bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of corruption on carbon dioxide emissions and energy consumption in Tunisia
Authors: Sekrafi Habib , Sghaier Asma 
Published: February 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate the impact of corruption on the environmental quality in Tunisia. Indeed, the post-revolution period is characterized by a remarkable increase in the rates of corruption.Design/methodology/approachThe direct and indirect effects of control corruption on economic growth and CO2emissions in Tunisia have been examined using the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) cointegration framework among corruption, growth and CO2emissions.FindingsResults substantiate a positive and significant relationship between control of corruption and economic growth, a negative and significant relationship between control of corruption and environmental quality (CO2) and a negative and significant relationship between control of corruption and energy consumption. The findings suggest that while the control of corruption contributes to economic growth, its positive effect could be transposed indirectly via its impacts on environmental quality.Originality/valueA strategy against corruption will reduce CO2emissions; however, its positive effect on economic growth indirectly contributes to reverse this relationship.
Comparative performances of phenolic sensors based on various CeO2-carbon material nanocomposites for environmental safety
Authors: Algethami Faisal K. , Marwani Hadi M. , Asiri Abdullah M. , Rahman Mohammed M. 
Published: February 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to prepare various CeO2-based carbon material (CNT, CB, GO) nanocomposites through a wet chemical process for the development of a sensor probe to detect various environmental toxins by using an electrochemical approach under room temperature conditions. A comparative study on sensitive and selective phenolic sensor (4-methoxyphenol; 4-MP) has been fabricated by modifying a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) with various nanocomposites (NCs) such as CeO2, CeO2–CNT (carbon nanotubes), CeO2–CB (carbon black) and CeO2–GO (graphene oxide) NCs.Design/methodology/approachThe CeO2–CNT NCs were prepared by the wet chemical method at low temperature. NCs were characterized by various methods such as transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier-transform infra-red (FTIR), ultra-violet/visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy and XRD (X-ray diffraction). CeO2–CNT NCs were immobilized as a film on the flat surface of the GCE by using binders (5% Nafion). The electrochemical measurements of the 4-MP detection with the CeO2–CNT NCs/Nafion/GCE sensor were studied by the current-voltage method.FindingsIn the optimal conditions, the sensitivity, detection limit and limit of quantification of 4-MP sensor probe were found to be 47.56 µAcm-2 µM−1, 12.0 ± 0.2 nM and 40.0 ± 0.5 nM (S/N of 3), respectively.Research limitations/implicationsThis electrochemical sensor showed an acceptable analytical performance in the detection of 4-MP with higher sensitivity, lower detection limit, large dynamic concentration range, good reproducibility and fast response time.Practical implicationsThis electrochemical approach can be applied practically for the determination of selective 4-MP in real environmental and extracted samples.Social implicationsCeO2–CNT NCs/Nafion/GCE sensor probe was used for the safety of environmental and health-care fields at larger scales.Originality/valueThis electrochemical approach is a significant achievement on the development of sensor probe. The results are indicated as being technically detailed with an up-to-date account of recent chemical sensor research studies.
Neglected areas on thorax computed tomography evaluation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Paravertebral muscles and para‐aortic adipose tissue
Authors: Resorlu Mustafa , Karatag Ozan , Toprak Canan A , Ozturk Muhsin O 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIntroductionThis study, investigated the para‐aortic adipose tissue cross‐sectional area, a novel predictor of cardiovascular diseases and degenerative changes in the paravertebral muscles, in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).MethodOne hundred cases diagnosed as COPD and 50 healthy individuals with similar demographic characteristics were evaluated. Para‐aortic adipose tissue cross‐sectional area (mm2), subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness (mm), paravertebral muscle area (mm2) and fat deposition in muscle tissue were assessed radiologically.ResultsParavertebral muscle mass was lower in the patient group compared to the healthy individuals (471.41 ± 157.71 mm2 and 561.58 + 151.03 mm2, respectively; P = 0.001). Paravertebral muscle attenuation values were also lower in the patient group, and the grade of deposition increased (P = 0.012 and P = 0.045, respectively). Although subcutaneous adipose tissue thicknesses were similar in the patient and control groups, para‐aortic adipose tissue cross‐sectional area was higher in the patients with COPD than in the control group (439.34 ± 267.17 mm2 and 333.82 ± 165.23 mm2, respectively, P = 0.012). The correlation between subcutaneous adipose tissue and para‐aortic adipose tissue observed in the healthy group was not present in the subjects with COPD.ConclusionChronic obstructive pulmonary disease causes morphological changes in paravertebral muscles and para‐aortic adipose tissue. Degenerative changes in the paravertebral muscles occur secondary to systemic inflammation, comorbidity and drugs used in COPD. Factors such as insulin resistance and steroid use result in an increase in para‐aortic adipose tissue mass.
Governing the Global Land Grab
Authors: Kapstein Ethan B. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractFollowing the 2007–2008 world food price crisis, the value of developing world agricultural land shot up, raising concerns about a ‘land grab’, In response, the Committee on World Food Security (CFS) promulgated the Voluntary Guidelines on the Governance of Tenure of Land, Forests and Fisheries (VGGT) in an effort to strengthen the land rights of customary users. How do we explain theVGGT's emergence? The argument I make is that theVGGTwas largely due to the efforts of a group of non‐governmental organizations that effectively transformed debates over developing world agricultural land from an economic or consequentialist issue of increasing farm productivity and output into a moral or deontological one of protecting the human rights of those who worked the land through customary use. The article addresses the utility of theVGGTas an instrument for strengthening land rights along with its limits.
Longitudinal relationships among depressive symptoms, cortisol, and brain atrophy in the neocortex and the hippocampus
Authors: Lebedeva A. , Sundström A. , Lindgren L. , Stomby A. , Aarsland D. , Westman E. , Winblad B. , Olsson T. , Nyberg L. 
Published: February 2018

