bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validation of the olfactory disorders questionnaire for English‐speaking patients with olfactory disorders
Authors: Langstaff Lorna , Pradhan Nisha , Clark Allan , Boak Duncan , Salam Mahmoud , Hummel Thomas , Philpott Carl M. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractObjectivesTo adapt the existing German language olfactory disorders questionnaire for use with English‐speaking patients. To validate the adapted version for routine clinical use.DesignThe translated version of the original German questionnaire was revised with a patient and a clinician to reflect British language and culture. Patients attending an olfactory dysfunction clinic were recruited to perform the adapted questionnaire on two occasions at least 1 month apart. Additional online participants completed the questionnaire via the charity Fifth Sense.Main outcome measuresRetest reliability of the English olfactory disorders questionnaire (eODQ) in affected patients including potential for redundancy in any of the included questions. Correlation of eODQ scores with Sniffin’ Sticks scores.ResultsEighty‐seven patients reporting olfactory dysfunction were recruited and had a mean age of 48 with 35% of them being male; 50 datasets were available for analysis. A total of 957 members of the charity entered responses into the online questionnaire; 699 responses could be scored with participants' mean age of 55 years and with 69% reporting as female. The eODQ score and Sniffin’ Sticks threshold, discrimination and identification score at timepoint 1 were correlated to assess for concurrent validity, (r = −0.15, P = 0.17) and showed no significant correlation. Female participants had a significantly higher mean total eODQ score than men, 55.75 compared to 52.28 (P = 0.001). The average score was 54.7 (SD 13.5) with a range from 26 to 87. The internal consistency of the questionnaire was good with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.90 (confidence intervals 0.89, 0.91).ConclusionsThe results of this study support the use of the eODQ in a native English‐speaking population and highlight the different distinctions between “objective” testing of olfaction with the Sniffin’ Sticks test, and the patient reported impact of olfactory dysfunction on daily life. These two types of assessment can be easily administered in an outpatient setting and used in the assessment and management of olfactory dysfunction.
CEO power and corporate risk: The impact of market competition and corporate governance
Authors: Sheikh Shahbaz 
Published: May 2019

AbstractResearch Question/IssueAlthough there is no unified theory that can explain the relationship between CEO power and corporate risk, the empirical evidence generally finds a positive association. This study argues that market competition and corporate governance play critical roles in influencing this relationship.Research Findings/InsightsUsing a large panel of nonfinancial U.S. corporations for the period 1992–2015, I find that CEO power is positively associated with total and idiosyncratic measures of risk. However, this positive association remains significant only when market competition is high or corporate governance is strong.Theoretical/Academic ImplicationsThe research design of this study combines the predictions of agency theory, the behavioral agency model, and prospect theory to further our understanding of the relationship between CEO power and corporate risk, including consideration of how competition and corporate governance influence this relationship.Practitioner/Policy ImplicationsThe empirical evidence presented in this study can help boards to more accurately gauge when CEO power is most beneficial in terms of optimal levels of corporate risk and to better understand the relationship between power and risk. The results suggest that boards should grant more power to their CEOs when their firms operate in high‐competition markets or have strong corporate governance in place.
Early interstitial macrophage infiltration with mild dysfunction is associated with subsequent kidney graft loss
Authors: Paoletti Ernesto , Bussalino Elisabetta , Bellino Diego , Tagliamacco Augusto , Bruzzone Marco , Ravera Maura , Parodi Angelica , Fontana Iris , Gaggero Gabriele , Garibotto Giacomo , Ravetti Jean Louis 
Published: May 2019

AbstractMacrophage infiltration is associated with unfavorable kidney graft outcome in protocol biopsies, but few studies have evaluated its impact on clinical practice. We therefore prospectively evaluated 37 kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) who underwent kidney biopsy due to slight increases in serum creatinine, or mild proteinuria (>0.3 g/24 hr), in the first post‐transplant year. Banff score, CD68+ count (score 0‐3) by immunohistochemistry, and 1‐year DSA were assessed. DGF was reported in 10 (27%) patients, 6 (16%) had normal biopsy, 7 (19%) borderline lesions, 13 (35%) IFTA, and 11 (30%) other lesions. Fifteen KTRs had grade 3 CD68+ infiltration, and 47% developed de novo DSA. During a 6.2 ± 2.7 year follow‐up, four patients (11%) suffered from biopsy‐proven T‐cell rejection, 17 KTRs (46%) lost their graft (12 in the grade 3 CD68+ group). Graft survival was lower in KTRs with grade 3 CD68+ infiltration (P = 0.0074; log‐rank test). Grade 3 CD68+ infiltrate was an independent predictor of graft loss (HR 5.41, 95% CI 1.74‐16.8; P = 0.003), together with more severe graft dysfunction at biopsy (HR 6.41, 95% CI 2.57‐16; P < 0.001). We conclude that grade 3 CD68+ interstitial infiltration is associated with increased risk of subsequent graft loss independent of other factors.
