bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
STATE‐OWNED ENTERPRISES IN GREECE: THE EVOLUTION OF A PARADIGM 1996–2016
Authors: LAMPROPOULOU Manto
Published: November 2017

This paper provides an overview of the major State‐Owned Enterprises (SOEs) in Greece with the aim of identifying the key features of the dominant paradigm and the critical turning points in its evolution. The process of SOEs’ reform is analysed with reference to corporatization, restructuring, privatization and liberalization policies. Drawing on theoretical and empirical evidence, the paper explores the impact of these reforms on the ownership, governance and public mission of SOEs, also addressing their current social and economic role. The hypothesis of a ‘paradigm shift’ is tested within the changing context of government intervention, market structure, management relationships, public service and control and accountability of SOEs. The case studies include 15 major enterprises in key economic‐industrial and utility sectors. The paper concludes that over the past two decades the SOE sector has shifted towards new governance and organizational patterns that have substantially affected the traditional SOE paradigm.
Functional Characterization of 22 CYP3A4 Protein Variants to Metabolize Ibrutinib In Vitro
Authors: Xu Ren‐ai , Wen Jian , Tang Pengfei , Wang Chenchen , Xie Saili , Zhang Bo‐wen , Zhou Quan , Cai Jian‐ping , Hu Guo‐xin
Published: November 2017

Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) is quantitatively the most important P450 enzyme in adults. It is suggested that CYP3A4 genetic polymorphisms may influence the rate of the metabolism and elimination of CYP3A4 substrates in human beings. Ibrutinib is an anticancer drug and primarily metabolized by CYP3A4. The aim of this study was to systematically investigate the effects of 22 CYP3A4 protein variants on the metabolism of ibrutinib in vitro. When compared with wild‐type CYP3A4.1, two variants (CYP3A4.17 and CYP3A4.24) had no detectable enzyme activity; five variants (CYP3A4.10, .11, .18, .23 and .33) exhibited no significant differences; another five variants (CYP3A4.3, .4, .9, .19 and .34) showed increased intrinsic clearance values, while the remaining nine variants (CYP3A4.2, .5, .14, .15, .16, .28, .29, .31 and .32) displayed decreased enzymatic activities in different degrees. As the first study of 22 CYP3A4 protein variants in ibrutinib metabolism, these comprehensive data may help in the clinical assessment of the metabolism and elimination of ibrutinib and also offer a reference to the personalized treatment of ibrutinib in clinic.
Evaluation of the Influence of Three Newly Developed Bispyridinium Anti‐nicotinic Compounds (MB408, MB442, MB444) on the Efficacy of Antidotal Treatment of Nerve Agent Poisoning in Mice
Authors: Kassa Jiri , Timperley Christopher M. , Bird Mike , Williams Rebecca L. , Green A. Christopher , Tattersall John E. H.
Published: November 2017

The influence of three newly developed bispyridinium antinicotinic compounds (the non‐oximes MB408, MB442 and MB444) on the therapeutic efficacy of a standard antidotal treatment (atropine in combination with an oxime) of acute poisoning by the organophosphorus nerve agents tabun and soman was studied in mice. The therapeutic efficacy of atropine in combination with an oxime with or without one of the bispyridinium non‐oximes was evaluated by determination of the LD50 values of the nerve agents and measurement of the survival time after supralethal poisoning. Addition of all the tested non‐oximes increased significantly the therapeutic efficacy of atropine in combination with an oxime against tabun poisoning. They also positively influenced the number of surviving mice 6 hr after supralethal poisoning with tabun. However, they were only slightly effective for the treatment of soman poisoning. The benefit of the tested bispyridinium non‐oximes was dose‐dependent. To conclude, the addition of bispyridinium non‐oximes to the standard antidotal treatment of acute poisoning with tabun was beneficial regardless of the chosen non‐oxime, but only slightly beneficial in the case of soman poisoning.
Integrated Powered Density: Screening Ultrahigh Dimensional Covariates with Survival Outcomes
Authors: Hong Hyokyoung G. , Chen Xuerong , Christiani David C. , Li Yi
Published: November 2017

Modern biomedical studies have yielded abundant survival data with high-throughput predictors. Variable screening is a crucial first step in analyzing such data, for the purpose of identifying predictive biomarkers, understanding biological mechanisms, and making accurate predictions. To nonparametrically quantify the relevance of each candidate variable to the survival outcome, we propose integrated powered density (IPOD), which compares the differences in the covariate-stratified distribution functions. The proposed new class of statistics, with a flexible weighting scheme, is general and includes the Kolmogorov statistic as a special case. Moreover, the method does not rely on rigid regression model assumptions and can be easily implemented. We show that our method possesses sure screening properties, and confirm the utility of the proposal with extensive simulation studies. We apply the method to analyze a multiple myeloma study on detecting gene signatures for cancer patients’ survival.
How Can New Players Establish Themselves in Highly Institutionalized Labour Markets? A Belgian Case Study in the Area of Project‐Based Work
Authors: Xhauflair Virginie , Huybrechts Benjamin , Pichault François
Published: November 2017

