bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is Japan Really a “Buy”? The Corporate Governance, Cash Holdings and Economic Performance of Japanese Companies
Authors: Kato Kazuo , Li Meng , Skinner Douglas J. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractWe investigate whether Japan's much‐touted governance reforms improve its firms’ management of cash, economic performance and valuation. Consistent with an improvement in governance since 2000, Japanese firms hold less cash and increase payouts to shareholders. Improvements in performance are associated with reductions in (excess) cash, reductions in the influence of the banks that traditionally sit at the center of horizontal keiretsu, and increases in the holdings of management and foreign investors. The market valuation of Japanese firms’ cash holdings was lower than for US firms during the 1990s but increased to levels closer to those of US firms in the 2000s. Collectively, the evidence suggests that performance improves in those Japanese companies that reform their governance practices. These findings have implications for other Asian economies, such as China, India and Korea, where there are ongoing discussions of whether improved governance can increase firm performance and valuation.
Selective peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐α modulator K‐877 efficiently activates the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐α pathway and improves lipid metabolism in mice
Authors: Takei Kenta , Han Song‐iee , Murayama Yuki , Satoh Aoi , Oikawa Fusaka , Ohno Hiroshi , Osaki Yoshinori , Matsuzaka Takashi , Sekiya Motohiro , Iwasaki Hitoshi , Yatoh Shigeru , Yahagi Naoya , Suzuki Hiroaki , Yamada Nobuhiro , Nakagawa Yoshimi , Shimano Hitoshi 
Published: January 2017

AbstractAims/IntroductionPeroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐α (PPARα) is a therapeutic target for hyperlipidemia. K‐877 is a new selective PPARα modulator (SPPARMα) that activates PPARα transcriptional activity. The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of K‐877 on lipid metabolism in vitro and in vivo compared with those of classical PPARα agonists.Materials and MethodsTo compare the effects of K‐877 on PPARα transcriptional activity with those of the classical PPARα agonists Wy14643 (Wy) and fenofibrate (Feno), the cell‐based PPARα transactivation luciferase assay was carried out. WT and Ppara−/− mice were fed with a moderate‐fat (MF) diet for 6 days, and methionine–choline‐deficient (MCD) diet for 4 weeks containing Feno or K‐877.ResultsIn luciferase assays, K‐877 activated PPARα transcriptional activity more efficiently than the classical PPARα agonists Feno and Wy. After being fed MF diet containing 0.001% K‐877 or 0.2% Feno for 6 days, mice in the K‐877 group showed significant increases in the expression of Ppara and its target genes, leading to marked reductions in plasma triglyceride levels compared with those observed in Feno‐treated animals. These K‐877 effects were blunted in Ppara−/− mice, confirming that K‐877 activates PPARα. In further experiments, K‐877 (0.00025%) and Feno (0.1%) equally improved the pathology of MCD diet‐induced non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease, with increased expression of hepatic fatty acid oxidation genes.ConclusionsThe present data show that K‐877 is an attractive PPARα‐modulating drug and can efficiently reduce plasma triglyceride levels, thereby alleviating the dysregulation of lipid metabolism.
Treatment with infliximab for pediatric Crohn's disease: Nationwide survey of Japan
Authors: Hosoi Kenji , Ohtsuka Yoshikazu , Fujii Tohru , Kudo Takahiro , Matsunaga Nobuaki , Tomomasa Takeshi , Tajiri Hitoshi , Kunisaki Reiko , Ishige Takashi , Yamada Hiroyuki , Arai Katsuhiro , Yoden Atsushi , Ushijima Kosuke , Aomatsu Tomoki , Nagata Satoru , Uchida Keiichi , Takeuchi Kazuo , Shimizu Toshiaki 
Published: January 2017

