bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immunologic responses to the major allergen of Olea europaea in local and systemic allergic rhinitis subjects
Authors: Campo P. , Villalba M. , Barrionuevo E. , Rondón C. , Salas M. , Galindo L. , Rodríguez M. J. , López‐Rodríguez J. C. , Prieto‐del Prado M. A. , Torres M. J. , Blanca M. , Mayorga C.
Published: July 2015

Objective

To evaluate the in vivo and in vitro responses to nOle e 1 in allergic rhinitis (AR) and local allergic rhinitis (LAR) patients sensitized to olive tree pollen (OL) confirmed by nasal allergen provocation test (NAPT).

Methods

Twelve subjects with AR, 12 with LAR and 12 subjects as control group (CG) were selected. Skin testing and NAPT with nOle e 1 were performed. Eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP) and tryptase were measured in nasal lavages before and after NAPT. Serum IgE to OL allergens was measured by ELISA. Basophil activation tests (BAT) with OL and nOle e 1 and dendritic cell maturation/proliferation studies were carried out.

Results

All AR (12/12) and 10/12 (83%) of LAR had a +NAPT to nOle e 1. ECP levels in nasal lavages were significantly increased after NAPT in both AR and LAR compared with CG at 15 min (P < 0.05). Serum IgE was positive only in AR. All AR had +BAT responses to OL and 10/12 to nOle e 1 (83%); 8/12 LAR (66.6%) had a +BAT to OL and 4/12 (33%) to nOle e 1, with only one subject of the CG with a +BAT to both OL and nOle e 1 (8%). Dendritic cell proliferation to nOle e 1 was increased in AR compared to LAR and CG (P = 0.019 and P = 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion

Both AR and LAR had a similar in vivo response to nOle e 1 with release of inflammatory mediators. Specific basophil activation with OL and nOle e 1 was observed in LAR confirming previous data obtained with dust mites.
Activation-induced cytidine deaminase in B cells of hepatits C virus-related cryoglobulinaemic vasculitis
Authors: Russi S , Dammacco F , Sansonno S , Pavone F , Sansonno D
Published: July 2015

Immunoglobulin variable region heavy chain (IgVH) somatic gene diversification is instrumental in the transformation process that characterizes hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related B cell lymphoproliferative disorders. However, the extent to which activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID), an enzyme essential for IgV gene somatic hypermutation (SHM), is active in cryoglobulinaemic vasculitis (CV) remains unclear. AID mRNA expression in the peripheral blood of 102 chronically hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients (58 with and 44 without CV) and 26 healthy subjects was investigated using real-time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR). The features of activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) protein and mRNA transcripts were explored in liver tissue biopsies and portal tracts isolated using laser capture microdissection. In chronically HCV-infected patients, AID mRNA expression was almost threefold higher in those with than in those without CV and sevenfold higher than in healthy subjects (median-fold: 6·68 versus 2·54, P = 0·03 and versus 0·95, P = 0·0003). AID transcript levels were significantly higher in polyclonal than in clonally restricted B cell preparations in either CV or non-CV patients (median-fold, 15·0 versus 2·70, P = 0·009 and 3·46 versus 1·58, P = 0·02, respectively). AID gene expression was found to be related negatively to age and virological parameters. AID protein was found in portal tracts containing inflammatory cells that, in several instances, expressed AID mRNA transcripts. Our data indicate that the aberrant expression of AID may reflect continuous B cell activation and sustained survival signals in HCV-related CV patients.
Genetic testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 in the Province of Ontario
Authors: Finch A. , Wang M. , Fine A. , Atri L. , Khalouei S. , Pupavac M. , Rosen B. , Eisen A. , Elser C. , Charames G. , Metcalfe K. , Chang M.C. , Narod S.A. , Lerner‐Ellis J.
Published: July 2015

In 2001, genetic testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 was introduced in Ontario, for women at high‐risk of breast or ovarian cancer. To date over 30,000 individuals have been tested throughout Ontario. Testing was offered to all Ontario residents who were eligible under any of 13 criteria. We report the results of tests conducted at Mount Sinai Hospital from 2007 to 2014. A total of 4726 individuals were tested, 764 (16.2%) were found to carry a pathogenic variant (mutation). Among 3684 women and men who underwent testing without a known familial BRCA mutation, 331 (9.0%) were found to carry a mutation. Among 1042 women and men tested for a known family mutation, 433 (41.6%) were positive. There were 603 female mutation carriers, of these, 303 were affected with breast or ovarian cancer (50%) and 16 with another cancer (2.3%). Of 284 unaffected female carriers, 242 (85%) were tested for a known family mutation and 42 (15%) were the first person in the family to be tested. By placing greater emphasis on recruiting unaffected female relatives of known mutation carriers for testing, greater than one‐half of newly identified carriers will be unaffected.
Colour Mapping: A Review of Recent Methods, Extensions and Applications
Authors: Faridul H. Sheikh , Pouli T. , Chamaret C. , Stauder J. , Reinhard E. , Kuzovkin D. , Tremeau A.
Published: July 2015

The objective of colour mapping or colour transfer methods is to recolour a given image or video by deriving a mapping between that image and another image serving as a reference. These methods have received considerable attention in recent years, both in academic literature and industrial applications. Methods for recolouring images have often appeared under the labels of colour correction, colour transfer or colour balancing, to name a few, but their goal is always the same: mapping the colours of one image to another. In this paper, we present a comprehensive overview of these methods and offer a classification of current solutions depending not only on their algorithmic formulation but also their range of applications. We also provide a new dataset and a novel evaluation technique called ‘evaluation by colour mapping roundtrip’. We discuss the relative merit of each class of techniques through examples and show how colour mapping solutions can have been applied to a diverse range of problems.
Variational Image Fusion with Optimal Local Contrast
Authors: Hafner David , Weickert Joachim
Published: July 2015

