bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Political connections and corporate performance: Evidence from Pakistan
Authors: Saeed Abubakr , Belghitar Yacine , Clark Ephraim 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThis study seeks to understand how political connections affect firm performance. Using a hand‐collected dataset of Pakistani firms from 2008–2014, our firm fixed effects and Heckman two‐stage regression results show that connected firms outperform those without political ties. Moreover, we show channels through which political benefits are realized in terms of greater access to debt, lower financing costs and lower tax rates. These benefits are found to be particularly large when firms are connected to politicians who held political positions most recently and firms connected through their owners. Finally, we do not find evidence for differences in political favours across regulated and unregulated industries.
Association between Helicobacter pylori infection and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of observational studies
Authors: Zhou Ben‐Gang , Yang Huai‐Jie , Xu Wei , Wang Kai , Guo Peng , Ai Yao‐Wei 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe association between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been shown in many observational studies, but these conclusions remain controversial. Hence, we performed a meta‐analysis to elucidate the association.MethodsA comprehensive search was conducted on relevant studies published from inception to December 31, 2018, in PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases. Odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were pooled by random‐effect model, generic inverse variance method. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were also done. Publication bias was estimated by the funnel plot, Begg's test, and Egger's test.ResultsFifteen studies (eleven cross‐sectional, two case‐control, and two cohort studies) were included in this meta‐analysis. The pooled OR of NAFLD in patients with H. pylori infection was 1.19 (95% CI: 1.11‐1.29, P < 0.00001) when compared with the patients without H. pylori infection. Similar results were observed when the subgroup analyses were stratified by different geographical locations, study designs, and confounders adjustment. In subgroup analysis stratified by different H. pylori testing methods, the correlation still exists when using UBT, serology, RUT, or SAT, but there was no statistically significant difference when using multiple detection methods (OR = 2.96, 95% CI: 0.37‐23.94, P = 0.31). Sensitivity analyses showed that our results were robust. No evidence of substantial publication bias was detected.ConclusionsCurrent evidence indicated that a positive association between H. pylori infection and the risk of NAFLD. Further prospective studies are warranted to strengthen the association and to clarify whether there is a causative link between them.
Effect of ZrO2 whiskers on the microstructure and mechanical properties of a Ti(C,N)‐based cermet cutting tool material
Authors: Fang Yihang , Zhao Xianrui , Zhang Mengxian , Zhang Ping , Cheng Hu , Xue Shuangxi , Zhang Li , Wu Jianbo , Feng Shangshen 
Published: March 2019