AbstractBackground and AimChildhood‐onset inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by extensive intestinal involvement and rapid early progression. Infliximab (IFX), cyclosporin (CYA), and tacrolimus (FK506) are increasingly used to treat pediatric IBD; however, their long‐term effects and adverse events have not been properly investigated in pediatric patients. The aim of this study was to characterize the effects of these biologics and immunomodulators on pediatric IBD patients in Japan. Additionally, we assessed IFX use in pediatric patients with Crohn's disease (CD).MethodsA national survey of IFX, adalimumab, CYA, and FK506 use in pediatric IBD patients (< 17 years of age) was sent to 683 facilities in Japan from December 2012 to March 2013. Secondary questionnaires were sent to pediatric and adult practitioners with the aim of assessing the effectiveness and safety of IFX for pediatric CD patients.ResultsThe response rate for the primary survey was 61.2% (N  =  418). Among 871 pediatric CD patients, 284 (31.5%), 24, 4, and 15 received IFX (31.5%), adalimumab, CYA, and FK506, respectively, from 2000 to 2012. According to the secondary survey, extensive colitis (L3, Paris classification) was diagnosed in 69.4% of pediatric CD patients who received IFX. Regarding the effectiveness of IFX in this population, 54.7% (99/181) of patients were in remission, and 42.0% (76/181) were on maintenance therapy. However, 32.0% (58/181) of patients experienced adverse events, and one patient died of septic shock.ConclusionsInfliximab is reasonably safe and effective in pediatric CD patients and should therefore be administered in refractory cases.
Categorizing the Magnitude and Frequency of Exposure to Uncivil Behaviors: A New Approach for More Meaningful Interventions
Authors: Evans Dena 
Published: January 2017

AbstractPurposeTo examine turnover intentions, as well as the prevalence and frequency of uncivil behaviors, from the perspective of registered nurses, respiratory therapists, and imaging professionals, using a new method to categorize exposure magnitude.Design and MethodsData were collected using the 22‐item Negative Acts Questionnaire‐Revised (NAQ‐R). Additional items, informed by Price and Mueller's causal model of turnover, were included, as were select demographic variables. The final sample included 170 healthcare professionals. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the sample, a chi‐square test was constructed to test for significant differences in exposure to uncivil behavior based on demographics, and Cochran‐Mantel‐Haenszel statistics were used to test associations between variables and calculation of raw sum scores to implement a new method of analysis for the NAQ‐R, allowing for categorization of exposure magnitude.FindingsExposure to uncivil behavior was reported more often among nursing staff than other healthcare professionals. Lack of exposure to uncivil behavior was a significant predictor of intention to stay. Perceptual differences were found between nurses prepared at the baccalaureate and associate degree levels. Lastly, no significant correlations between exposure to uncivil behavior and selected demographic variables were found, suggesting that exposure is not dependent upon age, race, unit type, or educational level.ConclusionsFindings support prior research associating negative organizational climate with higher turnover intentions. Uncivil behavior was reported across the organization, most predominantly among units staffed with nurses. Finally, use of newly defined cutoff points for the NAQ‐R provide organizations with the ability to use both subjective and objective data to identify targets of uncivil behaviors to construct meaningful interventions.Clinical RelevanceThere is a need to develop more meaningful interventions to support targets of uncivil behaviors. Use of the NAQ‐R, coupled with the proposed cutoff scores, allows for the identification of targets, the magnitude of exposure, and the construction of meaningful primary, secondary, and tertiary intervention programs that may improve turnover and quality of care.
Clinical Study of the 3D‐Master Color System among the Spanish Population
Authors: Gómez‐Polo Cristina , Gómez‐Polo Miguel , Martínez Vázquez de Parga Juan Antonio , Celemín‐Viñuela Alicia 
Published: January 2017