In this paper, we present a general variational method for image fusion. In particular, we combine different images of the same subject to a single composite that offers optimal exposedness, saturation and local contrast. Previous research approaches this task by first pre‐computing application‐specific weights based on the input, and then combining these weights with the images to the final composite later on. In contrast, we design our model assumptions directly on the fusion result. To this end, we formulate the output image as a convex combination of the input and incorporate concepts from perceptually inspired contrast enhancement such as a local and non‐linear response. This output‐driven approach is the key to the versatility of our general image fusion model. In this regard, we demonstrate the performance of our fusion scheme with several applications such as exposure fusion, multispectral imaging and decolourization. For all application domains, we conduct thorough validations that illustrate the improvements compared to state‐of‐the‐art approaches that are tailored to the individual tasks.
Patient‐reported quality of life in a randomized placebo‐controlled trial of naltrexone/bupropion for obesity
Authors: Kolotkin R. L. , Chen S. , Klassen P. , Gilder K. , Greenway F. L.
Published: July 2015

Weight loss is associated with improved quality of life in some, but not all, weight loss trials. We evaluated changes at 56 weeks in quality of life, measured by the Impact of Weight on Quality of Life‐Lite (IWQOL‐Lite) questionnaire, in a pooled analysis of patient‐level data from four randomized controlled Phase 3 studies of naltrexone/bupropion (NB32 or Contrave®). The total number of subjects was 3362 (NB32 = 2043; placebo = 1319; mean body mass index = 36.3 kg m2; mean age = 46). Improvements in IWQOL‐Lite Total Score were greater in subjects treated with NB32 (11.9 points [SE 0.3]) vs. placebo (8.2 points [SE 0.3]; P < 0.001), corresponding to weight reductions of 7.0% (SE 0.2) and 2.3% (SE 0.2), respectively. Greater improvements were also observed for NB32 vs. placebo on all five subscale scores of the IWQOL‐Lite. Fifty per cent of NB32‐treated subjects achieved clinically meaningful improvements in IWQOL‐Lite Total Score vs. 32.3% of placebo‐treated subjects (odds ratio, 95% confidence interval; 2.09, 1.79–2.44). Subjects losing the most weight (≥15% of baseline weight) experienced the greatest improvement in IWQOL‐Lite Total Score (19.3 points [SE 0.7] for NB32 and 18.7 points [SE 1.3] for placebo; P = 0.624). Improved quality of life was associated with weight reduction and was achieved in more subjects treated with NB32 than placebo.
Algorithm that delivers an individualized rapid‐acting insulin dose after morning resistance exercise counters post‐exercise hyperglycaemia in people with Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Turner D. , Luzio S. , Gray B. J. , Bain S. C. , Hanley S. , Richards A. , Rhydderch D. C. , Martin R. , Campbell M. D. , Kilduff L. P. , West D. J. , Bracken R. M.
Published: July 2015

Aims

To develop an algorithm that delivers an individualized dose of rapid‐acting insulin after morning resistance exercise to counter post‐exercise hyperglycaemia in individuals with Type 1 diabetes.

Methods

Eight people with Type 1 diabetes, aged 34 ± 7 years with HbA1c concentrations 72 ± 12 mmol/mol (8.7 ± 1.1%), attended our laboratory on two separate mornings after fasting, having taken their usual basal insulin the previous evening. These people performed a resistance exercise session comprising six exercises for two sets of 10 repetitions at 60% of the maximum amount of force that was generated in one maximal contraction (60% 1RM). In a randomized and counterbalanced order, the participants were administered an individualized dose of rapid‐acting insulin (2 ± 1 units, range 0–4 units) immediately after resistance exercise (insulin session) by means of an algorithm or were not administered this (no‐insulin session). Venous blood glucose concentrations were measured for 125 min after resistance exercise. Data (mean ± sem values) were analysed using anova (P ≤ 0.05).

Results

Participants had immediate post‐resistance exercise hyperglycaemia (insulin session 13.0 ± 1.6 vs. no‐insulin session 12.7 ± 1.5 mmol/l; P = 0.834). The decline in blood glucose concentration between peak and 125 min after exercise was greater in the insulin exercise session than in the no‐insulin session (3.3 ± 1.0 vs. 1.3 ± 0.4 mmol/l: P = 0.015). There were no episodes of hypoglycaemia (blood glucose <3.9 mmol/l).

Conclusions

Administration of rapid‐acting insulin according to an individualized algorithm reduced the hyperglycaemia associated with morning resistance exercise without causing hypoglycaemia in the 2 h post‐exercise period in people with Type 1 diabetes.
Zinc nutrition increases the antioxidant defenses of honey bees
Authors: Zhang Ge , Zhang Weixing , Cui Xuepei , Xu Baohua
Published: July 2015

