bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy, safety, and tolerability of ipragliflozin in Asian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and inadequate glycemic control with metformin: Results of a phase 3 randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, multicenter trial
Authors: Lu Chieh‐Hsiang , Min Kyung Wan , Chuang Lee‐Ming , Kokubo Satoshi , Yoshida Satoshi , Cha Bong‐Soo 
Published: September 2015

AbstractAims/IntroductionTo determine the efficacy and safety of ipragliflozin in combination with metformin in Asian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.Materials and MethodsThis phase 3, multicenter, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, parallel‐group study was carried out at 18 sites in Korea and 12 sites in Taiwan. After an 8‐week washout period for patients using drugs other than metformin and a 2‐week run‐in period, patients were randomized to either 50 mg ipragliflozin or a placebo for 24 weeks while continuing metformin. Efficacy outcomes included the changes in hemoglobin A1c, fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and bodyweight from baseline to the end of treatment (with last observation carried forward). Safety outcomes included treatment‐emergent adverse events.ResultsBetween November 2011 and January 2013, 171 patients were randomized to and administered ipragliflozin (n = 87) or a placebo (n = 83). The mean changes (standard deviation) in hemoglobin A1c were −0.94% (0.75%) and −0.47% (0.81%) in the ipragliflozin and placebo groups, respectively (between‐group difference −0.46%, P < 0.001). The changes in fasting plasma glucose and bodyweight were also significantly greater in the ipragliflozin group, with between‐group differences of −14.1 mg/dL and −1.24 kg, respectively (both P < 0.001). The most common treatment‐emergent adverse events (ipragliflozin vs placebo) were upper respiratory tract infection (9.2% vs 12.0%) and urinary tract infection (6.9% vs 2.4%).ConclusionsThese results show that ipragliflozin is effective and well tolerated when used in combination with metformin in Asian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Loss Due to Death and its Association with Mental Disorders in Juvenile Detainees
Authors: Harnisher Julie Laken , Abram Karen , Washburn Jason , Stokes Marquita , Azores‐Gococo Nicole , Teplin Linda 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThis study investigated the prevalence of loss due to death and its association with mental disorders in a random sample of 898 newly detained adolescents in Chicago, Illinois. Nearly 90% of youth experienced the loss of an important person; most had also experienced a “high‐risk” loss (e.g., loss due to violence, sudden loss). Minority youth were at particular risk. Youth with any loss or multiple losses were more likely to have mood disorders and ADHD/behavioral disorders, respectively, than youth who had no such losses. Interventions focusing on modifiable protective factors following loss may increase positive outcomes in this vulnerable population.
Variation in the hyphal growth rate and the virulence of two genotypes of the crayfish plague organism Aphanomyces astaci
Authors: Viljamaa‐Dirks S , Heinikainen S , Virtala A‐M K , Torssonen H , Pelkonen S 
Published: September 2015

