bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pre-operative proteinuria and post-operative acute kidney injury in noncardiac surgery: the NARA-Acute Kidney Injury cohort study
Authors: Nishimoto Masatoshi , Murashima Miho , Kokubu Maiko , Matsui Masaru , Eriguchi Masahiro , Samejima Ken-Ichi , Akai Yasuhiro , Tsuruya Kazuhiko 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Little is known about the association between pre-operative proteinuria and post-operative acute kidney injury (AKI) in noncardiac surgery.

Methods
This is a retrospective cohort study. Adults who underwent noncardiac surgery under general anesthesia from 2007 to 2011 at Nara Medical University Hospital were included. Those with obstetric or urological surgery, missing data for analyses or pre-operative dialysis were excluded. Exposure of interest was pre-operative proteinuria, defined as (+) or more by dipstick test. The outcome variable was post-operative AKI, defined by Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes criteria, within 1 week after surgery. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed.

Results
Among 5168 subjects, 309 (6.0%) developed AKI. Pre-operative proteinuria was independently associated with post-operative AKI, with an odds ratio (OR) [95% confidence interval (CI)] of 1.80 (1.30–2.51). A sensitivity analysis restricted to elective surgery yielded a similar result. As proteinuria increased, the association with AKI became stronger [OR (95% CI) 1.14 (0.75–1.73), 1.24 (0.79–1.95), 2.75 (1.74–4.35) and 3.95 (1.62–9.62) for urinary protein (+/−), (+), (2+) and (3+), respectively]. Subgroup analyses showed proteinuria was especially associated with post-operative AKI among subjects with renin–angiotensin system inhibitors, other anti-hypertensives, hypoalbuminemia or impaired renal function (P for interaction = 0.05, 0.003, 0.09 or 0.02, respectively).

Conclusions
In noncardiac surgery, pre-operative proteinuria was independently associated with post-operative AKI. Subjects with proteinuria should be managed with caution to avoid AKI peri-operatively.
Reliable application of the MATH taxonomy sheds light on assessment practices
Authors: Kinnear George , Bennett Max , Binnie Rachel , Bolt Róisín , Zheng Yinglan 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
The MATH taxonomy classifies questions according to the mathematical skills required to answer them. It was created to aid the development of more balanced assessments in undergraduate mathematics and has since been used to compare different assessment regimes across school and university. To date, there has been no systematic investigation of the reliability of the taxonomy when applied by multiple coders, and it has only been applied in a limited range of contexts. In this paper, we outline a calibration process which enabled four novice coders to attain a high level of inter-rater reliability. In addition, we report on the results of applying the taxonomy to different secondary school exams and to all assessment questions in a first-year university mathematics module. The results confirm previous findings that there is a difference between the mix of skills assessed in school and university mathematics exams, although we find a notably different assessment profile in the university module than in previous work. The calibration process we describe has the potential to be used more widely, enabling reliable use of the MATH taxonomy to give insight into assessment practices.
Risk-based price of mortgages
Authors: Cruz Rambaud Salvador , Del Pino Álvarez María de los Ángeles 
Published: November 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is the analysis of the mortgage prices derived from the increase of defaults and the withdrawal of floor clauses in the mortgages offered by banking institutions in Spain. More specifically, this manuscript focuses on the evolution of the spread applied to mortgages contracted with a variable interest rate.

Design/methodology/approach
Two models have been considered to make a proper estimation of the yield curve to assess the loss due to the withdrawal of the floor clauses and quantify the component of the price used to cover the interest rate risk. Two different scenarios have been considered to avoid an underestimation of the aforementioned valuation.

Findings
The authors have shown that the increase in the percentage of doubtful mortgages has led to an increase in the spread of adjustable-rate mortgages. Moreover, the authors have shown that around 40 per cent of spreads are used to cover the interest rate risk.