Is the typical zinc (Zn) content of honey and pollen sufficient to meet the nutritional requirements of honey bees? To answer this question, and find the optimal dietary Zn levels for honey bees, we investigated the effects of varying dietary Zn levels on both captive worker bees and free‐flying honey bees, Apis mellifera ligustica Spinola (Hymenoptera: Apidae). We fed captive workers and free‐flying honey bees with 50% (wt/wt) sucrose solutions with Zn levels of either 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, or 75 mg kg−1 diet and measured their Cu/Zn‐SOD activity, the mean survival time of captive bees, the Cu/Zn‐SOD activity of larvae, and the Zn concentration of royal jelly. Captive workers provided with 30 mg kg−1 dietary Zn had higher Cu/Zn‐SOD activity and mean survival time than the control. Dietary Zn levels from 60 to 75 mg kg−1 significantly increased the Zn content of royal jelly provided by colonies and the Cu/Zn‐SOD activity of larvae. Honey or pollen with a Zn content of <30 mg kg−1 was insufficient to satisfy the maintenance nutritional requirements of bees that were not raising larvae. It therefore seems advisable to supply supplementary Zn to non‐brooding colonies when the Zn content of honey or pollen is <30 mg kg−1. Honey or pollen with a Zn content of 60 mg kg−1 was sufficient to satisfy the nutritional requirements for royal jelly production and to improve the health of larvae. It may therefore also be advisable to provide supplementary Zn to colonies with larvae when the Zn content of honey or pollen is <60 mg kg−1.
Differences in the Outcomes of Work and Family Conflict between Family– and Nonfamily Businesses: An Examination of Business Founders
Authors: Carr Jon C. , Hmieleski Keith M.
Published: July 2015

This study examined the effects of work and family conflict on work tension for founders of family versus nonfamily businesses. Drawing on a model of conflict between work and family roles, it was predicted that founders of family businesses would experience significantly greater work tension from family–work conflict than for founders of nonfamily businesses. Conversely, it was predicted that work–family conflict would exert more negative effects on founders of nonfamily businesses than for those running family businesses. Results from a national (United States) sample of business founders supported these predictions. Implications for the management of work and family conflict in family versus nonfamily businesses are discussed.
Carbon accumulation and sequestration of lakes in China during the Holocene
Authors: Wang Mei , Chen Huai , Yu Zicheng , Wu Jianghua , Zhu Qiu'an , Peng Changhui , Wang Yanfen , Qin Boqiang
Published: July 2015

Understanding the responses of lake systems to past climate change and human activity is critical for assessing and predicting the fate of lake carbon (C) in the future. In this study, we synthesized records of the sediment accumulation from 82 lakes and of C sequestration from 58 lakes with direct organic C measurements throughout China. We also identified the controlling factors of the long‐term sediment and C accumulation dynamics in these lakes during the past 12 ka (1 ka = 1000 cal yr BP). Our results indicated an overall increasing trend of sediment and C accumulation since 12 ka, with an accumulation peak in the last couple of millennia for lakes in China, corresponding to terrestrial organic matter input due to land‐use change. The Holocene lake sediment accumulation rate (SAR) and C accumulation rate (CAR) averaged (mean ± SE) 0.47 ± 0.05 mm yr−1 and 7.7 ± 1.4 g C m−2 yr−1 in China, respectively, comparable to the previous estimates for boreal and temperate regions. The SAR for lakes in the East Plain of subtropical China (1.05 ± 0.28 mm yr−1) was higher than those in other regions (P < 0.05). However, CAR did not vary significantly among regions. Overall, the variability and history of climate and anthropogenic interference regulated the temporal and spatial dynamics of sediment and C sequestration for lakes in China. We estimated the total amount of C burial in lakes of China as 8.0 ± 1.0 Pg C. This first estimation of total C storage and dynamics in lakes of China confirms the importance of lakes in land C budget in monsoon‐influenced regions.
A novel continuous colour mapping approach for visualization of facial skin hydration and transepidermal water loss for four ethnic groups
Authors: Voegeli R. , Rawlings A. V. , Seroul P. , Summers B.
Published: July 2015

Synopsis

Objectives

The aim of this exploratory study was to develop a novel colour mapping approach to visualize and interpret the complexity of facial skin hydration and barrier properties of four ethnic groups (Caucasians, Indians, Chinese and Black Africans) living in Pretoria, South Africa.

Methods

We measured transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and skin capacitance on 30 pre‐defined sites on the forehead, cheek, jaw and eye areas of sixteen women (four per ethnic group) and took digital images of their faces. Continuous colour maps were generated by interpolating between each measured value and superimposing the values on the digital images.

Results

The complexity of facial skin hydration and skin barrier properties is revealed by these measurements and visualized by the continuous colour maps of the digital images. Overall, the Caucasian subjects had the better barrier properties followed by the Black African subjects, Chinese subjects and Indian subjects. Nevertheless, the two more darkly pigmented ethnic groups had superior skin hydration properties. Subtle differences were seen when examining the different facial sites.

Conclusions

There exists remarkable skin capacitance and TEWL gradients within short distances on selected areas of the face. These gradients are distinctive in the different ethnic groups. In contrast to other reports, we found that darkly pigmented skin does not always have a superior barrier function and differences in skin hydration values are complex on the different parts of the face among the different ethnic groups.
Identification and functional characterization of a novel transglutaminase 1 gene mutation associated with autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis
Authors: Zhang San‐Quan , Li Chang‐Xing , Gao Xin‐Qian , Qiu Wen‐Yuan , Chen Quan , Li Xue‐Mei , Zhou Xin , Tian Xin , Tang Zhi‐Ping , Zhao Tian , Zhang Fang , Zhang Xi‐Bao
Published: July 2015

Background

Autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis (ARCI) is a group of genetically heterogeneous diseases. Mutations in transglutaminase (TGase) 1 gene (TGM1, OMIM 190195) have been implicated in ARCI. However, little is known about TGM1 mutations in the Chinese population, and no functional studies have investigated the biological effect of mutant TGM1 on human epidermal keratinocytes (HaCaT) cells.

