bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The local government accountants’ perspective on sustainability
Authors: Williams Belinda 
Published: April 2015

Purpose
– This paper aims to focus on the local government accountants’ perspective towards their current and potential role in the sustainability reporting process and to explore potential factors influencing the further development of their role.

Design/methodology/approach
– A mail survey approach was adopted across local government organisations with a deeper analysis provided through semi-structured interviews.

Findings
– Findings indicate that accountants are supportive of involvement in sustainability reporting, but their actual level differs significantly from the level of involvement they believe they should have, pointing to the existence of an execution gap. Potential factors are investigated, highlighting the limited integration of sustainability beyond the organisational level, the lack of understanding of sustainability by accountants and the current need for further up-skilling by accountants.

Research limitations/implications
– The study enhances understanding of the accountant’s perception towards sustainability reporting practices within the public sector, with particular focus on local government.

Originality/value
– This is an exploratory study examining an area of accounting in local government in which there are few others. It seeks to contribute to the literature by exploring and examining the accountant’s perception towards sustainable development and their current and future prospects in the reporting process in the local government sector in Australia.
Low‐dose etretinate shows promise in management of punctate palmoplantar keratoderma type 1: Case report and review of the published work
Authors: Nomura Toshifumi , Moriuchi Reine , Takeda Masae , Suzuki Shotaro , Kikuchi Kazuhiro , Ito Takamasa , Shimizu Hiroshi , Shimizu Satoko 
Published: April 2015

AbstractPunctate palmoplantar keratoderma type 1 (PPKP1) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder of keratinization, clinically characterized by punctate keratotic papules affecting the palmoplantar skin. Loss‐of‐function mutations in AAGAB have recently been reported as a cause of PPKP1. Despite the discovery of the genetic cause of PPKP1, pathogenesis‐based therapies are still unavailable. Moreover, little is known about the effectiveness of treatments for PPKP1. In this study, we analyzed a Japanese woman with PPKP1 and identified a novel frame‐shift mutation c.195_198del4 (p.Lys66Phefs*43) in AAGAB. Moreover, low‐dose etretinate was effective in improving the PPKP1 lesions in our patient. Our published work review identified only eight cases of PPKP1 with successful response to topical or systemic treatments. Notably, six of the cases were successfully treated with systemic retinoids. Thus, this study clearly provides further evidence that PPKP1 is caused by AAGAB mutations and that systemic retinoids are the most promising current treatment for PPKP1.
The European Dimension to Scottish Constitutional Change
Authors: Keating Michael 
Published: April 2015

AbstractScottish self‐government and European integration are linked. Europe has become an important framework for the independence project. Evidence for Scots being more pro‐European is ambivalent, but there is a pro‐European consensus in Scottish political parties and civil society. In the referendum campaign, the No side suggested that an independent Scotland might not gain admission to the European Union. If the United Kingdom as a whole should vote to withdraw from the EU in a future referendum but Scotland to stay in, the independence question would re‐emerge. In the absence of independence, a number of issues arise as to how Scottish interests can best be represented in the EU.
Fluid resuscitation for paediatric sepsis: A survey of senior emergency physicians in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Long Elliot , Babl Franz , Dalziel Stuart , Dalton Sarah , Etheridge Carly , Duke Trevor ,   Paediatric Research in Emergency Departments International Collaborative (PREDICT)
Published: April 2015

AbstractObjectiveIt is unclear whether emerging evidence for harm from aggressive fluid resuscitation for paediatric sepsis has altered clinical practice. We surveyed senior emergency physicians to see if their fluid resuscitation practices conformed to published clinical guidelines.MethodsThis is a cross‐sectional, Internet‐based survey of senior emergency medical staff in any of 12 Paediatric Research in Emergency Departments International Collaborative (PREDICT) Network centres in Australia and New Zealand.ResultsThere were 110 of 120 (92%) senior medical staff who responded. Ninety‐eight per cent of respondents used 0.9% saline as their primary resuscitation fluid. Sixty‐two per cent of respondents used 20 mL/kg fluid bolus for every bolus, 30% used 20 mL/kg for the first bolus and 10 mL/kg subsequently. Response to fluid bolus administration was based on clinical parameters in 92% of respondents (heart rate, BP, skin perfusion/mottling and central capillary refill), conscious state in 80% and venous lactate in 75%. Harm from fluid bolus administration was routinely monitored for by 81% of respondents. In those assessing for harm, clinical parameters were reported to be most commonly used (respiratory rate and effort in 60%, SpO2 in 55%, presence of crackles on lung auscultation in 50% and hepatomegaly in 42%). Invasive or ultrasound‐based monitoring was used infrequently.ConclusionsPaediatric sepsis is reported to be managed by senior emergency physicians largely according to published guidelines. At this time, evidence for potential harm from fluid bolus resuscitation has not altered practice.
Nutritional intake of opioid replacement therapy patients in community pharmacies: A pilot study
Authors: Waddington Freya , Naunton Mark , Kyle Greg , Cooper Gabrielle 
Published: April 2015

