bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A theory of managerial tax aggression: evidence from China, 2008-2013 (9702 observations)
Authors: Li Yuanhui , Luo Ying , Wang Jiali , Foo Check-Teck
Published: April 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the economic consequence of the tax reductive strategy on stock price. The authors’ theory, empirically reinforced, suggests managerial tax aggressiveness endangers the corporation through a heightened risk in stock price crashing. Information opacity worsens the situation by reinforcing the relationship. Policymakers should emphasize two aspects: market openness and tighter institutional monitoring. The evidence shown in this paper demonstrates that these two weaken the tax aggressiveness impact on risk of a crashing stock price.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample in this paper consists of 9,702 observations from listed firms from 2008 to 2013 in China. The tax rate is manually collected and all the other original data used in this study are sourced from Wind and China Capital Market and Accounting Research databases. Both logistic regression and ordinary least squares regression methods are used to test the hypothesis in this paper.

Findings

One key insight is in tax aggressiveness to be strongly correlated with a greater risk of future stock price crashing. The authors also found information opacity to exert a positive moderating effect. That is, the higher the information opacity, the stronger and more positive the correlation between tax aggression and stock price crash risk. However, the market process and an institutional investor have opposite, negative impacts. An open market environment reduces their correlativeness. Similarly, stronger institutional vigilance leads to an attenuation of such a co-relationship.

Practical implications

The findings of this paper have wide policy implications for management and control by authorities of listed corporations. Aggressiveness in management of corporate taxes accentuates the risks borne by stockholders. If so, internally within the corporation, such aggression shown by management, if not proscribed, could be subject to scrutiny, possibly by an independent committee. Externally, this may be countered by the authority in emphasizing three key factors: openness in information sharing, the market environment and tighter institutional monitoring.

Originality/value

This study provides a consequential theory of aggressive management of tax, rigorously analyzed and strongly, empirically supported. Overall, aggressiveness in tax management is related with assumption of higher risks in the crashing of stock price. The relationship is enhanced through information opacity, but reduced via market environment and institutional monitoring.
Frontiers of research on Chinese management
Authors: Foo Check Teck
Published: April 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a brief yet insightful survey of papers in the first issue of Chinese Management Studies. In the process, the founding Editor focuses on the key concepts and how scholars may further extend and build on the research undertaken.

Design/methodology/approach

The Editor provides a snapshot of the research undertaken in the papers selected for this issue. Instead of simply summarizing the work undertaken, the Editor, where it is highly appropriate, incorporates aspects of underlying Chinese culture. For instance, how the Confucian concept of the doctrine of mean – very broad as it is in scope – is supported in research reported here. Also, in contradiction to what authors may have argued on meaningfulness of work per se, to highlight an old Chinese adage: for example, 工字不出头 (gong-zhi-bu-chu-tuo). A literal translation into English will fail to render the true intent of the phrase. What it means is that the Chinese character for “work” implies a much deeper meaning: The horizontal line on top of the vertical limits the potential of future growth. Other concepts are visualized for ease of readers grasping the key concepts.

Findings

The series of papers here highlight the significance of research into managerial behaviors (negatively, tax aggression and abuse of power for self-enrichment), meaningfulness of work, reading of timeless Chinese novels, innovation (ZTE) and the knowledge organization, changing and transforming China and of Russian-Chinese (Taiwan) strategic alliances. The insights gained through these intensive research efforts ought to be shared with scholars globally.

Social implications

The research in this issue has wide practical relevance as in highlighting the critical importance of a range of topics: Jiang Hu organizing theory, managerial behaviors, innovation and knowledge, Russo-Chinese strategic alliances, fit in strategic management and China-in-transition. This paper ties these together for the reader.

Originality/value

Through a review of these papers, the Editor provides insights for scholars on the possibilities for extending the frontiers of research on Chinese management. Where relevant the Editor highlights additionally, perspectives from deeply rooted Chinese beliefs, values and philosophy.
The impact of explicit CSR regulation: evidence from China’s mining firms
Authors: Dong Shidi , Xu Lei
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– With its rapid economic expansion and its growing environmental and social issues, China has introduced explicit corporate social responsibility (CSR) regulations since 2006 as part of its social harmony policy. The purpose of this paper is to examine the CSR disclosure practices of the historically unaccountable mining firms in China’s current regulatory context.

Design/methodology/approach

– The sample covers all 60 listed mining firms on the Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges between 2007 and 2012, totalling 360 firm-year observations. The authors adopt the “Chinese CSR Report Preparation Guide” as the benchmark for content analysis. To strengthen the analysis, the authors apply binary logistic regression with the determinants of state government, social responsibility index, and cross-listing overseas status.

Findings

– The authors discover that mining firms rapidly adopt CSR disclosure in response to the regulatory pressures from the state government and the stock exchanges to maintain legitimacy and survival prospects. However, the quality of CSR disclosures becomes a new concern.

Research limitations/implications

– The most environmentally and socially sensitive mining sector can provide good samples of firm CSR practice in the second largest economy. Although mandatory requirements may result in the firms’ passive compliance, strict regulation is still the key to the changes in corporate accountability and transparency. China may need to strengthen its CSR regulation for its sustainable growth in the coming Asian Era.