ObjectiveDepression is associated with accelerated aging and age‐related diseases. However, mechanisms underlying this relationship remain unclear. The aim of this study was to longitudinally assess the link between depressive symptoms, brain atrophy, and cortisol levels.MethodParticipants from the Betula prospective cohort study (mean age = 59 years, SD = 13.4 years) underwent clinical, neuropsychological and brain 3T MRI assessments at baseline and a 4‐year follow‐up. Cortisol levels were measured at baseline in four saliva samples. Cortical and hippocampal atrophy rates were estimated and compared between participants with and without depressive symptoms (n = 81) and correlated with cortisol levels (n = 49).ResultsAtrophy in the left superior frontal gyrus and right lingual gyrus developed in parallel with depressive symptoms, and in the left temporal pole, superior temporal cortex, and supramarginal cortex after the onset of depressive symptom. Depression‐related atrophy was significantly associated with elevated cortisol levels. Elevated cortisol levels were also associated with widespread prefrontal, parietal, lateral, and medial temporal atrophy.ConclusionDepressive symptoms and elevated cortisol levels are associated with atrophy of the prefrontal and limbic areas of the brain.
Smokin‘ hot: adolescent smoking and the risk of psychosis
Authors: Mustonen A. , Ahokas T. , Nordström T. , Murray G. K. , Mäki P. , Jääskeläinen E. , Heiskala A. , Mcgrath J. J. , Scott J. G. , Miettunen J. , Niemelä S. 
Published: February 2018

ObjectiveDaily smoking has been associated with a greater risk of psychosis. However, we are still lacking studies to adjust for baseline psychotic experiences and other substance use. We examined associations between daily smoking and psychosis risk in a 15‐year follow‐up while accounting for these covariates in a prospective sample (N = 6081) from the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986.MethodsSelf‐report questionnaires on psychotic experiences (PROD‐screen), tobacco smoking and other substance use were completed when the cohort members were 15–16 years old. Tobacco smoking was categorized into three groups (non‐smokers, 1–9 cigarettes and ≥10 cigarettes/day). Psychosis diagnoses were obtained from national registers until the age of 30 years.ResultsSubjects in heaviest smoking category were at increased risk of subsequent psychosis (unadjusted HR = 3.15; 95% CI 1.94–5.13). When adjusted for baseline psychotic experiences the association persisted (HR = 2.87; 1.76–4.68) and remained significant even after adjustments for multiple known risk factors such as cannabis use, frequent alcohol use, other illicit substance use, parental substance abuse, and psychosis. Furthermore, number of smoked cigarettes increased psychosis risk in a dose–response manner (adjusted OR = 1.05; 1.01–1.08).ConclusionHeavy tobacco smoking in adolescence was associated with a greater risk for psychosis even after adjustment for confounders.
The effect of anaesthetic technique during primary breast cancer surgery on neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio, platelet–lymphocyte ratio and return to intended oncological therapy
Authors: Ní Eochagáin A. , Burns D. , Riedel B. , Sessler D. I. , Buggy D. J. 
Published: February 2018

