bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Financial self-efficacy: a mediator in advancing financial inclusion
Authors: Mindra Rachel , Moya Musa
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the mediating effect of financial self-efficacy (FSE) on the relationship between financial attitude, financial literacy and financial inclusion (FI) among individuals in Uganda.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a quantitative approach and cross-sectional research design, a sample of 400 individuals from urban Central and rural Northern Uganda was drawn. Using SPSS and AMOS™ 21, structural equation models and bootstrapping methods were used to establish the hypothesized relationships and mediation effects between financial attitude, financial literacy and FI.

Findings

The results suggested FSE as a mediator of the relationship between financial attitude, financial literacy and FI. Further, there was a significant and insignificant relationship between financial literacy, financial attitude and FI, respectively.

Research limitations/implications

The study was assessed using both potential and actual consumers of financial services collectively. However if separately assessed, possibly there would be a variation in perceptions or behavioural responses towards FI.

Practical implications

There is a need to develop and sustain high levels of financial confidence among individuals to enable them use formal financial services.

Social implications

Possession of financial knowledge, skills, an evaluative judgement with high levels of financial confidence enable individuals make financial decisions that improve their integration into the formal financial system and improved welfare.

Originality/value

The results contribute towards the limited empirical and theoretical evidence regarding the mediating role of FSE in explaining the financial behaviour.
Sustainable housing financing model to reduce South Africa housing deficit
Authors: Ganiyu Bashir Olanrewaju , Fapohunda Julius Ayodeji , Haldenwang Rainer
Published: April 2017

Purpose

This study aims to identify and establish effective housing financing concepts to be adopted by government in achieving its mandate of providing sustainable affordable housing for the poor to decrease the building of shacks, as well as proposing solutions to the housing deficit in South Africa. A rise in demand and shortage in supply of housing calls for the need to address issues of affordable housing in South Africa, and developing countries in general, to ensure a stable and promising future for poor families.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature has revealed that the South African government, at all levels, accorded high priority to the provision of low-cost housing. Thus, government has adopted subsidy payment as a method of financing affordable housing to ensure that houses are allocated free to the beneficiaries. This also addresses the historically race-based inequalities of the past, but unfortunately, this has not been fully realised. This study uses a sequential mixed method approach, where private housing developers and general building contractors were the research participants. The qualitative data were analysed using a case-by-case analysis, and quantitative data were analysed using a descriptive statistical technique on SPSS.

Findings

The results of the qualitative analysis reveal a gross abuse of the housing subsidies system by the beneficiaries of government-funded housing in South Africa. This is evident from illegal sale of the houses below market value. This has led to a continual building of shacks and an increased number of people on the housing waiting list instead of a decrease in the housing deficit. The results from quantitative analysis affirm the use of “Mortgage Payment Subsidies, Mortgage Payment Deductions, Down-Payment Grant and Mortgage Interest Deductions” as viable alternatives to subsidy payment currently in use to finance affordable housing projects by the South African Government.

Practical implications

At the moment, the focus of the South African National Government is continual provision of free housing to the historically disadvantage citizens, but the housing financing method being used encourages unapproved transfer of ownership in the affordable housing sector. This study thus recommends the use of an all-inclusive housing financing method that requires a monetary contribution from the beneficiaries to enable them take control of the process.

Originality/value

The relational interface model proposed in this study will reduce pressure on government budgetary provision for housing and guarantee quick return of private developers’ investment in housing. Government must, as a matter of urgency, launch a continuous awareness programme to educate the low-income population on the value and the long-term benefits of the housing.
Does competition only impact on insolvency risk? New evidence from the Chinese banking industry
Authors: Tan Yong , Anchor John
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of competition on credit risk, liquidity risk, capital risk and insolvency risk in the Chinese banking industry during the period 2003-2013.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a generalized method of moments system estimator to examine the impact of competition on risk. In particular, translog specifications are used to measure the competition and insolvency risk.

Findings

The results show that greater competition within each bank ownership type (state-owned commercial banks, joint-stock commercial banks and city commercial banks) leads to higher credit risk, higher liquidity risk, higher capital risk, but lower insolvency risk.

Originality/value

This paper is the first piece of research testing the impact of competition on different types of risk in banking industry and it further contributes to the empirical literature by using a more accurate competition indicator (efficiency-adjusted Lerner index) and a more precise insolvency risk indicator (stability inefficiency).
Corporate dividend decisions and dividend smoothing
Authors: Al-Najjar Basil , Kilincarslan Erhan
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of regulations, reforms and legal environment on dividend policy in a different institutional setting. Particularly, it examines the firm-level cash dividend behaviour of publicly listed firms in Turkey in the post-2003 period, since there were major economic and structural reforms as well as significant regulatory changes of dividend payout rules imposed by the supervisory bodies.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper focuses on a recent large panel data set of 264 Istanbul Stock Exchange (ISE)-listed firms over a ten-year period 2003-2012. First, it employs a modified specification of Lintner’s (1956) partial adjustment model for analysis regarding target payout ratio and dividend smoothing. Second, it performs a logit model for analysis in identifying the link between financial characteristics and the likelihood of paying dividends.

