bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corporate governance strength and stock market liquidity in Malaysia
Authors: Amer Al-Jaifi Hamdan , Hussein Al-rassas Ahmed , Ali AL-Qadasi Adel
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of corporate governance strength on stock market liquidity in an emerging country, namely, Malaysia, by constructing a corporate governance score that captures both internal monitoring mechanisms (board of directors’ characteristics, audit committee’s characteristics and internal audit function) and external monitoring mechanism (audit quality).

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a sample of 2,020 yearly firm observations in Bursa Malaysia over the period 2009-2012. The ordinary least square regression and several estimation methods such as two-stage least squares using instrumental variables (IV-2SLS) and dynamic GMM are employed.

Findings

This study finds a significant positive association between corporate governance effectiveness and stock market liquidity. The finding is robust to alternative liquidity measurements, to alternative estimation methods, and to endogeneity bias.

Research limitations/implications

This result implies that the firms with effective monitoring mechanisms mitigate information asymmetry which leads to less adverse selection problems among traders.

Practical implications

This study provides implications for regulators to help design regulations that enhance stock market liquidity. This study could also help investors and traders to formulate their trading decisions, and enables firms to know the importance of strengthening the corporate governance monitoring mechanisms.

Originality/value

This study constructs a corporate governance effectiveness measure by combining both internal and external monitoring mechanisms. These mechanisms have not been constructed together in one score in the corporate governance literature and the impact of internal audit function, as an internal monitoring mechanism on liquidity, has yet to be examined.
Factorial structure for Six Sigma project barriers in Indian manufacturing and service industries
Authors: Ambekar Suhas , Hudnurkar Manoj
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the latent constructs of various barriers affecting Six Sigma implementation in Indian industries.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature review resulted in 15 frequently reported barriers in Six Sigma implementation. An empirical survey of 168 Six Sigma practitioners including green belts, black belts (BB), and master BB from 40 Indian companies was conducted with the help of a structured questionnaire. The responses were analyzed using exploratory factor analysis which resulted into five constructs.

Findings

The study proposes five constructs, namely “role of top management,” “cultural change,” “expected attitude,” “availability of resources,” and “level of quality maturity.” The focused approach by organizations to overcome barriers in Six Sigma can be oriented using these constructs.

Practical implications

Six Sigma implementation needs elimination of barriers in projects. Top management support in planning and resource allocation supplemented by favorable employee attitude in bringing cultural change can develop quality maturity to implement Six Sigma successfully.

Originality/value

This study fills the gap in the literature by studying critical success factors, critical failure factors, and barriers together. This study is one of its kinds in the Indian context which captures the views of Six Sigma certified professionals from the organizations which are implementing Six Sigma.
Methotrexate, but not narrowband ultraviolet B radiation, suppresses interleukin‐33 mRNA levels in psoriatic plaques and protein levels in serum of patients with psoriasis
Authors: Meephansan Jitlada , Subpayasarn Urairack , Ponnikorn Saranyoo , Chakkavittumrong Panlop , Juntongjin Premjit , Komine Mayumi , Ohtsuki Mamitaro , Poovorawan Yong
Published: August 2017

Interleukin (IL)‐33 can function both as a conventional cytokine and as a nuclear factor regulating gene transcription. IL‐33 expression is strongly upregulated in the nucleus of keratinocytes and serum of patients with psoriasis. However, the role of IL‐33 in psoriasis is unclear, and IL‐33 expression in the lesional psoriatic skin after conventional systemic treatments has not been investigated. In this study, we aimed to compare IL‐33 mRNA in patients’ lesional skin samples and IL‐33 protein expression in patients’ serum before and after treatment with methotrexate (MTX) and narrowband ultraviolet B (NB‐UVB). IL‐33 mRNA levels in lesional skin and IL‐33 protein levels in serum were downregulated after treatment with MTX. Results revealed a significant decrease in IL‐33 protein expression (P = 0.028). IL‐33 expression increased after NB‐UVB treatment. IL‐33 production is associated with inflammatory skin in psoriasis, possibly through its cytokine function. However, high expression of IL‐33 after NB‐UVB treatment suggests the occurrence of unknown functions to alleviate psoriatic lesions without IL‐33 involvement.
Alteration of plant species assemblages can decrease the transmission potential of malaria mosquitoes
Authors: Ebrahimi Babak , Jackson Bryan T. , Guseman Julie L. , Przybylowicz Colin M. , Stone Christopher M. , Foster Woodbridge A.
Published: August 2017

Knowledge of the link between a vector population's pathogen‐transmission potential and its biotic environment can generate more realistic forecasts of disease risk due to environmental change. It also can promote more effective vector control by both conventional and novel means.

This study assessed the effect of particular plant species assemblages differing in nectar production on components of the vectorial capacity of the mosquito Anopheles gambiae s.s., an important vector of African malaria.

We followed cohorts of mosquitoes for 3 weeks in greenhouse mesocosms holding nectar‐poor and nectar‐rich plant species by tracking daily mortalities and estimating daily biting rates and fecundities. At death, a mosquito's insemination status and wing length were determined. These life‐history traits allowed incorporation of larval dynamics into a vectorial capacity estimate. This new study provided both novel assemblages of putative host plants and a human blood host within a nocturnal period of maximum biting.

