bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychometric validation of Chinese Health Assessment Questionnaire for use in rheumatoid arthritis patients in China
Authors: Hu Hao , Luan Luan , Yang Keqin , Li Shu‐Chuen
Published: March 2016

Background

To validate the psychometric properties of the Chinese Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) for use in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients in China.

Methods

The psychometric properties of the HAQ were validated by interviewing subjects with a questionnaire battery containing the HAQ, EQ‐5D, and Short Form 12 (SF‐12). Reliability was assessed by Cronbach's alpha, construct validity by assessing a priori hypotheses, and discriminative validity by discriminating subjects in different groups, respectively. To assess the applicability of HAQ in different regions, subgroup analyses were conducted for south and north China, respectively.

Results

Questionnaires were administered to a consecutive sample of 133 RA patients. Cronbach's alpha showed a strong reliability among all the items. In particular, the internal reliability was higher when excluding the items about the use of aids and devices: 0.987 when excluding versus 0.963 when including. Construct validity was supported by achieving both of the a priori hypotheses based on correlations between the HAQ scores and scales of EQ‐5D and SF‐12. Overall, HAQ scores were important inferential factors for Global Functional Status in RA, which indicated good discriminative validity. The validation results are generally consistent between subgroups from north and south China.

Conclusions

The Chinese HAQ demonstrated good acceptability and psychometric properties in RA patients from China. Two possible improvements for better use and interpretation of the patient‐reported outcomes of RA patients in China could be to cross‐culturally adapt the items about the use of aids and devices and joint use of mental health measurements together with HAQ in future studies.
Bioinformatics analysis of gene expression profile in callus tissues of osteoporotic phenotype mice induced by osteoblast‐specific Krm2 overexpression
Authors: Wang Chengxue , Yu Tiecheng , Tan Lei , Cheng Jieping
Published: March 2016

Purpose

The aim of this study was to explore the molecular mechanism of fracture healing in osteoporotic mice.

Methods

The gene expression profiles of callus tissues of osteoporotic mice and controls were obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus database. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and their related biological function and pathways were investigated. In addition, the protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed for DEG encoding proteins and the differentially expressed transcriptional factor was screened.

Results

There were 275 up‐regulated genes and 347 down‐regulated genes. The collagen metabolic process biological function was significantly enriched by down‐regulated genes. Extracellular matrix (ECM)‐receptor interaction was a significant pathway that was enriched by differentially expressed genes. In PPI (protein–protein interaction) network, Pcna was the significant node with highest connective degrees. Other hub nodes, such as Ccnb2 and Rrm2, were closely associated with the p53 signaling pathway. Tal1 and Smad6 were found to be differentially expressed transcription factors.

Conclusion

The dysregulated collagen metabolic process, ECM‐receptor interaction and p53 signaling pathway may be responsible for impaired fracture healing of osteoporotic mice. The hub nodes (such as Ccnb2 and Rrm2) and differentially expressed TFs (such as Tal1 and Smad6) play a critical role in bone remodeling of osteoporotic individuals.
Efficacy and safety of minodronic acid hydrate in patients with steroid‐induced osteoporosis
Authors: Kitamura Noboru , Shiraiwa Hidetaka , Inomata Hirotake , Nozaki Takamasa , Ikumi Natsumi , Sugiyama Kaita , Nagasawa Yousuke , Karasawa Hiromi , Iwata Mitsuhiro , Matsukawa Yoshihiro , Takei Masami
Published: March 2016

Objectives

Minodronic acid hydrate, an oral bisphosphonate, has a greater inhibitory effect on bone resorption than do other approved drugs; however, this has been studied only in patients with primary osteoporosis. Here, we administered minodronic acid hydrate to patients with steroid‐induced osteoporosis who have been treated with steroids for rheumatoid arthritis or other collagen diseases, and the efficacy and safety of minodronic acid hydrate were prospectively investigated.

Methods

Twenty‐five patients treated in our rheumatology clinic received minodronic acid hydrate 1 mg/day. The changes in bone mineral density (BMD) and bone turnover markers were investigated at 3 and 6 months, and adverse events, including the presence or absence of an incident osteoporotic fracture, were examined over a period of 6 months.

Results

Percent changes in BMD of the lumbar spine and femur significantly increased. The values of bone turnover markers significantly decreased. There were no patients with a radiographically apparent incident fracture. Adverse events included toothache for which the patient discontinued the treatment and three cases of gastrointestinal disorder that did not lead to discontinuation, and thus minodronic acid hydrate was well tolerated.

