bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemotherapy in patients with unresected pancreatic cancer in Australia: A population‐based study of uptake and survival
Authors: Dumbrava Monica I. , Burmeister Elizabeth A. , Wyld David , Goldstein David , O'Connell Dianne L. , Beesley Vanessa L. , Gooden Helen M. , Janda Monika , Jordan Susan J. , Merrett Neil D. , Payne Madeleine E. , Waterhouse Mary A. , Neale Rachel E.
Published: March 2018

Aim

Palliative chemotherapy improves symptom control and prolongs survival in patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer, but there is a paucity of data describing its use and effectiveness in everyday practice. We explored patterns of chemotherapy use in patients with unresected pancreatic cancer in Australia and the impact of use on survival.

Methods

We reviewed the medical records of residents of New South Wales or Queensland, Australia, diagnosed with unresectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma between July 2009 and June 2011. Associations between receipt of chemotherapy and sociodemographic, clinical and health service factors were evaluated using logistic regression. We used Cox proportional hazards models to analyze associations between chemotherapy use and survival.

Results

Data were collected for 1173 eligible patients. Chemotherapy was received by 44% (n = 184/414) of patients with localized pancreatic cancer and 53% (n = 406/759) of patients with metastases. Chemotherapy receipt depended on clinical factors, such as performance status and comorbidity burden, and nonclinical factors, such as age, place of residence, multidisciplinary team review and the type of specialist first encountered. Consultation with an oncologist mitigated most of the sociodemographic and service‐related disparities in chemotherapy use. The receipt of chemotherapy was associated with prolonged survival in patients with inoperable pancreatic cancer, including after adjusting for common prognostic factors.

Conclusions

These findings highlight the need to establish referral pathways to ensure that all patients have the opportunity to discuss treatment options with a medical oncologist. This is particularly relevant for health care systems covering areas with a geographically dispersed population.
Teledermatologist expert skin advice: A unique model of care for managing skin disorders and adverse drug reactions in hepatitis C patients
Authors: Charlston Samuel , Siller Gregory
Published: March 2018

Objectives

To conduct an audit of teledermatologist expert skin advice, a store and forward tele‐dermatological service, to determine its effectiveness and user satisfaction in managing cutaneous adverse drug reactions in patients with hepatitis C, and to demonstrate a unique collaborative model of care for patients receiving specialised drug therapy.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of data on teledermatologist expert skin advice referrals from January 2014 to December 2015 was performed. The primary outcomes assessed included number of referrals, referral locations, diagnoses, response times, quality of clinical information provided and user satisfaction ratings.

Results

Altogether 43 consultations from 29 referring sites were received from Australian metropolitan and rural settings. Of the patients, 43 were diagnosed with an adverse drug reaction related to the use of either telaprevir or simeprevir. The average time taken for the dermatologist to reply electronically with a final diagnosis and management plan was 1 h 57 min. As many as 26% of referrals required additional photos to establish a diagnosis due to poor‐quality images or insufficient detail. Altogether 18 clinicians completed the customer satisfaction survey, all of whom rated teledermatologist expert skin advice nine or above on a scale of one to 10.

Conclusions

Teledermatologist expert skin advice was regarded by clinicians as a valuable patient care service. The platform is a novel modality that supports patients undergoing specialised treatments at risk of cutaneous adverse drug reaction.
Improved laparoscopic skills in gynaecology trainees following a simulation‐training program using take‐home box trainers
Authors: Wilson Erin , Janssens Sarah , McLindon Lucas A. , Hewett David G. , Jolly Brian , Beckmann Michael
Published: March 2018

Background

Lack of time and access to equipment are recognised barriers to simulation training.

Aim

To investigate the effect of a take‐home laparoscopic simulator training program on the laparoscopic skills of gynaecology trainees.

Method

Participants (n = 17 in 2015, n = 16 in 2016) were supplied with a box trainer, associated equipment and instructions on self‐directed training. A program was designed and implemented in 2015 comprising of ten weekly laparoscopic skills tasks and modified in 2016 to eight monthly tasks. Half of the participants were randomly allocated a supervisor. Participants performed baseline and post‐training assessments of laparoscopic skills in a box trainer task (thread transfer) and virtual reality simulator tasks (laparoscopic tubal ligation and bilateral oophorectomy).

Results

Trainees in 2015 demonstrated an improvement in the median time to complete the laparoscopic tubal ligation task (baseline 124 s vs post‐training 91 s, P = 0.041). There was no difference in the number of tubal ligation bleeding incidents, or in the time taken to complete the box trainer thread transfer task. In 2016 trainees demonstrated improvement in tubal ligation time (baseline 251 vs 71 post‐training, P = 0.021) and bilateral oophorectomy time (baseline 891 s vs 504 post‐training, P = 0.025). There was no significant difference in other outcome measures. There was no difference found in performance when groups were compared by supervisor allocation.