Survivorship was significantly greater in nectar‐rich environments than nectar‐poor ones, resulting in greater total fecundity. Daily biting rate and fecundity per female between treatments was not detected. These results translated to greater estimated vectorial capacities in the nectar‐rich environment in all four replicates of the experiment (means: 1,089.5 ± 125.2 vs. 518.3 ± 60.6). When mosquito density was made a function of survival and fecundity, rather than held constant, the difference between plant treatments was more pronounced, but so was the variance, so differences were not statistically significant. In the nectar‐poor environment, females' survival suffered severely when a blood host was not provided. A sugar‐accessibility experiment confirmed that Parthenium hysterophorus is a nectar‐poor plant for these mosquitoes.

Synthesis and applications. This study, assessing the effect of particular plant species assemblages on the vectorial capacity of malaria mosquitoes, highlights the likelihood that changes in plant communities (e.g. due to introduction of exotic or nectar‐rich species) can increase malaria transmission and that a reduction of favourable nectar sources can reduce it. Also, plant communities' data can be used to identify potential high risk areas. Further studies are warranted to explore how and when management of plant species assemblages should be considered as an option in an integrated vector management strategy.
The personality of past, present and future speech–language pathology students*
Authors: Byrne Nicole
Published: August 2017

Background

As allied health professions change over time to keep up with and reflect a rapidly changing society, it is quite possible that the people attracted to the profession may also change. If this is the case, then knowing this could be critical for future workforce marketing, training and planning.

Aims

The aim was to investigate whether the personality of students entering a speech‐language pathology (SLP) program had changed over time and whether there were generational differences in personality.

Methods & Procedures

The study used the Big Five personality inventory to consider whether there were differences in the personality in speech–language pathology (SLP) students enrolled in the same regional university in Australia in 2005 and 2016.

Outcomes & Results

The results showed there were significant differences between the two groups on the Agreeableness and Extroversion scales. The students who were more Conscientious were also more Confident in their ability to perform as an SLP. Generational differences across the two cohorts were also considered.

Conclusions & Implications

SLP is a dynamic profession that is reflected through an evolving scope of practice, increasing utilization of technology and specialization. As careers evolve it is logical that the people attracted to those careers may also shift; as demonstrated here via changes in the personality of SLP students. Understanding the personality of current SLP students and future Generation Z students may assist universities to identify specific skills and experiences students need to be successful in the workforce.
Bayesian analysis of Hong Kong's housing price dynamics
Authors: Wu Tommy , Cheng Michael , Wong Ken
Published: August 2017

This paper uses a Bayesian vector‐autoregressive model with sign restrictions to estimate the underlying drivers of Hong Kong's housing price dynamics in the short run. While existing studies are useful in analysing housing valuation, little attention has been paid to the short‐run dynamics. In contrast, the present paper identifies short‐run drivers of housing prices using structural identification with theoretical underpinnings. We find that among the shocks that we have identified, bank lending shock and housing supply shock were the main factors affecting Hong Kong's housing prices. Low mortgage rates were another key factor that led to the significant increase in housing prices after the global financial crisis.
The European Union's capacities for managing crises
Authors: Backman Sarah , Rhinard Mark
Published: August 2017

This article draws on a comprehensive new data set of crisis management capacities at the European Union level to highlight key patterns in their development and use. Organised within the categories of detection, sense‐making, decision‐making, coordination, meaning‐making, communication, and accountability, the data show considerable accumulation of capacities in detection and sense‐making, while decision‐making capacities lag behind. We find that most capacities are sector‐oriented rather than cross‐sectoral, and reside primarily within the European Commission rather than other EU institutions. Comparing the data to previous studies, we note that capacities overall are increasing and some are undergoing evolution; for example, horizon‐scanning tools once limited to collecting information have increasingly been given an analytical, “information enrichment” function akin to sense‐making.
Hormones, damned hormones, and statistics
Authors: Marsh Michael
Published: August 2017

Deputy Editor‐in‐Chief, Dr Michael Marsh, discusses his top articles from this issue in an audio podcast available at: https://soundcloud.com/bjog/september-editors-choice-2017.
Are denser cities greener? Evidence from China, 2000–2010
Authors: Wang Rui , Yuan Quan
Published: August 2017

Whether a city develops into a more compact one with a higher density or a more sprawling one may affect multiple aspects of the urban environment, including ecosystem health, greenhouse gas emissions, and quality of life. Using panel data gathered from China's cities from 2000 to 2010, we take advantage of the significant variation in the temporal change of density across cities to estimate the relationship between gross urban population density and multiple indicators of urban greenness. Fixed‐effects estimates support the widely held belief that density improves air quality and reduces the per capita carbon footprint. Results also suggest that higher density reduces the growth of road infrastructure and vehicle ownership and promotes walking. While density often translates into proximity and accessibility, higher density does reduce a city's per capita urban park and green space. This study strengthens the urban policy and planning literature with much needed longitudinal evidence. Our overall findings support higher density as opposed to lower density urban development in China.
Cognitive impairment and cardiovascular medication use: Results from wave 1 of The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing
Authors: Rohde Daniela , Hickey Anne , Williams David , Bennett Kathleen
Published: August 2017

Aim

To explore the association between cardiovascular medication use and cognitive impairment in adults aged 50 years and over.