Findings

The results show that ISE firms now follow the same determinants as suggested by Lintner. They, indeed, have long-term payout ratios and adjust their cash dividends by a moderate level of smoothing, and therefore adopt stable dividend policies (although less stable policies compared to their counterparts in the developed US market) as a signalling mechanism over the period 2003-2012. Moreover, the results also report that ownership structure concentration affects the target payout ratio and dividend smoothing in the Turkish market. In addition, the results further show that more profitable, more mature and larger sized ISE firms are more likely to pay cash dividends, whereas ISE firms with higher investment opportunities and more debt are less likely to distribute cash dividends in the post-2003 period.

Originality/value

To the best of authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first major research that examines the implications of reforms and regulations on cash dividend payments and dividend smoothing over time in Turkey during its market integration process in the post-2003 period.
Supplier perceptions of distributive justice in sustainable apparel sourcing
Authors: Normann Ulla , Ellegaard Chris , Møller Morten Munkgaard
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is two-fold: first, it attempts to determine whether suppliers perceive distributive justice (equity) when their key customers implement sustainable sourcing initiatives based on assessment governance, composed of codes of conduct and auditing; second, it generates insights into specific costs, rewards, and investments and how these together result in perceived equity.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative research design was adopted for this study. A total of 30 executives from textile manufacturing suppliers in China, India, and Bangladesh were interviewed to determine their perceptions of distributive justice in relation to their key customers’ sustainable sourcing initiatives.

Findings

Most of the interviewees perceived that their customers’ assessment of governance initiatives was unfair. Four types of suppliers are identified based on their varying perceptions of the equity equation.

Research limitations/implications

The findings introduce distributive justice as an important mediating variable between assessment-based governance and compliance. They also provide insights into the various types of perceived costs, rewards, and investments related to sustainable sourcing, and how they form varieties of the equity equation. The findings rely on a limited number of respondents and should, therefore, be researched further.

Practical implications

Assessment based on codes of conduct and auditing is the most prevalent sustainable sourcing governance approach, but suppliers may perceive this as an injustice leading to non-compliance. Buying companies are therefore advised to consider supplier perceptions of costs, rewards, and investments and adapt their sustainable sourcing initiatives accordingly.

Social implications

Increased consideration of distributive justice in sustainable sourcing should increase the likelihood of supplier compliance, improving conditions for employees in global textile plants.

Originality/value

Extant research has studied the connection between assessment-based sustainability governance and compliance or overall performance. This paper contributes by suggesting that distributive justice might be a mediating variable helping to explain this connection.
Eco-control change and environmental performance: a longitudinal perspective
Authors: Henri Jean-Francois , Journeault Marc , Brousseau Carl
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The aim of this longitudinal study is to quantitatively examine the impact of changes in the mix of eco-controls. More specifically, the purpose of this study is twofold. First, it investigates the nature of change occurring in eco-controls by analyzing three attributes of change, namely, direction of change, scope of change and scale of change. Second, this study investigates the impact of changes in eco-controls by examining to what extent the three attributes of change specifically explain environmental performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Longitudinal survey approach is used to collect data from a sample of manufacturing firms at two points in time.

Findings

The results suggest three main conclusions: changes leading to more (less) importance devoted to eco-controls within the organization contribute positively (negatively) to environmental performance; concerted changes on all aspects of the mix of eco-controls contribute more to environmental performance than piecemeal changes on specific aspects of the mix; and the aspect which contributes to environmental performance is not the scale of that change but the mere presence of a credible signal which reflects the seriousness of the intentions.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to management accounting change literature by breaking down the nature of change of management control practices in attributes (direction, scope and scale) and examining their specific impact on performance.
Impact of corporate diversification on earnings management
Authors: Masud Muhammad Hammad , Anees Faisal , Ahmed Haseeb
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to examine the effects of corporate diversification on earnings management.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on listed firms regarding non-financial sector of Pakistan, the study runs mean comparison test along with panel least squares regression analysis.

Findings

The results of the study suggested that locally diversified firms and combination of industrial and geographical diversified firms mitigate earnings management. In support of the earnings equalizing hypothesis, managers of diversified firms have less need for accruals management because diversified firms had more free cash flows which naturally reduces earnings variability. This study also found that diversified firms had no informational asymmetry problems which reject the asymmetric information hypothesis. In addition, debt ratios are also associated with large organizations, but it shows that the more debt ratios are negatively associated with earnings management. Mean comparison test is also conducted, but the results are same as the regression results which does not confirm asymmetric information hypothesis.