SummaryInflammation and immunosuppression contribute to the pathogenesis of cancer. An increased neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio reflects these processes and is associated with adverse cancer outcomes. Whether anaesthetic technique for breast cancer surgery influences these factors, and potentially cancer recurrence, remains unknown. We conducted a secondary analysis in patients enrolled in an ongoing trial of anaesthetic technique on breast cancer recurrence. The primary hypothesis was that postoperative neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio is lower in patients allocated to receive propofol‐paravertebral rather than inhalational agent‐opioid anaesthesia for primary breast cancer surgery. Among 397 patients, 116 had differential white cell counts performed pre‐operatively and postoperatively. Pre‐operative neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio was similar in the propofol‐paravertebral 2.3 (95%CI 1.8–2.8) and inhalational agent‐opioid anaesthesia 2.2 (1.9–3.2) groups, p = 0.72. Postoperative neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio was lower (3.0 (2.4–4.2) vs. 4.0 (2.9–5.4), p = 0.001) in the propofol‐paravertebral group. Propofol‐paravertebral anaesthesia attenuated the postoperative increase in the neutrophil‐lymphocyte ratio.
Establishing a successful perioperative geriatric service in an Australian acute surgical unit
Authors: Styan Lauren , Murphy Skyle , Fleury Aisling , McGowan Brian , Wullschleger Martin 
Published: February 2018

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to assess the impact of a perioperative geriatric service (PGS) in an acute surgical unit (ASU) on patient and organizational outcomes.MethodsSingle centre retrospective cohort study. Inclusion criteria were patients over the age of 65 admitted to the ASU between January and June 2014 (pre‐PGS) and 2015 (post‐PGS). Chart reviews were performed to identify outcomes of interest including in‐hospital morbidity and mortality, length of stay (LOS), 30‐day representation and mortality.ResultsGeriatric admissions increased by 32% over the two study periods (154 pre‐PGS and 203 post‐PGS). Surgical intervention increased by 11% (P = 0.01). Significantly more medical complications (14% versus 33%, P < 0.001) were identified after the implementation of the PGS. Recognition of delirium in the over 80s also increased by 57%. Rate of surgical complications was unchanged over the study (28% pre‐PGS and 34% post‐PGS, P = 0.6). In‐hospital (<1%, P = 0.5) and 30‐day mortality (<1%, P = 0.6) remained low, as did 30‐day representation (10% versus 8%, P = 0.5). A trend towards decreased LOS of 1 day was identified after the implementation of the PGS (P = 0.07).ConclusionThis study demonstrated successful implementation of a PGS into an ASU. This multi‐disciplinary approach has been effective in maintaining low numbers of surgical complications, in‐hospital mortality, LOS and patient representations despite an increased number of medical complications. This likely reflects more timely recognition and intervention of medically unwell patients with the PGS.
Soft tissue balancing in total knee arthroplasty using sensor‐guided assessment: is there a learning curve?
Authors: Gharaibeh Monther A. , Chen Darren B. , MacDessi Samuel J. 
Published: February 2018

