bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SLAPPed: the relationship between SLAPP suits and changed ESG reporting by firms
Authors: Giles Olivia , Murphy Daniel 
Published: March 2016

Purpose– This paper aims to explore any potential link between the corporate issue of a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP) with a changed environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting focus as part of a complementary communicative legitimation strategy.Design/methodology/approach– A longitudinal content analysis of the annual reports of three sample Australian corporations was undertaken, measuring changes in ESG disclosure levels and disclosure focus around the time a SLAPP was issued by each sample firm.Findings– This paper provides support for the contention that both the number of ESG disclosures and the type of ESG disclosures changed after the sample firms issued SLAPPs.Research limitations/implications– A number of limitations are identified within the paper, including difficulties identifying when SLAPPs are initiated.Originality/value– To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first investigation of the relationship between SLAPPs and ESG reporting, and this study helps open up a new area of research into how ESG reporting is used by corporations in a strategic manner.
Whole-Genome Sequencing Analysis of
Chromobacterium piscinae
Strain ND17, a Quorum-Sensing Bacterium
Authors: Chan Kok-Gan , Yunos Nina Yusrina Muhamad 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACT

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
Chromobacterium piscinae
strain ND17. This bacterium was isolated from a fresh water sample in Malaysia and exhibits quorum-sensing activity. This first draft genome of
C. piscinae
strain ND17 will pave the way to future studies of the quorum-sensing properties of this isolate.
Training-related and competition-related risk factors for respiratory tract and gastrointestinal infections in elite cross-country skiers
Authors: Svendsen Ida S , Taylor Ian M , Tønnessen Espen , Bahr Roald , Gleeson Michael 
Published: March 2016

AimTo examine symptoms indicative of respiratory tract and gastrointestinal infections and determine risk factors for such symptoms in elite cross-country skiers.MethodsSelf-reported training and symptom data for 37 elite cross-country skiers from 2007 to 2015 were analysed using multilevel logistic regression equations with symptom incidence and duration as outcome variables, and sex, performance level, season, competition, air travel, altitude exposure and training characteristics as independent variables.ResultsData for 7016 person-weeks were analysed, including 464 self-reported infection events and 110 959 h of training. Athletes reported median (range) 3 (1–7) respiratory tract and/or gastrointestinal events per year, with symptoms lasting 5 (1–24) days. During the winter, symptoms occurred more frequently (OR 2.09, p<0.001) and lasted longer (b=0.043, p<0.001) compared with summer. Competition and air travel increased the risk of symptoms, with ORs of 2.93 (95% CI 2.24 to 3.83) and 4.94 (95% CI 3.74 to 6.53), respectively (p<0.001). Athletes with higher training monotony had lower risk of symptoms (OR 0.87 (95% CI 0.73 to 0.99), p<0.05). Other training variables were not associated with symptoms. Athletes who had won an Olympic/World Championship medal reported shorter symptom duration compared with less successful athletes (b=−0.019, p<0.05) resulting in significantly fewer symptomatic days/year (14 (6–29) vs 22 (8–43) days/year).ConclusionsAir travel and competition are major risk factors for acute respiratory tract and gastrointestinal symptoms in this population. Athletes who have large fluctuations in training load experience such symptoms more frequently. Shorter duration of symptoms appears to be associated with success in cross-country skiing.
Randomised controlled trial of referral to a telephone-based weight management and healthy lifestyle programme for patients with knee osteoarthritis who are overweight or obese: a study protocol
Authors: O'Brien Kate M , Wiggers John , Williams Amanda , Campbell Elizabeth , Wolfenden Luke , Yoong Serene , Robson Emma K , McAuley James , Haskins Robin , Kamper Steven J , Williams Christopher 
Published: March 2016