Research limitations/implications

Different business segments are affected by the world financial crisis in 2008. Because of those financial shocks, the diversified firms are affected more. In future studies, results will become more favorable in context of diversified firms.

Practical/implications

The main function of earnings management is to make up the company for investors point of view to look healthier than it really is. But it may cause to disappointment for investors regarding loss of investment. It shows future projections of the company and has vital importance for investor’s perspective.

Social/implications

The misallocation of resources caused by earnings management refers to the value loss for society. Because the misallocation of funds will make that particular segment or division more vulnerable which ultimately make shareholders to go for entrenchment or liquidation. At the end, un-employment rises after entrenchment or liquidation and the society suffers.

Originality/value

This research makes an important contribution to the accounting and management literature by providing new and significantly different evidences on the relative roles of corporate diversification and earnings management.
Looking beyond knowledge sharing: an integrative approach to knowledge management culture
Authors: Intezari Ali , Taskin Nazim , Pauleen David J.
Published: April 2017

Purpose

This study aims to identify the main knowledge processes associated with organizational knowledge culture. A diverse range of knowledge processes have been referred to in the extant literature, but little agreement exists on which knowledge processes are critical and should be supported by organizational culture.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a systematic literature review methodology, this study examined the primary literature – peer-reviewed and scholarly articles published in the top seven knowledge management and intellectual capital (KM/IC)-related journals.

Findings

The core knowledge processes have been identified – knowledge sharing, knowledge creation and knowledge implementation. The paper suggests that a strategy for implementing successful organizational KM initiatives requires precise understanding and effective management of the core knowledge infrastructures and processes. Although technology infrastructure is an important aspect of any KM initiative, the integration of knowledge into management decisions and practices relies on the extent to which the organizational culture supports or hinders knowledge processes.

Research limitations/implications

The focus of the study was on the articles published in the top seven KM/IC journals; important contributions in relevant publications in other KM journals, conference papers, books and professional reports may have been excluded.

Practical implications

Practitioners will benefit from a better understanding of knowledge processes involved in KM initiatives and investments. From a managerial perspective, the study offers an overview of the state of organizational knowledge culture research and suggests that for KM initiatives to be successful, the organization requires an integrated culture that is concerned with knowledge processes as a set of inextricably inter-related processes.

Originality/value

For the first time, a comprehensive list of diverse terms used in describing knowledge processes has been identified. The findings remove the conceptual ambiguity resulting from the inconsistent use of different terms for the same knowledge process by identifying the three major and overarching knowledge processes. Moreover, this study points to the need to attend to the inextricably interrelated nature of these three knowledge processes. Finally, this is the first time that a study provides evidence that shows the KM studies appear to be biased towards Knowledge sharing.
Empowering group leaders encourages knowledge sharing: integrating the social exchange theory and positive organizational behavior perspective
Authors: Wu Wei-Li , Lee Yi-Chih
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Knowledge sharing usually happens in a work group context, but it is rarely know how group leaders influence their members’ knowledge-sharing performance. Based on social exchange theory (SET) and the perspective of positive organizational behavior (POB), this study aims to argue that a group leader’s positive leadership (e.g. empowering leadership) can help group members develop positive psychological capital which can increase their knowledge sharing.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conduct a multilevel analysis to explore the interrelationship among empowering leadership, psychological capital and knowledge sharing. The sample includes 64 work groups consisting of 537 group members, and empirical testing is carried out by hierarchical linear modeling.

Findings

The results show that empowering leadership in a work group has a direct cross-level impact on members’ knowledge sharing and that psychological capital partially mediates the relationship between empowering leadership and knowledge sharing. As a result, this study shows that group leaders with positive leadership can help their members develop better positive psychological resources, which should lead to better knowledge sharing.

Originality/value

Based on the multilevel perspective and SET, this is the first study to explore how group leaders’ empowering leadership influences members’knowledge sharing. Depending on integrating the POB perspective into SET, this study is also the first one that connects two emerging and important research issues – POB and knowledge sharing.
Inquiry into the cultural impact on cost accounting systems (CAS) in Sri Lanka
Authors: Nagirikandalage Padmi , Binsardi Ben
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to critically explore the implementation of cost accounting systems (CAS) using content analysis. In particular, it aims to examine the impact of Sri Lankan cultural and local characteristics on the adoption of CAS. In particular, it examines the factors that facilitate or hinder the adoption of CAS in Sri Lanka.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data for the research were obtained by interviewing selected respondents from Sri Lanka’s manufacturing and service sectors. They were shortlisted using maximum variation sampling to obtain a representative cross-section of the national population. A total of 16 respondents were interviewed, which resulted in 57 interview paragraphs to be coded. Several theories were used to analyse them, namely, the theory of institutional isomorphism (homogeneity) and the theory of heterogeneity, as well as Clifford Geertz’s cultural theories.