Method

This cross‐sectional linked database study involved secondary quantitative analysis of 1903 participants from wave 1 of the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing with available pharmacy claims data. Cognitive impairment was assessed using a cut‐off of ≤23 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Cardiovascular medication use was calculated using the proportion of days covered for antihypertensive, antithrombotic, and lipid‐modifying medications. For each class of cardiovascular medication, participants were categorized as belonging to one of three medication use groups: (1) not dispensed any medications (reference); (2) poor adherence (proportion of days covered <80%); and (3) good adherence (proportion of days covered ≥80%).

Results

Controlling for demographic and health variables, there was no evidence of an independent association between impaired cognitive function and use of antihypertensives [good adherence OR (95% CI): 1.16 (0.88, 1.52), poor adherence OR (95% CI): 1.39 (0.95, 2.04)]; antithrombotics [good adherence OR (95% CI): 1.26 (0.93, 1.70), poor adherence OR 95% CI): 1.13 (0.80, 1.59)]; or lipid‐modifying agents [good adherence OR (95% CI): 0.95 (0.71, 1.25), poor adherence OR (95% CI): 0.88 (0.64, 1.22)].

Conclusion

We found no evidence of an association between cardiovascular medication use and cognitive function. Future studies should investigate the prospective associations between cognition and use of cardiovascular medications using longitudinal data.
Iron deficiency in heart failure: Efficacy and safety of intravenous iron therapy
Authors: Kang Chan‐Keat , Pope Michael , Lang Chim C. , Kalra Paul R.
Published: August 2017

Aim

To discuss the pathophysiology of iron metabolism in chronic heart failure (CHF) and the current knowledge of the efficacy of intravenous (IV) iron therapy in patients with CHF and identify points of controversy as well as highlight areas for future research.

Discussion

Iron deficiency is a recognized complication of many chronic conditions. Numerous studies have reported that iron deficiency is highly prevalent in patients with CHF and is associated with exercise intolerance, reduced quality of life, and increased risk of hospitalization and mortality. Several small studies have demonstrated IV iron to be associated with improvements in symptoms, exercise capacity, quality of life, renal function, New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and reduction in NT‐pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) in patients with CHF and iron deficiency. Two larger‐scale trials confirming these results (FAIR‐HF and CONFIRM‐HF) have led to guideline recommendations that IV iron therapy should be considered in patients with CHF with reduced ejection fraction and iron deficiency (serum ferritin <100 μg/L, or ferritin between 100 and 299 μg/L with transferrin saturation <20%) to provide symptomatic relief and improve exercise capacity and quality of life.

Conclusion

Intravenous iron therapy improves symptoms, exercise capacity, and quality of life, at least in the short‐to‐intermediate time. However, there are still currently no standardized criteria used to define iron deficiency and the underlying mechanism of iron deficiency in CHF remains incompletely understood. Further work is required to improve the ability to identify iron deficiency in patients with CHF and evaluate the effect of iron repletion on hard endpoints including hospitalization and mortality.
Thriving or surviving? Evaluating active microbial guilds in Baltic Sea sediment
Authors: Zinke Laura A. , Mullis Megan M. , Bird Jordan T. , Marshall Ian P. G. , Jørgensen Bo Barker , Lloyd Karen G. , Amend Jan P. , Kiel Reese Brandi
Published: August 2017

Microbial life in the deep subsurface biosphere is taxonomically and metabolically diverse, but it is vigorously debated whether the resident organisms are thriving (metabolizing, maintaining cellular integrity and expressing division genes) or just surviving. As part of Integrated Ocean Drilling Program Expedition 347: Baltic Sea Paleoenvironment, we extracted and sequenced RNA from organic carbon‐rich, nutrient‐replete and permanently anoxic sediment. In stark contrast to the oligotrophic subsurface biosphere, Baltic Sea Basin samples provided a unique opportunity to understand the balance between metabolism and other cellular processes. Targeted sequencing of 16S rRNA transcripts showed Atribacteria (an uncultured phylum) and Chloroflexi to be among the dominant and the active members of the community. Metatranscriptomic analysis identified methane cycling, sulfur cycling and halogenated compound utilization as active in situ respiratory metabolisms. Genes for cellular maintenance, cellular division, motility and antimicrobial production were also transcribed. This indicates that microbial life in deep subsurface Baltic Sea Basin sediments was not only alive, but thriving.
Effect of atopic dermatitis on quality of life and its psychosocial impact in Asian adolescents
Authors: Ng Michelle SY , Tan Shiyun , Chan Nicole HQ , Foong Alice YW , Koh Mark JA
Published: August 2017

Background/Objectives

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common condition affecting up to 20% of the paediatric population in Singapore. It is often associated with significant psychosocial morbidity and can affect patients' quality of life (QOL) tremendously. This study investigated the varying lifestyle impacts, and psychosocial domains most affected by AD in adolescent children in Singapore.