Practical implications

– In the institutional context of China, the imposition of strict regulation seems to be the key to improving CSR practice. However, the mandatory requirements may also result in passive compliance without effective change in corporate accountability and transparency. The sustainable development of the mining sector and advocacy of CSR behaviour require cooperation at national, social and corporate levels.

Originality/value

– This study contributes to the evolving CSR literature about China and the literature from an industry perspective where governance and regulation are highly influential. The methodology may also enrich future research in the area with a fairly long sample period.
Accommodating new ways of working: lessons from best practices and worst cases
Authors: Brunia Sandra , De Been Iris , van der Voordt Theo J.M.
Published: April 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore which factors may explain the high or low percentages of satisfied employees in offices with shared activity-based workplaces.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper compares data on employee satisfaction from two cases with remarkably high satisfaction scores and two cases with significantly lower satisfaction scores (total N = 930), all of the same organisation. These cases were selected from a database with employee responses to a standardised questionnaire in 52 flexible work environments. In the four case studies, also group interviews were conducted.

Findings

Overall, there are large differences in employee satisfaction between cases with, at first sight, a similar activity-based office concept. The main differences between the best and worst cases regard employee satisfaction with the interior design, level of openness, subdivision of space, number and diversity of work places and accessibility of the building. Employee satisfaction shows to be influenced by many physical characteristics of the work environment and by the implementation process. Satisfaction with the organisation may have an impact as well.

Research limitations/implications

Almost all cases regard Dutch organisations. Due to the lack of quantitative scales to define the physical characteristics of the work environment, the study is mainly descriptive and explorative and does not include advanced multivariate statistical analyses.

Practical implications

The data revealed clear critical success factors including a supportive spatial layout to facilitate communication and concentration, attractive architectural design, ergonomic furniture, appropriate storage facilities and coping with psychological and physical needs, such as privacy, thermal comfort, daylight and view. Critical process factors are the commitment of managers, a balance between a top-down and a bottom-up approach and clear instructions on how to use activity-based workplaces.

Originality/value

The study connects descriptive research with inductive reasoning to explore why employees may be satisfied or dissatisfied with flex offices. It is based on a combination of quantitative survey data from 52 cases and a closer look at two best cases and two worst cases based on qualitative data from interviews and personal observations. The study has high practical value due to the integral approach that incorporates many items of the physical environment and context factors like the implementation process.
Lymphedema‐associated neutrophilic dermatosis: Two cases of localized Sweet syndrome on the lymphedematous lower limbs
Authors: Chu Chien‐Ho , Cheng Yu‐Ping , Kao Hua‐Lin , Liang Cher‐Wei , Chan Jung‐Yi , Yu Yu
Published: April 2016

Neutrophilic dermatosis on the site of lymphedema is a rare condition and considered as a localized and less severe variant of Sweet syndrome. Only 13 cases of this variant have been reported after mastectomy for breast cancer in the English‐language published work. However, this condition has never been described on the lower limbs or from other causes of lymphedema. Herein, we report two cases of localized Sweet syndrome on the lymphedematous lower limbs: one occurred after radical hysterectomy, bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection and radiotherapy for cervical cancer; the other developed after radiotherapy for malignant melanoma on the right groin. Based on clinical and histological features, we suggest the name “lymphedema‐associated neutrophilic dermatosis” for this underrecognized disease entity.
Effect and Safety of Daclatasvir‐Asunaprevir Combination Therapy for Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Genotype 1b ‐Infected Patients on Hemodialysis
Authors: Miyazaki Ryoichi , Miyagi Kyoko
Published: April 2016

The prevalence of anti‐hepatitis C virus (HCV)antibodies is higher in hemodialysis patients than in the general population, and several studies have reported poor vital prognosis in HCV‐infected dialysis patients because infection with HCV is not only the cause of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, but also a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Although sustained virologic response (SVR) is achievable with interferon and ribavirin in dialysis patients, SVR rates are lower, and the use of ribavirin is challenging because of the risk of hemolytic anemia. Recently, interferon‐ribavirin free direct acting antivirals (DAAs) treatment has shown strong efficacy and fewer adverse events for chronic HCV infection patients without using dialysis, but there are few reports about DAAs for such patients. Thus, we conducted a study to examine the effect and safety of daclatasvir and asunaprevir in chronic hepatitis C virus genotype 1b‐infected hemodialysis patients. We treated 10 patients: seven males and three females. Before treatment, we detected resistance‐associated variants on the NS5A region, which is the L31M site variant, in two patients. Although two patients showed resistance‐associated variant, all the patients showed quick disappearance of HCV RNA in the serum and achieved a SVR12. During this therapy, no patients displayed abnormal liver function during treatment. Two patients experienced diarrhea and another one patient complained of nausea soon after treatment but these were relieved by symptomatic therapy. We report good results of treatment for chronic hepatitis C virus genotype 1b ‐infected patients on hemodialysis with all oral DAAs (daclatasvir and asunaprevir).
Simultaneous detection of E. coli K12 and S. aureus Using a Continuous Flow Multijunction Biosensor
Authors: Lee Inae , Jun Soojin
Published: April 2016

