bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Recycling intentions and behaviors among informal micro-entrepreneurs in Kelantan, Malaysia
Authors: Mamun Abdullah Al , Saufi Roselina Ahmad , Mohiuddin Muhammad , Fazal Syed Ali 
Published: February 2019

PurposeAs recycling is associated with various environmental benefits, it is important that it is encouraged in Malaysia. Taking the disappointingly low recycling rate in Malaysia as its backdrop, the purpose of this paper is to examine recycling intentions and behaviors among micro-entrepreneurs in Kelantan, Malaysia, drawing on the theory of planned behavior.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted a cross-sectional design and stratified random sampling method to select 200 informal micro-entrepreneurs from Kota Bharu, Kelantan; then, quantitative data were collected through structured interviews. For data analysis, this study adopted variance-based structural equation modeling, i.e. PLS–SEM.FindingsThe findings indicated that environmental awareness had a significant positive effect on micro-entrepreneurs’ attitudes toward the environment. They also confirmed a positive and significant effect of attitude and perceived behavioral control on intention toward recycling and the effect of intention toward recycling on recycling behavior among the study sample.Practical implicationsPolicies and programs focused on environmental awareness could nurture a positive attitude toward the environment, which, together with the capacities and resources available, could significantly influence the adoption of recycling behavior among informal entrepreneurs.Originality/valueIt is recommended that both public and private environmental protection and socio-economic development organizations combine their efforts to formulate and enforce policies and programs to promote recycling behavior among Malaysian entrepreneurs, which could spread the recycling spirit among all Malaysians.
Atopic dermatitis disease registry in Japanese adult patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (ADDRESS‐J): Baseline characteristics, treatment history and disease burden
Authors: Katoh Norito , Saeki Hidehisa , Kataoka Yoko , Etoh Takafumi , Teramukai Satoshi , Takagi Hiroki , Tajima Yuki , Ardeleanu Marius , Rizova Elena , Arima Kazuhiko ,   the ADDRESS‐J Investigators
Published: February 2019

AbstractModerate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD) has a high disease burden and a significant effect on quality of life. Observational studies are necessary to determine the patient disease burden and long‐term disease control in the Japanese population. ADDRESS‐J is a non‐interventional, observational registry of adult Japanese patients with moderate to severe AD. Herein, we report baseline data from the ADDRESS‐J study describing disease characteristics and current treatment practices. At baseline, 300 adult AD patients with Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) scores (range, 0–4) of 3 (moderate) or 4 (severe) whose treatments for AD were intensified, were assessed for clinical and patient‐reported outcomes and current AD treatments. The registry patients’ median age was 34.0 years; 60.7% were male and 71.7% had had AD for more than 20 years. At baseline, 220 study patients had an IGA score of 3 and 80 had an IGA score of 4. The median Eczema Area and Severity Index score was 21.7 (range, 0–72), the median body surface area involvement was 46.25%, and the median pruritus numerical rating scale score was 7.0 (range, 0–10); for each of these measures, higher scores represent greater severity. Most registry patients (86.7%) had recently used topical corticosteroids or topical calcineurin inhibitors as treatment for AD. This registry cohort represents a population of Japanese patients with moderate to severe AD and provides an important resource for characterizing the disease burden and evaluating the safety and effectiveness of various AD treatments.
NF‐κB as the mediator of metformin's effect on ageing and ageing‐related diseases
Authors: Kanigur Sultuybek Gönül , Soydas Tugba , Yenmis Guven 
Published: February 2019