Conclusions

Here, we show that minodronic acid hydrate is effectively and safely used for treatment of steroid‐induced osteoporosis.
Quantitative trait loci mapping reveals pleiotropic effect for grain iron and zinc concentrations in wheat
Authors: Crespo‐Herrera L.A. , Velu G. , Singh R.P.
Published: March 2016

Malnutrition because of the deficiency of minerals such as iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) afflicts over 2 billion people worldwide. Wheat is a major staple crop, providing 20% of dietary energy and protein consumption worldwide. Breeding wheat with elevated levels of grain Zn and Fe concentrations (GZn and GFe) represents a significant opportunity to increase the intake of these micronutrients for the resource poor people who depend on it as a major source of dietary energy. Synthetic hexaploid wheats (SHWs) have large genetic variation for GZn and GFe, which can be exploited for developing wheat varieties with higher concentrations of these minerals. The objective of this study was to localise genomic regions associated with GZn and GFe, thousand kernel weight (TKW) and test weight (TW) in a mapping population derived from the cross of Seri M82 and the SHW CWI76364. Major quantitative trait loci (QTL) on chromosome 4BS were detected for GZn and GFe; the QTL explained up to 19.6% of the total phenotypic variation for GZn and showed pleiotropic effects on GFe. This indicates that simultaneous improvement of GZn and GFe is feasible. Three and five QTL for TW and TKW were detected, respectively. One of the QTL for TKW was also located on chromosome 4BS. Positive correlations between plant height and GZn/GFe were observed. The 4BS QTL is of great interest for breeding biofortified wheat by means of marker‐assisted selection.
Splinting of teeth following trauma: a review and a new splinting recommendation
Authors: Kahler B , Hu J‐Y , Marriot‐Smith CS , Heithersay GS
Published: March 2016

With advances in the understanding of healing processes of the periodontium, pulp and alveolar bone following various injuries, the role of splinting has become relatively well defined. This is generally reflected in the guidelines for trauma management published by the International Association of Dental Traumatology. While the widespread use of composite resin as an adhesive in various functional/flexible splinting systems has over many years allowed ease of application, removal of the material is not only time consuming but more seriously accompanied by minor or major iatrogenic damage to enamel. Dental materials science has continued to provide new materials and amongst them the development of resin activated glass‐ionomer cement suitable for orthodontic bracket cementation has allowed the development of an alternative simplified splinting regimen for traumatized teeth which offers ease of application and removal with minimal or no iatrogenic damage to enamel.
Prevention and management of external inflammatory resorption following trauma to teeth
Authors: Abbott PV
Published: March 2016

External inflammatory resorption is one of the potential consequences of trauma to the teeth. It occurs when there has been loss of cementum due to damage to the external surface of the tooth root during trauma, plus the root canal system has become infected with bacteria. It is characterized by the radiographic appearance of loss of tooth substance with a radiolucency in the adjacent periodontal ligament and bone. The loss of cementum allows the intracanal bacteria and/or their endotoxins to reach the periodontal ligament more readily and this can lead to the development of the inflammatory resorptive process. External inflammatory resorption can ultimately lead to loss of the tooth if it is not managed in a timely manner. There are some injuries that are very likely to develop this type of resorption and a preventive approach can be adopted by commencing root canal treatment immediately as part of the emergency management of such cases. In cases where the resorptive process is already established, root canal treatment can arrest the resorption and encourage hard tissue repair. The use of a corticosteroid‐antibiotic intracanal medicament has been shown to be particularly useful in the prevention and management of external inflammatory resorption. Calcium hydroxide should not be used as an immediate medicament because of its inherent toxicity and irritant properties but it is valuable as a subsequent medicament to encourage hard tissue repair where required. This review outlines the external inflammatory resorptive process and the management strategies that can be employed to prevent it from occurring, and to treat it if already present.
Management of incompletely developed teeth requiring root canal treatment
Authors: Harlamb SC
Published: March 2016

Endodontic management of the permanent immature tooth continues to be a challenge for both clinicians and researchers. Clinical concerns are primarily related to achieving adequate levels of disinfection as ‘aggressive’ instrumentation is contraindicated and hence there exists a much greater reliance on endodontic irrigants and medicaments. The open apex has also presented obturation difficulties, notably in controlling length. Long‐term apexification procedures with calcium hydroxide have proven to be successful in retaining many of these immature infected teeth but due to their thin dentinal walls and perceived problems associated with long‐term placement of calcium hydroxide, they have been found to be prone to cervical fracture and subsequent tooth loss. In recent years there has developed an increasing interest in the possibility of ‘regenerating’ pulp tissue in an infected immature tooth. It is apparent that although the philosophy and hope of ‘regeneration’ is commendable, recent histologic studies appear to suggest that the calcified material deposited on the canal wall is bone/cementum rather than dentine, hence the absence of pulp tissue with or without an odontoblast layer.
Prevalence and associations of central serous chorioretinopathy in elderly Chinese. The Beijing Eye Study 2011
Authors: Li Yang , You Qi Sheng , Wei Wen Bin , Xu Jie , Chen Chang Xi , Wang Ya Xing , Xu Liang , Jonas Jost B.
Published: March 2016

Purpose

To determine the prevalence and associations of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) in elderly Chinese.

Methods

The population‐based cross‐sectional Beijing Eye Study 2011 included 3468 individuals (age: 64.6 ± 9.8 years; range: 50–93 years), who underwent enhanced depth imaging of spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT). CSC was defined as serous detachment of the retina in the macular region without signs of haemorrhages or signs of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy, exudative age‐related macular degeneration or other retinal vascular disorders, both on fundus photographs and on optical coherence tomography (OCT) images.