AbstractZrO2‐whisker‐reinforced Ti(C,N)‐based cermets were designed and prepared via a vacuum hot‐pressing process. The ZrO2 whisker characteristics and the phase, microstructure and mechanical properties of the cermets were investigated, and the relevant toughening mechanisms were examined. The results indicate that the ZrO2 whiskers retain their morphology and significantly improve the mechanical properties of the cermets. The relative density and hardness decreased slightly with increasing ZrO2 whisker content. At a whisker content of 7.5 wt.%, the fracture toughness and flexural strength reached their maximum values of 7.825 MPa·m1/2 and 1094 MPa, respectively. This enhancement in the mechanical properties is due to stronger bonding between the interfaces through dimples, tearing ridges and whisker pull‐out, in addition to the inhibition of crack propagation via crack deflection, crack branching and crack bridging.
Evaluation of the body image of patients with facial palsy before and after the application of botulinum toxin
Authors: de Carvalho Viviane F. , Vieira Ana Paula S. , Paggiaro Andre O. , Salles Alessandra G. , Gemperli Rolf 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe face is responsible for nonverbal communication. Facial nerve paralysis, which is the weakness or paralysis of the nerve responsible for the innervation of the muscles that perform these movements, is a condition that can raise serious physical, psychological, social, professional, aesthetic, and functional disorders. The physical aspect has a disastrous effect on the patient's self‐image and emotional state. This study aimed to evaluate the self‐image of patients with facial paralysis through the Body Image Quality Life Index (BIQLI), pre‐ and postclinical treatment with botulinum toxin.MethodA prospective, exploratory, comparative cohort was carried out, with quantitative analysis of the variables with 40 patients with facial paralysis treated by the Ambulatory of Plastic Surgery of Hospital das Clínicas, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo. The Sociodemographic and clinical instrument and the BIQLI were applied. Descriptive statistics and statistical inference were used to perform the analyses.ResultsIt was found that the majority of the paralysis occurred in female individuals (55%), with an average age of 47,875 (DP), single and married (38.88%), and with secondary education completed (16.66%).ConclusionThe body image evaluation of patients with facial paralysis submitted to the botulinum toxin treatment showed an ability to identify the positive impact of therapy in the period between 15 and 180 days by theBIQLI.
End‐of‐life care in an Australian acute hospital: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Maubach Ninya , Batten Monique , Jones Scott , Chen Judy , Scholz Brett , Davis Alison , Bromley Jonathan , Burke Brandon , Tan Ren , Hurwitz Mark , Rodgers Helen , Mitchell Imogen 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackgroundThere is a gap in knowledge about the kind and quality of care experienced by hospital patients at the end of their lives.AimsTo document and compare the patterns in end‐of‐life care for patients dying across a range of different medical units in an acute care hospital.MethodsA retrospective observational study of consecutive adult inpatient deaths between 1 July 2010 and 30 June 2014 in four different medical units of an Australian tertiary referral hospital was performed. Units were selected on the basis of highest inpatient death rates and included medical oncology, respiratory medicine, cardiology and gastroenterology/hepatology.ResultsOverall, 41% of patients died with active medical treatment plans, but significantly more respiratory and cardiology patients died with ongoing treatment (46 and 75% respectively) than medical oncology and gastroenterology patients (each 27%, P < 0.05). More medical oncology and gastroenterology patients were recognised as dying (92 and 88%) compared with 72% of respiratory and only 38% of cardiology patients (P < 0.001). Significantly, more medical oncology patients were referred to palliative care and received comfort care plans than all other patient groups. However, the rate of non‐palliative interventions given in the final 48 h was not significantly different between all four groups.ConclusionsThere were differences in managing the dying process between all disciplines. A possible solution to these discrepancies would be to create an integrated palliative care approach across the hospital. Improving and reducing interdisciplinary practice variations will allow more patients to have a high‐quality and safe death in acute hospitals.
The effect of collegial solidarity among nurses on the organizational climate
Authors: Kılıç E. , Altuntaş S. 
Published: March 2019

AimThis research was carried out in a descriptive and relationship‐seeking design to examine the effect on the organizational climate of collegial solidarity among the nurses.BackgroundIt is important that nurses work in an organizational climate where they can be in solidarity with their colleagues to offer quality service and to deal with all the problems they face. However, the impact of collegial solidarity on the organizational climate is not yet clear enough.MethodsThis study was performed with a cohort of 333 nurses working in a university hospital in Turkey. Data were collected using the personal information form, the Colleague Solidarity of Nurses’ Scale and the Organizational Climate Scale. The data were evaluated using Cronbach's α coefficient, frequency and percentage distribution, the Pearson product‐moment correlation coefficient and a simple linear regression analysis.ResultsA relationship was identified between the collegial solidarity among nurses and the organizational climate. We have determined that collegial solidarity effects organizational commitment, teamwork, supportive climate, stress, negative interaction, human relations, job satisfaction, hierarchy, and the communication and innovative climate.ConclusionCollegial solidarity among nurses has effects on the organizational climate.Implication for nursing policy and health policyIt is recommended that executive nurses support the colleague solidarity between nurses in healthcare settings, in particular by reducing stress in nurses, strengthening teamwork and communication and, thus, making the organizational climate more positive.
The efficiency of private and public schools in urban and rural areas: moving beyond the development goals
Authors: Johnes Geraint , Virmani Swati 
Published: March 2019