BackgroundSensor‐guided assessment for soft tissue balance in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has been reported to improve patient satisfaction and self‐reported outcome scores. As more surgeons adopt this technology in TKA, we performed this study to identify if there is a learning curve with its use.MethodsAnalysis of a total of 90 consecutive cases was performed in this study. Initial and final intercompartmental pressure differences were recorded before and after knee ligament balancing. The first 45 patients (group 1) were compared to the last 45 patients (group 2) in terms of operative time and the final state of knee balance. A balanced knee was defined as pressure difference between medial and lateral compartments of ≤15 pounds.ResultsGroup 1 had 10 unbalanced knees in the final pressure difference assessment, while all cases in group 2 were balanced (P < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in mean operative time between the two groups. A scatter plot of intercompartmental pressure difference identified that after 30 cases, the capacity to achieve knee ligament balance improved.ConclusionThis study suggests that there is a learning curve with the use of sensor‐guided assessment in TKA in achieving knee balance; however, the differences noted between initial and final groups were small and may not be of clinical significance.
Associations between adolescent risk for restrictive disordered eating and long‐term outcomes related to somatic symptoms, body mass index, and poor well‐being
Authors: Landstedt Evelina , Hammarström Anne , Fairweather‐Schmidt A. Kate , Wade Tracey 
Published: February 2018

ObjectiveTo date, no longitudinal, community‐based studies have examined the association between disordered eating emerging in adolescence and long‐term physical well‐being. This study sought to explore the longitudinal associations between risk for restrictive disordered eating (DE‐R; those not presenting with binge–purge symptoms) in adolescence and trajectories of functional somatic symptoms (FSS) and body mass index (BMI), and several indicators of poor physical well‐being across early‐ to mid‐adulthood, including medication, number of doctor visits, and sick leave.DesignData were obtained from the Northern Swedish Cohort Study (N = 1,001), a prospective longitudinal study including four time points from age 16 to 42 years.MethodsA cumulative measure of DE‐R risk was computed. Latent class growth analysis was used to identify subpopulation trajectories of FSS and BMI. The three‐step method for auxiliary variables and logistic regressions were used to assess associations between DE‐R and the trajectory classes as well as indicators of poor physical well‐being.ResultsThree trajectories were identified for FSS. A gender by BMI interaction led to a classification of four BMI trajectories in men, but three in women. The presence of DE‐R risk in adolescence increased odds of unfavourable FSS development, increasing BMI in women, and continually low BMI in men. Indicators of poor physical well‐being at ages 21, 30, and 42 years were associated with DE‐R risk in adolescence.ConclusionsData spanning nearly three decades suggest that physical well‐being impairment is related to DE‐R risk measured earlier in life, underscoring the urgency for targeted, gender‐sensitive preventive interventions for teenagers.
Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Disordered eating is linked to poor physical and mental well‐being and quality of life.

No longitudinal studies have examined long‐term physical well‐being consequences of adolescent disordered eating risk.

What does this study add?

Non‐purging disordered eating symptoms in adolescence predict adverse physical well‐being outcomes in middle‐aged men and women.

Targeted interventions and preventative work during adolescence are needed.
Ginsenoside Rh2 inhibits prostate cancer cell growth through suppression of microRNA‐4295 that activates CDKN1A
Authors: Gao Qiruo , Zheng Junhua 
Published: February 2018

AbstractObjectivesGinsenoside Rh2 (GRh2) has demonstrative therapeutic effects on a variety of diseases, including some tumours. However, the effects of GRh2 on prostate cancer (PC) cell growth remain unknown, and were, thus, addressed in the present study.Materials and methodsPC3 and DU145 PC cell lines were exposed to GRh2. Cell proliferation was assessed in an MTT assay and by BrdU incorporation. Apoptosis of the cells were assessed by TUNEL staining. Total RNA was assessed by RT‐qPCR. Protein levels were assessed by Western blotting. Bioinformatics and dual luciferase reporter assay were applied to determine the functional binding of miRNA to mRNA of target gene.ResultsGRh2 dose‐dependently decreased PC cell proliferation, but did not alter cell apoptosis. Mechanistically, GRh2 dose‐dependently increased the protein, but not mRNA of a cell‐cycle suppressor CDKN1A in PC cells, suggesting the presence of microRNA (miRNA)‐mediated protein translation control of CDKN1A by GRh2. In all candidate miRNAs that bind to 3′‐UTR of CDKN1A, miR‐4295 was specifically found to be suppressed dose‐dependently by GRh2 in PC cells. Moreover, miR‐4295 bound CDKN1A to suppress its protein translation. Furthermore, cell proliferation in PC cells that overexpressed miR‐4295 did not alter in response to GRh2.ConclusionsGRh2 may inhibit PC cell growth through suppression of microRNA‐4295 that activates CDKN1A.
Does sedation offer better outcomes than local anaesthesia for thyroid FNA in adult patients?
Authors: Kholmatov R. M. , Khadra H. S. , Murad F. , Ahmed T. M. , Sholl A. B. , Kandil E. 
Published: February 2018