SummaryAgeing can be defined as the progressive failure of repair and maintenance systems with a consequent accumulation of cellular damage in nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids. These various types of damage promote ageing by driving cellular senescence and apoptosis. The nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐kB) pathway is one of the key mediators of ageing and this pathway is activated by genotoxic, oxidative and inflammatory stress, and regulates expression of cytokines, growth factors, and genes that regulate apoptosis, cell‐cycle progression, and inflammation. Therefore, NF‐kB is increased in a variety of tissues with ageing, thus the inhibition of NF‐kB leads to delayed onset of ageing‐related symptoms and pathologies such as diabetes, atherosclerosis, and cancer. Metformin is often used as an anti‐diabetic medication in type 2 diabetes throughout the world and appears to be a potential anti‐ageing agent. Owing to its antioxidant, anticancer, cardio‐protective and anti‐inflammatory properties, metformin has become a potential candidate drug, improving in the context of ageing and ageing‐related diseases. An inappropriate NF‐kB activation is associated with diseases and pathologic conditions which can impair the activity of genes involved in cell senescence, apoptosis, immunity, and inflammation. Metformin, inhibiting the expression of NF‐kB gene, eliminates the susceptibility to common diseases. This review underlines the pleiotropic effects of metformin in ageing and different ageing‐related diseases and attributes its effects to the modulation of NF‐kB.
Women with threatened preterm labour followed by term delivery have an increased risk of spontaneous preterm birth in subsequent pregnancies: a population‐based cohort study
Authors: Cho GJ , Choi S‐J , Lee K‐M , Han SW , Kim HY , Ahn K‐H , Hong S‐C , Kim H‐J , Oh M‐J 
Published: February 2019

ObjectivesTo evaluate the association of a history of threatened preterm labour (TPL) followed by term delivery with the risk of spontaneous preterm delivery (PTD) in subsequent pregnancy.DesignPopulation‐based cohort study.SettingData of the National Health Insurance Claims Database and a national health‐screening programme for infants and children in South Korea.PopulationWomen who had their first singleton delivery in 2010 and a subsequent second singleton delivery between 2011 and 2015.MethodsMultivariable analysis adjusting for maternal age and interval between first and second deliveries was used to assess the risk of PTD based on PTD, TPL followed by term delivery, and term delivery in the first pregnancy.Main outcome measuresThe risk of PTD during the second pregnancy.ResultsThis study included 115 629 women with two consecutive deliveries during the study period. Spontaneous PTD rates in the second pregnancy were 7.71, 2.22 and 1.02% in women with PTD, TPL followed by term delivery, and term delivery in the first pregnancy, respectively. Threatened preterm labour followed by term delivery in the first pregnancy was associated with increased risk of PTD in the subsequent pregnancy after adjustment for potential confounding factors (adjusted odds ratio 2.21; 95% CI 1.76–2.78).ConclusionAlthough women with a history of TPL followed by term delivery had a lower risk of PTD during a subsequent pregnancy compared with those with history of previous PTD, they still had a significantly increased risk of PTD compared with those who delivered at term without TPL.Tweetable abstractThe history of threatened preterm labour followed by term delivery is related to increased risk of subsequent spontaneous preterm delivery.
A new cost‐effective and fast direct PCR protocol for insects based on PBS buffer
Authors: Thongjued Kantima , Chotigeat Wilaiwan , Bumrungsri Sara , Thanakiatkrai Phuvadol , Kitpipit Thitika 
Published: February 2019

AbstractInsect DNA barcoding is a species identification technique used in biodiversity assessment and ecological studies. However, DNA extraction can result in the loss of up to 70% of DNA. Recent research has reported that direct PCR can overcome this issue. However, the success rates could still be improved, and tissues used for direct PCR could not be reused for further genetic studies. Here, we developed a direct PCR workflow that incorporates a 2‐min sample preparation in PBS‐buffer step for fast and effective universal insect species identification. The developed protocol achieved 100% success rates for amplification in six orders: Mantodea, Phasmatodea, Neuroptera, Odonata, Blattodea and Orthoptera. High and moderate success rates were obtained for five other species: Lepidoptera (97.3%), Coleoptera (93.8%), Diptera (90.5%), Hemiptera (81.8%) and Hymenoptera (75.0%). High‐quality sequencing data were also obtained from these amplifiable products, allowing confidence in species identification. The method was sensitive down to 1/4th of a 1‐mm fragment of leg or body and its success rates with oven‐dried, ethanol‐preserved, food, bat guano and museum specimens were 100%, 98.6%, 90.0%, 84.0% and 30.0%, respectively. In addition, the pre‐PCR solution (PBS with insect tissues) could be used for further DNA extraction if needed. The workflow will be beneficial in the fields of insect taxonomy and ecological studies due to its low cost, simplicity and applicability to highly degraded specimens.
Thymic neoplasms patients complicated with bronchiectasis: Case series in a Chinese hospital and literature review
Authors: Liu Yongjian , Xu Yan , Tian Xinlun , Huang Hui , Hou Xiaomeng , Chen Minjiang , Zhong Wei , Zhao Jing , Gao Jinming , Wang Jinglan , Shi Juhong , Wang Mengzhao 
Published: February 2019