Conclusion

A take‐home box trainer simulation‐training program was associated with improvement in laparoscopic skills. This type of program may improve trainee access to simulation training.
Telehealth‐based model of care redesign to facilitate local fitting and management of patients with a spinal fracture requiring a thoracic lumbar sacral orthosis in rural hospitals in New South Wales
Authors: Gallagher Ryan , Giles Michelle , Morison Jane , Henderson Judith
Published: March 2018

Objective

To develop and implement a telehealth‐based model of care for spinal fractures requiring management with thoracic lumbar sacral orthoses that eliminates the need for transfer to a metropolitan tertiary referral hospital.

Design

Pre–post design observational study evaluating model of care implementation.

Setting

Rural referral hospitals in a large NSW region covering metropolitan, rural and remote hospitals.

Participants

Patients presenting with a thoracic or lumbar spine fracture requiring thoracic lumbar sacral orthoses management and rural clinicians caring for them.

Outcome measures

Number of patients managed in rural hospitals without transfer to a metropolitan tertiary referral hospital; length of stay and related cost efficiencies; clinicians' perceived skills, knowledge and confidence levels.

Results

Model of care was implemented with clinical and system governance processes; and educational workshops across eight rural hospitals. A total of 81 patients managed in rural hospitals under this model between July 2013 and June 2016 without transfer were included in this study. Mean length of stay reduced from nine to four days. Hospital transfers were eliminated from the patient journey, totalling 24 324 km. Workshops were attended by 71 clinicians from nine rural hospitals and survey findings indicated a significant increase in staff knowledge, skill and confidence post education. Cost efficiencies were gained by eliminating 162 inter‐hospital transfers and 405 patient bed days.

Conclusion

This model has streamlined patient journeys and reduced transfers and travel, enabling rural clinicians to provide specialised services in local communities and facilitating timely evidence‐based care in local communities without any adverse events.
Metronidazole following excisional haemorrhoidectomy: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Xia Weisi , Manning James P. R. , Barazanchi Ahmed W. H. , Su'a Bruce , Hill Andrew G.
Published: March 2018

Background

Post‐operative pain is a major issue following excisional haemorrhoidectomy. Although metronidazole by both oral and topical administration routes has been shown to reduce pain after haemorrhoidectomy, its use remains a contentious issue. This systematic review and meta‐analysis aims to investigate the effect of metronidazole on post‐operative pain after excisional haemorrhoidectomy.

Methods

A systematic review of the literature was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL and CINAHL, from inception to December 2016 were retrieved. The primary outcome investigated was post‐operative pain reported as visual analogue score (VAS). Secondary outcomes were analgesia use, complications and time to return to normal activity. Meta‐analysis was performed using Review Manager version 5.3 software.

Results

Nine randomized controlled trials including 523 patients were included in the final analysis. Five studies used oral administration and four used topical. Meta‐analysis showed that post‐operative VAS of patients receiving metronidazole by either route was significantly less than those in comparison groups. VAS means decreased at all the time points for both oral and topical metronidazole. Topical and oral routes of administration were not compared in any study. There was no increase in complication rates and return to normal activity was significantly earlier for patients receiving metronidazole (−4.49 days; 95% confidence interval [−7.70, −1.28]; P = 0.006).

Conclusions

Both topical and oral metronidazole reduce post‐operative pain without an increase in complication rates and result in an earlier return to normal activity. Further work is required to determine which the optimum route of administration is.
Day case hernia repair: weak evidence or practice gap?
Authors: Scarfe Anje , Duncan Joanna , Ma Ning , Cameron Alun , Rankin David , Karatassas Alex , Fletcher David , Watters David , Maddern Guy
Published: March 2018

Background

Analysis of a private insurer's administrative data set revealed significant variation in the length of hospital stay following hernia surgery.

Objectives

This review examined factors influencing the performance of day surgery for inguinal, femoral and umbilical hernia repair in adults.

Data sources

A systematic literature search was conducted in the PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library databases to identify studies and clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) comparing same day hernia surgery to surgery followed by an overnight stay.

Review methods

Screening of studies by abstract and full text was completed by a single researcher and checked by a second. Studies were selected for inclusion based on a step‐wise approach across three phases.

Results

Limited evidence from one systematic review, and three case series studies including 3213 patients found that same day hernia surgery was as safe and effective as an overnight stay. All identified CPGs recommended a same day procedure for most patients. Two case series studies reported that 3–8% of patients were ineligible for day procedures due to medical reasons; however, the characteristics of patients, in general, which are not suitable, have not been adequately investigated.

Conclusions

Day surgery for groin hernia repair is safe and effective for most patients. However, evidence‐based support is only one of many factors that may contribute to the uptake of day surgery in Australia. There is an opportunity for key stakeholders across the private healthcare system to deliver an equally effective but more sustainable and affordable hernia care by increasing the day surgery rates.
Efficacy and adverse effects of topical chloramphenicol ointment use for surgical wounds: a systematic review
Authors: Shen Amanda Y. , Haddad Elie J. , Hunter‐Smith David J. , Rozen Warren M.
Published: March 2018

Background

Chloramphenicol ointment is often used in plastic and dermatologic surgery as a topical antibiotic for surgical wounds, but evidence regarding its efficacy and side effects is lacking. In addition, anecdotal fear of aplastic anaemia exists from the oral use of this drug. We performed a systematic review of the literature to assess the efficacy and side effect profile of topical chloramphenicol ointment on non‐ocular surgical wounds.