ObjectiveTo examine the potential benefits of sedation in adults undergoing fine needle aspiration (FNA) of thyroid nodules.MethodsThis retrospective study compared the outcomes of sedated and non‐sedated FNA patients.ResultsA total of 860 patients underwent 1698 FNAs of thyroid nodules. The mean patient age was 52.4±14.4 years, and 80.2% of patients were women. The non‐sedated group consisted of 782 patients with 1543 (93.5%) FNA procedures. The sedated group consisted of 66 patients who underwent 107 (6.5%) FNAs. There was no statistical difference between these groups with respect to age, gender, nodule size, nodule vascularity, non‐diagnostic sample rate and post FNA hematoma (P > .05).ConclusionsPerforming FNA of thyroid nodules in adult patients under sedation is not associated with a higher diagnostic yield or lower bleeding rate when compared to local anesthesia. Sedation should be judiciously used on only very anxious patients due to the increased overall cost.
Effect of sward height on the fermentability coefficient and chemical composition of Guinea grass silage
Authors: Tomaz P. K. , de Araujo L. C. , Sanches L. A. , dos Santos‐Araujo S. N. , de Lima T. O. , Lino A. de A. , Ferreira E. M. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThere is a high correlation between sward height and pasture sward structure. Therefore, in tropical grasslands, taking sward height into account has been a much better strategy in rotational stocking management than considering pre‐defined days of growth. Similarly, sward height could be used to determine the moment when tropical grasses present the best ensilability parameters. This study aimed to identify the sward height at which Panicum maximum cv. Mombaça (Guinea grass) provides the highest fermentability coefficient (FC) and to define the combination of additives that best improves the chemical composition of silage. Two trials were carried out in Selvíria, MS, Brazil, from 2015 to 2016. The first year was used to identify the highest FC, and the second year was used to identify the best combination of eight additives (citrus pulp [CIP], homofermentative and heterofermentative LAB, their combinations and control). Statistical analyses were performed using SAS (p < .05), and one contrast was defined as silage with CIP vs. silage without CIP. The height of 130 cm resulted in the highest FC (31.01). Silages inoculated with CIP had better quality than silages without CIP, due to the high crude protein (8.3 vs. 7.3% DM), DM recovery (98.6 vs. 93.3% DM), low pH (3.92 vs. 4.91) and NH3‐N values (2.49 vs. 14.73% total N). Sward height is a consistent parameter for determining the time of ensiling Guinea grass, and the inclusion of CIP is necessary to raise the silage quality.
Testing the validity and reliability of the Self‐Administration of Medication (SAM) instrument in Chinese chronic disease patients: A cross‐cultural adaptation
Authors: Lin Beilei , Mei Yongxia , Ma Fayang , Zhang Zhenxiang , Chen Qin , Wang Shaoyang 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAimsTo develop a culturally appropriate and functional standard Mandarin Chinese translation of the Self‐Administration of Medication tool and to examine its validity and reliability.MethodsWe used Brislin's guidelines for the translation and back‐translation procedures. We recruited 130 patients from June 2015 to September 2016. Correlation analysis, Cronbach's alpha coefficient, split‐half reliability, item analysis and the content validity index, and exploratory factor analysis were performed.ResultsStrong and moderate correlations were seen between the total Self‐Administration of Medication score and nurses' and patients' perceptions. Item analysis indicated that the correlation coefficient ranged from 0.744 to 0.975. Cronbach's alpha ranged from 0.933 to 0.976. The split‐half reliability ranged from 0.911 to 0.936 for the instrument's subscales, and 0.953 for the total scale. The content validity index value ranged from 0.823 to 0.972 for individual items and was 0.968 for the total scale. The factor loading matrix of the SAM ranged from 0.514 to 0.837. A moderate correlation existed between the scores of the Self‐Administration of Medication tool and the Barthel Index.ConclusionThe Chinese version of the Self‐Administration of Medication tool is statistically acceptable and can be used in the evaluation of self‐medication ability based on self‐report and nurses' assessment.