Outcomes of telehealth care for lung transplant recipients
Authors: Sidhu Aman , Chaparro Cecilia , Chow Chung‐Wai , Davies Meny , Singer Lianne G. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractTelehealth uses videoconferencing to provide long‐distance clinical care. Experience with telehealth in the setting of organ transplantation is limited. The purpose of this cohort study was to compare the impact of telehealth vs in‐person follow‐up of lung transplant recipients. Telehealth eligible patients were three or more years post‐transplant and resided in Ontario outside the Greater Toronto Area. Patients with initial telehealth visits between July 1, 2009, and Dec 31, 2014, were retrospectively reviewed to assess outcomes of chronic lung allograft dysfunction progression and mortality until December 31, 2016, compared with eligible patients seen in‐person. Of eligible patients (n = 204), 119 (58.3%) were seen via telehealth. Most patients (97%) rated telehealth as equivalent or superior to clinic visits. Telehealth visits resulted in significant out‐of‐pocket cost savings and travel distance savings for patients. There was no significant difference in mortality from the time of first visit (HR 0.81, 95% CI 0.49‐1.32, P = 0.4) or from the time of transplant between groups (HR 0.72, 95% CI 0.43‐1.17, P = 0.2). Telehealth can safely and effectively be used in select transplant recipients to increase access to care and reduce time and financial burdens for patients residing greater distances from primary transplant centers.
The residential status of children whose parents are in treatment for methamphetamine use
Authors: Robinson Laura D. , Kelly Peter J. , Deane Frank P. , Townsend Michelle L. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractIntroduction and AimsMethamphetamine (MA) use has increased markedly over the past decade, during which time there has been an increase in children in out of home care. This study explores whether MA use in parents attending residential treatment services for substance use issues is associated with higher proportions of children living out of the home.Design and MethodsData were collected from individuals attending residential treatment centres provided by the Australian Salvation Army between 2009 and 2016. Centres provide residential alcohol and other substance use treatment in a modified therapeutic community. Trained staff administered sections of the Addiction Severity Index measuring substance use, legal and parenting status, and the Mental Health Screening Form‐III at intake. Data were limited to those who had at least one child under 18 years; final sample size was 2964.ResultsOf the 2964 parents, 36.3% nominated MAs use as a primary or secondary substance of use. Between 2011 and 2016, a significantly greater proportion of parents using MAs (86.1%), had at least one child not living at home compared to those using other substances (81.3%; χ2=7.95, P = 0.005). The proportion of female parents increased significantly 14.7% (2009) to 37.9% (2016; χ2 = 51.54, P < 0.001). Also, more males (83.7%) than females (79.6%) had a child living out of home (χ2 = 11.23, P = 0.01).Discussion and ConclusionsGiven that MA use can result in increased risks of violence and neglect the increase in parents using the substance is concerning. The growing number of mothers in treatment warrants further investigation, particularly as women face inherent difficulties in seeking treatment with dependent children.