Objectives

To identify the pathogenic mutations of TGM1 gene in two Chinese siblings with ARCI and gain insight into functional consequences of these mutations.

Methods

Fifteen exons and flanking splice sites of TGM1 gene were amplified by polymerase chain reaction and then underwent bidirectional Sanger sequencing. The HaCaT cells were transfected with lentiviral vectors, which overexpressed either wild‐type or mutant TGM1 cDNAs with deleted homeodomain. Cell proliferation and cell cycle progression were detected. The expression of cyclin D1, cyclin B1, CDK4, TGM1, K10, involucrin, and filaggrin proteins were investigated by Western blot analysis.

Results

We found two compound heterozygous missense mutations (c.515C>T, R143C in exon 3 and c.759C>T, S212F in exon 4) in both siblings. HaCaT cells transfected with mutant TGM1 cDNAs displayed a lower growth rate and delayed S phase while overexpression of wild‐type TGM1 cDNAs led to accelerated growth. HaCaT cells transfected with mutant TGM1 cDNAs displayed lower expression of differentiation markers such as involucrin and filaggrin. Our findings suggest that the compound heterozygous missense (c.515C>T, R143C) mutations in exon 3 and missense (c.759C>T, S212F) mutations in exon 4 result in the phenotype of ARCI. TGM1 mutations can suppress keratinocyte growth and cornified cell envelope formation.
Fusarium onychomycosis: prevalence, clinical presentations, response to itraconazole and terbinafine pulse therapy, and 1‐year follow‐up in nine cases
Authors: Ranawaka Ranthilaka R. , Nagahawatte Ajith , Gunasekara Thusitha Aravinda
Published: July 2015

Background

Invasive fusariosis is an infection with Fusarium spp. that primarily affects patients with hematologic malignancies and hematopoietic cell transplant recipients. Wounds, digital ulcers, onychomycosis, and paronychia are the typical cutaneous portals of entry. Early management of mycotic nails in immunocompromised and diabetic hosts is crucial to prevent life‐threatening disease.

Objectives

We report nine cases of Fusarium onychomycosis (F. dimerum, n = 5; F. oxysporum, n = 3; Fusarium spp., n = 1) in immunocompetent hosts and their response to itraconazole and terbinafine pulse therapy.

Methods

The patients received either itraconazole 400 mg daily or terbinafine 500 mg daily for 7 d/month; two pulses for fingernails and three pulses for toenails.

Results

Of the 68 confirmed cases of onychomycosis, eight (11.7%) were Fusarium spp.; the ninth patient was culture positive but microscopy negative and responded well to itraconazole. Distal subungual onychomycosis was the commonest clinical manifestation (seven of nine), one had proximal subungual onychomycosis, and total onychodystrophy was noted on four patients. Associated paronychia was marked on 66.7% (six of eight) patients. Itraconazole was given to six patients/25 nails and terbinafine to three patients/20 nails. All nine patients completed treatments, but one defaulted at 12 months follow‐up. The efficacy parameters were clinical cure (CC) and mycological cure (MC). At month 12 after the start of treatment, the response was itraconazole CC 13 of 25 (52%)/MC four of six (66.6%) and terbinafine CC four of eight (50%)/MC one of two (50%). Recurrence was noted in four of 13 (30.7%) and eight of 13 (61.5%) cured nails in the itraconazole group within 3 and 12 months, respectively.

Conclusions

Fusarium onychomycosis was clinically indistinguishable from other onychomycosis. Both itraconazole and terbinafine pulse therapy were only partially effective on Fusarium onychomycosis. Antifungals that are more effective should be sought.
The bidirectional interactions between psoriasis and obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Hirotsu Camila , Nogueira Heloisa , Albuquerque Rachel G. , Tomimori Jane , Tufik Sergio , Andersen Monica L.
Published: July 2015

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder which can impair general routine activities and has been closely related to poor quality of life. Pruritus and scratching are frequently observed, occurring mainly during sleep and precipitating nighttime arousals. Indeed, sleep quality has been shown to be negatively affected in psoriatic patients, in a close relationship with stress exposure and immune response. Although psoriasis is known to impair sleep, leading to insomnia, its association with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is controversial. Similarly, OSA is considered a multifactorial inflammatory disease, characterized by intermittent hypoxia, sleep fragmentation and autonomic dysfunction, with important outcomes on the cardiovascular and metabolic systems. Importantly, immunological activities and pro‐inflammatory cytokines play a prominent role in both OSA and psoriasis. Currently it is not clear whether OSA is a risk factor for psoriasis development or if psoriasis is a possible predictor of OSA. Thus, our main purpose is to provide an overview of this intriguing relationship and show the current link between psoriasis and OSA in a bidirectional relationship.
Monetary policy, foreign welfare, and international firm mobility
Authors: Johdo Wataru
Published: July 2015

In this paper, we develop a new open economy macroeconomics model that incorporates international relocation of firms. A novel feature of our model is that the international distribution of firms responds to exchange rate movements caused by monetary shocks. This implies that our model generates an international transmission effect that operates through the international relocation of firms. We conclude that when the degree of flexibility in relocation between the two countries is sufficiently high, an expansionary monetary policy can be a “beggar‐thy‐neighbor” policy.
Development of postgraduate research supervisors within a teaching hospital setting
Authors: Scott K. M. , Caldwell P. H. Y. , Oldmeadow W. , Dale R. C. , Jones C. A.
Published: July 2015