AbstractPurposeTo study whether the shades of the 3D‐Master System were grouped and represented in the chromatic space according to the three‐color coordinates of value, chroma, and hue.Materials and MethodsMaxillary central incisor color was measured on tooth surfaces through the Easyshade Compact spectrophotometer using 1361 participants aged between 16 and 89. The natural (not bleached teeth) color of the middle thirds was registered in the 3D‐Master System nomenclature and in the CIELCh system. Principal component analysis and cluster analysis were applied.Results75 colors of the 3D‐Master System were found. The statistical analysis revealed the existence of 5 cluster groups. The centroid, the average of the 75 samples, in relation to lightness (L*) was 74.64, 22.87 for chroma (C*), and 88.85 for hue (h*). All of the clusters, except cluster 3, showed significant statistical differences with the centroid for the three‐color coordinates (p <0.001).ConclusionsThe results of this study indicated that 75 shades in the 3D‐Master System were grouped into 5 clusters following coordinates L*, C*, and h* resulting from the dental spectrophotometer Vita Easyshade compact. The shades that composed each cluster did not belong to the same lightness color dimension groups. There was no special uniform chromatic distribution among the colors of the 3D‐Master System.
Disparities in Supports for Student Wellness Promotion Efforts Among Secondary Schools in Minnesota
Authors: Larson Nicole , O'Connell Michael , Davey Cynthia S. , Caspi Caitlin , Kubik Martha Y. , Nanney Marilyn S. 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDWe examined whether there are differences in the presence of supports for student wellness promotion (1) between schools in city, suburban and rural locations and, (2) among rural schools, according to distance from a metropolitan center.METHODSThe analysis was conducted in a sample of 309 secondary schools using 2012 Minnesota School Health Profiles surveys and National Center for Educational Statistics Common Core Data. Scores for overall support addressed school health improvement coordination (range: 0‐29), collaboration on health education activities (range: 0‐5), and teachers' professional preparation (range: 0‐7).RESULTSMean overall scores for health improvement coordination (10.5 ± 7.3), collaboration on health education activities (3.0 ± 1.5) and professional preparation (4.0 ± 1.9) indicated supports are lacking in schools across city, suburban, and rural locations. Comparison of overall scores did not identify disparities; however, weaknesses and strengths of particular relevance for rural schools were identified in examining specific aspects of support. For example, the proportion of rural schools having a written school improvement plan was 54.8% compared to 84.6% of city schools and 64.3% of suburban schools (p = .01).CONCLUSIONSTailored training and technical assistance are needed to better support schools in implementing recommended wellness policies and practices.
Evaluation of the Potential of five Housekeeping Genes for Identification of Quarantine Pseudomonas syringae
Authors: Lu Songyu , Tian Qian , Zhao Wenjun , Hu Baishi 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe Pseudomonas syringae species, containing approximately 60 pathovars, causes bacterial plant diseases on numerous crops and results in great economic losses. It is difficult to rapidly and accurately identify and detect P. syringae due to its complicated classification system. It has also been shown that housekeeping genes have great potential in phylogenetic analysis and classification of bacteria. In this study, phylogenetic analyses of five housekeeping genes, including 16S rRNA, rpoD, gapA, gltA and gyrB, were performed for 100 Pseudomonas strains. Our results showed that two housekeeping genes (rpoD and gapA) had the maximum ability in distinguishing the majority of Pseudomonas pathovars, whereas rpoD exhibited the best for precise and efficient detection of five P. syringae strains, which is of quarantine significance to China.
Grazing moderates increases in C3 grass abundance over seven decades across a soil texture gradient in shortgrass steppe
Authors: Augustine David J. , Derner Justin D. , Milchunas Daniel , Blumenthal Dana , Porensky Lauren M. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractQuestionsHow does long‐term exclusion of cattle grazing influence plant community composition in a semi‐arid grassland? Can spatial variation in the effects of cattle grazing exclusion be explained by variation in soil texture?LocationShortgrass steppe, northeast Colorado, USA, in the North American Great Plains.MethodWe used 16 long‐term (72 yr) cattle exclosures to examine the effects of grazers on plant communities and evaluate whether grazer effects interact with soil texture.ResultsAlthough shortgrass steppe communities are relatively unaffected by grazing in the short‐term (one to two decades), exclusion of cattle grazing for seven decades caused a compositional shift from dominance by a C4 shortgrass (Bouteloua gracilis) to co‐dominance by a C3 midgrass (Pascopyrum smithii) and B. gracilis. The strength of this shift was highly variable across sites. Soil texture was correlated with the abundance of certain plant species, but did not explain variation in the magnitude of grazer effects. Grazed communities contained perennial and annual growth forms with a diversity of strategies to co‐exist with grazers and B. gracilis. Ungrazed communities included increased abundance of annual, ruderal forbs and three woody plant species. Grazing effects occurred against a backdrop of changing plant communities: during the past seven decades, C3 perennial graminoids and sub‐shrubs have increased in relative abundance in both grazed and ungrazed communities.ConclusionsOur long‐term experiment shows that community responses to grazing in this semi‐arid grassland occur very slowly, but are predictable, with C4 shortgrasses eventually giving way to taller C3 grasses and ruderal forbs. Spatial variation in grazing effects across sites (and lack of a relationship with soil texture) may reflect the importance of fine‐scale heterogeneity in C3 grass abundance, and the slow rate at which taller C3 grasses can coalesce into mono‐dominant patches that outcompete C4 shortgrasses. Increased abundance of C3 species over the past seven decades, both in the presence and absence of grazing, may be related to recovery from the severe drought and dust storms of the 1930s as well as enhanced growth of C3 plants under increasing atmospheric [CO2].
Prevention and treatment of variceal haemorrhage in 2017
Authors: Brunner Felix , Berzigotti Annalisa , Bosch Jaime 
Published: January 2017

