bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Internal control information disclosure and corporate governance: evidence from an emerging market
Authors: Agyei-Mensah Ben Kwame
Published: January 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to increase our understanding of the impact of corporate governance factors on the disclosure of internal control information by firms in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

A data set from 110 firms in Ghana for the year ending of 2013 was used. Each annual report was individually examined and coded to obtain the disclosure of internal control information index. Descriptive analysis was performed to provide the background statistics of the variables examined. This was followed by regression analysis, which forms the main data analysis method.

Findings

Results of the disclosure of internal control information mean of 35 per cent indicate that most of the sampled firms did not disclose sufficient internal control information in their annual reports. The low level of internal control information disclosure cannot be used by stakeholders to determine the level of corporate governance practices in the sampled companies. The results of the regression analysis indicate that board independence is a significant variable that explains the disclosure of internal control disclosure. This supports the generally held view that independent directors help to improve the quality of disclosure and increase the transparency of information.

Originality/value

This is the first study in Ghana that considered the impact of corporate governance factors on internal control information disclosures. This study contributes to the literature on the relationship between corporate governance and disclosure by showing that the disclosure of internal control information in Ghana is associated with the proportion of independent board members. This findings support Sarbanes–Oxley (SOX) 404 requirements, even though this is not compulsory for Ghanaian firms unlike their US counterparts. The findings of this study will help market regulators in Ghana and Sub-Saharan Africa, Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Sub-Saharan African Exchanges in evaluating the adequacy of the current disclosure regulations in their countries. Understanding the board composition and their impact on voluntary disclosure provides evidence on the sufficiency of the board of directors’ guidelines in the corporate governance code in Sub-Saharan African countries.
Financial development and poverty reduction in India: an empirical investigation
Authors: Sehrawat Madhu , Giri A K
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between financial sector development and poverty reduction in India using annual data from 1970 to 2012. The paper attempts to answer the critical question: does financial sector development lead to poverty reduction?

Design/methodology/approach

– Stationarity properties of the series are checked by using Ng-Perron unit root test. The paper uses the Auto Regressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) bound testing approach to co-integration to examine the existence of long-run relationship; error-correction mechanism for the short-run dynamics and Granger non-causality test to test the direction of causality.

Findings

– The co-integration test confirms a long-run relationship between financial development and poverty reduction for India. The ARDL test results suggest that financial development and economic growth reduces poverty in both long run and short run. The causality test confirms that there is a positive and unidirectional causality running from financial development to poverty reduction.

Research limitations/implications

– This study implies that poverty in India can be reduced by financial inclusion and financial accessibility to the poor. For a fast growing economy with respect to financial sector development this may have far-reaching implication toward inclusive growth.

Originality/value

– This paper is the first of its kind to empirically examine the causal relationship between financial sector development and poverty reduction in India using modern econometric techniques.
Distributional effects of non-farm incomes in a Malaysian rice bowl
Authors: Saiful Nathan Siti Badariah , Mohd Rosli M.
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to identify the structure of household income and examine the effects of non-farm incomes on the income distribution of farm households in a relatively developed rural area of the Malaysian rice bowl.

Design/methodology/approach

– The non-farm incomes were disaggregated into different components to determine the contribution of each income source to total household income and overall inequality. The income distribution and decomposition was examined using the Gini decomposition method.

Findings

– It was found that almost 71 percent of the households in the sample had at least one source of non-farm income. On average, non-farm incomes contributed about 33 percent to total household income. Non-farm wage employment was the dominant source of non-farm income, accounting for almost 26 percent of overall household income. The farm incomes, especially the paddy incomes were found to be the inequality-decreasing income source. The study also confirmed the proposition that the non-farm incomes were the inequality-increasing income source as they contributed up to 35 percent of the overall income inequality.

Originality/value

– Previous studies have found that non-farm incomes have different effects on income inequality of rural communities, especially those in the rice granary areas situated in less developed states of Malaysia, where poverty is still a problem. This study is significant because it identifies the effect of certain incomes on the overall income inequality among farm households in the granary areas located in a relatively developed rural area. The studied areas are characterized by an intensive paddy production and a rapid development in business and industrial activities, and hence, providing non-farm employment opportunities to the rural farmers. Therefore, this study shows the income structure and how farm and non-farm incomes affect the overall income distribution of the paddy farmers.
Consumer reactions to corporate social responsibility brands: the role of face concern
Authors: Wan Lisa C. , Poon Patrick S. , Yu Chunling
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– Face concern is a personal value that refers to the extent an individual shows regard for or interest in the protection and enhancement of face. This study aims to examine the moderating influence of face concern on consumer responses to brands associated with corporate social responsibility (CSR).

Design/methodology/approach

– An experimental study was conducted to test the proposed conceptual model in consumer reactions to CSR brands.