Results

Central serous chorioretinopathy was diagnosed in 10 eyes (prevalence rate: 0.15 ± 0.05%; 95% confidence interval (CI):0.06%, 0.25%) of 10 subjects (prevalence rate: 0.31 ± 0.10%; 95% CI: 0.12%, 0.50%). In five subjects, CSC was located foveally, and in five subjects, CSC was located extrafoveally. All subjects affected by foveal CSC were men, and three of the five individuals with extrafoveal CSC were men. In univariate analysis, subjects with CSC were significantly younger than the remaining study participants, and foveal CSC showed a significant (p = 0.02) predilection for men. After adjusting for age and gender, individuals with foveal CSC (383 ± 112 μm versus 270 ± 47 μm; p = 0.02) and the whole group of subjects with CSC had a significantly thicker subfoveal choroid. In a parallel manner, eyes contralateral to eyes with foveal CSC showed a significantly thicker subfoveal choroid than the age‐adjusted control group (413 ± 74 μm versus 270 ± 47 μm; p = 0.001).

Conclusions

In Chinese aged 50+ years, the prevalence of CSC was 0.14% per subject. The choroid in the CSC affected eyes and in the contralateral unaffected eyes was significantly thicker than in an age‐ and gender‐adjusted control population‐based group.
Armed Violence and the Politics of Gun Control in Brazil: An Analysis of the 2005 Referendum
Authors: CAVALCANTI ROXANA P.
Published: March 2016

This article analyses the factors behind the paradoxical result of the Brazilian gun‐control referendum. It adopts a qualitative approach to explore the dissemination of ideologies surrounding crime, gun control and security. For this purpose, interviews were conducted with activists involved in the referendum's campaign. The results reveal that ideologically driven campaigns in a context of corruption scandals, high levels of violence and fear influenced the result. The neoliberal discourse of individual freedoms played a role, as did the phrasing of the referendum's question, fragile confidence in public institutions and unequal campaign funding and regulation.
Unconventional Monetary Policy and its External Effects: Evidence from Japan's Exports
Authors: Fukuda Shin‐ichi , Doita Tsutomu
Published: March 2016

After Prime Minister Abe advocated a new policy regime, the Japanese yen depreciated substantially, yet Japan's exports did not show significant improvement. To explain this, the paper focuses on external demand and overseas production. Our model shows that a small change in the exchange rate has no effect on exports because of the fixed costs associated with shifting the plant location to other countries. It also implies that a change in the exchange rate has a significant effect on exports either when depreciation coincides with strong external demand or when appreciation coincides with weak external demand. We examine the validity of these theoretical implications through estimating a simple export function in Japan and calibrating our export function. Both of the experiments confirm that the model can track Japan's exports reasonably well, especially after the new policy regime started.
Idolatry: A Reading Key for the Market Economy?
Authors: Sung Jung Mo
Published: March 2016

This article proposes that theology can and must have a significant role in understanding current economic‐social reality. Using examples that portray the frequent use of religious terms among executives, economists, and political and social analysts, it shows that the discourse of the market system assumes a dogmatic faith in the market and that the theological concept of idolatry can be very useful in unveiling the system's fascination and sacrificial character.
Rethinking Debt: Theology, Indebted Subjects, and Student Loans
Authors: Phelps Hollis
Published: March 2016

This article focuses on the way in which a theological understanding of debt resonates with moral and economic debt, with particular attention paid to student loan debt. Although the so‐called satisfaction theory of atonement, which grounds itself in the debt we owe to God, resonates with the logic of contemporary capitalism, this article suggests that other theological traditions concerning debt, which conceive of debt variously as something owed to the devil or as something that God owes to us, provide avenues for rethinking debt, theologically, morally, and economically.
Protestant Ghosts and Spirits of Capitalism: Ecology, Economy, and the Reformation Tradition
Authors: Rowe Terra S.
Published: March 2016

This essay analyzes current Protestant perspectives on the relationship between this tradition and capitalism from the perspective of social and ecological concerns. Rather than deciding between the tradition's purity or culpability in the rise of capitalism, this essay suggests that those concerned with both the future of the tradition and social/eco‐justice must acknowledge both the tradition's congruence with global capitalism and the tradition's prophetic ability to critique and propose alternatives.
Luther's Challenge: The Power of Greed in Our Common Home
Authors: Torvend Samuel
Published: March 2016

When faced with growing poverty, corrupt business practices, and the power of banking houses and lobbyists, Luther drew on his theological anthropology in order to discern the devastating power of greed in human relationships. And yet, as he admitted, greed was and is a clever master of human ambition, accepted by leaders in church, commerce, and government. His teaching on the power of greed was in continuity with the Christian tradition and yet broke new ground in his recognition that this vice possesses a social, institutional nature.
2017: The Quincentennial Celebration of the Reformation in an Age of Secularization and Religious Pluralism
Authors: Lehmann Hartmut
Published: March 2016