How can new players seeking to serve nonstandard worker categories (such as project‐based workers) establish themselves into labour markets that are highly institutionalized? This paper explores the case of SMart, a Belgian community‐based labour market intermediary that successfully developed solutions to better represent the interests of project‐based workers and secure their discontinuous careers. Using an organizational legitimacy approach, we find that labour market entry and growth involve different types of boundary‐crossing when addressing the needs of workers that do not fit into established categories. However, to justify boundary‐crossing, the new player must complement its pragmatic work on delivering new services and tools with conceptual (cognitive) and structural (moral) legitimation work.
The Health of the Rurality: The Encuesta de Folklore and Popular Healing Practices in Tucumán, 1921
Authors: DIMAS CARLOS S.
Published: November 2017

This article examines healing practices among the rural inhabitants of Tucumán in the opening quarter of the twentieth century through a reading of the 1921 National Folklore Survey. It argues that popular medical practices, referred to as curanderismos (popular healing), continued into the twentieth century not only as cultural practice of the popular classes but as necessity due to limited investments in public health in the rural regions on the part of the national and provincial government.
Sociology as Moral Philosophy (and Vice Versa)
Authors: Vandenberghe Frédéric
Published: November 2017

In this article, I want to make an attempt to reconnect sociology to moral philosophy and moral philosophy to sociology. The thesis I want to defend is that sociology continues by other means the venerable tradition of practical and moral philosophy. Like its forebears, it stands and falls with a defense of “practical wisdom” (Aristotle) and “practical reason” (Kant). The development of a moral sociology presupposes, however, that one recognizes and rejects Max Weber's theory of axiological neutrality as an extremist position and that one carefully articulates prescriptive and descriptive, internal and external, as well as observer and actor positions.
Values on Paper, in the Head, and in Action: On Max Weber and Value Freedom Today
Authors: Betta Michela , Swedberg Richard
Published: November 2017

This article starts out with a summary of Weber's views on value freedom, by emphasizing: (1) that value freedom constitutes a special constellation of values; and (2) that value freedom makes it possible for the social scientist to theorize on the basis of new and more extensive knowledge than if she had simply stated her own values and focused the analysis around these. The latter point emerges most clearly in Weber's instructions for how a social scientist should proceed when carrying out an analysis of her own preferred social policy. After the section on Weber's views on value freedom, an attempt is made to update his views. This is done by arguing that the impact of values (and value freedom) differs, depending on where these can be found: on paper, in the head of the social scientist, or in her actions. “Actions,” in the context of value freedom, refer to the research process and especially to the element of theorizing. Value freedom helps to guide the research into new and fruitful directions and to steer it clear of propaganda.
How Terrorism Affects Attitudes toward Democracy: Tunisia in 2015
Authors: Andersen Robert , Brym Robert
Published: November 2017

Tunisia is the only country that emerged from the Arab Spring as a democracy. However, Tunisian democracy is threatened by political divisions, economic problems, and the threat of terrorist attacks. We shed light on Tunisia's democratic prospects by examining (1) the degree to which major terrorist attacks in 2015 influenced Tunisian public opinion on democracy and (2) the extent to which preference for a democratic system affected opinions on the prospects for democracy in Tunisia. We use data from three waves of a nationwide survey conducted just before and just after Tunisia's first major terrorist attack, and just after the country's second major terrorist attack. We demonstrate that after the attacks the Tunisian public became less favourable toward democracy and less optimistic that Tunisia would soon be ready for it. Such scepticism was widespread, affecting people who preferred democracy as much as those who did not. We conclude that the prospects for Tunisian democracy are more precarious than is sometimes assumed.
Efficacy and safety of trametinib in Japanese patients with advanced biliary tract cancers refractory to gemcitabine
Authors: Ikeda Masafumi , Ioka Tatsuya , Fukutomi Akira , Morizane Chigusa , Kasuga Akiyoshi , Takahashi Hideaki , Todaka Akiko , Okusaka Takuji , Creasy Caretha L. , Gorman Shelby , Felitsky Daniel J. , Kobayashi Mikiro , Zhang Fanghong , Furuse Junji
Published: November 2017

Gemcitabine‐based therapy remains the mainstay of treatment for patients with biliary tract cancers (BTCs) with no second‐line treatment(s) established yet. Aberrant activation of the MAPK pathway in patients with BTC indicates its importance in BTC. Trametinib is a potent, highly selective, allosteric non‐competitive inhibitor of MEK1/MEK2. In this phase IIa open‐label, single‐arm study, we investigated the efficacy and safety of trametinib in Japanese patients with advanced BTC refractory to gemcitabine‐based therapy. All patients received oral trametinib 2 mg once daily until progressive disease (PD), death, or unacceptable toxicity. The primary objective was to determine the 12‐week non‐PD rate. Secondary assessments included safety, progression‐free survival (PFS), overall survival, and overall response rate. Targeted exome sequencing was used to identify biomarkers for sensitivity or resistance to trametinib monotherapy. Twenty patients (median age, 61.5 years) with carcinoma of gall bladder (40%), intrahepatic (25%) or extrahepatic (30%) bile duct, and ampulla of Vater (5%) were enrolled. The non‐PD rate at week 12 was 10% (95% confidence interval, 1.2‐31.7); it did not reach the threshold rate of 25%. Median PFS was 10.6 weeks (95% confidence interval, 4.6‐12.1) and 1‐year overall survival was 20.0%. Stable disease and PD were observed in 13 (65%) and seven (35%) patients, respectively. No new safety signals were reported. Although the primary end‐point was not met, prolonged PFS was observed in one patient having six somatic variants including synonymous NF1 exon 12 splice variant and a loss‐of‐function variant in ARID1A. Efforts to understand responsive mutations and sensitivity to targeted therapies are warranted. This trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01943864.
Xanthohumol inhibits angiogenesis by suppressing nuclear factor‐κB activation in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Saito Kenta , Matsuo Yoichi , Imafuji Hiroyuki , Okubo Tomotaka , Maeda Yuzo , Sato Takafumi , Shamoto Tomoya , Tsuboi Ken , Morimoto Mamoru , Takahashi Hiroki , Ishiguro Hideyuki , Takiguchi Shuji
Published: November 2017