Findings

– The results show that consumers with a high face concern (vs low face concern) have a better quality perception toward CSR brands than non-CSR brands. In addition, they also have a higher purchase intention and propensity to recommend the CSR brands than those with a low face concern. However, this interaction effect between face concern and brand type (CSR brand vs non-CSR brand) is mediated by consumers’ perceived quality of the brand.

Practical implications

– This study provides critical implications for the formulation of brand management strategies, particularly for international firms entering an Asian country like China where people generally have a high degree of face concern.

Originality/value

– This study highlights the moderating role of face concern in the relationship between consumer responses and brands associated with CSR. It also suggests the mediating role of consumers’ perceived brand quality in the relationship between brand types (CSR brands vs non-CSR brands) and consumer responses.
Separate but together: Mediterranean identity in three countries
Authors: Petruzzellis Luca , Craig C. Samuel
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The present study aims to understand how a culture associated with proximity to the Mediterranean Sea transcends political boundaries fostering common values and beliefs across three countries.

Design/methodology/approach

– Semi-structured interviews were conducted in Italy, Spain and France to assess similarities and differences between respondents. The qualitative data were augmented with the literature pertaining to Mediterranean identity, culture and the influence of contextual factors on its development.

Findings

– The three geographically proximate countries all border on the Mediterranean Sea. The interviews revealed common cultural elements that transcend political boundaries suggesting that the common context fosters similar cultural elements. At the same time, there are important cultural elements that are uniquely associated with each country.

Research limitations/implications

– The geographic composition of the sample limits the generality of the results. By design, it focuses on three countries to limit other sources of variation such as affluence and religion. A sample across additional countries would have provided greater confidence in the results, although the selected countries are representative of a large portion of the Mediterranean area, especially in terms of values. Inclusion of respondents from countries with different levels of wealth, religious and political ideologies would likely uncover additional facets of Mediterranean identity.

Practical implications

– A key implication relates to the extent that similar values and beliefs appear to cut across political boundaries suggesting the existence of transnational segments. It also suggests the importance of considering contextual factors when developing an understanding of consumer behavior.

Originality/value

– The paper provides insights into the concept of Mediterranean identity, through an examination of the literature and respondents’ perceptions and attitudes about the sense of belonging and attachment to Europe, their country of birth and about being Mediterranean. The notion of a Mediterranean culture has been examined conceptually, but not empirically. This study begins the process of establishing the degree to which Mediterranean identity and the extent to which it exists across multiple countries.
How guilt affects consumption intention: the role of rumination, emotional support and shame
Authors: Saintives Camille , Lunardo Renaud
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– This paper aims to determine how consumers may regulate their guilt through rumination and emotional support and how such regulation affects their consumption. Compelling research indicates that consumption may sometimes induce guilt. Social–psychological literature suggests that a potential way for consumers to regulate their consumption-related guilt is to seek emotional support.

Design/methodology/approach

– Two studies, which measure (Study 1) and manipulate (Study 2) guilt, investigate how guilt and rumination affect emotional support and subsequent consumption.

Findings

– The results show that guilt and rumination interact and prompt individuals to seek emotional support. The valence (positive or negative) of feedback they receive affects and interacts with their guilt to affect their intention to consume the guilt-inducing product again. Shame is shown to mediate the effect of post-feedback guilt on consumption intentions.

Research limitations/implications

– The results extend previous research on guilt by emphasizing emotional support seeking as a specific way of coping in response to guilt feelings and shame as an outcome of guilt. Moreover, the present research shows that guilt can affect behavioural intentions, an effect that surprisingly has not been previously identified in literature.

Practical implications

– For brands and retailers providing guilt-inducing products, the results suggest that providing emotional support – for instance through reinsurance messages – may have positive effects on consumer emotions and intentions.

Originality/value

– Using two different methods, the research findings offer deeper understanding of how guilt is related to cognitions such as rumination, to emotions such as shame and to behavioural intentions.
The effects ofLMXon gender discrimination and subjective career success
Authors: Park Seul Gi , Kang Hee Jung (Annette) , Lee Hyung Ryong , Kim Su Jin
Published: January 2016

The objectives of this study are to identify the effects of leader–member exchange (LMX) on employees' perception of gender discrimination and subjective career success and to examine the relationship between gender discrimination and subjective career success. Data was collected from hotel employees inSeoul,SouthKorea. To accomplish the objectives, structural equation modeling was conducted.The first result was thatLMXhad a significant positive impact on subjective career success. Second,LMXimpacted differently gender discrimination (employment and promotion discrimination, and wage and training discrimination). Third, each gender discrimination factor influenced differently subjective career success. Understanding the relationships amongLMX, gender discrimination, and subjective career success can suggest practical solutions for efficient human resource management to hotel managers.
Impact of Asia–Pacific guidelines on gastric cancer and Helicobacter pylori infection on prevailing clinical practices
Authors: Ang Tiing Leong , Fock Kwong Ming , Tan Malcolm Teck Kiang , Assam Pryseley Nkouibert , Chan Edwin Shih‐Yen
Published: January 2016

Objective

To determine the impact of the Asia–Pacific guidelines on gastric cancer prevention and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection on clinical practice.