In the last days of October 1517 Martin Luther finished a series of theological theses in which he argued that selling indulgences was theologically wrong; in fact, untenable. Protestants consider Luther's initiative the beginning of the Reformation. But how should we celebrate the memory of these events that took place 500 years ago? What is the lasting value of Luther's message in our time, in an age of secularization and religious pluralism?
Conversion of gestational diabetes mellitus to future Type 2 diabetes mellitus and the predictive value of HbA1c in an Indian cohort
Authors: Gupta Y. , Kapoor D. , Desai A. , Praveen D. , Joshi R. , Rozati R. , Bhatla N. , Prabhakaran D. , Reddy P. , Patel A. , Tandon N.
Published: March 2016

Aim

To investigate the distribution of and risk factors for dysglycaemia (Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes) in women with previous gestational diabetes mellitus in India.

Methods

All women (n = 989) from two obstetric units in New Delhi and Hyderabad with a history of gestational diabetes were invited to participate, of whom 366 (37%) agreed. Sociodemographic, medical and anthropometric data were collected and 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test were carried out.

Results

Within 5 years (median 14 months) of the pregnancy in which they were diagnosed with gestational diabetes, 263 (72%) women were dysglycaemic, including 119 (32%) and 144 (40%) with Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes, respectively. A higher BMI [odds ratio 1.16 per 1‐kg/m2 greater BMI (95% CI 1.10, 1.28)], presence of acanthosis nigricans [odds ratio 3.10, 95% CI (1.64, 5.87)], postpartum screening interval [odds ratio 1.02 per 1 month greater screening interval 95% CI (1.01, 1.04)] and age [odds ratio 1.10 per 1‐year older age 95% CI (1.04, 1.16)] had a higher likelihood of having dysglycaemia. The American Diabetes Association‐recommended threshold HbA1c value of ≥ 48 mmol/mol (6.5%) had a sensitivity and specificity of 81.4 and 90.7%, respectively, for determining the presence of Type 2 diabetes postpartum.

Conclusion

The high post‐pregnancy conversion rates of gestational diabetes to diabetes reported in the present study reinforce the need for mandatory postpartum screening and identification of strategies for preventing progression to Type 2 diabetes. Use of the American Diabetes Association‐recommended HbA1c threshold for diabetes may lead to significant under‐diagnosis.
Lower verbal intelligence is associated with diabetic complications and slower walking speed in people with Type 2 diabetes: the Maastricht Study
Authors: Spauwen P. J. J. , Martens R. J. H. , Stehouwer C. D. A. , Verhey F. R. J. , Schram M. T. , Sep S. J. S. , van der Kallen C. J. H. , Dagnelie P. C. , Henry R. M. A. , Schaper N. C. , van Boxtel M. P. J.
Published: March 2016

Aims

To determine the association of verbal intelligence, a core constituent of health literacy, with diabetic complications and walking speed in people with Type 2 diabetes.

Methods

This study was performed in 228 people with Type 2 diabetes participating in the Maastricht Study, a population‐based cohort study. We examined the cross‐sectional associations of score on the vocabulary test of the Groningen Intelligence Test with: 1) determinants of diabetic complications (HbA1c, blood pressure and lipid level); 2) diabetic complications: chronic kidney disease, neuropathic pain, self‐reported history of cardiovascular disease and carotid intima‐media thickness; and 3) walking speed. Analyses were performed using linear regression and adjusted in separate models for potential confounders and mediators. Significant age‐ and sex‐adjusted associations were additionally adjusted for educational level in a separate model.

Results

After full adjustment, lower verbal intelligence was associated with the presence of neuropathic pain [odds ratio (OR) 1.18, 95% CI 1.02;1.36], cardiovascular disease (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.01;1.30), and slower walking speed (regression coefficient −0.011 m/s, 95% CI −0.021; −0.002 m/s). These associations were largely explained by education. Verbal intelligence was not associated with blood pressure, glycaemic control, lipid control, chronic kidney disease or carotid intima‐media thickness.

Conclusions

Lower verbal intelligence was associated with the presence of some diabetic complications and with a slower walking speed, a measure of physical functioning. Educational level largely explained these associations. This implies that clinicians should be aware of the educational level of people with diabetes and should provide information at a level of complexity tailored to the patient.
Direction selectivity of neurons in the visual cortex is non‐linear and lamina‐dependent
Authors: Kim Taekjun , Freeman Ralph D.
Published: March 2016