AbstractData from the Young Lives study are used to evaluate the efficiency of education systems in four low and middle income countries: Ethiopia, India, Peru and Vietnam. A meta‐frontier variant of data envelopment analysis is used to assess the relative performance of each country's system, and, within each country, to evaluate the impact of public and private schooling, and of urban and rural location. Comparisons are drawn between the four countries; the results indicate that in no country does the educational system perform uniformly badly or well. Conditioning on the inputs available, rural areas are often indicative of higher levels of efficiency, thus suggesting a number of implications for policy.
A first screening of chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium in amphibians in French zoos
Authors: Marquis O. , Miaud C. , Gibault C. , Chai N. 
Published: March 2019

Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) and Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal) screening was carried out in captive amphibians in order to establish the presence of these fungal pathogens in French zoos. Over a period of 3 years, 437 skin swabs were collected at eight French zoos and one private breeding centre [38 species of Anura, 7 species and 2 subspecies of Urodela (salamanders and newts), and 1 caecilian species] and these were analysed using qPCR. None of the samples revealed the presence of Bsal. Bd was detected four times on three species – American bullfrog Lithobates catesbeianus, Common midwife toad Alytes obstetricans and Yellow‐bellied toad Bombina variegata – all of which originated from or were in contact with the natural environment.
Effect of acupuncture at Neiguan point combined with amiodarone therapy on early recurrence after pulmonary vein electrical isolation in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation
Authors: Yin Junkui , Yang Mei , Yu Shengbo , Fu Haixia , Huang He , Yang Bo , Liu Yu , He Bo , Bao Mingwei , Wu Gang , Lu Zhibing , Liu Huangfen , Liu Xiujuan , Dong Libin , Huang Congxin , Zhao Qingyan 
Published: March 2019

AbstractObjectiveEarly atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrences are common and have been shown to predict AF recurrences late after AF ablation during follow‐up. Neiguan point acupuncture has been recognized to be therapeutic in treating AF in clinical practice.Methods and resultsEighty‐five patients were enrolled in succession due to persistent AF. All patients were randomized divided into control group and acupuncture group. In the control group (n = 45), amiodarone was orally taken from the first day after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). In the acupuncture group (n = 40), patients were treated with Neiguan point acupuncture for 7 days and amiodarone was prescribed as same as the control group after PVI. The levels of inflammatory factors were analyzed before operation, 1 week after the operation and 3 months later. After 3 months, the acupuncture group had a lower rate of early recurrences than the control group (5/40 [12.5%] vs 15/45 [33.3%], P = 0.039). The inflammatory factors level in the two groups were significantly increased after ablation. However, compared with the control group, the levels of TNF‐α, IL‐6, CRP, TGF‐β1, MMP2 in the acupuncture group significantly lower (P < 0.05). In a multivariate analysis, acupuncture was an independent factor associated with a lower rate of early recurrences during the blanking period (odds ratio, 0.17; 95% confidence interval, 0.05‐0.63; P = 0.008).ConclusionNeiguan point acupuncture combined with amiodarone is superior to amiodarone alone in reducing early recurrences of patients with persistent AF after PVI. The efficacy of Neiguan acupuncture therapy on the early recurrence is associated with the decreased inflammation factors.
Laminin promotes differentiation of rat embryonic stem cells into cardiomyocytes by activating the integrin/FAK/PI3K p85 pathway
Authors: Wang Duo , Wang Yumei , Liu Huan , Tong Chang , Ying Qilong , Sachinidis Agapios , Li Li , Peng Luying 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe generation of germline competent rat embryonic stem cells (rESCs) allows the study of their lineage commitment. Here, we developed a highly efficient system for rESC‐derived cardiomyocytes, and even the formation of three‐dimensional (3D)‐like cell clusters with cTNT and α‐Actinin. We have validated that laminin can interact with membrane integrin to promote the phosphorylation of both phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K) p85 and the focal adhesion kinase (FAK). In parallel, GATA4 was up‐regulated. Upon inhibiting the integrin, laminin loses the effect on cardiomyocyte differentiation, accompanied with a down‐regulation of phosphorylation level of PI3K p85 and FAK. Meanwhile, the expression of Gata4 was inhibited as well. Taken together, laminin is a crucial component in the differentiation of rESCs into cardiomyocytes through increasing their proliferation via interacting with integrin pathway. These results provide new insights into the pathways mediated by extracellular laminin involved in the fate of rESC‐derived cardiomyocytes.
Sal B targets TAZ to facilitate osteogenesis and reduce adipogenesis through MEK‐ERK pathway
Authors: Wang Na , Li Yukun , Li Ziyi , Liu Chang , Xue Peng 
Published: March 2019