Methods

An electronic survey was carried out among Asian Pacific Digestive Week (APDW) medical delegates in 2012. The survey questionnaire captured details such as participants’ characteristics, their awareness of the guidelines and knowledge of the key guideline recommendations, the impact of the guidelines on individual practice and on national policies and the sources of medical information that the individual used to make clinical decisions. A total of 1372 APDW medical delegates were invited via email to participate in the electronic survey and 432 (31.5%) responded.

Results

Among the respondents, 57.6% were familiar with at least one of the guidelines. Among those familiar with the guidelines, 85.9% believed that they influenced their clinical practice. More than half (64.9%) reported that the guidelines clarified treatment indications for them. In terms of knowledge content, 85.0% of the participants provided correct responses to at least four of the six questions on understanding. More than half (52.7%) of the participants felt that the guidelines had made an impact on national policies.

Conclusion

The Asia–Pacific guidelines on gastric cancer and H. pylori had a positive impact on individual clinical practice and national policies.
Clinical characteristics of Chinese patients with duration of type 2 diabetes >40 years
Authors: Song Tingting , Luo Yingying , Wang Xuhui , Li Jing , Han Qian , Zhu Hong , Zhao Wei , Li Weidong , Sun Zhong , Yang Xilin
Published: January 2016

Background

Although type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) shortens life expectancy by 10–12 years, some patients survive extremely long durations of diabetes. The clinical characteristics of Chinese patients with >40 years T2DM remain unknown. Thus, the aim of the present study was to document the clinical profile of patients with T2DM for ≥40 years.

Methods

The present study evaluated 157 survivors with >40 years T2DM from a total of 582 773 patients with T2DM enrolled in a Chinese national survey of HbA1c. Two matched case‐control studies were performed on long T2DM survivors (cases) separately matched according to: (1) survey day, sex, and survey hospital; and (2) age, sex, and survey hospital. Conditional logistic regression analysis was performed to obtain odds ratios (ORs) for long survival.

Results

Patients with a long duration of T2DM had a mean (± SD) age of 75 ± 10 years. Their T2DM had been diagnosed at a mean age of 32 years and the median duration of diabetes was 41 years. In both case‐control studies, long‐duration T2DM was associated with an increased risk of hyperglycemia (OR 6.31; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.89–21.09) and coronary heart disease (CHD; OR 2.18 95% CI 1.01–4.70). However, long‐duration T2DM was not associated with a higher likelihood of abnormal lipids, diabetic nephropathy (DN), or stroke compared with patients with a shorter duration of T2DM.

Conclusions

The present study suggests that Chinese patients with long‐term T2DM also had increased risks of hyperglycemia and non‐fatal CHD. Further studies are needed to investigate whether survival of these patients was associated with non‐increased risk of DN.
Revisiting multiple models of progression of β‐cell loss of function in type 1 diabetes: Significance for prevention and cure
Authors: Li Xia , Cheng Jin , Zhou Zhiguang
Published: January 2016

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) results from a chronic autoimmune process that leads to β‐cell destruction and exogenous insulin dependence. The natural history of T1D proposed by Eisenbarth suggested six relatively independent stages over the course of the entire disease process, which was considered to be linear and chronic. Based on this classical theory, immunotherapies aim to prevent or reverse all these periods of β‐cell loss. Over the past 30 years, much novel information about the pathogenesis of T1D proved that there are complex metabolic changes occurring throughout the entire disease process. Therefore, new possible models for the natural history of the disease have been proposed; these models, in turn, may help facilitate fresh avenues for the prevention and cure of T1D. Herein, we briefly review recent findings in this field of research, with the aim of providing a better theoretical basis for clinical practice.
Accounting for tree spatial distribution in a comparison of plot sizes and shapes in dense forest and woodland in Benin (West Africa)
Authors: Mensah Sylvanus , Assogbadjo Achille Ephrem , Salako Valère Kolawole , Ago Expédit Evariste , Glèlè Kakaï Romain
Published: January 2016

The study examined simultaneously, the effect of tree spatial distribution, inventory plot size and shape on the estimation error of basal area in two contrasting environments. Twenty and fifteen square plots of 1 ha each (divided into 100 quadrats of 0.01 ha) were randomly set in dense forest and woodland, respectively. Thirteen subplots of various shapes and sizes were obtained from the association of adjacent quadrats. Estimation error was calculated using residual mean square of one‐way ANOVA, based on replications of subplot within 1 ha plots. Tree spatial distribution was measured using Green index. Weighted linear regression and mixed effect models were applied to Box & Cox transformed data. In general, the estimation error of basal area decreased with increase in subplot size. However, the effects of tree spatial distribution and plot shape varied with the vegetation type. Where trees tended to be aggregated, estimation error increased with degree of aggregation, and rectangular plots of 0.24 ha produced an acceptable precision. It was concluded that 0.24 ha rectangular plots can be used in tropical environments where the target parameters vary constantly according to one direction, while square plots of the same size are optimal for reliable analysis in case of randomness.
Progressing towards standard outcomes in gestational diabetes Cochrane reviews and randomised trials
Authors: Bain Emily , Middleton Philippa , Crowther Caroline A.
Published: January 2016