BackgroundBronchiectasis is a rare complication in patients with thymic neoplasm. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical and radiological manifestations, laboratory tests, pathologic features, and outcome of treatment of bronchiectasis in patients with thymic neoplasm.MethodsFrom January 2000 to January 2018, 20 patients with a diagnosis of thymic neoplasm and bronchiectasis were hospitalized at the Peking Union Medical College Hospital. Clinical data was retrospectively analyzed.ResultsThe prevalence of bronchiectasis in thymic neoplasms in our cohort was 1.56% (20/1279). Eighteen patients were diagnosed with thymoma, while two patients were diagnosed with thymic carcinoid. The duration from diagnosis of thymic neoplasm to bronchiectasis varied. Distributions of bronchiectasis were bilateral in 17 patients and unilateral in three patients. Four patients were previously diagnosed with diffuse panbronchiolitis and another two were suspected with diffuse panbronchiolitis. Twelve patients had various parathymic syndromes, including Good syndrome, myasthenia gravis, and aplastic anemia. Thymectomy was performed in all of these patients. Macrolide antibiotics were administered to 10 patients, and the symptoms improved in 8.ConclusionBronchiectasis is a complication in thymic neoplasms, although prevalence is low. There may be multifactorial etiologies for bronchiectasis in patients with thymic neoplasms. Comprehensive treatment should be carried out to ensure optimal outcomes.
Trade‐offs between Tax and Financial Reporting Benefits: Evidence from Purchase Price Allocations in Taxable Acquisitions
Authors: Lynch Daniel , Romney Miles , Stomberg Bridget , Wangerin Daniel , Robinson John R. 
Published: February 2019