Methods

A systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library from inception until 4 September 2017 was undertaken. Clinical studies of topical chloramphenicol ointment use on surgical wounds were included. Studies looking only at ocular use or those not available in full text or English were excluded. The review was conducted adhering to PRISMA guidelines.

Results

After full‐text review, five articles were included. Two were randomized controlled trials, one was retrospective case control and two were case studies. There was evidence that chloramphenicol ointment use on surgical wounds produced a non‐statistically significant reduction in infection rates. Delayed hypersensitivity and acute oesophagitis were noted as potential side effects of non‐ocular topical use. Aplastic anaemia was not reported.

Conclusion

There is a paucity of clinical data regarding the use of topical chloramphenicol ointment on surgical wounds. Further randomized controlled trials may be beneficial in order to support or refute its use in this setting.
A tale of two cities: prehospital intubation with or without paralysing agents for traumatic brain injury
Authors: Bendinelli Cino , Ku Dominic , Nebauer Shane , King Kate L. , Howard Teresa , Gruen Russel , Evans Tiffany , Fitzgerald Mark , Balogh Zsolt J.
Published: March 2018

Background

The role of prehospital endotracheal intubation (PETI) for traumatic brain injury is unclear. In Victoria, paramedics use rapid sequence induction (RSI) drugs to facilitate PETI, while in New South Wales (NSW) they do not have access to paralysing agents. We hypothesized that RSI would both increase PETI rates and improve mortality.

Methods

Retrospective comparison of adult primary admissions (Glasgow Coma Scale <9 and abbreviated injury scale head and neck >2) to either Victorian or NSW trauma centre, which were compared with univariate and logistic regression analysis to estimate odds ratio for mortality and intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay.

Results

One hundred and ninety‐two Victorian and 91 NSW patients did not differ in: demographics (males: 77% versus 79%; P = 0.7 and age: 34 (18–88) versus 33 (18–85); P = 0.7), Glasgow Coma Scale (3 (3–8) versus 5 (3–8); P = 0.07), and injury severity score (38 (26–75) versus 35 (18–75); P = 0.09), prehospital hypotension (15.4% versus 11.7%; P = 0.5) and desaturation (14.6% versus 17.5%; P = 0.5). Victorians had higher abbreviated injury scale head and neck (5 (4–5) versus 5 (3–6); P = 0.04) and more often successful PETI (85% versus 22%; P < 0.05). On logistic regression analysis, mortality did not differ among groups (31.7% versus 26.3%; P = 0.34; OR = 0.84; 95% CI: 0.38–1.86; P = 0.67). Among survivors, Victorians had longer stay in ICU (364 (231–486) versus 144 (60–336) h), a difference that persisted on gamma regression (effect = 1.58; 95% CI: 1.30–1.92; P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Paramedics using RSI to obtain PETI in patients with traumatic brain injury had a higher success rate. This increase in successful PETI rate was not associated with an improvement in either mortality rate or ICU length of stay.
Trends over time in congenital malformations in live‐born children conceived after assisted reproductive technology
Authors: Henningsen Anna‐Karina A. , Bergh Christina , Skjaerven Rolv , Tiitinen Aila , Wennerholm Ulla‐Britt , Romundstad Liv B. , Gissler Mika , Opdahl Signe , Nyboe Andersen Anders , Lidegaard Øjvind , Forman Julie L. , Pinborg Anja
Published: March 2018

Introduction

Children born after assisted reproductive technology, particularly singletons, have been shown to have an increased risk of congenital malformations compared with children born after spontaneous conception. We wished to study whether there has been a change in the past 20 years in the risk of major congenital malformations in children conceived after assisted reproductive technology compared with children spontaneously conceived.

Material and methods

Population‐based cohort study including 90 201 assisted reproductive technology children and 482 552 children spontaneously conceived, born in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden. Both singletons and twins born after in vitro fertilization, intracytoplasmatic sperm injection and frozen embryo transfer were included. Data on children were taken from when the national Nordic assisted reproductive technology registries were established until 2007. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to estimate the risks and adjusted odds ratios for congenital malformations in four time periods: 1988–1992, 1993–1997, 1998–2002 and 2003–2007. Only major malformations were included.

Results

The absolute risk for singletons of being born with a major malformation was 3.4% among assisted reproductive technology children vs. 2.9% among children spontaneously conceived during the study period. The relative risk of being born with a major congenital malformation between all assisted reproductive technology children and children spontaneously conceived remained similar through all four time periods (p = 0.39). However, we found that over time the number of children diagnosed with a major malformation increased in both groups across all four time periods.

