bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Single-Level Degenerative Cervical Disc Disease and Driving Disability: Results from a Prospective, Randomized Trial
Authors: Kelly Michael P. , Mitchell M. David , Hacker Robert J. , Riew K. Daniel , Sasso Rick C. 
Published: August 2013

Study Design Post hoc analysis of prospective, randomized trial. Objective To investigate the disability associated with driving and single-level degenerative, cervical disc disease and to investigate the effect of surgery on driving disability. Methods Post hoc analysis of data obtained from three sites participating in a multicenter, randomized, controlled trial comparing cervical disc arthroplasty (TDA) with anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). The driving subscale of the Neck Disability Index (NDI) was analyzed for all patients. A dichotomous severity score was created from the NDI. Statistical comparisons were made within and between groups. Results Two-year follow-up was available for 118/135 (87%) patients. One half of the study population (49.6%) reported moderate or severe preoperative driving difficulty. This disability associated with driving was similar among the two groups (ACDF: 2.5 ± 1.1, TDA: 2.6 ± 1.0, p = 0.646). The majority of patients showed improvement, with no or little driving disability, at the sixth postoperative week (ACDF: 75%, TDA: 90%, p = 0.073). At no follow-up point did a difference exist between groups according to the severity index. Conclusions Many patients suffering from radiculopathy or myelopathy from cervical disc disease are limited in their ability to operate an automobile. Following anterior cervical spine surgery, most patients are able to return to comfortable driving at 6 weeks.
A combined omics study on activated macrophages—enhanced role of STATs in apoptosis, immunity and lipid metabolism
Authors: Dinasarapu Ashok Reddy , Gupta Shakti , Ram Maurya Mano , Fahy Eoin , Min Jun , Sud Manish , Gersten Merril J. , Glass Christopher K. , Subramaniam Shankar 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Background: Macrophage activation by lipopolysaccharide and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) has been studied extensively because this model system mimics the physiological context of bacterial infection and subsequent inflammatory responses. Previous studies on macrophages elucidated the biological roles of caspase-1 in post-translational activation of interleukin-1β and interleukin-18 in inflammation and apoptosis. However, the results from these studies focused only on a small number of factors. To better understand the host response, we have performed a high-throughput study of Kdo2-lipid A (KLA)-primed macrophages stimulated with ATP.
Results: The study suggests that treating mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages with KLA and ATP produces ‘synergistic’ effects that are not seen with treatment of KLA or ATP alone. The synergistic regulation of genes related to immunity, apoptosis and lipid metabolism is observed in a time-dependent manner. The synergistic effects are produced by nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kB) and activator protein (AP)-1 through regulation of their target cytokines. The synergistically regulated cytokines then activate signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) factors that result in enhanced immunity, apoptosis and lipid metabolism; STAT1 enhances immunity by promoting anti-microbial factors; and STAT3 contributes to downregulation of cell cycle and upregulation of apoptosis. STAT1 and STAT3 also regulate glycerolipid and eicosanoid metabolism, respectively. Further, western blot analysis for STAT1 and STAT3 showed that the changes in transcriptomic levels were consistent with their proteomic levels. In summary, this study shows the synergistic interaction between the toll-like receptor and purinergic receptor signaling during macrophage activation on bacterial infection.
Availability: Time-course data of transcriptomics and lipidomics can be queried or downloaded from http://www.lipidmaps.org.
Contact: shankar@ucsd.edu
Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Thoracoscopic Approach of the Internal Thoracic Lymphatic Chain
Authors: AbraTo Fernando Conrado , Tamagno Mauro Federico Luis , Abreu Igor Renato Louro Bruno , Alfinito Fernanda Sobreiro , Piato Jose Roberto , Silva Ligia Maria Teixeira Pereira , Terra Ricardo Mingarini , Fernandez Angelo , Jatene Fabio Biscegli 
Published: August 2013

Objective Few studies to date have evaluated the videothoracoscopic approach of the internal thoracic lymphatic chain. However, the histological evaluation of lymph nodes is essential for patients with breast cancer who show lymph node uptake at scintigraphy in the preoperative period and also for patients with lymphoma who have exclusive uptake in these lymph nodes at positron emission tomography for recurrence assessment. Our goal was to evaluate the safety and the change in oncologic approach through this minimally invasive technique. Methods This is a review of the prospectively collected data in a group of patients undergoing thoracoscopic biopsy of the thoracic lymphatic chain in patients with breast cancer and lymphoma carried out in our institution between September 2010 and June 2012. The analyzed variables include age, histological type, operated hemithorax, number of resected lymph nodes, neoplastic involvement of the resected lymph nodes, duration of chest tube drainage, length of hospital stay, and perioperative mortality. Complications such as subcutaneous emphysema and necessity for blood transfusion were also evaluated. Results Thoracoscopic biopsy was successfully performed in 16 patients, of whom 14 had breast cancer and 2 had lymphoma. The surgical biopsy results changed the treatment in the two patients with lymphoma and avoided radiotherapy in the eight patients with breast cancer who did not have metastases. Conclusions The use of the thoracoscopic assessment of the internal thoracic lymphatic chain seems safe and resulted in therapy modification in more than half of our patients, suggesting that it is an effective technique for staging in selected breast cancer and lymphoma cases.
Are There Gender Differences in Outcomes after the Cox-Maze Procedure for Atrial Fibrillation?
Authors: Henry Linda , Hunt Sharon , Holmes Sari D. , Martin Lisa M. , Ad Niv 
Published: August 2013