Outcomes in gestational diabetes Cochrane protocols and reviews before and after development of ‘standard outcomes’ by WOMBAT (WOMen and Babies health and well‐being: Action through Trials) were surveyed. An increase in ‘common’ outcomes (those prespecified by ≥50% of the protocols and reviews) over time was observed (2001–2009: 27 vs 2010–2014: 46). There were discrepancies in outcomes prespecified in reviews and reported by randomised trials. Efforts are needed to develop a core outcome set, to reduce research waste and improve health outcomes.
An open‐label, phase 2, single centre, randomized, crossover design bioequivalence study of AndroForte 5 testosterone cream and Testogel 1% testosterone gel in hypogonadal men: study LP101
Authors: Wittert G. A. , Harrison R. W. , Buckley M. J. , Wlodarczyk J.
Published: January 2016

We compared a novel 5% testosterone (T) cream (AndroForte 5, Lawley Pharmaceuticals, Australia) with a 1% T gel (Testogel, Besins Healthcare, Australia). Using an open‐label crossover design, subjects were randomized to one of two treatment sequences using either the T gel or T cream first in a 1 : 1 ratio. Each treatment period was 30 days with a 7–14 days washout period between them. On Days 1 and 30 of each treatment period blood was sampled at −15, −5 min, 0, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12 and 16 h post study drug administration. Sixteen men with established androgen deficiency aged between 29 and 73 years, who had undertaken a washout from prior testosterone therapy participated in the study. One subject failed to complete both arms and another was excluded post‐completion because of a major protocol violation. Bioequivalence was established based on key pharmacokinetic (PK) variables: AUC, Cavg, Cmax, Tmax, % fluctuation (with and without baseline correction) for the two formulations of testosterone on Day 1 and Day 30. The ratio and 90% CI of AUC 0.99 (0.86–1.14), Cmax 1.02 (0.84–1.24) and Cavg 0.99 (0.86–1.14) for T cream/T gel were within the predetermined bio‐equivalence criteria of 80% to 125% at Day 30. There were no statistically significant differences between secondary biochemical markers: serum dihydrotestosterone (DHT), oestradiol (E2), sex hormone‐binding globulin (SHBG), luteinizing hormone (LH) and (FSH). The two testosterone formulations were shown to be bioequivalent.
A Class of Joint Models for Multivariate Longitudinal Measurements and a Binary Event
Authors: Kim Sungduk , Albert Paul S.
Published: January 2016

Predicting binary events such as newborns with large birthweight is important for obstetricians in their attempt to reduce both maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Such predictions have been a challenge in obstetric practice, where longitudinal ultrasound measurements taken at multiple gestational times during pregnancy may be useful for predicting various poor pregnancy outcomes. The focus of this article is on developing a flexible class of joint models for the multivariate longitudinal ultrasound measurements that can be used for predicting a binary event at birth. A skewed multivariate random effects model is proposed for the ultrasound measurements, and the skewed generalized t-link is assumed for the link function relating the binary event and the underlying longitudinal processes. We consider a shared random effect to link the two processes together. Markov chain Monte Carlo sampling is used to carry out Bayesian posterior computation. Several variations of the proposed model are considered and compared via the deviance information criterion, the logarithm of pseudomarginal likelihood, and with a training-test set prediction paradigm. The proposed methodology is illustrated with data from the NICHD Successive Small-for-Gestational-Age Births study, a large prospective fetal growth cohort conducted in Norway and Sweden.
Boomerang: A Method for Recursive Reclassification
Authors: Devlin Sean M. , Ostrovnaya Irina , Gönen Mithat
Published: January 2016

While there are many validated prognostic classifiers used in practice, often their accuracy is modest and heterogeneity in clinical outcomes exists in one or more risk subgroups. Newly available markers, such as genomic mutations, may be used to improve the accuracy of an existing classifier by reclassifying patients from a heterogenous group into a higher or lower risk category. The statistical tools typically applied to develop the initial classifiers are not easily adapted toward this reclassification goal. In this article, we develop a new method designed to refine an existing prognostic classifier by incorporating new markers. The two-stage algorithm called Boomerang first searches for modifications of the existing classifier that increase the overall predictive accuracy and then merges to a prespecified number of risk groups. Resampling techniques are proposed to assess the improvement in predictive accuracy when an independent validation data set is not available. The performance of the algorithm is assessed under various simulation scenarios where the marker frequency, degree of censoring, and total sample size are varied. The results suggest that the method selects few false positive markers and is able to improve the predictive accuracy of the classifier in many settings. Lastly, the method is illustrated on an acute myeloid leukemia data set where a new refined classifier incorporates four new mutations into the existing three category classifier and is validated on an independent data set.
Reader Reaction: Instrumental Variable Additive Hazards Models with Exposure-Dependent Censoring
Authors: Chan Kwun Chuen Gary
Published: January 2016