Conclusion

When comparing children conceived after assisted reproductive technology and spontaneously conceived, the relative risk of being born with a major congenital malformation did not change during the study period.
Patient‐Specific Atrial Hemodynamics of a Double Lumen Neonatal Cannula in Correct Caval Position
Authors: Muhammad Jamil , Rezaeimoghaddam Mohammad , Cakmak Bilgesu , Rasooli Reza , Salihoglu Ece , Yıldız Yahya , Pekkan Kerem
Published: March 2018

Clinical success of pediatric veno‐venous (VV) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is associated with the double lumen cannula cardiovascular device design as well as its anatomic orientation in the atrium. The positions of cannula ports with respect to the vena cavae and the tricuspid valve are believed to play a significant role on device hemodynamics. Despite various improvements in ECMO catheters, especially for the neonatal and congenital heart patients, it is still challenging to select a catalogue size that would fit to most patients optimally. In effect, the local unfavorable blood flow characteristics of the cannula would translate to an overall loss of efficiency of the ECMO circuit. In this study, the complex flow regime of a neonatal double lumen cannula, positioned in a patient‐specific right atrium, is presented for the first time in literature. A pulsatile computational fluid dynamics (CFD) solver that is validated for cardiovascular device flow regimes was used to perform the detailed flow, oxygenated blood transport, and site‐specific blood damage analysis using an integrated cannula and right atrium model. A standard 13Fr double lumen cannula was scanned using micro‐CT, reconstructed and simulated under physiologic flow conditions. User defined scalar transport equations allowed the quantification of the mixing and convection of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood as well as blood residence times and hemolysis build‐up. Site‐specific CFD analysis provided key insight into the hemodynamic challenges encountered in cannula design and the associated intra‐atrial flow patterns. Due to neonatal flow conditions, an ultra high velocity infusion jet emanated from the infusion port and created a zone of major recirculation in the atrium. This flow regime influenced the delivery of the oxygenated blood to the tricuspid valve. Elevated velocities and complex gradients resulted in higher wall shear stresses (WSS) particularly at the infusion port having the highest value followed by the aspiration hole closest to the drainage port. Our results show that, in a cannula that is perfectly oriented in the atrium, almost 38% of the oxygenated blood is lost to the atrial circulation while only half of the blood from inferior vena cava (IVC) can reach to the tricuspid valve. As such, approximately 6% of venous blood from superior vena cava (SVC) can be delivered to tricuspid. High values of hemolysis index were observed with blood damage encountered around infusion hole (0.025%). These results warrant further improvements in the cannula design to achieve optimal performance of ECMO and better patient outcomes.
Community economies in Monsoon Asia: Keywords and key reflections
Authors: Gibson Katherine , Astuti Rini , Carnegie Michelle , Chalernphon Alanya , Dombroski Kelly , Haryani Agnes Ririn , Hill Ann , Kehi Balthasar , Law Lisa , Lyne Isaac , McGregor Andrew , McKinnon Katharine , McWilliam Andrew , Miller Fiona , Ngin Chanrith , Occeña‐Gutierrez Darlene , Palmer Lisa , Placino Pryor , Rampengan Mercy , Than Wynn Lei Lei , Wianti Nur Isiyana , Wright Sarah
Published: March 2018

A diversity of place‐based community economic practices that enact ethical interdependence has long enabled livelihoods in Monsoon Asia. Managed either democratically or coercively, these culturally inflected practices have survived the rise of a cash economy, albeit in modified form, sometimes being co‐opted to state projects. In the modern development imaginary, these practices have been positioned as ‘traditional’, ‘rural’ and largely superseded. But if we read against the grain of modernisation, a largely hidden geography of community economic practices emerges. This paper introduces the project of documenting keywords of place‐based community economies in Monsoon Asia. It extends Raymond William’s cultural analysis of keywords into a non‐western context and situates this discursive approach within a material semiotic framing. The paper has been collaboratively written with co‐researchers across Southeast Asia and represents an experimental mode of scholarship that aims to advance a post‐development agenda.
The Geochemical Fingerprint of Tufo Lionato Blocks from the Area Sacra di Largo Argentina: Implications for the Chronology of Volcanic Building Stones in Ancient Rome
Authors: Marra F. , D'Ambrosio E. , Gaeta M. , Mattei M.
Published: March 2018

We use trace element discrimination diagrams to provide a geochemical fingerprint for Tufo Lionato, the volcanic rock most commonly used in the ancient Roman dimension stone technique. Based on the comparison of their geochemical signatures, we identify different rock facies of Tufo Lionato employed since the fourth to third centuries and through the second century bce in the construction of the temples of the Area Sacra di Largo Argentina. These rock facies correspond to two previously identified building stones: Aniene Tuff and Monteverde Tuff, named after their supposed source areas located in the Aniene River Valley and in the homonymous locality of the Tiber River Valley, respectively. However, the results of our study demonstrate previous misidentification of these volcanic rocks in the different construction phases of Temple C, providing a revision of the dating system currently accepted for the diffusion of Tufo Lionato architecture. We show that the Aniene facies has been exploited since the end of the fourth century bce and that it was employed along with Tufo Giallo della Via Tiberina in the podium and staircase of Temple C, whereas observations at Largo Argentina suggest that the ‘Monteverde Tuff’ was only sporadically used in the early phases of the dimension stone construction technique.
Is fascial defect closure with intraperitoneal onlay mesh superior to standard intraperitoneal onlay mesh for laparoscopic repair of large incisional hernia?
Authors: Suwa Katsuhito , Okamoto Tomoyoshi , Yanaga Katsuhiko
Published: March 2018

Introduction

The ideal surgical technique for large incisional hernia repair has not yet been identified. The aim of this study was to evaluate surgical outcomes of standard intraperitoneal onlay mesh (sIPOM) versus fascial defect closure with intraperitoneal onlay mesh (IPOM‐Plus) for large incisional hernia repair.