Objective Atrial fibrillation (AF) management suggests that women do not tolerate medication rhythm control strategies as well as men do; however, AF percutaneous catheter ablation has been found to be favorable. The study purpose was to compare the sex-based outcomes for patients who undergo the Cox-Maze procedure for AF. Methods Data were collected through our AF surgical ablation registry. Rhythm was verified by electrocardiogram and 24-hour holter at 6 and 12 months. General health-related quality of life (Short-Form 12) and specific AF symptom burden (Atrial Fibrillation Symptom Checklist: Frequency and Severity, version 3) were obtained at baseline and 12 months. Results Since 2005, a total of 540 patients have undergone a Cox-Maze procedure (34% were women). The women presented with higher operative risk [additive European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE), 6.71 ± 2.61 vs 5.25 ± 2.80, t = 5.85, P < 0.001], higher rates of congestive heart failure (49% vs 32%, P < 0.001), and more concomitant mitral valve procedures (32% vs 19%, P = 0.001). Perioperative outcomes were similar. Return to sinus rhythm off antiarrhythmics were not different at 6 and 12 months (78% vs 75%, P = 0.53, and 81% vs 80%, P = 1.00, respectively). Cumulative 2-year survival (93.9% for the men and 89.3% for the women) was not different for all-cause mortality (hazard ratio, 1.47; confidence interval, 0.68–3.21; P = 0.33) and cardiac-related mortality [women: 10/14 (71%) vs men 7/11 (64%), P = 1.00]. Health-related quality of life showed significant improvement; AF symptoms significantly decreased across the sexes. Conclusions Outcomes after the Cox-Maze procedure are similar across sex. Atrial fibrillation surgical ablation should be considered a treatment option for women—it is safe and effective, improves general health-related quality of life, and reduces AF symptom burden.
Use of the eSVS Mesh: External Vein Support Does Not Negatively Impact Early Graft Patency
Authors: Genoni Michele , Odavic Dragan , Loblein Helen , Dzemali Omer 
Published: August 2013

Objective The aim of this study was to assess early graft patency in eSVS Mesh–covered saphenous vein grafts (SVGs) in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. Methods In 20 patients meeting criteria for double arterial grafting to the left-sided coronary system and eSVS Mesh–covered SVG to the right-sided coronary system, patency was evaluated intraoperatively by transit time flow measurement and at 5 days postoperatively by computed tomographic angiography. Results Twenty patients underwent 49 arterial and 22 venous grafts (mean, 3.55/patient) using off-pump techniques. All grafts were determined to be patent intraoperatively. On computed tomographic angiography, arterial graft patency was 100%. In one venous anastomosis, the distal limb of a sequential graft was occluded, for an overall patency rate of 95%. Conclusions The eSVS Mesh does not compromise early SVG patency.
Pectus Excavatum: A Comparison of the Ravitch Repair with the Nuss Thoracoscopic Technique with a Standard Metal Bar or an Absorbable Bar
Authors: Magdi Muhammad Ibrahim Ahmad 
Published: August 2013