ABSTRACTUnder U.S. GAAP, firms recognize assets acquired in business combinations at fair value. Similarly, in taxable asset acquisitions firms adjust the tax basis of assets to fair value. Managers can increase the present value of future tax savings by allocating a greater portion of the purchase price to shorter‐lived assets than to goodwill or indefinite‐lived intangibles. However, this tax planning strategy imposes a financial reporting cost because it reduces book income following the acquisition; all else equal, allocations to shorter‐lived depreciable assets increase book depreciation expense, whereas allocations to goodwill and indefinite‐lived intangibles do not increase book amortization expense. We exploit the features of taxable asset acquisitions to investigate trade‐offs between tax and financial reporting incentives. We predict and find greater allocations to depreciable versus intangible assets when managers have strong tax incentives and weak financial reporting incentives. However, we also find that strong financial reporting incentives moderate the effects of strong tax incentives. These findings contribute new evidence to the literature on the importance of nontax costs in tax planning decisions
Sedimentation affects emergence rate of host fish fry in unionoid mussel streams
Authors: Österling E. M. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractFree‐living, sympatric sedentary life stages of hosts and parasites are often adapted to similar environmental conditions. When the environment where these life stages occur is disturbed, both species can decline, causing strong negative effects on the parasitic species. For the highly threatened unionoid mussels with their larval parasitic life stage on fish, habitat degradation may simultaneously affect the conditions for the sedentary host fish eggs and the juvenile mussels in the sediment. This study provides novel information on the effect of sedimentation on the emergence rate of yolk sac fry, and its relation to mussel recruitment in two drainage basins, and is exemplified by the brown trout Salmo trutta, host fish for the threatened freshwater pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera. The results imply that turbidity and sedimentation can reduce the survival of trout eggs and yolk sac fry emergence rate regardless of trout strain and drainage basin. The results further suggest that low yolk sac fry emergence rates reduce the potential for mussel infestation and recruitment. The results indicate a year round negative effect of sedimentation, having strong and combined direct and indirect effects on juvenile mussel recruitment. Conservation measures that reduce anthropogenic sediment transportation into streams are a key factor for the conservation of mussels and their host fish.
New and resurgent insect pests on low trellis hops
Authors: Campbell Colin A. M. 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
Selective insecticides have largely displaced broad‐spectrum products on cultivated hops, allowing a resurgence of historic pests and new ones to arise.
The present study reports the incidence of 30 insect species from four insect Orders and 14 Families feeding on aphid susceptible and/or aphid‐resistant low trellis hop cultivars in south‐east England and at three West Midland sites. Three are Kent Red Data Book species [Adoxophyes orana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), Hypena rostralis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and Psylliodes attenuatus (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)] and three are DEFRA biodiversity action plan priority insects [Acronicta rumicis, Melanchra persicariae (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and Spilosoma lubricipedia (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae)].
Six common lepidopteran species severely damaged hop cones (Adoxophyes orana, Autographa gamma, Epiphyas postvittana, Eupitheca assimilata, Mamestra brassicae and S. lubricipedia), whereas Biston betularia, H. rostralis, Melanchra persicariae and Phlogophora meticulosa did not. European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis) feeding on hops in Kent are the so‐called E‐pherotype.
Lygocoris pabulinus (Hemiptera: Miridae) caged on developing flowering lateral shoots reduced numbers of developing hop cones by 38% and cone weight by 42%, whereas Liocoris tripustulatus caused no losses.
Companion plants in the drive alleys between rows of hops reduced the incidences of L. tripustulatus and S. lubricipedia.
Time from referral to ovarian tissue cryopreservation in a cohort of Danish women
Authors: Kristensen Stine Gry , Pors Susanne Elisabeth , Poulsen Liv la Cour , Andersen Signe Taasti , Wakimoto Yu , Yding Andersen Claus 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIntroductionYoung women with a cancer diagnosis often have very little time to decide whether or not to commence fertility‐preserving strategies before initiating potentially sterilizing cancer treatment. Minimizing the interval from opting for fertility preservation to completion of the procedure will reduce the potential risk of delaying cancer treatment. In the current study, we have evaluated the period of time from referral to ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) to actual freezing of the tissue in a cohort of Danish women.Material and methodsThe study population comprised 277 consecutive patients with both malignant and nonmalignant diseases referred for OTC from four centers in the Danish network. Statistical analysis was conducted to analyze the impact of age, diagnosis, and referring center on the time from OTC‐referral to OTC. A literature search for “random start” protocols for controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) for fertility preservation in cancer patients was performed.ResultsThe time from OTC‐referral to OTC was significantly influenced by diagnosis, age, and referring center. Women with malignant diseases other than breast cancer, such as sarcomas, pelvic cancers, and hematological cancers, experienced a significantly shorter interval to OTC (5 days) than women with breast cancer (7 days) and nonmalignant diseases including systemic, ovarian, and hereditary conditions (13‐17.5 days). Women over the age of 30 years experienced a significantly longer time to OTC (P < 0.03), and the diagnosis determined the length of the interval (P < 0.001). According to the literature, fertility preservation by oocyte vitrification requires 13‐14 days, as the average time for 1 round of COS was 11 days and oocyte collection can be performed 2 days later.ConclusionsIt is in the interest of both cancer patients and clinicians to perform fertility preservation as quickly and safely as possible. In a Danish setting, OTC provides a short interval of around 6 days from the patient choosing this option to completion of the procedure. This is considerably less time than what is needed to perform COS and oocyte vitrification, and therefore OTC might be considered the preferred choice of fertility preservation when urgency is needed.
Bridging adults and paediatrics with secondary hyperparathyroidism receiving haemodialysis: a pharmacokinetic‐pharmacodynamic analysis of cinacalcet
Authors: Chen Ping , Sohn Winnie , Narayanan Adimoolam , Gisleskog Per Olsson , Melhem Murad 
Published: February 2019