Originality/value
The main contribution of this manuscript is the quantification of the loss expected by lenders and its impact in the spread. Due to this fact, the loan spread can be disaggregated into a component dependent on the credit risk associated with the borrower, and another component dependent on the interest rate risk to which the lender is exposed.
Inside-out: the forgotten side of ICT-enabled open innovation
Authors: Aloini Davide , Lazzarotti Valentina , Pellegrini Luisa , Zerbino Pierluigi 
Published: November 2019

Purpose
The role of information and communication technologies (ICTs) and digital platforms in enabling connectivity and collaboration among actors is neglected when dealing with outbound open innovation (OI). Moreover, the outbound OI process is not currently defined in a univocal way. Thus, this paper aims to outline the outbound OI phases and to explore role and capabilities of ICTs in supporting it.

Design/methodology/approach
Through a literature review approach, the authors specified the outbound OI process. Hence, the authors leveraged the similarities between the knowledge management process phases and the outbound OI phases for developing a conceptual framework that could match the outbound OI phases with acknowledged categories of ICT tools.

Findings
Through a process-view, the authors outlined outbound OI as a three-phase process. The authors developed a matrix-shaped framework in which the columns represent the three outbound OI process phases, while the rows are three ICT categories that could be suitable for supporting the outbound OI process.

Practical implications
The framework is designed to guide a deep understanding of how ICTs could support specific phases of the outbound OI process. In so doing, it could be useful for software developers interested in the preliminary design of an ICT platform for outbound OI.

Originality/value
The conceptual framework proposal as follows: specifies a detailed, process-oriented definition of the outbound OI; allows to identify the main ICT categories supporting the phases of the outbound OI process; and provides guidance for further exploration about the role of ICT in outbound OI.
Comparing global spatial patterns of crime
Authors: Boivin Rémi , de Melo Silas Nogueira 
Published: November 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the spatial patterns of different phenomena in the same geographical space. Andresen’s spatial point pattern test computes a global index (the S-index) that informs on the similarity or dissimilarity of spatial patterns. This paper suggests a generalized S-index that allows perfect similarity and dissimilarity in all situations.

Design/methodology/approach
The relevance of the generalized S-index is illustrated with police data from the San Francisco Police Department. In all cases, the original S-index, its robust version – which excludes zero-crime areas – and the generalized alternative were computed.

Findings
In the first example, the number of crimes greatly exceeds the number of areas and there are no zero-value areas. A key feature of the second example is that most street segments were free of any criminal activity in both patterns. Finally, in the third case, one type of event is considerably rarer than the other. The original S-index is equal to the generalized index (Case 1) or theoretically irrelevant (Cases 2 and 3). Furthermore, the robust index is unnecessary and potentially biased when the number of at least one phenomenon being compared is lower than the number of areas under study. Thus, this study suggests to replace the S-index with its generalized version.

Originality/value
The generalized S-index is relevant for situations when events are relatively rare –as is the case with crime – and the unit of analysis is small but plentiful – such as addresses or street segments.
Labour flexibility practices in Dutch SMEs
Authors: De Leede Jan , Drupsteen Linda , Schrijver Esther , Goudswaard Anneke , Dağ Nihat , Van der Weide Joost , Verbiest Sarike 
Published: November 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to understand how small and medium enterprises (SMEs) cope with the need for labour flexibility. Most previous studies ignore the labour flexibility practices of SMEs, especially in times of economic growth and tight labour markets.

Design/methodology/approach
A multiple case study approach is applied, with ten Dutch SMEs located in one small province with a similar labour market. A survey was executed as an intake, followed by 48 interviews with the entrepreneurs, HR and other managers and employees, and two focus groups in each company. The findings are based on an analysis of the approved case descriptions.

Findings
SMEs, like big companies, do not rely on one flexibility practice. Volume fluctuations are countered with all flexibility strategies, the mix fluctuations and the product innovations are mostly countered with flexible functions and flexible production technology. In general, the data suggest that flexibility strategies of SMEs can be characterised as ad hoc, reactive and with a short-term orientation.

Research limitations/implications
Future research should include other sectors and regions enabling to generalise the findings. Future research should have a longitudinal design to include the pathway dependencies of flexibility practices.