Xantohumol, a prenylated chalcone from hops (Humulus lupulus L.), has been shown to inhibit proliferation in some cancers. However, little is known regarding the effects of xanthohumol in pancreatic cancer. We have previously reported that activation of the transcription factor nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) plays a key role in angiogenesis in pancreatic cancer. In this study, we investigated whether xanthohumol inhibited angiogenesis by blocking NF‐κB activation in pancreatic cancer in vitro and in vivo. We initially confirmed that xanthohumol significantly inhibited proliferation and NF‐κB activation in pancreatic cancer cell lines. Next, we demonstrated that xanthohumol significantly suppressed the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) at both the mRNA and protein levels in pancreatic cancer cell lines. We also found that coculture with BxPC‐3 cells significantly enhanced tube formation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells, and treatment with xanthohumol significantly blocked this effect. In vivo, the volume of BxPC‐3 subcutaneous xenograft tumors was significantly reduced in mice treated with weekly intraperitoneal injections of xanthohumol. Immunohistochemistry revealed that xanthohumol inhibited Ki‐67 expression, CD31‐positive microvessel density, NF‐κB p65 expression, and VEGF and IL‐8 levels. Taken together, these results showed, for the first time, that xanthohumol inhibited angiogenesis by suppressing NF‐κB activity in pancreatic cancer. Accordingly, xanthohumol may represent a novel therapeutic agent for the management of pancreatic cancer.
Discovery of a novel class of pyridine derivatives that selectively inhibits mutant isocitrate dehydrogenase 2
Authors: Wang Fangying , Li Zhuoling , Zhang Tao , Yan Guoyi , Hu Mingxing , Zhao Lifeng , Zhao Yinglan , Chen Yuanwei
Published: November 2017

This paper presents synthesis and structure–activity relationship of pyridine derivatives as inhibitors of mutant isocitrate dehydrogenase 2 (IDH2). A series of 2,4,6‐trisubstituted pyridine derivatives have been prepared and evaluated in vitro. Among these compounds, 14n exhibited excellent inhibition activity with the IC50 of 54.6 nm, which is approximately onefold improvement compared to drug candidate AG‐221 (Enasidenib) that is in Phase III trial. Exquisite selectivity of 14n for IDH2 R140Q mutant isoform was demonstrated by the poor activity against the wild‐type IDH1 and IDH2.
Cross‐cultural adaptation and validation of the Spanish version of the Paediatric Throat Disorders Outcome Test (T‐14)
Authors: Larrosa F. , Samara L. , Esteller E. , Dura M.J. , Escamilla Y. , Alberti A. , Rosell R. , Hopkins C.
Published: November 2017

Objectives

The Paediatric Throat Disorders Outcome Test (T‐14) is a disease‐specific questionnaire that parents are requested to complete; it aimed to assess the quality of life related to tonsil and adenoid disease or its treatment in children with throat disorders. The aim of this study was to validate the Spanish adaptation of the T‐14, thus allowing comparison across studies and facilitating international multicentre projects.

Design, setting and participants

This was a multicentre prospective instrument validation study. Guidelines for the cross‐cultural adaptation process from the original English‐language scale into a Spanish‐language version were followed. The psychometric properties (reproducibility, reliability, validity, responsiveness) of the Spanish version (“T‐14‐s” for “T‐14‐Spanish”) were assessed in 50 consecutive children undergoing adeno/tonsillectomy (both before and 6 months after surgery) and in a separate cohort of 50 unaffected children in a comparable age range.

Main outcome measures and results

Test‐retest reliability (γ = 0.83) and internal consistency reliability (α = 0.94) were adequate. The T‐14‐s demonstrated satisfactory construct validity (r > 0.40). The instrument showed excellent between‐group discrimination (P < .0001) and a high responsiveness to change (effect size = 2.09).

Conclusions

The Spanish version of the T‐14 (T‐14‐s) is a valid tool for measuring the subjective severity of throat disorders, and its use is recommended.
Combining biological and psychosocial baseline variables did not improve prediction of outcome of a very‐low‐energy diet in a clinic referral population
Authors: Sumithran P. , Purcell K. , Kuyruk S. , Proietto J. , Prendergast L. A.
Published: November 2017