Rapid detection and identification of potentially harmful bacteria is ideal for food manufacturers to prevent foodborne illness outbreaks. Continuous monitoring method of foodborne pathogens levels and trends in food gives real‐time results. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to fabricate and characterize the continuous flow multijunction biosensor for simultaneous detection of Escherichia coli K12 and Staphylococcus aureus. Junction biosensors were fabricated using gold plated tungsten wires coated with polyethylenimine and single walled carbon nanotubes. Each junction was functionalized with streptavidin and biotinylated antibodies specific to E. coli K12 and S. aureus. Then, single or 2 biosensors for each targeted analyte were connected to tubing, perpendicular to the flow direction. Pure serial diluted samples of E. coli K12 and S. aureus and microbial cocktail samples were continuously pumped at a 0.0167 mL/s into the detection zone. Changes in the electric current by biorecognition reactions between antibody and antigens were calculated. The developed junction sensor coupled with the fluidic channel showed the enhancement of the electric signal responses for detection of E. coli K12, compared to the stationary sensor. A linear regression was observed for both the E. coli and S. aureus functionalized array sensors in the detection range of 102 to 105 CFU/mL. Multiplexed detection of bacteria at the sensing levels as low as 102 CFU/mL for E. coli K12 and S. aureus was achieved within 2 min. Therefore, the continuous flow multijunction biosensor shows potential for rapid and continuous multiplexed detection of foodborne pathogens.
A Controlled Agitation Process for Improving Quality of Canned Green Beans during Agitation Thermal Processing
Authors: Singh Anika , Pratap Singh Anubhav , Ramaswamy Hosahalli S.
Published: April 2016

This work introduces the concept of a controlled agitation thermal process to reduce quality damage in liquid‐particulate products during agitation thermal processing. Reciprocating agitation thermal processing (RA‐TP) was used as the agitation thermal process. In order to reduce the impact of agitation, a new concept of “stopping agitations after sufficient development of cold‐spot temperature” was proposed. Green beans were processed in No. 2 (307×409) cans filled with liquids of various consistency (0% to 2% CMC) at various frequencies (1 to 3 Hz) of RA‐TP using a full‐factorial design and heat penetration results were collected. Corresponding operator's process time to impart a 10‐min process lethality (Fo) and agitation time (AT) were calculated using heat penetration results. Accordingly, products were processed again by stopping agitations as per 3 agitation regimes, namely; full time agitation, equilibration time agitation, and partial time agitation. Processed products were photographed and tested for visual quality, color, texture, breakage of green beans, turbidity, and percentage of insoluble solids in can liquid. Results showed that stopping agitations after sufficient development of cold‐spot temperatures is an effective way of reducing product damages caused by agitation (for example, breakage of beans and its leaching into liquid). Agitations till one‐log temperature difference gave best color, texture and visual product quality for low‐viscosity liquid‐particulate mixture and extended agitations till equilibration time was best for high‐viscosity products. Thus, it was shown that a controlled agitation thermal process is more effective in obtaining high product quality as compared to a regular agitation thermal process.
Geochemistry of the Batang Group in the Zhaokalong Area, Yushu, Qinghai: Implications for the Late Triassic Tectonism in the Northern Sanjiang Region, China
Authors: Huan LI , Xiaoshuang XI , Huashan SUN , Hua KONG , Qianhong WU , Chengming WU , Jillian Aira S. GABO‐RATIO
Published: April 2016

The Batang Group in the Zhaokalong area not only hosts an important Fe‐Cu polymetallic deposit but also reveal important insights for the Late Triassic tectonism in the northern Sanjiang region. In order to delineate the tectonic setting and evolutionary process of the paleo arc‐basin system, geochemical studies on the Batang Group strata have been carried out. The results suggest that andesite in the Zhaokalong area mainly belongs to the tholeiite series and is characterized by obvious fractionation of LREE and HREE, enrichment in LILE and depletion in HFSE, and a distinctly elevated δ34SCDT average of 10.5‰. The sandstone is classified as lithic sandstone, which is also characterized by obvious fractionation of LREE and HREE, as well as weak negative Ce and Eu anomalies. The limestone displays positive Eu anomalies, with δ13CPDB ranging from –1.3‰ to 4.4‰ and δ18OSMOW ranging from 14.6%‰ to 22.5‰. These results indicate that the andesite has a dual signature of both arc andesite and rift volcanic rocks, whereas the sandstone may be formed in an active continental margin, and the limestone could be deposited in a weak oxidizing shallow sea. The sandstone in the Zhaokalong area represents sedimentation in a platform slope facies, corresponding to the main stage of the Jinshajing oceanic basin subduction during the middle period of Late Triassic. The continental arc volcanic activity resulted from subsequent strengthened subduction, forming the andesite in the North Qiangtang back‐arc basin. Afterwards, the limestone was formed after the cessation of magmatic activity. The information gleaned from the Batang Group strata helped constrain the evolution of the paleo‐Jomda island arc and Jinshajiang oceanic subduction in the Late Triassic.
Conditional Conservatism and Debt versus Equity Financing
Authors: Goh Beng Wee , Lim Chee Yeow , Lobo Gerald J. , Tong Yen H.
Published: April 2016

