bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Variation in implementation of corporate social responsibility practices in emerging economies' firms: A survey of Chilean fruit exporters
Authors: Klerkx Laurens , Villalobos Pablo , Engler Alejandra 
Published: March 2012

AbstractAs in many sectors in emerging economies, the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) has become important for exporting agri‐food firms in view of their integration in global supply chains. The purpose of this research was to assess the implementation by Chilean fruit exporters of CSR practices that go beyond minimum legal requirements. The principal results are that, although socio‐economic components of CSR such as poverty reduction and socially just working conditions receive much attention, firms consider comprehensive environmental practices as less important. The results also indicate a slightly higher implementation of comprehensive CSR practices by large firms as compared to small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). The main conclusion is that, although CSR is increasingly considered by Chilean firms, among SMEs in particular, more attention needs to be paid to raising awareness among managers about CSR practices and to providing assistance in their implementation. This supports findings on CSR implementation in other emerging economies that an active role of civil society and industry organizations is key and that targeted support strategies are needed to install a holistic awareness of CSR and help firms to improve on those aspects of CSR that are relatively underdeveloped.
Interleukin‐15 suppresses hepatitis B virus replication via IFN‐β production in a C57BL/6 mouse model
Authors: Yin Wenwei , Xu Long , Sun Rui , Wei Haiming , Tian Zhigang 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBackgroundInterleukin‐15 (IL‐15) is a pleiotropic cytokine known to modulate both innate and adaptive immunity. It is suggested that IL‐15 may play an important role in the regulation of immune response to hepatitis B virus (HBV).AimsWe investigated whether IL‐15 could modulate the immune response to HBV.MethodsA mouse model for HBV tolerance was established by hydrodynamical injection of pAAV/HBV1.2 plasmid into C57BL/6 mice. This HBV‐carrier mouse was simultaneously hydrodynamically injected with either an IL‐15‐expression plasmid pLIVE‐IL‐15 or a mock control vector pLIVE‐EGFP. The serum levels of HBsAg and HBeAg were measured by radioimmunoassay.ResultsHydrodynamic injection of the plasmid pLIVE‐IL‐15 resulted in sustained high level of IL‐15 in mouse serum, along with the markedly decreased serum HBsAg and HBeAg titres and liver HBV DNA levels. IL‐15 also induced anti‐HBV activity in T cell‐ and B cell‐deficient Rag1−/− mice. Interestingly, despite an increase in NK cell numbers in both spleen and liver of IL‐15 treated mice, the anti‐HBV effect of IL‐15 was neither dependent on presence of NK cells nor on production of IFN‐γ. Furthermore, IL‐15 could exert anti‐HBV function independent of the common IL‐2γcR. Lastly, we found that IFN‐β expression in the liver and serum was significantly up‐regulated by liver expression of IL‐15, and blockade of IFN‐β function abrogated the anti‐HBV activity of IL‐15.ConclusionsLiver over‐expression of IL‐15 may suppress HBV replication in an IFN‐β‐dependent manner.
Impaired cutaneous wound healing in transforming growth factor‐β inducible early gene1 knockout mice
Authors: Hori Keijiro , Ding Jie , Marcoux Yvonne , Iwashina Takashi , Sakurai Hiroyuki , Tredget Edward E. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractTransforming growth factor‐β inducible early gene (TIEG) is induced by transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) and acts as the primary response gene in the TGF‐β/Smad pathway. TGF‐β is a multifunctional growth factor that affects dermal wound healing; however, the mechanism of how TGF‐β affects wound healing is still not well understood because of the complexity of its function and signaling pathways. We hypothesize that TIEG may play a role in dermal wound healing, with involvement in wound closure, contraction, and reepithelialization. In this study, we have shown that TIEG1 knockout (TIEG1–/–) mice have a delay in wound closure related to an impairment in wound contraction, granulation tissue formation, collagen synthesis, and reepithelialization. We also found that Smad7 was increased in the wounds and appeared to play a role in this wound healing model in TIEG1–/– mice.
Intercostal Insertion of Veress Needle for Canine Laparoscopic Procedures: A Cadaver Study
Authors: Doerner Judith , Fiorbianco Valentina , Dupré Gilles 
Published: March 2012

