bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
814. VARRONIA RUPICOLA
Authors: Hamilton Martin , Clubbe Colin , Corcoran Marcella , Sanchez Michele 
Published: June 2015

SummaryVarronia rupicola (Urb.) Britton (Boraginaceae) a Critically Endangered shrub, restricted to three Caribbean islands – Puerto Rico, Vieques and Anegada—is described and illustrated. Its conservation status and distribution are reviewed.
A validation study of a modified Bouchard activity record that extends the concept of ‘uptime’ to Rett syndrome
Authors: Lor Leon , Hill Kylie , Jacoby Peter , Leonard Helen , Downs Jenny 
Published: June 2015

AimThe aim of this study was to investigate the validity of using a Bouchard activity record (BAR) in individuals with Rett syndrome to measure physical activity, as compared with pragmatic criterion standard measures of walking status and step counts recorded using the StepWatch activity monitor (SAM).MethodDuring the waking hours of 1 day, 43 females (mean age 21y, SD 9y) wore a SAM whilst a proxy completed a modified BAR. Responses to the BAR were compared among participants, who were grouped according to walking status, using the Mann–Whitney two‐sample rank‐sum test. Relationships were sought between BAR responses and step counts using linear regression.ResultsAccording to the proxy‐reported BAR responses, those who needed assistance with walking spent more time sitting (median [interquartile range] 9h 15min [8h 8min–10h 30min] vs 6h 15min [4h 15min–8h 30min]; p<0.001) and less time standing (1h [38min–1h 30min] vs 2h 15min [45min–3h 45min]; p=0.04) than those who could walk independently. In those who could walk independently, time classified as ‘uptime’ (standing and walking) using the BAR was associated with increased step count (r2=0.58; p<0.001).InterpretationThese data support the validity of proxy‐reported BAR responses. In those who could walk independently, uptime, classified using the BAR, could be used to estimate daily step count. This tool offers an inexpensive method for clinicians to gain insights into physical activity levels in individuals with Rett syndrome.
First‐line Bismuth‐containing Five‐day Concomitant Quintuple Therapy for Helicobacter Pylori Eradication
Authors: Dolapcioglu Can , Sayiner Mehmet , Akkus Esra Elif , Kural Abdulaziz , Dolapcioglu Hatice , Dabak Resat , Ahishali Emel 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBackgroundWidespread use of antibiotics has resulted in increased rates of antibiotic resistance and decreased rates of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication, leading to a search for newer therapeutic options. This study aimed to examine the efficacy, tolerability, and patient compliance of a first‐line bismuth‐containing 5‐day concomitant quintuple therapy.Materials and MethodsThis prospective study included 144 eradication treatment naïve H. pylori positive patients with dyspeptic complaints. Patients received the following concomitant quintuple therapy for 5 days: bismuth subcitrate 300 mg q.i.d, omeprazole 20 mg b.i.d, clarithromycin 500 mg b.i.d., amoxicillin 1 g b.i.d., and metronidazole 500 mg t.i.d. Eradication was assessed with H. pylori stool antigen test or urea‐breath test 6 weeks after the completion of therapy.ResultsTreatment compliance rate in this study was 97.2%. Intention to treat and per‐protocol eradication rates were 134/144 (93.1%, 95% CI, 88.9–97.2) and 134/140 (95.7%, 95% CI, 92.2–98.6), respectively. Side effect was reported by 8.5% of the patients that attended follow‐up visits, including epigastric pain (2.8%), nausea/vomiting (2.1%), diarrhea (1.4%), taste disturbance (1.4%), and fatigue (0.7%).ConclusionsBismuth‐containing, short course, quintuple concomitant therapy appears to be an effective and safe therapeutic option for the first‐line H. pylori eradication, particularly in populations with high resistance.
The effect of dimethyl fumarate on gene expression and the level of cytokines related to different T helper cell subsets in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with psoriasis
Authors: Tahvili Sahar , Zandieh Basira , Amirghofran Zahra 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBackgroundFumaric acid esters such as dimethyl fumarate (DMF) have proven to be effective in the treatment of psoriasis.ObjectivesIn view of the role of Th17 in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, the present study was conducted to investigate the effects of DMF on Th1, Th2, and Th17 responses in patients.MethodsPeripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from psoriasis patients and healthy individuals and were cultured in the presence or absence of phytohemagglutinin and DMF. The cell supernatants were removed to measure cytokine secretion, and the lymphocytes were used for real‐time polymerase chain reaction to establish gene expression.ResultsAn increase in gene expression of interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ), as a marker for Th1 activity, and interleukin‐17 (IL‐17), granulocyte macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) and IL‐22 representing the Th17 subset in the PBMCs of patients in comparison with those of control subjects was observed. Culture of PBMCs from psoriasis patients and controls in the presence of DMF decreased IFN‐γ and increased IL‐4 gene expression in both groups. Treatment with DMF could significantly decrease IL‐17, GM‐CSF, and IL‐22 mRNA levels in the PBMCs of patients. Decreased release of IFN‐γ and GM‐CSF cytokine secretion after DMF treatment was also observed in PBMC cultures of patients and controls.ConclusionsThese data show the effectiveness of DMF in modulating Th17 cells in addition to Th1/Th2 cells and reflect one of the underlying mechanisms of action of DMF in psoriasis. These findings may also support the possible benefits of using fumarate in the treatment of other autoimmune diseases in the pathogeneses of which Th1 and Th17 cells play major roles.
HEROIC FICTION, COMBAT SCENES, AND THE SCHOLARLY RECONSTRUCTION OF ARCHAIC GREEK WARFARE
Authors: ECHEVERRÍA FERNANDO 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
Combat scenes depicted on vases are a critical source for the reconstruction of Greek warfare in the archaic period. They are the subject of a lively debate over their accuracy and reliability as historical sources, and the degree to which they represent historical ways of fighting among archaic Greeks has been questioned. A particularly common argument used to question, or even in some cases, to reject some scenes as potential sources is to identify them as depicting ‘archaizing’ and/or ‘heroizing’ topics, that is, images drawn from a legendary past or from the myths. This scepticism has often been based on the identification of a few elements in the pictures which have traditionally been regarded as belonging to myth or to a period prior to the introduction of the phalanx. It is shown here that an examination of both these specific elements and the larger combat scenes in the light of new theories about the phalanx and the hoplite in the archaic period offer fresh grounds for analysis.
Clinical and molecular features and therapeutic perspectives of spinal muscular atrophy with respiratory distress type 1
Authors: Vanoli Fiammetta , Rinchetti Paola , Porro Francesca , Parente Valeria , Corti Stefania 
Published: June 2015