The recent trend to embed medical research at point of care has created a need for postgraduate research supervisors in hospitals who are practising clinicians and lab‐based researchers. We explored the training needs of supervisors to inform the design and evaluation of a hospital‐based development programme. We found that if hospital‐based supervisors are to improve their practice, the programme needs to be on‐site to ensure access and relevance to local issues.
Scoping review of research in Australia on the co‐occurrence of physical and serious mental illness and integrated care
Authors: Happell Brenda , Galletly Cherrie , Castle David , Platania‐Phung Chris , Stanton Robert , Scott David , McKenna Brian , Millar Freyja , Liu Dennis , Browne Matthew , Furness Trentham
Published: July 2015

The physical health of people with serious mental illness (SMI) has become a focal area of research. The aim of the present study was to ascertain the attention and distribution of research from within Australia on physical illness and SMI co‐occurrence, and to identify gaps. A scoping review of peer‐reviewed research literature from Australia, published between January 2000 and March 2014, was undertaken through an electronic literature search and coding of papers to chart trends. Four trends are highlighted: (i) an almost threefold increase in publications per year from 2000–2006 to 2007–2013; (ii) a steady release of literature reviews, especially from 2010; (iii) health‐related behaviours, smoking, integrated‐care programmes, and antipsychotic side‐effects as the most common topics presented; and (iv) paucity of randomized, controlled trials on integrated‐care models. Despite a marked increase in research attention to poorer physical health, there remains a large gap between research and the scale of the problem previously identified. More papers were descriptive or reviews, rather than evaluations of interventions. To foster more research, 12 research gaps are outlined. Addressing these gaps will facilitate the reduction of inequalities in physical health for people with SMI. Mental health nurses are well placed to lead multidisciplinary, consumer‐informed research in this area.
Una herramienta de diagnóstico y un instrumento de política para lograr el trabajo decente
Authors: WEBSTER Edward , BUDLENDER Deborah , ORKIN Mark
Published: July 2015

A partir de nueve de los indicadores establecidos en 2008 por la Reunión tripartita de expertos sobre la medición del trabajo decente de la OIT, los autores realizan una encuesta, complementada con entrevistas en profundidad, para evaluar la calidad del empleo en los sectores de la seguridad privada, la agricultura y la hotelería y restauración en la provincia sudafricana de Gauteng. Su herramienta de diagnóstico se centra en el plano individual y sectorial, a diferencia de la de la OIT, de ámbito nacional. Según los autores, este método permite evaluar los progresos hacia el trabajo decente y desarrollar estrategias sectoriales empíricamente sustentadas para superar los déficits al respecto.
Efectos en el empleo del comercio de bienes intermedios y finales. Una evaluación empírica
Authors: JIANG Xiao
Published: July 2015

El aumento del comercio internacional de bienes y servicios intermedios hace más compleja la relación entre comercio y empleo. Mediante un modelo de contenido factorial insumo‐producto aplicado a 39 países, el autor calcula el empleo (nacional y extranjero) generado por las exportaciones, las importaciones, el contenido en importaciones de las exportaciones, el contenido en exportaciones de las importaciones y el contenido en importaciones de terceros países de las importaciones. En 2009 el intercambio de bienes intermedios implicó 88 millones de empleos (el 14 por ciento del total de empleo generado por el comercio internacional), y el contenido en importaciones de las exportaciones, 44 millones.
Calidad del empleo en América Latina. Teoría y datos empíricos
Authors: RAMOS Joseph , SEHNBRUCH Kirsten , WELLER Jürgen
Published: July 2015

Los estudios sobre desarrollo dedicados al empleo en América Latina se han centrado en la cantidad de empleos y en la productividad, pero dada la persistencia de grandes bolsas de empleo informal y precario, los autores mantienen que es necesario considerar la situación laboral y contractual dentro de la calidad del empleo. Sobre la base de datos empíricos de las últimas décadas, concluyen que casi todas las dimensiones de este concepto, incluida la protección social, dependen de la firma de un contrato. Esta conclusión les lleva a defender políticas que estabilicen el empleo formal y garanticen una financiación adecuada de la protección social.
¿Más trabajo pero no mejor en Chile? La importancia capital del contrato indefinido
Authors: RUIZ‐TAGLE Jaime , SEHNBRUCH Kirsten
Published: July 2015

Los gobiernos chilenos desde 1990 han confado en el crecimiento económico para generar empleo, salarios más altos y mejores condiciones de trabajo, obteniendo resultados cuantitativos, pero no de la calidad del empleo. Revelando el contraste entre una legislación aparentemente rígida y la flexibilidad real del mercado laboral, los autores resaltan la importancia de las condiciones de trabajo para evaluar el comportamiento del mercado. Exploran empíricamente los efectos de las características individuales y laborales en la capacidad para encontrar empleo y generar ingresos, cuyo determinante más importante, según sus resultados, es el contrato indefinido. Concluyen con sugerencias para la elaboración de políticas.
Association of Heart Rate Turbulence With Arrhythmia Susceptibility and Heart Disease in Mice
Authors: STÖCKIGT FLORIAN , JÜNGST PHILIPP , LINHART MARKUS , NICKENIG GEORG , ANDRIÉ RENÉ , BEIERT THOMAS , SCHRICKEL JAN WILKO
Published: July 2015

Heart Rate Turbulence in Mice

Introduction

Recent studies have demonstrated the feasibility of measuring heart rate turbulence (HRT) as a marker of baroreflex function in healthy mice. The aim of this investigation was to measure HRT in a mouse model with induced structural heart defects and to determine if there were threshold values of HRT for inducible ventricular tachycardias (VTs).