Extant research suggests that conditional conservatism reduces information asymmetry between a firm and its shareholders as well as its debtholders. However, there is little evidence on whether conditional conservatism reduces information asymmetry differentially for shareholders and debtholders. We use the setting of a firm's choice between equity versus debt when it seeks a significant amount of external financing to examine this research question. We find that when firms raise a significant amount of external financing, the use of equity (versus debt) increases with the level of conservatism. We also find that the reduction in cost of equity associated with conservatism is greater for equity issuers than for debt issuers, but find no such difference when we examine cost of debt. In addition, we find that the positive effect of conservatism on the choice of equity issuance (versus debt issuance) is accentuated when the information asymmetry between the firm and its shareholders is more severe. Overall, our results suggest that conservatism reduces information asymmetry more between firms and shareholders than between firms and debtholders.
A Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating the Efficacy of Oral Sucrose in Infants 1 to 3 Months Old Needing Intravenous Cannulation
Authors: Desjardins Marie Pier , Gaucher Nathalie , Curtis Sarah , LeMay Sylvie , Lebel Denis , Gouin Serge
Published: April 2016

Objectives

The objective was to compare the efficacy of an oral sucrose versus placebo in reducing pain in infants 1 to 3 months of age during intravenous (IV) cannulation in the emergency department.

Methods

A randomized, double‐blind, placebo clinical trial was conducted. Participants were randomly allocated to receive 2 mL of an oral 88% sucrose solution or 2 mL of a placebo solution orally. The outcome measure were mean difference in pain score at 1 minute post–IV cannulation assessed by the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability Pain Scale (FLACC) and the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale (NIPS), crying time, and variations in heart rate.

Results

Eighty‐seven participants completed the study, 45 in the sucrose group and 42 in the placebo group. There was no statistical difference in variations in both the FLACC score (p = 0.49) and the NIPS score (p = 0.36) between the two groups as per the Mann‐Whitney U‐test. With the same test, median crying times following IV cannulation were statistically significantly different between both groups (17 seconds in the sucrose group vs. 41 seconds in the placebo group, p = 0.04). Mean changes in heart rate 1 minute after IV cannulation were similar in both groups (16 ± 4 beats/min for sucrose vs. 18 ± 4 beats/min for placebo, p = 0.74). Side effects were similar for both groups and no adverse events were reported.

Conclusions

Administration of an oral sucrose solution in infants 1 to 3 months of age during IV cannulation did not lead to statistically significant changes in pain scores. However, the cry time was significantly reduced.
Areas of controversy in neuroprogression in bipolar disorder
Authors: Passos I. C. , Mwangi B. , Vieta E. , Berk M. , Kapczinski F.
Published: April 2016

Objective

We aimed to review clinical features and biological underpinnings related to neuroprogression in bipolar disorder (BD). Also, we discussed areas of controversy and future research in the field.

Method

We systematically reviewed the extant literature pertaining to neuroprogression and BD by searching PubMed and EMBASE for articles published up to March 2016.

Results

A total of 114 studies were included. Neuroimaging and clinical evidence from cross‐sectional and longitudinal studies show that a subset of patients with BD presents a neuroprogressive course with brain changes and unfavorable outcomes. Risk factors associated with these unfavorable outcomes are number of mood episodes, early trauma, and psychiatric and clinical comorbidity.

Conclusion

Illness trajectories are largely variable, and illness progression is not a general rule in BD. The number of manic episodes seems to be the clinical marker more robustly associated with neuroprogression in BD. However, the majority of the evidence came from cross‐sectional studies that are prone to bias. Longitudinal studies may help to identify signatures of neuroprogression and integrate findings from the field of neuroimaging, neurocognition, and biomarkers.
Laparoscopic surgery for early endometrial cancer
Authors: Bennich Gitte , Rudnicki Martin , Lassen Pernille D.
Published: April 2016

Introduction

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate learning curves and short‐term outcomes following laparoscopic surgery for early endometrial cancer in women of different body mass index (BMI) classes.

Material and methods

Data from 227 women planned for laparoscopic surgery for presumed stage I endometrial cancer were collected retrospectively from a Danish gynecologic oncology unit. Surgery included laparoscopic hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy with or without pelvic lymphadenectomy (PLA).

Results

Median length of operations was 60 min (range, 30–197) and 120 min (range, 60–230), depending on whether PLA was included. The median pelvic lymph node yield was 18 (range, 7–42). For staging with PLA there was a learning curve when measured as operative time as well as lymph node yield, and a level of proficiency was not reached after 40 operations. The women had a perioperative complication rate of 4.5% and a median hospital stay of one night. Postoperative complication rate was 12%, comprising vaginal cuff hematoma (3.1%), vaginal cuff rupture (0.9%), trocar hernia (1.3%), ureter lesion (0.4%), bowel lesion (0.4%), reoperation (0.9%) and other complications (4.5%). All peri‐ and postoperative outcomes were independent of BMI classes.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that laparoscopic surgery for early endometrial cancer is feasible and safe. With increasing surgeon's experience there is a significant decrease in operative time and increase in the number of lymph nodes harvested. In experienced hands, either operative time, complications or length of stay are not affected by increasing BMI, even when women are morbidly obese.
Skin‐to‐skin contact is associated with earlier breastfeeding attainment in preterm infants
Authors: Oras Paola , Thernström Blomqvist Ylva , Hedberg Nyqvist Kerstin , Gradin Maria , Rubertsson Christine , Hellström‐Westas Lena , Funkquist Eva‐Lotta
Published: April 2016

Aim

This study investigated the effects of skin‐to‐skin contact on breastfeeding attainment, duration and infant growth in preterm infants, as this has not been sufficiently explored.