Children, but not great apes, respect ownership
Authors: Kanngiesser Patricia , Rossano Federico , Frickel Ramona , Tomm Anne , Tomasello Michael 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAccess to and control of resources is a major source of costly conflicts. Animals, under some conditions, respect what others control and use (i.e. possession). Humans not only respect possession of resources, they also respect ownership. Ownership can be viewed as a cooperative arrangement, where individuals inhibit their tendency to take others’ property on the condition that those others will do the same. We investigated to what degree great apes follow this principle, as compared to human children. We conducted two experiments, in which dyads of individuals could access the same food resources. The main test of respect for ownership was whether individuals would refrain from taking their partner's resources even when the partner could not immediately access and control them. Captive apes (N = 14 dyads) failed to respect their partner's claim on food resources and frequently monopolized the resources when given the opportunity. Human children (N = 14 dyads), tested with a similar apparatus and procedure, respected their partner's claim and made spontaneous verbal references to ownership. Such respect for the property of others highlights the uniquely cooperative nature of human ownership arrangements.
Downregulation of microRNA‐431‐5p promotes enteric neural crest cell proliferation via targeting LRSAM1 in Hirschsprung's disease
Authors: Hu Bo , Cao Lei , Wang Xiao‐ye , Li Long 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundHirschsprung's disease (HSCR) is characterized by missing of enteric neurons in the terminal areas of the whole gut, which is causally related to poor proliferation of enteric neural crest cells (ENCCs). Our aim is to explore how miR‐431‐5p interacts with its target gene in regulation of proliferation of ENCCs in HSCR.MethodsMouse model of HSCR was established by Benzalkonium chloride (BAC) treatment. Quantitative Real‐time PCR and western blotting were performed to determine the miR‐431‐5p and the LRSAM1 expression in colon tissues of the HSCR group (n = 8) and the control group (n = 8) and in ENCCs isolated from colon tissues. CCK‐8 assay was performed to detect the proliferation of ENCCs of HSCR. ENCCs after transfection with miR‐431‐5p mimics or miR‐431‐5p inhibitor. Luciferase reporter assay was conducted to clarify the connections between miR‐431‐5p and LRSAM1.ResultsUpregulation of miR‐431‐5p and downregulation of LRSAM1 were found in ENCCs of HSCR. Downregulation of miR‐431‐5p could promote cell proliferation of ENCCs. LRSAM1 was proved to be the target gene of miR‐431‐5p by luciferase reporter assay. Moreover, proliferation of ENCCs was increased in the miR‐431‐5p inhibitor group and was suppressed after knocking down LRSAM1.ConclusionDownregulation of miR‐431‐5p promoted proliferation of ENCCs via targeting LRSAM1, which provides an innovative and candidate target for treatment of HSCR.
Lessons from Nigeria for improved thinking and working politically in the extractives sector
Authors: Lopez Lucia Elisa , Buckley Joanna , Marquette Heather , McCulloch Neil 
Published: May 2019

ABSTRACTDespite the wealth that comes from being the biggest oil producer in Africa, Nigeria has some of the worst development indicators in the world. From 2011 to mid‐2016, the DFID‐funded Facility for Oil Sector Transparency and Reform (FOSTER) programme's unique design aimed to reduce incentives for the capture of oil revenue by elites and international oil companies, restoring the potential of those revenues to accelerate economic and social development. This article asks what lessons FOSTER's successes and failures offer for improved “thinking and working politically” (TWP). It examines the outcomes from five “clusters” of interventions: three viewed by the FOSTER team as successes and two as failures. The article identifies factors for successful TWP‐based programming, including the need for local ownership rooted in staff with a combination of technical expertise, a deep knowledge of the local political context and excellent networking abilities. The research used a qualitative and inductive approach. Field research was undertaken with 44 semi‐structured qualitative interviews during one month of fieldwork in Abuja and Lagos. The research also included reviews of FOSTER's internal documentation and evaluation frameworks, as well as analysis of newspaper articles and grey literature on the oil sector in Nigeria. The project offers important lessons for politically informed programming about how interventions were implemented (process), what was actually done (content) and how the project responded to changes in context that created or blocked opportunities for reform (responsiveness). The article identifies factors for successful TWP‐based programming, including the need for local ownership rooted in staff with a combination of technical expertise, a deep knowledge of the local political context and excellent networking abilities. The findings have important implications for programme design. They demonstrate the value of built‐in flexibility that allows staff to choose and switch the partners they work with and the channels they work through. They also show that a key aspect of TWP‐based programming is implicit acceptance that some failure may be unavoidable, since this permits staff to balance risk against opportunities. Finally, a better understanding of FOSTER's failures reveals the challenges of a TWP‐based approach and the trade‐offs it demands.