Methods

Of 49 patients who underwent laparoscopic incisional hernia repair between November 2005 and December 2016, 26 cases with large incisional hernia (transverse diameter ≥10 cm) were examined to compare surgical outcomes between sIPOM (n = 12) and IPOM‐Plus (n = 14). Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann–Whitney U‐test and Fisher's exact test. P < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.

Results

We compared sIPOM with IPOM‐Plus for similar hernia types during median follow‐up periods of 53 and 21 months, respectively. The operation time was 150 min for sIPOM and 148 min for IPOM‐Plus (P = 0.6220). Early postoperative complications including seroma formation were observed in four sIPOM patients (33%) and three IPOM‐Plus patients (21%) (P = 0.6652). Significantly more mesh bulged with sIPOM than with IPOM‐Plus (50% vs 0%; P = 0.0082). Chronic pain lasting 3 months after the operation was found in two cases of IPOM‐Plus (14%), but this was not statistically significant. Postoperative hospital stay was longer for sIPOM patients than for IPOM‐Plus patients. Only one recurrence was observed in the sIPOM group (8%), but this was not statistically significant.

Conclusion

For large incisional hernia repair, IPOM‐Plus seems to be more effective than sIPOM in terms of reducing mesh bulging.
Epigastric hernia contiguous with the laparoscopic port site after endoscopic robotic total prostatectomy
Authors: Moriwaki Yoshihiro , Otani Jun , Okuda Junzo , Maemoto Ryo
Published: March 2018

Both laparoscopic and endoscopic robotic surgery are widely accepted for many abdominal surgeries. However, the port site for the laparoscope cannot be easily sutured without defect, particularly in the cranial end; this can result in a port‐site incisional hernia and trigger the progressive thinning and stretching of the linea alba, leading to epigastric hernia. In the present case, we encountered an epigastric hernia contiguous with an incisional scar at the port site from a previous endoscopic robotic total prostatectomy. Abdominal ultrasound and CT revealed that the width of the linea alba was 30–48 mm. Previous CT images prepared before endoscopic robotic prostatectomy had shown a thinning of the linea alba. We should be aware of the possibility of epigastric hernia after laparoscopic and endoscopic robotic surgery. In laparoscopic and endoscopic robotic surgery for a high‐risk patient for epigastric hernia, we should consider additional sutures cranial to the port‐site incision to prevent of an epigastric hernia.
Impairment Losses: The Impact of First‐time Adoption of the Accounting Standardisation System in Portugal
Authors: Oliveira Jonas , Azevedo Graça , Oliveira Bertina
Published: March 2018

Portugal has been recognised as a code law country, with weak legal enforcement mechanisms and conservative accounting practices. However, since 2005, Portuguese companies have been changing their financial reporting practices to those based on common law institutional logic. In 2010, unlisted Portuguese companies began to apply a new set of accounting standards called the Accounting Standardisation System (Sistema de Normalização Contabilística – SNC) based on International Accounting Standards/International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). This paper seeks to analyse the impact of the first‐time adoption of the SNC with regard to the accounting treatment of impairment losses. It is found that, to mitigate political costs associated with their public visibility, larger companies present more credible financial statements that reflect their overall true financial and economic condition. This study is a valuable contribution to both users of financial information and domestic standard setters to help them understand and improve the impact of accounting standards. Consistent with Khalil and Simon (2014), it also contributes to the debate on the optimal flexibility permitted by IFRS to improve reporting quality and reduce earnings management.
Interlock Concentration and Analyst Forecast Accuracy: Value Implications of Interlock
Authors: Han Jie , Liu Ling
Published: March 2018

From the perspective of information commonalities among firms with director interlock relationships, this study mainly investigates the outcomes of earnings forecasts by analysts who choose to concentrate on interlocked firms (analysts following both a firm and its interlocked partner firm in their research portfolio). Using interlocked A‐share firms listed in the Chinese Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges from 2008 to 2013 as samples, we empirically find that analysts who concentrate on interlocked firms produce more accurate earnings forecasts than analysts who do not. In additional analysis, we also find that analysts with an interlock concentration provide superior earnings forecast quality for other non‐interlocked firms in their research portfolios. Finally, through examining the market reaction to interlocked firms, we find that analysts with an interlock concentration provide new information and improve information efficiency for the capital market.
The Perceptions and Determinants of Auditing and Reporting Quality in the Asia‐Pacific Region
Authors: Boolaky Pran K. , Soobaroyen Teerooven , Quick Reiner
Published: March 2018