Methods

A prospective study evaluating the impact of AD on the QOL of adolescents was conducted over a 6‐month period from July to December 2014. Adolescents aged 11–16 years with varying eczema severity were recruited. Eczema severity was determined by using the eczema area and severity index (EASI) scores. Lifestyle impact of AD was evaluated using patient‐reported children's dermatology life quality index (CDLQI) scores. Statistical analysis was performed using an analysis of one‐way variance and Student's t‐test.

Results

A total of 50 patients were enrolled and divided into three groups: mild (<10.3), moderate (10.3–20.9) and severe (>20.9) eczema based on EASI scores. Patients with mild and moderate eczema had lower CDLQI scores. Adolescents were most affected by the disruption that their symptoms had on their leisure and physical activities and sleep as a result of itch and scratching, respectively.

Conclusion

Chronic sufferers of severe eczema experience poorer QOL than those with mild or moderate eczema. They also experience significant psychosocial impact as a consequence of their condition.
CCL2 recruits T cells into the brain in a CCR2‐independent manner
Authors: Cédile Oriane , Wlodarczyk Agnieszka , Owens Trevor
Published: August 2017

CCL2 is a chemokine that can be induced during neuroinflammation to recruit immune cells, but its role in the central nervous system (CNS) is unclear. Our aim was to better understand its role. We induced CCL2 in CNS of naive CCL2‐deficient mice using intrathecally administered replication‐defective adenovirus and examined cell infiltration by flow cytometry. CCL2 expression induced pronounced and unexpected recruitment of regulatory and IFNγ‐producing T cells to CNS from blood, possibly related to defective egress of monocytes from CCL2‐deficient bone marrow. Infiltration also occurred in mice lacking CCR2, a receptor for CCL2. Expression of another receptor for CCL2, CCR4, and CXCR3, a receptor for CXCL10, which was also induced, were both increased in CCL2‐treated CNS. CCR4 was expressed by neurons and astrocytes as well as CD4 T cells, and CXCR3 was expressed by CD4 and CD8 T cells. Chemokine‐recruited T cells did not lead to CNS pathology. Our findings show a role for CCL2 in recruitment of CD4 T cells to the CNS and show that redundancy among chemokine receptors ensures optimal response.
Systematic review: cost‐effectiveness of direct‐acting antivirals for treatment of hepatitis C genotypes 2‐6
Authors: He T. , Lopez‐Olivo M. A. , Hur C. , Chhatwal J.
Published: August 2017

Background

The availability of direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs) has dramatically changed the landscape of hepatitis C virus (HCV) therapy; however, the cost and budget requirements for DAA treatment have been widely debated.

Aims

To systematically review published studies evaluating the cost‐effectiveness of DAAs for HCV genotype 2‐6 infections, and synthesise and re‐evaluate results with updated drug prices.

Methods

We conducted a systematic search of various electronic databases, including Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane library and EconLit for cost‐effectiveness studies published from 2011 to 2016. Studies evaluating DAAs for genotypes 2‐6 were included. Reported costs, quality‐adjusted life‐years (QALYs) and incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were abstracted. We re‐estimated ICERs by varying the price of DAAs from $20 000 to $100 000, and estimated the threshold price at which DAA regimens would be deemed cost‐effective (ICER≤$100 000/QALY).

Results

A total of 92 ICERs for 7 different DAA regimens from 10 published articles were included. Among the abstracted 92 ICERs, 20 were for genotype 2, 40 for genotype 3, 30 for genotype 4, 2 for genotype 5 and none for genotype 6; therefore, only genotypes 2‐5 were analysed. At the discounted price of $40 000, 87.0% analyses found DAA regiments to be cost‐effective, and 7.6% found to be cost‐saving. The median threshold price below which DAAs would be deemed cost‐effective was between $144 400 and $225 000, and cost‐saving between $17 300 and $25 400.

Conclusions

HCV treatment with DAAs is highly cost‐effective in patients with HCV genotypes 2‐5 at a $100 000/QALY threshold. Timely HCV treatment would be an optimal strategy from both a public health and economic perspective.
Crossing the (Wallace) line: local abundance and distribution of mammals across biogeographic barriers
Authors: Brodie Jedediah F. , Helmy Olga , Pangau‐Adam Margaretha , Ugiek Giyarto , Froese Graden , Granados Alys , Mohd‐Azlan Jayasilan , Bernard Henry , Giordano Anthony J. , Agil Muhammad , Haris Mustari Abdul
Published: August 2017

Past and ongoing vertebrate introductions threaten to rearrange ecological communities in the Indo‐Malay Archipelago, one of Earth's most biodiverse regions. But the consequences of these translocations are difficult to predict. We compared local abundance and distributions in four tropical mammal lineages that have crossed from Asia to Wallacea or New Guinea. The local abundance of macaques (Macaca spp.), which naturally crossed Wallace's Line, was higher in Sulawesi (east of the line; mean = 3.7 individuals per camera station, 95% CI = 2.2: 5.1) than in Borneo (west of the line; mean = 1.1, CI = 0.8: 1.4), but the local abundance of Malay civets (Viverra tangalunga), Rusa deer, and Sus pigs was similar in their native ranges and where they had been introduced by humans east of Wallace's Line. Proximity to rivers increased Malay Civet local abundance and decreased the local abundance of pigs in parts of their introduced ranges (Maluku and New Guinea, respectively), while having no effect on local abundance in their native ranges (Borneo) or other areas where they have been introduced (Sulawesi). That local abundance was higher east of Wallace's Line in just one of four mammal lineages is consistent with findings from plant invasions, where most species have similar abundance in their native and introduced ranges. However, species’ ecology may change as they enter new communities, for example, their patterns of abundance at local scales. This could make it difficult to predict community structure in the face of ongoing species introductions.
Self-dsDNA in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Bai Y , Tong Y , Liu Y , Hu H
Published: August 2017