Li, Fine, and Brookhart (2015) presented an extension of the two-stage least squares (2SLS) method for additive hazards models which requires an assumption that the censoring distribution is unrelated to the endogenous exposure variable. We present another extension of 2SLS that can address this limitation.
What do people think about running barefoot/with minimalist footwear? A thematic analysis
Authors: Walton Peter D. , French David P.
Published: January 2016

Objectives

Barefoot running describes when individuals run without footwear. Minimalist running utilizes shoes aimed to mimic being barefoot. Although these forms of running have become increasingly popular, we still know little about how recreational runners perceive them.

Design

In‐depth interviews with eight recreational runners were used to gather information about their running experiences with a focus on barefoot and minimalist running.

Methods

Interviews were analysed using a latent level thematic analysis to identify and interpret themes within the data.

Results

Although participants considered barefoot running to be ‘natural’, they also considered it to be extreme. Minimalist running did not produce such aversive reactions. ‘Support’ reassured against concerns and was seen as central in protecting vulnerable body parts and reducing impact forces, but lacked a common or clear definition. A preference for practical over academic knowledge was found. Anecdotal information was generally trusted, as were running stores with gait assessment, but not health professionals.

Conclusion

People often have inconsistent ideas about barefoot and minimalist running, which are often formed by potentially biased sources, which may lead people to make poor decisions about barefoot and minimalist running. It is important to provide high‐quality information to enable better decisions to be made about barefoot and minimalist running.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

There is no known work on the psychology behind barefoot and minimalist running. We believe our study is the first qualitative study to have investigated views of this increasingly popular form of running.

What does this study add?

The results suggest that although barefoot running is considered ‘natural’, it is also considered ‘extreme’. Minimalist running, however, did not receive such aversive reactions.

‘Support’ was a common concern among runners. Although ‘support’ reassured against concerns and was seen as central in protecting vulnerable body parts and reducing impact forces, it lacked a common or clear definition.

A preference for practical over academic knowledge was found. Anecdotal information was generally trusted, as were running stores with gait assessment, but not health professionals.
Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) modulates immunopathology and airway hyperresponsiveness representing a novel target for the treatment of asthma
Authors: Singh Shailendra R , Sullo Nikol , Matteis Maria , Spaziano Giuseppe , McDonald John , Saunders Ruth , Woodman Lucy , Urbanek Konrad , De Angelis Antonella , De Palma Raffaele , Berair Rachid , Pancholi Mitesh , Mistry Vijay , Rossi Francesco , Guerrini Remo , Calò Girolamo , D'Agostino Bruno , Brightling Christopher E , Lambert David G
Published: January 2016

Background and Purpose

There is evidence supporting a role for the nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ; NOP) receptor and its endogenous ligand N/OFQ in the modulation of neurogenic inflammation, airway tone and calibre. We hypothesized that NOP receptor activation has beneficial effects upon asthma immunopathology and airway hyperresponsiveness. Therefore, the expression and function of N/OFQ and the NOP receptor were examined in healthy and asthmatic human airway tissues. The concept was further addressed in an animal model of allergic asthma.

Experimental Approach

NOP receptor expression was investigated by quantitative real‐time PCR. Sputum N/OFQ was determined by RIA. N/OFQ function was tested using several assays including proliferation, migration, collagen gel contraction and wound healing. The effects of N/OFQ administration in vivo were studied in ovalbumin (OVA)‐sensitized and challenged mice.

Key Results

NOP receptors were expressed on a wide range of human and mouse immune and airway cells. Eosinophils expressed N/OFQ‐precursor mRNA and their number correlated with N/OFQ concentration. N/OFQ was found in human sputum and increased in asthma. Additionally, in asthmatic human lungs N/OFQ immunoreactivity was elevated. NOP receptor activation inhibited migration of immunocytes and increased wound healing in airway structural cells. Furthermore, N/OFQ relaxed spasmogen‐stimulated gel contraction. Remarkably, these findings were mirrored in OVA‐mice where N/OFQ treatment before or during sensitization substantially reduced airway constriction and immunocyte trafficking to the lung, in particular eosinophils. N/OFQ also reduced inflammatory mediators and mucin production.