Objective Although pectus excavatum repair has evolved to a minimally invasive technique in prepubescent patients, the best approach in adults is less clearly understood. The aim of this study was to identify the preoperative characteristics, operative variables, and postoperative outcomes in adult patients with pectus excavatum undergoing thoracoscopic repair using different bar stabilizers compared with the open surgical repair. Methods We conducted a prospective study between July 2009 and July 2012 in a single institution. Thirty-one patients (26 men and 5 women) aged 18 to 35 years were randomly assigned into three groups: group A, 9 patients underwent modified Ravitch repair; group B, 11 patients underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic repair using metal stabilizers; and group C, 11 patients underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic repair using absorbable stabilizers. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative variables are compared between all groups. Results In all groups, the preoperative variables were well matched for age, sex, and Haller index. Operative time was 2 hours longer in group A (P = 0.0001). There was no intraoperative complication. Length of hospital stay was 4 days shorter in group A. Morbidity was 23% and composed of pneumothorax (three), wound seroma (two), pleural effusion (one), and stabilizer break (one), occurring more frequently in groups B and C. There was no perioperative mortality. All patients were satisfied with the cosmetic results. Conclusions Repair of pectus excavatum in adult patients can be performed effectively through either open surgical technique or thoracoscopy, with no intraoperative complications and with excellent immediate results. Although the operative time for the Ravitch repair was longer, the hospital stay was significantly shorter than that for the video-assisted method.
Corporate social responsibility in housing management: is it profitable?
Authors: Blomé Gunnar 
Published: August 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the context of real estate management. Different operation cost indicators are identified and related to the estates’ social condition.Design/methodology/approachThe empirical material was collected from the company's accounts and by interviews with the staff and is based on a comparison between two similar areas that mainly differed in how much resources the company invested in social projects and maintenance.FindingsThe results indicate that CSR leads to approximately 4.5 percent lower annual operating and maintenance costs, which improved the company's profitability, especially if higher maintenance standards made higher rents possible. Other advantages were improved goodwill, which led to new business opportunities.Research limitation/implicationsThe primary issue of the study is to identify consequences of CSR. However, more research is needed about landlord incentives and economic effects of initiated landlord investments. The evaluation method also needs to be further developed and refined.Originality/valueFrom a practical perspective, the paper gives a deeper insight into the possible economic advantages of CSR. From the perspective of the scientific community, the paper shows the possibilities in using a comparative evaluation model together with detailed company data in order to identify important indicators and effects.
Governance and enterprise restructuring in Southeast Europe: gross domestic product and foreign direct investments
Authors: Apostolov Mico 
Published: August 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine corporate governance mechanisms' influence on governance and enterprise restructuring in Southeast Europe (Western Balkans) transition economies: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia. Hence, the basic hypothesis to test governance and enterprise restructuring is that it is influenced by gross domestic product and foreign direct investments dynamics.Design/methodology/approachThe econometric model used in this study is a regression model. Further, the estimation is based on data provided by the databases of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Transition report series, the World Bank Database and the National Banks' databases of the countries in Southeast Europe. The hypothesis is that the variable governance and enterprise restructuring is encouraged by movements in gross domestic product and especially foreign direct investments dynamics.FindingsIt is apparent that governance and enterprise restructuring advance through time due to imposed policies, as well as overall progress of the economies' gross domestic product and especially the influx of foreign direct investments.Originality/valueThis paper is a contribution to the research developing the business aspects of the Southeast Europe economy, as there is constant lack of scientific papers that deal with the specific issues of corporate governance and enterprise restructuring.
Audit committee experts and earnings quality
Authors: Puat Nelson Sherliza , Devi Susela 
Published: August 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between audit committee expertise and financial reporting quality. Since the Sarbanes Oxley Act, 2002, there has been growing interest in the research concerning audit committee expertise, especially as the Security Exchange Commission requires firms to identify their audit committee financial experts.Design/methodology/approachBased on two theories, the resource dependence theory and agency theory, the study examines the association of audit committee experts with financial reporting quality, proxied by earnings management. Samples involved 2008 financial data of 300 firms that were ranked by highest market capitalisation. In total, four types of expertise are developed based on academic qualification, professional qualification and work experience.FindingsPresence of non‐accounting experts and accounting experts is significant to reduce the magnitude of earnings management. Other than that, leverage and firms size are also found to be significant.Originality/valueThe findings show RDT is prevalent in accounting or auditing domain, where there is evidence showing directors bridge firms with external resources such as expertise and experience. Subsequently, contribute to the mainstream accounting literature that the resource dependence theory is also vital in explaining situations where directors' expertise and knowledge are involved.
Approaching corporate volunteering in Spain
Authors: Sanchez‐Hernandez M. Isabel , Gallardo‐Vázquez Dolores 
Published: August 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to contribute to the knowledge of how corporate volunteering is actually put into practice in Spanish firms as part of their social responsibility strategy. The paper presents the notion and the basics of corporate volunteering (CV), with emphasis on its capacity to strengthen the bonds between the company and its employees.Design/methodology/approachWith the intention of approaching the actual state of corporate volunteering, a survey was conducted of Spanish firms regarding their managers' perceptions of the main success factors and the potential benefits and costs of CV programs.FindingsIn the contemporary Spanish business environment, companies have incorporated volunteer initiatives as a key element of their corporate responsibility strategy. The importance of the practice of CV is interpreted as a symptom of commitment to a stronger socially responsible behavior in Spanish companies.Practical implicationsTo stay well informed of employees' needs, to evaluate which NGOs to work with or human resource management responsiveness, the authors put forward recommendations for CV programs designed to increase both competitive sustainability and employee satisfaction and retention.Originality/valueReflecting the literature which highlights the importance of CV in Spain, the results indicate that while organizations strive to achieve corporate responsibility goals, it is expected that effectiveness will be greater among organizations using CV for this purpose. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first time this relationship has been discussed and recommendations have been offered for practitioners.
The governance‐performance relations in publicly listed family controlled firms: an empirical analysis
Authors: Matias Gama Ana Paula , Rodrigues Cecília 
Published: August 2013