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic and poly-aetiological autoimmune disease characterized by the production of antibodies to autologous double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) which serve as diagnostic and prognostic markers. The defective clearance of apoptotic material, together with neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), provides abundant chromatin or self-dsDNA to trigger the production of anti-dsDNA antibodies, although the mechanisms remain to be elucidated. In SLE patients, the immune complex (IC) of dsDNA and its autoantibodies trigger the robust type I interferon (IFN-I) production through intracellular DNA sensors, which drives the adaptive immune system to break down self-tolerance. In this review, we will discuss the potential resources of self-dsDNA, the mechanisms of self-dsDNA-mediated inflammation through various DNA sensors and its functions in SLE pathogenesis.
Zika virus infection: Clinical overview with a summary of Japanese cases
Authors: Kutsuna Satoshi
Published: August 2017

Zika virus infection is a mosquito‐borne infection caused by the Zika virus, a member of the genus Flavivirus in the family Flaviviridae. The infection is transmitted to humans mainly by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. Sexual contact has also been reported to cause infection. It can be diagnosed based on the detection of the virus from blood or urine samples, detection of the viral genes by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, positive conversion of immunoglobulin M or neutralizing antibodies, or a significant increase in antibody titer in paired sera. No effective antiviral drugs or vaccines are currently available. On rare occasions, individuals infected with the Zika virus subsequently develop Guillain–Barré syndrome. In addition, pregnant women infected with the Zika virus can have an increased risk of fetal microcephaly, which has been recognized as a social problem. Finally, I summarized Zika virus infection in Japan as of June 2017.
Hepatic artery and biliary complications in liver transplant recipients with radioembolization bridging treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Radunz Sonia , Saner Fuat H. , Treckmann Jürgen , Rekowski Jan , Theysohn Jens M. , Müller Stefan , Best Jan , Sotiropoulos Georgios C. , Paul Andreas , Benkö Tamás
Published: August 2017

Background

Locoregional bridging treatments are commonly applied in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) prior to liver transplantation to prevent tumor progression during waiting time. It remains unknown whether pre‐transplant radioembolization treatment may increase the prevalence of hepatic artery and biliary complications post‐transplant.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of 173 consecutive patients with HCC who underwent liver transplantation at our transplant center between January 2007 and December 2016.

Results

Radioembolization bridging treatment was applied in 42 patients while 131 patients received other or no forms of bridging treatment. The overall prevalence of intra‐operative and early post‐operative hepatic artery complications was 9.5% in the radioembolization group and 9.2% in the control group (P = 1.000). Biliary complications were significantly less frequent in the radioembolization group (4.8% vs 17.6%, P = .0442). In multivariable analysis, radioembolization was not significantly associated with an increased risk of arterial complications. Considering biliary complications, radioembolization bridging treatment was the only factor significantly associated with decreased odds (OR 0.187 (0.039, 0.892), P = .036).

Conclusions

Radioembolization is not associated with higher odds of hepatic artery complications following liver transplantation. There may even be a protective effect regarding biliary complications. Radioembolization as a bridge to transplantation may effectively be applied without compromising successful liver transplantation.
Cover Image, Volume 19, Issue 9
Authors: Blundell John , Finlayson Graham , Axelsen Mads , Flint Anne , Gibbons Catherine , Kvist Trine , Hjerpsted Julie B.
Published: August 2017

The cover image, by John Blundell et al., is based on the Original Article Effects of once‐weekly semaglutide on appetite, energy intake, control of eating, food preference and body weight in subjects with obesity, DOI: 10.1111/dom.12932

image
Competition and surface conditioning alter the adsorption of phenolic and amino acids on soil minerals
Authors: Gao J. , Jansen B. , Cerli C. , Helmus R. , Mikutta R. , Dultz S. , Guggenberger G. , Kalbitz K.
Published: August 2017