Practical implications
This study identifies the need to analyse flexibility demands; reduce flexibility demands before investments in flexibility practices; create production process flexibility; invest in labour flexibility practices only after the first three steps are taken; and develop basic and more advanced levels of flexible contracts, flexible functions and flexible working times.

Originality/value
This study contributes to the authors’ knowledge on the use of labour flexibility practices in SMEs. In addition, it brings empirical data on how these labour flexibility practices relate to the needs for flexibility and how they relate to other sources of organisational flexibility, such as a flexible market approach and flexible production technologies. Dynamic capabilities should include the suggested operationalisation of the flexibility practices.
Upcoming diagnostic biomarkers with promising prospects in neurological disorders
Authors: Ahmad Wasim , Ali Abuzer , Ali Amena , Khan Sana , Khan Saba , Husain Ibraheem 
Published: November 2019

AbstractAn exponential increase in the prevalence of neurological disorders requires substantial steps to be taken for their prevention and treatment. Neurodiagnostic biomarkers are gaining momentum presently in order to enhance the diagnostic accuracy of neurodegenerative disorders, to precisely assess their advancement and to monitor the efficiency of therapeutic interventions. Therefore, the primary focus of the present review is the recent development in this field of neurodiagnostic biomarkers, and the current state of biomarker exploration in the context of various neurodegenerative diseases. This review encompasses an updated and detailed account of specific (β‐Amyloid, Tau and Phospho‐tau 181, Tar‐DNA binding protein‐43, Progranulin, a‐synuclein, Clusterin, etc) and non‐specific (genetic, synaptic, inflammatory and coagulation) neurodiagnostic biomarkers and the recent advances in this growing field. This comprehensive review also suggests the utilization of neurodiagnostic markers in network approaches and personalized medication that will eventually improvise the existing diagnostic and therapeutic complexities of neurodiagnostic biomarkers.
Epochs of Embodiment: Men, Women and the Material Body
Authors: Harvey Karen 
Published: November 2019

AbstractUsing middling‐sort letters dating from 1726 to 1827, this article explores individuals' physical, affective, mental and spiritual experiences and their understanding of the relationship between mind, body and self. The everyday and metaphorical language used in these letters gives the historian arguably more authentic evidence about the complexity of embodiment – a person's perception or experience of the body – than do works of medicine or philosophy. Gender was not found to be a principal factor in determining individuals' sense of embodiment; instead, correspondents' relationship, religion and life stage were key to how they discussed their experience of the body.
Ferulago angulata extract ameliorates epididymal sperm toxicity in mice induced by lead and diazinon
Authors: Naderi Nushin , Souri Manouchehr , Nasr Esfahani Mohammad Hossein , Hajian Mehdi , Tanhaei Vash Nima 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe potential toxicity that results from environmental xenobiotics is not completely known. Increasing levels of heavy metals and the use of organophosphate pesticides (OPs) and their co‐existence in the environment could be associated with an increasing incidence of male reproductive system disorders in humans and animals. Ferulago angulata is a dietary source of phenolic compounds with reported health benefits.ObjectiveThis study was conducted to investigate whether an extract of Ferulago angulata could protect adult male NMRI mice against reproductive toxicity induced by lead acetate (PbAc), diazinon (DZN), or PbAc + DZN.Materials and methodsAdult male NMRI mice were exposed to either 0.5% PbAc in drinking water, DZN (3 mg/kg/day, intraperitoneal [i.p.] injection), or PbAc + DZN in the presence or absence of 400 mg/kg/day Ferulago angulata hydroalcoholic extract (FAE) that was administered via gavage for 6 weeks.ResultsChronic exposure to PbAc, DZN, and PbAc + DZN decreased sperm quality, sperm chromatin maturity and integrity, increased oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation, and could reduce male fertility indices. Co‐administration of FAE could reduce these negative effects.ConclusionThe Ferulago angulata extract should be considered as a useful natural extract for the treatment of male infertility, especially in males exposed to conditions which induce reproductive toxicity.
Declining early mortality after hip and knee arthroplasty
Authors: Harris Ian A. , Hatton Alesha , de Steiger Richard , Lewis Peter , Graves Stephen 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundWe aimed to measure the period effect (change over time) in 30‐day mortality after total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using data from the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry.MethodsWe performed an observational study using national registry data from all hospitals performing THA and TKA in Australia including people undergoing primary elective conventional THA and TKA for osteoarthritis from 2003 to 2017, inclusive. Data from the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry, the National Death Index and the Australian Bureau of Statistics were used to generate unadjusted 30‐day mortality, the incident rate ratio for mortality adjusted for age and gender, and the standardized mortality ratio at 30 days for each year separately.ResultsFor the years 2003 and 2017, respectively, for THA, the unadjusted 30‐day mortality was 0.23% and 0.06%, and the standardized mortality ratio was 1.11 (95% CI: 0.73, 1.49) and 0.38 (95% CI: 0.16, 0.59). The incident rate ratio was significantly higher than the reference year (2017) from 2003 to 2010, and for 2012, 2013 and 2016, decreasing over time. For the years 2003 and 2017, respectively, for TKA, the unadjusted 30‐day mortality was 0.17% and 0.08%, and the standardized mortality ratio was 0.84 (95% CI: 0.55, 1.13) and 0.61 (95% CI: 0.38, 0.83). The incident rate ratio was significantly higher than the reference year (2017) from 2003 to 2009 inclusive, decreasing over time.ConclusionsThirty‐day mortality after THA and TKA declined from 2003 to 2017. This may be due to improvements in intra‐operative and post‐operative patient management.
Does green tea extract enhance the anti‐inflammatory effects of exercise on fat loss?
Authors: Bagheri Reza , Rashidlamir Amir , Ashtary‐Larky Damoon , Wong Alexei , Alipour Meysam , Motevalli Mohamad S. , Chebbi Amel , Laher Ismail , Zouhal Hassane 
Published: November 2019