IntroductionKnee osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common chronic diseases worldwide and is associated with significant pain and disability. Clinical practice guidelines consistently recommend weight management as a core aspect of care for overweight and obese patients with knee OA; however, provision of such care is suboptimal. Telephone-based interventions offer a novel approach to delivery of weight management care in these patients. The aim of the proposed study is to assess the effectiveness of referral to a telephone-based weight management and healthy lifestyle programme, previously shown to be effective in changing weight, in improving knee pain intensity in overweight or obese patients with knee OA, compared to usual care.Methods and analysisA parallel, randomised controlled trial will be undertaken. Patients with OA of the knee who are waiting for an outpatient orthopaedic consultation at a tertiary referral public hospital within New South Wales, Australia, will be allocated to either an intervention or a control group (1:1 ratio). After baseline data collection, patients in the intervention group will receive a 6-month telephone-based intervention, and patients in the control group will continue with usual care. Surveys will be conducted at baseline, 6 and 26 weeks post-randomisation. The study requires 60 participants per group to detect a two-point difference in pain intensity (primary outcome) 26 weeks after baseline.Ethics and disseminationThe study is approved by the Hunter New England Health Human Research Ethics Committee (13/12/11/5.18) and the University of Newcastle Human Research Ethics Committee (H-2015-0043). The results will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and at scientific conferences.Trial registration numberACTRN12615000490572, Pre-results.
Statins are not associated with short-term improved aneurysm healing in a rabbit model of unruptured aneurysms
Authors: Brinjikji Waleed , Yong Hong Ding , Dai Daying , Schroeder Dana J , Kallmes David F , Kadirvel Ramanathan 
Published: March 2016

BackgroundOwing to their anti-inflammatory effects and ability to stimulate production of extracellular matrix and chemotactic migration of mesenchymal progenitor cells, statins could potentially improve aneurysm healing after endovascular treatment.ObjectiveTo test the hypothesis that systemic administration of simvastatin would improve aneurysm healing in a rabbit model of unruptured intracranial aneurysms.MethodsExperimental aneurysms were created in female rabbits and were embolized with platinum coils. Six rabbits served as controls and six rabbits received oral administration of simvastatin. Digital subtraction angiography was used to evaluate stability after embolization. Subjects were euthanized 4 weeks after coil embolization. Histologic samples were examined with a grading system (0–12) based on neck and dome features. Aneurysm occlusion data were compared using a Student t test.ResultsNo significant differences in the mean aneurysm size were found between groups. No coil compaction occurred in either group. All aneurysms in both the statin and control groups showed stable occlusion. There were no significant differences in the histologic grade of occlusion in either group (statin group 2.6±0.8 vs control group 2.7±3.2, p=0.94).ConclusionsSystemic statin administration after platinum coil embolization of unruptured aneurysms in a rabbit model does not improve aneurysm occlusion rates at 4 weeks.
Cancer Differentiating Agent Hexamethylene Bisacetamide Inhibits BET Bromodomain Proteins
Authors: Nilsson Lisa M. , Green Lydia C. , Muralidharan Somsundar Veppil , Demir Dağsu , Welin Martin , Bhadury Joydeep , Logan Derek T. , Walse Björn , Nilsson Jonas A. 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
Agents that trigger cell differentiation are highly efficacious in treating certain cancers, but such approaches are not generally effective in most malignancies. Compounds such as DMSO and hexamethylene bisacetamide (HMBA) have been used to induce differentiation in experimental systems, but their mechanisms of action and potential range of uses on that basis have not been developed. Here, we show that HMBA, a compound first tested in the oncology clinic over 25 years ago, acts as a selective bromodomain inhibitor. Biochemical and structural studies revealed an affinity of HMBA for the second bromodomain of BET proteins. Accordingly, both HMBA and the prototype BET inhibitor JQ1 induced differentiation of mouse erythroleukemia cells. As expected of a BET inhibitor, HMBA displaced BET proteins from chromatin, caused massive transcriptional changes, and triggered cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis in Myc-induced B-cell lymphoma cells. Furthermore, HMBA exerted anticancer effects in vivo in mouse models of Myc-driven B-cell lymphoma. This study illuminates the function of an early anticancer agent and suggests an intersection with ongoing clinical trials of BET inhibitor, with several implications for predicting patient selection and response rates to this therapy and starting points for generating BD2-selective BET inhibitors. Cancer Res; 76(8); 2376–83. ©2016 AACR.
Targeting Androgen Receptor (AR)→IL12A Signal Enhances Efficacy of Sorafenib plus NK Cells Immunotherapy to Better Suppress HCC Progression
Authors: Shi Liang , Lin Hui , Li Gonghui , Jin Ren-An , Xu Junjie , Sun Yin , Ma Wen-Lung , Yeh Shuyuan , Cai Xiujun , Chang Chawnshang 
Published: March 2016