Methods

A prospective longitudinal study on Kangaroo mother care was carried out, comprising 104 infants with a gestational age of 28 + 0 to 33 + 6 and followed up to one year of corrected age. Parents and staff recorded the duration of skin‐to skin contact during the stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Medical data were collected through patient records, and follow‐up questionnaires were filled in by parents.

Results

The 53 infants who attained full breastfeeding in the NICU did so at a median (range) of 35 + 0 (32 + 1 to 37 + 5) weeks of postmenstrual age, and skin‐to‐skin contact was the only factor that influenced earlier attainment in the regression analysis (R2 0.215 p < 0.001). The daily duration of skin‐to‐skin contact during the stay in the NICU did not affect the duration of breastfeeding or infant growth after discharge. Furthermore, infant growth was not affected by the feeding strategy of exclusive, partial breastfeeding or no breastfeeding.

Conclusion

A longer daily duration of skin‐to‐skin contact in the NICU was associated with earlier attainment of exclusive breastfeeding.
Validity of the Prescriber Information in the Danish National Prescription Registry
Authors: Rasmussen Lotte , Valentin Julie , Gesser Katarina Margareta , Hallas Jesper , Pottegård Anton
Published: April 2016

The aim of this study was to measure the validity of the prescriber information recorded in the Danish National Prescription Registry (DNPR). The prescriber information recorded in the pharmacies’ electronic dispensing system was considered to represent the prescriber information recorded in the DNPR. Further, the problem of validity of the prescriber information pertains only to non‐electronic prescriptions, as these are manually entered into the dispensing system. The recorded prescriber information was thus validated against information from a total of 2000 non‐electronic prescriptions at five Danish community pharmacies. The validity of the recorded prescriber information was measured at the level of the individual prescriber and the prescriber type, respectively. The proportion of non‐electronic prescriptions with incorrect registrations was 22.4% (95% confidence interval (CI): 20.6–24.3) when considering individual prescriber identifiers and 17.8% (95% CI: 16.1–19.5) when considering prescriber type. When excluding prescriptions specifically registered as ‘missing prescriber identifier’, the proportions decreased to 9.5% (95% CI: 8.2–11.0) and 4.1% (95% CI: 3.2–5.1), respectively. The positive predictive values for the classification of prescriber types were in the range of 94.0–99.2%, while the sensitivity ranged between 64.6% and 91.8%. With a maximum of 14% non‐electronic prescriptions of all prescriptions in the DNPR in 2015, this corresponds to correct classification of prescriber types in the DNPR of at least 97.5%. In conclusion, the prescriber information in the DNPR was found to be valid, especially in recent years. Researchers should be aware of the low sensitivity towards prescriptions from private practicing specialists.
Paediatric non‐Hodgkin lymphoma in low and middle income countries
Authors: Gross Thomas G. , Biondi Andrea
Published: April 2016

Great advances have been made in the treatment of paediatric non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). In high‐income countries (HIC), cure rates now exceed 85%. However, in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMIC), cure rates remain less than 50%. It is estimated that over 90% of paediatric NHL worldwide occur in LMIC; therefore, even modest improvements in outcome would have significant impact in reducing the burden of paediatric NHL globally. This article will discuss some of the issues required to improve the outcome of paediatric NHL in LMIC using data presented at the Fifth International Symposium on Childhood, Adolescent and Young Adult Non‐Hodgkin Lymphoma held in Varese, Italy, 2015 to illustrate these issues. Additionally, potential bi‐directional benefits for patients in both LMIC and HIC from future collaborations will be discussed.
A novel alkylating agent Melflufen induces irreversible DNA damage and cytotoxicity in multiple myeloma cells
Authors: Ray Arghya , Ravillah Durgadevi , Das Deepika S. , Song Yan , Nordström Eva , Gullbo Joachim , Richardson Paul G. , Chauhan Dharminder , Anderson Kenneth C.
Published: April 2016