Adsorptive interactions of organic molecules with soil minerals often impair their bioavailability. However, little is known about the adsorption behaviour of phenolic and nitrogenous compounds on different minerals and their mutual interaction with respect to competition and surface conditioning (i.e. surface modification induced by preceding adsorption of the other class of compounds). Therefore, batch adsorption experiments were done to study the interaction between phenolic acids (PAs; salicylic acid, Sal; syringic acid, Syr; ferulic acid, Fer; vanillic acid, Van) and amino acids (AAs; lysine, Lys; glutamic acid, Glu; leucine, Leu; phenylalanine, Phe) during adsorption on goethite and Ca2+‐montmorillonite at pH 6 by applying adsorbate concentrations of 0.01, 0.05 and 0.1 mm. Larger adsorption of PAs was observed on goethite than montmorillonite, whereas the phyllosilicate was a better adsorbent for AAs than the oxide. Among all tested PAs, Sal was preferentially adsorbed on both minerals. For the AAs, Glu was preferentially adsorbed on goethite and Lys on montmorillonite. The AAs were more competitive than PAs and partially suppressed the adsorption of PAs on both minerals. The adsorption of PAs or AAs on both minerals was enhanced by surface conditioning with the other group, with larger effects for goethite than montmorillonite. For goethite, surface conditioning by PAs enhanced the adsorption of AAs more (by 97–161%) than did AAs for PAs (9–48%). The results support the hypothesis that pre‐adsorption of one class of organic compound can enhance the retention of another class. This suggests that adsorbed organic matter on soil mineral phases might be subject to a self‐strengthening effect.

Highlights

Phenolic acids (PAs) were preferentially retained on goethite.

Amino acids (AAs) were preferentially retained on montmorillonite.

AAs were more competitive than PAs for adsorption sites on both minerals.

Pre‐adsorption of one class of compound can enhance the retention of another class.
Manganese oxide affects nitrification and N2O emissions in a subtropical paddy soil with variable water regimes
Authors: Xin X. P. , Wright A. L. , He Z. L. , Jiang X. J.
Published: August 2017

Crop management‐induced redox cycles lead to the formation of distinct soil layers that characterize manganese (Mn) distribution or redistribution in rice (Oryza sativa L.) based ecosystems. We studied the effect of Mn oxides on soil nitrification and N2O emissions to validate the hypothesis that Mn oxides affect the soil's nitrification and denitrification processes. Subtropical paddy soil with three different water regimes (50, 100 and 200% of soil water‐holding capacity (WHC)) was treated with 3% birnessite (Mn oxide) or left untreated. The nitrification process was simulated with zero‐ or first‐order kinetic models and N2O emissions were also measured. The maximum net rates of soil nitrification (Va1) decreased significantly with increasing soil moisture contents (F = 184.8; P < 0.001), and so did the average net rates of soil nitrification (Va2) (F = 6.96; P = 0.008). Manganese oxide significantly decreased Va1 (F = 474.7; P < 0.001), whereas it had no significant effects on Va2 (F = 0.26; P = 0.62). Manganese oxide changed the best fitting nitrification kinetic model from first‐ to zero‐order for both 50 and 200% WHC, but it had no effect at 100% WHC. The maximum rates of emission of N2O significantly increased with increasing soil water contents (F = 15 007; P < 0.001). Manganese oxide retarded the maximum rate of N2O emission at 100% WHC, whereas it depressed the rate from 1084 to 225 μg N kg−1 day−1 at 200% WHC (F = 7494; P < 0.001). The results indicate that the effects of Mn oxide on regulating nitrification and N2O emissions are associated with water regime‐dictated redox potential, and might have important implications for regulating N cycling in rice‐based ecosystems.

Highlights

Effect of manganese oxide on nitrification and denitrification in a paddy soil.

Mn oxide retarded nitrification in oxic conditions and enhanced it in anoxic conditions.

Mn oxide decreased rate of emission of nitrous oxide in anoxic conditions.

Manganese oxide might be able to regulate N cycling in rice paddy soil.
Pedotransfer functions for predicting organic carbon in subsurface horizons ofEuropean soils
Authors: Fernández‐Ugalde O. , Tóth G.
Published: August 2017

There is an increasing demand for information on organic carbon (OC) in subsurface horizons, because subsurface horizons down to the bedrock can contribute to more than half of soil carbon stocks. In this study, we developed pedotransfer functions (PTFs) for predictingOCcontent in subsurface horizons ofEuropean soils. We used a dataset with a wide geographical coverage inEurope. The dataset was stratified sequentially into land‐cover and soil categories. For each category,PTFs were developed by multiple linear regression with the main soil and climatic factors of soilOCstorage as predictor variables:OCin topsoil (0–20 cm), depth of subsurface horizons, texture and bulk density (BD) in subsurface horizons, and mean annual temperature and precipitation. Three land‐cover categories were separated: woodland, a combined category of grassland and non‐permanent arable land, and permanent arable land. For the combined land‐cover category, two soil categories were identified: (i) soils with clay‐rich subsoil and soils with little horizon development and (ii) organic‐rich soils and soils rich inFe andAl compounds. The adjustedR2of allPTFs was above 0.62. WhenPTFs were applied to independent data, the adjustedR2was above 0.51 for all of them. ThePTFs showed good prediction ability, with root mean square error (RMSE) values between 2.43 and 13.82 g C kg−1soil. The adjustedR2andRMSEofPTFs were better whenBDwas used as a predictor variable. ThePTFs could be implemented easily for applications at the continental scale inEurope.

Highlights

A methodology to fitPTFs for predictingOCin subsurface horizons ofEuropean soils.

PTFs were fitted byMLRAwithOCin topsoil, depth, texture,BDand climatic data.

Our method validated grouping soil profiles in land cover and soil categories to developPTFs.