Consistent, strong predictors of obesity treatment outcomes have not been identified. It has been suggested that broadening the range of predictor variables examined may be valuable. We explored methods to predict outcomes of a very‐low‐energy diet (VLED)‐based programme in a clinically comparable setting, using a wide array of pre‐intervention biological and psychosocial participant data. A total of 61 women and 39 men (mean ± standard deviation [SD] body mass index: 39.8 ± 7.3 kg/m2) underwent an 8‐week VLED and 12‐month follow‐up. At baseline, participants underwent a blood test and assessment of psychological, social and behavioural factors previously associated with treatment outcomes. Logistic regression, linear discriminant analysis, decision trees and random forests were used to model outcomes from baseline variables. Of the 100 participants, 88 completed the VLED and 42 attended the Week 60 visit. Overall prediction rates for weight loss of ≥10% at weeks 8 and 60, and attrition at Week 60, using combined data were between 77.8 and 87.6% for logistic regression, and lower for other methods. When logistic regression analyses included only baseline demographic and anthropometric variables, prediction rates were 76.2–86.1%. In this population, considering a wide range of biological and psychosocial data did not improve outcome prediction compared to simply‐obtained baseline characteristics.
Reduced neural responses to vocal fear: a potential biomarker for callous‐uncaring traits in early childhood
Authors: Hoyniak Caroline P. , Bates John E. , Petersen Isaac T. , Yang Chung‐Lin , Darcy Isabelle , Fontaine Nathalie M.G.
Published: November 2017

Objective

Callous‐unemotional (CU) traits are characterized by a lack of guilt and empathy, and low responsiveness to distress and fear in others. Children with CU traits are at‐risk for engaging in early and persistent conduct problems. Individuals showing CU traits have been shown to have reduced neural responses to others’ distress (e.g., fear). However, the neural components of distress responses in children with CU traits have not been investigated in early childhood. In the current study, we examined neural responses that underlie the processing of emotionally valenced vocal stimuli using the event‐related potential technique in a group of preschoolers. Method: Participants between 2 and 5 years old took part in an auditory oddball task containing English‐based pseudowords spoken with either a fearful, happy, or a neutral prosody while electroencephalography data were collected. The mismatch negativity (MMN) component, an index of the automatic detection of deviant stimuli within a series of stimuli, was examined in association with two dimensions of CU traits (i.e., callousness‐uncaring and unemotional dimensions) reported by primary caregivers. Results: Findings suggest that the callousness‐uncaring dimension of CU traits in early childhood is associated with reduced responses to fearful vocal stimuli. Conclusions: Reduced neural responses to vocal fear could be a biomarker for callous‐uncaring traits in early childhood. These findings are relevant for clinicians and researchers attempting to identify risk factors for early callous‐uncaring traits.
Genetic and environmental links between motor activity level and attention problems in early childhood
Authors: Saudino Kimberly J. , Wang Manjie , Flom Megan , Asherson Philip
Published: November 2017

Cross‐lagged biometric models were used to examine genetic and environmental links between actigraph‐assessed motor activity level (AL) and parent‐rated attention problems (AP) in 314 same‐sex twin pairs (MZ = 145, DZ = 169) at ages 2 and 3 years. At both ages, genetic correlations between AL and AP were moderate (ra2 = .35; ra3 = .39) indicating both overlap and specificity in genetic effects across the two domains. Within‐ and across‐age phenotypic associations between AL and AP were entirely due to overlapping genetic influences. There was a unidirectional effect of AL at age 2 predicting later AP. For AP, genetic and environmental influences from age 2 were transmitted to age 3 via stability effects and from AL. For AL, across‐age effects were transmitted only via stability. These results suggest that overactivity in late infancy may impact the later development of problems related to inattention, and that genetic factors explain the association between the two domains.
History of mood or anxiety disorders and risk of gestational diabetes mellitus in a population‐based cohort
Authors: Beka Q. , Bowker S. L. , Savu A. , Kingston D. , Johnson J. A. , Kaul P.
Published: November 2017

Aim

To examine the association between mood and anxiety disorders and the development of gestational diabetes mellitus in a retrospective population‐based cohort study.

Methods

Clinical data from a provincial perinatal health registry were linked to physician claims, hospitalization records and emergency visits to identify any diagnoses of mood or anxiety disorders in the 2 years prior to pregnancy and a subsequent diagnosis of gestational diabetes during pregnancy. The study population included all singleton pregnancies in the Canadian province of Alberta from 1 April 2000 to 31 March 2010. Generalized estimating equations were used to determine the adjusted odds ratio of gestational diabetes, comparing women with and without a history of mood or anxiety disorders.

Results

Among 373 674 pregnancies from 253 911 women, 25.7% had a history of mood or anxiety disorders, and 3.8% developed gestational diabetes. The multivariate‐adjusted odds of developing gestational diabetes were higher among women with a history of mood or anxiety disorders (odds ratio 1.10, 95% CI 1.06–1.14).

Conclusions

Women with a history of mood or anxiety disorders had a moderately increased risk of developing gestational diabetes.
Glucocorticoids suppress brown adipose tissue function in humans: A double‐blind placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Thuzar Moe , Law Weikiat Phillip , Ratnasingam Jeyakantha , Jang Christina , Dimeski Goce , Ho Ken K. Y.
Published: November 2017

Aim

To investigate the effect of glucocorticoids on brown adipose tissue (BAT) function in humans.

Materials and methods

In a randomized double‐blind cross‐over design, 13 healthy adults underwent 1 week of oral prednisolone treatment (15 mg/d) and placebo with an intervening 2‐week wash‐out period. BAT function was assessed in response to cooling (19°C) and to a standardized meal, by measuring fluoro‐deoxyglucose (FDG) uptake using positron emission tomography‐computed tomography and skin temperatures overlying the supraclavicular (SCL) BAT depots using infrared thermography. Postprandial energy and substrate metabolism was assessed by indirect calorimetry.