Methods and Results

HRT was measured during electrophysiological investigations 2 weeks after transverse aortic constriction (TAC, n = 13) or myocardial cryoinfarction (MCI, n = 14). Sham‐operated mice served as controls (n = 8 for TAC controls and n = 9 for MCI controls). Mice with heart disease lacked an early acceleration (turbulence onset [TO]) in heart rate after extrastimulus pacing (heart disease: 0.39% [0.19%–0.59%] vs. all controls: –0.04% [–0.25—0.19%]; P < 0.01). At a cutoff value of >0.25%, TO could be used to classify mice with induced heart disease with a sensitivity of 64.0% and specificity of 88.2% (P < 0.01) but did not identify mice at higher risk of induced VTs. Animals that were susceptible to VTs (n = 8) had lower values for turbulence slope (TS) compared with noninducible mice (6.2 milliseconds/beat [3.1–9.5 milliseconds/beat] vs. 10.1 milliseconds/beat [7.2–14.2 milliseconds/beat]; P = 0.03). TS <7.8 milliseconds/beat identified mice with inducible VTs with a sensitivity of 75.0% and specificity of 75.8% (P = 0.02).

Conclusion

Measurement of HRT is feasible in mouse models with induced structural heart disease. More abnormal values for TO were found in the presence of structural heart disease but did not predict susceptibility to VTs. Decreased TS was associated with VTs induced by programmed stimulation.
Efficacy of a Bio‐Absorbable Antibacterial Envelope to Prevent Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device Infections in High‐Risk Subjects
Authors: KOLEK MATTHEW J. , PATEL NEEL J. , CLAIR WALTER K. , WHALEN S. PATRICK , ROTTMAN JEFFREY N. , KANAGASUNDRAM ARVINDH , SHEN SHARON T. , SAAVEDRA PABLO J. , ESTRADA JUAN C. , ABRAHAM ROBERT L. , ELLIS CHRISTOPHER R.
Published: July 2015

Efficacy of Bio‐Absorbable Antibacterial Envelope

Introduction

Cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) infections are potentially preventable complications associated with high morbidity, mortality, and cost. A recently developed bio‐absorbable antibacterial envelope (TYRX™‐A) might prevent CIED infections in high‐risk subjects. However, data regarding safety and efficacy have not been published.

Methods and Results

In a single‐center retrospective cohort study, we compared the prevalence of CIED infections among subjects with ≥2 risk factors treated with the TYRX™‐A envelope (N = 135), the nonabsorbable TYRX™ envelope (N = 353), and controls who did not receive an envelope (N = 636). Infection was ascertained by individual chart review. The mean (95% confidence interval) number of risk factors was 3.08 (2.84–3.32) for TYRX™‐A, 3.20 (3.07–3.34) for TYRX™, and 3.09 (2.99–3.20) for controls, P = 0.3. After a minimum 300 days follow‐up, the prevalence of CIED infection was 0 (0%) for TYRX™‐A, 1 (0.3%) for TYRX™, and 20 (3.1%) for controls (P = 1 for TYRX™‐A vs. TYRX™, P = 0.03 for TYRX™‐A vs. controls, and P = 0.002 for TYRX™ vs. controls). In a propensity score‐matched cohort of 316 recipients of either envelope and 316 controls, the prevalence of infection was 0 (0%) and 9 (2.8%), respectively, P = 0.004. When limited to 122 TYRX™‐A recipients and 122 propensity‐matched controls, the prevalence of CIED infections was 0 (0%) and 5 (4.1%), respectively, P = 0.024.

Conclusions

Among high‐risk subjects, the TYRX™‐A bio‐absorbable envelope was associated with a very low prevalence of CIED related infections that was comparable to that seen with the nonabsorbable envelope.
Never underestimate inflammatory bowel disease: High prevalence rates and confirmation of high incidence rates in Australia
Authors: Studd Corrie , Cameron Georgina , Beswick Lauren , Knight Ross , Hair Christopher , McNeil John , Desmond Paul , Wilson Jarrad , Connell Wiliam , Bell Sally
Published: July 2015

Background and Aims:

Regional variations in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) rates have been observed. Limited epidemiological data are available from Australasia. IBD prevalence rates have never been assessed in an Australian population‐based setting. In addition, there are few historical IBD incidence data to allow assessment of rate changes. The aims were to calculate Australia's first population‐based IBD prevalence rates, to reassess local IBD incidence rates, and to establish a population‐based inception cohort.

Methods:

An observational, prospective population‐based epidemiological study was performed to assess IBD prevalence and incidence rates from July 2010 to June 2011 in a geographically defined Australian population (Barwon, Victoria).

Results:

There were 1011 prevalent IBD cases identified, representing a crude point prevalence rate of 344.6 per 100 000 on June 30, 2011. Crohn's disease was the most common prevalent subtype. Seventy‐one incident cases of IBD were identified, with a crude incidence rate of 24.2 per 100 000. Crohn's disease was again more common. Local incidence rates have not changed between 2007 and the present study. All incident cases were successfully incorporated into an inception cohort.

Conclusion:

The burden of IBD in our local region is high. Demographic similarities allow these results to be applied to the broader Australian community. We propose that the number of existing and new cases each year in Australia has been previously underestimated. These revised figures will be important when planning the provision of health resources for these patients in the future and when assessing need for research funding priorities.
Prognostic value of CA 19‐9 kinetics during gemcitabine‐based chemotherapy in patients with advanced cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Lee Ban Seok , Lee Sang Hyub , Son Jun Hyuk , Jang Dong Kee , Chung Kwang Hyun , Paik Woo Hyun , Ryu Ji Kon , Kim Yong‐Tae
Published: July 2015

Background:

Little is known of the prognostic value of CEA/CA 19‐9 kinetics during chemotherapy in patients with advanced cholangiocarcinoma (CCA).