Findings

A cross-comparison between the findings and relevant literature indicates the existence of complete institutional isomorphism and partial institutional heterogeneity in Sri Lanka. Heterogeneity exists in organisations such as foreign multinationals, which have adopted unique and sophisticated CAS. In addition, inadequate access to information and the orientation of the local culture has affected the implementation of CAS in Sri Lanka, with a lack of awareness of the importance of CAS, a sluggish approach to costing and cultural values forming prominent barriers to its implementation. These findings are plausible in light of the relationship between a sluggish approach towards costing (a low cost awareness), and local attitudes towards the implementation of more efficient accounting practices such as CAS.

Practical implications

This research is invaluable as a tool for Sri Lankan policymakers and practitioners, enabling the public and private sectors to provide education and training to enhance staff understanding and promote a positive attitude towards costing. With more efficient institutional CAS, the country’s economy will be more competitive internationally. As well as policymakers and practitioners, this research could be used by academicians for advancing theoretical development around the cultural triggers and barriers for adopting more innovative and fresher CAS in Sri Lanka.

Originality/value

The originality of this research can be justified on two counts. Firstly, although a wealth of research exists that examines the influence of culture on behaviour, this research specifically evaluates the impact of cultural factors on attitudes towards costing. These factors could be facilitators or obstructions for implementing CAS. Secondly, this research aims to combine both earlier and recent theories of institutionalism with Clifford Geertz’s cultural theory, to investigate how people and institutions in Sri Lanka adopt CAS. Earlier studies have focused merely on earlier theories of institutional homogeneity.
Writing write-downs: the rhetoric of goodwill impairment
Authors: Sandell Niklas , Svensson Peter
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to study the rhetoric of goodwill impairment, more specifically rhetoric, as it is constructed in the form of accounts (i.e. statements that explain unanticipated or untoward behavior). The authors argue that goodwill impairment is not only a technical matter but also a rhetorical practice by means of which external scrutiny is responded to.

Design/methodology/approach

The data corpus consists of explanations provided by corporations regarding impairment of goodwill. Data were collected from annual reports from companies quoted on NASDAQ OMX Stockholm, Sweden. The impairment explanations were analyzed according to a taxonomy of account types. The explanations were subjected to close reading to discern the potential rhetorical functions of the different accounts.

Findings

Seven account types are identified and discussed, namely, excuse, justification, refocusing, concession, mystification, silence and wordification.

Research limitations/implications

There is a need for further research that explores the process of authorship (i.e. writing, editing, negotiating and revising) through which the texts of financial communication are produced.

Practical implications

The findings have implications for the future formulations of standards regarding qualitative explanations in financial reporting in general and explanations of goodwill impairment in particular.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the knowledge about the use of natural language and rhetoric in financial communication.
Dynamic and static pricing in open-book accounting
Authors: Ellström Daniel , Hoshi Larsson Martin
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand differences between open-book accounting (OBA) using static prices and OBA using dynamic prices. The authors identify how these differences influence various aspects of customer–supplier relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on a case study involving a builders’ merchant and a wood manufacturer in the UK. The builders’ merchant under discussion has recently outsourced part of its production to the aforementioned wood manufacturer by using OBA with dynamic prices. For this case study, the authors have conducted interviews with multiple people from both parties in the agreement. Additional illustrative cases are provided through a study of other qualitative papers on OBA.

Findings

The authors find evidence supporting that, when dynamic prices are used in OBA, risk (unpredictability) is shifted from the supplier to the customer. Also, the customer frequently focuses on the supplier’s costs, both parties often aim for a long-term relationship and the customer becomes more dependent on the supplier, causing high interdependence. Furthermore, empirical evidence suggests that the customer finds price less important, and the reallocation of activities between the customer and supplier is easier in OBA setups in which dynamic prices are used.

Originality/value

This paper provides the first study of how differences between dynamic and static prices in OBA influence the customer–supplier relationship. This paper adds to the developing literature on OBA, in particular, as well as to literature on pricing, in general.
MARRIAGE, IN‐LAWS, AND CRIME: THE CASE OF DELINQUENT BROTHERS‐IN‐LAW*
Authors: ANDERSEN LARS HØJSGAARD
Published: April 2017