AimsThe aims of this study were to develop a pharmacokinetic (PK) and PK‐pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) model of cinacalcet in adults and paediatrics with secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) on dialysis, to test covariates of interest, and to perform simulations to inform dosing in paediatrics with SHPT.MethodsCinacalcet PK, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) and corrected calcium (cCa) time courses following multiple daily oral doses (1–300 mg) were modelled using a nonlinear mixed effects modelling approach using data from eight clinical studies. Model‐based trial simulations, using adult or paediatric titration schemas, predicted efficacy (iPTH change from baseline and proportion achieving iPTH decrease ≥30%) and safety (cCa change from baseline and proportion achieving cCa ≤8.4 mg/dL) endpoints at 24 weeks.ResultsCinacalcet PK parameters were described by a two‐compartment linear model with delayed first‐order absorption‐elimination (apparent clearance = 287.74 L h−1). Simulations suggested that paediatric starting doses (1, 2.5, 5, 10 and 15 mg) would provide PK exposures less than or similar to a 30 mg adult dose. The titrated dose simulations suggested that the mean (prediction interval) proportion of paediatric and adult subjects achieving ≥30% reduction in iPTH from baseline at Week 24 was 49% (36%, 62%), and 70.1% (62.5%, 77%), respectively. Additionally, the mean (confidence interval) proportion of paediatric and adult subjects achieving cCa ≤8.4 mg dL−1 at Week 24 was 8% (2%, 18%) and 23.6% (17.5%, 30.5%), respectively.ConclusionsModel‐based simulations showed that the paediatric cinacalcet starting dose (0.2 mg kg−1), titrated to effect, would provide the desired PD efficacy (PTH suppression <30%) while minimizing safety concerns (hypocalcaemia).
Palliative care use amongst patients with bladder cancer
Authors: Hugar Lee A. , Lopa Samia H. , Yabes Jonathan G. , Yu Justin A. , Turner Robert M. , Fam Mina M. , MacLeod Liam C. , Davies Benjamin J. , Smith Angela B. , Jacobs Bruce L. 
Published: February 2019

ObjectivesTo describe the rate and determinants of palliative care use amongst Medicare beneficiaries with bladder cancer and encourage a national dialogue on improving coordinated urological, oncological, and palliative care in patients with genitourinary malignancies.Patients and methodsUsing Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results‐Medicare data, we identified patients diagnosed with muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) between 2008 and 2013. Our primary outcome was receipt of palliative care, defined as the presence of a claim submitted by a Hospice and Palliative Medicine subspecialist. We examined determinants of palliative care use using logistic regression analysis.ResultsOver the study period, 7303 patients were diagnosed with MIBC and 262 (3.6%) received palliative care. Of 2185 patients with advanced bladder cancer, defined as either T4, N+, or M+ disease, 90 (4.1%) received palliative care. Most patients that received palliative care (>80%, >210/262) did so within 24 months of diagnosis. On multivariable analysis, patients receiving palliative care were more likely to be younger, female, have greater comorbidity, live in the central USA, and have undergone radical cystectomy as opposed to a bladder‐sparing approach. The adjusted probability of receiving palliative care did not significantly change over time.ConclusionsPalliative care provides a host of benefits for patients with cancer, including improved spirituality, decrease in disease‐specific symptoms, and better functional status. However, despite strong evidence for incorporating palliative care into standard oncological care, use in patients with bladder cancer is low at 4%. This study provides a conservative baseline estimate of current palliative care use and should serve as a foundation to further investigate physician‐, patient‐, and system‐level barriers to this care.
Evidence of sea level drawdown at the end of the Messinian salinity crisis and seismic investigation of the Nahr Menashe unit in the northern Levant Basin, offshore Lebanon
Authors: Kartveit Kyrre Heldal , Ulsund Heidrun Breiset , Johansen Ståle Emil 
Published: February 2019

AbstractSeveral important aspects of the Messinian salinity crisis (MSC) are still subject to controversy and debate after more than 40 years of studies. Recent work from the eastern Mediterranean have provided a renewed stratigraphic framework for the basin that is inconsistent with previous interpretation studies in the area. This study presents a description of the evolution of the depositional environment in the northern Levant Basin in a time interval surrounding the end of the famous event, from Late Messinian to the Pliocene. Through seismic mapping, we have identified a sediment package overlying the intra‐Messinian truncation surface (IMTS). This package is interpreted as an axial fluvial system running along the Levant Margin in stage 3 of the salinity crisis, likely composed of redeposited evaporites and clastic material. The system was fed primarily from a large fan system building out from the basin margin during a time of sea‐level low stand following a major erosional event, and presumably also from similar systems along the Latakia Ridge and Syria. Our interpretation also lends weight to the theory of a subaerial origin for the truncation surface after a catastrophic desiccation event succeeding the deposition of the halite‐dominated Messinian evaporite succession, based on differences in maximum erosional depth throughout the basin. After the deposition of the post‐IMTS package, deep marine settings were restored in the basin, and hemipelagic sediments from the Nile Delta and the Levant Margin have dominated the sediment deposition since.