Results

During cooling, prednisolone significantly reduced BAT FDG uptake (standardized uptake value, SUVmax, 6.1 ± 2.2 vs 3.7 ± 1.2; P < .05) and SCL temperature (−0.45 ± 0.1 vs −1.0 ± 0.1°C; P < .01) compared to placebo. Postprandially, prednisolone significantly blunted the rise in SCL temperature (+0.2 ± 0.1 vs −0.3 ± 0.1°C; P < .05), enhanced energy production (+221 ± 17 vs +283 ± 27 kcal/d; P < .01) and lipid synthesis (+16.3 ± 3.2 vs +23.6 ± 4.9 mg/min; P < .05). The prednisolone‐induced reduction in SCL temperature significantly correlated with the reduction in FDG uptake (r = 0.65, P < .05), while the increase in energy production significantly correlated with the increase in lipogenesis (r = 0.6, P < .05).

Conclusion

Prolonged exposure to glucocorticoid suppresses the function of human BAT. The enhancement of energy production and lipogenesis in the face of reduced dissipation of energy as heat suggests that glucocorticoids channel energy towards fat storage after nutrient intake. This is a novel mechanism of glucocorticoid‐induced obesity.
Behavior and temperature modulate a thermoregulation–predation risk trade‐off in juvenile gopher tortoises
Authors: Radzio Thomas A. , O'Connor Michael P.
Published: November 2017

Ectotherms frequently thermoregulate behaviorally to improve physiological processes such as digestion and growth, but basking and other thermoregulatory activities can also increase predation risk. Organismal and environmental characteristics can, in some species, influence predation risk associated with thermoregulation and thereby relax or tighten constraints on thermoregulatory behavior, physiological performance, and, ultimately, life history traits. Providing one of the first such investigations in turtles, we examine whether behavior and thermal environment modulate a thermoregulation–predation risk trade‐off in juvenile gopher tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus). Young gopher tortoises experience very high predation pressure, and their declining species faces many challenges, including human‐induced increased shading of its environment. We hypothesized that in response to simulated predator approach, basking hatchling and juvenile tortoises would: (i) hide inside burrows; (ii) hide for shorter durations in cooler burrows presumably due to greater constraints on physiological performance; and (iii) spend greater time at the surface following disturbance in cool environments because individuals would need to bask more to maintain preferred body temperatures. Basking tortoises always hid inside burrows when approached and exhibited very long flight initiation distances ( = 45 m) that increased with age/size. Individuals fled into burrows even when it was not possible for them to see the approaching researcher, suggesting the use of vibrations (aerial/ground) to detect potential predators and a possible antipredator function for exceptionally large otoliths characteristic of the species. Tortoises hid for short durations ( = 18.3 min), especially in cool burrows, suggesting that they optimize hiding responses to balance physiological costs and antipredator benefits. Additionally, surface activity following disturbance consisted primarily of basking and correlated negatively with burrow temperature. These findings suggest that thermal environment influences predation risk in ectotherms whose surface activity is driven primarily by thermoregulatory requirements and highlight potential benefits of warm, well‐insolated habitats, such as endangered longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) ecosystems, for juvenile gopher tortoises.
Early vs. Delayed Introduction of Chinese Characters in Beginning Mandarin Classes: Is the “Early Advantage” Due to More Instructional Hours?
Authors: Krashen Stephen
Published: November 2017

Knell and West (2017) found an advantage for the early introduction of Chinese characters in beginning Mandarin. This advantage may be because the group experiencing early character instruction had more instructional hours dedicated to character instruction.
Audit partner industry specialization and audit quality: Evidence from Spain
Authors: Garcia‐Blandon Josep , Argiles‐Bosch Josep Maria
Published: November 2017

We investigate the impact of the industry specialization of individual auditors on audit quality. We aim to contribute to a quickly growing line of research examining the importance of audit partners as determinants of audit quality. To provide robust results, we use several proxies of both industry specialization and audit quality. We conduct the empirical analysis with a sample of Spanish listed companies for the research period between 2005 and 2013. Our main result is the lack of a significant impact of the industry specialization of audit partners on audit quality. This result seems sound, as it holds for the several measures of industry specialization and audit quality used in the empirical study. Our main result, which contradicts most of the scarce available evidence, would stress the importance of the institutional context in the study of the industry specialization–audit quality relationship and advocates the need for further research.
Enhancement of the oxygen desorption/absorption property of BaFe1−xInxO3−δ by In substitution for Fe site
Authors: Fujishiro Fumito , Izaki Minako , Hashimoto Takuya
Published: November 2017

Oxygen desorption/absorption behavior of In‐substituted BaFeO3−δ [BaFe1−xInxO3−δ] was evaluated using thermogravimetry, high‐temperature X‐ray diffraction, and iodometry. By In substitution of 10% into BaFeO3−δ with ordered distribution of oxide ion vacancy, the structural change to cubic perovskite structure occurred, accompanied by the rearrangement of oxide ion vacancy in random and by the increase in the average valence of Fe ions. The amount of desorbed oxygen per Fe ion was enhanced by only 10% In substitution, which could be attributed to the random distribution of oxide ion vacancies. Among the In‐substituted specimens with almost constant valence of Fe ion, BaFe0.9In0.1O3−δ with the highest value of Fe content exhibited the largest amount of desorbed oxygen from the lattice, indicating that this material could be regarded as a promising candidate for oxygen storage materials.
Effect of topological structure on photoluminescence of PbSe quantum dot‐doped borosilicate glasses
Authors: Xu Zhousu , Liu Xiaofeng , Jiang Chun , Ma Dewei , Ren Jinjun , Cheng Cheng , Qiu Jianrong
Published: November 2017