AbstractAimOpioid replacement therapy (ORT) is an established therapy for a patient group that has been associated with nutrition‐related comorbidities. This paper aims to assess the nutritional intake and supplementation in ORT patients, determine the extent of nutritional/dietary advice supplied to ORT patients and to briefly examine patients' perception of pharmacists' provision of nutritional advice.MethodsThe nutritional intake of ORT patients receiving treatment in community pharmacies within the Australian Capital Territory was assessed via a 24‐hour recall survey. Food intake data were analysed via nutrient analysis software and compared with Australian Nutrition Reference Values and the nutrient intakes of the Australian population. Patients were surveyed to determine supplement use and perceptions of nutritional advice gained by pharmacists.ResultsPotential insufficient intake of various macronutrients and micronutrients was observed in both sexes. Less than 25% of patients recorded supplement use. Fifteen percent of males and 21% of females stated that they had approached a pharmacist with a nutrition‐related query. All patients who received nutritional advice followed the advice.ConclusionsORT patients dosing at community pharmacies appear to have poor nutritional intake. ORT patients appear to be receptive to pharmacist's advice. Community pharmacists can potentially increase the beneficial health outcomes in this population through the proactive supply of accurate nutritional advice.
Differences in parasitic ability of Beauveria bassiana (Moniliales: Moniliaceae) in relation to Pantana phyllostachysae (Lepidoptera: Lymantridae) when feeding on different Phyllostachys pubescens (Poales: Poaceae) leaves
Authors: Su Jun , Chen Shunli , Zhang Fei‐ping 
Published: April 2015