ObjectiveTo record and compare the frequency of organ penetration after insertion of a Veress needle (VN) in 6 different intercostal spaces (ICS) for creation of pneumoperitoneum in canine cadavers.Study DesignDescriptive study.AnimalsCanine cadavers (n = 15).MethodsIn 15 cadavers positioned in dorsal recumbency, VN insertion in the right and left 8th–10th ICS was performed, the abdomen insufflated, and VN position and any visceral penetration recorded. The frequency of viscus penetration was assessed in all insertion sites.ResultsIn cadavers, the right 9th ICS was associated with the lowest number of organ penetrations after VN insertion.ConclusionIn cadavers, the position associated with the lowest frequency of penetrating any intraabdominal structure was the 9th ICSon the right side.
Use of a Laparoscopic Retrieval Device for Urolith Removal through a Perineal Urethrotomy
Authors: Menéndez Inés Martín , Fitch Gareth 
Published: March 2012

ObjectiveTo report the use of a laparoscopic retrieval device for removal of uroliths via a perineal urethrotomy.Study DesignCase report.AnimalsA 12‐year‐old Konenklijk Warmbloed Paardenstamboek Nederland (KWPN) gelding and a 15‐year‐old Holsteiner gelding.MethodsPerineal urethrotomy was performed on 2 standing sedated geldings and the urolith was removed using a laparoscopic retrieval device.ResultsIn both cases, uroliths were removed successfully with no short‐ or long‐term complications. The larger of the 2 uroliths measured 6 cm in length and 4.6 cm in width.ConclusionsRemoval of a urolith via a perineal urethrotomy using a laparoscopic retrieval device was an expedient and minimally traumatic method that obviated the need for fragmentation before removal.
Effect of Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy on Femorotibial Subluxation:In VivoAnalysis during Standing
Authors: Kim Stanley E. , Lewis Daniel D. , Pozzi Antonio 
Published: March 2012

ObjectiveTo assess the effect of tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) on femorotibial subluxation during standing in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) insufficiency.Study DesignProspective clinical study.AnimalsFifteen dogs weighing 20–45 kg with unilateral completeCrCLinsufficiency.MethodsForce‐platform analysis, and lateral weight‐bearing radiographs of the affected stifle were acquired preoperatively, 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. The distance between the origin and insertion of theCrCL(CrCLd) was measured on each radiograph and compared between time points usingANOVA. Lateral radiographs of the non‐weight‐bearing affected stifle and weight‐bearing contralateral normal stifle were acquired preoperatively, andCrCLdwas compared with a paired t‐test. Dogs were grouped according to medial meniscal status (intact or hemimeniscectomy) andCrCLdwas compared within each group usingANOVA.ResultsNo difference was observed inCrCLdbetween the non‐weight‐bearing affected stifle and the contralateral stifle (P= .994). That is, femorotibial joint alignment in the affected stifle when non‐weight‐bearing was considered normal. Preoperatively in the affected stifle,CrCLdduring weight‐bearing was 6.3 ± 2.4 mm longer than normal (P< .001). Postoperative weight‐bearingCrCLdin dogs with intact menisci at all time points was not statistically different from normal;CrCLdat 1 (P= .014) and 6 months (P= .005) postoperatively was longer than normal in dogs with hemimeniscectomy.ConclusionsTPLOdoes not consistently resolve femorotibial subluxation during standing in dogs withCrCLinsufficiency. The medial meniscus appears to be an important contributor to stability in stifles treated byTPLO.
Evaluation of Osteoarthritis in Cats: Novel Information from a Pilot Study
Authors: Guillot Martin , Moreau Maxim , d'Anjou Marc‐André , Martel‐Pelletier Johanne , Pelletier Jean‐Pierre , Troncy Eric 
Published: March 2012