Borosilicate glasses doped with PbSe quantum dots (QDs) were prepared by a conventional melt‐quenching process followed by heat treatment, which exhibit good thermal, chemical, and mechanical stabilities, and are amenable to fiber‐drawing. A broad near infrared (NIR) photoluminescence (PL) emission (1070‐1330 nm) band with large full‐width at half‐maximum (FWHM) values (189‐266 nm) and notable Stokes shift (100‐210 nm) was observed, which depended on the B2O3 concentration. The PL lifetime was about 1.42‐2.44 μs, and it showed a clear decrease with increasing the QDs size. The planar [BO3] triangle units forming the two‐dimensional (2D) glass network structure clearly increased with increasing B2O3 concentration, which could accelerate the movement of Pb2+ and Se2− ions and facilitate the growth of PbSe QDs. The tunable broadband NIR PL emission of the PbSe QD‐doped borosilicate glass may find potential application in ultra‐wideband fiber amplifiers.
Nicorandil regulates the macrophage skewing and ameliorates myofibroblasts by inhibition of RhoA/Rho‐kinase signalling in infarcted rats
Authors: Lee Tsung‐Ming , Lin Shinn‐Zong , Chang Nen‐Chung
Published: November 2017

We have demonstrated that ATP‐sensitive potassium (KATP) channel agonists attenuated fibrosis; however, the mechanism remained unclear. Since RhoA has been identified as a mediator of cardiac fibrosis, we sought to determine whether the anti‐fibrotic effects of KATP channel agonists were mediated via regulating macrophage phenotype and fibroblast differentiation by a RhoA/RhoA‐kinase‐dependent pathway. Wistar male rats after induction of myocardial infarction were randomized to either vehicle, nicorandil, an antagonist of KATP channel glibenclamide, an antagonist of ROCK fasudil, or a combination of nicorandil and glibenclamide or fasudil and glibenclamide starting 24 hrs after infarction. There were similar infarct sizes among the infarcted groups. At day 3 after infarction, post‐infarction was associated with increased RhoA/ROCK activation, which can be inhibited by administering nicorandil. Nicorandil significantly increased myocardial IL‐10 levels and the percentage of regulatory M2 macrophages assessed by immunohistochemical staining, Western blot, and RT‐PCR compared with vehicle. An IL‐10 receptor antibody increased myofibroblast infiltration compared with nicorandil alone. At day 28 after infarction, nicorandil was associated with attenuated cardiac fibrosis. These effects of nicorandil were functionally translated in improved echocardiographically derived cardiac performance. Fasudil showed similarly increased expression of M2 macrophages as nicorandil. The beneficial effects of nicorandil on fibroblast differentiation were blocked by adding glibenclamide. However, glibenclamide cannot abolish the attenuated fibrosis of fasudil, implying that RhoA/RhoA‐kinase is a downstream effector of KATP channel activation. Nicorandil polarized macrophages into M2 phenotype by inhibiting RhoA/RhoA‐kinase pathway, which leads to attenuated myofibroblast‐induced cardiac fibrosis after myocardial infarction.
Probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG prevents alveolar bone loss in a mouse model of experimental periodontitis
Authors: Gatej Simona M. , Marino Victor , Bright Richard , Fitzsimmons Tracy R. , Gully Neville , Zilm Peter , Gibson Rachel J. , Edwards Suzanne , Bartold Peter M.
Published: November 2017

Aim

This study investigated the role of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) on bone loss and local and systemic inflammation in an in vivo mouse model of experimental periodontitis (PD).

Materials and Methods

Experimental PD was induced in mice by oral inoculation with Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum over a period of 44 days. The probiotic LGG was administered via oral inoculation or oral gavage prior to, and during disease induction. The antimicrobial activity of LGG on the inoculum was also tested. Alveolar bone levels and gingival tissue changes were assessed using in vivo microcomputed tomography and histological analysis. Serum levels of mouse homologues for IL‐8 were measured using multiplex assays.

Results

Pre‐treatment with probiotics either via oral gavage or via oral inoculation significantly reduced bone loss (p < .0001) and gingival inflammation (p < .0001) when compared with PD group. Oral gavage treatment group had significantly less tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase positive cells (p < .02) then PD group. LGG showed no antimicrobial activity against P. gingivalis and F. nucleatum.