Methods:

A total of 236 patients with pathologically confirmed advanced CCA received gemcitabine‐based chemotherapy were reviewed, and 179 were eligible for analysis. Baseline, pre‐, and post‐treatment (after two cycles of chemotherapy) CEA and CA 19‐9 values were checked, and survival was compared according to various cutting points of baseline measurement or extent of change of tumor marker level.

Results:

Patients with a ≥ 50% decline in CA 19‐9 level had better survival than the others (16.0 vs 9.0 months). However, CEA decline did not predict survival gain. Significant favorable prognostic factors of survival in multivariable analysis included initial treatment response (HR 0.61), distal location of tumor (HR 0.46), baseline CA 19‐9 level ≤ 1000 U/mL (HR 0.58), and ≥ 50% decline in CA 19‐9 level (HR 0.50). Subgroup analysis was conducted in 114 patients with pre‐treatment CA 19‐9 > 37 U/mL and bilirubin ≤ 2 mg/dL. Decline ≥ 50% in CA 19‐9 level still showed an independent prognostic significance (HR 0.45).

Conclusion:

CA 19‐9 but not CEA kinetics serves as a predictor of better survival in patients with advanced CCA on gemcitabine‐based chemotherapy. A ≥ 50% decline in CA 19‐9 level after two cycles of chemotherapy may have clinical utility as an early indicator of better response to gemcitabine‐based chemotherapy.
Human chemerin correlation in gingival crevicular fluid and tear fluid as markers of inflammation in chronic periodontitis and type‐2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Patnaik Kaushik , Pradeep A. R. , Nagpal Kanika , Karvekar Shruti , Singh Priyanka , Raju Arjun
Published: July 2015

Aim

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the levels and correlation of human chemerin in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and tear fluid in chronic periodontitis (CP) subjects with and without type‐2 diabetes mellitus (DM).

Materials and methods

A total of 40 subjects were divided into three groups: group 1 had 10 periodontally healthy subjects; group 2 consisted of 15 CP subjects and group 3 had 15 type‐2 DM subjects with CP. The GCF and tear fluid levels of human chemerin were quantified using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Systemic parameters such as body mass index, glycated hemoglobin levels and fasting plasma glucose levels were evaluated. The clinical outcomes evaluated were gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL), and the correlations of the two inflammatory mediators with clinical parameters were evaluated.

Results

Human chemerin levels increased from group 1 to group 2 to group 3. The GCF and tear‐fluid values of the inflammatory mediators correlated positively with each other and with the evaluated periodontal parameters (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Human chemerin can be considered as possible GCF and tear‐fluid markers of inflammatory activity in CP and DM.
A putative 6‐transmembrane nitrate transporter OsNRT1.1b plays a key role in rice under low nitrogen
Authors: Fan Xiaorong , Feng Huimin , Tan Yawen , Xu Yanling , Miao Qisong , Xu Guohua
Published: July 2015

OsNRT1.1a is a low‐affinity nitrate (NO3−) transporter gene. In this study, another mRNA splicing product, OsNRT1.1b, putatively encoding a protein with six transmembrane domains, was identified based on the rice genomic database and bioinformatics analysis. OsNRT1.1a/OsNRT1.1b expression in Xenopus oocytes showed OsNRT1.1a‐expressing oocytes accumulated 15N levels to about half as compared to OsNRT1.1b‐expressing oocytes. The electrophysiological recording of OsNRT1.1b‐expressing oocytes treated with 0.25 mM NO3− confirmed 15N accumulation data. More functional assays were performed to examine the function of OsNRT1.1b in rice. The expression of both OsNRT1.1a and OsNRT1.1b was abundant in roots and downregulated by nitrogen (N) deficiency. The shoot biomass of transgenic rice plants with OsNRT1.1a or OsNRT1.1b overexpression increased under various N supplies under hydroponic conditions compared to wild‐type (WT). The OsNRT1.1a overexpression lines showed increased plant N accumulation compared to the WT in 1.25 mM NH4NO3 and 2.5 mM NO3– or NH4+ treatments, but not in 0.125 mM NH4NO3. However, OsNRT1.1b overexpression lines increased total N accumulation in all N treatments, including 0.125 mM NH4NO3, suggesting that under low N condition, OsNRT1.1b would accumulate more N in plants and improve rice growth, but also that OsNRT1.1a had no such function in rice plants.
A Model‐based approach for microvasculature structure distortion correction in two‐photon fluorescence microscopy images
Authors: DAO LAM , GLANCY BRIAN , LUCOTTE BERTRAND , CHANG LIN‐CHING , BALABAN ROBERT S. , HSU LI‐YUEH
Published: July 2015

This paper investigates a postprocessing approach to correct spatial distortion in two‐photon fluorescence microscopy images for vascular network reconstruction. It is aimed at in vivo imaging of large field‐of‐view, deep‐tissue studies of vascular structures. Based on simple geometric modelling of the object‐of‐interest, a distortion function is directly estimated from the image volume by deconvolution analysis. Such distortion function is then applied to subvolumes of the image stack to adaptively adjust for spatially varying distortion and reduce the image blurring through blind deconvolution. The proposed technique was first evaluated in phantom imaging of fluorescent microspheres that are comparable in size to the underlying capillary vascular structures. The effectiveness of restoring three‐dimensional (3D) spherical geometry of the microspheres using the estimated distortion function was compared with empirically measured point‐spread function. Next, the proposed approach was applied to in vivo vascular imaging of mouse skeletal muscle to reduce the image distortion of the capillary structures. We show that the proposed method effectively improve the image quality and reduce spatially varying distortion that occurs in large field‐of‐view deep‐tissue vascular dataset. The proposed method will help in qualitative interpretation and quantitative analysis of vascular structures from fluorescence microscopy images.
Rehabilitation of a Bilateral Maxillectomy Patient with a Free Fibula Osteocutaneous Flap and with an Implant‐Retained Obturator: A Clinical Report
Authors: Otomaru Takafumi , Sumita Yuka I. , Aimaijiang Yiliyaer , Munakata Motohiro , Tachikawa Noriko , Kasugai Shohei , Taniguchi Hisashi
Published: July 2015