With marriage comes in‐laws, and if the in‐laws include delinquent males, their delinquency could affect the prosocial effects of the given marriage. In this article, I focus on the effect of having a convicted brother‐in‐law as a general indicator of this broader phenomenon of family‐formation processes impairing the positive impact of marriage on crime desistance. I use registry data on all men from birth cohorts 1965–1975 in Denmark (N = 69,066) to show that when a man marries, his new family ties to delinquent brother(s)‐in‐law do indeed hinder his criminal desistance. The results that take into account the characteristics of husbands, wives, their shared family‐formation process, and the criminality of male family members suggest that 1) family dynamics tend to keep criminality within family networks and 2) influences from one's broader social network through marriage are important for the protective effects of marriage. Analyses of previous conviction, co‐offending between a man and his brother‐in‐law, as well as analyses of in‐laws who reside in close proximity confirm the two mentioned main findings. In all, the findings reported in this article add to our understanding of the processes by which families are tied, and how these family‐formation processes influence men's behavior.
Behavioural response of the invasive Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) to host plant stimuli augmented with semiochemicals in the field
Authors: Morrison William R. , Allen McKenzie , Leskey Tracy C.
Published: April 2017

Although much work has focused on understanding how the invasive brown marmorated stink bug, or Halyomorpha halys, responds to pheromonal stimuli, very little research has explored the response of H. halys to plant volatiles and other host stimuli. The present study aimed to determine (i) whether more acceptable, less acceptable or unacceptable host plants augmented with plant volatile mixes and/or pheromone can enhance the retention capacity of plants for H. halys in the field and (ii) whether plant volatiles [apple, peach or green leaf volatile (GLV) mixtures] can increase attraction to pheromone‐baited pyramid traps.

The presence of the H. halys pheromone was the primary factor in increasing the retention capacity of tagged, released adults to host plants, although plant volatile mixtures added a small increase in retention. Plant species helped to modulate the effectiveness of both the pheromone and additional plant volatiles in retaining individuals. Plant volatiles did not increase attraction of adults to baited pyramid traps and may have inhibited the attraction of nymphs.

Overall, the results of the present study suggest that host plant stimuli, construed broadly, are important for the foraging decisions of H. halys, although further research is needed to identify the most effective stimuli.
Comparison of adverse pregnancy outcomes based on the new IADPSG 2010 gestational diabetes criteria and maternal body mass index
Authors: Jiang Shan , Chipps David , Cheung Wah N. , Mongelli Max
Published: April 2017

Background

The diagnostic criteria for gestational diabetes (GDM) have been controversial following the International Association for Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG) 2010 recommendations to lower the diagnostic fasting blood sugar level threshold.

Aim

To assess the pregnancy‐related outcomes of women according to the different diagnostic criteria for GDM adjusting for body mass index categories.

Method

A retrospective observational cohort study was conducted on 4081 pregnant women with positive 50 g glucose challenge test but without pre‐gestational diabetes. Participants were grouped into four cohorts: no GDM (control group); GDM on Australasian Diabetes in Pregnancy (ADIPS) 1998 criteria only (treated); GDM on IADPSG 2010 criteria only (untreated); and GDM on both criteria (treated). The association of each cohort with pregnancy outcome measures, including birthweight centile, delivery gestation, primary caesarean section, shoulder dystocia and stillbirth, together with the effect of obesity, were examined.

Results

Women diagnosed with GDM according to the IADPSG 2010 (untreated) but not the ADIPS 1998 criteria (treated) had an increased risk of being large for gestational age (LGA) (odds ratio (OR) = 2.45, 95% CI: 1.46–4.12, P = 0.001) and primary caesarean section (OR = 2.03, 95% CI: 1.23–3.35, P = 0.006) compared to control women. Among the women in this untreated group and women without GDM, obese women had an increased risk of LGA (OR = 3.82, 95% CI: 2.87–5.10, P < 0.001), shoulder dystocia (OR = 1.50, 95% CI: 1.03–2.19, P = 0.04) and primary caesarean section (OR = 1.63, 95% CI: 1.26–2.10, P < 0.001), compared to those women of normal weight. These associations remained significant on multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

Untreated women who would be diagnosed with GDM using the new criteria have an increased risk of pregnancy complications, with maternal obesity having an even greater risk.
Clinical phenotypes in asthma during childhood
Authors: Just J. , Bourgoin‐Heck M. , Amat F.
Published: April 2017