AbstractCrayfish plague, a devastating disease of freshwater crayfish, is caused by an oomycete organism, Aphanomyces astaci. Currently five genotypes of A. astaci are known, but variable features between the strains or genotypes have not been studied extensively. This study analysed 28 isolates of the As genotype and 25 isolates of the Ps1 genotype and reveals that the radial growth rate is significantly (P < 0.001) different between these two genotypes, although highly variable inside the genotype As. Two Ps1 genotype isolates and two As genotype isolates with different radial growth rates were tested in an infection trial. Clear differences were detected in the development of mortality in the test groups. The representatives of the Ps1 genotype caused total mortality within a short time span. The As genotype isolates were much less virulent. The slow‐growing As isolate showed higher virulence than the As isolate with a high growth capacity. Although slow growth could be one survival strategy of the pathogen, several other mechanisms are involved in the pathogenicity and warrant further studies.
Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Cooked Ham: Effect of Tumbling Time and Modifications during Storage
Authors: Pancrazio Gaston , Cunha Sara C. , De Pinho Paula Guedes , Loureiro Mónica , Ferreira Isabel M.P.L.V.O. , Pinho Olívia 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe influence of tumbling time and storage on the physical and chemical characteristics of cooked ham was evaluated. The effect of tumbling time on the physical characteristics, namely color and texture, was significant, whereas the chemical characteristics were less affected since proteolysis of myofibrillar proteins, free amino acid (FAA) and volatile profile was similar in ham with 9 and 18 h of tumbling. The effect of storage was most relevant on chemical characteristics, increased the proteolysis of myofibrillar proteins and the relative percentage of some volatiles, mainly aldehydes, whereas FAA decreased, except histidine that increased. Reduced tumbling time can be used, maintaining the quality of cooked ham during its storage.Practical ApplicationsCooked ham is a brine‐treated product obtained after tumbling and cooking/cooling treatments. Its shelf life is around 90 days. Data concerning the effect of tumbling time and storage on quality attributes, proteolysis and volatiles of cooked ham are scarce. This characterization is of major relevance for cooked ham industry since the use of reduced tumbling maintains the product quality and storage reduces production costs. A reduction of 50% of the usual tumbling time influenced mainly the physical parameters, whereas the storage was similar and the most relevant impact was on the chemical characteristics. The practical results from this work can be extended to cooked ham industry.
Science‐Based Carbon Targets for the Corporate World: The Ultimate Sustainability Commitment, or a Costly Distraction?
Authors: Trexler Mark , Schendler Auden 
Published: September 2015

Dr. Alice Stewart conclusively demonstrated, in 1958, that pediatric X‐rays doubled the risk of childhood leukemia. Nevertheless, doctors continued X‐raying mothers‐to‐be until 1980. Margaret Heffernan's (2011) book, Willful Blindness: Why We Ignore the Obvious at Our Peril, documents this and numerous other examples of our skill at ignoring information that points to something we don't want to know. Specifically, on the topic of climate change, Heffernan notes: “[I]n failing to confront the greatest challenge of our age – climate change – all the forces of willful blindness come together, like synchronized swimmers in a spectacular water ballet.”When it comes to corporate sustainability, we're seeing some recent efforts to get past willful blindness. In 2013, we saw examples such as Auden Schendler (co‐author of this piece) and Michael Toffel's (2013) publication in Grist, Corporate Sustainability is Not Sustainable, which itself built upon Professor Robin Craig's (2012) article provocatively entitled “Climate Change Means the Death of Sustainability.” More recently, in Lima, Unilever's Paul Polman said that “.. most CEOs…know that their companies cannot prosper in a world with runaway climate change.” Perhaps, after years of corporate sustainability flag waving, it is no longer possible to ignore the fact that much of what companies classify as “sustainability” is, at best, green fluff that is fundamentally out of touch with the realities of anticipated climate change.Significantly, chief executive officers (CEOs) themselves are questioning the historic focus on corporate sustainability policies and targets. As summarized in the CEO Study on Sustainability, jointly published by the United Nations (UN) Global Compact and Accenture (2013): “Business leaders [now] believe that only with greater government intervention — at global, national and local levels — can sustainability move from sporadic incremental advances to a collective and transformative impact.”
Real and Accrual‐Based Earnings Management in the Pre‐ and Post‐IFRS Periods: Evidence from China
Authors: Ho Li‐Chin Jennifer , Liao Qunfeng , Taylor Martin 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to investigate the prevalence of both accrual‐ and activities‐based earnings management for Chinese A‐share firms surrounding the adoption of substantially IFRS‐convergent accounting standards. Since 2007, all listed A‐share firms in China have been required to comply with a new set of accounting standards that have substantially conformed to IFRS. The new reform also produced a set of new auditing standards and internal control reporting requirements. Based on a sample of 4,050 firm‐year observations from 2002 to 2011, we find that Chinese firms in the post‐IFRS period (2007–2011) are less likely to engage in accrual‐based earnings management. The magnitude of discretionary accruals also declines after IFRS adoption. In response, we see firms turning to real activities manipulation as a substitute for upward earnings management. The reduction in accrual‐based earnings management could stem from higher quality accounting standards associated with IFRS adoption and/or concurrent changes in the governance regimes introduced with the IFRS mandate. A further analysis, however, indicates that the benefits of IFRS adoption in curbing upward accrual‐based earnings manipulation are not evenly distributed across firms. Specifically, the benefit diminishes for firms that are controlled by Chinese central or local governments, are located in less developed regions, and that have weak financial performance and therefore subject to delisting status. We also find that the benefit is less pronounced for manufacturing firms than for their non‐manufacturing counterparts.
Reliability and validity of a self‐report emotional expressivity measure: The Japanese version of the Berkeley Expressivity Questionnaire
Authors: Lin Mingming , Soi‐Kawase Sayaka , Narita‐Ohtaki Ryoko , Itoh Mariko , Kim Yoshiharu 
Published: September 2015