AbstractSalvianolic acid B (Sal B), a major bioactive component of Chinese herb, was identified as a mediator for bone metabolism recently. The aim of this study is to investigate the underlying mechanisms by which Sal B regulates osteogenesis and adipogenesis. We used MC3T3‐E1 and 3T3‐L1 as the study model to explore the changes of cell differentiation induced by Sal B. The results indicated that Sal B at different concentrations had no obvious toxicity effects on cell proliferation during differentiation. Furthermore, Sal B facilitated osteogenesis but inhibited adipogenesis by increasing the expression of transcriptional co‐activator with PDZ‐binding motif (TAZ). Accordingly, TAZ knock‐down offset the effects of Sal B on cell differentiation into osteoblasts or adipocytes. Notably, the Sal B induced up‐expression of TAZ was blocked by U0126 (the MEK‐ERK inhibitor), rather than LY294002 (the PI3K‐Akt inhibitor). Moreover, Sal B increased the p‐ERK/ERK ratio to regulate the TAZ expression as well as the cell differentiation. In summary, this study suggests for the first time that Sal B targets TAZ to facilitate osteogenesis and reduce adipogenesis by activating MEK‐ERK signalling pathway, which provides evidence for Sal B to be used as a potential therapeutic agent for the management of bone diseases.
Gut microbial dysbiosis is associated with development and progression of radiation enteritis during pelvic radiotherapy
Authors: Wang Zhongqiu , Wang Qingxin , Wang Xia , Zhu Li , Chen Jie , Zhang Bailin , Chen Ye , Yuan Zhiyong 
Published: March 2019

AbstractRadiation enteritis (RE) is the most common complication of radiotherapy for pelvic irradiation receivers. Herein we investigated the alterations in gut microbial profiles and their association with enteritis in patients undergoing pelvic radiotherapy. Faecal samples were collected from 18 cervical cancer patients during radiotherapy. Microbiota profiles were characterized based on 16S rRNA sequencing using the Illumina HiSeq platform. Epithelial inflammatory response was evaluated using bacterial‐epithelial co‐cultures. Dysbiosis was observed among patients with RE, which was characterized by significantly reduced α‐diversity but increased β‐diversity, relative higher abundance of Proteobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria and lower abundance of Bacteroides. Coprococcus was clearly enriched prior to radiotherapy in patients who later developed RE. Metastat analysis further revealed unique grade‐related microbial features, such as more abundant Virgibacillus and Alcanivorax in patients with mild enteritis. Additionally, using bacterial‐epithelial co‐cultures, RE patient‐derived microbiota induced epithelial inflammation and barrier dysfunction, enhanced TNF‐α and IL‐1β expression compared with control microbiota. Taken together, we define the overall picture of gut microbiota in patients with RE. Our results suggest that dysbiosis of gut microbiota may contribute to development and progression of RE. Gut microbiota can offer a set of biomarkers for prediction, disease activity evaluation and treatment selection in RE.
Parenting, deviant peer affiliation, and externalizing behavior during adolescence: processes conditional on sympathetic nervous system reactivity
Authors: Hinnant J. Benjamin , Erath Stephen A. , Shimizu Mina , El‐Sheikh Mona 
Published: March 2019

