bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of conjugated linoleic acid supplementation on serum C‐reactive protein: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Mazidi Mohsen , Karimi Ehsan , Rezaie Peyman , Ferns Gordon A. 
Published: May 2017

SummaryAimTo undertake a systematic review and meta‐analysis of prospective studies to determine the effect of conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs) supplementation on serum C‐reactive protein (CRP).MethodPubMed‐Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane Database, and Google Scholar databases were searched (up until May 2016) to identify prospective studies evaluating the impact of CLAs supplementation on serum CRP. Random‐effects models meta‐analysis was used for quantitative data synthesis. Sensitivity analysis was conducted using the leave‐one‐out method. Heterogeneity was quantitatively assessed using the I2 index. Systematic review registration: CRD42016038945.ResultsFrom a total of 85 entries identified via searches, 14 studies were included in the final selection. The meta‐analysis indicated a significant increase in serum CRP concentrations following supplementation with CLAs (weighted mean difference [WMD] 0.63 mg/dL, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.13‐1.13, N=21 arms, heterogeneity P=.026; I2=52.3%). These findings were robust in sensitivity analyses. Random‐effects meta‐regression revealed that changes in serum CRP levels were independent of the dosage of CLAs supplementation (slope: −0.02; 95% CI: −0.10, 0.12; P=.889) or duration of follow‐up (slope: 0.271; 95% CI: −0.05, 0.59; P=.098).ConclusionsThis meta‐analysis suggests that CLA supplementation is associated with an increase in plasma CRP concentrations and a reduction in serum adiponectin concentrations, which indicates that CLA supplements have a proinflammatory effect. Randomized control trials with larger sample size and a longer follow‐up period may be required for future investigations to provide an unequivocal answer.
Do Financial Markets Care about Corporate Social Responsibility Disclosure? Further Evidence from China
Authors: Xu Shan , Liu Duchi 
Published: May 2017

AbstractCorporations increasingly define their corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities as a part of their business. However, is this trend beneficial to investors? Based on an event study methodology and a sample of Chinese listed companies, we extend the literature on voluntary disclosure by exploring the role of CSR disclosure in reducing stock market information asymmetry, as proxied by share price volatility and liquidity. Our results show that the share price volatility after CSR disclosure is lower than before CSR disclosure; however, the trend is that it decreases first and then increases for three months following disclosure. Stock liquidity also significantly improves after CSR disclosure; however, it increases first and then decreases. Additionally, by dividing CSR disclosure into economic (hard) disclosure and generic (soft) disclosure, we find that the reduction in information asymmetry is higher for hard disclosure than soft disclosure, suggesting that although CSR disclosure does indeed have an impact on investors’ behaviour in China, an economic‐based disclosure contributes more substantially. Finally, to better understand the characteristics of the Chinese financial market, we also explore the role of marketisation with results that show that the effect in reducing information asymmetry is greater for companies located in a region with a higher degree of marketisation.
Transitioning to IFRS in Japan: Corporate Perceptions of Costs and Benefits
Authors: Ozu Chikako , Nakamura Miho , Nagata Kyoko , Gray Sidney J. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThis paper examines the ongoing transition to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) in Japan with a particular focus on recent institutional developments and corporate concerns. While Japan has committed to the convergence of Japanese generally accepted accounting principles (J‐GAAP) with IFRS it has not as yet formally adopted IFRS. This paper reports on Japanese corporate perceptions of the likely costs and benefits of adopting and implementing IFRS using survey data collected from senior financial executives of 292 Japanese listed companies in 2013–14. Our findings reveal that Japanese companies identify a number of major areas of general concern with the adoption and implementation of IFRS. Most importantly, uncertainty regarding the interpretation of standards followed by staff training, IT systems, technical knowledge and differences between J‐GAAP and IFRS were reported as major concerns. Our survey also highlights that revenue recognition, depreciation, consolidated financial statements, financial statement presentation and the retrospective application of IFRS were viewed as key IFRS accounting issues. While the large majority of companies expected a moderate degree of benefits to arise from IFRS, substantial benefits were perceived more likely to apply to large and overseas listed companies mainly arising from improvements in the international comparability of financial statements.