AbstractSpinal muscular atrophy with respiratory distress (SMARD1) is an autosomal recessive neuromuscular disease caused by mutations in the IGHMBP2 gene, encoding the immunoglobulin μ‐binding protein 2, leading to motor neuron degeneration. It is a rare and fatal disease with an early onset in infancy in the majority of the cases. The main clinical features are muscular atrophy and diaphragmatic palsy, which requires prompt and permanent supportive ventilation. The human disease is recapitulated in the neuromuscular degeneration (nmd) mouse. No effective treatment is available yet, but novel therapeutical approaches tested on the nmd mouse, such as the use of neurotrophic factors and stem cell therapy, have shown positive effects. Gene therapy demonstrated effectiveness in SMA, being now at the stage of clinical trial in patients and therefore representing a possible treatment for SMARD1 as well. The significant advancement in understanding of both SMARD1 clinical spectrum and molecular mechanisms makes ground for a rapid translation of pre‐clinical therapeutic strategies in humans.
Modified Tunnel Technique Combined with Enamel Matrix Derivative: A Minimally Invasive Treatment for Single or Multiple Class I Recession Defects
Authors: Vincent‐Bugnas Séverine , Charbit Yves , Lamure Julie , Mahler Patrick , Dard Michel M. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractPurposeGingival recession is a significant problem in the esthetic zone. Connective tissue grafts have been considered the gold standard, but they need a donor site that increases morbidity and discomfort for the patient.The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the clinical results of a modified tunnel technique that consists of replacing the connective tissue graft by enamel matrix derivative, in the treatment of Miller Class I recession defects.Materials and MethodsTwenty‐six teeth in 14 subjects with Miller Class I recessions were treated using the tunnel procedure plus enamel matrix derivative. The gingival recession, probing depth, clinical attachment level, and the width of the keratinized gingival tissue were recorded.ResultsThere was a statistically significant reduction in gingival recession (88% of root coverage) and a gain in clinical attachment level (3.1 mm) between baseline and 24 months post‐operatively, whereas the change in width of keratinized tissue and in probing depth was not statistically significant. All patients were satisfied with the esthetic appearance and would undergo the same surgery again.ConclusionThis technique could be successfully used as an alternative to connective tissue grafts, with the advantage of avoiding the discomfort and morbidity of connective tissue harvesting.Clinical SignificanceThis modified tunnel technique using enamel matrix derivative potentially represents a clinically and esthetically satisfactory treatment of Miller Class I recession defects.
EFFECT OF BANK MONITORING ON EARNINGS MANAGEMENT OF THE BORROWING FIRM: AN EMPIRICAL INVESTIGATION
Authors: Jha Anand , Shankar Siddharth , Prakash Arun 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe literature on bank monitoring posits that strong bank monitoring can either increase or decrease the earnings management of the borrowing firm. We test these two competing hypotheses and find that earnings management (measured by the absolute value of the discretionary accruals) is higher when monitoring is strong—unless the firm is close to default. This result suggests that it might not be appropriate to view bank monitoring as always curbing corporate misbehavior. Our findings are based on examining 22,526 financial statements of private and public firms in India between 2001 and 2009.
SKEWNESS AND THE ASYMMETRY IN EARNINGS ANNOUNCEMENT RETURNS
Authors: Blau Benjamin M. , Pinegar J. Michael , Whitby Ryan J. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractMuch of traditional asset pricing theory rests on the assumption of normality in the distribution of stock returns. A growing body of research suggests that skewness in the return distributions can affect asset prices. In this article we attempt to empirically identify factors that influence return skewness. Consistent with the theoretical literature, we find that prices during the postearnings announcement period are more convex for firms that have tighter short‐sale constraints and for firms that experience greater disagreement among investors. Perhaps more important, we also find that price convexity is a key determinant in the skewness of stocks.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND CAPITAL STRUCTURE DYNAMICS: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY
Authors: Liao Li‐Kai (Connie) , Mukherjee Tarun , Wang Wei 
Published: June 2015