AbstractGender disparity has long been considered as a key to fully understand hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. At the same time, immunotherapy related to IL12 still need more investigation before being applied in clinical settings. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of the androgen receptor (AR) on natural killer (NK) cell–related innate immune surveillance in liver cancer, and provide a novel therapeutic approach to suppress HCC via altering IL12A. By using in vitro cell cytotoxicity test and in vivo liver orthotopic xenograft mouse model, we identified the role of AR in modulating NK cell cytotoxicity. Luciferase report assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay were applied for mechanism dissection. IHC was performed for sample staining. Our results showed AR could suppress IL12A expression at the transcriptional level via direct binding to the IL12A promoter region that resulted in repressing efficacy of NK cell cytotoxicity against HCC, and sorafenib treatment could enhance IL12A signals via suppressing AR signals. These results not only help to explain the AR roles in the gender disparity of HCC but also provide a potential new therapy to better suppress HCC via combining sorafenib with NK cell–related immunotherapy. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(4); 731–42. ©2016 AACR.
Novel Anti-CRR9/CLPTM1L Antibodies with Antitumorigenic Activity Inhibit Cell Surface Accumulation, PI3K Interaction, and Survival Signaling
Authors: Puskás László G. , Mán Imola , Szebeni Gabor , Tiszlavicz László , Tsai Susan , James Michael A. 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
We and others have recently shown cisplatin resistance-related protein 9 (CRR9)/Cleft Lip and Palate Transmembrane 1-Like (CLPTM1L) to affect survival and proliferation in lung and pancreatic tumor cells. Our research has indicated that CLPTM1L affects multiple survival signaling pathways in tumor cells under oncogenic, genotoxic, and microenvironmental stress. We have confirmed the association of CLPTM1L with pancreatic cancer by demonstrating overexpression of CLPTM1L in pancreatic tumors and poor survival in patients with high tumor expression of CLPTM1L. Predicting a transmembrane structure, we determined that CLPTM1L could be targeted at the plasma membrane. Herein, we describe the development of mAbs targeting CLPTM1L. Lead antibodies inhibited surface accumulation of CLPTM1L, Akt phosphorylation, anchorage-independent growth, and chemotherapeutic resistance in lung and pancreatic tumor cells. Gemcitabine promoted a physical interaction between CLPTM1L and p110α in pancreatic tumor cells, which was inhibited by anti-CLPTM1L. In vivo treatment with anti-CLPTM1L robustly inhibited the growth of both lung and pancreatic adenocarcinoma xenografts. The efficacy of anti-CLPTM1L correlated with specific epitopes representing important targets in human cancers, particularly those driven by KRas, for which effective targeted therapies have been elusive. This study is the first to report cell-surface exposure of the tumor survival protein CLPTM1L and inhibition of the function of surface CLPTM1L with novel, systematically developed inhibitory mAbs establishing proof of concept of clinically practical agents inhibiting this compelling new tumor survival target in cancer. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(5); 985–97. ©2016 AACR.
Protein Kinase Inhibitor H89 Enhances the Activity ofPseudomonasExotoxin A–Based Immunotoxins
Authors: Liu Xiufen , Müller Fabian , Wayne Alan S. , Pastan Ira 
Published: March 2016