Bulk density improved the quality of fit and prediction ability of thePTFs of each category.
Time‐dependent effects of tongue cleaning with mouthwash or mouth moisturising gel on the number of microbes on the tongue surface of elders with care needs
Authors: Tajima Sayaka , Ryu Masahiro , Ogami Koichiro , Ueda Takayuki , Sakurai Kaoru
Published: August 2017

Objective

The purpose of this study was to investigate time‐dependent change in the number of microbes on the tongue surface after tongue cleaning using a mouthwash or mouth moisturising gel for elders fed with a feeding tube and with care needs.

Materials and methods

Twelve elders fed through a feeding tube and with care needs participated in this prospective crossover study. There were four kinds of tongue cleaning modes as follows: (i) tongue cleaning with a mouthwash; (ii) tongue cleaning with a mouth moisturising gel; (iii) tongue cleaning with water; (iv) no tongue cleaning as a negative control. The total number of microbes on the tongue surface was measured using a rapid oral bacteria detection device at baseline, immediately after cleaning, and at 1, 3 and 5 hours after cleaning to evaluate the time‐dependent change for each tongue cleaning mode.

Results

There were no significant differences regarding microbial count on every measurement in negative control and tongue cleaning with water. There were significant decreases immediately after cleaning, and at 1, 3 and 5 hours after cleaning compared to baseline when the tongue was cleaned with a mouthwash. There was a significant decrease between baseline and immediately after cleaning when the tongue was cleaned with a mouth moisturising gel.

Conclusion

Tongue cleaning with mouth moisturising gel decreased the number of microbes on the tongue surface immediately after cleaning, and tongue cleaning with mouthwash decreased it for 5 hours.
A pilot study on the feasibility of training nurses to formulate multicomponent oral health interventions in a residential aged care facility
Authors: Deutsch Alan , Siegel Emma , Cations Monica , Wright Clive , Naganathan Vasi , Brodaty Henry
Published: August 2017

Objectives

This 10 weeks feasibility study investigated whether residential care nurses with 12 hours advanced oral health training in assessments and saliva testing could formulate, implement and monitor individualised oral care plans of early dementia residents.

Method

Four trained lead advocate nurses using SXI‐D, OHIP14, oral health assessment tool (OHAT) assessments and a modified saliva test formulated nurse scheduled comprehensive oral care plans (NSCOCPs) by selecting and scheduling preventive products and procedures multiple times throughout the day to alkalise the mouth of 8 residents as an adjunct to assisted brushing and high‐fluoride toothpaste.

Results

Nurse assessments, saliva tests and care plans were validated against oral health therapist (OHT) findings. Care plan agreement between Nurse and OHT intervention selection and scheduling was high (75%‐88%). Untrained nurse compliance was very high, 86%‐99% for the 4930 scheduled interventions. Untrained nurses delivered multiple scheduled interventions by following NSCOCPs despite initially not understanding the reason for each of 9 interventions categories. NSCOCPs could track and monitor whether a recommended intervention had been completed by general nursing staff over 3 nursing shifts.

Conclusion

The role of nurses may have to be expanded beyond traditional roles to meet the growth and changes in oral health needs in residential facilities. Intensive training of a few lead advocate nurses to assess risk and formulate individualised NSCOCPs provides a method to transfer knowledge to untrained staff and deliver multicomponent preventive interventions soon after entry into residential care where timely visits by dental professionals to examine residents and prescribe preventive interventions are infrequent or unlikely.
Serum sodium level within the normal range is associated with maximum voluntary tongue pressure against the palate among community‐dwelling older Japanese men
Authors: Shimizu Yuji , Sato Shimpei , Koyamatsu Jun , Yamanashi Hirotomo , Higashi Miho , Nagayoshi Mako , Kadota Koichiro , Kawashiri Shin‐Ya , Takamura Noboru , Maeda Takahiro
Published: August 2017

Aim

Recent geriatric studies have focused on maximum voluntary tongue pressure against the palate (MTP) as a diagnostic value for dysphagia, as dysphagia causes aspiration pneumonia. Dysphagia can also cause water intake difficulties, resulting in hypernatremia by indicating the presence of hyperosmotic dehydration. However, no studies have reported on a possible association between reduced MTP and serum sodium levels.

Methods

To evaluate hyperosmotic dehydration within the normal range as an indicator of reduced MTP, we carried out a cross‐sectional study of 655 older Japanese community‐dwelling men (age ≥60 years) who undertook a general health check‐up from 2015 to 2016. As a high concentration of glucose influences serum osmolarity, which might act as a strong confounding factor on this association, the additional analysis was limited to individuals without diabetes. Reduced MTP is defined as a tongue pressure at or under the 20th percentile of the study population (≤24.0 kPa).

Results

Independent of classical cardiovascular risk factors, the adjusted odds ratio of reduced MTP for a 1‐standard deviation increment of serum sodium (2.21 mEq/L) was 1.29 (95% confidence interval 1.10–1.52). When the analysis was limited to individuals without diabetes, the association became slightly stronger, with an adjusted corresponding value of 1.59 (95% confidence interval 1.21–2.10).