AimsGreen tea extract (GTE) can exert antiobesity and anti‐inflammatory effects. Our study determined whether the benefits of GTE are summative with exercise‐induced changes in anthropometric indices, and the levels of inflammatory cytokines, adiponectin and irisin in inactive overweight women.MethodsThirty overweight female participants were randomized to 3 groups: endurance training + placebo (ET + P); endurance training + GTE (ET + GTE); and Control (no exercise) + placebo (Control, n = 10). The exercise intervention consisted of an 8‐week endurance‐training programme of 3 sessions per week (aerobics, aerobic circuit training, and fast walking or jogging at a moderate intensity of 40–59% of the heart rate reserve). The dose of GTE used was 500 mg/day in the form of a green tea capsule.ResultsBody weight, body mass index, waist to hip ratio and body fat percentage were decreased in both ET + P and ET + GTE interventions (P < .001 for both interventions). The reduction of anthropometric values in the ET + GTE group was significantly higher than ET + P interventions (P < .001). Both exercise interventions also significantly (P < .001) increased adiponectin (ET + GTE = 5.28 mg/mL [95% confidence interval {CI}, 4.48 to 6.08] and ET + P = 3.34 mg/mL [95% CI, 2.76 to 3.92]) and decreased high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP; ET + GTE = −0.95 mg/L [95% CI, −1.15 to −0.75] and ET + P = −0.35 mg/L [95% CI, −0.46 to −0.24]). Changes in adiponectin and hs‐CRP were greater (P < .05) in ET + GTE compared to ET + P. There were no significant differences in irisin, interleukin‐6 or tumour necrosis factor‐α between the 3 groups (P > .05).ConclusionsGTE improves exercise‐induced body composition by further decreasing exercise‐induced changes in weight, body mass index, waist to hip ratio and body fat percentage. The combination of GTE and exercise also produced greater changes in anti‐inflammatory (increases in adiponectin) and metabolic (decreases in hs‐CRP) markers than exercise alone.
Gamabufotalin induces a negative feedback loop connecting ATP1A3 expression and the AQP4 pathway to promote temozolomide sensitivity in glioblastoma cells by targeting the amino acid Thr794
Authors: Lan Yu‐Long , Chen Cheng , Wang Xun , Lou Jia‐Cheng , Xing Jin‐Shan , Zou Shuang , Hu Ji‐Liang , Lyu Wen , Zhang Bo 
Published: November 2019