AbstractConsistent with theoretical predictions, we find that both a higher level of financial leverage and a faster speed of adjustment of leverage toward the shareholders' desired level are associated with better corporate governance quality as defined by a more independent board featuring CEO–chairman separation and greater presence of outside directors, coupled with larger institutional shareholding. In contrast, managerial incentive compensation on average discourages use of debt or adjustments toward the shareholders' desired level, consistent with its entrenchment effect. The effect of corporate governance on leverage adjustments is most pronounced when initial leverage is between the manager's desired level and the shareholders' desired level where the interests of managers and shareholders conflict.
A NEW PERSPECTIVE ON DIRECTOR BUSYNESS
Authors: Liu Chang , Paul Donna L. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractWe provide a new perspective to the multiple directorships literature, which focuses on outside directors. Inside directors, however, are important in both the boardroom and day‐to‐day operations of the firm. We find that any negative effect of director busyness is more pervasive for inside directors than for outside directors. Additional analysis reveals that bidding firms' acquisition announcement returns are decreasing in inside director board appointments, but there is no such effect for outside directors. These results highlight the importance of inside directors and demonstrate that firm performance can be compromised when they sit on multiple boards.
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES AND HETEROGENEITY OF INVESTOR BELIEFS
Authors: Jiao Jie , Yan An 
Published: June 2015

AbstractWe conjecture that convertibles can better attract investors with different beliefs about a firm's future cash flows compared to straight bonds and stocks. Our empirical findings are consistent with this conjecture. We find that a firm is more likely to issue convertibles rather than seasoned stocks and straight bonds in the public markets when investors' beliefs are more heterogeneous. The positive effect of heterogeneous beliefs on the relative likelihood of convertibles is greater when investors are more optimistic. Overall, our findings provide a novel rationale based on investors' heterogeneous beliefs for the use of convertibles in corporate external financing decisions.
Self‐Reported Hearing Status Is Associated with Lower Limb Physical Performance, Perceived Mobility, and Activities of Daily Living in Older Community‐Dwelling Men and Women
Authors: Mikkola Tuija M. , Polku Hannele , Portegijs Erja , Rantakokko Merja , Rantanen Taina , Viljanen Anne 
Published: June 2015