Conclusions

Serum sodium level within the normal range is independently associated with reduced MTP in older Japanese men. This finding suggests that measuring the MTP is clinically relevant for estimating the pathophysiological values (such as dysphagia risks and aspiration pneumonia risks) in daily clinical practice. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 183–186.
Radionuclide synovectomy/synoviorthesis (RS) in patients with bleeding disorders: A review of patient and procedure demographics and functional outcomes in the ATHNdataset
Authors: McGuinn C. , Cheng D. , Aschman D. , Carpenter S. L. , Sidonio R. , Soni A. , Tarantino M. D. , Wheeler A. P. , Dunn A. L. ,   ATHN3 Working Group
Published: August 2017

Introduction

Radionuclide synovectomy/synoviorthesis (RS) to manage proliferative synovitis in persons with bleeding disorders has been utilized for decades; however, aggregate US results are limited.

Aim

To determine the prevalence of RS utilization, patient and procedure related demographics and functional outcomes in United States haemophilia treatment centres (HTCs). The ATHNdataset includes US patients with bleeding disorders who have authorized the sharing of their demographic and clinical information for research.

Methods

We performed a multi‐institutional, observational cohort study utilizing this dataset through 2010. Cases treated with RS procedure were compared to controls within the dataset. Standard template for data collection included patient and procedure related demographics as well as functional outcomes including range of motion (ROM) of the affected joint. Normative age‐ and sex‐matched control ROM was obtained from published data.

Results

In the ATHNdataset there were 19 539 control‐patients and 196 case‐patients treated with RS. Patients with severe haemophilia were more likely to have had RS compared to those with mild/moderate haemophilia, although the proportion of RS performed was similar between severe HA and HB. Inhibitory antibodies, HIV and hepatitis C infection were significantly more common in cases. There were 362 RS procedures captured with 94 cases having >1 RS procedures.

Conclusions

Right‐sided joint procedures were more prevalent than left‐sided procedures. Overall, case‐patients had worse joint ROM compared to control‐patients and published normative values. Geographically, there was regional variation in RS utilization, as the Southeast region had the largest percent of case‐patients.
Communication accommodation theory analysis of nurse–patient interaction: Implications for course design
Authors: Pretorius Marilize
Published: August 2017

Language discordance can limit nursing professionals' (NP) ability to use patient‐centred communication (PCC). Adequate research should underpin the design of applied linguistic solutions to this problem. Thus, this article reports on some of the potential language and communication learning needs of NPs in language discordant contexts. Communication Accommodation Theory is used to analyse observation and interview data with the aim of investigating the factors that influence patients' evaluative responses to NPs' limited linguistic competence. The results indicate that, depending on context, attributed motives and willingness to accommodate can influence patient evaluative reactions more than cultural stereotypes or comprehension problems. Thus, NPs need to develop not only their linguistic and accommodative resources to decrease comprehension problems, but also the ability to attend to affect.
Pension reforms in EU11 countries: An evaluation of post‐socialist pension policies
Authors: Domonkos Stefan , Simonovits András
Published: August 2017

This article evaluates the pension policy pathways of the 11 former state socialist nations that have joined the European Union since 2004. Focusing primarily on the post‐2004 period, the analysis discusses the most important measurable outcomes of these countries’ pension reforms, in terms of poverty alleviation, pension adequacy and fiscal sustainability. Going beyond the quantifiable concepts, we also investigate the quality of the 11 countries’ pension systems in terms of equity as well as efficiency, emphasizing the less conspicuous design errors present in these systems. Although these errors have received little attention to date, they may harm pension schemes along several dimensions, including their fiscal sustainability.
CONSTRUCTING THE LAW OF PEOPLES
Authors: Moellendorf Darrel
Published: August 2017

In this paper I shall argue that due to the constructivist procedure which John Rawls employs in “The Law of Peoples,” he is unable to justify his claim that there is a relationship between limiting the internal and external sovereignty of states. An alternative constructivist procedure is viable, but it extends the ideal theory of international justice to include liberal democratic and egalitarian principles. The procedure and principles have significant implications for non‐ideal theory as well, insofar as they justify a principle of international resource redistribution and weaken general prohibitions against intervention.
CREATION AND DISCOVERY IN MUSICAL WORKS
Authors: Woodruff David M.
Published: August 2017

I argue that entities which best fill the role of musical works are discovered and not created. I begin by distinguishing two senses of ‘create.’ I then examine what our ordinary talk of musical works commits us to, paying special attention to this distinction. Finally, I look at Renée Cox's arguments for the creation view of musical works. One of her reasons actually supports the discovery position. Her other claims are consistent with the view that musical works are discovered. I conclude that though our ordinary talk concerning musical works is often ambiguous, the discovery view is superior.
PLURALISM, LIBERALISM, AND THE ROLE OF OVERRIDING VALUES
Authors: Lawrence Matthew
Published: August 2017

While it is often thought that pluralism is best accommodated by a liberal state, John Kekes has recently argued that pluralism and liberalism involve inconsistent commitments. He maintains that liberalism is committed to the idea that one or more of the “liberal values” must override all other values, while pluralism is committed to the idea that there are no overriding values whatsoever. In this paper I challenge Kekes' position by arguing that ethical pluralism does not require an absence of overriding values, and that liberalism does not require that one or more of the liberal values must override all others.