Trajectories of floristic change in grassland: landscape, land use legacy and seasonal conditions overshadow restoration actions
Authors: McIntyre S. , Nicholls A. O. , Manning A. D. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractQuestionsHow does ground‐layer plant composition respond to the imposition of woodland habitat restoration treatments following the removal of long‐term pastoral management? Do different vegetation types have different trajectories of change?LocationA long‐term ecological research site comprising temperate eucalypt grassy woodland and forest in south‐eastern Australia, converted from pastoral use to conservation management. This has involved the implementation of habitat restoration treatments in addition to the cessation of livestock grazing and fertilizer inputs.MethodsWe surveyed ground‐layer floristic composition over a 4‐yr interval, in 96 1‐ha sites that had been subjected to combinations of restoration treatments aimed at improving the condition of the woodland habitat for fauna: (1) Reduced kangaroo grazing intensity; (2) Addition of coarse woody debris; and (3) Burning. We used nonmetric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) to plot the sites, and to analyse the average trajectories of floristic change for each of six initially identified vegetation types, and the restoration treatments. We partitioned Bray–Curtis dissimilarity measures to rank individual species’ contributions to floristic change in each vegetation type between 2007 and 2011.ResultsThe identities of the six vegetation types identified at time zero was strongly retained over the 4‐yr observation period. There was generally a uniform change across the vegetation types, which was the result of increases in biomass of the characteristic dominant perennial grasses, and increases in some native forbs. The two vegetation types with evidence of past fertilization showed some convergence with native vegetation types due to the decrease in some exotic species. The restoration treatments had no significant influence on species composition.ConclusionsThe native herbaceous vegetation in the woodland was largely resistant to compositional change, although seasonal conditions increased the biomass of the perennial grasses defining the different vegetation types. However, sites with an evident history of past fertilization and notable amounts of exotic pasture species changed slightly but significantly, with some pasture species declining and floristic convergence with native vegetation over 4 yr. These rates of change need to be considered in the application of vegetation offsetting policy.
Transnational Collective Agreements and the Development of New Spaces for Union Action: The Formal and Informal Uses of International and European Framework Agreements in the UK
Authors: Mustchin Stephen , Lucio Miguel Martínez 
Published: May 2017

AbstractTransnational collective agreements (TCAs) are an important development in the international dimension of industrial relations. This article compares four case studies of multinational companies in the UK covered by TCAs. Findings show that while the formal influence of TCAs was limited, they were invoked around particular disputes and could strengthen union influence in a context otherwise characterized by limited union rights. Such influence depended on the co‐ordination of workplace‐ and firm‐level industrial relations institutions, union access to management at headquarters level and union receptiveness to and outward engagement with transnational activity. The formal but also the informal dimensions of these dynamics played a significant role.
Role of serum steroid hormones in women with stress urinary incontinence: a case–control study
Authors: Bodner‐Adler Barbara , Bodner Klaus , Kimberger Oliver , Halpern Ksenia , Rieken Malte , Koelbl Heinz , Umek Wolfgang 
Published: May 2017

ObjectivesTo investigate the potential relationship between endogenous sex steroids and presence of stress urinary incontinence (SUI).Patients and MethodsA total of 47 peri‐ and postmenopausal women with SUI were matched 1:1 with 47 continent women based on age, menopausal status, body mass index (BMI) and parity. Blood samples were drawn from all the women for assessment of oestradiol (E2), follicle‐stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, testosterone, androstendion (AEON), dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate and sex hormone‐binding globulin with an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay.ResultsWomen with SUI had significantly lower serum levels of E2 (8.49 ± 7.47 vs 13.09 ± 13.80; P = 0.048) and AEON (0.59 ± 0.41 vs 1.20 ± 0.87; P = 0.033) compared with controls. This difference in E2 levels remained significant after controlling for age, menopausal age, years from menopause, BMI, parity, testosterone and AEON. In addition, hypertension and history of hysterectomy were observed significantly more frequently in the SUI group (P < 0.001). There was no significant association between hormone levels and degree of SUI (P > 0.05).ConclusionThe results of the present study indicate that a low E2 level might have a negative impact on the lower urinary tract and continence mechanism and a low E2 level is a possible risk factor for SUI in women.