Conclusions and Implications

We demonstrated a novel dual airway immunomodulator/bronchodilator role for N/OFQ and suggest targeting this system as an innovative treatment for asthma.
Microglia antioxidant systems and redox signalling
Authors: Vilhardt F , Haslund‐Vinding J , Jaquet V , McBean G
Published: January 2016

For many years, microglia, the resident CNS macrophages, have been considered only in the context of pathology, but microglia are also glial cells with important physiological functions. Microglia‐derived oxidant production by NADPH oxidase (NOX2) is implicated in many CNS disorders. Oxidants do not stand alone, however, and are not always pernicious. We discuss in general terms, and where available in microglia, GSH synthesis and relation to cystine import and glutamate export, and the thioredoxin system as the most important antioxidative defence mechanism, and further, we discuss in the context of protein thiolation of target redox proteins the necessity for tightly localized, timed and confined oxidant production to work in concert with antioxidant proteins to promote redox signalling. NOX2‐mediated redox signalling modulates the acquisition of the classical or alternative microglia activation phenotypes by regulating major transcriptional programs mediated through NF‐κB and Nrf2, major regulators of the inflammatory and antioxidant response respectively. As both antioxidants and NOX‐derived oxidants are co‐secreted, in some instances redox signalling may extend to neighboring cells through modification of surface or cytosolic target proteins. We consider a role for microglia NOX‐derived oxidants in paracrine modification of synaptic function through long term depression and in the communication with the adaptive immune system. There is little doubt that a continued foray into the functions of the antioxidant response in microglia will reveal antioxidant proteins as dynamic players in redox signalling, which in concert with NOX‐derived oxidants fulfil important roles in the autocrine or paracrine regulation of essential enzymes or transcriptional programs.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Redox Biology and Oxidative Stress in Health and Disease. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.12/issuetoc
Predicting the consequences of species loss using size‐structured biodiversity approaches
Authors: Brose Ulrich , Blanchard Julia L. , Eklöf Anna , Galiana Nuria , Hartvig Martin , R. Hirt Myriam , Kalinkat Gregor , Nordström Marie C. , O'Gorman Eoin J. , Rall Björn C. , Schneider Florian D. , Thébault Elisa , Jacob Ute
Published: January 2016

Understanding the consequences of species loss in complex ecological communities is one of the great challenges in current biodiversity research. For a long time, this topic has been addressed by traditional biodiversity experiments. Most of these approaches treat species as trait‐free, taxonomic units characterizing communities only by species number without accounting for species traits. However, extinctions do not occur at random as there is a clear correlation between extinction risk and species traits. In this review, we assume that large species will be most threatened by extinction and use novel allometric and size‐spectrum concepts that include body mass as a primary species trait at the levels of populations and individuals, respectively, to re‐assess three classic debates on the relationships between biodiversity and (i) food‐web structural complexity, (ii) community dynamic stability, and (iii) ecosystem functioning. Contrasting current expectations, size‐structured approaches suggest that the loss of large species, that typically exploit most resource species, may lead to future food webs that are less interwoven and more structured by chains of interactions and compartments. The disruption of natural body‐mass distributions maintaining food‐web stability may trigger avalanches of secondary extinctions and strong trophic cascades with expected knock‐on effects on the functionality of the ecosystems. Therefore, we argue that it is crucial to take into account body size as a species trait when analysing the consequences of biodiversity loss for natural ecosystems. Applying size‐structured approaches provides an integrative ecological concept that enables a better understanding of each species' unique role across communities and the causes and consequences of biodiversity loss.
Diagnostic odyssey in severe neurodevelopmental disorders: toward clinical whole‐exome sequencing as a first‐line diagnostic test
Authors: Thevenon J. , Duffourd Y. , Masurel‐Paulet A. , Lefebvre M. , Feillet F. , El Chehadeh‐Djebbar S. , St‐Onge J. , Steinmetz A. , Huet F. , Chouchane M. , Darmency‐Stamboul V. , Callier P. , Thauvin‐Robinet C. , Faivre L. , Rivière J.B.
Published: January 2016

The current standard of care for diagnosis of severe intellectual disability (ID) and epileptic encephalopathy (EE) results in a diagnostic yield of ∼50%. Affected individuals nonetheless undergo multiple clinical evaluations and low‐yield laboratory tests often referred to as a ‘diagnostic odyssey’. This study was aimed at assessing the utility of clinical whole‐exome sequencing (WES) in individuals with undiagnosed and severe forms of ID and EE, and the feasibility of its implementation in routine practice by a small regional genetic center. We performed WES in a cohort of 43 unrelated individuals with undiagnosed ID and/or EE. All individuals had undergone multiple clinical evaluations and diagnostic tests over the years, with no definitive diagnosis. Sequencing data analysis and interpretation were carried out at the local molecular genetics laboratory. The diagnostic rate of WES reached 32.5% (14 out of 43 individuals). Genetic diagnosis had a direct impact on clinical management in four families, including a prenatal diagnostic test in one family. Our data emphasize the clinical utility and feasibility of WES in individuals with undiagnosed forms of ID and EE and highlight the necessity of close collaborations between ordering physicians, molecular geneticists, bioinformaticians and researchers for accurate data interpretation.
Effect of oral hygiene maintenance on HbA1c levels and peri‐implant parameters around immediately‐loaded dental implants placed in type‐2 diabetic patients: 2 years follow‐up
Authors: Al Amri Mohammad D. , Kellesarian Sergio Varela , Al‐Kheraif Abdulaziz A. , Malmstrom Hans , Javed Fawad , Romanos Georgios E.
Published: January 2016

Objective

The aim of the present 2‐year follow‐up study was to assess the effect of oral hygiene maintenance on hemoglobin Alc (HbA1c) levels and peri‐implant parameters around immediately‐loaded dental implants placed in type‐2 diabetic patients with varying glycemic levels.

