Leveraging the macro-level environment to balance work and life: an analysis of female entrepreneurs' job satisfaction

This study investigates the interactive effect of female entrepreneurs’ experience of work–life imbalance and gender-egalitarian macro-level conditions on their job satisfaction, with the prediction that the negative linear relationship between work–life imbalance and job satisfaction may be buffered by the presence of women-friendly action resources, emancipative values, and civic entitlements. Data pertaining to 7,392 female entrepreneurs from 44 countries offer empirical support for these predictions. Female entrepreneurs who are preoccupied with their ability to fulfill both work and life responsibilities are more likely to maintain a certain level of job satisfaction, even if they experience significant work–life imbalances, to the extent that they operate in supportive macro-level environments

Urinary saturation and nephrocalcinosis in preterm infants: effect of parenteral nutrition.

Urinary lithogenic and inhibitory factors were studied in 27 preterm infants; 16 had total parenteral nutrition (TPN) and 11 had breastmilk with an additional glucose-sodium chloride infusion. Urines were collected for 24 hours on day 2 (period A), day 3 (B), and once between days 4 and 10 (C). Urinary calcium oxalate saturation was calculated by the computer program EQUIL 2. Renal ultrasonography was performed every second week until discharge. The calcium/creatinine ratio increased in infants on TPN (A 0.91; C 1.68 mol/mol) and was significantly higher at period C than that in infants on breastmilk/infusion (A 0.52; C 0.36). The oxalate/creatinine ratio was persistently higher with TPN (203 mmol/mol) than with breastmilk/infusion (98; 137). The citrate/creatinine remained constant with TPN (0.44 mol/mol), whereas it increased significantly with breastmilk/infusion (0.26; 0.49). Calcium/citrate rose considerably with TPN, but decreased with breastmilk/infusion to a significantly lower level than with TPN. The urinary calcium oxalate saturation increased with TPN (2.4; 4.5) and decreased with breastmilk/infusion (2.1; 1.5) to a significantly lower value than with TPN. Nephrocalcinosis developed in two infants on TPN. Mean daily calcium intake was similar in both groups, whereas protein, sodium, and phosphorus intake were significantly higher on TPN. It is concluded that the increase in urinary calcium oxalate saturation observed with TPN is due to the combined effect of an increased urinary calcium excretion and higher urinary oxalate/creatinine and calcium/citrate ratios. The changes observed are likely to be caused by TPN itself, which differs in several respects from breastmilk feeding

Immunolocalization of the calcium-sensing receptor in developing human kidney

Background:The calcium-sensing receptor (CSR) is a G-protein receptor that plays a critical role in calcium regulation. In the kidney, the CSR regulates calcium reabsorption in the thick ascending limb, where stimulation of the CSR inhibits calcium reabsorption in response to increased calcium in the peritubular fluid. In the collecting duct, apical CSR activation may play a role in osmoregulation, increasing water excretion in response to increased luminal calcium.Methods:We studied the ontogeny of the CSR in developing human kidney using immunohistochemical methods.Results:The CSR is first expressed in the S-shaped body in the region destined to form the ascending limb and distal tubule. Other regions of the S-shaped body, as well as ureteric buds, do not express the CSR. The CSR is observed in thick ascending limb as early as 20 wk of development. The CSR is not observed in proximal tubule or collecting duct between 20 and 40 wk of human development.Conclusion:During early human renal development, CSR expression is limited to the thick ascending limb and distal tubule, where this receptor may play a role in calcium homeostasis between 20 and 40 wk of human developmen

Development of an animal model of nephrocalcinosis via selective dietary sodium and chloride depletion

Background:Nephrocalcinosis (NC) is an important clinical problem seen in critically ill preterm neonates treated with loop diuretics. No reliable animal models are available to study the pathogenesis of NC in preterm infants. The purpose of this study was to develop a reproducible and clinically relevant animal model of NC for these patients and to explore the impact of extracellular fluid (ECF) volume contraction induced by sodium and chloride depletion in this process.Methods:Three-week-old weanling Sprague-Dawley rats were fed diets deficient in either chloride or sodium or both. A subgroup of rats from each dietary group was injected daily with furosemide (40 mg/kg i.p.).Results:Rats fed a control diet, with or without furosemide, or a chloride-depleted diet alone, did not develop NC. By contrast, 50% of the rats injected with furosemide and fed the chloride-depleted diet developed NC. Moreover, 94% of the rats fed the combined sodium- and chloride-depleted diet developed NC, independently of furosemide use. NC was associated with the development of severe ECF volume contraction; hypochloremic, hypokalemic, metabolic alkalosis; increased phosphaturia; and growth retardation.Conclusion:Severe ECF volume contraction induced by chronic sodium and chloride depletion appears to play an important role in the pathogenesis of NC. Copyright © 2013 International Pediatric Research Foundation, Inc

Women entrepreneurship and digital technologies: towards a research agenda

Purpose The aim of this paper is underline how the new emerging digital technologies could be of great value in expanding the opportunities for women entrepreneurship by supporting them in overcoming the constrains they face as well as in creating more favorable network environment. This is creating the conditions for a new phenomenon called Digital Women Entrepreneurship. Methodology A qualitative literature review in relation to women entrepreneurship activities and the emergence of digital technologies is performed. Findings Specifically the contribution and the impact provided by the Digital Technologies will be analyzed for women entrepreneurship. A holistic interpretative framework for analyzing Digital Women Entrepreneurship is proposed. A conceptual discussion on how the Digital Technologies opportunities could be valuable in overcoming some of the constrains women tackle in their entrepreneurship process and which are the main research streams that emerge for future investigation on the theme. Originality/value Even if the literature on Women Entrepreneurship is well covered, to our best knowledge the intersection between the two fields remains unexplored. The paper provides a contribution in this direction, identifying new trends and future directions for research. Practical implications The major implication is to advance knowledge and practice in the area of gender in management and use of Digital Technologies by focusing upon empirical research, theoretical developments, practice and current issues. Benefits are related to a better understanding of the debate on “Gender and Management” themes by reconsidering networking activities with social media