A country's institutional environment significantly influences perceptions of auditing and reporting quality (ARQ) at the national level. Relying on a relatively unique measure of ARQ, collated by the World Economic Forum, we evaluate the influence of nine key isomorphic pressures on the ARQ in 26 Asia‐Pacific countries. The results suggest that six of these (the efficacy of the corporate board, securities exchange regulations, reliance on professional management, protection of minority interests, adoption of international financial reporting and prevalence of foreign ownership) have a highly significant influence on the perception of ARQ whereas adoption of international standards on auditing is only moderately significant. However, contrary to expectations, our findings do not support the argument that the efficiency of legal frameworks and political systems significantly influences the perceptions of auditing and reporting quality in the Asia‐Pacific region. These results should be of use to investors and the accounting profession in evaluating economic environments.
If You Can Measure It, You Can Manage It: A Case of Intellectual Capital
Authors: Nadeem Muhammad , Dumay John , Massaro Maurizio
Published: March 2018

Despite the great importance attributed to intellectual capital (IC) in the past two decades or so, its measurement and management have remained elusive, mainly because of inappropriate prior models of IC measurement. The purpose of this study is, therefore, to make adjustments to an existing model, the Value Added Intellectual Coefficient (VAIC), and to present an adjusted‐VAIC model to measure IC. We tested our new model on data from 10 emerging and developed world markets and obtained more consistent results than prior studies. Our results indicate a significant positive relationship between IC and its components (human, innovation and physical capitals) and firm performance. Therefore, the adjusted‐VAIC model can be used with confidence to measure IC. Our study has important implications for both academia and industry concerning the measurement of IC.
How Does Unobserved Heterogeneity Affect Value Relevance?
Authors: Ertugrul Melik , Demir Volkan
Published: March 2018

Most value relevance (VR) studies consider an accounting item value relevant if the regression coefficient (RC) of that item is statistically significant. Unobservable heterogeneity leads to biased RCs, interpretation of which generates incorrect inferences. To obtain unbiased RCs, the effect of unobservable heterogeneity on RCs should be mitigated. As two dimensions of unobservable heterogeneity are at the firm level and time level, outcomes with the following unobservable heterogeneity concerns are discussed: i) no fixed‐effects (FE); ii) firm FE; iii) time FE; and iv) two‐way (firm and time) FE. By employing a sample of Turkish firms from 2005–2014, we report several findings. First, we find that regressions with firm (time) FE yield large (low) RCs vis‐à‐vis regressions with no FE, and regressions with two‐way FE generate balanced RCs compared to the others. Second, we compare RCs with i and iv, and conclude that the book value of equity becomes more value relevant while net income does not after controlling for unobservable heterogeneity. Last, we arbitrarily divide the entire period into two to reveal how unobserved endogeneity affects the comparison of RCs belonging to different periods. Our outcomes robustly reveal that unobserved endogeneity leads to erroneous RC comparisons.
Development of the Osteocranium in Natrix natrix (Serpentes, Colubridae) Embryogenesis II: Development of the jaws, palatal complex and associated bones
Authors: Sheverdyukova Hanna V.
Published: March 2018

Snakes differ from the other vertebrates with their hyperkinetic skull. To establish the developmental features of the skull bones, involved in prey capture and ingestion, the Grass snake Natrix natrix (Serpentes, Colubridae) embryos are studied at all the successive stages of embryogenesis. Thirty‐five N. natrix embryos are examined. Twenty embryos are studied with histological methods; fifteen embryos are cleared and double‐stained with alizarin red and alcian blue. The sequence of appearance and formation of the upper and lower jaw bones, palatal complex and associated bones is described in accordance with the table of developmental stages. New features in the ossification mode of some bones are revealed: each bone, namely, the vomer, septomaxilla and maxilla, is formed from three separate ossification centres. Three ossification centres in the maxilla, two ossification centres in the bodies of the septomaxilla and vomer, as well as the unknown additional ossification centre in the vomer had not been previously described in snake embryos. The new data can be used in further comparative research on the reptile skull development and vertebrate phylogeny.
Vascularization of the tumours affects the pharmacokinetics of bleomycin and the effectiveness of electrochemotherapy
Authors: Groselj Ales , Kranjc Simona , Bosnjak Masa , Krzan Mojca , Kosjek Tina , Prevc Ajda , Cemazar Maja , Sersa Gregor
Published: March 2018

Abstract

Pre‐clinical and clinical data indicate differences in the responses of melanoma and carcinoma tumours to electrochemotherapy. The purpose of this study was to investigate the origin of this difference, whether it is due to the intrinsic difference in tumour cell susceptibility to the chemotherapeutic, or due to the tumour micro‐environment. For this purpose, we performed a pre‐clinical study in B16F1 melanoma and TS/A carcinoma tumours in mice, in which the antitumour effectiveness of electrochemotherapy with bleomycin, the intrinsic sensitivity of tumour cells in vitro, the pharmacokinetics of bleomycin in plasma and tumours, and the vascularization of tumours in vivo were evaluated. The results of the treatment show that carcinoma was significantly more responsive to electrochemotherapy than melanoma. This effect cannot be ascribed to the intrinsic sensitivity of these cells, as melanoma cells were more sensitive than carcinoma cells in vitro. The difference in responses could be ascribed to differences in the pharmacokinetics of bleomycin; at the time of electroporation in carcinomas, more bleomycin was accumulated. This effect could be due to differences in tumour vascularization, as carcinoma tumours had numerous well‐distributed, small blood vessels, while melanomas were less vascularized, exhibiting predominantly larger vessels. In conclusion, this study provides evidence on the importance of the tumour micro‐environment, particularly the tumour vasculature, in the responses of the tumours to bleomycin electrochemotherapy. Vasculature is important for the pharmacokinetics of bleomycin, influencing drug accumulation and drug distribution in tumours, and might be used as a predictive factor for the tumour response to electrochemotherapy.
Impact of culture on autobiographical life structure in depression
Authors: Jobson Laura , Miskon Nazleen , Dalgleish Tim , Hitchcock Caitlin , Hill Emma , Golden Ann‐Marie , Zulkefly Nor Sheereen , Mukhtar Firdaus
Published: March 2018