Our prior study utilized both in vitro and in vivo multiple myeloma (MM) xenograft models to show that a novel alkylator melphalan‐flufenamide (Melflufen) is a more potent anti‐MM agent than melphalan and overcomes conventional drug resistance. Here we examined whether this potent anti‐MM activity of melflufen versus melphalan is due to their differential effect on DNA damage and repair signalling pathways via γ‐H2AX/ATR/CHK1/Ku80. Melflufen‐induced apoptosis was associated with dose‐ and time‐dependent rapid phosphorylation of γ‐H2AX. Melflufen induces γ‐H2AX, ATR, and CHK1 as early as after 2 h exposure in both melphalan‐sensitive and –resistant cells. However, melphalan induces γ‐H2AX in melphalan‐sensitive cells at 6 h and 24 h; no γ‐H2AX induction was observed in melphalan‐resistant cells even after 24 h exposure. Similar kinetics was observed for ATR and CHK1 in meflufen‐ versus melphalan‐treated cells. DNA repair is linked to melphalan‐resistance; and importantly, we found that melphalan, but not melflufen, upregulates Ku80 that repairs DNA double‐strand breaks. Washout experiments showed that a brief (2 h) exposure of MM cells to melflufen is sufficient to initiate an irreversible DNA damage and cytotoxicity. Our data therefore suggest that melflufen triggers a rapid, robust, and an irreversible DNA damage which may account for its ability to overcome melphalan‐resistance in MM cells.
18F‐FDG PET‐CT and trephine biopsy assessment of bone marrow involvement in lymphoma
Authors: Ujjani Chaitra S. , Hill Elizabeth M. , Wang Hongkun , Nassif Samer , Esposito Giuseppe , Ozdemirli Metin , Cordova Christine , Cheson Bruce D.
Published: April 2016

The ability of positron emission tomography‐computerized tomography (PET‐CT) to accurately detect bone marrow involvement (BMI) has been suggested in Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL), but its abilities in other histologies is less established. The aim of this retrospective study was to confirm the role of PET‐CT in detecting BMI in DLBCL and HL, and to explore its usefulness in other subtypes. Of the 149 newly diagnosed patients, common subtypes included DLBCL, follicular lymphoma (FL) and HL. In DLBCL, the sensitivity and specificity of PET‐CT at diagnosis were 75% and 92%. In FL, the sensitivity and specificity of PET‐CT were 67% and 85% at diagnosis, and 73% and 89% at relapse. In HL, the sensitivity and specificity were 100% and 74%. PET‐CT was able to detect BMI in patients with negative biopsies. Most of the patients in which PET‐CT failed to identify BMI were already advanced stage by imaging. In this analysis, PET‐CT was highly accurate for detecting BMI at diagnosis in DLBCL and HL and highly specific in FL at diagnosis and relapse. Results also suggested the diagnostic advantage of PET‐CT over bone marrow biopsy in detecting BMI. Prospective evaluation is necessary and may eliminate biopsies in future patients.
What is Mentalizing? An Overview
Authors: Freeman Catherine
Published: April 2016

This paper attempts to summarize the evolution of interest in the concept of mentalization which has been researched and enriched by the linking of many disciplines alongside that of psychoanalysis and attachment theory. Taking into account the work of Professors Fonagy and Target and many others, the paper describes factors that enable the development of the capacity to mentalize and those that interfere. It will consider how the quality of attachment affects the transformation of pre‐mentalized modes of experience to the recognition of psychic reality of self and other. While mentalizing is part and parcel of all therapies, a mentalization‐based therapy was developed in the context of treatment of borderline personality disorder patients by Professors Bateman and Fonagy. The paper will illustrate key concepts in the theory of mentalization with the vignette taken from clinical practice.
Parental educational level and psychological positive health and health complaints in Spanish children and adolescents
Authors: Padilla‐Moledo C. , Ruiz J. R. , Castro‐Piñero J.
Published: April 2016

Background

Interest on the impact of socioeconomic differences on youth's health is growing. The aim of the present study was to examine the association of parental educational level with psychological positive health and health complaints in Spanish children and adolescents.

Methods

Parental educational level, psychological positive health indicators (perceived health status, life satisfaction, quality of family relationships, quality of peer relationships and academic performance) and health complaint index (headache, stomach ache, backache, feeling low, irritability or bad temper, feeling nervous, difficulties getting to sleep, feeling dizzy) were self‐reported using the Health Behavior in School‐aged Children questionnaire in 685 (366 boys and 319 girls) children and adolescents.

Results

Children reporting parents with non‐university studies (father, mother or both) had significantly higher odd ratio of having lower academic performance, lower life satisfaction, perceiving their health status as otherwise (vs. excellent) and having health complaints sometime than their counterparts reporting parents with university studies (father, mother or both).

Conclusion

Current results provide evidence that children having parents with a university degree (father, mother or both) are more likely to have higher psychological positive health and lower health complaints than children reporting parents with non‐university studies. This is particularly important for the welfare policy that must pay attention for implementing programs for helping population to access to university studies by their impact on youth health.
Are healthcare costs from obesity associated with body mass index, comorbidity or depression? Cohort study using electronic health records
Authors: Rudisill C. , Charlton J. , Booth H. P. , Gulliford M. C.
Published: April 2016