AbstractAimThis study developed the Japanese version of the Berkeley Expressivity Questionnaire (BEQ), a self‐report measure of three emotional expressivity facets, and provided evidence of its reliability and validity.MethodsFive hundred and four students answered an online survey. To determine test–retest reliability, 241 of the participants completed the Japanese version of the BEQ again approximately 1 month after initial surveying was completed.ResultsCronbach's alpha coefficients were 0.83 for the BEQ full scale, and 0.61–0.77 for subscales. Test–retest correlations were 0.61 for the full scale, and 0.57–0.61 for subscales. Construct validity was demonstrated by correlations between BEQ scores and scores on measures of emotional expressivity, self‐monitoring, self‐esteem, depression, “Big Five” (neuroticism, extraversion, openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness) personality traits, and emotional control.ConclusionThe Japanese version of the BEQ has adequate internal consistency, reliability, and construct validity. Test–retest reliability was lower than that of the original scale. This study was the first in Japan to develop a self‐rating questionnaire assessing multiple facets of emotional expressivity.
Rasch‐built Overall Disability Scale for Multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN‐RODS©)
Authors: Vanhoutte Els K. , Faber Catharina G. , van Nes Sonja I. , Cats Elisabeth A. , Van der Pol W.-Ludo , Gorson Kenneth C. , van Doorn Pieter A. , Cornblath David R. , van den Berg Leonard H. , Merkies Ingemar S. J. ,   on behalf of the PeriNomS Study Group
Published: September 2015

AbstractClinical trials in multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) have often used ordinal‐based measures that may not accurately capture changes. We aimed to construct a disability interval outcome measure specifically for MMN using the Rasch model and to examine its clinimetric properties. A total of 146 preliminary activity and participation items were assessed twice (reliability studies) in 96 clinically stable MMN patients. These patients also assessed the ordinal‐based overall disability sum score (construct, sample‐dependent validity). The final Rasch‐built overall disability scale for MMN (MMN‐RODS©) was serially applied in 26 patients with newly diagnosed or relapsing MMN, treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) (1‐year follow‐up; responsiveness study). The magnitude of change for each patient was calculated using the minimum clinically important difference technique related to the individually obtained standard errors. A total of 121 items not fulfilling Rasch requirements were removed. The final 25‐item MMN‐RODS© fulfilled all Rasch model's expectations and showed acceptable reliability and validity including good discriminatory capacity. Most serially examined patients improved, but its magnitude was low, reflecting poor responsiveness. The constructed MMN‐RODS© is a disease‐specific, interval measure to detect activity limitations in patients with MMN and overcomes the shortcomings of ordinal scales. However, future clinimetric studies are needed to improve the MMN‐RODS©'s responsiveness by longer observations and/or more rigorous treatment regimens.
Challenges and opportunities of undertaking a video ethnographic study to understand medication communication
Authors: Liu Wei , Gerdtz Marie , Manias Elizabeth 
Published: September 2015