Subarctic Front migration at the Reykjanes Ridge during the mid‐ to late Holocene: evidence from planktic foraminifera
Authors: Perner Kerstin , Moros Matthias , Jansen Eystein , Kuijpers Antoon , Troelstra Simon R. , Prins MAARTIN A. 
Published: May 2017

Expansion of fresh and sea‐ice loaded surface waters from the Arctic Ocean into the sub‐polar North Atlantic is suggested to modulate the northward heat transport within the North Atlantic Current (NAC). The Reykjanes Ridge south of Iceland is a suitable area to reconstruct changes in the mid‐ to late Holocene fresh and sea‐ice loaded surface water expansion, which is marked by the Subarctic Front (SAF). Here, shifts in the location of the SAF result from the interaction of freshwater expansion and inflow of warmer and saline (NAC) waters to the Ridge. Using planktic foraminiferal assemblage and concentration data from a marine sediment core on the eastern Reykjanes Ridge elucidates SAF location changes and thus, changes in the water‐mass composition (upper ˜200 m) during the last c. 5.8 ka BP. Our foraminifer data highlight a late Holocene shift (at c. 3.0 ka BP) in water‐mass composition at the Reykjanes Ridge, which reflects the occurrence of cooler and fresher surface waters when compared to the mid‐Holocene. We document two phases of SAF presence at the study site: from (i) c. 5.5 to 5.0 ka BP and (ii) c. 2.7 to 1.5 ka BP. Both phases are characterized by marked increases in the planktic foraminiferal concentration, which coincides with freshwater expansions and warm subsurface water conditions within the sub‐polar North Atlantic. We link the SAF changes, from c. 2.7 to 1.5 ka BP, to a strengthening of the East Greenland Current and a warming in the NAC, as identified by various studies underlying these two currents. From c. 1.5 ka BP onwards, we record a prominent subsurface cooling and continued occurrence of fresh and sea‐ice loaded surface waters at the study site. This implies that the SAF migrated to the southeast of our core site during the last millennium.
TGFβ pathway deregulation and abnormal phospho‐SMAD2/3 staining in hereditary cerebral hemorrhage with amyloidosis‐Dutch type
Authors: Grand Moursel Laure , Munting Leon P. , van der Graaf Linda M. , van Duinen Sjoerd G. , Goumans Marie‐Jose T. H. , Ueberham Uwe , Natté Remco , van Buchem Mark A. , van Roon‐Mom Willeke M. C. , van der Weerd Louise 
Published: May 2017

AbstractHereditary cerebral hemorrhage with amyloidosis‐Dutch type (HCHWA‐D) is an early onset hereditary form of cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) pathology, caused by the E22Q mutation in the amyloid β (Aβ) peptide. Transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) is a key player in vascular fibrosis and in the formation of angiopathic vessels in transgenic mice. Therefore, we investigated whether the TGFβ pathway is involved in HCHWA‐D pathogenesis in human postmortem brain tissue from frontal and occipital lobes. Components of the TGFβ pathway were analyzed with quantitative RT‐PCR. TGFβ1 and TGFβ Receptor 2 (TGFBR2) gene expression levels were significantly increased in HCHWA‐D in comparison to the controls, in both frontal and occipital lobes. TGFβ‐induced pro‐fibrotic target genes were also upregulated. We further assessed pathway activation by detecting phospho‐SMAD2/3 (pSMAD2/3), a direct TGFβ down‐stream signaling mediator, using immunohistochemistry. We found abnormal pSMAD2/3 granular deposits specifically on HCHWA‐D angiopathic frontal and occipital vessels. We graded pSMAD2/3 accumulation in angiopathic vessels and found a positive correlation with the CAA load independent of the brain area. We also observed pSMAD2/3 granules in a halo surrounding occipital vessels, which was specific for HCHWA‐D. The result of this study indicates an upregulation of TGFβ1 in HCHWA‐D, as was found previously in AD with CAA pathology. We discuss the possible origins and implications of the TGFβ pathway deregulation in the microvasculature in HCHWA‐D. These findings identify the TGFβ pathway as a potential biomarker of disease progression and a possible target of therapeutic intervention in HCHWA‐D.