AbstractVariceal haemorrhage is a major complication of portal hypertension that still causes high mortality in patients with cirrhosis. Improved knowledge of the pathophysiology of portal hypertension has recently led to a more comprehensive approach to prevent all the complications of this condition. Thus, optimal treatment of portal hypertension requires a strategy that takes into account the clinical stage of the disease and all the major variables that affect the risk of progression to the next stage and death. In patients with compensated liver disease, the correction of factors influencing the progression of fibrosis, in particular aetiologic factors, is now feasible in many cases and should be achieved to prevent the development or progression of gastroesophageal varices and hepatic decompensation. Once gastroesophageal varices have developed, non‐selective beta‐blockers remain the cornerstone of therapy. Carvedilol provides a greater decrease in portal pressure and is currently indicated as a first‐choice therapy for primary prophylaxis. The treatment of acute variceal haemorrhage includes a combination of vasoactive drugs, antibiotics and endoscopic variceal band ligation. In high‐risk patients, the early use of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) lowers the risk of re‐bleeding and improves survival. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt is the choice for uncontrolled variceal bleeding; a self‐expandable metal stent or balloon tamponade can be used as a bridging measure. The combination of non‐selective beta‐blockers and endoscopic variceal band ligation reduces the risk of recurrent variceal bleeding and improves survival. In these cases, statins seem to further improve survival. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt is indicated in patients who rebleed during secondary prophylaxis.
Special populations: treating hepatitis C in patients with decompensated cirrhosis and/or advanced renal impairment
Authors: Mücke Marcus M. , Mücke Victoria T. , Lange Christian M. , Zeuzem Stefan 
Published: January 2017