Neurons in the visual cortex are generally selective to direction of movement of a stimulus. Although models of this direction selectivity (DS) assume linearity, experimental data show stronger degrees of DS than those predicted by linear models. Our current study was intended to determine the degree of non‐linearity of the DS mechanism for cells within different laminae of the cat's primary visual cortex. To do this, we analysed cells in our database by using neurophysiological and histological approaches to quantify non‐linear components of DS in four principal cortical laminae (layers 2/3, 4, 5, and 6). We used a DS index (DSI) to quantify degrees of DS in our sample. Our results showed laminar differences. In layer 4, the main thalamic input region, most neurons were of the simple type and showed high DSI values. For complex cells in layer 4, there was a broad distribution of DSI values. Similar features were observed in layer 2/3, but complex cells were dominant. In deeper layers (5 and 6), DSI value distributions were characterized by clear peaks at high values. Independently of specific lamina, high DSI values were accompanied by narrow orientation tuning widths. Differences in orientation tuning for non‐preferred vs. preferred directions were smallest in layer 4 and largest in layer 6. These results are consistent with a non‐linear process of intra‐cortical inhibition that enhances DS by selective suppression of neuronal firing for non‐preferred directions of stimulus motion in a lamina‐dependent manner. Other potential mechanisms are also considered.
Investing in Systematic Factor Premiums
Authors: Koedijk Kees G. , Slager Alfred M.H. , Stork Philip A.
Published: March 2016

In this paper we investigate and evaluate factor investing in the US and Europe for equities and bonds. We show that factor‐based portfolios generally produce comparable or better portfolios than market indices. We expand the analysis to other asset classes and factors, work with other optimisation methods and add a basic liability structure. The results do not depend on adding other asset classes or on the removal of a specific factor. Finally, we study the results for a worldwide investor who invests beyond the US and Europe. Over the longer term and with consistently applied factor diversification, factor investing appears to be advantageous.
MicroRNA‐493 regulates angiogenesis in a rat model of ischemic stroke by targeting MIF
Authors: Li Qian , He Quanwei , Baral Suraj , Mao Ling , Li Yanan , Jin Huijuan , Chen Shengcai , An Tianhui , Xia Yuanpeng , Hu Bo
Published: March 2016

MicroRNA‐493 (miR‐493) is known to suppress tumour metastasis and angiogenesis and its expression is decreased in stroke patients. In the present study, we investigated a role for miR‐493 in regulating post‐stroke angiogenesis. We found decreased expression of miR‐493 in the ischemic boundary zone (IBZ) of rats subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), and in rat brain microvascular endothelial cells (RBMECs) exposed to oxygen glucose deprivation. Down‐regulating miR‐493 with a lateral ventricular injection of antagomir‐493, a synthetic miR‐493 inhibitor, increased capillary density in the IBZ, decreased focal infarct volume and ameliorated neurologic deficits in rats subjected to MCAO. Intriguingly, MCAO also increased the expression of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in the IBZ of rats; MIF expression was also increased in RBMECs exposed to oxygen glucose deprivation. We found that miR‐493 directly targeted MIF, and that the protective effect of miR‐493 inhibition in angiogenesis was attenuated by knocking down MIF. This effect could then be rescued by administration of recombinant MIF. Our findings highlight the importance of miR‐493 in regulating angiogenesis after MCAO, and indicate that miR‐493 is a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of stroke.
Embedded Ni–Ti particles for the detection of fatigue crack growth in AA7050
Authors: Leser W P , Newman J A , Hochhalter J D , Gupta V K , Yuan F G
Published: March 2016

A multi‐functional aluminium alloy 7050 (AA7050) containing embedded Ni–Ti shape memory alloy particles to detect fatigue crack growth is proposed. The regions of intense strain near the tip of a growing fatigue crack cause nearby Ni–Ti particles to undergo a solid‐state phase transformation from austenite to martensite, releasing a detectable acoustic emission signal that can be used to locate the crack in the monitored component. The AA7050/Ni–Ti composite was made by vacuum hot pressing Ni–Ti powder between rolled AA7050 plates. The effect of hot pressing temperature and subsequent heat treatments (solutionizing and peak ageing) on the Ni–Ti particles was studied. A successful proof‐of‐concept was demonstrated for AA7050 with embedded particles that emit a measureable and repeatable acoustic emission signal in the presence of a fatigue crack, allowing for quick diagnosis of fatigue crack damage in this material.
Drought survival is a threshold function of habitat size and population density in a fish metapopulation
Authors: White Richard S. A. , McHugh Peter A. , McIntosh Angus R.
Published: March 2016

Because smaller habitats dry more frequently and severely during droughts, habitat size is likely a key driver of survival in populations during climate change and associated increased extreme drought frequency. Here, we show that survival in populations during droughts is a threshold function of habitat size driven by an interaction with population density in metapopulations of the forest pool dwelling fish, Neochanna apoda. A mark–recapture study involving 830 N. apoda individuals during a one‐in‐seventy‐year extreme drought revealed that survival during droughts was high for populations occupying pools deeper than 139 mm, but declined steeply in shallower pools. This threshold was caused by an interaction between increasing population density and drought magnitude associated with decreasing habitat size, which acted synergistically to increase physiological stress and mortality. This confirmed two long‐held hypotheses, firstly concerning the interactive role of population density and physiological stress, herein driven by habitat size, and secondly, the occurrence of drought survival thresholds. Our results demonstrate how survival in populations during droughts will depend strongly on habitat size and highlight that minimum habitat size thresholds will likely be required to maximize survival as the frequency and intensity of droughts are projected to increase as a result of global climate change.
New Immigrants Seeking New Places: The Role of Policy Changes in the Regional Distribution of New Immigrants to Canada
Authors: Bonikowska Aneta , Hou Feng , Picot Garnett
Published: March 2016