PurposeCombining ownership and management might lead concentrated shareholders, such as families, to wealth expropriation. The lack of external monitors and disciplinary agents potentially permits them to pursue this path. Thus, monitoring activity is one of the major drawbacks in family controlled firms. The purpose of this paper is to provide an integrated analysis of the governance roles of various block‐holders, institutional investors and corporate boards in firm performance in the context of publicly‐listed family‐controlled firms.Design/methodology/approachUsing a multi‐industry data set of 208 firms listed on the Milan Stock Exchange (MSE), this study employs the generalized method of moments (GMM) to address the issue of endogeneity on panel data over the period 200‐2006.FindingsThe results show that family firms have better accounting performance than non‐family firms. So, active family involvement in management positions seems to reduce managerial opportunism. However, higher accounting performance does not translate into an increase in valuation levels, and thus might not accrue to minority shareholders. Additionally, the results also show an alignment incentive between a coalition of large shareholders (two families) and firm value.Research limitations/implicationsThis study provides empirical evidence consistent with a block‐holder coalition framework that sustains an incentive alignment effect of the coalition of large shareholders (two families) and the firm value. Additionally, the results also support evidence that board dominance is another channel through which families can extract private benefits.Originality/valueThis study contributes to understanding that the family firm performance depends on the efficiency of various governance mechanisms. Thus, it offers insights to policy makers to verify board appointment mechanisms used by family firms. Since external board members might be vetted and approved by the family or other dominant block‐holders, what is the extent of their independence from the dominant owners?
Managing brand associations to drive customers’ trust and loyalty in Vietnamese banking
Authors: Ngoc Phan Kim , Ghantous Nabil 
Published: August 2013

PurposeVietnamese banks have relied in the past on short‐term promotional techniques and attractive interest rates instead of developing strong brands. This research investigates how customers’ perceptions of bank brands drive their trust and loyalty. It also addresses how customers’ experience and their social compliance moderate the impact of their brand perceptions on their trust and loyalty.Design/methodology/approachCustomers’ perceptions are measured through brand associations based on the bank's functional elements, its personnel and its overall image. A structural equation model linking brand associations to customers’ trust and loyalty is tested using data from a sample of 557 Vietnamese bank customers.FindingsThe results indicate that the personnel‐based brand associations are the strongest driver of trust and have a negative direct impact on loyalty, while functional and corporate‐based associations have a stronger impact on loyalty. Trust strongly mediates brand associations’ impact on loyalty. In addition, corporate‐based associations have a stronger impact on trust and loyalty for customers with little direct experience with the bank and personnel‐based associations have a stronger impact for socially compliant customers.Practical implicationsThe findings indicate how different brand associations can be leveraged to trigger customers’ trust and loyalty in the Vietnamese banking sector. Moderating effects of the extent of customers’ experience imply that bank brand managers should integrate the customer relationship lifecycle in their segmentation/targeting and in their customer‐brand relationship management.Originality/valueThis study highlights the potential of branding in the Vietnamese banking industry as a strategy to build strong customer relationships. It also strongly points out the need for brand managers to take into consideration the Vietnamese context and more precisely customers’ lack of banking experience and their tendency to social compliance.
Corporate social responsibility in financial services
Authors: Bouvain Petra , Baumann Chris , Lundmark Erik 
Published: August 2013

PurposeThis study compares the associations between Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and brand value in the financial services industry in East Asia and the USA.Design/methodology/approachA sample of 84 major banks in East Asia (China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan) and the USA is used to test the links between CSR and brand value using ANOVA and multiple regressions.FindingsBrand value is positively related to CSR for the entire sample, but is associated with distinctively different CSR factors depending on the geographic markets. In Japan and South Korea brand value is associated with a bank's appreciation for its employees, while in China, brand value is linked to a focus on the community. East Asia's culture is rooted in Confucianism, a philosophy that emphasises caring for the “greater good” (i.e. for the community) and for one's subordinates. In contrast, Americans are more concerned with “green” issues, and subsequently caring for the environment is associated with brand value. In addition, corporate governance, or regulatory compliance, has a strong relationship with brand value for American banks.Research limitations/implicationsThe study emphasises the complexity of global brand management given that eastern and western companies exhibit distinct patterns regarding brand value. Specifically, our study shows that the links between CSR and brand value vary substantially between different countries and regions.Originality/valueThis study investigates the association between CSR and brand value and establishes that different CSR aspects are linked to brand value for banks in East Asia and the USA. The study also establishes that CSR is not a universal concept, given that such distinct brand value‐CSR links have been found for the different geographic markets under investigation.