AbstractDifferences in composition of on‐year, off‐year and new leaves in Phyllostachys pubescens (moso bamboo) forests will affect the resistance of Pantana phyllostachysae larvae and the parasitic ability of Beauveria bassiana. Pantana phyllostachysae fed on mixed leaves of on‐year, off‐year and new bamboo leaves. The activities of acetylcholine esterase (AChE) and glutathione S‐transferase (GSTs) in P. phyllostachysae larvae fed on mixed leaves were significantly higher, greatly reducing the pathogenicity of B. bassiana to P. phyllostachysae larvae compared with the treatments of off‐year and new bamboo leaves. The phenoloxidase (PO) activity in P. phyllostachysae larvae feeding on mixed leaves varied within three days after parasitization by B. bassiana, which indicated higher and less changeable PO activity compared with treatments of off‐year and new bamboo leaves. Inclusion of new leaves differed greatly due to its growth, in which, both AChE and GSTs activities were higher than the off‐year leaf treatment, leading to a lower pathogenicity of B. bassiana to P. phyllostachysae larvae feeding on new leaves compared with off‐year leaves. On the contrary, the pathogenicity of B. bassiana to P. phyllostachysae larvae feeding on on‐year leaves was lower than other treatments. AChE and GSTs activities in P. phyllostachysae larvae were lower and PO activity was less changeable, which might be related to the disadvantage of the larval surface structure to B. bassiana infection in the on‐year leaf treatment.
Physical Stability of Octenyl Succinate–Modified Polysaccharides and Whey Proteins for Potential Use as Bioactive Carriers in Food Systems
Authors: Puerta‐Gomez Alex F. , Castell‐Perez M. Elena 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe high cost and potential toxicity of biodegradable polymers like poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic)acid (PLGA) has increased the interest in natural and modified biopolymers as bioactive carriers. This study characterized the physical stability (water sorption and state transition behavior) of selected starch and proteins: octenyl succinate–modified depolymerized waxy corn starch (DWxCn), waxy rice starch (DWxRc), phytoglycogen, whey protein concentrate (80%, WPC), whey protein isolate (WPI), and α‐lactalbumin (α‐L) to determine their potential as carriers of bioactive compounds under different environmental conditions. After enzyme modification and particle size characterization, glass transition temperature and moisture isotherms were used to characterize the systems. DWxCn and DWxRc had increased water sorption compared to native starch. The level of octenyl succinate anhydrate (OSA) modification (3% and 7%) did not reduce the water sorption of the DWxCn and phytoglycogen samples. The Guggenheim–Andersen–de Boer model indicated that native waxy corn had significantly (P < 0.05) higher water monolayer capacity followed by 3%‐OSA‐modified DWxCn, WPI, 3%‐OSA‐modified DWxRc, α‐L, and native phytoglycogen. WPC had significantly lower water monolayer capacity. All Tg values matched with the solid‐like appearance of the biopolymers. Native polysaccharides and whey proteins had higher glass transition temperature (Tg) values. On the other hand, depolymerized waxy starches at 7%‐OSA modification had a “melted” appearance when exposed to environments with high relative humidity (above 70%) after 10 days at 23 °C. The use of depolymerized and OSA‐modified polysaccharides blended with proteins created more stable blends of biopolymers. Hence, this biopolymer would be suitable for materials exposed to high humidity environments in food applications.
Echocardiographic evaluation of the effects of dexmedetomidine on cardiac function during total intravenous anaesthesia
Authors: Lee S. H. , Choi Y. S. , Hong G. R. , Oh Y. J. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of dexmedetomidine on biventricular systolic and diastolic function using transoesophageal echocardiography. Cardiac function was assessed in 30 healthy patients who received total intravenous anaesthesia with propofol and remifentanil. The echocardiographic examinations were performed just before and 20, 40 and 60 min after dexmedetomidine or saline administration. Patients who received dexmedetomidine, compared with saline after 20 min, had a lower mean (SD) heart rate (56.7 (5.2) vs 67.1 (7.1) beats.min−1), higher systolic blood pressure (125.7 (18.9) vs 109 (7.9) mmHg), and lower cardiac output (2.9 (0.5) vs 3.7 (1.0) l.min−1), respectively (all p < 0.05). In contrast, no changes were observed in biventricular systolic and diastolic indices in either group, and there were no inter‐group differences at any time point. Dexmedetomidine, as an adjuvant to total intravenous anaesthesia, does not impair biventricular systolic and diastolic function in healthy patients, but decreases cardiac output by reducing heart rate.
Review article: non‐malignant oral manifestations in inflammatory bowel diseases
Authors: Katsanos K. H. , Torres J. , Roda G. , Brygo A. , Delaporte E. , Colombel J.‐F. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryBackgroundPatients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) may present with lesions in their oral cavity. Lesions may be associated with the disease itself representing an extraintestinal manifestation, with nutritional deficiencies or with complications from therapy.AimTo review and describe the spectrum of oral nonmalignant manifestations in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases [ulcerative colitis (UC), Crohn's disease (CD)] and to critically review all relevant data.MethodsA literature search using the terms and variants of all nonmalignant oral manifestations of inflammatory bowel diseases (UC, CD) was performed in November 2014 within Pubmed, Embase and Scopus and restricted to human studies.ResultsOral lesions in IBD can be divided into three categories: (i) lesions highly specific for IBD, (ii) lesions highly suspicious of IBD and (iii) nonspecific lesions. Oral lesions are more common in CD compared to UC, and more prevalent in children. In adult CD patients, the prevalence rate of oral lesions is higher in CD patients with proximal gastrointestinal tract and/or perianal involvement, and estimated to range between 20% and 50%. Oral lesions can also occur in UC, with aphthous ulcers being the most frequent type. Oral manifestations in paediatric UC may be present in up to one‐third of patients and are usually nonspecific.ConclusionsOral manifestations in IBD can be a diagnostic challenge. Treatment generally involves managing the underlying intestinal disease. In cases presenting with local disabling symptoms and impaired quality of life, local and systemic medical therapy must be considered and/or oral surgery may be required.
Estimation of the optimal standardized ileal digestible lysine requirement for primiparous lactating sows fed diets supplemented with crystalline amino acids
Authors: Shi Meng , Zang Jianjun , Li Zhongchao , Shi Chuanxin , Liu Ling , Zhu Zhengpeng , Li Defa 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThis experiment was conducted to determine the optimal standardized ileal digestible lysine (SID Lys) level in diets fed to primiparous sows during lactation. A total of 150 (Landrace × Large White) crossbred gilts (weighing 211.1 ± 3.5 kg with a litter size of 11.1 ± 0.2) were fed lactation diets (3325 kcal metabolizable energy (ME)/kg) containing SID Lys levels of 0.76, 0.84, 0.94, 1.04 or 1.14%, through 28 days lactation. Gilts were allocated to treatments based on their body weight and backfat thickness 48 h after farrowing. Gilt body weight loss was significantly (P < 0.05) decreased by increasing dietary SID Lys levels. Fitted broken‐line (P < 0.05) and quadratic plot (P < 0.05) analysis of body weight loss indicated that the optimal SID Lys for primiparous sows was 0.85 and 1.01%, respectively. Average daily feed intake (ADFI), weaning‐to‐estrus interval and subsequent conception rate were not affected by dietary SID Lys levels. Increasing dietary lysine had no effect on litter performances. Protein content in milk was increased by dietary SID Lys (P < 0.05). Dietary SID Lys tended to increase concentrations of serum insulin‐like growth factor I (P = 0.066). These results of this experiment indicate that the optimal dietary SID Lys for lactating gilts was at least 0.85%, which approaches the recommendation of 0.84% that is estimated by the National Research Council (2012).
Ritonavir is the best alternative to ketoconazole as an index inhibitor of cytochrome P450‐3A in drug–drug interaction studies
Authors: Greenblatt David J. , Harmatz Jerold S. 
Published: April 2015