Epidemiology and clinical features of inflammatory retinal vascular occlusions: pooled data from two tertiary‐referral institutions
Authors: Agarwal Aniruddha , Karkhur Samendra , Aggarwal Kanika , Invernizzi Alessandro , Singh Ramandeep , Dogra Mangat R , Gupta Vishali , Gupta Amod , Do Diana V , Nguyen Quan D 
Published: May 2017

AbstractImportanceIn a subset of patients with retinal vasculitis, there is occlusion of blood flow through the retinal vessels. These eyes are at high risk of sight‐threatening complications.BackgroundTo characterize epidemiology, clinical course, treatment and outcomes of occlusive retinal vasculitis (ORV).DesignRetrospective studyParticipantsSeventy‐seven uveitis patients with ORV at two large tertiary‐care institutions (the USA and India).MethodsOut of 2438 patients screened, 346 patients were diagnosed with retinal vasculitis of which 77 patients (96 eyes) were diagnosed with ORV. Patients with ORV (capillary, arteriolar and/or venular) were further analysed. Diagnostic criteria for occlusive vasculitis included (i) absence of blood flow in vessels (arterioles, venules and/or capillaries), (ii) capillary non‐perfusion areas and/or arteriolar‐venous anastomosis and (iii) intraretinal haemorrhages, cotton‐wool spots or vitreous haemorrhage.Main Outcome MeasuresBest‐corrected visual acuity, treatment and complications.ResultsThe mean age was 32.09 ± 13.51 years. Most common aetiologies were tuberculosis and Adamantiades–Behçet's disease in India and systemic lupus erythematosus in the USA. Best‐corrected visual acuity improved from 0.38 ± 0.30 logMAR (20/48 Snellen equivalent) (baseline) to 0.25 ± 0.30 (20/35 Snellen equivalent) at final visit (P < 0.0001). Vitreous haemorrhage was seen in 31.08% eyes. Pars plana vitrectomy was performed in 12.16% eyes. Therapy with systemic steroids was required in 78.48% patients. In addition, 46.75% patients required immunomodulators and/or biologics.ConclusionsOcclusive retinal vasculitis is caused by heterogeneous group of uveitides depending upon the geographic location. It is imperative to identify eyes with ORV as they are predisposed to complications requiring aggressive therapy.
Neurophysiological changes associated with implant‐associated augmentation procedures in the lower jaw
Authors: Hartmann Amely , Welte‐Jzyk Claudia , Seiler Marcus , Daubländer Monika 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackgroundNeurophysiological changes after oral and maxillofacial surgery remain one of the topics of current research.PurposeThis study evaluated if implant placement associated with augmentation procedures increases the possibility of sensory disturbances or result in impaired quality of life during the healing period.Material and MethodsPatients who had obtained an implant placement in the lower jaw in combination with augmentation procedures were examined by implementing a comprehensive Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) protocol for extra‐ and intraoral use. As augmentation procedures, we used Guided Bone Regeneration (Group A) and Customized Bone Regeneration (Group B) techniques. Patients were tested bilaterally at the chin and mucosal lower lip. Results were compared to a group without augmentation procedures (Group C). Patients' quality of life and psychological comorbidity after the surgical procedures was assessed with the Oral Health Impact Profile and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.ResultsFor groups A (n = 20) and B (n = 8), mechanical QST parameters showed no significant differences in all qualities of the inferior alveolar nerve compared to the contralateral side and compared to the nonaugmentation control group (n = 32) as well. Evaluation of quality of life and psychological factors showed no statistical differences.ConclusionsAugmentation procedures did not increase sensory disturbances, indicating no changes in the neurophysiological pathways. Extended augmentation procedures did not lead to sensory changes either or result in an impaired quality of life or modified anxiety and depression scores.