Material and methods

Ninety‐one individuals were divided into three groups. In group 1, 30 systemically healthy individuals were included (HbA1c < 6%). Patients in group 2 and 3, comprised of 30 patients with T2DM (HbA1c 6.1–8%); and 31 patients with T2DM (HbA1c 8.1–10%) respectively. In all groups, patients received immediately loaded bone level implants. All participants were enrolled in a 6 monthly periodontal/peri‐implant maintenance program. Peri‐implant bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD), and marginal bone loss (MBL) were measured at 6, 12, and 24 months of follow‐up.

Results

Mean preoperative HbA1c levels in patients in groups 1, 2, and 3 were 4.5%, 6.8%, and 8.7% respectively. In group‐1, there was no significant difference in HbA1c levels at all follow‐up durations. Among patients in groups 2 and 3, there was a significant decrease in HbA1c levels at 24‐months follow‐up than 6‐months follow‐up. At 6 months follow‐up, BOP, PD, and MBL were significantly higher among patients in group‐3 than group‐1. At 12 and 24 months follow‐up, there was no significant difference in BOP, PD, and MBL in all groups.

Conclusions

Oral hygiene maintenance reduces hyperglycemia and peri‐implant inflammatory parameters around immediately loaded dental implants placed in type 2 diabetic patients.
Thoughts on how to improve the quality of multicentre patch test studies
Authors: Bruze Magnus
Published: January 2016

Multicentre patch test studies (MPTSs) can contribute useful information for diagnostic and preventive measures. The aim of the present paper is to propose how to perform high‐quality MPTSs. To this end, factors of significance for the patch test result are discussed with regard to the standardization and calibration of high‐quality MPTSs. The 16 factors discussed are scored 0, 1, 2, or 3, depending on the relative importance of a particular factor for the patch test result. The total score of an MPTS allows it to be ranked as having doubtful, acceptable, high or excellent quality. A total score of 30 is possible. Depending on the total score the MPTSs are grouped into those with a doubtful, acceptable, high, and excellent quality. In conclusion, high‐quality MPTSs can be performed and are facilitated if a guideline and check list are followed when the study is being planned. The scoring enables the calculation of a total score, which can be used for quality ranking.
Quality in epidemiological surveillance of contact allergy
Authors: Uter Wolfgang , Rustemeyer Thomas , Wilkinson Mark , Duus Johansen Jeanne
Published: January 2016

The reporting of scientific results (in the field of contact dermatitis/allergy) should include a description of the methods used, including, but not limited to, standardized patch testing. Several aspects always need to be reported, such as duration of exposure, reading times, vehicle, and concentration of allergens. However, concerning other aspects, explicit compliance with international patch testing guidelines, notably the European Society of Contact Dermatitis guideline, which covers all relevant general aspects, is deemed to be a sufficient description of methods, supplemented by study‐specific information, including partial non‐compliance with the guideline, as indicated. Besides technical aspects, the quality of reporting of scientific results has several other dimensions, including epidemiological and biostatistical aspects discussed in this article. Prospectively, when a study is planned, performed, and reported, issues such as selection of patients and sample size and their impact on power and precision, the role of misclassification and potential conflicts of interests need to be addressed and discussed, respectively. Retrospectively, when a study is read and analysed, all relevant aspects of quality should be considered when the weight of evidence that a study publication provides is evaluated. Employing rigid ‘quality criteria’ may have the detrimental effect of relevant, if slightly imperfect, evidence being deliberately excluded.
Genetic oscillators in development
Authors: Uriu Koichiro
Published: January 2016

In development, morphogenetic processes are strictly coordinated in time. Cells in a developing tissue would need mechanisms for time‐keeping. One such time‐keeping mechanism is to use oscillations of gene expression. Oscillatory gene expression can be generated by transcriptional/translational feedback loops, usually referred to as a genetic oscillator. In this review article, we discuss genetic oscillators in the presence of developmental processes such as cell division, cell movement and cell differentiation. We first introduce the gene regulatory network for generating a rhythm of gene expression. We then discuss how developmental processes influence genetic oscillators. Examples include vertebrate somitogenesis and neural progenitor cell differentiation, as well as the circadian clock for comparison. To understand the behaviors of genetic oscillators in development, it is necessary to consider both gene expression dynamics and cellular behaviors simultaneously. Theoretical modeling combined with live imaging at single‐cell resolution will be a powerful tool to analyze genetic oscillators in development.
Cognitive trajectories in rare neurogenetic diseases: minding the gaps and filling the potholes
Authors: Berry‐Kravis Elizabeth
Published: January 2016