ObjectivesTo explore the associations between self‐reported hearing problems and physical performance and self‐reported difficulties in mobility and activities of daily living (ADLs) in community‐dwelling older adults.DesignCross‐sectional cohort study.SettingCommunity.ParticipantsMen and women aged 75 to 90 (N = 848).MeasurementsStructured face‐to‐face interviews to assess perceived hearing problems in the presence of noise, mobility difficulties (moving indoors, stair‐climbing, 0.5‐km walk, 2‐km walk), and difficulties in ADLs and instrumental ADLs. The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) was administered. Age; years of education; cognitive functioning; and self‐reported cardiac, circulatory, and locomotor diseases were used as covariates.ResultsPersons who reported major hearing problems had a lower SPPB total score than those who reported good hearing (mean 9.8 vs 10.9, P = .009), indicating poorer performance, and more difficulties in ADLs (mean 1.8 vs 1.4, P = .002) and IADLs (mean 4.6 vs 3.4, P = .002), after controlling for covariates. They were also more likely to have more difficulty in stair‐climbing (odds ratio (OR) = 2.8, P < .001) and walking 2 km (OR = 2.1, P = .003) and tended to have more difficulty in walking 0.5 km (OR = 1.7, P = .05) but not moving indoors (P = .18). Persons who reported only some hearing problems did not differ from those who reported good hearing in any of the variables studied.ConclusionPerceived major hearing problems in older adults may contribute to poorer lower limb performance and difficulties in mobility and ADLs. Longitudinal studies are needed to determine whether poor hearing is a risk factor for decline in physical performance.
Hospice Care in Assisted Living Facilities Versus at Home: Results of a Multisite Cohort Study
Authors: Dougherty Meredith , Harris Pamela S. , Teno Joan , Corcoran Amy M. , Douglas Cindy , Nelson Jackie , Way Deborah , Harrold Joan E. , Casarett David J. 
Published: June 2015

ObjectivesTo compare residents of assisted living facilities receiving hospice with people receiving hospice care at home.DesignElectronic health record–based retrospective cohort study.SettingNonprofit hospices in the Coalition of Hospices Organized to Investigate Comparative Effectiveness network.ParticipantsIndividuals admitted to hospice between January 1, 2008, and May 15, 2012 (N = 85,581; 7,451 (8.7%) assisted living facility, 78,130 (91.3%) home).MeasurementsHospice length of stay, use of opioids for pain, and site of death.ResultsThe assisted living population was more likely than the home hospice population to have a diagnosis of dementia (23.5% vs 4.7%; odds ratio (OR) = 13.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 12.3–14.4; P < .001) and enroll in hospice closer to death (median length of stay 24 vs 29 days). Assisted living residents were less likely to receive opioids for pain (18.1% vs 39.7%; OR = 0.33, 95% CI = 0.29–0.39, P < .001) and less likely to die in an inpatient hospice unit (9.3% vs 16.1%; OR = 0.53, 95% CI = 0.49–0.58, P < .001) or a hospital (1.3% vs 7.6%; OR = 0.16, 95% CI = 0.13–0.19, P < .001).ConclusionThree are several differences between residents of assisted living receiving hospice care and individuals living at home receiving hospice care. A better understanding of these differences could allow hospices to develop guidelines for better coordination of end‐of‐life care for the assisted living population.
Risk of Injury in Older Adults Using Gastrointestinal Antispasmodic and Anticholinergic Medications
Authors: Spence Michele M. , Karim Fatima A. , Lee Eric A. , Hui Rita L. , Gibbs Nancy E. 
Published: June 2015

ObjectivesTo determine the risk of injury associated with gastrointestinal (GI) antispasmodic and anticholinergic use in elderly adults.DesignRetrospective case–control study.SettingIntegrated healthcare system.ParticipantsHealthcare system members aged 65 and older (N = 260,010; 54,152 cases, 205,858 controls).MeasurementsCases were identified as individuals with an injury resulting in a hospitalization, emergency department, or urgent care visit (index date) from January 2009 through December 2010. Cases and controls were matched in a 1:4 ratio based on age and sex. GI antispasmodic and anticholinergic current and past exposure for cases and controls was evaluated. Individuals were classified as current users if the days’ supply of the GI prescription overlapped the index date and past users if the days’ supply ended more than 60 days before the index date. Duration of use for current users was analyzed for short‐ and long‐term use. Conditional logistic regression produced adjusted odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsOf the total population, 1,068 (0.4%) had current exposure to a GI antispasmodic or anticholinergic (302 (0.6%) cases, 766 (0.4%) controls). Current users had a small but significantly greater risk of injury than nonusers (OR = 1.16, 95% CI = 1.01–1.34, P = .03). Past use was not significantly different from no use. Short‐term users had a significantly greater risk of injury (OR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.01–1.70, P = .04) than nonusers. Long‐term use was associated with greater risk, but the difference was not statistically significant.ConclusionOlder adults using GI antispasmodic and anticholinergic drugs have greater risk of injury. These findings support recommendations to limit the prescribing of GI antispasmodics and anticholinergics in elderly adults.
Frailty Before Critical Illness and Mortality for Elderly Medicare Beneficiaries
Authors: Hope Aluko A. , Gong Michelle N. , Guerra Carmen , Wunsch Hannah 
Published: June 2015

