in these patients. In addition, the age‐related increase of ARD/BSA and ARD/height was attenuated in patients with diabetes. With the increase of ARD/BSA, lower levels of serum creatinine, phosphorus and serum glucose, as well as higher serum high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein A‐1 were also observed. Increased normalized left ventricular internal measurements were shown in patients with greater ARD/BSA. Multiple regression analysis showed that diabetes (odds ratio 0.353, P = 0.015) was an independent correlate of aortic root dilatation, even after correction for age, sex and other clinical confounders in the enrolled patients.

Conclusions

The present findings shown an inverse association between diabetes and age‐related aortic root dilatation in ESRD patients. Diabetes remained to be independently correlated with aortic root dilatation even after adjustment for age, sex and other clinical confounders in ESRD patients.
Difficulty Hearing Is Associated With Low Levels of Patient Activation
Authors: Chang Ji Eun , Weinstein Barbara E. , Chodosh Joshua , Greene Jessica , Blustein Jan
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Patient activation encompasses the knowledge, skills, and confidence that equip adults to participate actively in their healthcare. Patients with hearing loss may be less able to participate due to poor aural communication. We examined whether difficulty hearing is associated with lower patient activation.

DESIGN

Cross‐sectional study.

SETTING/PARTICIPANTS

A nationally representative sample of Americans aged 65 years and older (n = 13 940) who participated in the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey (MCBS) during the years 2011 to 2013.

MEASUREMENT

Self‐reported degree of difficulty hearing (“no trouble,” “a little trouble,” and “a lot of trouble”) and overall activation based on aggregated scored responses to 16 questions from the MCBS Patient Activation Supplement: low activation (below the mean minus 0.5 SDs), high activation (above the mean plus 0.5 SDs), and medium activation (the remainder). Sociodemographic and self‐reported clinical measures were also included.

RESULTS

“A little trouble” hearing was reported by 5655 (40.6%) of respondents, and “a lot of trouble” hearing was reported by 893 (6.4%) of respondents. Difficulty hearing was significantly associated with low patient activation: in analyses using multivariable multinomial logistic regression, respondents with “a little trouble” hearing had 1.42 times the risk of low vs high activation (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.27‐1.58), and those with “a lot of trouble” hearing had 1.70 times the risk of low vs high activation (95% CI = 1.29‐2.11), compared with those with “no trouble” hearing.

CONCLUSIONS

Nearly half of people aged 65 years and older reported difficulty hearing, and those reporting difficulty were at risk of low patient activation. That risk rose with increased difficulty hearing. Given the established link between activation and outcomes of care, and in view of the association between hearing loss and poor healthcare quality and outcomes, clinicians may be able to improve care for people with hearing loss by attending to aural communication barriers.
Facial dysplasia in wild forest olive baboons (Papio anubis) in Sebitoli, Kibale National Park, Uganda: Use of camera traps to detect health defects
Authors: Lacroux Camille , Guma Nelson , Krief Sabrina
Published: April 2019

Background

Primate populations are in decline, mainly affected by agriculture leading to habitat loss, fragmentation but also chemical pollution. Kibale National Park (Uganda), Sebitoli forest, surrounded by tea and crop fields, is the home range of chimpanzees presenting congenital facial dysplasia. This study aimed to identify to what extent the same phenotypical features are observed in baboons (Papio anubis) of this area.

Methods

A total of 25 390 clips recorded by 14 camera traps between January 2017 and April 2018 were analyzed.

Results

We identified 30 immature and adult baboons of both sexes with nose and lip deformities. They were more frequently observed in the northwestern part of the area.

Conclusions

A possible effect of pesticides used in crops at the border of their habitat is suspected to alter the embryonic development. This study emphasizes the importance of non‐invasive methods to detect health problems in wild primates that can act as sentinels for human health.