AbstractHA22 (Moxetumomab pasudotox) is a recombinant immunotoxin (RIT), composed of an anti-CD22 Fv fused to a truncated portion of Pseudomonas exotoxin A. HA22 is in clinical trials to treat patients with hairy cell leukemia and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). LMB-11 is an improved variant of HA22 with reduced immunogenicity, has a longer half-life in the blood and high activity in vitro and in a Burkitt lymphoma model in vivo. Searching for RIT enhancing combination therapies, we found the protein kinase A inhibitor H89 to enhance LMB-11 and HA22 activity 5- to 10-fold on ALL cell lines and on patient-derived ALL samples. In addition, H89 increased the activity of mesothelin-targeting RITs SS1P (38-fold) and RG7787 (7-fold) against the cervical cancer cell line KB31. Unexpectedly we found that the enhancement by H89 was not because of inhibition of protein kinase A; it was partially recapitulated by inhibition of S6K1, which led to inactivation of its downstream targets rpS6 and GSK3β, resulting in a fall in MCL1 levels. H89 increased the rate of ADP-ribosylation of eukaryotic elongation factor 2, enhancing the arrest of protein synthesis and the reduction of MCL1 in synergy with the RIT. In summary, H89 increased RIT activity by enhancing the two key events: ADP-ribosylation of eEF2 and reduction of MCL1 levels. Significant enhancement was seen with both CD22- and mesothelin-targeting RITs, indicating that H89 might be a potent addition to RIT treatment of CD22-positive ALL and mesothelin-expressing solid tumors. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(5); 1053–62. ©2016 AACR.
Probiotics for the Treatment of Infantile Colic: A Systematic Review
Authors: Schreck Bird Anna , Gregory Philip J. , Jalloh Mohamed A. , Risoldi Cochrane Zara , Hein Darren J. 
Published: March 2016

Objective: To evaluate whether clinical data support the safety and efficacy of probiotics for the management of infantile colic. Background: Probiotics have been suggested as a potential strategy for infantile colic, and the specific species that have been studied in healthy infants are considered to be safe. Methodology: A systematic review was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the use of probiotic supplementation in infants with colic. RCTs with a primary end point assessing crying or fussing time were selected. A meta-analysis comparing “responders” to “nonresponders” in infants receiving probiotic versus control was conducted. The quality of trials selected was assessed. Results: Five RCTs assessing 2 different strains of the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri in mostly breastfed infants were identified. Analysis of response rates showed that infants receiving probiotics had a 2.3-fold greater chance of having a 50% or greater decrease in crying/fussing time compared to controls ( P = .01). Probiotic supplementation was not associated with any adverse events. Conclusion: Supplementation with the probiotic L. reuteri in breastfed infants appears to be safe and effective for the management of infantile colic. Further research is needed to determine the role of probiotics in infants who are formula-fed.
The contribution of antiphospholipid antibodies to organ damage in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Taraborelli M , Leuenberger L , Lazzaroni M G , Martinazzi N , Zhang W , Franceschini F , Salmon J , Tincani A , Erkan D 
Published: March 2016

Objectives The objective of this study was to assess the contribution of clinically significant antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) to organ damage in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods Patients with disease duration of less than 10 years and at least 5 years of follow-up were identified from two SLE registries. A clinically significant antiphospholipid antibody (aPL) profile was defined as: positive lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipin IgG/M ≥ 40 G phospholipid units (GPL)/M phospholipid units (MPL), and/or anti-β2-glycoprotein-I IgG/M ≥ 99th percentile on two or more occasions, at least 12 weeks apart. Organ damage was assessed by the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics Damage Index (SDI). Univariate and multivariate analysis compared SLE patients with and without SDI increase during a 15-year follow-up. Results Among 262 SLE patients, 33% had a clinically significant aPL profile, which was associated with an increased risk of organ damage accrual during a 5-year follow-up in univariate analysis, and during a 15-year follow-up in the multivariate analysis adjusting for age, gender, race, disease duration at registry entry, and time. In the multivariate analysis, older age at diagnosis and male gender were also associated with SDI increase at each time point. Conclusion A clinically significant aPL profile is associated with an increased risk of organ damage accrual during a 15-year follow-up in SLE patients.
Effectiveness of timed and non-timed second appointments in improving uptake in breast cancer screening
Authors: Hudson Sue , Brazil Debbie , Teh William , Duffy Stephen W , Myles Jonathan P 
Published: March 2016