Conclusions

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG effectively suppresses bone loss in a mouse model of induced PD irrespective of the mode of administration.
Obesity during pregnancy in the mouse alters the Netrin‐1 responsiveness of foetal arcuate nucleus neuropeptide Y neurones
Authors: Sanders T. R. , Glendining K. A. , Jasoni C. L.
Published: November 2017

When individuals undergo gestation in an obese dam, they are at increased risk for impairments in the ability of the brain to regulate body weight. In rodents, gestation in an obese dam leads to a number of changes to the development of the hypothalamic neurones that regulate body weight, including reduced neuronal connectivity at birth. In the present study, we aimed to clarify how this neural circuitry develops normally, as well as to explore the mechanism underpinning the deficiency in connectivity seen in foetuses developing in obese dams. First, we developed an in vitro model for observing and manipulating the axonal growth of foetal arcuate nucleus (ARN) neuropeptide (NPY) neurones. We then used this model to test 2 hypotheses: (i) ARN NPY neurones respond to Netrin‐1, one of a small number of axon growth and guidance factors that regulate neural circuit formation throughout the developing brain; and (ii) Netrin‐1 responsiveness would be lost upon exposure to the inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)‐6, which is elevated in foetuses developing in obese dams. We observed that ARN NPY neurones responded to Netrin‐1 with a significant expansion of their growth cones, comprising the terminal apparatus that neurones use to navigate. Unexpectedly, we found further that NPY neurones from obese pregnancies had a reduced responsiveness to Netrin‐1, raising the possibility that ARN NPY neurones from foetuses developing in obese dams were phenotypically different from normal NPY neurones. Finally, we observed that IL‐6 treatment of normal NPY neurones in vitro led to a reduced growth cone responsiveness to Netrin‐1, essentially causing them to behave similarly to NPY neurones from obese pregnancies. These results support the hypothesis that IL‐6 can disrupt the normal process of axon growth from NPY neurones, and suggest one possible mechanism for how the body weight regulating circuitry fails to develop properly in the offspring of obese dams.
Protocol of a dose response trial of IV immunoglobulin in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (DRIP study)
Authors: Kuitwaard Krista , Fokkink Willem‐Jan R. , Brusse Esther , Vrancken Alexander F. J. E. , Eftimov Filip , Notermans Nicolette C. , van der Kooi Anneke J. , Merkies Ingemar S. J. , Jacobs Bart C. , van Doorn Pieter A.
Published: November 2017

High peak levels of serum IgG may not be needed for maintenance treatment of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg). More frequent dosing of IVIg leads to more stable IgG levels and higher trough levels which may be related with improved clinical efficacy. More frequent lower dosing leads to lower peak levels and may induce less systemic side‐effects. The DRIP study is a double‐blind randomized controlled cross‐over intervention study. CIDP patients ≥18 years old, proven IVIg dependent and receiving an individually established but stable maintenance dose and interval of IVIg (Kiovig) can be included. One group (A) will be treated with their normal dosage and interval of IVIg and receive a placebo (albumin 0.5%) infusion in between their regular IVIg infusions, for a total of four infusions. The other group (B) will be treated with half their normal IVIg dosage (with the same volume of placebo to maintain the total volume) at half their interval (double their frequency) for four infusions. After a wash‐out phase (2 infusions), patients will cross‐over to the other treatment group. During the study the total dose of IVIg administered will remain unchanged as before start of the trial. The main objective is to investigate whether high frequent low dosage IVIg treatment is more effective than low frequent high dosage IVIg treatment as maintenance treatment for CIDP. Hand grip strength, as measured by the Martin Vigorimeter, will be used as the primary outcome measure. Secondary objective is to investigate whether high frequent low dosage of IVIg results in less adverse events compared to low frequent high dosage treatment. The DRIP study is currently ongoing and the protocol is presented.
A social–ecological framework: A model for addressing ethical practice in nursing
Authors: Davidson Patricia , Rushton Cynda Hylton , Kurtz Melissa , Wise Brian , Jackson Debra , Beaman Adam , Broome Marion
Published: November 2017

Aims and objectives

To develop a framework to enable discussion, debate and the formulation of interventions to address ethical issues in nursing practice.

Background

Social, cultural, political and economic drivers are rapidly changing the landscape of health care in our local environments but also in a global context. Increasingly, nurses are faced with a range of ethical dilemmas in their work. This requires investigation into the culture of healthcare systems and organisations to identify the root causes and address the barriers and enablers of ethical practice. The increased medicalisation of health care; pressures for systemisation; efficiency and cost reduction; and an ageing population contribute to this complexity. Often, ethical issues in nursing are considered within the abstract and philosophical realm until a dilemma is encountered. Such an approach limits the capacity to tangibly embrace ethical values and frameworks as pathways to equitable, accessible, safe and quality health care and as a foundation for strengthening a supportive and enabling workplace for nurses and other healthcare workers.

Design

Conceptual framework development.

Methods

A comprehensive literature review was undertaken using the social–ecological framework as an organising construct.

Results

This framework views ethical practice as the outcome of interaction among a range of factors at eight levels: individual factors (patients and families); individual factors (nurses); relationships between healthcare professionals; relationships between patients and nurses; organisational healthcare context; professional and education regulation and standards; community; and social, political and economic.

Conclusions

Considering these elements as discrete, yet interactive and intertwined forces can be useful in developing interventions to promote ethical practice. We consider this framework to have utility in policy, practice, education and research.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nurses face ethical challenges on a daily basis, considering these within a social–ecological framework can assist in developing strategies and resolutions.
The effect of education of nurses on preventing catheter‐associated urinary tract infections in patients who undergo hip fracture surgery
Authors: Seyhan Ak Ezgi , Özbaş Ayfer
Published: November 2017

Aims and objectives

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of educating nurses on preventing catheter‐associated urinary tract infections in patients who undergo hip fracture surgery.