AimsThe regulatory prohibition of ketoconazole as a CYP3A index inhibitor in drug–drug interaction (DDI) studies has compelled consideration of alternative inhibitors.MethodsThe biomedical literature was searched to identify DDI studies in which oral midazolam (MDZ) was the victim, and the inhibitory perpetrator was either ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin, or ritonavir. The ratios (RAUC) of total area under the curve (AUC) for MDZ with inhibitor divided by MDZ AUC in the control condition were aggregated across individual studies for each inhibitor.ResultsMean (± SE) RAUC values were: ketoconazole (15 studies, 131 subjects), 11.5 (±1.2); itraconazole (five studies, 48 subjects), 7.3 (±1.0); clarithromycin (five studies, 73 subjects), 6.5 (±10.9); and ritonavir (13 studies, 159 subjects), 14.5 (±2.0). Differences among inhibitors were significant (F = 5.31, P < 0.005). RAUC values were not significantly related to inhibitor dosage or to duration of inhibitor pre‐exposure prior to administration of MDZ.ConclusionsRitonavir produces CYP3A inhibition equivalent to or greater than ketoconazole, and is the best index CYP3A inhibitor alternative to ketoconazole. Cobicistat closely resembles ritonavir in structure and function, and can also be considered. Itraconazole and clarithromycin are not suitable alternatives since they do not produce inhibition comparable with ketoconazole or ritonavir, and have other significant disadvantages as well.
Risk of hip/femur fractures during the initiation period of α‐adrenoceptor blocker therapy among elderly males: a self‐controlled case series study
Authors: Lai Chao‐Lun , Kuo Raymond Nien‐Chen , Chen Ho‐Min , Chen Ming‐Fong , Chan Kinwei Arnold , Lai Mei‐Shu 
Published: April 2015