Imaging functional stress test for stable chest pain symptoms in patients at low pretest probability of coronary artery disease: Current practice and long‐term outcome
Authors: Gaibazzi Nicola , Barbieri Andrea , Boriani Giuseppe , Benatti Giorgio , Codazzo Gabriella , Manicardi Marcella , Bursi Francesca , Siniscalchi Carmine 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundStress testing in patients with low pretest probability (PTP) of coronary artery disease (CAD) has become an increasing practice, potentially leading to underestimation of its true clinical value. Our aim was to describe the current use of most employed imaging functional tests and their prognostic value.Methods and ResultsWe selected patients with low PTP of CAD (CAD consortium clinical score < 15%) who underwent exercise or dipyridamole stress echocardiography or single photon emission computed tomography for suspected angina. Main exclusions were age < 45, known CAD, and abnormal rest wall motion. Of the 2279 subjects undergoing stress test, 883 (39%) had low PTP, and 91 (10.3%) had a positive test for ischemia. After a median follow‐up of 5.8 years, 36 patients had events (21 died, 14 had nonfatal myocardial infarction). The percentage of events in the abnormal and normal stress test groups were similar (5 [5.5%] vs 31 [3.9%], P = ns), as the annualized event rate (0.87% vs 0.62%, P = ns). Age was the only variable associated with outcome in the regression analysis (hazard ratio 1.072, 95% CI 1.034–1.113, P < 0.001). An abnormal result was not associated with worse outcome in each of the subgroups of functional tests.ConclusionsIn our geographical area, a considerable proportion of patients undergoing imaging functional tests for stable chest pain have a low estimated PTP of CAD. Of these, 1 in 10 resulted positive for inducible ischemia. However, none of the most common imaging functional tests, single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), and stress echocardiography offer prognostic information in these patients.
Synchronized expressions of serum osteopontin and B cell–activating factor in autoimmune thyroid disease
Authors: Cheng Chao‐Wen , Tang Kam‐Tsun , Fang Wen‐Fang , Lin Jiunn‐Diann 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundOsteopontin (OPN) is recognized as a potent immunoregulator of autoimmune disease. In the study, we tried to explore the association of serum OPN levels with autoimmune thyroid disease, including Graves' disease (GD) and Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), in an ethnic Chinese population.Materials and methodsWe enrolled 131 patients with GD, 33 patients with HT and 123 healthy controls. Serum OPN, B cell–activating factor (BAFF) and interferon (IFN)‐α levels were quantified. Graves' disease patients with high thyroid function at the time of sample collection were defined as having active GD, while the other patients were defined as having inactive GD.ResultsSerum OPN levels were higher in active GD than in inactive GD and the control groups (P = 0.001 and P = 0.018, respectively). In GD, significant associations of OPN levels with thyroid‐stimulating hormone receptor antibody (TSHRAb) levels were observed in women (r = −0.344, P = 0.002, and r = 0.440, P = 0.004, respectively) but not in men. Osteopontin levels were associated with BAFF levels only in women with GD or HT (r = 0.506, P < 0.001 and r = 0.430, P = 0.025, respectively), but not in men with GD or HT.ConclusionsSerum OPN levels were upregulated in active GD, and serum OPN levels were associated with thyroid function and TSHRAb levels in GD. Additionally, OPN levels were correlated with BAFF levels in GD and HT. The associations of OPN levels with clinical phenotypes of GD and BAFF levels showed a dimorphic pattern.