The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between body mass index (BMI) and healthcare costs in relation to obesity‐related comorbidity and depression. A population‐based cohort study was undertaken in the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD). A stratified random sample was taken of participants registered with general practices in England in 2008 and 2013. Person time was classified by BMI category and morbidity status using first diagnosis of diabetes (T2DM), coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke or malignant neoplasms. Participants were classified annually as depressed or not depressed. Costs of healthcare utilization were calculated from primary care records with linked hospital episode statistics. A two‐part model estimated predicted mean annual costs by age, gender and morbidity status. Linear regression was used to estimate the effects of BMI category, comorbidity and depression on healthcare costs. The analysis included 873 809 person‐years (62% female) from 250 046 participants. Annual healthcare costs increased with BMI, to a mean of £456 (95% CI 344–568) higher for BMI ≥40 kg m−2 than for normal weight based on a general linear model. After adjusting for BMI, the additional cost of comorbidity was £1366 (£1269–£1463) and depression £1044 (£973–£1115). There was evidence of interaction so that as the BMI category increased, additional costs of comorbidity (£199, £74–£325) or depression (£116, £16–£216) were greater. High healthcare costs in obesity may be driven by the presence of comorbidity and depression. Prioritizing primary prevention of cardiovascular disease and diabetes in the obese population may contribute to reducing obesity‐related healthcare costs.
Pregnancy in sensitized kidney transplant recipients: a single‐center experience
Authors: Ajaimy Maria , Lubetzky Michelle , Jones Timothy , Kamal Layla , Colovai Adriana , de Boccardo Graciela , Akalin Enver
Published: April 2016

Background

We aimed to examine the clinical outcomes of sensitized pregnant kidney transplant recipients.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of female patients who received kidney transplant at Montefiore transplant center between June 1, 2009 through December 31, 2014 and had a documented pregnancy in our system.

Results

We found that 11 women had pregnancies during this period with a median age of 36 yr (range 22, 39). Pregnancies occurred at a median of 3.1 yr (1.1, 8.7) after transplantation. Pre‐pregnancy patients’ median serum creatinine levels and spot urine protein/creatinine ratio were 1.1 mg/dL (1.1, 2.1) and 0.55 g/d (0, 1.2), respectively. Eight patients were sensitized with panel reactive antibody (PRA) levels > 0% and three had PRA of 0%. The sensitized group had a higher incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes; one stillbirth and two second trimester miscarriage. During a median follow‐up of 2.3 yr (1.2, 4) after delivery, three high PRA patients (37%) developed antibody‐mediated rejection that led to graft loss.

Conclusions

We observed an increased risk of rejection, graft loss, and adverse pregnancy outcomes in sensitized kidney recipients.
Pre‐transplant shedding of BK virus in urine is unrelated to post‐transplant viruria and viremia in kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Bicalho C. S. , Oliveira R. R. , Pierrotti L. C. , Fink M. C. D. S. , Urbano P. R. P. , Nali L. H. S. , Luna E. J. A. , Romano C. M. , David D. R. , David‐Neto E. , Pannuti C. S.
Published: April 2016

BK virus‐(BKV) associated nephropathy (BKVN) is a major cause of allograft injury in kidney transplant recipients. In such patients, subclinical reactivation of latent BKV infection can occur in the pre‐transplant period. The purpose of this study was to determine whether urinary BKV shedding in the immediate pre‐transplant period is associated with a higher incidence of viruria and viremia during the first year after kidney transplantation. We examined urine samples from 34 kidney transplant recipients, using real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction to detect BKV. Urine samples were obtained in the immediate pre‐transplant period and during the first year after transplant on a monthly basis. If BKV viruria was detected, blood samples were collected and screened for BKV viremia. In the immediate pre‐transplant period, we detected BKV viruria in 11 (32.3%) of the 34 recipients. During the first year after transplantation, we detected BKV viruria in all 34 patients and viremia in eight (23.5%). We found no correlation between pre‐transplant viruria and post‐transplant viruria or viremia (p = 0.2). Although reactivation of latent BKV infection in the pre‐transplant period is fairly common among kidney transplant recipients, it is not a risk factor for post‐transplant BKV viruria or viremia.
Nerve ultrasound in clinical management of carpal tunnel syndrome in mucopolysaccharidosis
Authors: Bäumer Tobias , Bühring Nina , Schelle Thomas , Münchau Alexander , Muschol Nicole
Published: April 2016

Aim

Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) are a group of diseases with an almost 100% lifetime incidence of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) in MPSsubtypes I, II, and VI. We compared nerve ultrasound with clinical signs and electrophysiology in a clinical setting to screen for CTSin MPS.

Method

Twenty‐four patients (13 male, 11 female, mean age of 7y 11mo [SD8y 5mo], range 6mo–29y) were screened for CTS. Eight of these patients were re‐examined post‐operatively. Clinical signs, distal motor latency, compound muscle action potential, sensory nerve action potential amplitude and velocity, as well as echogenicity and the cross‐sectional area (CSA) of the median nerve at the wrist and forearm determined with ultrasound were assessed and the wrist to forearm ratio (WFR) calculated. Eighteen healthy participants formed a comparison group, who were also investigated with nerve ultrasound.

Results

In 26% of the patients' hands, clinical signs of CTSwere present; 77% fulfilled electrophysiological and 92% nerve ultrasound criteria for CTS. Post‐operatively, electrophysiology improved significantly, whereas ultrasound results were unchanged. In the comparison group, age and height correlated with the CSA, but not with WFR.