BackgroundThis study examined associations between permissive parenting, deviant peer affiliations, and externalizing behavior across mid to late adolescence in a plausible indirect effects model of change over time with deviant peer affiliation serving as the mediator. We also evaluated potential conditional indirect effects wherein these relationships may be moderated by sex and sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity, indexed by skin conductance level (SCL) reactivity.MethodParticipants included 242 community‐sampled adolescents (M = 15.79 years; 48% boys; 66% European American, 34% African American) with two additional longitudinal assessments lagged by 1 year. Permissive parenting, SCL reactivity, and sex were considered as time invariant predictors of repeated measures of deviant peer affiliation and externalizing behavior in latent growth models that tested whether any of the direct or indirect associations were conditional on sex or SCL reactivity.ResultsEvidence was found for indirect effects of permissive parenting on externalizing behavior via deviant peer affiliation, but only for males with lower SCL reactivity to stress. Additionally, these effects were found on latent intercepts, but not slopes indexing change over time, perhaps reflecting established individual differences in relationships among these variables.ConclusionsFindings are discussed in the context of biosocial models of adolescent development and risk factors that may inform interventions for vulnerable youth.
Investigation of a developmental pathway from infant anger reactivity to childhood inhibitory control and ADHD symptoms: interactive effects of early maternal caregiving
Authors: Miller Natalie V. , Hane Amie A. , Degnan Kathryn A. , Fox Nathan A. , Chronis‐Tuscano Andrea 
Published: March 2019

BackgroundADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder with a complex pathogenesis. Individual differences in temperamental reactivity – in particular, anger reactivity – are predictive of ADHD. The goal of this study was to examine the moderating (maternal caregiving behaviors; MCB) and mediating (inhibitory control) variables of reactivity using a 9‐year multimethod prospective longitudinal design.MethodsParticipants included 291 children (135 male; 156 female) who participated in a larger study of temperament and social‐emotional development. Anger reactivity was assessed by observation of facial anger during an arm restraint task, and MCB were observed during a series of semi‐structured mother–infant tasks, both at 9 months of age. Inhibitory control was assessed by performance on a go/no‐go task at 5 years of age. ADHD symptoms were assessed by parent and teacher report questionnaires at 7 and 9 years, respectively.ResultsAnger reactivity and poor inhibitory control were predictive of later ADHD symptoms. Results supported a moderated mediation model, in which the indirect effects of anger reactivity on ADHD symptoms through inhibitory control were conditional on quality of early MCB. Inhibitory control mediated the effect of anger reactivity on ADHD symptoms, but only among children exposed to lower‐quality MCB.ConclusionsInfant anger reactivity exerts a direct effect on later ADHD from infancy, suggesting anger reactivity as a very early indicator of ADHD risk. Higher‐quality caregiving did not buffer against the direct risk of anger reactivity on ADHD but did buffer against the indirect risk by reducing the negative effect of anger reactivity on inhibitory control. Thus, in the developmental pathway from anger reactivity to ADHD, more sensitive, less intrusive parenting supports the development of protective mechanisms (i.e. inhibitory control) to remediate ADHD risk.
Automated discrimination of deveined shrimps based on grayscale image parameters
Authors: Thanasarn Nawaporn , Chaiprapat Supapan , Waiyakan Kriangkrai , Thongkaew Kunlapat 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe “Vein” in a shrimp is its digestive tract filled with grit, sand, and sediments stretching along the back of the abdomen. In most shrimp market forms, presence of vein is highly restricted and limited according to the U.S. standard for imports. This research aims to develop an image‐based approach for detection of improperly deveined shrimps. Two hundred shrimp images were subjected to a sequence of image processing techniques before extracting significant parameters from grayscale images. These parameters include shape measurements and pixel value measurements drawn from an image histogram. In this research, disqualified shrimps were identified by two classification techniques: linear discriminant analysis and support vector machine (SVM). Better than 98% classification accuracy was obtained with the SVM using a polynomial kernel function. The success of this research has filled a void left by past studies to facilitate fully automated shrimp quality inspection.Practical applicationsRising wages and labor scarcity are among critical problems to seafood industries, along with low productivity due to ergonomics limitations. Such problems will be even worse in the near future and automated machines are becoming a popular alternative to tackle them. These machines must be driven by an intelligent processing unit capable of handling unavoidable variability naturally found in agricultural products. In most shrimp market forms, presence of veins is highly restricted and limited by the U.S. standards for imports. Deveining always leaves remnants of uncertain length. Employing statistical learning techniques, the approach developed in this study can accurately and automatically discriminate shrimps by acceptability based on the vein. Findings of this research contribute to the development of a fully automated shrimp processing machine, supporting sustainability of the industry by reducing reliance on labor policies and workforce availability.