ObjectiveTo describe structural changes associated with osteoarthritis (OA) in cats and to quantifyOA‐associated disability using functional evaluations.Study DesignCross‐sectional pilot study with longitudinal data.AnimalsNormal cats (n= 2) and coxofemoral jointOAcats (n= 4) were evaluated by physical examination, radiography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).MethodsStructural changes related toOAwere scored using computed radiographs (CR) andMRI. Functional evaluation consisted of podobarometric gait analyses performed using a pressure‐sensitive mattress and motor activity assessments using collar‐attached, accelerometer‐based activity sensors.ResultsStructural scores for the coxofemoral jointOA‐related lesions were lower in normal cats thanOAcats forMRI(P= .07). Use ofMRIallowed for whole‐organ assessment of the coxofemoral joint. Pelvic limb peak vertical ground reaction force (PVF) was higher in normal cats thanOAcats (P= .10). During the night, motor activity was greater in normal cats thanOAcats (P= .04).PVFwas positively correlated with mean motor activity (Spearman coefficient [Rho] = 0.83,P= .04) and negatively correlated with age andMRIstructural score (Rho = −0.93 and −0.79,P< .01 and .06, respectively).ConclusionsThis study provides the first description ofOA‐related lesions in cats usingMRI. Gait analysis and accelerometry should be considered as objective tools to characterizeOA‐associated disability, although these assessments were weakly correlated with structural changes.
Expected Frequency of Use and Proficiency of Core Surgical Skills in Entry‐Level Veterinary Practice: 2009ACVSCore Surgical Skills Diplomate Survey Results
Authors: Smeak Daniel D. , Hill Lawrence N. , Lord Linda K. , Allen L. Clare V. 
Published: March 2012

ObjectivesACVS Diplomates were surveyed to identify a complete list of core surgical skills, determine the expected frequency of use of these skills, and ascertain the level of skills proficiency expected of entry‐level practicing veterinarians.Study DesignInternet‐based survey.Sample PopulationRandomly chosenACVS Diplomates (n = 750).MethodsRating scale items were used to construct the main portion of the survey with 26 skills that were scored by participants based on rankings of proficiency expected of entry‐level veterinarians, as well as expected frequency of use of these skills. Additional demographic questions were included to gather information regarding gender, practice type, year of veterinary school, year ofACVSmembership, job description, primary surgical discipline, practice location, average number of procedures performed on a weekly basis, and number of new graduates mentored in the last 5 years.ResultsOf 337Diplomates (44.9%) who responded to the survey, >60% expected entry‐level graduates to have good skills with minimal supervision or complete skills for 21 of the 26 skills categories listed. More than 60% of respondents ranked 7 skills with a lower frequency score (seldom or occasionally use). Orthopedic instrument handling and fixation skills as well as electrosurgical and laser skills received some of the lowest expected proficiency and frequency rankings. No additional skills categories were identified in the open‐ended survey questions.ConclusionsA complete list of core surgical skills was identified. There was broad consensus between boarded surgeons irrespective of their practice type, experience, or discipline for ranked proficiency and frequency scores among the core surgical skills expected of entry‐level veterinarians.
Glycosylated Hemoglobin and Outcomes in Diabetic Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction after Successful Revascularization with Stent Placement: Findings from the Guthrie Health Off‐Label Stent (GHOST) Investigators
Authors: SINGLA ANAND , ORSHAW PAMELA , BOURA JUDY , HARJAI KISHORE J. 
Published: March 2012

Objective:

We evaluated the influence of glycemic control on cardiovascular outcomes in diabetic patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) who underwent successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with stent placement.
Background:

In patients presenting with AMI, diabetic status confers adverse cardiovascular outcomes after PCI. However, the influence of glycemic control on outcomes after successful PCI is less well studied.
Methods:

We examined 231 consecutive diabetes mellitus (DM) patients with AMI who underwent successful primary PCI and had evaluation of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) from 30 days before to 90 days after AMI. Patients were categorized in 2 groups, controlled DM with HbA1c ≤ 7.0 (N = 83, 36%) and uncontrolled DM with HbA1c > 7.0 (N = 148, 64%). We assessed 12‐month cardiovascular outcomes in study groups.
Results:

Uncontrolled diabetics were younger, tended to be less hypertensive, and had higher baseline glomerular filtration rate and final vessel diameter compared to controlled diabetics. Uncontrolled DM patients had similar major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE; composite of all‐cause death, MI, target vessel revascularization [TVR], and stent thrombosis [ST]; 20% vs. 30%, log‐rank P = 0.54), death (8.8% vs. 12%, P = 0.40), MI (8.8% vs. 9.6%, P = 0.76), TVR (9.5% vs. 8.4%, P = 0.95), and ST (3.4% vs. 4.8%, P = 0.54) as the controlled diabetics. In Cox regression analysis, after adjustment for baseline differences, glycemic control had no independent influence on study outcomes.
Conclusion:

Glycemic control, determined by HbA1c, does not seem to influence cardiovascular outcomes in diabetic patients with AMI after successful stent placement. (J Interven Cardiol 2012;25:262–269)
Theoretical Prediction of Elastic Stiffness and Minimum Lattice Thermal Conductivity of Y3Al5O12, YAlO3 and Y4Al2O9
Authors: Zhan Xun , Li Zhen , Liu Bin , Wang Jingyang , Zhou Yanchun , Hu Zijun 
Published: March 2012

Combining Clarke's model with first‐principles calculation of average sound velocity, the minimum lattice thermal conductivities (κmin) of Y3Al5O12 (YAG), YAlO3 (YAP) and Y4Al2O9 (YAM) are predicted to be 1.59, 1.61, and 1.10 W·(m·K)−1, respectively. The weak Y–O polyhedra provide “weak zones” that scattering phonons and lead to the low κmin of ternary Y–Al–O compounds. In addition, the extremely low κmin of YAM is attributed to its higher levels of local disorder of crystal structure and weaker chemical bonding compared with those of YAG and YAP. Inspired by theoretical predictions, dense and phase‐pure YAM is synthesized and the experimental thermal conductivity is only 1.56 W·(m·K)−1at 1273 K. Finally, YAM is highlighted as a potential thermal barrier material for its low thermal conductivities at temperatures from 473 to 1273 K.
A review assessing the quality of reporting of risk factor research in implant dentistry using smoking, diabetes and periodontitis and implant loss as an outcome: critical aspects in design and outcome assessment
Authors: Rocchietta Isabella , Nisand David 
Published: March 2012

AbstractAimTo assess, using a structured review, the quality of reporting (design and outcome assessment) of risk factor research using the STROBE statements. The outcome was implant loss, and the risk factors assessed were smoking, diabetes and periodontitis.Materials and MethodsLiterature search was performed individually for each of the risk factors and the outcome using three sets of database: (a) MEDLINE, (b) references derived from relevant reviews and (c) references derived from identified manuscripts. Only case–control and cohort studies were included and assessed using the STROBE statements.ResultsA total of 104 papers were retrieved, three of which were found to be cohort studies (one in the diabetes and two in the periodontitis review) and none was a case–control study. A total of 101 of 104 papers were case series or cross‐sectional study.ConclusionsRisk factor research in implant dentistry is mostly comprised of case series studies. These are used to generate hypotheses, but are the wrong tool to test these hypotheses. In the near future, well‐designed observational studies are needed and should be reported according to the proposed checklist.
Rehabilitation of muscle after injury – the role of anti‐inflammatory drugs
Authors: Mackey A. L. , Mikkelsen U. R. , Magnusson S. P. , Kjaer M. 
Published: March 2012

Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely consumed among athletes worldwide in relation to muscle injury and soreness. This review aims to provide an overview of studies investigating their effects on skeletal muscle, in particular the repair processes in injured muscle. Muscle injury occurs in diverse situations and the nature of muscle injuries varies significantly, complicating extrapolations between experimental models and “real life.” Classical muscle strain injuries occur at the interphase between the muscle fibers and connective tissue, most often in the myotendinuous junction, whereas contusion or overload injury can damage both myofibers and intramuscular connective tissue. The role of NSAIDs in muscle repair is complicated by differences in injury models used, variables evaluated, and time point(s) selected for evaluations.While the temporal pattern of the influence of NSAIDs on muscle repair is difficult to settle on, it appears that a potential beneficial effect of NSAIDs in the early phase after injury is not maintained in the long term, or is even negated by a long‐term repair deficit. At the cellular level, evidence exists for a negative influence of NSAIDs on the muscle stem cell population (satellite cells). At a structural level, it is known that muscle connective tissue undergoes significant remodeling during muscle regeneration, but the potential of NSAID exposure to alter this response in humans needs investigation.
Multiple Pregnancy Failures: An Immunological Paradigm
Authors: Matthiesen Leif , Kalkunte Satyan , Sharma Surendra 
Published: March 2012

Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA), three or more pregnancy losses prior to 20 weeks, occurs in about 1% of all pregnancies, 50% of RSA cases remain unexplained and unresolved. Recently, immune pathways have been implicated in the pathophysiology of RSA. Immune tolerance of the fetal–placental unit and placental angiogenesis are mandatory for a successful pregnancy outcome. Unscheduled dysregulation of the placental vasculature is thought to be the pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying an array of pregnancy complications like infertility, miscarriage, pre‐eclampsia, and fetal growth restriction and death. Investigations on mechanisms and management of RSA are mired by substandard design and lack of optimal randomized clinical trials and have resulted in disagreement on guidelines for evaluation and treatments for patients with multiple pregnancy losses of unknown etiology. The present review focuses on evidence‐based research discussion with immunologic causes, and immune‐regulatory therapies recommended for helping patients with a history of RSA. We highlight data that might support revalidation of low molecular weight heparin as a protective therapy in RSA. Newly launched growth factors, GM‐CSF, and potentially novel agents to suppress inflammatory rejection, including regulatory T cells, human chorionic gonadotropin, and M‐CSF/IL‐10, may work in concert with tender‐loving‐care therapy and give hope to couples with multiple pregnancy losses.
Oral health status of elderly hospitalised psychiatric patients
Authors: Kossioni Anastassia E. , Kossionis George E. , Polychronopoulou Argy 
Published: March 2012

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2012.00633.x

Oral health status of elderly hospitalised psychiatric patients
Objectives:  This study investigated the oral health status of an elderly mentally ill population hospitalised in a psychogeriatric ward in Athens.Materials and methods:  A structured interview recorded sociodemographic and dental data, and an oral examination recorded the status of oral tissues and the existing dentures. The patients’ medical records were examined by a hospital’s physician.Results:  One hundred and eleven patients with a mean age of 73 years participated in the study. Almost half of them suffered from schizophrenia. Forty percent were completely edentulous but only 38.6% of them used a pair of dentures. The dentate had an average of 12.9 teeth, 50.7% of them had at least one decayed tooth, 44.8% needed at least one extraction, and only 26.7% had filled teeth. The dental hygiene was poor in 83.6% of the patients. More than 60% of the dentures had a defect. Multiple regression analyses showed that increasing age and dementia were significantly related to fewer remaining teeth, and the use of atypical antipsychotics was related to fewer caried teeth.Conclusion:  The oral health of the elderly psychiatric patients was very poor. Access to dental care should improve, and the health care staff should be trained to identify oral problems.
RECONFIGURING SEX, GENDER, AND THE LAW OF MARRIAGE1
Authors: Widiss Deborah A. 
Published: March 2012

This article brings together legal, historical, and social science research to analyze how couples allocate income‐producing and domestic responsibilities. It develops a framework—what I call the marriage equation—that shows how sex‐based classifications, (non‐sex‐specific) substantive marriage law, and gender norms interrelate to shape these choices. Constitutional decisions in the 1970s ended legal distinctions between the duties of husbands and wives but left largely in place both gender norms and substantive rights within marriage, tax, and benefits law that encourage specialization into breadwinning and caregiving roles. By permitting disaggregation of the marriage equation, the new reality of same‐sex marriage can serve as a natural experiment that should inform both study design and policy reform.Key Points for the Family Court Community:
This article shows that although marriage law no longer explicitly requires wives to provide domestic support and husbands to provide economic support, non‐sex‐specific aspects of the substantive law continue to encourage couples to specialize into breadwinning and caregiving rules.
Same‐sex marriage can serve as a natural experiment to expose the extent to which substantive marriage law—as opposed to gender norms—may encourage couples to specialize into breadwinning and caregiving roles.
Research on same‐sex marriage can help inform how best to achieve equality within all marriages and what is fair compensation for a dependent spouse in the event of a divorce.
Outcomes post‐discharge from an early intervention in psychosis service
Authors: Dodgson Guy , Ross Louise , Tiffin Paul , Mitford Emma , Brabban Alison 
Published: March 2012

AbstractAim: To investigate the effectiveness of an early intervention in psychosis (EIP) service on engagement and hospital bed usage, post‐discharge. A secondary aim was to identify if there was a subgroup of patients with ‘poor outcomes’.Method: A naturalistic study comparing engagement and hospital bed day usage of individuals who received treatment from an EIP service (n = 75) with those who presented before the service was established (n = 113).Results: The EIP service demonstrated better engagement with service users in year 5 (P = 0.001). No significant differences were observed on hospital bed day usage. When ‘poor outcome’ cases were removed, a trend towards lower bed usage in EIP services emerged (P = 0.139).Conclusion: EIP services improve engagement with service users. There was not a significant reduction in hospital bed usage. However, advantages could be masked by a relatively small number of individuals with ‘poor outcomes’.