Aims and objectivesTo examine the challenges and opportunities of undertaking a video ethnographic study on medication communication among nurses, doctors, pharmacists and patients.BackgroundVideo ethnography has proved to be a dynamic and useful method to explore clinical communication activities. This approach involves filming actual behaviours and activities of clinicians to develop new knowledge and to stimulate reflections of clinicians on their behaviours and activities. However, there is limited information about the complex negotiations required to use video ethnography in actual clinical practice.DesignDiscursive paper.MethodA video ethnographic approach was used to gain better understanding of medication communication processes in two general medical wards of a metropolitan hospital in Melbourne, Australia. This paper presents the arduous and delicate process of gaining access into hospital wards to video‐record actual clinical practice and the methodological and ethical issues associated with video‐recording.ConclusionsObtaining access to clinical settings and clinician consent are the first hurdles of conducting a video ethnographic study. Clinicians may still feel intimidated or self‐conscious in being video recorded about their medication communication practices, which they could perceive as judgements being passed about their clinical competence. By thoughtful and strategic planning, video ethnography can provide in‐depth understandings of medication communication in acute care hospital settings. Ethical issues of informed consent, patient safety and respect for the confidentiality of patients and clinicians need to be carefully addressed to build up and maintain trusting relationships between researchers and participants in the clinical environment.Relevance to clinical practiceBy prudently considering the complex ethical and methodological concerns of using video ethnography, this approach can help to reveal the unpredictability and messiness of clinical practice. The visual data generated can stimulate clinicians' reflexivity about their norms of practice and bring about improved communication about managing medications.
‘The challenge to take charge of life with long‐term illness’: nurses' experiences of supporting patients' learning with the didactic model
Authors: Andersson Susanne , Svanström Rune , Ek Kristina , Rosén Helena , Berglund Mia 
Published: September 2015

Aims and objectivesThe aim of this implementation study is to describe nurses' experiences of supporting patient learning using the model called ‘The challenge to take charge of life with long‐term illness’.BackgroundSupporting patient learning for those suffering from a long‐term illness is a complex art in nursing. Genuine learning occurs at a deep and existential level. If the patient's resistance to illness can be challenged and reflected upon, the patient may take charge of his/her life.DesignThe project lasted for 2 years and was initiated by a former patient on an assisted haemodialysis ward and involved 14 registered nurses. The project began with a session to review patients' learning and the didactic model. Monthly reflective meetings and group supervisions were held that focused on the nurses' experiences of supporting patient learning. Notes were written during these reflective meetings and group sessions.MethodsData collected from interviews, notes and written stories were subjected to phenomenological analysis.ResultsThree aspects of nurses' experiences of the learning support approach were assessed: To have the courage to listen sincerely, a movement from providing information to supporting learning, and to let the patient indicate the direction. The approach resulted in an increased focus on genuine dialogue and the courage to encourage patients to take charge of their health process.ConclusionsThe changes in nurses' approach to learning support reveal that they shift from providing information on the disease, illness and treatment to strengthening and supporting the patient in making decisions and taking responsibility. For nurses, the change entails accepting the patient's goals and regarding their own role as supportive rather than controlling. The didactic model and involved supervision contributed to the change in the nurses' approach.Relevance to clinical practiceThe didactic model might be useful in caring for persons with long‐term illness, making the care more person‐centred and enhancing the patient's self‐care ability.
Adherence to hand hygiene guidelines – significance of measuring fidelity
Authors: Korhonen Anne , Ojanperä Helena , Puhto Teija , Järvinen Raija , Kejonen Pirjo , Holopainen Arja 
Published: September 2015