ObjectivesTo estimate the effect of pre‐intensive care unit (ICU) health categories on mortality during and after critical illness, focusing specifically on the effect of pre‐ICU frailty on short‐ and long‐term mortality.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingMedicare claims data from 2004 to 2008.ParticipantsA nationally representative sample of elderly Medicare beneficiaries admitted to an ICU in 2005.MeasurementsParticipants were classified into four pre‐ICU health categories (robust, cancer, chronic organ failure, frailty) using claims data from the year before admission, allowing for assignment to multiple categories. The association between pre‐ICU health category and hospital and 3‐year mortality was assessed using multivariable logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models.ResultsOf 47,427 elderly individuals in the ICU, 18.8% were robust, 28.6% had cancer, 68.1% had chronic organ failure, and 34.0% were frail; 41.3% qualified for multiple categories. Overall hospital mortality was 12.6%, with the lowest mortality for robust participants (9.7%). Participants with pre‐ICU frailty had higher hospital mortality than those with the same pre‐ICU health categories without frailty. (Adjusted odds ratios ranged from 1.27 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.10–1.47) to 1.52 (95% CI = 1.35–1.63).) Robust hospital survivors had the lowest 3‐year mortality (24.6%). Pre‐ICU frailty conferred higher 3‐year mortality than pre‐ICU categories without frailty. (Adjusted hazard ratios ranged from 1.54 (95% CI = 1.45–1.64) to 1.84 (95% CI = 1.70–1.99).)ConclusionCritically ill elderly adults can be categorized according to pre‐ICU health categories. These categories, particularly pre‐ICU frailty, may be important for understanding risk of death during and after critical illness.
Trends in Tuberculosis Cases Among Nursing Home Residents, California, 2000 to 2009
Authors: Chitnis Amit S. , Robsky Katherine , Schecter Gisela F. , Westenhouse Janice , Barry Pennan M. 
Published: June 2015

ObjectivesTo examine trends in tuberculosis (TB) incidence and to compare demographic and clinical characteristics of nursing home (NH) residents and community‐dwelling older adults.DesignProspective TB surveillance.SettingTB cases reported in California from 2000 to 2009.ParticipantsTB patients aged 65 and older.MeasurementsTrends in TB incidence per 100,000 population were assessed using Poisson regression. Demographic and clinical characteristics were compared using the chi‐square or Wilcoxon rank‐sum test. Among NH residents, risk factors for death during TB treatment were identified using logistic regression.ResultsFrom 2000 to 2009, TB incidence rates decreased significantly, from 15.9/100,000 to 8.4/100,000 (−44%, 95% confidence interval (CI) = −66% to −7%) for NH residents and from 21.2/100,000 to 15.0/100,000 (−27%, 95% CI = −29% to −24%) for community‐dwelling older adults. Overall, 211 TB cases among NH residents and 6,518 cases among community‐dwelling older adults were reported. NH residents were more likely than community‐dwelling older adults to be older (median age 81 vs 75, P < .001), have a negative acid‐fast bacilli sputum smear and positive culture (37% vs 28%, P < .001), and die while undergoing TB treatment (44% vs 14%, P < .001), and were less likely to have a positive tuberculin skin test (TST) (28% vs 44%, P < .001) and have TB care provided by a health department (20% vs 59%, P < .001). In multivariable analysis, NH residents who had a positive TST were less likely to die while undergoing TB treatment (odds ratio = 0.39, 95% CI = 0.16–0.96).ConclusionTB incidence rates were lower, and reductions in incidence were greater among NH residents; community‐dwelling older adults had higher TB rates and smaller reductions in incidence. Interventions that promote timely detection and treatment of TB infection and disease may be needed to reduce morbidity and mortality among NH residents.