AbstractObjectivesTemozolomide (TMZ) is one of the most commonly used clinical drugs for glioblastoma (GBM) treatment, but its drug sensitivity needs to be improved. Gamabufotalin (CS‐6), the primary component of the traditional Chinese medicine “ChanSu,” was shown to have strong anti‐cancer activity. However, more efforts should be directed towards reducing its toxicity or effective treatment doses.MethodsTarget fishing experiment, Western blotting, PCR, confocal immunofluorescence and molecular cloning techniques were performed to search for possible downstream signalling pathways. In addition, GBM xenografts were used to further determine the potential molecular mechanisms of the synergistic effects of CS‐6 and TMZ in vivo.ResultsMechanistic research revealed a negative feedback loop between ATP1A3 and AQP4 through which CS‐6 inhibited GBM growth and mediated the synergistic treatment effect of CS‐6 and TMZ. In addition, by mutating potential amino acid residues of ATP1A3, which were predicted by modelling and docking to interact with CS‐6, we demonstrated that abrogating hydrogen bonding of the amino acid Thr794 interferes with the activation of ATP1A3 by CS‐6 and that the Thr794Ala mutation directly affects the synergistic treatment efficacy of CS‐6 and TMZ.ConclusionsAs the main potential target of CS‐6, ATP1A3 activation critically depends on the hydrogen bonding of Thr794 with CS‐6. The combination of CS‐6 and TMZ could significantly reduce the therapeutic doses and promote the anti‐cancer efficacy of CS‐6/TMZ monotherapy.
Molecular and morphological characterization of Ektaphelenchoides maafiae n. sp. (Nematoda: Ektaphelenchinae) from northern forests of Iran
Authors: Golhasan Behrouz , Esmaeili Mehrab , Fang Yiwu , Abolafia Joaquín , Heydari Ramin 
Published: November 2019

AbstractEktaphelenchoides maafiae n. sp. was isolated during a survey of nematodes associated with bark samples of an oak tree (Quercus castaneifolia) in Gorgan, Golestan Province, northern Iran. The new species has a body length of 480–546 μm (in females) and 431–480 μm (in males). The cuticle is weakly annulated, with three lateral lines. Lip region offset. The stylet is 13–15 μm long without basal swellings. The excretory pore is located at the level of the metacorpus base to slightly posterior, and hemizonid is at 15–17 μm posterior to the excretory pore. The post‐uterine sac is short, 6–8 μm long. Spicules having rounded condylus, rostrum short, conical with bluntly pointed tip, a cucullus (apophysis) presented on the dorsal distal end. Male tail bearing four (2 + 2) caudal papillae, conical, with sharply pointed terminus. The new species is close to four known species of the genus, including E. hunti, E. ruehmi, E. caspiensis and E. poinari, but differs from them by body size, shape of tail terminus, stylet length, shape and size of spicules, length of post‐vulval uterine sac and number of caudal papillae. Phylogenetic analysis based on small subunit (SSU) and partial large subunit (LSU) sequences of rDNA confirmed its status as a new species.
Wild chimeras: Enthusiasm and intellectual virtue in Kant
Authors: Thomason Krista K. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractKant typically is not identified with the tradition of virtue epistemology. Although he may not be a virtue epistemologist in a strict sense, I suggest that intellectual virtues and vices play a key role in his epistemology. Specifically, Kant identifies a serious intellectual vice that threatens to undermine reason, namely enthusiasm (Schwärmerei). Enthusiasts become so enamored with their own thinking that they refuse to subject reason to self‐critique. The particular danger of enthusiasm is that reason colludes in its own destruction: Enthusiasm occurs when self‐conceit and reason's desire to transcend its boundaries mutually reinforce each other. I conclude by sketching an account of Kantian intellectual virtue that is consistent with Kantian moral virtue.