Objectives

Distortions in autobiographical memory have been implicated in major depressive disorder (MDD). Those with MDD demonstrate a ‘depressogenic’ autobiographical life structure. Research has not examined how culture influences this process. We investigated whether Malay individuals (members of an interdependent culture) with MDD demonstrated a ‘depressogenic’ autobiographical life structure similar to that of British individuals (members of an independent culture) with MDD.

Design

A 2 (Culture; Malay, British) × 2 (Mood; depressed, control) cross‐sectional design using a card sort task and self‐report measures was used.

Methods

Malay individuals with MDD or no history of MDD completed the life‐structure card‐sorting task, which provided a novel method for investigating organizational structure of the life narrative. These data were compared to previously collected data in which British individuals with MDD or without MDD had completed the same task within the same experimental protocol.

Results

Pan‐culturally those with MDD had greater negativity (i.e., used more negative attributes), negative redundancy (i.e., used the same negative attributes repeatedly across life chapters) and negative emodiversity (i.e., had greater variety and relative abundance of negative attributes), and reduced positive redundancy (i.e., used the same positive attributes repeatedly across chapters) in their structuring relative to controls. While the British MDD group had greater compartmentalization (i.e., the negative and positive attributes were clustered separately across different chapters) than British controls, the Malay MDD group had lower levels of compartmentalization than Malay controls.

Conclusions

The findings suggest culture may shape aspects of the autobiographical life structure in MDD.

Practitioner points

The majority of the literature investigating depression pertains to individuals from European Western cultures, despite recognition that depression ranks as one of the most debilitating diseases worldwide.

This raises questions as to whether current depression models and interventions can be applied universally or whether they are limited to European Western groups.

The current study found that pan‐culturally those with MDD had similar structuring of their life story relative to controls.

However, there were some cultural differences that need to be considered (e.g., Malay individuals provided less detailed, less elaborate and less emotionally diverse life stories and while the British MDD group had greater compartmentalization than British controls, the Malay MDD group had lower levels of compartmentalization than Malay controls).

Limitations of the study included group differences in gender and mood at the time of testing.

Cultural differences in the number of attributes used may have influenced findings.

Only the Malay group completed the individualism–collectivism measure.
The effects of mother‐child mediated learning strategies on psychological resilience and cognitive modifiability of boys with learning disability
Authors: Tzuriel David , Shomron Vered
Published: March 2018

Background

The theoretical framework of the current study is based on mediated learning experience (MLE) theory, which is similar to the scaffolding concept. The main question of the current study was to what extent mother–childMLEstrategies affect psychological resilience and cognitive modifiability of boys with learning disability (LD). Secondary questions were to what extent the home environment, severity of boy'sLD, and mother's attitude towards her child'sLDaffect herMLEstrategies and consequently the child's psychological resilience and cognitive modifiability.

Aims

The main objectives of this study were the following: (a) to investigate the effects of mother–childMLEstrategies on psychological resilience and cognitive modifiability among 7‐ to 10‐year‐old boys withLD, (b) to study the causal effects of distal factors (i.e., socio‐economic status [SES], home environment, severity of child'sLD, mother's attitude towardsLD) and proximal factors (i.e.,MLEstrategies) on psychological resilience and cognitive modifiability.

Methods

A sample of mother–child dyads (n = 100) were videotaped during a short teaching interaction. All children were boys diagnosed as children withLD. The interaction was analysed forMLEstrategies by theObservation of Mediation Interactionscale. Children were administered psychological resilience tests and their cognitive modifiability was measured by dynamic assessment using the Analogies subtest from theCognitive Modifiability Battery. Home environment was rated by theHome Observation for Measurement of the Environment(HOME), and mothers answered a questionnaire of attitudes towards child'sLD.

Results

The findings showed that mother–childMLEstrategies,HOME, and socio‐economic level contributed significantly to prediction of psychological resilience (78%) and cognitive modifiability (51%). Psychological resilience was positively correlated with cognitive modifiability (Rc = 0.67). Structural equation modelling analysis supported, in general, the hypotheses about the causal effects of distal and proximal factors of psychological resilience and cognitive modifiability.