Canada, the U.S., and Australia have recently experienced an increased regional dispersion of entering immigrants. American research suggests that a mixture of economic push factors (away from states like California) and pull factors (toward states with growth of low‐wage jobs) and changing government policies and regulations contributed to the development of the New Gateways. Very few studies have been conducted to determine why the regional dispersion of entering immigrants occurred in Canada. This paper assesses the extent to which changes in immigration selection programs, notably, the Provincial Nominee Programs, contributed to the regional dispersion of entering immigrants. Using data from immigrant landing records, this study shows that different factors accounted for changes in the share of immigrants settling in different destinations. Changes in immigration selection programs played the primary role in the increasing numbers going to Saskatchewan and Manitoba, although improving economic conditions may have played an indirect role. Shifts in immigrant source regions were an important factor in the decrease in immigration to Toronto and in the increase to Montréal. Economic conditions likely played a significant role in the changes in the shares of new immigrants going to Toronto, Montréal, Calgary, and Edmonton.
A Survey of Headache Medicine Physicians on the Likeability of Headaches and Their Personal Headache History
Authors: Evans Randolph W. , Ghosh Kamalika
Published: March 2016

Background

Two prior studies have shown an increased prevalence of migraine among physicians who are headache medicine specialists (HMS). There have been no studies of the prevalence of other headache disorders among HMS. A prior survey showed that neurologists like to treat some headaches more than others but there has not been a similar survey of HMS.

Objectives

The aim of the survey was to learn more about the prevalence of headaches among HMS and which headache disorders they like to treat.

Methods

An email survey was sent to 749 physician members of the American Headache Society who were asked to respond to the following statement using a 5‐point Likert scale (from 1, strongly disagree to 5, strongly agree): “I like to treat patients with the following types of headaches or syndromes.” They were asked, “Have you personally suffered from any of the following at any time during your life: episodic migraine (EM), chronic migraine (CM), refractory migraine (RM), episodic cluster (EC), chronic cluster (CC), new daily persistent headache (NDPH), and postconcussion syndrome (PCS).”

Results

The response rate was 15.8% (n = 118) with a mean age of 51.4 years, 64.4% males, and 85.6% neurologists. HMS reported likeability for treating disorders in rank order as follows: EM (mean = 4.69, SD = 0.61); CM (mean = 4.20, SD = 0.94); RM (mean = 3.62, SD = 1.17); EC (mean = 4.37, SD = 0.80); CC (mean = 3.68, SD = 1.10); NDPH (mean = 3.52, SD = 1.21); and PCS (mean = 3.66, SD = 1.18). The lifetime prevalence of disorders was as follows: EM, 69.5% (85.7% in females and 60.5% in males); CM, 13.6% (19% in females and 10.5% in males); RM, .9% (2.4% females and 0% males); EC, 1.7% (0% females and 2.6% males); CC, 0%; NDPH, 0%, and PCS, 4.2% (7.1% females and 2.6% males). HMS with a personal history of EM (mean = 4.73, SD = 0.51) showed a significant preference (t130 = 7.30, P < .001) to treat episodic migraine more than other headaches (mean = 3.90, SD = 0.77).

Conclusions

HMS preferred to treat some disorders more than others, with EM most liked and NDPH least preferred, which may reflect how well patients with those disorders respond to treatment. The lifetime prevalence of EM among HMS is significantly greater than among neurologists, both significantly greater than EM in the general population. An explanation for the higher prevalence among neurologists is not certain but perhaps migraine is associated with a choice to become an HMS during or after neurology residency. The lifetime prevalence among HMS of CM may be and EC is much greater than among the general population for uncertain reasons.
Methamphetamine‐associated cardiomyopathy: patterns and predictors of recovery
Authors: Voskoboinik A. , Ihle J. F. , Bloom J. E. , Kaye D. M.
Published: March 2016

Background

Methamphetamine abuse is a growing public health problem, and increasing numbers of patients are admitted with methamphetamine‐associated cardiomyopathy (MAC).

Aim

We sought to characterise the patterns of this disease and identify predictors of recovery.

Methods

We retrospectively studied consecutive patients diagnosed with MAC between January 2006 and July 2015.

Results

We identified 20 patients (14 males, 6 females) with mean age 35 ± 9 years. Most had very severe systolic dysfunction (mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 19.7 ± 11.4%) at presentation with 14 requiring inotropes and 5 requiring mechanical support. The pattern of systolic dysfunction was global in 14 patients, while 6 patients had a ‘reverse Takotsubo’ (RT) pattern with severely hypokinetic basal‐mid segments and apical preservation. RT patients were predominantly female, had a short history of methamphetamine abuse and had higher cardiac enzyme levels. Patients with global dysfunction tended to have mid‐wall fibrosis on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. On follow‐up transthoracic echocardiography, 6 out of 19 (32%) had normalisation of LVEF (LVEF ≥ 50%) within 6 weeks. Smaller left ventricular and left atrial size, shorter duration of methamphetamine use and RT pattern appeared to predict early recovery.