Aims and objectivesThe aim was to evaluate the usability of fidelity measures in compliance evaluation of hand hygiene.BackgroundAdherence to hand hygiene guidelines is important in terms of patient safety. Compliance measures seldom describe how exactly the guidelines are followed.Design and methodsA cross‐sectional observation study in a university hospital setting was conducted. Direct observation by trained staff was performed using a standardised observation form supplemented by fidelity criteria. A total of 830 occasions were observed in 13 units. Descriptive statistics (frequency, mean, percentages and range) were used as well as compliance rate by using a standard web‐based tool. In addition, the binomial standard normal deviate test was conducted for comparing different methods used in evaluation of hand hygiene and in comparison between professional groups.ResultsMeasuring fidelity to guidelines was revealed to be useful in uncovering gaps in hand hygiene practices. The main gap related to too short duration of hand rubbing. Thus, although compliance with hand hygiene guidelines measured using a standard web‐based tool was satisfactory, the degree of how exactly the guidelines were followed seemed to be critical.ConclusionsCombining the measurement of fidelity to guidelines with the compliance rate is beneficial in revealing inconsistency between optimal and actual hand hygiene behaviour.Relevance to clinical practiceEvaluating fidelity measures is useful in terms of revealing the gaps between optimal and actual performance in hand hygiene. Fidelity measures are suitable in different healthcare contexts and easy to measure according to the relevant indicators of fidelity, such as the length of hand rubbing. Knowing the gap facilitates improvements in clinical practice.
Core self‐evaluations, perceptions of group potency, and job performance: The moderating role of individualism and collectivism cultural profiles
Authors: O'Neill Thomas A. , McLarnon Matthew J. W. , Xiu Luyao , Law Stephanie J. 
Published: September 2015

The current study examines the contingency role of individualism‐collectivism profiles on relationships involving core self‐evaluations (CSE), perceptions of group potency (PGP), and job performance. Theories of individualism and collectivism have thus far been mixed as to whether these are two distinct constructs or a single bipolar continuum, so latent profiles were considered as a novel perspective on this issue. A sample of 167 employees working in a Chinese vehicle manufacturing facility completed self‐report measures of all study variables except job performance, which was measured through supervisor ratings. Latent profile analyses revealed two profiles with either individualism or collectivism as dominant but not both. Further, CSE was a stronger predictor of job performance in employees with an individualism‐dominant cultural profile, whereas PGP was a stronger predictor of job performance in employees with a collectivism‐dominant cultural profile. As such, research investigating the main effects of CSE and PGP may overlook the qualifier of individualism‐ versus collectivism‐dominant cultural orientations. We offer theoretical and practical considerations regarding how employees experience individualism and collectivism simultaneously and how these experiences affect the interplay of predictor–criterion relations.Practitioner points

Employees appear to experience one of two patterns or profiles of individualism or collectivism, such that the employee is relatively high on one construct and low on the other.

Supervisors, trainers, and coaches need to consider profiles of individualism and collectivism, as the value of emphasizing core self‐evaluations versus perceptions of group potency to enhance job performance depends on the particular employee's dominance on either individualism or collectivism.
Periodontal treatment and HbA1c levels in subjects with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Altamash M. , Klinge B. , Engström P.‐E. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryIt has earlier been reported that individuals with poorly controlled diabetes have severe periodontal disease (PD) compared to well‐controlled diabetes. This longitudinal interventional study compared periodontal treatment outcomes with HbA1c level changes in four groups of diabetic and non‐diabetic patients with or without PD, respectively. HbA1c, bleeding on probing (BOP), plaque index and periodontal pocket depth (PPD) 4 < 6 mm and ≥6 mm were recorded at baseline to 3 months after non‐surgical treatment and 3–6 months for surgical treatment in subjects with or without T2D, and with or without PD. A total of 129 patients were followed from baseline to 6 months. Diabetics with PD and without PD showed reductions in HbA1c levels with a mean value of 0·3% after 3 months and mean values of 1% and 0·8%, respectively, after 6 months. Diabetics with PD showed higher levels of BOP versus non‐diabetics without PD (P < 0·01) and versus diabetics without PD (P < 0·05) at baseline. After 6 months, diabetics with PD showed higher number of PPD 4 < 6 mm versus diabetics without PD (P < 0·01) and non‐diabetics with PD (P < 0·01). Diabetics without PD showed higher levels of PPD 4 < 6 mm versus non‐diabetics without PD (P < 0·01). Surgical and non‐surgical periodontal treatment in all groups improved periodontal inflammatory conditions with a decrease in HbA1c levels in a period of three and 6 months. No change was seen in the number of pockets PPD 4 < 6 mm in diabetic subjects with PD after non‐surgical and surgical treatment.