Interpretation

Nerve ultrasound is a useful and painless primary screening tool for CTSin MPS.
Medial gastrocnemius muscle volume in ambulant children with unilateral and bilateral cerebral palsy aged 2 to 9 years
Authors: Barber Lee A , Read Felicity , Lovatt Stern Jacquie , Lichtwark Glen , Boyd Roslyn N
Published: April 2016

Aim

Calf muscle growth in children with unilateral cerebral palsy (UCP) and bilateral cerebral palsy (BCP) is unknown. This cross‐sectional study examines the medial gastrocnemius growth rates of ambulatory children with UCP and BCP compared with children with typical development (CTD), aged 2 to 9 years.

Method

Fifty children with UCP (mean age 66mo [SD 18], 29 males, Gross Motor Function Classification System [GMFCS] I=32, II=18), 50 children with BCP (age 64mo [SD 19], 31 males, GMFCS I=21, II=29), and 78 CTD (age 64mo [SD 16], 40 males) participated in the study. The medial gastrocnemius muscle volume was measured at rest using a validated freehand three‐dimensional (3D) ultrasound method.

Results

Normalized medial gastrocnemius muscle growth rate was significantly less in the children with UCP (0.001 mL/kg/mo) compared with the BCP (0.015 mL/kg/mo, p=0.001) and CTD (0.014 mL/kg/mo, p<0.001) groups. Normalized medial gastrocnemius muscle growth rate was the same in the BCP and CTD groups (p=0.77).

Interpretation

The normalized growth rate of the medial gastrocnemius muscle in children aged 2 to 9 years with UCP is significantly lower compared with children with BCP and CTD. The growth rate differences in the children with UCP compared with BCP raises questions about the underlying mechanisms that lead to reduced growth in each cerebral palsy (CP) group and potential differences in muscle recovery response in UCP and BCP following treatment.
Sex differences in cerebral palsy on neuromotor outcome: a critical review
Authors: Romeo Domenico M , Sini Francesca , Brogna Claudia , Albamonte Emilio , Ricci Daniela , Mercuri Eugenio
Published: April 2016

Sex differences have been reported in children with cerebral palsy (CP), with males having a higher risk of developing CP, but it is not entirely clear whether sex may also affect the severity of motor impairment. The aim of the present study was to critically review the existing literature on sex influence on neuromotor outcome in children with CP. The published papers confirm that CP occurs more frequently in males than in females. Within different types of CP or individual level of impairment, however, there was limited evidence that sex also had an effect on their performance.
Random non‐fasting C–peptide: bringing robust assessment of endogenous insulin secretion to the clinic
Authors: Hope S. V. , Knight B. A. , Shields B. M. , Hattersley A. T. , McDonald T. J. , Jones A. G.
Published: April 2016

Background

Measuring endogenous insulin secretion using C–peptide can assist diabetes management, but standard stimulation tests are impractical for clinical use. Random non‐fasting C–peptide assessment would allow testing when a patient is seen in clinic.

Methods

We compared C–peptide at 90 min in the mixed meal tolerance test (sCP) with random non‐fasting blood C–peptide (rCP) and random non‐fasting urine C–peptide creatinine ratio (rUCPCR) in 41 participants with insulin‐treated diabetes [median age 72 (interquartile range 68–78); diabetes duration 21 (14–31) years]. We assessed sensitivity and specificity for previously reported optimal mixed meal test thresholds for severe insulin deficiency (sCP < 200 pmol//l) and Type 1 diabetes/inability to withdraw insulin (< 600 pmol//l), and assessed the impact of concurrent glucose.

Results

rCP and sCP levels were similar (median 546 and 487 pmol//l, P = 0.92). rCP was highly correlated with sCP, r = 0.91, P < 0.0001, improving to r = 0.96 when excluding samples with concurrent glucose < 8 mmol//l. An rCP cut‐off of 200 pmol//l gave 100% sensitivity and 93% specificity for detecting severe insulin deficiency, with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.99. rCP < 600 pmol//l gave 87% sensitivity and 83% specificity to detect sCP < 600 pmol//l. Specificity improved to 100% when excluding samples with concurrent glucose < 8 mmol//l. rUCPCR (0.52 nmol/mmol) was also well‐correlated with sCP, r = 0.82, P < 0.0001. A rUCPCR cut‐off of < 0.2 nmol/ mmol gave sensitivity and specificity of 83% and 93% to detect severe insulin deficiency, with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.98.

Conclusions

Random non‐fasting C–peptide measures are strongly correlated with mixed meal C–peptide, and have high sensitivity and specificity for identifying clinically relevant thresholds. These tests allow assessment of C–peptide at the point patients are seen for clinical care.
African American Child Discipline: Differences Between Mothers and Fathers
Authors: Adkison‐Johnson Carla , Terpstra Jeffrey , Burgos Jamie , Payne E. Dorphine
Published: April 2016

Child rearing methods used in African American homes have been the subject of much commentary among social scientists, child welfare, and legal personnel. Much of the deliberation has centered on firm disciplinary techniques used by African American mothers. However, few studies have included the perspectives of African American fathers. This study investigated the differences between African American mothers' and fathers' responses in relation to child misbehavior. Several significant differences were found with mothers utilizing more intense disciplinary methods than African American fathers. Results of this investigation underscored the importance of obtaining the viewpoints of African American fathers as well as mothers in understanding parenting in African American homes.