Conclusion

A subset of MAC patients, particularly those with a RT pattern and lesser ventricular dilatation have the potential for early recovery of ventricular function. By contrast, those with evidence of myocardial fibrosis and ventricular enlargement have limited scope for recovery.
Exploring Links among Imitation, Mental Development, and Temperament
Authors: Fenstermacher Susan K. , Saudino Kimberly J.
Published: March 2016

Links among imitation, performance on a standardized test of intellectual development, and laboratory‐assessed temperament were explored in 311 24‐month‐old twin pairs. Moderate phenotypic associations were found among imitation, mental development, and temperament dimensions of Affect/Extraversion and Task Orientation. Covariance between imitation and mental development reflected genetic and shared environmental influences, whereas associations between imitation and temperament reflected genetic, shared, and nonshared environmental influences. Genetic factors linking imitation and temperament were the same as those linking temperament and mental development. Nonetheless, approximately 62% of total genetic variance on imitation was independent of genetic influences on mental development and temperament, suggesting that young children's imitation is not simply an index of general cognitive ability or dispositional style but has many underlying genetic influences that are unique.
An overview of the regulation of influenza vaccines in the United States
Authors: Weir Jerry P. , Gruber Marion F.
Published: March 2016

Influenza virus vaccines are unique among currently licensed viral vaccines. The vaccines designed to protect against seasonal influenza illness must be updated periodically in an effort to match the vaccine strain with currently circulating viruses, and the vaccine manufacturing timeline includes multiple, overlapping processes with a very limited amount of flexibility. In the United States (U.S.), over 150 million doses of seasonal trivalent and quadrivalent vaccine are produced annually, a mammoth effort, particularly in the context of a vaccine with components that usually change on a yearly basis. In addition, emergence of an influenza virus containing an HA subtype that has not recently circulated in humans is an ever present possibility. Recently, pandemic influenza vaccines have been licensed, and the pathways for licensure of pandemic vaccines and subsequent strain updating have been defined. Thus, there are formidable challenges for the regulation of currently licensed influenza vaccines, as well as for the regulation of influenza vaccines under development. This review describes the process of licensing influenza vaccines in the U.S., the process and steps involved in the annual updating of seasonal influenza vaccines, and some recent experiences and regulatory challenges faced in development and evaluation of novel influenza vaccines.
O‐GlcNAcylation: a bridge between glucose and cell differentiation
Authors: Sun Chao , Shang Jin , Yao Yuan , Yin Xiaohong , Liu Minghan , Liu Huan , Zhou Yue
Published: March 2016

Glucose is the major energy supply and a critical metabolite for most cells and is especially important when cell is differentiating. High or low concentrations of glucose enhances or inhibits the osteogenic, chondrogenic and adipogenic differentiation of cell via the insulin, transforming growth factor‐β and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ pathways, among others. New evidence implicates the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway as a mediator of crosstalk between glucose flux, cellular signalling and epigenetic regulation of cell differentiation. Extracellular glucose flux alters intracellular O‐GlcNAcylation levels through the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway. Signalling molecules that are important for cell differentiation, including protein kinase C, extracellular signal‐regulated kinase, Runx2, CCAAT/enhancer‐binding proteins, are modified by O‐GlcNAcylation. Thus, O‐GlcNAcylation markedly alters cell fate during differentiation via the post‐transcriptional modification of proteins. Furthermore, O‐GlcNAcylation and phosphorylation show complex interactions during cell differentiation: they can either non‐competitively occupy different sites on a substrate or competitively occupy a single site or proximal sites. Therefore, the influence of glucose on cell differentiation via O‐GlcNAcylation offers a potential target for controlling tissue homoeostasis and regeneration in ageing and disease. Here, we review recent progress establishing an emerging relationship among glucose concentration, O‐GlcNAcylation levels and cell differentiation.
Interaction of extracellular S100A4 with RAGE prompts prometastatic activation of A375 melanoma cells
Authors: Herwig Nadine , Belter Birgit , Wolf Susann , Haase‐Kohn Cathleen , Pietzsch Jens
Published: March 2016