Asthma is a heterogeneous disease characterized by numerous phenotypes relating to age of onset, triggers, comorbidities, severity (assessed by multiple exacerbations, lung function pattern) and finally the inflammatory cells involved in the pathophysiologic pathway. These phenotypes can vary over time in relation to changes in the principal triggers involved in the aetiology of the disease. Nevertheless, in a patient with multiple allergies and early‐onset disease (defined as multiple sensitizations and allergic comorbidities), the prognosis of asthma is poor with a high risk of persistence and severity of the disease during childhood. Future research will focus on classifying phenotypes into groups based on pathophysiologic mechanisms (endotypes) and the biomarkers attached to these endotypes, which could predict prognosis and lead to targeted therapy. Currently, these biomarkers are related to inflammatory cells associated with the asthma endotype, essentially eosinophils and neutrophils (and related cytokines) attached to Th‐2 and non Th‐1 pathways, respectively. The most severe asthma (refractory asthma) is linked to neutrophil‐derived inflammation (frequently associated with female sex, obesity and possibly disorganized airway microbiota) encountered in very young children or teenagers. Severe asthma is also linked to or a marked eosinophil inflammatory process (frequently associated with multiple atopy and, more rarely, with non‐atopic hypereosinophilic asthma in children) and frequently encountered in teenagers. Severe phenotypes of asthma could also play a role in the origin of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in adult life.
Regulatory T cells: tolerance induction in solid organ transplantation
Authors: Vaikunthanathan T , Safinia N , Boardman D , Lechler R I , Lombardi G
Published: April 2017

The concept of regulatory T cell (Treg) therapy in transplantation is now a reality. Significant advances in science and technology have enabled us to isolate human Tregs, expand them to clinically relevant numbers and infuse them into human transplant recipients. With several Phase I/II trials under way investigating Treg safety and efficacy it is now more crucial than ever to understand their complex biology. However, our journey is by no means complete; results from these trials will undoubtedly provoke both further knowledge and enquiry which, alongside evolving science, will continue to drive the optimization of Treg therapy in the pursuit of transplantation tolerance. In this review we will summarize current knowledge of Treg biology, explore novel technologies in the setting of Treg immunotherapy and address key prerequisites surrounding the clinical application of Tregs in transplantation.
Alveolar ridge dimensional changes following ridge preservation procedure with novel devices: part 3 – histological analysis in non‐human primate model
Authors: Su Yingying , Tang Jianxia , Min Seiko , Guo Lijia , Liu Yitong , Xie Yilin , Xiong Jimin , Wang Songlin , Araújo Mauricio G. , Zadeh Homayoun H. , Liu Yi
Published: April 2017

Objectives

This study sought to investigate the histological changes following tooth extraction, ridge preservation and augmentation, using novel devices designed to obturate the oral orifice of extraction sockets (SocketKAP™) and provide structural support for sockets with defective bony walls (SocketKAGE™) in a non‐human primate model.

Material and methods

SixMacaca fasciculariswere imaged by cone beam computed tomography to register their preoperative alveolar bone. Three teeth were extracted in each animal, yielding intact socket walls and were divided into three intervention groups: unassisted healing negative control (Group A); SocketKAP™ (Group B); filled with anorganic bovine bone mineral (ABBM) + SocketKAP™ (Group C). Three additional teeth were extracted in each animal, followed by surgical resection of the entire buccal alveolar bone and divided into three groups: negative control (Group D); SocketKAP™ + SocketKAGE™ (Group E); ABBM + SocketKAP™ + SocketKAGE™ (Group F). Animals were euthanized after 12 weeks, and treatment sites were examined by histology and histomorphometric analysis.

Results

Control sockets with unassisted healing (Groups A and D) underwent severe loss of bone width, height and total area (approximately 40–60% loss). Application of SocketKAP™ in sites with intact walls, as well as SocketKAP™ plus SocketKAGE™ in sites with defective buccal walls lead to higher preservation of alveolar bone height after 12 weeks post‐intervention. Addition of ABBM leads to the highest degree of alveolar bone dimensional preservation. Control sites with unassisted healing (Groups A and D), as well as sites treated with extraction socket devices (Groups B and E) without ABBM yielded higher percentage of vital bone, compared with sites filled with ABBM (Groups C and F). No adverse histological responses were noted to SocketKAP™ or SocketKAGE™ devices.

Conclusions

SocketKAP™ + SocketKAGE™ devices proved effective in reducing post‐extraction alveolar bone resorption mediating favorable wound healing within sockets. Addition of ABBM was associated with reduced volumetric loss, although the bone fill was characterized by less mature as well as more woven bone.
CD80CD86 deficiency disrupts regulatory CD4+FoxP3+T cell homoeostasis and induces autoimmune‐like alopecia
Authors: Bae Ji‐Hyun , Hwang Woo‐Sung , Jang Yoo‐Jin , Lee Yoon‐Hoo , Jang Da‐Eun , Kim Jung‐Sik , Yeom Su‐Cheong
Published: April 2017

Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disease that results in spot baldness in humans. Adequate animal models for AA are currently lacking. The objective of this study was to elucidate the mechanism of autoimmune‐like alopecia (ALA) in C57BL/6.CD80CD86‐deficient (B6.CD80CD86−/−) mice. Incidence and severity of alopecia were analysed in 58 B6.CD80CD86−/− mice using histological examination, flow cytometry, multiplex enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, quantitative RT‐PCR and CD25 inhibition test. Both male and female B6.CD80CD86−/− mice showed almost 100% incidence of hair loss at 40 weeks of age. Moreover, CD4+FoxP3+Treg (Treg) cell population in B6.CD80CD86−/− mice was significantly lower than in B6 mice, which presumably underlined autoimmune reaction. Histologically, B6.CD80CD86−/− mice showed CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cell infiltration around terminal follicle region and exhibited hair follicle destruction in the anagen or catagen stage. Negative correlation between the number of CD4+FoxP3+ Tregs and ALA was confirmed by the CD25 depletion test in B6 mice, as follicle destruction was similar to that observed in B6.CD80CD86−/− animals. CD80CD86 deficiency disrupted CD4+FoxP3+ Treg homoeostasis and prompted the development of ALA. We demonstrated that B6.CD80CD86−/− mice might have several advantages as an ALA model, because they exhibited high incidence of disease phenotype and epipathogenesis similar to that observed in human AA.
Transcriptional signatures of connectomic subregions of the human striatum
Authors: Parkes L. , Fulcher B. D. , Yücel M. , Fornito A.
Published: April 2017

Functionally distinct regions of the brain are thought to possess a characteristic connectional fingerprint – a profile of incoming and outgoing connections that defines the function of that area. This observation has motivated efforts to subdivide brain areas using their connectivity patterns. However, it remains unclear whether these connectomically‐defined subregions can be distinguished at the molecular level. Here, we combine high‐resolution diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging with transcriptomic data to show that connectomically‐defined subregions of the striatum carry distinct transcriptional signatures. Using data‐driven clustering of diffusion tractography, seeded from the striatum in 100 healthy individuals, we identify a tripartite organization of the caudate and putamen that comprises ventral, dorsal and caudal subregions. We then use microarray data of gene expression levels in 19 343 genes, taken from 98 tissue samples distributed throughout the striatum, to accurately discriminate the three connectomically‐defined subregions with 80–90% classification accuracy using linear support vector machines. This classification accuracy was robust at the group and individual level and was superior for our parcellation of the striatum when compared with parcellations based on anatomical boundaries or other criteria. Genes contributing strongly to classification were enriched for gene ontology categories including dopamine signaling, glutamate secretion, response to amphetamine and metabolic pathways, and were implicated in risk for disorders such as schizophrenia, autism and Parkinson's disease. Our findings highlight a close link between regional variations in transcriptional activity and inter‐regional connectivity in the brain, and suggest that there may be a strong genomic signature of connectomically‐defined subregions of the brain.
Effect of water bath temperature on physiological parameters and subjective sensation in older people
Authors: Ono Junji , Hashiguchi Nobuko , Sawatari Hiroyuki , Ohkusa Tomoko , Miyazono Mami , Son Su‐young , Magota Chie , Tochihara Yutaka , Chishaki Akiko
Published: April 2017

Aim

In Japan, the incidence of water bathing‐related cardiopulmonary accidents among older people is high in winter. The purpose of the present study was to investigate alterations in physiological characteristics and subjective thermal sensations of older people when bathing in a cool environment.

Methods

We assessed the skin temperature, rectal temperature, blood pressure, pulse rate, body fluid loss (sweat and urine), and subjective thermal responses of 11 older healthy male and 10 young male volunteers throughout 42°C and 39°C bathing in a room at 20°C with 50% humidity.

Results

At 42°C bathing, the rectal temperature during bathing and in the post‐bathing period were significantly lower in the older men than in the young men, and skin temperature during the post‐bathing period decreased gradually in the older men. Systolic blood pressure and pulse rate immediately increased just after entering 42°C water and decreased during bathing in the older men. With the activities of dressing, systolic blood pressure increased followed by a decrease during the post‐bathing period. Thus, double product (pulse rate × systolic blood pressure) increased during the bathing period. Although there was no significant difference in body fluid loss between the older and younger men in 42°C water, the older men produced significantly less sweat. The older men also reported feeling less warm after 42°C bathing, and feeling less cold during the post‐bathing period after 39°C bathing.

Conclusions

These results suggest that hot water bathing during cold seasons might induce more serious physiological changes in older people. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 2164–2170.
Impact of hospitalization in an acute geriatric unit on polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate prescriptions: A retrospective study
Authors: Gutiérrez‐Valencia Marta , Izquierdo Mikel , Malafarina Vincenzo , Alonso‐Renedo Javier , González‐Glaría Belén , Larrayoz‐Sola Beatriz , Monforte‐Gasque María Pilar , Latasa‐Zamalloa Pello , Martínez‐Velilla Nicolás
Published: April 2017

Aim

Polypharmacy is a highly prevalent geriatric syndrome, and hospitalizations can worsen it. The aim of the present study was to analyze the influence of hospitalization on polypharmacy and indicators of quality of prescribing, and their possible association with health outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective study of 200 patients discharged from an acute geriatric unit was carried out. Indicators of quality of prescription were registered at admission and discharge: polypharmacy defined as ≥5 medications, hyperpolypharmacy (≥10), potentially inappropriate prescribing by Beers and Screening Tool of Older Persons' potentially inappropriate Prescriptions (STOPP) criteria, potentially prescribing omissions by Screening Tool to Alert doctors to the Right Treatment (START) criteria, drug interactions and anticholinergic burden measured with the Anticholinergic Risk Scale. Mortality, emergency room visits and hospital admissions occurring during 6 months after discharge were also registered.