A 47‐year‐old man underwent surgical resection and reconstruction with a fibula osteocutaneous flap. After the surgery, a surgical obturator was placed and adjusted. After flap healing, a conventional obturator was fabricated with polymethyl methacrylate resin and retained by the anatomical undercuts around the reconstructed fibula bone flap and the posterior part of the defect. As the defect shape changed with time, a second conventional obturator was fabricated and fitted. No further recurrence of myoepithelioma was observed for 2 years, and the patient was satisfied with the obturator during mastication and speech; however, despite having no major complaints, the patient found it difficult to chew on the right side, and the obturator was displaced slightly downward when the mouth was opened wide and shifted when chewing hard and sticky food. Thus, an implant‐retained obturator was suggested to provide better retention and stability. Four dental implants were therefore placed into the fibula bone, although one did not osseointegrate because either primary stability was insufficient or overload was affected in the nonloaded implant environment and was replaced. After fitting custom abutments with a magnet, an implant‐retained obturator was placed, and the patient was satisfied with the outcome. During 3 years of follow‐up, no issues were noted with the implant bodies, abutments, obturator, or reconstructed site. The conventional obturator was displaced slightly downward when the patient opened his mouth wide, and it shifted when chewing hard and sticky food because there was limited fibula bone at the reconstruction site and more available posteriorly. For better retention and stability, the implant‐retained obturator was fabricated with a custom abutment and magnetic retention. The patient was satisfied with the results, as improved implant retention increased the stability of the prosthesis. This clinical report describes the rehabilitation of a bilateral maxillectomy patient with a free fibula osteocutaneous flap and an implant‐retained obturator. The patient's oral functions were improved when the prosthesis was stabilized by means of dental implants and custom abutments.
An In Vivo 24‐Month Study to Compare Crestal Bone Loss and Pocket Depth of Platform‐Switched Implants Placed in Maxillary Anterior and Mandibular Posterior Regions
Authors: Arora Varuni , Rao Jitendra , Singh Saumyendra V. , Mishra Niraj , Singh Kamleshwar , Kumar Lakshya , Agrawal Kaushal Kishor , Mohammad Shadab
Published: July 2015

Purpose

To analyze and compare crestal bone loss and pocket depth around platform‐switched implants placed at two intraoral locations.

Materials and Methods

Eighty platform‐switched implants, 40 in the maxillary anterior region (group – ANT) and 40 in the mandibular posterior region (group – POST), were placed in healthy men aged between 25 and 45 years, and restored following two‐stage surgical and progressive loading protocols. Digital radiographs for crestal bone level assessment and pocket depths on facial, mesial, distal, and palatal/lingual sites around the implant were recorded at definitive restoration cementation (baseline) and 6‐month follow‐up. Difference in pre‐ and post‐periodontal pocket depths and crestal bone loss levels were measured and analyzed statistically using SPSS v.16.0, applying the Mann‐Whitney test (p < 0.05 considered significant).

Results

Mean bone loss was significantly higher in group ANT (1.2 ± 0.3 mm) than in group POST (0.7 ± 0.02 mm). Palatal pocket depth increase was significantly greater in the ANT group (p = 0.01), and distal pocket depth increase was significantly greater for the POST group (p = 0.002).

Conclusion

The amount of bone loss noted in the maxillary anterior region compared to the mandibular posterior region was significantly more. This could possibly be because of greater vertical cantilever and offset loads in the anterior compared to the posterior region. Significantly greater pocket depth in mandibular posterior distal and maxillary anterior palatal regions could be related to oral hygiene maintenance issues.
Friday the 13th: The Empirics of Bad Luck
Authors: Fidrmuc Jan , Tena J. D.
Published: July 2015

We use the UK Labor Force survey to investigate whether the socio‐economic outcomes of people born on the 13th day of the month, and of those born on Friday the 13th, differ from the outcomes of people born on more auspicious days. In many European countries, including the UK, number 13 is considered unlucky and Friday the 13th is seen as an especially unlucky day. We find little evidence that people born on the 13th or those born on Friday the 13th are significantly less likely to be employed, earn lower wages or that they are more likely to stay unmarried compared to people born on other days.
Why Democracies Outgrow Autocracies in the Long Run: Civil Liberties, Information Flows and Technological Change
Authors: Knutsen Carl Henrik
Published: July 2015

This paper argues that democracy enhances technological change, the most important determinant of long‐term economic growth. It first presents an argument on how and why dictators restrict civil liberties and diffusion of information to survive in office, even if this reduces their personal consumption. The argument predicts that autocracies have slower technological change than democracies, which in turn impairs GDP per capita growth rates. These and other implications from the argument are tested empirically, and so are implications from alternative explanations on the association between democracy and technological change. Drawing on an extensive global dataset, with some time series going back to the early 19th century, the paper reports robust evidence that democracy increases not only technology‐induced growth but also net economic growth rates. Notably, the results hold when accounting for the endogeneity of democracy, country‐fixed effects, and sample‐selection bias.