AimsThis study aimed to evaluate the risk of hip/femur fractures during the initiation period of α‐adrenoceptor blocker therapy using the National Health Insurance claims database, Taiwan, with a self‐controlled case series design.MethodsAll male beneficiaries aged over 50 years as of 2007, who were incident users of α‐adrenoceptor blockers and also had a diagnosis of hip/femur fracture within the 2007–2009 study period were identified. The first day when the α‐adrenoceptor blocker was prescribed was set as the index date. We partitioned the initial 21 day period following the index date as the post‐exposure risk period 1, days 22–60 after the index date as the post‐exposure risk period 2, the 21 day period prior to the index date as the pre‐exposure risk period 1 and days 22–60 prior to the index date as the pre‐exposure risk period 2. The remainder of the study period was defined as the unexposed period. The incidence rate ratio (IRR) of hip/femur fractures within each risk period compared with the unexposed period was estimated using a conditional Poisson regression model.ResultsA total of 5875 men were included. Compared with the unexposed period, the IRR of hip/femur fractures was 1.36 (95% confidence interval 1.06, 1.74, P = 0.017) within the post‐exposure risk period 1 for patients without concomitant prescriptions of anti‐hypertensive agents.ConclusionsUse of α‐adrenoceptor blockers was associated with a small but significant increase in the risk of hip/femur fractures during the early initiation period in patients without concomitant prescriptions of anti‐hypertensive agents.
BRAF‐mutated carcinomas among thyroid nodules with prior indeterminate FNA report: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Trimboli Pierpaolo , Treglia Giorgio , Condorelli Emma , Romanelli Francesco , Crescenzi Anna , Bongiovanni Massimo , Giovanella Luca 
Published: April 2015

SummaryBackgroundSeveral molecular analyses have been investigated for risk stratification of thyroid nodules, with a particular focus on the V600E mutation of the BRAF gene [BRAF(V600E)]. To date, there is no high‐level evidence supporting or refuting a role for BRAF analysis in thyroid nodules with prior indeterminate cytology. To obtain more robust evidence, we reviewed and meta‐analysed data from published articles.Research Design and MethodsA comprehensive literature search of the PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase and Scopus databases was conducted using the terms ‘BRAF’, ‘thyroid’ and ‘indeterminate’. The search was updated until March 2015, and references of the retrieved articles were also screened. Only original articles reporting BRAF mutation testing within nodules with indeterminate FNA were eligible for inclusion.ResultsThe literature search revealed 82 articles, of which 8 were eligible for the study. Five studies were prospective and three retrospective. The majority of authors analysed BRAF mutations in FNA samples which were classified by the British or Bethesda system. Of the initial series of studies, a pooled number of 1361 cases were achieved of which 43 were BRAF mutated. Overall, the BRAF mutation rate was 4·6% (95% CI: 1–10·8%), ranging from 0 to 22·9%. When we included only histological series, 978 thyroid nodules were found. Of these, 245 were cancers.ConclusionsA very low rate of lesions with indeterminate cytology are BRAF mutated. Thus, the role of this biomarker to detect or exclude cancers in patients with such FNA reports is marginal and should be reconsidered in guidelines.
Robust Neuritogenesis‐Promoting Activity by Bis(heptyl)‐Cognitin Through the Activation of alpha7‐Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor/ERK Pathway
Authors: Hu Sheng‐Quan , Cui Wei , Mak Shing‐Hung , Choi Chung‐Lit , Hu Yuan‐Jia , Li Gang , Tsim Karl Wah‐Keung , Pang Yuan‐Ping , Han Yi‐Fan 
Published: April 2015

SummaryAimsNeurodegenerative disorders are caused by progressive neuronal loss in the brain, and hence, compounds that could promote neuritogenesis may have therapeutic values. In this study, the effects of bis(heptyl)‐cognitin (B7C), a multifunctional dimer, on neurite outgrowth were investigated in both PC12 cells and primary cortical neurons.MethodsImmunocytochemical staining was used to evaluate the proneuritogenesis effects, and Western blot and short hairpin RNA assays were applied to explore the underlying mechanisms.ResultsB7C (0.1–0.5 μM) induced robust neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells, as evidenced by the neurite‐bearing morphology and upregulation of growth‐associated protein‐43 expression. In addition, B7C markedly promoted neurite outgrowth in primary cortical neurons as shown by the increase in the length of β‐III‐tubulin‐positive neurites. Furthermore, B7C rapidly increased ERK phosphorylation. Specific inhibitors of alpha7‐nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7‐nAChR) and MEK, but not those of p38 or JNK, blocked the neurite outgrowth as well as ERK phosphorylation induced by B7C. Most importantly, genetic depletion of α7‐nAChR significantly abolished B7C‐induced neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells.ConclusionB7C promoted neurite outgrowth through the activation of α7‐nAChR/ERK pathway, which offers novel insight into the potential application of B7C in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.