Background

Urinary tract infections after hip fracture surgery are observed at a rate of 12% to 61%, and the most important risk factor associated with urinary tract infection is considered to be the presence of urinary catheters. Nurse education about the use and management of urinary catheters is important to decrease the risk of urinary tract infections.

Design

The study was semi‐experimental.

Methods

The study was conducted in an orthopedics and traumatology clinic of a training hospital between January 2014–December 2015. After a power analysis was performed, a total of 60 patients fulfilled the criteria to be included in the study, with n = 30 in the pre‐education group and n = 30 in the posteducation group. Nurses who worked in the orthopedics and traumatology clinic of the military hospital were the target population, and 18 nurses who consented to join the study constituted the sample. The “Patient Monitoring Form,” “Nurse Information Form” and “Daily Urinary Catheter Assessment Tool” were used as data collection tools.

Results

The mean pre‐education knowledge score of the nurses was found to be 68.05 ± 10.69, while the mean posteducation score was 95.13 ± 6.27. The mean catheter duration decreased from 11.06 ± 6.34 days–3.83 ± 0.95 days after the education. The catheter‐associated urinary tract infection rate decreased by 9.37 per thousand.

Conclusion

Educating nurses on preventing catheter‐associated urinary tract infections in patients who underwent hip fracture surgery significantly decreased the rate of catheter‐associated urinary tract infections and the duration of catheterisation.

Relevance to clinical practice

The systematic and comprehensive education of all healthcare professionals and the development and practice of catheter removal protocols could contribute to the prevention of catheter‐associated urinary tract infections.
Spontaneous post‐partum rupture of bilateral ovarian arteries treated with transarterial embolization
Authors: Stanborough Rupert , Hamrick Kathleen , Stephens Christopher
Published: November 2017

Rupture of an ovarian artery aneurysm in the peripartum period occurs in both traumatic and atraumatic settings. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of spontaneous atraumatic rupture of the bilateral ovarian arteries. This report describes a multiparous recently post‐partum patient with abdominal pain and signs of hemodynamic compromise, the sequela of hemoperitoneum from ruptured bilateral ovarian arteries. With a multidisciplinary approach, this patient was successfully treated with transarterial embolization.
Carcass traits, meat quality, antioxidant status and antioxidant gene expression in muscle and liver of Hu lambs fed perilla seed
Authors: Deng K. P. , Fan Y. X. , Ma T. W. , Wang Z. , TanTai W. J. , Nie H. T. , Guo Y. X. , Yu X. Q. , Sun L. W. , Wang F.
Published: November 2017

The effects of perilla (Perilla frutescens L.) seed on carcass traits, meat quality, antioxidant status and antioxidant gene expression in the liver and muscle of Hu lambs were investigated in this study. Sixty Hu lambs (23.02 ± 1.36 kg) were randomly divided into four experimental groups receiving diets containing 0%, 5%, 10% or 15% perilla seed (CD, 5%PFSD, 10%PFSD and 15%PFSD, respectively). The addition of perilla seed had no significant impacts on carcass traits (p > .05). There were no differences in pH, meat colour, drip loss, cooking loss or shear force among the four treatments (p > .05). Addition of perilla seed increased (p < .05) deposition of intramuscular lipids but had no effect on other chemical components in the longissimus dorsi (LD) (p > .05). The 15%PFSD diet decreased the total antioxidant capacity (T‐AOC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the liver (p < .05 for both) but increased the activity of these antioxidant enzymes in LD (p < .05 for both). Compared to CD, addition of perilla seed increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) expression in the liver and LD (p < .05 for all). These results indicate that perilla seed supplementation in lambs’ diets can increase deposition of intramuscular lipids and improve muscular oxidative status and meat quality.
Weight Loss Success of Participants Residing in Rural and Urban Areas
Authors: Mench Elise , West Delia , Krukowski Rebecca , Harvey Jean
Published: November 2017

Purpose

Rural residents are significantly more likely to be overweight and obese than are urban residents. However, few data have compared weight control program responses in these population groups. Therefore, the primary aim of this study was to evaluate the weight loss outcomes of participants in a multisite, online behavioral intervention by residential location (rural vs urban) and, second, assess any possible differences in adherence to treatment goals.

Methods

A total of 492 adult participants (mean BMI = 35.7 kg/m2; 90% female; 24% minority) were categorized based on their home ZIP code and the 2010 US Census Urban and Rural Classification criteria (58.3% rural; 41.7% urban). Weight (kg) was measured in‐person at baseline and 6 months after participating in a behavioral weight control intervention. Adherence to physical activity and calorie and fat intake goals was assessed based on weekly self‐monitoring journals. Weekly online chat attendance and completion of weekly online self‐monitoring journals were recorded. Presence of obesogenic foods in the home was self‐reported at baseline and 6 months.

Findings

There were no statistically significant differences in weight loss between rural and urban participants (‐6.1 kg vs ‐5.3 kg, P = .16), nor were there differences in chat attendance, self‐monitoring journals, self‐reported physical activity, calorie intake, or obesogenic foods reported in the household.

Conclusions

Overall, there was no difference in weight loss and adherence to treatment goals for rural and urban participants. Further research on rural and urban residents is necessary to explore the factors responsible for the disparity in obesity prevalence.