Conclusion

The findings validate and extend theMLEtheory by showing that mother–childMLEstrategies significantly predict psychological resilience and cognitive modifiability among boys withLD. Significant correlation between psychological resilience and cognitive modifiability calls for further research exploring the role ofMLEstrategies in development of both.
Transvesical robot‐assisted simple prostatectomy with 360° circumferential reconstruction: step‐by‐step technique
Authors: Cacciamani Giovanni , Medina Luis , Ashrafi Akbar , Landsberger Hannah , Winter Matthew , Mekhail Peter , Desai Mihir , Aron Monish , Berger Andre
Published: March 2018

Objective

To present the step‐by‐step technique of a 360° mucosal reconstruction after transvesical robot‐assisted simple prostatectomy (RASP).

Patient and Methods

We analysed the first 23 consecutive patients who underwent RASP using our 360° reconstruction between December 2015 and October 2017. After transperitoneal intravesical adenoma enucleation, a circumferential 360° reconstruction is performed. The first suture is placed at the 9 o'clock position and the edge of the urethra and bladder mucosa is approximated using 2‐0 barbed suture. The reconstruction is continued counter‐clockwise and the bladder mucosa is approximated to the urethra circumferentially.

Results

The mean (sd) operating time was 160.6 (28.1) min and the estimated blood loss was 98.6 (99.8) mL. No patients required conversion to open surgery. No intra‐operative or postoperative transfusions were needed. No intra‐operative complications occurred. The mean (sd) length of hospital stay was 2.1 (0.6) days. One postoperative complication was reported (respiratory distress in a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, requiring intensive care unit admission).

Conclusion

Our 360° reconstruction during RASP is feasible and safe. The aim of the technique is to minimize use of electrocautery and decrease the raw surface area on the prostate capsule. This technical modification could potentially lessen postoperative bleeding after RASP and therefore the need for continuous bladder irrigation. In addition, it could potentially lead to mitigation of burning and irritative postoperative symptoms. Longer follow‐up and comparative studies of different RASP techniques are still needed.
Molecular genomic landscapes of hepatobiliary cancer
Authors: Shibata Tatsuhiro , Arai Yasuhito , Totoki Yasushi
Published: March 2018

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and biliary tract cancer are more frequent in East Asia including Japan than in Europe or North America. A compilation of 1340 multi‐ethnic HCC genomes, the largest cohort ever reported, identified a comprehensive landscape of HCC driver genes, comprised of three core drivers (TP53, TERT, and WNT signaling) and combinations of infrequent alterations in various cancer pathways. In contrast, five core driver genes (TP53, ARID1A, KRAS, SMAD4, and BAP1) with characteristic molecular alterations including fusion transcripts involving fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 and the protein kinase A pathway, and IDH1/2 mutation constituted the biliary tract cancer genomes. Consistent with their heterogeneous epidemiological backgrounds, mutational signatures and combinations of non‐core driver genes within these cancer genomes were found to be complex. Integrative analyses of multi‐omics data identified molecular classifications of these tumors that are associated with clinical outcome and enrichments of potential therapeutic targets, including immune checkpoint molecules. Translating comprehensive molecular‐genomic analysis together with further basic research and international collaborations are highly anticipated for developing precise and better treatments, diagnosis, and prevention of these tumor types.
Subjective oral symptoms associated with self‐rated oral health among Indigenous groups in Central‐West Brazil
Authors: Arantes Rui , Frazão Paulo
Published: March 2018

Objectives

To determine whether subjective oral symptoms were associated with self‐rated oral health after controlling for sociodemographic characteristics and dentition status in 4 different Indigenous peoples from Central‐West Brazil.

Methods

A population‐based cross‐sectional study of oral health was conducted between 2012 and 2014. The randomly selected sample was stratified according to 4 ethnic groups (Kaiwoá, Kadiwéu, Terena and Guarani) and 2 age groups (15‐19 and 35‐44 years). The outcome was poor self‐rated oral health. Independent variables obtained by interviews were age, sex, ethnicity, schooling, family income, self‐reported toothache, difficulty chewing and difficulty speaking due to dental problems. Dentition status, oral morbidity and normative treatment needs were obtained through oral examinations. Unadjusted and adjusted prevalence ratios (PR) and respective 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using Poisson regression modelling with robust variance estimation.

Results

Poor self‐rated oral health was more common in the older age group and in Guarani peoples than their counterparts (PR = 1.06 [1.00‐1.12]; PR = 1.09 [1.02‐1.16], respectively). After adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, fewer functional teeth (PR = 1.11 [1.02‐1.20]), 2 or more untreated decayed teeth (PR = 1.15 [1.07‐1.23]), normative need for extraction (PR = 1.15 [1.05‐1.25]) and normative need for restoration of one or more surfaces (PR = 1.16 [1.05‐1.27]) were positively associated with self‐rated oral health. Toothache and difficulty speaking remained positively associated with the outcome after controlling for all previous variables (PR = 1.10 [1.05‐1.18]; PR = 1.20 [1.09‐1.32]).

Conclusions

Oral symptoms such as toothache and difficulty speaking due to dental problems play an important role in oral health self‐rating. Self‐rated oral health is an appropriate indicator for use in diverse sociocultural contexts.