Currency devaluations and beggar‐my‐neighbour penalties: evidence from the 1930s
Authors: Albers Thilo N. H. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe currency devaluations of the 1930s facilitated a faster recovery from the Great Depression in the countries depreciating, but their unilateral manner provoked retaliatory and discriminatory commercial policies abroad. This article explores the importance of the retaliatory motive in the imposition of trade barriers by gold bloc countries during the 1930s and its effects on trade. Relying on new and existing datasets on the introduction of quotas, tariffs, and bilateral trade costs, the quantification of the discriminatory response suggests that these countries imposed significant beggar‐my‐neighbour penalties. The penalties reduced trade to a similar degree that modern regional trade agreements foster trade. Furthermore, the analysis of contemporary newspapers reveals that the devaluations of the early 1930s triggered an Anglo‐French trade conflict marked by tit‐for‐tat protectionist policies. With regards to global trade, the unilateral currency depreciations came at a high price in political and economic terms. These costs must have necessarily reduced their benefit to the world as a whole.
Occurrence of the colistin resistance mcr‐1 gene in soils from intensive vegetable production and native vegetation
Authors: Oliveira Camila C. , Lopes Eliene S. , Barbosa Daniele R. , Pimenta Ramon L. , Sobrinho Nelson M. B. A. , Coelho Shana M. O. , Souza Miliane M. S. , Coelho Irene S. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractColistin, currently regarded as the last‐resort antibiotic for the treatment of infections caused by multidrug‐resistant bacteria, is used in poultry production to treat and prevent infection, and as a growth promoter. Poultry litter is commonly used as organic fertilizer; however, there are no reports on the effect of its application regarding colistin resistance in soils. Thus, the objective of the present study was to compare the abundance of the colistin resistance gene (mcr‐1) in soils from vegetable production areas that received non‐composted poultry litter as organic fertilizer and native vegetation areas. The mcr‐1 gene was detected in all soil samples from both areas. A significant difference (p < 0.05) was observed in the relative abundance of the mcr‐1 gene between soils pertaining to the vegetable production area and the native vegetation area in six of those 10 properties. This is the first report of the presence of the colistin resistance gene in soils from Brazil. The vast majority of antibiotic resistance genes acquired by human pathogens originated in natural environments. Thus, the presence of the mcr‐1 gene in soils treated with poultry litter and from native vegetation areas reinforces the need for studies that minimize potential risks of the development of colistin resistance.Highlights
Poultry litter usually is employed as fertilizer; however, there are no reports of its impact in colistin resistance in soils.
The mcr‐1 gene was detected in soils from both native vegetation and vegetable production.
This is the first report of the presence of colistin resistance gene in soils from Brazil.
The presence of mcr‐1 gene in soils can increase risks of the development and spread of colistin resistance.
Adhesive defence mucus secretions in the red triangle slug (Triboniophorus graeffei) can incapacitate adult frogs
Authors: Gould John , Valdez Jose W. , Upton Rose 
Published: May 2019

AbstractGastropods are known to secrete mucus for a variety of purposes, including locomotion, reproduction, adhesion to surfaces and lubrication. A less commonly known function of mucus secretion in this group involves its use as a defence against predation. Amongst the terrestrial slugs, mucus that serves this particular purpose has been studied for only a handful of species under laboratory conditions, where it is thought to be produced to make individuals unpalatable or difficult to consume. However, the mechanisms of how these defensive secretions operate and their effectiveness in deterring predation in the natural world have not been described in much detail. In this study, we provide evidence of adhesive mucus secretions in the red triangle slug (Triboniophorus graeffei) as an adaptation against predation. Field observations of a large red‐eyed green tree frog (Litoria chloris) trapped in the mucus secretions of a nearby T. graeffei revealed that this mucus serves to incapacitate predators rather than just an overall deterrence. Mechanical stimulation of T. graeffei under laboratory conditions revealed that adhesive secretions were produced from discrete sections of the dorsal surface when disturbed, leading to the production of a highly sticky and elastic mucus that was unlike the thin and slippery mucus used during locomotion. The adhesiveness of the defensive secretions was strengthened and reactivated when in contact with water. This appears to not only be the first description of defensive mucus production in this slug species but one of the first natural observations of slug secretions incapacitating a relatively large vertebrate. The biomechanical properties of this mucus and its ability to maintain and strengthen its hold under wet conditions make it potentially useful in the development of new adhesive materials.