AbstractDirect‐acting antivirals have revolutionized the treatment of hepatitis C. Sustained virological response rates of at least 95% have become common in the general population. However, along with the ageing of the HCV population, physicians face a growing group of HCV‐infected patients with advanced liver and/or renal impairment. The safety and efficacy of treatment remains a clinical challenge in these patients. This review focuses on the current state of knowledge and treatment regimens in patients with decompensated cirrhosis and severe renal impairment. It shows that distinct interferon‐free treatments can achieve favourable sustained virological response rates in these difficult‐to‐treat patients. Moreover, pitfalls and special considerations as well as new emerging challenges in an era of interferon‐free regimens will be presented in this article.
The epidemiology of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Bellentani Stefano 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe increase in Non‐alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and the imminent disappearance of chronic viral hepatitis thanks to new and effective therapies is motivating hepatologists to change their clinical approach to chronic liver disease. NAFLD‐cirrhosis or NAFLD‐Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) are now the second cause of liver transplantation in the USA. This short‐review is focused to the epidemiology of NAFLD/Non‐alchoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH), including the definition of this disease which should be revised as well discussing the prevalence, risk factors for progression, natural history and mortality. NAFLD is considered to be the hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome (MS). It affects 25‐30% of the general population and the risk factors are almost identical to those of MS. The natural history involves either the development of cardiovascular diseases or cirrhosis and HCC. HCC can also develop in NASH in the absence of cirrhosis (45% of cases). We conclude that an international consensus conference on the definition, natural history, policies of surveillance and new pharmacological treatments of NAFLD and NASH is urgently needed.
Therapies in non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
Authors: Oseini Abdul M. , Sanyal Arun J. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe hallmark of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is excessive fatty accumulation in the hepatocytes, which may be an isolated event (non‐alcoholic fatty liver, NAFL) or accompanied by evidence of inflammation and cell injury with or without fibrosis (non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis, NASH). NASH, the more aggressive form of NAFLD, may progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Since NASH is estimated to overtake hepatitis C virus infection as the leading cause of liver transplantation in the US in the coming decade, and there are no current FDA‐approved therapies for this disease, the need to find appropriate therapeutic targets is now more urgent than ever before. Diet and other lifestyle modifications have always been difficult to maintain and this approach alone has not slowed the rising tide of the disease. While the results of traditional therapies such as vitamin E and pioglitazone have been significant for steatosis and inflammation, they have had no effect on fibrosis, which is the strongest indicator of mortality in this condition. However, the understanding of the pathogenesis and progression of NASH has evolved and several promising novel therapies to target and possibly reverse fibrosis are being evaluated, making the future outlook of NASH therapy more optimistic.
Treatment of chronic hepatitis B infection‐2017
Authors: Chen Guo‐Feng , Wang Cheng , Lau George 
Published: January 2017

AbstractSince the registration of the first effective nucleoside analogue against the hepatitis B virus almost two decades ago, major progress has been made in the management of chronic hepatitis B infection. However, hepatitis B‐related morbidity and mortality remain a major global health threat. This is partly due to the escalating costs and the decrease in compliance related to the need for prolonged therapy for most patients who cannot be “cured”. New biomarkers such as quantitative hepatitis B surface antigen might help to determine if hepatitis B e antigen negative patients can be taken off nucleos(t)ide analogues. On the other hand, novel compounds that target the viral life cycle or modulate host immune response are in the pipeline. In the next few years, one should expect breakthrough advancement to be made leading to a “cure” for patients with chronic hepatitis B infection by inducing hepatitis surface antigen loss with or without the development of the hepatitis B surface antibody. In addition, attention and necessary actions should also be taken in patients with hepatitis B infection who are being treated with immunosuppressive therapy and direct anti‐viral (DAAs) agents for hepatitis C infection to prevent hepatitis from hepatitis B reactivation.
Non‐pharmacological interventions in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease patients
Authors: Ratziu Vlad 
Published: January 2017

AbstractPatients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease have unhealthy diets, sedentary behaviour and not enough physical activity. This lifestyle triggers liver disease and probably favours its progression. It also has significant deleterious effects on health and longevity and should therefore be corrected by first‐line therapy at all stages of the disease. However, important questions remain: is weight loss alone beneficial or do particular diets have beneficial effects beyond weight loss? Which specific micro‐ or macronutrients are clearly harmful? Does exercise without weight loss improve hepatic histology and what type of exercise is optimal? Does moderate or only vigorous exercise have metabolic and hepatic benefits? What is the efficacy of lifestyle measures outside of clinical trials? And most importantly, what is the turning point in the natural history of liver disease when non‐pharmacological measures should be combined with drug therapy?
The impact of direct antiviral agents on the development and recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Reig María , Boix Loreto , Bruix Jordi 
Published: January 2017

AbstractDirect antiviral agents mark a major progress for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus infection. The rate of cure is higher than 90% in most populations and the safety profile is good. However, like any treatment, there are potential unexpected adverse events. Several reports have indicated that antiviral therapy may be associated with the reactivation of hepatitis B virus or the emergence of herpes virus in a time‐related manner. Recently, several studies have described a potential unexpected incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma in treated patients, both in those without a prior history of cancer and those who have been successfully treated and were disease‐free for different periods of time. Furthermore, the emergence of cancer is also characterized by a more aggressive and faster progression to advanced stages, making treatment impossible. Thus, a careful risk‐benefit analysis must be made when considering antiviral treatment with the new agents in patients with hepatitis C virus.