Objectives To estimate the effect on breast screening uptake of delayed, targeted, second timed appointments in women who did not take up an initial breast cancer screening appointment offer. Methods Non-attending women received a four-month delayed second timed appointment following non-response to the initial invitation and the normal open invitation sent to non-attenders. A comparison group was sent a four-month delayed additional open invitation. Results Response to the second timed appointments (percentage of re-invited women eventually attending in this episode) was 20%, corresponding to an estimated increase on total uptake of 6%. Response was highest in women who had previously attended screens. Response in the women offered an additional delayed open invitation was 7.5%, corresponding to an estimated 2.3% increase in overall uptake. Conclusions Second timed appointments were almost three times as effective as additional open invitation. They should be targeted at women most likely to attend. A randomized study of second timed appointments versus open invitations should be conducted.
Posteromedial Approach for Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Talar Process Fractures
Authors: Hsu Andrew R. , Scolaro John A. 
Published: March 2016

Fractures of the posteromedial process of the talus are frequently the result of high-energy trauma to the lower extremity. The treatment of these uncommon injuries may be unfamiliar and challenging to many surgeons. Significant pain and disability can result if these injuries are not recognized or treated appropriately. Open reduction and internal fixation via a posteromedial approach with screws is a mainstay of operative treatment for simple fractures. In cases of fracture impaction and/or comminution, a medial uniplanar external fixator may be used to improve intraoperative fracture visualization and mini-fragment plates and screws can be used to secure areas of comminution. Level of Evidence: Level V, expert opinion.
Comparative Investigation of River Water Quality by OWQI, NSFWQI and Wilcox Indexes (Case study: the Talar River – IRAN)
Authors: Darvishi Gholamreza , Kootenaei Farshad Golbabaei , Ramezani Maedeh , Lotfi Eissa , Asgharnia Hosseinali 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
Rivers are considered as one of the main resources of water supply for various applications such as agricultural, drinking and industrial purposes. Also, these resources are used as a place for discharge of sewages, industrial wastewater and agricultural drainage. Regarding the fact that each river has a certain capacity for acceptance of pollutants, nowadays qualitative and environmental investigations of these resources are proposed. In this study, qualitative investigation of the Talar river was done according to Oregon Water Quality Index (OWQI), National Sanitation Foundation Water Quality Index (NSFWQI) and Wilcox indicators during 2011–2012 years at upstream, midstream and downstream of the river in two periods of wet and dry seasons. According to the results of OWQI, all of the values at 3 stations and both periods are placed at very bad quality category and the water is not acceptable for drinking purposes. According to NSFWQI, the best condition was related to the upstream station at wet season period (58, medium quality) and the worst condition was related to the downstream in wet season period (46, very bad quality). Also the results of Wilcox showed that in both periods of wet season and dry season, the water quality is getting better from upstream station to the downstream station, and according to the index classification, the downstream water quality has shown good quality and it is suitable for agriculture.
Study and Assessment of Low Frequency Noise in Occupational Settings
Authors: Shehap Adel M. , Shawky Hany A. , El-Basheer Tarek M. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractLow frequency noise is one of the most harmful factors occurring in human working and living environment. Low frequency noise components from 20 to 250 Hz are often the cause of employee complaints. Noise from power stations is an actual problem for large cities, including Cairo. The noise from equipments of station could be a serious problem for station and for environmental area. The development of power stations in Cairo leads to appearing a wide range of gas turbines which are strong source of noise. Two measurement techniques using C-weighted along side the A-weighted scale are explored. C-weighting is far more sensitive to detect low frequency sound. Spectrum analysis in the low frequency range is done in order to identify a significant tonal component. Field studies were supported by a questionnaire to determine whether sociological or other factors might influence the results by using annoyance rating mean value. Subjects included in the study were 153 (mean = 36.86, SD = 8.49) male employees at the three electrical power stations. The (C-A) level difference is an appropriate metric for indicating a potential low frequency noise problem. A-weighting characteristics seem to be able to predict quite accurately annoyance experienced from LFN at workplaces. The aim of the present study is to find simple and reliable method for assessing low frequency noise in occupational environment to prevent its effects on work performance for the workers. The proposed method has to be compared with European methods.