S100A4, a member of the S100 protein family of EF‐hand calcium‐binding proteins, is overexpressed in various tumour entities, including melanoma, and plays an important role in tumour progression. Several studies in epithelial and mesenchymal tumours revealed a correlation between extracellular S100A4 and metastasis. However, exact mechanisms how S100A4 stimulates metastasis in melanoma are still unknown. From a pilot experiment on baseline synthesis and secretion of S100A4 in human melanoma cell lines, which are in broad laboratory use, A375 wild‐type cells and, additionally, newly generated A375 cell lines stably transfected with human S100A4 (A375‐hS100A4) or human receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (A375‐hRAGE), were selected to investigate the influence of extracellular S100A4 on cell motility, adhesion, migration and invasion in more detail. We demonstrated that A375 cells actively secrete S100A4 in the extracellular space via an endoplasmic reticulum‐Golgi‐dependent pathway. S100A4 overexpression and secretion resulted in prometastatic activation of A375 cells. Moreover, we determined the influence of S100A4‐RAGE interaction and its blockade on A375, A375‐hS100A4, A375‐hRAGE cells, and showed that interaction of RAGE with extracellular S100A4 contributes to the observed activation of A375 cells. This investigation reveals additional molecular targets for therapeutic approaches aiming at blockade of ligand binding to RAGE or RAGE signalling to inhibit melanoma metastasis.
Association Between Preadmission Functional Status and Use and Effectiveness of Secondary Prevention Medications in Elderly Survivors of Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Chrischilles Elizabeth A. , Schneider Kathleen M. , Schroeder Mary C. , Letuchy Elena , Wallace Robert B. , Robinson Jennifer G. , Brooks John M.
Published: March 2016

Objectives

To determine whether function‐related indicators (FRIs), derived from preadmission claims data, help explain the frequent practice of forgoing secondary prevention medications observed in Medicare.

Design

Retrospective cohort.

Setting

National Medicare data.

Participants

Elderly Medicare beneficiaries discharged alive from an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) hospitalization in 2007–2008 (N = 184,156).

Measurements

Study outcomes were number of guideline‐recommended secondary prevention medications (statins, beta‐blockers, and angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers) used after discharge and 12‐month survival. Preadmission data (FRIs, cardiovascular conditions, comorbid conditions), type of AMI (non‐ST‐elevation myocardial infarction, anterior, other), and procedures and complications during the hospitalization were from claims data.

Results

Function‐related indicators (FRIs) were common before admission; 50% of individuals had at least one (range 0–11). After discharge, 85.8% used at least one class of guideline medication, and 30.2% used all three; 19.6% died within 12 months. Each additional FRI reduced the likelihood of receiving all three medication classes by 5% (adjusted odds ratio = 0.95, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.94–0.96) and increased 12‐month mortality by 20% (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 1.20, 95% CI = 1.19–1.21). Individuals taking all three classes of medication were 30% less likely to die within 12 months than those not taking guideline medications (aHR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.67–0.73). Similar survival benefit was observed in individuals with and without functional impairments.

Conclusion

Greater impairment in preadmission functional status, using a measure derived from claims data, was associated with less use of secondary prevention medications after AMI. Survival benefits of taking these medications were consistent across functional impairment levels.
Slow Gait Speed and Risk of Mortality or Hospital Readmission After Myocardial Infarction in the Translational Research Investigating Underlying Disparities in Recovery from Acute Myocardial Infarction: Patients' Health Status Registry
Authors: Dodson John A. , Arnold Suzanne V. , Gosch Kensey L. , Gill Thomas M. , Spertus John A. , Krumholz Harlan M. , Rich Michael W. , Chaudhry Sarwat I. , Forman Daniel E. , Masoudi Frederick A. , Alexander Karen P.
Published: March 2016

Objectives

To determine the prognostic value of slow gait in predicting outcomes 1 year after acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Design

Observational cohort with longitudinal follow‐up.

Setting

Twenty‐four U.S. hospitals participating in the Translational Research Investigating Underlying disparities in recovery from acute Myocardial infarction: Patients' Health status Registry.

Participants

Older adults (≥65) with in‐home gait assessment 1 month after AMI (N = 338).

Measurements

Baseline characteristics and 1‐year mortality or hospital readmission adjusted using Cox proportional hazards regression in older adults with slow (<0.8 m/s) versus preserved (≥0.8 m/s) gait speed.

Results

Slow gait was present in 181 participants (53.6%). Those with slow gait were older, more likely to be female and nonwhite, and had a higher prevalence of heart failure and diabetes mellitus. They were also more likely to die or be readmitted to the hospital within 1 year than those with preserved gait (35.4% vs 18.5%, log‐rank P = .006). This association remained significant after adjusting for age, sex, and race (slow vs preserved gait hazard ratio (HR) = 1.76, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.08–2.87, P = .02) but was no longer significant after adding clinical factors (HR = 1.23, 95% CI=0.74–2.04, P = .43).

Conclusion

Slow gait, a marker of frailty, is common 1 month after AMI in older adults and is associated with nearly twice the risk of dying or hospital readmission at 1 year. Understanding its prognostic importance independent of comorbidities and whether routine testing of gait speed can improve care requires further investigation.
The Price of Political Uncertainty: Theory and Evidence from the Option Market
Authors: KELLY BRYAN , PÁSTOR ĽUBOŠ , VERONESI PIETRO
Published: March 2016

We empirically analyze the pricing of political uncertainty, guided by a theoretical model of government policy choice. To isolate political uncertainty, we exploit its variation around national elections and global summits. We find that political uncertainty is priced in the equity option market as predicted by theory. Options whose lives span political events tend to be more expensive. Such options provide valuable protection against the price, variance, and tail risks associated with political events. This protection is more valuable in a weaker economy and amid higher political uncertainty. The effects of political uncertainty spill over across countries.