This commentary is on the original article by Thurm et al. on pages 262–269 of this issue.
Survivors of childhood leukaemia treated with haematopoietic stem cell transplantation and total body irradiation should undergo screening for diabetes by oral glucose tolerance tests
Authors: Wei C. , Unsworth R. , Davis N. , Cox R. , Bradley K. , Stevens M. , Crowne E.
Published: January 2016

Aims

Childhood cancer survivors treated with haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and total body irradiation are at an increased risk of developing diabetes early in life due to insulin resistance and β–cell dysfunction, but the optimal screening method is unknown. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines for community diabetes screening recommend using fasting glucose ≥ 7 mmol/l and/or HbA1c ≥ 48 mmol/mol (6.5%) for diagnosis and, fasting glucose 5.5–6.9 mmol/l or HbA1c 42–47 mmol/mol (6–6.5%) to indicate high risk. This study aimed to evaluate the sensitivities of fasting glucose and HbA1c in the diagnosis of diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance in childhood HSCT survivors.

Method

The patients were 35 (male = 19) HSCT survivors from a single UK centre under follow‐up from 2006 to 2013. Patients had a median age (range) of 19.2 (13.1–26.2) years and had been treated for acute lymphoblastic (n = 31) or myeloid (n = 4) leukaemia when aged 7.8 (2.4–16.7) years. The outcome measures were oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), fasting glucose and HbA1c.

Results

OGTT identified 6 patients with diabetes (120‐min glucose ≥ 11.1 mmol/l), 12 with impaired glucose tolerance (120–min glucose 7.8–11.0 mmol/l) and 2 with impaired fasting glucose (≥ 7 mmol/l). Fasting glucose ≥ 7 mmol/l or HbA1c ≥ 48 mmol/mol identified two of the six patients with diabetes diagnosed on OGTT. Fasting glucose ≥ 5.5 mmol/l and HbA1c ≥ 42 mmol/mol identified three and two patients, respectively, with diabetes. Only 1 of 12 patients with impaired glucose tolerance had a fasting glucose ≥ 5.5 mmol/l and none had HbA1c ≥ 42 mmol/mol (≥ 6%).

Conclusions

The fasting glucose and HbA1c cut‐offs used in UK population screening only identified one‐third of HSCT survivors with diabetes and do not identify those at risk. Diabetes screening in HSCT survivors requires standard OGTTs.
Sink or Swim: Learning by Doing in a Supply Chain Integration Activity*
Authors: Harnowo Akhadian S. , Calhoun Mikelle A. , Monteiro Heather L.
Published: January 2016

Studies show that supply chain integration (SCI) is important to organizations. This article describes an activity that places students in the middle of an SCI scenario. The highly interactive hands‐on simulation requires only 50 to 60 minutes of classroom time, may be used with 18 to about 36 students, and involves minimal instructor preparation. Through the activity, students learn the basics of SCI and then analyze an SCI event to better appreciate the need for collaboration and information sharing. In courses that address supply chain management, instructors can use the activity early in the semester to introduce students to the complexities of supply chain networks. Alternatively, instructors may use the simulation later to provoke a more nuanced discussion.
Introducing B2B Service Level Measures via a Poker‐Card Activity
Authors: Chen Chun‐Miin (Jimmy) , Bailey Matthew D.
Published: January 2016

To determine the appropriate level of product availability, most operations management textbooks introduce and define service level measures in a Business‐to‐Customer context. In other words, a retailer that wants to measure product availability in their store calculates the fill rate (FR) or cycle service level over an infinite review horizon. However, in a Business‐to‐Business (B2B) context, a retailer almost always calculates the FR or compliance level over a finite review horizon. The goal of this article is to highlight calculations of service level measures in a B2B context. Pedagogically, it presents in‐class activities that use standard playing cards and/or a spreadsheet simulation that allow students to experientially learn about service level measures in a B2B context.
Demonstrating the Effect of Supply Chain Disruptions through an Online Beer Distribution Game*
Authors: Sarkar Sourish , Kumar Sanjay
Published: January 2016

This article describes a classroom tool to teach the impact of supply chain disruptions and mitigation strategies based on information sharing and collaboration. The tool is an adaptation of the Beer Distribution Game, is easy to play, and can be hosted online or on local servers. The game considers several scenarios based on the location of the disruptions (i.e., upstream or downstream) and the information available to supply chain partners. Students play the roles of managers who make ordering decisions in a serial supply chain and experience decision‐making under disruptions.