Results

The total number of drugs increased at discharge (9.1 vs 10.1, P < 0.001), without increasing chronic medications (8.5 vs 8.3, P = 0.699). No significant variations were observed in the prevalence of polypharmacy (86.5% vs 82.2%), potentially inappropriate prescribing (68.5% vs 71.5%), potential prescribing omissions (58% vs 58%) or drug interactions (82.5% vs 83.5%). Patients with anticholinergic drugs tended to increase, not reaching statistical significance (39.5% vs 44.5%; P = 0.064). Polypharmacy was associated with emergency room visits (OR 2.62, 95% CI 1.07–6.40; P = 0.034), and hyperpolypharmacy with hospitalizations (OR 2.49, 95% CI 1.25–4.93; P = 0.009).

Conclusions

After hospitalization in an acute geriatric unit, the prevalence of polypharmacy, potentially inappropriate prescribing, potential prescribing omissions, interactions or anticholinergic drugs is still very high. Polypharmacy is a risk factor for hospitalization and emergency room visits. Measuring indicators of quality of prescription might be useful to design interventions to optimize pharmacotherapy and improve health outcomes in elderly acute patients. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 2354–2361.
Posttraumatic Symptoms, Quality of Life, and Survival among Lung Cancer Patients
Authors: Liegey Dougall Angela , Swanson Jeffrey , Kyutoku Yasushi , Belani Chandra P. , Baum Andrew
Published: April 2017

This longitudinal study characterized psychological adjustment in a sample of lung cancer patients by examining the occurrence of posttraumatic stress and growth and their relationships with mental and physical health quality of life and survival over time. Two waves of consecutive cohort samples, totaling 115 participants diagnosed with lung cancer, were identified from outpatient oncology clinics. Of these, 93 consented and completed the first of three assessments, and 57 completed the study. Prevalence of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSDChecklist) and posttraumatic growth (Posttraumatic Growth Inventory) were assessed and used to predict physical and mental health components of quality of life (Short‐Form 36) and survival. Patients reported both negative and positive psychological sequelae, with prevalence of estimatedPTSDranging from 5% to 16% at each assessment as determined by symptom and cut‐off methods. Posttraumatic stress and growth were positively related, but were differentially associated with outcomes. More posttraumatic stress predicted lower mental health quality of life, whereas more posttraumatic growth predicted better physical health quality of life and longer survival. These relationships persisted after accounting for disease variables and attrition due to death or illness. These findings highlight the importance of using longitudinal designs to identify relationships between stress and resilience factors in predicting outcomes.
High‐pressure behavior of (Cs,K)Al4Be5B11O28 (londonite): A single‐crystal synchrotron diffraction study up to 26 GPa
Authors: Gatta Giacomo Diego , Lotti Paolo , Comboni Davide , Merlini Marco , Vignola Pietro , Liermann Hanns‐Peter
Published: April 2017

The compressional behavior and the P‐induced deformation mechanisms at the atomic scale of (Cs,K)Al4Be5B11O28 (londonite, a ~7.31 Å and space group P3m) were investigated by in situ single‐crystal synchrotron X‐ray diffraction with a diamond anvil cell up to 26 GPa. No phase transition was observed within the P‐range investigated: this material exhibits isotropic compression (i.e., with cubic symmetry) in response to the applied pressure. Fitting the P–V data with a Birch‐Murnaghan isothermal equation of state, we obtained: V0=390.8(3) Å3, KP0=212(7) GPa (β0=1/KP0=0.0047(1) GPa−1) and K′=4.6(6). A series of structural refinements, based on the high‐pressure intensity data, were performed. The stiffness of londonite (similar to that of carbides) is governed by its close‐packing structure, and in particular by the very low compressibility of B‐ and Be‐tetrahedra and the modest compressibility of the Al‐octahedra. The Cs‐polyhedra are the most compressible units of the structure. The effects of pressure can be accommodated by intrapolyhedral compression or deformation, leading to a modest bulk compression. The high amount of boron in londonite (B2O3 ~50 wt%) makes its synthetic counterpart a potential neutron absorber. In addition, the high content of Cs makes londonite‐type materials as potential hosts for nuclear waste.