Effects of uncontrolled periodontitis on marginal bone alterations around implants: A case‐control study
Authors: Wang Xin , Qin Lei , Lei Chi , Li Yu , Li Dehua 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe hypothesis of bacterial infection initiating marginal bone loss around dental implant in analogy with natural tooth is still in debate.PurposeThe aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the effects of uncontrolled periodontitis on marginal bone alterations around implants compared with the periodontal health group at a mean follow‐up of at least 6 years.Materials and methodsThirty consecutive uncontrolled periodontally compromised patients (PCP) and 30 periodontally healthy patients (PHP), with a total of 96 Straumann implants (PCP = 55, PHP = 41) were matched for age, gender, smoking, and implant characteristics. The inclusion criteria for PCPs were continuing tooth loss due to uncontrolled periodontal disease and no supportive periodontal maintenance after implant therapy. Peri‐implant conditions were examined and the number of teeth lost during the follow‐up periods was recorded in both groups. Radiographic marginal bone loss of implants and adjacent teeth was calculated having the restoration time point as baseline.ResultsNo implant loss occurred in both groups. The mean number of teeth lost during the follow‐up periods was 0.67 ± 0.80 in the PHP group, 3.93 ± 2.36 in the PCP group with statistical significance. The average overall bone loss was significantly greater at teeth than that around implants in the PCP group (0.54 ± 0.27 versus 0.22 ± 0.25 mm, P < .001), while no statistically significant differences were observed in the PHP group (0.18 ± 0.08 versus 0.22 ± 0.18 mm, P = .317). No statistically significant differences were observed between PC and PH patients when comparing the peri‐implant marginal bone loss. No significant correlations were found between teeth loss and crestal bone loss at implants sites in both groups.ConclusionThis study indicated that the marginal bone level around implants seemed more stable in comparison to that around the natural teeth when exposed to uncontrolled periodontal disease.
Randomized controlled clinical trial comparing one‐piece and two‐piece dental implants supporting fixed and removable dental prostheses: 4‐ to 6‐year observations
Authors: Gamper Felix B. , Benic Goran I. , Sanz‐Martin Ignacio , Asgeirsson Asgeir G. , Hämmerle Christoph H. F. , Thoma Daniel S. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractObjectivesTo test whether or not a one‐ (S1) and a two‐piece (S2) dental implant systems render the same biological, technical, and esthetic outcomes regarding implants and implant‐supported reconstructions over an observation period of 4 to 6 years.Materials and methodsSixty patients were randomly assigned to receive S1 or S2 implants. The implants were restored with either fixed or removable prostheses. The insertion of the final reconstruction was chosen as baseline. One‐year and 4‐ to 6‐year (FU‐5) measurements included biological (e.g. marginal bone level, probing pocket depth, peri‐implant mucositis, and peri‐implantitis), technical (e.g. fracture or loosening of prosthetic screws, fracture or loosening of abutments, fracture of framework, and/or veneering ceramic (minor, major), loss of retention for cemented restorations), and esthetic parameters (visibility of the crown margin, shimmering of the implant through the mucosa, the level of the facial margo mucosae compared to the contralateral tooth or implant site and the modified papilla index) for implants and reconstructions. Survival and success rates of implants and reconstructions were calculated. Because of the asymmetric data distributions, nonparametric statistical methods were applied.ResultsThe implant‐based analysis revealed a cumulative implant survival rate of 97.9% (S1: 96.6%; S2: 98.9%) at FU‐5. The median marginal bone level for group S1 changed from 0.51 mm at baseline to 0.49 mm at FU‐5 and for group S2 from 1.02 mm to 1.35 mm (P < 0.001). Patient‐level analyses demonstrated a frequency of peri‐implant mucositis of 7.7% (S1) and 10.0% (S2) and for peri‐implantitis of 7.7% (S1) and 13.3% (S2) at FU‐5. The patient‐based cumulative implant survival rate was 94.6% (S1: 92.3%; S2: 96.7%). The overall patient‐based biological complication rate amounted to 15.4% (S1) and to 23.3% (S2) (P = 0.517), whereas the overall technical complication rates were 30.8% (S1) and 13.3% (S2) (P = 0.349). The prosthetic survival rates were 93.1% for S1 and 100% for S2 (P > 0.05).ConclusionsBoth implant systems reveal high survival rates on the implant and prosthetic level. Apart from marginal bone‐level changes, biological and technical outcomes did not reveal significant differences between the two implant systems.